Sarasota Observer 2.4.21

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VOLUME 17, NO. 10

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Master of sea and sky

PAGE 1B THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Hit the trail

Ringling Boulevard becoming a cycling connection. PAGE 3A

Nat Kaemmerer

An aquarium divided Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s mammals were divided on their Super Bowl picks Feb. 2.

Hugh the manatee and Pippi the river otter swam for the Kansas City Chiefs targets.

Buffett the manatee and Jane the river otter picked the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What you should know before making a friendly bet (for entertainment porpoises only, of course) is that Buffett is 10-2 in selecting Super Bowl winners over 12 years.

NEVER FORGET Temple, elementary school team up on Holocaust remembrance garden.

SEE PAGE 5B Courtesy photo

Booker senior wins scholarship

Booker High senior Myles Summerlin is one of six statewide winners of Take Stock in Children’s Leaders for Life fellowships.

Summerlin was selected from more than 100 applicants to be one of a dozen finalists and then was recently chosen for the $40,000 scholarship.

Take Stock in Children in Sarasota County chooses its scholars in sixth through ninth grade through a process based upon need, academic achievement, consistent attendance and good character. Scholars who are selected for TSIC agree to meet weekly with their mentor, remain crime, gang, drug, and alcohol free and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

Harry Sayer

Hailey Gammons, Alex Ultsch, Willa Carpenter and Kensi Miller masked up and talked about their role in the worldwide Daffodil Project.

Captain moves up to chief Image courtesy city of Sarasota

James Rieser

Rieser promoted to replace DiPino.

SEE PAGE 5A

OPINION HB 35: A BAD BILL FOR FLORIDIANS How Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls want to thwart government transparency.

SEE PAGE 8A

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WH AT’S H A PPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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WEEK OF FEB. 4, 2021

“The magnificent machines that they are, the freedom of being up in the sky, … it’s tremendous satisfaction.”

County shifts vaccine site

Brian Will, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and the newly named commodore of Sarasota Yacht Club. READ MORE ON PAGE 1B

Sarasota Square will now serve as a place where people can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Sarasota County health department has moved its vaccination site into the former Old Navy store at the mall.

The 13,000-square-foot space will now serve as the county’s main vaccination clinic.

The site opened Jan. 28 for second-dose appointments for residents who received their first does between Dec. 29-31, 2020.

Steve Huard, a public information officer for the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, said the site, located at 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, will allow greater access for more residents.

BY THE NUMBERS 5,000

Masks made by Sarasota County library system volunteers for county employees.

PAGE 10A

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Daffodil bulbs planted by Temple Sinai staff and Gulf Gate Elementary students as part of a Holocaust remembrance.

Lido motel sells for $23.7 million

PAGE 5B

$10 MILLION

Estimated cost for Sarasota’s full Ringling Trail project.

The former Gulf Beach Resort Motel has sold for $23.5 million.

The property was co-listed

by Elliot Rose with Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT and Judy Kepecz-Hays with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Longboat Key office, according to a news release.

The buyer plans to redevelop the 2.3-acre site as a beachfront luxury condominium tower.

The Gulf Beach Resort Motel is at 930 Benjamin Franklin Drive on Lido Key in Sarasota. Built in 1950, the motel was part of the post-World War II motel construction boom that addressed the needs of a growing number of tourists to the area.

In 1977, the motel was converted into a condominium form of ownership with 43 units.

File photo

Laura Kingsley began her career in 1986 at Booker Elementary School for High Expectations.

PAGE 3A

Academics chief plans retirement

CALENDAR n Sarasota City Commis-

sion workshop (Bobby Jones renovations) — 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Commission Chambers, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board meeting 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, Board Chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd.

A

fter a 35-year career with Sarasota County Schools, Laura Kingsley, the assistant superintendent and chief academic officer, will retire at the end of the school year.

Kingsley began her career with the district in 1986 as a teacher at Booker Elementary School for High Expectations, which would later

become a part of Emma E. Booker Elementary.

From there she served as an assistant principal at Emma E. Booker and Laurel Nokomis and as principal at Fruitville Elementary before being named assistant superintendent.

“Dr. Kingsley is a staunch, compassionate advocate for the needs of children and

teachers, and she will be dearly missed,” Superintendent Brennan Asplen wrote in an email to the district.

“We wish her nothing but happiness as she enters this next exciting chapter of life.”

Chris Renouf, the district’s executive director of elementary schools, will be Kingsley’s replacement. He will start July 1.

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CHANGING LANES City moves forward with a plan to add protected bike lanes and reduce motor-vehicle lanes on Ringling Boulevard, a project designed to capitalize on the Legacy Trail extension.

SEGMENT: US 301 TO SCHOOL AVE. EXISTING CONDITIONS

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

T

he City Commission unanimously endorsed a proposal to redesign a segment of Ringling Boulevard to add bike lanes, a project that could transform an entry to downtown Sarasota before the end of 2021.

City staff has been working for about a year on plans for the Ringling Trail, a project covering a 1-mile stretch from Lime Avenue to Pineapple Avenue. The city intends to create protected bike lanes on the street and add landscaping. In the process, Ringling Boulevard would shrink from four to two vehicle travel lanes for the majority of the project area.

At Monday’s commission meeting, planning and engineering staff said Ringling was a good fit for a bike-centric project because of its proximity to the planned Legacy Trail extension in Payne Park. City officials said motor vehicle traffic on Ringling Boulevard is relatively limited compared to larger streets, such as Fruitville Road. Staff shared projections stating the vehicular capacity on the street should remain adequate through 2040 even with the lane reductions.

Commissioners offered strong support for the plan, calling it an opportunity to improve biking infrastructure while allowing residents, businesses and visitors to capitalize on access to the Legacy Trail.

“We need to provide different modes of transportation to help us become more sustainable,” Commissioner Kyle Battie said.

The city will now develop more detailed designs. City staff indicated they intend to pursue the buildout of the project in two phases. First, a short-term project focused on restriping and plastic bollards to create the protected bike lanes. The city estimated phase one could be built by this fall at a cost of $900,000.

The second phase would involve more intensive construction to permanently redesign the road, adding the landscaping and physical barriers included in the concept plan. Assistant City Engineer Dan Ohrenstein said the full buildout could cost $10 million and take five to 10 years as the city seeks funding. When commissioners asked whether the city should hold off on changes until phase two is ready, Ohrenstein said staff wanted to have improvements in place in time for the expected completion of the Legacy Trail extension in early 2022.

Although three speakers at Monday’s meeting were opposed to the project, staff said a majority of the public feedback associated with the proposal was positive.

Groups including the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association and the Downtown Improvement District submitted letters of support to the city.

Ohrenstein said the city worked to contact business owners and

PROJECTED BIKE LANE

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PROJECTED BIKE LANE

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resident associations near the trail route as part of an outreach effort last year.

An online survey on the proposal gathered 700 responses, 95% of which supported redesigning Ringling to better accommodate bikes.

“I would challenge anyone to find an issue in society today that has that much positivity,” Ohrenstein said.

Commissioner Erik Arroyo said he had heard a similar sentiment from residents in District 3.

“I have spoken with people from my district, and they would like access to the Legacy Trail and to downtown from the neighborhoods, especially in a time when people really are struggling to purchase cars and to purchase homes,” Arroyo said.

Dan Lobeck, a downtown resi-

“We need to provide different modes of transportation to help us become more sustainable.”

— Kyle Battie, commissioner

dent who has objected to the city’s efforts to promote alternate modes of transportation by adjusting roadways, expressed concern that reducing the number of travel lanes would negatively affect traffic. Ohrenstein said projections indicated traffic congestion would likely worsen on Ringling, but staff was confident it would remain acceptable for a city street.

Arroyo noted studies from other cities showed road narrowing was often not detrimental to traffic while creating other benefits.

“The argument shouldn’t be bikes versus cars,” Arroyo said. “It should be choice. We’re expanding choice from unimodal to multimodal. We’re incentivizing economic development. We are providing connectivity.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

PICKING PRIORITIES What are the City Commission’s priorities when it comes to future transportation projects?

It’s going to take some time to sort out an answer to that question. On Monday, city staff sought the board’s endorsement of a ranked list of 24 planned projects for submission to the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional transportation body. Although staff said the list was produced based on public input gathered during the production of a transportation master plan — a document the commission declined to formally adopt in 2020 — the commission expressed differing opinions on the order in which the projects were prioritized.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, for example, said her top priorities were a pair of U.S. 41 roundabouts at Myrtle Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and the creation of a trolley service from downtown to St. Armands Circle — ranked No. 2 and No. 14 on the draft list, respectively.

Commissioner Erik Arroyo wanted to prioritize a connection between the Legacy Trail and Bobby Jones Golf Course, a complete street project for Shade Avenue and a multiuse trail on School Avenue.

City staff noted that the list, which would influence the MPO’s funding decisions, was guided in part by which projects had already secured some funding in the past. The top three projects — four U.S. 41 roundabouts and the replacement of the Coon Key Bridge — ranked highly because design and engineering work was already funded, leaving only construction costs to address.

Still, staff and the commission agreed to delay the finalization of the priority list to give elected officials more time to share their thoughts. The board agreed to revisit the conversation in March.

Here’s a sampling of the top 10 projects staff included for submission to the MPO: 1. U.S. 41 roundabouts at Ringling Boulevard and Main Street; 2. U.S. 41 roundabouts at Myrtle Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way; 3. Coon Key Bridge replacement; 4. U.S. 41 roundabout at Boulevard of the Arts; 5. Ringling Trail bike lanes; 6. Trail connection from Legacy Trail to Bobby Jones; 7. Trail connection from north Sarasota to The Bay Sarasota; 8. 10th Street streetscape project; 9. Boulevard of the Arts complete street project; and 10. 12th Street streetscape project.

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The City Commission failed to reach a consensus on addressing issues associated with large vacation rentals in residential areas, postponing action on a proposed ordinance.

The board voted 3-2 Tuesday night to suspend its conversation regarding new regulations for those rental properties. Commissioners directed the city attorney’s office to use input gathered Tuesday to revise the draft ordinance discussed at the meeting.

City Attorney Robert Fournier said he could bring the issue back as soon as the week of March 15.

After months of lobbying from residents on St. Armands Key and Lido Key, the city directed Fournier to craft an ordinance designed to mitigate problems attributed to large homes in barrier island neighborhoods used as vacation rentals — properties the residents referred to as “hotel houses.” People living on the islands argued the short-term rental properties, some marketed as sleeping more than 20 people, represented an improper commercial intrusion into residential areas. They raised concerns about noise, parking, waste collection and more.

Fournier’s proposed ordinance was a package of regulations. It included a requirement to register vacation rental sites with

the city if a host is not occupying the property in question. The ordinance would also establish a maximum occupancy of 10 individuals at any home used as a vacation rental, though that regulation would be phased in over eight years for properties that are currently operating lawfully.

During more than three hours of discussion at Tuesday’s meeting, a majority of the board expressed support for advancing some regulations, but opinions differed on the optimal approach. Building on input from some renters of vacation homes, Mayor Hagen Brody said he wanted to be sure that regulations would adequately address concerns, which largely centered on noise.

Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch disagreed with Brody, stating she did not think it was adequate to lean on more general noise and traffic regulations. She said she would like to see the city pursue more aggressive regulations, including expanding the scope of the ordinance into multifamily-zoned properties, lowering the occupancy limit to eight people and adding rules limiting the ability to construct homes with six or more bedrooms.

