Sarasota Observer 4.21.22

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PAGE 21A

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FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

VOLUME 18, NO. 21

YOUR TOWN

Park update gets a boost County sets aside millions for first phase of 17th Street improvements. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy photo

Asher Weiner makes his matzah in the competition.

Passover Games

Temple Sinai welcomed the start of the Passover celebration with a new event: a lively Olympics competition to teach children about the holiday.

The debut Passover Olympic Games, held at the temple on April 17, featured kids from kindergarten through high school testing their talents in a variety of Passover-related challenges that included singing, dancing, crafting and even designing the tastiest-looking matzah meal. Bethany Leinweber, Temple Sinai’s director of Youth Education, Outreach and Engagement, led the teams by explaining the rules and rewards for the day.

Many of the challenges were based on items that can be found on a Passover Seder plate and ended with kids winning bronze, silver and gold awards.

All ears for Easter Events abound around Sarasota during a weekend of celebrations.

SEE PAGE 1B

Harry Sayer

Ruby Brown and the Easter Bunny hang out at the annual egg hunt on Turtle Beach.

Courtesy photo

Artist Joey Salamon returned to paint the street art.

City, Circle talk about teaming up on statue fix

Repainting Pride

Project Pride SRQ representatives and volunteers this week began applying a new coat of paint to the PrideWalk street art at Five Points.

The street mural, which connects the five-corner intersection of Cocoanut Avenue, North Pineapple Avenue and Second Street, was approved around a year ago on a temporary basis. Project Pride returned to the city and had the artwork approved for a repainting on March 11. The city arts committee has been working with Project Pride.

Detroit mural artist Joey Salomon returned to Sarasota to lead a series of volunteers in painting the street once more.

Project Pride SRQ co-founder Katie McCurry said the street art’s design had not been changed from its original.

Eric Garwood

“Music,” one of seven statues illustrating the seven virtues of Sarasota, was damaged months ago.

Money for repair work on headless landmark isn’t part of Sarasota, St. Armands district budgets.

SEE PAGE 5A

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INSIDE

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2022

Selby Foundation makes staff changes

“It’s a piece of coral that we don’t have on the Gulf Coast.”

The William G. And Marie Selby Foundation has made two staff changes, and a new board member has joined the organization that supports Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties through grants and scholarships.

Kiarra Womack has joined as scholarships and special projects manager, and Molly Smith, the foundation’s scholarships manager since 2018, has moved into the role of grants manager.

Womack joined the Selby Foundation from Sunrise Scholars Foundation of Sarasota, where she served as director of college success.

Swift will be the primary point of contact for foundation grant applicants and recipients.

Joining the Selby Foundation board of directors is Susan Hines, managing principal at Sabal Trust Co. Hines brings experience as a licensed Florida attorney and trust and investment officer.

Commissioner Hagen Brody, Read more on page 7A

BY THE NUMBERS $5.5 MILLION

Funding set aside for first phase of 17th Street Park’s renovation.

PAGE 3A

15

Statues in need of repair in St. Armands Circle.

PAGE 5A

27

Holidays or occasions set aside for special lighting of Ringling Bridge.

Schools survey runs until May 2

PAGE 6A

$1,000

Donation made to Gocio Elementary’s Step Up for College program by Ella Lahners.

Courtesy photo

PAGE 9A

Angelee Gens, left, stands with U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and fellow Sarasota County award winners Shannon Nelson and Eric Lostorto.

CALENDAR

Buchanan honors teachers in 16th District S

n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, School Board Chambers, Landings Administration Building, County Administration Building, 1980 Landings Blvd.

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ix teachers from Manatee and Sarasota counties recently received Congressional Teaching Awards through the office of U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan (RLongboat Key).

A teacher from Hillsborough County rounded out the group of seven honored in the 16th Congressional District.

The Sarasota County teachers: n Eric Lostorto, for his accomplishments as a math teacher at Tuttle Elementary n Angelee Gens, for her accomplishments as a life science

teacher at Brookside Middle School n Shannon Nelson, for her accomplishments as an exceptional-student education teacher at Sarasota High School The Manatee County teachers: n Victoria Adriano, for her accomplishments as a studentsupport specialist at Ballard Elementary School in Bradenton n Erica Bruton, for her accomplishments as a language arts teacher at Lincoln Memorial Middle School in Palmetto n Tammy Harper, for her ac-

complishments as a chemistry teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School in Lakewood Ranch Buchanan established the annual awards in 2014 as a way to recognize teachers who make a difference in the classroom.

A total of 20 teachers who teach and live in Florida’s 16th District were nominated for the award by their principals.

An independent panel of judges from Sarasota, Manatee and Hillsborough counties chose the winners.

The annual parent/guardian survey for Sarasota County Schools is now available on the district’s website and will be active until May 2.

To access the survey, visit SarasotaCountySchools.net/annualsurvey.

Sarasota County Schools distributes surveys annually to collect student, parent/guardian and staff feedback about various operations in the school district.

The purpose of each annual survey is to measure the perceptions, opinions and feelings related to the environment at a specific school, workplace, or department.