“This is not the mom and pop; this is not the properly-run vacation rental,” Ahearn-Koch said about the target of the proposed regulations. “This is about hotel houses that are destroying communities around the state.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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City promotes SPD veteran to police chief James Rieser, a captain with nearly three decades of experience, will take the top job at the Sarasota Police Department following Bernadette DiPino’s resignation.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

T

he city of Sarasota has selected James Rieser as the next chief of the Sarasota Police Department, succeeding Bernadette DiPino after her resignation last week.

City Manager Marlon Brown made the appointment, announcing Rieser’s promotion at a news conference Friday. Rieser is a captain who has worked for the Sarasota Police Department since 1992. Most recently commanding the department’s support services division, Rieser has also served in the narcotics and criminal investigations, professional standards and patrol divisions, the city said.

“I believe Capt. Rieser … is very well respected in the police department,” Brown said at the news conference. “He’s also very well respected in the community, and I know Capt. Rieser will continue that engagement in terms of community policing.”

Rieser moved into the police chief position at 5 p.m. Friday, immediately after DiPino’s resignation took effect. The city announced Rieser’s appointment less than 48 hours after DiPino announced her resignation.

Despite DiPino’s sudden departure, city officials continued to state her resignation was volun-

tary, praising her work as chief since joining the SPD in 2012.

Although DiPino was not present at the introductory news conference, Brown said she left her position in good standing. DiPino’s resignation came less than 10 days after the Sarasota HeraldTribune reported that she made a joking remark about using a stun gun on a homeless individual during a November event at the police station. An internal complaint about DiPino’s comments drew critical remarks from a police union leader and triggered an investigation from city staff, including a counseling meeting between DiPino and Brown.

At Friday’s news conference, both Brown and Rieser indicated that continuity would be a priority during the transfer of leadership. Brown said he selected Rieser in part because of his familiarity with the agency and its ongoing initiatives, including the planned implementation of a body-worn camera program.

Rieser said he would maintain an emphasis on communitybased policing, a philosophy that DiPino centered on from the outset of her time as police chief.

“Our agency will continue to be a leader in community policing,” Rieser said. “This is our cornerstone.”

Brown said he felt comfortable foregoing an interim appoint-

Courtesy photo

City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, Police Chief Jim Rieser, Mayor Hagen Brody and City Manager Marlon Brown pose at the Sarasota Police Department following a news conference announcing Rieser’s promotion.

ment and elevating Rieser to full-time chief without a longer search because of his experience within the police department and respect within the agency. Brown, who took his position in December 2020 following the resignation of former City Manager Tom Barwin, said the city would prioritize internal promotions whenever appropriate.

“We have a talented individual who has grown through the organization, has grown through the ranks,” Brown said.

Brown said he was eager to empower Rieser to start building connections within the community and carrying out the organization’s policies and initiatives.

Raised in Sarasota, Rieser attended Riverview High School and Manatee Community College before receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminology at St. Leo University. Both Brown and Rieser said they believed Rieser’s long-standing ties to Sarasota would help him serve effectively as chief.

“I’ve worked alongside the men and women of the Sarasota Police Department since 1992, when I became a patrol officer to serve this amazing community,” Rieser said in a statement. “I’m honored and humbled to have the privilege to be able to lead this agency moving forward. I am looking forward to continuing to partner with our

community and working with our agency to keep the city of Sarasota a safe place to live, work and play.”

Mayor Hagen Brody, in attendance alongside Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch at the news conference, said Rieser’s appointment would allow for a seamless transition to new leadership for the Sarasota Police Department.

“This is a world-class police force,” Brody said. “Knowledge and experience, character and integrity runs deep here. Jim Rieser personifies these attributes. He has risen through the ranks through trust and respect, built a reputation of honesty and compassion.”

Actions Speak Louder Than Awards

But we won’t argue if U.S. News & World Report ranks Sarasota Memorial Hospital as one of only 37 “standout” hospitals among the nearly 5,000 assessed in this year’s “Best Hospitals” study, scoring a perfect 10 in all surgical procedures and chronic conditions evaluated—including heart and lung care, cancer treatment, vascular repair and orthopedic surgery.

After all, we’re too busy helping patients get back to better, back to their families and back to their lives.

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K

ark Kauffman isn’t giving up on securing a home for the Sarasota Orchestra near the city’s downtown core.

It’s been more than 20 months since the City Commission rejected the orchestra’s proposal to build a venue on city-owned land at Payne Park.

Still, Kauffman remains convinced that the area southeast of downtown is the best fit as the orchestra searches for a site to construct a concert hall, and he’s lobbying orchestra leaders and city officials to consider a reconfigured proposal.

Kauffman, a member of the Downtown Improvement District, updated the rest of the DID board on the status of the orchestra site search at a meeting Tuesday. Although the proposed use of a portion of Payne Park drew strong pushback from some members of the public, Kauffman said altering the original concept could preserve more parkland.

Kauffman suggested the city and the county could both contribute lane along U.S. 301 to offset the need to use land along Payne Park.

Kauffman said he had scheduled a meeting with Joe McKenna, the president and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra, but they had not had an opportunity to discuss the status of the site exploration process. In 2019, after the city rejected the Payne Park proposal, the orchestra announced it was focusing its search outside of city limits because it was unable

to identify another suitable site within the city. The orchestra reaffirmed that position in January 2020.

Kauffman also indicated he had spoken to city commissioners and found a majority was receptive to considering the alternate plans for Payne Park, despite the previous vote. Kauffman acknowledged he was not an orchestra board member and was not privy to more detailed information about the process of securing land for a new venue, a necessity after the orchestra announced its plans to move out of the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in 2018.

“I don’t know why the delay and why they haven’t done it,” Kauffman said. “The only reason I can assume is maybe there’s some discussion going on behind the scenes. Maybe [the orchestra has] a deal they can’t refuse elsewhere.”

The city and the orchestra did not respond to a request for comment about the venue site search ahead of publication. In January 2020, the city reiterated its commitment to finding a location for an orchestra facility within city limits while continuing to rule out the use of Payne Park.

The rest of the Downtown Improvement District shared Kauffman’s desire to retain the orchestra in the city center, calling it an important part of the cultural identity of downtown.

“If we lose all these arts, … then we’re just another seaside town,” board member Eileen Hampshire said. “We really have to do everything we can.”

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DAVID CONWAY

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

OPINION / OUR VIEW

HB 35: Bad for Floridians Florida’s GOP lawmakers say they’re the champions of less government, more transparency and free enterprise. Their actions don’t show it.

PROTECTIONISM

MATT WALSH

H

ere we go again. The annual Hatfieldand-McCoy shootout between Florida’s Republican legislators and Florida’s mostly liberal, daily newspapers.

For the most part, Florida’s Republican lawmakers — especially those in leadership positions — despise Florida’s newspapers, especially the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Orlando Sentinel, South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Palm Beach Post. And these lawmakers have longed to shoot enough buckshot through those newspapers to shut them down. Or at least seriously hurt them financially.

This year, in the 2021 legislative session, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls are more determined than ever. They are lined up to win, and their weapon of choice: House Bill 35.

The plan: Change the statutes to shift mandated public notices out of newspapers onto government websites.

It’s not an idea that’s likely to stir most taxpayers and voters.

Indeed, it’s not a major social issue like abortion or guns or health care for the poor.

But it is an important issue.

It affects every Floridian every day. Indeed, it goes to the heart of making sure state and local governments and all of their agencies operate openly and transparently. It goes to the heart of giving Floridians a say in how their state and local governments operate. And in many instances, it also goes to the heart of due process: protecting Floridians from having their properties unfairly and illegally confiscated.

But little of that matters to Republican lawmakers. The fact that state and local governments and their agencies outsource the publishing of this information to newspapers and pay newspapers to publish the notices drives the anti-press lawmakers crazy.

To them, publishing notices in newspapers is a big, fat subsidy for the businesses that constantly criticize what they do.

DeSantis, Simpson, Sprowls and dozens of other Republican lawmakers are determined to end that.

What better way to do in this digital, online age than to decree all notices can be published on government-controlled websites.

Dear readers, this is a bad idea. Bad for taxpayers, bad for Florida.

We will show you why and propose an alternative.

Full disclosure: Our company and all of the paid-subscription newspapers in Florida generate revenues and profits from publishing government-mandated public notices. So it’s easy to conclude Observer Media Group Inc. has a vested interest in protecting the status quo.

But in fact, our company has been lobbying for more than a decade that the state’s public notice laws need reforming and updating. In part, we’ve been making the same argument lawmakers have made: that the Legislature decades ago crafted public notice laws in a way that gives daily newspapers and paid-subscription newspapers a protected monopoly.

In fact, we argue the state’s daily newspapers are exactly what their editorials often criticize. They’re a special interest that uses the Legislature for special protectionism.

While lawmakers complain about the cost to taxpayers of publishing public notices, a portion of that cost is a direct result of the lack of competition they created to begin with.

At the risk of too much regulatory mumbo jumbo, here’s the deal: To qualify to publish public notices, newspapers, among other things, must publish five or more days a week. They also must have a periodical permit from the U.S. Postal Service, which requires more than 50% of the paper’s distribution to be paid subscribers.

That means free weeklies are ineligible for public notices — that is, if the government body wants to meet its requirements for valid public notices. Many municipalities still publish notices in their communities’ free weeklies because they know the notices reach and are read by the taxpayers the cities and counties want to reach.

So here’s one of the conundrums of the statutes: The laws apply to a changed marketplace.

Readership and circulation of free weeklies now surpass the readership of paid dailies in many of Florida’s markets.

What’s more, the cost to publish in free weeklies often is less than the cost in the local paid daily.

Stand-alone websites are also prohibited from qualifying to publish public notices. The newspaper industry thwarted these potential competitors’ websites when it lobbied the Legislature to modify the statutes by requiring papers that publish public notices in print to post all notices on

their websites as well — at no charge. The industry also created FloridaPublicNotices.com, a site that aggregates all notices from around the state — at no charge.

Those two steps made Florida’s public notice laws a national model. Indeed, to a large extent, you can argue Florida public notice laws are working — except for the lack of competition.

NO PUBLIC OUTCRY

Here’s another barometer: Not once in a quarter-century has a consumer group or mobs of angry citizens lobbied lawmakers for changes in public notice laws. There is no public outcry for changing the state’s public notice laws.

The only groups that complain are local governments and oneoff lawmakers who want revenge against their local newspaper for having published critical and/or unflattering reports about them.

Local government bureaucrats complain primarily during recessions, when they must cut their budgets. They say they will save taxpayers millions of dollars by not having to publish notices in newspapers — if only they could post public notices on their own websites.

That is baloney. The cost of public notice advertising for most local governments is hardly noticeable in the scheme of annual spending. One example: Two years ago, when we measured public notice spending for Sarasota County, it amounted to 0.02% of a $1 billion budget — $267,000. That’s typical.

Local government officials should be honest. Their money gripe is a cover for their real objections. They don’t like paying to do business with what they regard as an adversary and enemy. They think public notices are a nuisance, a time suck for staff. They believe their lives would be much easier if they handled public notices on their own websites. After all, isn’t that where the world is — online? Who reads newspapers? the argument goes.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, agrees with all of this.

Fine is regarded as one of the Legislature’s Republican bulls and bullies. If he comes up with a legislative proposal, he cares little about anyone’s objections.

He showed this last session when, seemingly out of nowhere, he proposed that New College of Florida, based in Sarasota, be merged with the one of the other larger state universities. That totally surprised Sarasota-Bradenton lawmakers and the New

NEWSPAPERS ARE IN THEIR SIGHTS

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Senate Pres.

Wilton Simpson

Speaker Chris Sprowls

Rep. Randy Fine

College administration.

Two years ago, after the Florida Today newspaper published critical stories about Fine, he responded by filing a bill that no longer would require public notices to be published in newspapers. The law would allow them to be published on “publicly accessible websites,” e.g., government-operated websites.

The bill died.

It passed in the House in 2020 but died in the Senate. Now it’s back a third time.

Last year, while speaking in committee on behalf of the bill, Fine told his colleagues: “The problem is the dramatic subsidy and cost that we’re putting on local governments by requiring them to buy these ads that people aren’t reading at vastly inflated prices. That is where the issue is.”

DANGERS OF ONLINE ONLY

The issue is much more than that. There are multiple issues.

A “dramatic subsidy”?

Perhaps a more precise depiction would be a government-sanctioned monopoly.

Lawmakers did this. They gave paid-subscription, daily newspapers a monopoly.

And if the dailies’ prices are too high, as Fine says, hello, that’s what happens when there is little competition.

A subsidy? Lawmakers seem to forget there is work involved handling public notices. Just as governments pay other private vendors to perform outsourced services, the same goes for newspapers. There is a cost to paper, printing and distribution.

Fine and many other lawmakers also argue it no longer makes sense that public notices have not migrated to online-only publishing. It would be so much more efficient if government agencies were allowed to post public notices on their own websites, they argue.

This has multiple dangers.

Who trusts any government to be 100% honest and transparent? Who wants the government to be the sole disseminator of public information? What’s more, who trusts that information on the internet is authentic, reliable, trustworthy and verifiable — crucial to public notices?

That public notices flow through newspapers, a third party, is a safety mechanism for taxpayers. As part of their job with notices, newspapers are required to file sworn affidavits acknowledging the veracity and time of the notices and to archive notices in perpetuity in the event they are challenged. Governments can do that, too, but who trusts a fox in the hen house?

Here’s another serious flaw with governments publishing notices online: Few people would see them, negating two of the purposes of public notices, visibility and accessibility.

For instance, who do you know would spend the time searching government websites for public notices of tax increases, zoning changes, water-use permits, deaths of creditors, upcoming public meetings and dozens of other government actions that affect taxpayers?

One of the positives of still having notices in print is the serendipitous nature of them.

When readers page through their

“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

Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Deputy Managing Editor / David Conway, DConway@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Brynn Mechem, BMechem@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@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 / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver. com; Chrissy Guevera, CGuevara@ YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Bob Lewis, BLewis@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver. com; Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Kelly Florez, KFlorez@ YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, LKeisacker@ YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com

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HYPOCRITES IN ACTION

Altogether, here is the paradox of what Fine and other Republican lawmakers want when they say government agencies should publish online public notices: They are hypocrites.

Republicans tout themselves as the champions of smaller government, government transparency and accountability and private enterprise, jobs and market competition.

But almost everything they are proposing with HB 35 will achieve the opposite: bigger government, more government cost, more government control and power over public information, less transparency, less private enterprise and fewer private jobs.

Yes, Florida’s public notice laws need reforming to fit the times. But that doesn’t mean simply shifting them all online — for the reasons cited above.

Indeed, daily print newspapers might be declining in readership, but free weekly newspapers are thriving, and both still are relevant and a valid source for public notice because of the serendipity described above, accessibility in print and online, and the veracity and verifiability.

In our libertarian world, we would let the marketplace decide how to operate public notices. Let the purveyors of public notices decide which media make the most sense to disseminate their public notices — newspapers, TV stations, websites, radio — for effective public notice. And let private businesses that want to publish the notices compete.

They would do so on the basis of meeting their customers’ needs (e.g., effectiveness, transparency, cost, accessibility, reliability and verifiability).

We know that scenario is unlikely. By the same token, to adopt HB 35 (or an even worse proposal in Senate Bill 402) would ignore and disregard what is really needed.

Public notices — the act of keeping citizens and taxpayers informed of their governments’ activities — are essential and necessary for a proper functioning democratic republic.

As such, they deserve serious deliberation.

If DeSantis, Simpson and Sprowls want to serve Floridians, rather than adopt HB 35, they should examine and explore the following questions: In this age of digital information, what would be the most effective form of delivering effective public notices? What would be the most effective way to serve the taxpayers’ needs?

We urge Florida’s lawmakers to be thoughtful and smart.

Answer those questions before changing anything.

If anything needs a barrage of buckshot, it would be HB 35.

Common sense op-ed speaks truth

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makes no reference to the big monopolistic tech giants or from the corrupt politicians who use their offices to extort wealth unethically and illegally. I did not see the names of Clinton, Obama or Biden mentioned in his letter — all corrupt, all wealthy, all using their office to extort riches while riding the backs of American taxpayers.

It is obvious that regardless of the suspect results of the Biden election, many people in this country have no idea what is ethical and what is unethical behavior in politics.

Although I found the contents of the letter predictable, it is certainly very troubling that this writer has no idea.

CLIFF KRAWEIC LOUISVILLE, KY.

On my return flight home from a visit to Sarasota this past week, I picked up a copy of your Jan. 7 edition to read on my flight. It was refreshing to say that I enjoyed your opinion page, contrary to what I would expect in print these days.

However, what caught my eye was a letter to the editor regarding unbridled capitalism. At first, I thought it amusing that the writer of the letter who supposedly opposes capitalism is a resident of Longboat Key. Is he opposed to unbridled capitalism or just opposed to people who legally build wealth and support conservatism?

I question this because he

To our friends who are moving here from other states because you would have been deprived of many of the freedoms you are now enjoying by residing in the fairly governed, fiscally responsible state of Florida: People relocating here have been deprived of their freedoms because of the failed policies enacted by their governors and local officials whom they supported and elected. Many fled the bankrupt states and Draconian lockdowns that

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are prevalent in the Northeast and other states, in hopes of having lower taxes, personal freedoms and a more desirable lifestyle in general.

We welcome you to join us in “paradise,” but please don’t move here with the intent of “changing” Florida by supporting the same policies that resulted in the fiscal bankruptcy and social breakdown of the state that you chose to leave. Please don’t vote to reshape our state into the image of the state that you left. If that happens, you will want to move again. But where will you go?

I am visiting from Columbus, Ohio. My third year here. I was so glad to read a common sense op-ed in the Observer.

The piece spoke the truth.

Columbus has been completely overrun with liberal socialists in our local offices — mayor, city council, prosecutor, police, safety director — that I don’t know if I should live there anymore.

Our city burned and had Black Lives Matter protests last year. Police officers are leaving. The capitol of Ohio is no longer safe. It reminds me of Portland.

Keep up the good work.

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local papers, they discover unexpected news and information. Likewise with public notices. Newspapers push out notices to the public. When online, they sit in darkness until someone seeks them out.

That’s not public notice.

The result of online-only notices: much less government transparency.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Library workers adapt to various roles during pandemic Beyond books, Sarasota County libraries help with many facets of government during pandemic.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

When Sarasota residents need information, many find themselves perusing the stacks at one of the county’s libraries.

However, one of the greatest resources the libraries have to offer often isn’t in the reference section. Instead, it can be found seated behind the desk.

When COVID-19 first hit Sarasota County, library workers sprang into action helping residents fill out and mail unemployment forms, and they haven’t slowed down since.

“We have a really strong relationship with our residents and our library users, so top of our mind was always, ‘How can we help?’” said Renee Di Pilato, the libraries and historical resources director. “We needed to make sure we had resources and access for those in need.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, librarians have had to adapt to safety protocols by limiting in-building access, establishing a curbside pickup program, meeting the increased demands of e-books, creating digital library cards and ordering hot spots to help residents without Wi-Fi get connected.

Library workers also fielded phone questions for technical help for those using computers from home and created a chat and text platform that allowed those seeking help to write in.

In addition to providing its normal resources, the libraries have helped businesses and individuals seeking a portion of the county’s coronavirus relief funds navigate the application process.

Library workers also used the library’s creation stations to make more than 5,000 face masks for Sarasota County government employees. More than 30 staff members volunteered to make the effort possible.

All the while, the library has been navigating a 4% budget hold, which was placed on all the county’s departments.

Although they don’t always have the knowledge base to immediately help, Zina Jayne, the manager of Elsie Quirk Public Library, said the librarians luckily know where to find it: the shelves.

“We don’t know everything; we just know how to find it,” Jayne said. “We don’t have the knowledge base in our heads, but we do have access to so many different kinds of resources. Sometimes we’re just a conduit or a bridge to the information they need, but

WANT TO SAY THANK YOU? The Sarasota Library Foundation is hosting a virtual event in honor of the libraries and the work they’ve done during the pandemic.

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The event will be held online from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 9.

Interested parties can get their free tickets on SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or by calling 404-3139.

we really try to be a kind and reliable bridge.”

Di Pilato said staff often researches information or receives training on topics that are pertinent to the community, such as coronavirus relief applications, so they have the skills to help others. They then strive to teach the same information to the community, so residents know how to help themselves after they leave the library.

Although Di Pilato said it can be taxing to constantly research new information, the payoff is worth it.

And, she said, the miscella-

File photo

Renee Di Pilato, the libraries and historical resources director, says library workers have been grateful to be able to help the community.

neous, jack-of-all-trades job style might be where library work is headed in the future.

“Librarians have always fulfilled many roles, whether we’re helping someone find just the right book for their needs or we’re devising a workshop on how to search for jobs, we have a variety of hats, and I think that type of role for librarians — the multifaceted type of work — is what we’ll be seeing in the future,” Di Pilato said.

Now that the libraries have steady programs in response to the pandemic in place, staff is turning its attention to the county’s centennial.

Staff has planned more than 100 events from March through June that highlight the county’s archaeology, history, arts, famous figures and various communities.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity for us to celebrate the past but also celebrate what makes Sarasota County unique and really think about our aspirations for the future,” Di Pilato said.

At the same time, staff is figuring out how to keep some new programs, such as curbside service and virtual events, in the future.

No matter what they come up with, Jayne said she and the rest of the staff want to continue meeting residents’ needs in whatever form that might take.

“It is really a gift to have a job that is meaningfully, substantially helpful to people in crisis and that we can make a difference,” Jayne said. “I can say 100% of our staff feels really grateful to be in a position to be able to provide help.”

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St. Armands considers artsy option for vacant spaces owners allow the company to use the space on a short-term basis, usually paying no rent but covering utilities and insurance. Zero Empty Spaces then offers monthto-month leases to artists at rates starting at $2 per square foot, typically subdividing a storefront between multiple artists.

The idea behind Zero Empty Spaces is that this arrangement provides benefits for property owners, artists and the general public. Even without generating rent, Martineau said having a tenant can bring more attention to a vacant storefront; he said property owners that partner with Zero Empty Spaces typically secure a long-term lease within four months.

For the public, having studios in commercial areas allows them to interact with the arts while creating a more engaging pedestrian experience. And for artists, access to studio space is often hard to come by.

“Some of the artists have never had a studio,” Martineau said.

“It’s their first time being able to come out of the house.”

Those in attendance at the BID meeting expressed excitement about the concept and a desire to further explore an opportunity to partner with Zero Empty Spaces.

“I personally love the energy,” board member Geoffrey Michel said. “I’d love to see a space do this right away.”

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Could artists in need of a studio find their next workspace on St. Armands Circle?

It’s possible if commercial property owners choose to pursue a partnership with Zero Empty Spaces, a Fort Lauderdale-based company that works to turn vacant storefronts into art studios — on a short-term basis, at least.

The St. Armands Business Improvement District heard a presentation from Zero Empty Spaces co-Owner Andrew Martineau at its Jan. 13 meeting. After some business closures last year linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BID has discussed strategies for drawing more people to the commercial district and filling empty spaces.

BID Operations Manager Brandy Wiesner also indicated St. Armands stakeholders were interested in opportunities to tap into Sarasota’s arts community, adding that other commercial areas might also be interested in learning more about Zero Empty Spaces.

“With the arts being sort of underrepresented on St. Armands Circle, I thought this would be a good opportunity not only for the Circle but potentially for the entire city,” Wiesner said.

During his presentation, Martineau outlined the business model of Zero Empty Spaces. Property

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hen Kari Johnson was a child, she used to parade around her living room in her mother’s too-big high heels. But rather than pretend she was on a high-fashion catwalk, she handed out worksheets to her imaginary students.

“I would walk the line of makebelieve desks and relish in the sound of the high heels because I remember my teachers walking down the hallway and hearing the click of their shoes,” she said. “So I would wear them, and I’d grade papers and pretend I was a teacher.

It’s just all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Her dream came true 15 years ago when she began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Fruitville

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Johnson said she wants her students to know they are welcome.

“She involves every family in the learning, instilling in each of them that we are in this together for the betterment of the child. She describes herself as the at-school mom, and I think that description is perfect,” French said.

The most important lesson Johnson tries to instill is kindness.

She tries to provide opportunities for her students to show kindness in and out of the classroom.

She also strives to make her students confident in themselves.

“They’re little people that have ideas and thoughts of their own, and they just want to be heard like anyone else,” Johnson said. “Just providing that time for them to share their ideas and thoughts and let them be who they are is so important.”

Johnson said the biggest lesson she’s learned is that it takes time to become a good teacher.

“When I started teaching, it was just so hard. I really struggled, and it was overwhelming,” she said. “But when I learned that I can collaborate and that teaching is not just a one-person job, I became much more effective.”

She now strives to mentor younger teachers.

“I want to every day bring a positive, motivating and welcoming environment to my students,” she said. “I want them to know that I’m glad they’re with me and that we are a team, and we can do anything as long as we work together.”

Johnson is now eligible to be the Florida Teacher of the Year. Finalists will be named in May and a winner will be announced in July.

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Elementary. She has stayed with the school throughout her career, and in January, she was named the district’s Teacher of the Year.

“There [are] so many wonderful educators in Sarasota County, and I feel like everybody deserves such recognition and honor, so I don’t feel like it should be just me,” Johnson said. “I’m in my own classroom all day, and the fact that people are noticing what I’m doing is just incredibly humbling.”

Fruitville Elementary Principal Steven French said he couldn’t think of a better representation of the school.

“At Fruitville, we like to be recognized as a familylike atmosphere where families, staff and students work together, struggle together and celebrate together for a common goal,” French said.

“She is a great example of how hard work, attitude and commitment equal success.”

Johnson said she felt called to become an elementary school teacher because of the influential educators she had as a student.

“I’m a big believer in how teachers make you feel,” she said.

“Mine just made you feel like you’re safe and capable and able to do so much, which I think is more impactful than anything.”

Although she said kindergarten is a difficult age because students are just learning behavior management skills, it is rewarding because of the innocence the students have toward the subject matter and being in school itself.

“If you have trust and control, the students adore you, and they make everything happy,” Johnson said. “They love school because everything is exciting to them, and they truly want to learn and be there. It’s just a positive, happy place to be.”

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Siesta parish primed for rebuild

NEXT WEEKEND!

Bradenton

St. Michael the Archangel is holding a capital campaign to rebuild after severe water damage.

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BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

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ometimes greatness can grow from disaster, and that’s exactly what members of St. Michael the Archangel are hoping.

The 60-year-old parish center in 2018 was flooded and severely damaged during Vacation Bible School. The flooding led to damage that would have been too costly to fix, so the entire structure — Siesta Key’s only Catholic Church — was demolished in April 2019.

The Rev. Michael Cannon said the demolition was a “catastrophic moment” in the life of the parish because it shut down a majority of parish activities

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except for liturgical services.

“All of that ended after we had to demolish,” Cannon said. “We were greatly crippled by losing our parish center.”

However, island neighbor St. Boniface Episcopal Church allowed the parish to use its facilities for many of its other outside services, such as the Women’s Guild and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Now the church is hoping to rebuild with the help of a capital campaign. In an email to parishioners, Cannon said that if the community didn’t gather regularly, he predicted St. Michael would no longer exist as a functioning parish in 10 years.

The capital campaign, named “Reignite the Flame, Relight the Way,” has a goal of $5 million to support the total construction costs of a new ministry center.

Parishioners Patty Smith and Maurice Dinneen on behalf of the Eluned & Edward Russell Charitable Foundation at the Community Foundation of Sarasota made

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a donation of $500,000 to kickstart the campaign.

Smith, who was married at St. Michael in 1985, said she hopes the money can help the church be fully functional once more.

“I love my parish and want it to be whole again,” Smith said. “I want to have a new center to bring people back together, and my dad and I hope this gift inspires others who are just as passionate about our church and church family.”

The new center will include gathering space for various groups as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Cannon said the new center will be larger and more conducive to the current barrier island community.

“When the parish was built

more than 50 years ago, it was purpose-built for the community at that time,” Cannon said. “Our community now is quite different, so we’re building a structure that will hopefully answer the needs of a changed community.”

The new center will be open to all on the Key, not just Roman Catholics. Doors will be open to organizations and individuals who wish to use the facilities.

So far, the campaign has received about $2.5 million in donations with an additional $1 million pledged.

Construction will begin upon collection of 80% of the total funds necessary.

Groundbreaking is expected on the project no later than 2022.

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Parishioners Patty Smith and Maurice Dinneen on behalf of the Eluned & Edward Russell Charitable Foundation at the Community Foundation of Sarasota made a donation of $500,000 to kick-start the campaign.

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YOUR HOME DE SERVE S HUNTER D OUGLAS JAN. 31

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The customer denied causing any altercation and blamed the employee for any issues. The officer issued a trespass warning, and the customer agreed to leave.

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with her dogs by jumping on a trampoline. An officer mediated a conversation between the neighbors where they discussed their issues and attempted to solve them.

CRACKING THE CASE 7 p.m. — 600 block of North East Avenue Misc. officer: A woman said she found broken eggshells and yolk on the side of the house.

The woman said whoever threw the eggs startled her sister’s parakeets, which were in a cage outside. The woman said she believed a neighbor was responsible. An officer spoke to a 14-yearold at a neighboring house who admitted throwing the eggs because he thought it was funny.

The officer spoke to the boy’s father, who said he would make sure it did not happen again.

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SPORTS

“Don’t look at the past. Keep moving forward.”

— Sarasota Christian’s Brian Hershberger SEE PAGE 19A

HIGH

THE TIME 5 IS NOW RYAN KOHN | SPORTS REPORTER

T

2

Sarasota Christian boys basketball junior Aaron Fayette scored 17 points Jan. 29 in the Blazers’ 62-53 road win against Port Charlotte Community Christian.

3

Riverview High girls basketball junior Caroline King scored 16 points and had seven rebounds Jan. 28 in the Rams’ 45-35 road win against Newsome High.

4

Booker High boys basketball senior Paul McLeod scored 13 points Jan. 30 in the Tornadoes’ 56-43 road win against Charlotte High.

5

Sarasota High girls soccer team defeated Charlotte High 5-2 Feb. 1 in the opening round of the Class 6A, District 7 tournament.

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■ RIVERVIEW HIGH (17-1) The Rams are the No. 1 seed in the Class 7A, District 8 tournament. The Rams received a bye in the first round, so they did not have to play Tuesday. They will face (Hillsborough) Riverview High on Wednesday, and if they win, they will play the winner of the game between Lakewood Ranch High (17-4) and Newsome High (13-6). The Rams have bested all three remaining teams this season (though they split the season series with Lakewood Ranch 1-1), so things are looking good. If the Rams bring defensive intensity and get scoring from such contributors as Nicole Blanch and Caroline King, they can win the district. They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason.

■ CARDINAL MOONEY (14-8) Mooney is the No. 1 seed in the Class 3A, District 6 tournament.

The Cougars also had a bye Tuesday and will play No. 4 seed Bradenton Christian (10-9) on Wednesday and, should they advance, will play either The Out-of-Door Academy (10-4) or Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (11-6) in the championship game. The

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Nicole Blanch is the top scorer on the Riverview High girls basketball team.

Cougars have a raw talent advantage against every remaining team in their district. Sophomore guard Olivia Davis is a lights-out shooter, and sophomore center Jordyn Byrd, who is 6-foot-6, is a force in the paint. Barring a major upset, the Cougars should win their district with their eyes set on a deep run in the regional tournament.

■ BOOKER HIGH (15-7) Booker is also the No. 1 seed in its Class 4A, District 10 tournament. The Tornadoes play No. 5 seed Tampa Catholic (7-16) on Wednesday. They should win, which means the Tornadoes will have a game against either Lakewood High (16-4) or the Academy of the Holy Names (17-8) on Friday for the district championship. Booker beat Holy Names earlier this season but has not yet played Lakewood. Booker is ranked seventh in the class by MaxPreps, while Lakewood is ninth. If it happens, that could be the game of the week. The Tornadoes are a physical group and never play scared.

■ SARASOTA CHRISTIAN (10-8) Sarasota Christian is the No. 2 seed in the Class 2A, District 7 tournament. The Blazers defeated Lakeside Christian 48-41 on Tuesday. They are in a three-team district, meaning they advance to Friday’s championship on the road against Keswick Christian (11-11). This will be the two teams’ first matchup; each has played four games against common opponents, and both have gone 3-1 in those contests. If junior Payton Scholl, who leads 11.4 points per game, has her usual scoring output or more, the Blazers have a shot to advance.

■ SARASOTA HIGH (3-21) Sarasota was eliminated Tuesday in a 41-37 loss to Venice (17-7) during the first round of the Class 6A, District 11 tournament. The Sailors didn’t have the year they wanted, but they gave a good team all it could handle on the way out. Junior Emma Plumley gives the Sailors hope for next season. She averaged 10.4 points and 2.3 steals per game.

Friday’s 7 p.m. championship will be at the higher seed’s home court.

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349366-1

1

Riverview High boys basketball senior Jayven Millien scored his 1,000th point for the program in the Rams’ 74-64 win against Sarasota High.

Millien finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.

he winter sports season is coming to a close, but the fun isn’t over yet. The girls basketball postseason begins this week, followed by the boys next week. With district tournaments come fierce rivalry games that always seem to come down to the last few possessions. Let’s examine where the local girls programs stand as postseason play dawns — because there is a lot of talent on these teams.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

More than a game Local players might see themselves in EA Sports College Football in a few years.

F

or a person of my age, Tuesday brought Earthshattering news from the sports and video game industries: EA Sports is getting back into the college football scene.

The company announced Tuesday that its beloved NCAA Football series would return, albeit with the new name of EA Sports College Football. There has not been a new release in the series since NCAA Football 14 was released in 2013. (The series name was always a year ahead.)

For me and many other college football obsessives, this game was my adolescence. I have strong memories of lugging NCAA 05 around on road trips and firing it up on my GameCube. I have even stronger memories of NCAA 06, the first game in the series to feature the Road to Glory mode, where you create a high school player, prove yourself to colleges, sign with a school and play out your Heis-

man-winning career, if you were good enough. In later games, the Dynasty mode became my main hub, as I put all my brain cells into recruiting five-star talent to smaller schools, such as Florida Atlantic, turning them into National Championship contenders.

So why are the games being revived now? Well, representatives from EA Sports told ESPN that the company’s social and analytical teams found that fan interest is still there — maybe even higher than before — so why not? I don’t doubt that is true. But it’s also notable that both the NCAA and Congress have discussed athlete’s name, image and likeness rights recently, with the expectation that those rights will be expanded in the near future.

That’s important. Back before the NCAA Football series shut down, there were a number of lawsuits, including O’Bannon v.

NCAA, that challenged the use of the likenesses of college athletes in video games. The NCAA Football series never used real names of players, instead opting to use names like “QB No. 9,” but the numbers and positions (and the race of each player) lined up with each school’s real-

File photo

It’s possible Terrell Pack finds himself in EA Sports College Football in a few years with Middle Tennessee State.

world counterpart. EA Sports then offered to pay players for their likenesses, but the NCAA blocked that idea.

If the rules do indeed change to allow payments to players soon, before EA Sports College Football is released — probably in 2022 or 2023 — it is possible that today’s gamers will be able to play with real rosters. That means local players, such as

Sarasota senior Terrell Pack, would be able to play as himself at Middle Tennessee State. Same goes for Booker High alumnus Talik Keaton, now at Marshall, or Riverview High alumnus Jayden Cray, now at Central Michigan.

I’m not the only one excited.

Sarasota High football Coach Brody Wiseman tweeted the famous reaction gif of Antonio Banderas from the 1995 movie

“Assassins” in response to the announcement. (This is a positive, for those not up to date on internet culture.) Sailors freshman Noah Obaseki retweeted a college coach who said he “could shed a tear” over the news. This is a big deal, not just for individuals who played the old games but also for introducing new players to the sport. I would not be the college football fan I am today without the series.

Sinking hundreds upon hundreds of hours into these games led to some weird side effects.

One, I now can tell you the city where every NCAA FBS campus is located. Will I ever need to know, within an amount of time that makes Googling impossible, that Arkansas State is in Jonesboro? Probably not, but it’s in my brain for life. Two, it led me remember fondly players who otherwise I would have never heard their names.

Former Kent State running back Dri Archer is a legend to me for his speed and uncanny ability to slip a tackle whenever I needed it, even though the game referred to him as HB No. 1.

When the games return, it’s possible that one of our hometown athletes will fill that role in the minds of many a teenage kid, never to be forgotten. That’s a cool thing.

Ryan Kohn is the sports writer for the Sarasota Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

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When did you start playing basketball?

I started for real when I got to high school. I had played some before that, but I had never taken it that seriously.

What is the appeal to you?

I love my teammates. It’s a family that we build here. And the sport itself is so competitive. It is so much fun.

things. I fade away a lot [when shooting]. You have to get crafty.

What is your favorite subject?

I like marine biology. I like learning about fish and about the ocean. That’s fun.

What is the best advice you have received?

Earlier this season, we lost to Sarasota High by one point. I was super down after the game, and Coach [Kevin Bruinsma] said, basically, you have to move on.

The next day, it’s over. Don’t look at the past. Keep moving forward.

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Going against taller centers.

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Brian Hershberger is a junior center on the Sarasota Christian boys basketball team. Hershberger scored 20 points Feb. 2 in the Blazers’ 57-44 home win against the Gulf Coast HEAT.

If you would like to make a recommendation for the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Ryan Kohn at RKohn@ YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

PEL HAS DONATED OVER $220,400 TO COMMUNITY YOUTH IN NEED.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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FEBRUARY 4, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS “Words [today] maybe lose their meaning, … but it was a moment of pure joy.”

— Brian Will

Brian Will has assumed title of Sarasota Yacht Club commodore.

Photo courtesy of Emma Dodge

Sarasota Yacht Club’s new commodore has a long history in the skies and on the water.

HARRY SAYER | STAFF WRITER

W

hen Brian Will was a child, his siblings had an affinity for Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat.”

He, on the other hand, enjoyed paging

through encyclopedia entries about airplanes.

So it stands to reason that Will, who moved to Sarasota seven years ago, would go on to serve in the U.S. Air Force and have a career with American Airlines.

And last month, the 65-yearold was named commodore of the Sarasota Yacht Club.

“The magnificent machines that they are, the freedom of being up in the sky, … it’s tremendous satisfaction,” Will said. “It was also a sense of service to everyone that I knew. The sense that you’re serving the country, your community, family, all those things sort of blended in my mind.”

Even now, he remembers the first time he was in a jet fighter

cockpit, feeling the craft lift into the air.

“Words [today] maybe lose their meaning, … but it was a moment of pure joy,” Will said.

“You plug that airplane in full afterburner, and this thing turns into a homesick angel. You are just rocketing.”

His time in the military also allowed him to cross paths with his wife to be on assignment with the U.S. Air Force in South Korea.

He and Martha, on their first day there 41 years ago, went through gas-mask training together. As first dates go, that one’s tough to beat, he said. They’ve been together ever since.

Will was tapped as a possible candidate for the astronaut program and went back to school to get his master’s degree at the NASA Langley Research Center.

The astronaut candidacy didn’t shake out, and the Wills took a hard look at their schedules. By this point, they had young children, and with both of them in active duty, Will said there was a real chance they would have to be apart for long periods in time.

The pilot took a new course — he was offered a job for a different kind of flying with American Airlines. Where he once flew solo in fighter jets, Will instead piloted Boeing 737 and 777 airliners.

“The performance on the aircraft is obviously significantly different,” Will said. “Going from an aircraft that could fly twice the speed of sound to an aircraft that flies only a fraction of that was interesting. By the same token, the degree of precision that’s required as a commercial pilot has so many more moving parts. …

You now have one to 300 people behind you, passengers and crew that are counting on you to do everything right at the right time to be safe.”

Slowing down the speed he was used to but learning to think

about and care for a much larger number of people while flying was an enriching experience, he said. He had brushes with fame as well when he piloted then-President-elect George W. Bush from Texas to Washington, D.C. before the inauguration in 2001.

That time eventually transitioned to a new role: director of flight operations for American Airlines, where he oversaw thousands of flights a day. A critical time for Will, and he believes the aviation industry as a whole, was the fall of 1991, when he helped develop a system that added a level of precision to takeoffs and landings from tricky airports, such as Vail, Colo.

The tech-based work has carried through to today, where Will has continuously worked to tweak and improve space-based navigation to be safer for pilots and passengers. He’s only been retired for half a year but is more than pleased with the legacy he’s left.

“The safety is phenomenal, and the efficiency is phenomenal,” Will said. “This is all great stuff, and I spent about 25 years of my career working on those things.

That was a lot of fun.”

While all this was happening, Brian and Martha Will were growing more and more involved with Sarasota and their yachting hobby. Although boats and aircraft travel markedly different terrain, the inner guts of how they operate are similar. Will said it’s in a pilot’s DNA to obsess and pore over every detail and piece of information, and he feels the same way diving into the workings of his boat.

His favorite part is when he’s out alone on the water; he said it feels the exact same as when he’s soaring through the air.

Now with retirement in front of him and a new organization to lead, he just wants to keep working for the people around him.

“I’ve always seen myself as serving somebody else,” Will said.

“I was serving the military, my country, American Airlines.

“I honestly believe that these leadership positions need to be used to make sure that the members are experiencing the club for everything that they want it to be.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Jewish organizations celebrate Tu BiShvat

J

ewish organizations celebrated Tu BiShvat with fun festivities in January.

Temple Emanu-El led off with Director of Education Sabrina Silverberg, Rabbi Michael Shefrin and other staff putting on the event Jan. 24 that taught children the importance of ecological awareness, the beauty of nature and how to care for the Earth. Families planted flowers together and went on a scaven-

ger hunt later in the morning.

On Jan. 31 at Temple Sinai, families could drive through the temple’s parking lot and collect a variety of tree-themed activities and snacks.

After collecting their snacks and crafts, families were encouraged to perform a mitzvah, or blessing, in honor of the day.

— HARRY SAYER David Weiman dances with his son, Aitan.

Photos by Harry Sayer and Brynn Mechem

Temple Emanu-El staff delivered plants to families.

Jimmy, Brooks and Melissa Protigal got to work on their plant.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

3B

FEBRUARY THURSDAY 25TH

MARCH THURSDAY 11TH

YOU ARE INVITED Please join Christopher Sforzo, M.D., Christopher Dillingham, M.D., Charles Stewart, M.D. and Philip Meinhardt, M.D. for an open forum discussion on the latest technologies available in Regenerative Medicine including PRP and Stem Cell Therapies.

CHRISTOPHER SFORZO, M.D.

WHEN & WHERE

Above: Melanie Epstein and Sitar BenHerut give out tree of life necklaces.

Left: Noah Leinweber and Matt Kahn hand out apple chips.

Thursday, February 25, 2020, and Thursday, March 11, 2020 Registration begins at 4:15 p.m. Seminar is 4:30pm - 5:30pm at the office of Sforzo I Dillingham I Stewart Orthopedics CHRISTOPHER DILLINGHAM, M.D.

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WHAT

Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Doctors Sforzo, Dillingham, Stewart, and Meinhardt look forward to answering your questions and CHARLES STEWART, M.D.

sharing their knowledge and clinical experiences to help you make the best treatment choices.

RSVP Please RSVP by emailing Theresa at tgetzen@sforzodillingham.com or calling 941.378.5100.

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Please note, forums do fill quickly.

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Families turned out for the Tu BiShvat celebration.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Day school students run to win

T

he Hershorin Schiff Community Day School hit the ground running with its annual Jogathon fundraiser Jan. 29. Although it was a smaller affair than the usual festive day, Hershorin Schiff students of all ages ran laps to help raise funds for the school’s programs and scholarships. This year’s event raised more than $51,000 — the best total yet — to go to the school’s “Owning Our Future” campaign supporting its new campus.

— HARRY SAYER

Above: Kai Crea and Paige Seymour go hand in hand.

Left: Annalise Gant high-fives Menschy during the race.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Classrooms cheered on other classes.

George Winney runs the smaller track.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

5B

Holocaust Remembrance garden unveiled

T

emple Sinai staff and Gulf Gate Elementary School fifth grade students unveiled a daffodil garden Jan. 27, recognizing the children who died in the Holocaust.

The garden — part of the Daffodil Project aiming to plant 1.5 million daffodils worldwide in memory of the 1.5 million children who died during the Holocaust — had 250 daffodil bulbs planted by students at the school with the promise of 250 bulbs to come.

Gulf Gate fifth grade teacher Michelle Portnow Rivas spoke to the importance of the garden and had several students recite poems. Students also made butterfly mobiles that hung over the new garden.

— HARRY SAYER

Aidan Deguia Smajic looks at the butterfly garden overhead.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Elementary Education Executive Director Chris Renouf takes a look at the garden with Gulf Gate students.

Right: Sarasota Manatee Jewish Federation Senior Director of Programming Trudi Krames, Temple Sinai Director of Youth Education and Outreach and Engagement Bethany Leinweber and Gulf Gate gifted fifth grade teacher Michelle Portnow Rivas

The Daffodil Project aims to plant 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the children who died in the Holocaust.

Join us for innovative programs in music, theater, art, literature and more featuring award-winning artists from around the world.

Key Chorale Chamber Singers, orchestra and soloists are “Bach” Together Again!

Join us virtually for two festive works of the Baroque, Bach’s Magnificat and Vivaldi’s Gloria.

“An Evening with Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award Winning Playwright David Auburn” Friday, February 5th @ 5pm • Hermitage Beach & Live Stream Hermitage Fellow David Auburn (Proof) will speak about his work and his creative process, and may even share from his new work in progress.

Presented in partnership with Florida Studio Theatre.

“Sam & Lizzie” Play Readings Saturday, February 13th @ 5pm & 7:30pm • Hermitage Beach (Manasota Key) Written by Hermitage Fellow Emily Kaczmarek.

Sam and Lizzie have their first playdate on 9/11, creating an imaginary, fanciful queendom in order to make sense of the day.

Presented in collaboration with Urbanite Theatre.

For more information, including safety precautions and reservations (required), visit:

HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Purchase tickets: KeyChorale.org • 941.921.4845 344166-1

“Blank Slate: Pushing Boundaries” Friday, February 19th @ 5pm • Hermitage Beach (Manasota Key) Performer, musician, and comedian Morgan Bassichis and multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, and performer Richard Kennedy will offer insight into their craft.

Premieres Friday, January 29 Online Streaming Concert through February 21, 2021

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SIESTA KEY 539 Norsota Way Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4485407 $8,200,000

SIESTA KEY 5418 Siesta Cove Drive Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4484548 $3,989,900

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 1802 Francoise Borel & Ken Desautels 941-228-3768 A4485046 $3,950,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16006 Foremast Place Barbara Najmy 941-705-1158 A4488300 $3,875,000

SARASOTA 1212 Westway Drive Michael Moulton 941-928-3559 A4482176 $3,825,000

SIESTA KEY 1011-1019 Point Of Rocks Road Rudy Dudon & Jamie Styers 941-234-3991 A4481381 $3,500,000

SIESTA KEY 1281 Tree Bay Lane Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4489273 $2,995,000

ST PETE 5275 61st Avenue S Christine del Monte 941-266-6733 A4480348 $2,555,000

OSPREY 318 Osprey Point Drive Holly Winkle 941-907-9595 A4487690 $1,728,000

SARASOTA 8843 Bloomfield Boulevard Sarah Macrae 941-587-1195 A4483393 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 4131 Boca Pointe Drive Marianne Lebar 941-650-0337 A4475001 $1,190,000

SARASOTA 7112 Prospect Road Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4489294 $975,000

SARASOTA 1350 Main Street 1504 Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4488956 $895,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17556 Colebrook Circle Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4488420 $804,000

SIESTA KEY 8735 Midnight Pass Road 101B Barbara A Milian, PA 941-504-0660 A4478410 $799,000

VENICE 416 Pensacola Road Helen Moore 941-724-2030 N6112676 $779,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 205 Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4488641 $768,000

BRADENTON 1323 96th Court NW Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4489317 $700,000

OSPREY 2259 Jessie Harbor Drive 2202 Terri Riordan 941-441-6644 A4488472 $479,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6214 Willet Court Joseph Mcdonald 941-375-9646 A4488606 $449,900

SARASOTA 2730 Pursell Circle Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4489179 $439,000

SARASOTA 7619 Campus Cove Rod Underdahl 941-302-4545 A4486774 $399,000

SARASOTA 1443 15th Street W Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4481261 $379,000

SARASOTA 5075 Hanging Moss Lane Susan Mondello 941-544-3387 A4478695 $354,000

SIESTA KEY 5855 Midnight Pass Road 514 Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-809-2154 A4488941 $329,000

SARASOTA 2431 Pinehurst Street Anne Mitchell 941-725-0227 A4489111 $325,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 432 Veronese Drive 432 Lisa Harris 707-337-2615 A4489206 $234,000

SARASOTA 8330 Glenrose Way 1613 Robert Agnello 941-928-1328 A4488133 $225,000

VENICE 425 Cerromar Terrace 461 Bambi Utton 941-228-4881 N6113492 $182,000

SARASOTA 8263 Archers Court Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4483993 $3,999,999

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SIESTA KEY 6 Sandy Hook Road Denise Mei & Nicole Mei 941-685-3198 A4482305 $4,200,000

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Bay Island home sells for $5.9 million ADAM HUGHES

A

SARASOTA

THE PHOENIX Elisabeth Waters sold the Unit 102 condominium at 136 Golden Gate Point to Richard Higgs and Josellyn Yousef, of Sarasota, for $1.8 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 3,785 square feet of living area.

HARTSDALE Christopher and Dina Kerr, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1943 Morris St. to Thomas and Cindy Jones, of Sarasota, for $1.69 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,843 square feet of living area.

POINSETTIA PARK Andres and Keely Torres sold their home at 1831 Oleander St. to Martin and Judith Welch, of Sarasota, for $1.68 million. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,165 square feet of living area.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

7B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 18-22

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

home in the Bay Island community of Siesta Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Jack and Deborah Hawn sold their home at 901 Norsota Way to Sybrand Vander Dussen and Jenise Kay Vander Dussen, of Clovis, N.M., for $5.9 million. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, six-anda-half baths, a pool and 6,436 square feet of living area. It sold for $5.1 million in 2015.

|

SARASOTA

Vue Keith and Lisa Helming, of Eden Prairie, Minn., sold their Unit 1909 condominium at 1155 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Michael Strauss and Robin Klein-Strauss, of Sarasota, for $2.85 million. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths and 2,895 square feet of living area. It sold for $3 million in 2017.

Courtesy photo

Gary Stevens sold his home at 1855 Orchid St. to Nathaniel Dyer Weiss, of Sarasota, for $1.19 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,971 square feet of living area.

SHADY CREEK Andreas and Marianne Boll sold their home at 2416 Adagio Way to David Shuel, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,822 square feet of living area.

Built in 2001, the home at 901 Norsota Way has five bedrooms, six-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 6,436 square feet of living area.

MARK SARASOTA KT State & Lemon LLLP sold the Unit 905 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to James Green, trustee, of Sarasota, for $885,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,500 square feet of living area.

PALMER RANCH

Beneva Oaks XiaoFei Liu, of San Ramon, Calif., sold his home at 3774 Beneva Oaks Blvd. to Peter George Lunt and Susan Beth Lunt, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,519 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2013.

OSPREY

Meridian at the Oaks Preserve Edward Barry Hilton and Casiana Hilton, trustees, sold

the Unit 1001 condominium at 409 N. Point Road to JWJ Trust Properties LLC for $1.37 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,029 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2005.

NOKOMIS

Casey Key Gary Ellis Bodner and Lynn Moore Bodner, trustees, of Nokomis, sold three properties at 3250 Casey Key Road to James and Heidi Williams, of Hanover, Minn., for $2.63 million. The first property was built in 1940; it has one bedroom, one bath and 901 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1940; it has one bedroom, one bath and 661 square feet of living area. The third property was built in 1980; it has two bedrooms, two baths and 3,078 square feet of living area. They sold for $830,000 in 1997.

In with the new

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

LEWIS COMB’S Charles and Susan Morgenthaler sold their home at 1695 Arlington St. to Helen Barbara Herrott, of Greenwich, Conn., for $810,000. Built in 1925, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,120 square feet of living area.

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These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of January 18-22, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

844 Patterson Drive

Guest House

Susan Rauth

$98,832

3818 Bay Shore Road

Pool/Spa/Deck

Cody Davis

$80,000

328 S. Shore Drive

Dock/Boat Lift

Bernard Vroom Jr.,

$58,375

trustee 2300 Mietaw Drive

Alterations

Daniel Frank

$50,000

661 Marlin Drive

Pool/Spa

Michael Jett

$40,000

1185 Tahiti Parkway

Renovations

Igor Goldanskiy

$30,000

2636 Bay St.

Windows/Doors

Kathleen Schmitz

$27,986

4929 Brywill Circle

Re-roof

Kathy Bell

$24,480

647 Norsota Way

Decking

Eric Baird

$20,016

1864 Clematis St.

Remodel

Dean Denman

$20,000

NEW MODEL OPEN

South Sarasota

Sandhill Lake | 941.234.0432 From the high $500,000s SandhillLakeSarasota.com

WATERFRONT HOMES & HOMESITES

Bradenton Riverfront

Permit Applicant Amount

108 Sand Dollar Lane

Deck

Matthew Majernik

$133,900

103 Longbow Trail

Remodel

Eric Lough

$126,874

1906 Casey Key Road

Garage

Jerry Collins

$90,000

951 Shire St.

Solar System

Charles Pitts

$64,580

7206 Monarda Drive

Pool/Spa/Deck

Stephen Jones

$64,000

5508 Dinah Lane

Dock

Emad Al-Masri

$61,500

8647 Woodbriar Drive

Remodel

Marian Majovsky

$61,500

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

Northwest Bradenton

Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 From the high $300,000s PalmaSolaBayClub.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

348886-1

Address

Downtown Sarasota

Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 From the high $300,000s RisdonOn5th.com

Riverside Point | 941.201.8505 Home sites from $229,900 | Homes from the low $600,000s RiversidePointFlorida.com

SA R A S O TA CO U N T Y

MOVE-IN READY

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of February 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

350384-1

Chorus continues Zoom rehearsals The singing group has gone digital in the hopes of returning together after the pandemic.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

351122-1

I

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t’s a slightly tired sentiment but a real one: It’s hard to make friends in a pandemic.

That is why Ken Rear, the president of the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, feels fortunate.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and technical hurdles, Rear meets with many of his chorus friends each week for an evening rehearsal over Zoom.

Although they aren’t able to meet together and sing loud and proud as they used to, the group cherishes the meetings as a way to warm up their voices, sing new songs and keep in touch with one another.

“We only missed probably two weeks of rehearsal in March,” Rear said. “Since then, we have not missed one rehearsal.”

It’s a time for camaraderie that Rear deeply values. His involvement with a capella singing started 40 years ago, when he was wandering through a shopping mall with his wife in Langley, British Columbia. Suddenly, he said, he heard the most beautiful harmony singing he had ever heard.

“Lo and behold, there was a group of guys in white shirts, red and white stripe vests with strap holders,” he said. “Just like you see in the movies.”

He has been a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society ever since; he said he’s going 40 years strong. Although most people he knew in those days had an instrument and could carry a tune, Rear said that he always felt his voice was too deep to sing the folk melodies that were popular.

With a capella, he found his groove.

“I found a spot where I could actually see and make a difference,” Rear said. “Instead of trying to sing a melody, I sang harmony. It was perfectly suited for my voice and for what I wanted to do.”

He joined the chapter in British Columbia and then the Sarasota Chorus of the Keys chapter when he moved to Florida in 2008. He took some time away and picked it back up in 2018.

The Sarasota chapter has a long history of activity. It was chartered in 1948, 10 years after its parent group, the Barbershop Harmony Society, started in 1938.

It’s a competitive organization that aims to win singing contests, but Rear said he also loves its structure and how it enables members to get better at the art form.

“It’s designed to allow people to improve their hobbies,” he said. “It’s a hobby that people get infected with the bug and become very passionate about it.”

The group had around 45 members including snowbirds upon Rear’s return to the group in 2018 and would perform at local venues, such as assisted living facilities.

It’s been a fluid membership list for years with members always coming and going but with a handful of longtime members who have stayed for years.

The group performs an annual show in February, which was good timing because pandemic-related shutdowns began just a month later. The group had been ready to tackle district competitions in Orlando but instead turned to a new challenge: reorganizing the group’s structure to practice singing together in large groups on Zoom.

Figuring out Zoom technology and uniting the many members was quite a challenge going into the initiative, but Rear said he felt

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

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WELCOMES Carrie N. Bonaroti, MD Board Certified, Family Medicine

Courtesy photo

What: Chorus of the Keys weekly meetings When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Zoom Call: 321-6014 Website: ChorusOfTheKeys. org

it was worth it to keep his friends performing.

“We’re a group of a bunch of older guys, but there’s a lot of musical experience in this group,” Rear said. “I said, ‘We can’t stop because if we do, we’ll lose them.’”

Around 20 to 25 members now log on each week and go through new songs and old favorites. It was a difficult challenge at first, though, to find a way to rehearse together with an online service that only lets one person speak at a time.

The key, as it turned out, is the mute button. Although it might seem against the spirit of harmony singing, the way Chorus

of the Key has found to rehearse each Tuesday night is to have one member lead off practice tunes and methods and then have the other members sing to themselves on their respective muted Zoom calls.

It’s a different approach but a consistent one where Rear’s members have assembled week in and week out for months.

Rear was recently given an award for his efforts organizing the weekly meetups in December, something that flabbergasted and honored the chapter leader.

It’s been a labor of love for the chapter leader, and he said he’s just glad his members feel the same way.

“I am so gratified that all of these guys stuck with us,” Rear said.

“We found out I think over these last months that they weren’t coming just from the music. They were coming for the camaraderie because that’s what this society is all about. It’s about family.”

OUR BUYERS ARE

Dr. Carrie Bonaroti brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Intercoastal Family Practice - Beneva office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Medicine.

Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA Medical School: University of South Florida, Tampa FL Residency: Forbes Regional Health System, Family Practice Residency, Monroeville, PA Certification: American Board of Family Medicine

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10216 46TH AVE W | $6M

SOLD JANUARY | $975K LP

PENDING JANUARY | $1.375M

317 BEACH RD | $3M

PENDING DECEMBER | $1.325M

SOLD DECEMBER | $1.395M LP

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941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com | www.homesofsarasota.com |

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

FEBRUARY 9 • 1-2P

Join us in supporting our libraries as we recognize and celebrate all the ways our library system has helped our community navigate the challenges of this past year.

File photo

Sarasotans can paint watercolors at Selby Gardens.

BEST BET

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS

FEB. 8

SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941.404.3139

WATERCOLOR FOR EVERYONE! 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Instruction for watercolor painters of all skill levels. Tickets $140 per session, $125 for members. For information, Selby.org/events.

FEB. 5

MUSIC COMPOUND CELEBRATION At 6 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Music Compound will celebrate its fifth year in the music business with a family event that will include food, dancing, an interactive maze and music. Tickets start at $15. For information, call 379-9100.

MEDIA SPONSOR

349971-1

FEB. 9

YOGA BY THE BAY WITH ERIN From 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Erin Hurter leads a weekly yoga session.

Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. Free. For information, visit FB.com/YogaByTheBayWithErin.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA, FLORIDA LUXURY

BOUTIQUE RESIDENCES WITH ONLY 3 + 4 HOMES PER FLOOR Tucked amongst the most coveted galleries, restaurants, shops, theaters and the marina, The DeMarcay offers a respite from the bustling downtown while remaining the most walkable condominiums in Sarasota.

SALES@THEDEMARCAY.COM

|

941.404.8858

|

SALES CENTER AT 32 S PALM AVE

|

THEDEMARCAY.COM

©2021 Wolf Development Strategies and Wolf Residential. All Rights Reserved. Wolf Residential and Coldwell Banker operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. fully supports the principles of the fair housing act and the equal opportunity act. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer.

For correct representations, make reference to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida Statues, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee 350511-1

PRESENTING SPONSOR

LAURA OSNES CONCERT At 7 p.m. at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail.

Two-time Tony Award nominee soprano Laura Osnes performs at the Asolo Rep’s outdoor stage.

Tickets start at $25. For information, call 361-8388.

STEAK AND BURGER DRIVE-IN EDITION At 6 p.m. virtually, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County’s signature event is moving to a drive-in and online format to announce the 2021 Youth of the Year. Tickets $100. For information, call 366-3911.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

|

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, FEB. 4

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Feb. 4

7:14a 6:14p

Friday, Feb. 5

7:13a

6:15p

7:12a

6:15p

7:12a

6:16p

Don’tHigh: worry, 67 Saturday, Feb. 6 Low: 50 ®your Chance Submit Only SmartStrand can handle the 747 lbs of ice cream a family will eat in a carpet’s lifetime.

Sunday, Feb. 7 of rain: 4% photos at Other carpets use stain protection that has to be reapplied. But only SmartStrand’s stain resistance is built rightMonday, into Feb. 8 YourObserver.

I T ’ S S M A R T S T R A N D.

7:11a

6:17p

Tuesday, Feb. 9

7:11a

6:18p

Wednesday, Feb. 10

7:10a

6:18p

the fibers. So it never wears or washes out. Even after multiple cleanings. Even better, It’s on sale now! com/ To learn more about what makes SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® #1 in customer satisfaction, visit MohawkFlooring.com/SmartStrand.

Weather. All

submissions will be entered for the 202021 Weather and Nature photo contest.

In February 2021, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

FRIDAY, FEB. 5

High: 74 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 8%

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Feb. 19 First

High: 73 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 42%

Feb. 27 Full

March 5 Last

March 13 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, FEB. 7

Richard Wulterkens captured this skyline over Little Sarasota Bay.

11B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Monday, Jan. 25

0

Tuesday, Jan. 26

0

Wednesday, Jan. 27

0

Thursday, Jan. 28

High: 72 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 63%

0.07

Friday, Jan. 29

0

Saturday, Jan. 30

0

Sunday, Jan. 31

0

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021

1.73 in.

2021 0.91 in.

2020 1.50 in.

2020 0.42 in.

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY 349204-1

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SPLIT SCREEN by Zhouqin Burnikel; Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 European bathroom fixture 6 Improvise 11 American $ (Abbr.)

14 Bumpy amphibian 18 Stick that may be forest green 20 1970 hit with the words “you’ve got me on my knees” 21 Luau bowlful 22 Major fashion magazine 23 Film set worker (first 5 letters in this answer + last 2) 25 Reveals 27 Prefix meaning “billion” 28 Black Friday’s mo.

29 Ralph Lauren cologne in a dark bottle (first 3 + last 4) 30 Game show host 33 ”We should do that!”

36 Peony stalk 37 Crystals added to a certain swimming place 39 Singer Gallagher 41 Post-op regimen 45 Dot-___ (online businesses) 46 Metaphorical flop (first 3 + last 1) 51 ___-Locka, Florida 52 Tram load 53 Cosmetics mogul Lauder

54 My Chemical Romance genre 56 Title for Patrick Stewart 57 Sample perfume bottles 60 Neighbor of Earth 62 It becomes another occupation when its first letter is removed 64 Remove from power 65 Stubborn equine 66 Pumpernickel grain 68 Pizza portion 69 Orange juice choice 70 Classified spot (first 3 + last 1) 72 London art museum

40 Cow’s sound 42 Section for a nurse (first 2 + last 4) 43 Per unit 44 Ballet rail 47 Modest 48 Jennifer of “The L Word” 49 Made a selection 50 Neither’s partner 55 Soft shade 58 Sooner State oil city 59 Spain, to the Spanish 61 Gasp, say 63 It can precede “glass” ... or be found near a glass 65 ”Me?!”

66 Trust in 67 Root in some African stews 69 Pennsylvania’s ___ Mountains 70 Stranded driver’s light 71 Foamy pick-me-up 73 Pond flower DOWN 76 Lab vessel 1 Loop in discreetly 78 Watson’s tech company 2 Tax-deferred plan, briefly 79 ”My guess is ...”

3 Three Gorges ___ (hydro80 Senior’s skin mark, power source in China) perhaps 4 Products for dark circles 81 Creepy 5 British conservatives 82 Sports section figures, 6 Bitter beverage informally 7 Repairs, as socks 85 Walk-___ (minor roles) 8 Disinfectant spray maker 9 It’s played after a Dodgers 86 ”21” singer 88 Frozen Four org. home win 92 Bond creator 10 Disallow 11 Hairstyle such as a beehive 93 Quick peek 95 Like some photos 12 Makes dirty 96 Shipped out 13 Fairway chunk 99 Broccoli bit 14 ”I need to know!”

101 Low-pH fluids 15 Gymnast Korbut 102 Discussion group 16 Baldwin of “SNL” 104 Simmons competitor 17 Receptionist’s place 105 Comedian Cheri 19 Pester constantly 107 Sports org. for Inbee Park 24 Discount shoe store 108 Moriarty or Brockovich 26 Super, slangily 109 Be bothered by 29 Sacred hymn 30|Dreamers Point’s theme 110 Game similar to bingo 113 ”In what way?” park 115 Noche’s opposite 31|Mandy of “This Is Us” 32|Doesn’t gain or lose (first 116 Downside 117 ___-out (weak excuse) 2 + last 2) 118 Prefix for “lateral” 34|State, in France 119 Food Network host Allen 35 Mah-jongg draws 38 Heads-up

Bonita” 97 Close tightly 98 Invite trouble 100 Big jump 103 Homemade cleanser 106 Rich deposits 107 Frosted, citrusy dessert (first 2 + last 1) 111 Bumped into 112 ”Ah, makes sense” 114 Immaculate 115 Edited version of a film, and a theme hint 120 Liquors that might be dry 121 Bear’s place 122 Opening lines 123 Little tyke 124 Talk show host Cohen 125 ___-mo 126 ”To repeat ...”

127 Lukewarm wx0

©2021 Universal Uclick

73 Mucho 74 Stretch the truth 75 Tranquil 76 Cheese on a Greek pizza 77 Samoa’s region 79 ___-bitty 80 Mutated genes 83 ”Mazel ___!”

84 Out of the country 87 Polynesian monarchy 89 Drenched 90 A, in Quebec 91 Fixes a damaged friendship (first 4 + last 2) 93 Croft of video games 94 ”Despacito” and “La Isla

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“PVT SADKMEVDS RB XRWT HDBP DPVTA FADFVTPB; RP ETXRCTAB RPB FATERNPRDM IME PVTM ERBIFFTIAB.”

– LRXX CIKSVIM

“Y RDABO BA BFO VAKLV JORM HIS RFOJ Y RLM 12 SOLDM AVN. Y MLYN, ‘RFLB NA Y JOON BA NA BA TO SAI AJO NLS?’”

– NLGYN WIYD

Puzzle Two Clue: K equals C

Sarasota

SAVE ON EVERY SPECIES, COLOR AND STYLE!

Puzzle One Clue W equals K

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

02-04-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Condos/Apts. for Sale

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

CONDO SALE: Beautiful waterview walk to beach.

2BD/2BA has it all! State of the art kitchen. A must see! $415,000. 941-400-4808.

Call to see.

The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Antiques/ Collectibles

LENOX 6 light brass and ceramic chandelier $100.

SINGER 328 portable sewing machine w all accessories $40. call (leave msg), or text: 508-672-1119.

MANNEQUIN HEADS, $1 ea.

Dolls stands, $1 ea.

Picture frames, $1 ea.

Call: 941-925-0385.

PAVERS CONCRETE for walkways, all sizes & shapes .50-.75 up to $1.

(941) 920-2494.

SCHUMACHER BATTERY charger 12amp $40.

Schumacher battery charger 10amp $20. Kitchen counter chairs 4, $15/each.

941-923-3386.

TB BUCS Shirts Thirty for $200.

941-780-9219.

TORO 22" Lawnmower Runs starts easily.

Convertable to Self-Propel $55.

(941) 706-3904.

Busy sales man seeks assistant ASAP.

3BR/3BA SOUTHSIDE Village- Hillview A luxury home located in a renowned community. This home has been meticulously cared for and maintained. The location to schools and amenities is all within walking distance. Large 3 bedroom with multiple closets, large family space, the kitchen and living area are filled with natural light.

Bathrooms and kitchen with modern upgrades. Fabulous energy and flow. Large pool and spa, gated yard, Private setting with lush gardens.

Annual rental required. $5,800.

(941) 928-0079 https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/fl/sarasota/1701hillview-st/pid_37843335/

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE. YourObserver.com/RedPages

Make calls, set appts, typing Unlimited earnings.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

TWO COMMUNITY SALE: Saturday, February 6th., 8a.m.-2p.m.

GLEN OAKS ESTATES (yards) Beneva, just south of 12th Street.

GLEN OAKS RIDGE (carport).

Glen Oaks Dr. E., take Prudence S. from 17th St.

General Merchandise 4 PLOTS together Palms Memorial/mesonic section. All four- $20,000.

941-321-3521.

Jewelry ROLEX- WOMENS Date just 18K/Stainless 26mil circa 1990. $2400. 941-374-6543.

SELL STUFF HERE!

Merchandise Wanted

VINTAGE TECHNICS SB-K40 3-way speakers.

27"Hx14 3/4"x 12 5/8"D. $60. (941) 966-6816.

LOCAL COLLECTOR pays cash for flags, guns, medals, helmets, war souvenirs, military items ours/theirs.

941-323-9417.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

WORK FROM HOME:

Homes for Rent

This week’s Crossword answers

Call Paul:

917-751-6506.

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732 Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

Autos for Sale REDUCED PRICE! MERCEDES BENZ 1999 For Sale- S500 (stretch) M: 136K; Asking: $3,800 OBO. Great Condition.

Sunroof, Heated Electric Seats, Original W/S with sticker, 4Dr, Original MB hood emblem.

Black Car w/ light grey interior.

Located on Lido Key Cell 315.727.4933. Theresa

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

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

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Condos/Apts. for Rent NORTH SIESTA Key Penthouse for Rent: Whispering Sands, 12th floor corner unit 2BD/2BA 55+ community. 270ft of incredible gulf and beach views from your 50ft wrap-around lanai. Private beach included.

2 month minimum, longer term prefered.

Price based on rental term.

Call: 941-373-5432.

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE! CALL 941-955-4888 OSPREY SPACIOUS light and bright 2BD/2BA w/ garage, large screened lanai, step in shower, pool and tennis, in a no smoking building. Requires application. $1675/mo.

Includes cable and water.

941-966-9763.

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

4 BEAUTIFUL dining chairs, cream/light brown color. Brand new/upholstered. $200 for all.

Call for pictures.

941-366-7113.

Autos Service

LAUREL OAK C.C. Openings in F&B, Landscape, & Golf Course Maint.

Competitive wages 941-378-3608. or email: info@laureloak.com

NORTH SIESTA Key Penthouse for Sale: Whispering Sands, 12th floor corner unit 2BD/2BA 55+ community.

270ft of incredible gulf and beach views from your 50ft wrap-around lanai. Private beach included. $1.375 million.

941-373-5432.

peekers’ place

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.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

HUGE NEIGHBORHOOD TRASH TO TREASURE SALE!!!

Turtle Rock Community Sale Something for everyone!

Saturday, Feb. 13th, 8:00a.m-11:30a.m.

Enter Turtle Rock through gates on Central Sarasota Pkwy. or Palmer Ranch Pkwy., between Honore & McIntosh.

NO EARLY ENTRY!

HELP WANTED: Servers and bartenders for Chef Rolf's New Florida Kitchen.

Call: 941-806-6820.

real estate

Items Under $200

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

Help Wanted

auto

stuff

WANTED: ANTIQUE & Vintage Items Paying Cash for Vintage costume jewelry, vintage antique clothing, old postcards, Vintage lighting & general antiques.

(978) 390-8803.

jobs

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.”

Bill Vaughan Puzzle Two Solution: “I wrote to the local news guy when I was 12 years old. I said, ‘What do I need to do to be you one day?’”

– David Muir

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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Homes for Sale

Beach Front Home: 4BED5BATH, 2CARGAR $3,999,000

55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED-3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift. $530,000.

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000 Sarasota: Built in 2010 4BED2.5BATH Lakeview Lanai $335,000 Phillipi Gardens: INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH $209,000 Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677

Adult Care Services

LAKESHORE VILLAGERarely Available Villa!

COMPLETELY RENOVATED top to bottom. This Maintenance Free property has 2 bedrooms PLUS A DEN! The kitchen has expansive Cambria quartz counter tops, SS KitchenAid appliances, custom cabinets w/lots of storage.

Designed tastefully with Quality finishes throughout the home including artful lighting, built-ins, crown molding, on-trend wood-like flooring, two screened in lanais with sliding glass door and incredible lake views. This spacious home includes a two-car garage, has been completely replumbed, widened front walkway, redone lanai areas and SO MUCH more. 55+ Community.

Call to schedule your appointment today!

Asking $369,000.

Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 Susanne Lee 941-400-9068

CALL 941-955-4888 LOCATION LOCATION! 3BD/2BA, Walk to beach.

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Have plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. If interested and you have questions, Call: 660-362-2333.

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

RED PAGES AD RATES

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE!

FOR SALE on Siesta Key! Located in the heart of Siesta Village, close to Siesta Beach; this Grand 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, private pool home could be yours.

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Call: (941) 321-8585

Adult Care Services

13B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

WANTED DOWNTOWN 2/2 Condo 1200+sf Private purchase. Qualified buyer.

Require pool, upscale finishes. $325,000 range.

No realtor fee.

(508) 367-4302.

University Pool/Spa 4BED3BATH $425,000

2.5 Acres: 4BED/3BATH, 3CAR GAR. Luxury kitchen, barn, horses. $645,000

Real Estate Wanted

home services

Homes for Sale

|

Perfect Solutions For Seniors

PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

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*Caregivers/Companions * CNA’s/HHA’s * Assistance with Daily Living

Moving

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Auto Transport

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Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

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Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

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ORGANIZER: Decluttering/Downsizing (858) 603-3330.

Realtors

Painting CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

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Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

ES HANDYMAN & REMODELING. Hardwood flooring, kitchens, painting and electrical.

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716-474-8492.

Aluminum

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

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941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

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Auto Service

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GARAGE SALE CALL 941-955-4888

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RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

351217

WE COME TO YOU

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Handyman

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away

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DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH!

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6968 Beneva Road

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350458

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

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Licensed Lic. #38333 References

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24/7 SERVICE

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Residential Concrete Specialist

Also Laying Stone

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918-8587

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Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

349299

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

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ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad YourObserver.com/RedPages

610.657.6792 Free estimates.

HighTechHomeWatch.com Rita@hightechhomewatch.com

High Tech Home Watch and Concierge Service available Who is checking the house while you are gone?

BONDED/INSURED

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery”

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

WHO’S WATCHING YOUR HOME & BOAT?

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Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

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GRAB BARS

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COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

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INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

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DAYANA

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Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

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PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

Doors

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941-315-2415

Health

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999 334711

Driveways • Sidewalks

SERVICES

Rita Raimer

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

349338

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

“No Job Too Small”

HOME

or services in the Red Pages.

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922-3157

Owner: Gregory Farnack

BUZZ! CREATE Advertise your business

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Computer

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

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Call John 941.377.2940

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350827

|

351073

SARASOTA OBSERVER

349336

14B

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Pet Services

350468

350454

Screening

941-923-8140

Movers

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Power Washing

David McCarthy Moving

Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

...will move anything from a couch to a household

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

Local And Long Distance Movers Residential Moves Commercial Moves Pack, Crate & Wrap

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www.davidmccarthymoving.com

Wizard Moving SRQ

For $95 per hour you get: A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

make your moving day a pleasure.

Ray - 941-313-4538

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Painting

351320

Faulkner’s Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

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See my ratings at:

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS (941) 345-5264

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Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

Licensed & Insured

10 Years Experience

scaperotta@aol.com

941-232-1192 Rescreening & Repairs

Windows

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

“No Job Too Small”

Res./Com.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Insured

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

941-270-1561

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

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Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

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Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

found here.

120

$

Purified water window cleaning available!!

941-228-9850

HEROES

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Roofing

Joe Murray, Owner

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

Call or Email for FREE Information Today!

Doors and more!

BEFORE

AFTER

LEAKY ROOF?

P: 941.900.9398/E: Donald.Hubiak@sci-us.com

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Italian American Owned

Personal Services

Don Hubiak/Certified Pre-Arrangement Advisor.

Pre-Needs Estate Planning/Cremation

941-345-5264

Trees

941-544-1066

349966

349960

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

• Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

RED PAGES

Veteran Owned & Operated • Third Generation Master Plumber All Major Credit Cards Accepted Generalplumbingsarasota.com

350837

724-2945

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs

349326

349306

Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial Serving the area since 1993 No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL!

349964

3687676-01

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

941-704-4278

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Plumbing

Curt’s Lawn Service

• • • •

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

Lawn Care

Lic. & Ins.

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

(941) 966-2960

954-1878

373-9299

Melanie Gates

• Pet Sitting • Dog Walking • Over 24 years experience • Excellent references

GLENN KROECKER

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

by

Roofing

350472

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Pet Care

15B

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

350471

349327

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

|

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

DOING MORE IS OUR DISTINCTION

$

WWW.SCHEMMELGROUP.COM

A R LI N GTO N PA R K 2 5 3 0 PR O S PEC T S T R E E T | $1 , 2 5 9,0 0 0 Great location just minutes from downtown Sarasota.

G O L D EN G AT E P O I N T 1 2 8 G O L D E N G AT E P O I N T # 9 01- #10 01 | $ 3 ,49 5 ,0 0 0 Three-story penthouse in one of the best locations in downtown Sarasota.

$

33

MILLION PENDING IN 2021

S I E S TA K E Y 1 3 5 6 P O I N T C RIS P R OA D | $ 4 , 9 9 8 ,0 0 0 Rarely available front and back water views! Boat dock with lift and private beach.

S I E S TA K E Y 8 2 1 8 S A N D E R L I N G R OA D | $14 ,0 0 0,0 0 0 The ultimate beachfront compound encompassing over 4 acres on Siesta Key.

T H E OA KS 470 E A S T M AC E W E N D RI V E | $1 , 8 70,0 0 0 Near perfect setting in The Oaks.

104

MILLION

CLOSED IN 2020

PR E S TA N C I A 3 9 8 8 LO SI L L I A S D RI V E | $9 49,0 0 0 Amazing golf course views and stunning outdoor space.

PENDING

S I E S TA K E Y 1 3 2 0 P O I N T C RIS P R OA D | $ 3 ,0 9 5 ,0 0 0 Impressive waterfront modern residence on Siesta Key.

Listing inventory is at a historically low level not seen in many years.

As a result of our extensive marketing reach and in-depth understanding of the local market, we can provide you with the best possible experience when selling your home. If you are considering selling, now is the time. Please contact us!

JOEL SCHEMMEL, J.D., REALTOR® 941.587.4894 | JOEL.SCHEMMEL@PREMIERSIR.COM SHARON CHIODI, REALTOR® 941.809.0380 | SHARON.CHIODI@PREMIERSIR.COM SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

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 multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

351108-1

16B

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

599ea

$

(Value $800ea)

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 347161-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 2/28/2021.

Est. 1987

Cosmetics, Implants and Bite Reconstruction Actual Patients

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After

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Our team at World Class Dentistry treats patients with a multitude of concerns which streamlines treatment and maintains quality control. The doctors along with their master dental technicians and on-site laboratory offer complete cosmetic and implant solutions.

We have been serving the Sarasota area since 1987. Call today for a consultation to begin your life-changing transformation.

Jill Morris, DMD • Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide) • Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics • Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction • Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Toxicology • Practicing dentistry for 33 years

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Member of American Dental Association

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Member of Florida Dental Association

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of West Coast Dental Association

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Member of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Stay Connected With Us

(941) 999-3205 | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231