Survey areas of focus include curriculum, communication, parent involvement and school safety, among others.

The information gathered helps Sarasota County Schools identify systems and practices that are going well, as well as areas that could benefit from a re-evaluated approach.

All survey responses are anonymous.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

File photos

Phase one of the project will utilize space formerly occupied by a fire station and utilities area. Approval for using the space created more than 15 acres for the park project.

BIG UPDATE ON DECK AT 17TH ST. PARK WHAT COMES NEXT?

The county hopes that phased-in updates will be a hit with sports tournaments.

BLAKE FUSSELL STAFF WRITER

T

he Sarasota County Commission approved $5.5 million toward 17th Street Regional Park improvements last week, which is expected to pay for new athletic facilities in an effort to increase sports tourism.

According to an estimate provided

by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler, phase one of the project is to be completed in 2024.

She said that phase two, which will include additional multipurpose fields and a dog park, would follow soon after.

“I do anticipate that it will be some time before the entire regional park gets built out,” Rissler said. “But our hope is that phase two will not be far after we complete phase one. We’re hoping that we have Surtax IV and private dollars invested into phase two.”

SURTAX MONEY

Voters will decide on a countywide surtax package in November, which includes money for the county, the school district and municipalities derived from an extra percentage point of sales tax.

Rissler estimated that phase one

will require about $30 million, while the entire project will need an estimated $56 million.

The totality of funding is expected to come from impact fees, sale of property at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Tuttle Avenue for an affordable-housing project, the tourist-development tax capital improvement fund and a general obligation bond.

COST QUESTIONED

Although the commission appeared unanimously to like the idea, Commissioner Nancy Detert questioned the cost yet still voted with the other four commissioners after further discussion.

“When you hear a big number like that but divide it by the years it would take, it would be more manageable and in smaller bites,” Detert said. “And we would have new sources of revenue. In fact, a new source of revenue would be largely contributed by tourists.”

Phase one of the project will utilize space formerly occupied by a fire station and utilities area. Approval for using the space created more than 15 acres for the park project.

The Miss Sarasota Softball Complex, along with other existing amenities in the park, will be improved in phase one. Park design will be completed by Kimley-Horn, which will

“There will be economic impact. It will bring a tournament facility, and I bet you there will be a list of tournaments waiting on a list to use this facility.

Those people will need hotels and restaurants, then we get into helping local restaurant owners.

The economic impact will be unbelievable.”

— Commissioner Christian Ziegler

evaluate and identify the best course of action for the additional space.

“Because the footprint has slightly changed, one of the first things we will do is look at our concept plan and additional acreage,” Rissler said.

“We want to make sure that we have the right pieces in the right places, and that will ultimately come back to you (the commission) later this year.”

While phase one will focus on the eastern side of the park, phase two will improve and add amenities to the western side of the park, which will border a nature park built on the site of Bobby Jones Golf Course.

Both pedestrian and vehicular transportation routes will be constructed once the park has been completed. A future link to the Legacy Trail is envisioned as well.

Commissioner Christian Ziegler expressed excitement during the project presentation but also explained how important the park has been to him and his family already. He also said the park has been impactful for generations of Sarasota women.

“I probably spend five of my seven days each week at the park, part of which is because of the dog park and my new puppy,” Ziegler said. “Also the softball fields where I coach my girls. As Commissioner Maio said, you have generations of women who have gone through that program.”

YOUTH SPORTS

Ziegler also said that the approval of the project felt special compared with others the commission has approved. He said that because of the Miss Sarasota softball program, he has seen young women’s lives affected in a positive way, and the park improvements will only enhance the experience.

Softball tournaments and other related activities are expected to make a significant economic impact as well. Tournaments would bring in not only softball players but also parents and tourists who spend on hotels and local businesses.

“There will be economic impact.

It will bring a tournament facility, and I bet you there will be a list of tournaments waiting on a list to use this facility,” Ziegler said. “Those people will need hotels and restaurants, then we get into helping local restaurant owners. The economic impact will be unbelievable.”

According to Rissler’s presentation, a design is expected to be in front of commissioners in September. Phase one construction has also been expected to begin this year.

n Kimley-Horn will create a master plan for phases one and two. n Kimley-Horn will obtain a permit for phase one improvements. n Design will be presented to commissioners in September. n Tandem Construction will provide preconstruction phases. n Permitting and bidding for the project is expected by 2023. n Construction will begin by the end of 2022. n Phase one is expected to be completed by 2024.

MAJOR OVERHAUL

Because of failing infrastructure and a shortage of facilities, the county is planning a major overhaul of four recreational and youth sports parks.

County leaders hope the new project will help fit into a master plan to improve the area’s destination sports complexes, destination playgrounds and sports tourism.

After an analysis by Atkins North America, improvements are planned for four north county parks: Twin Lakes Park on State Road 72, Fruitville Park, Youth Athletic Complex on 17th Street near Ed Smith Stadium and 17th Street Park, just east of Bobby Jones Golf Course.

Costs for the four-park upgrade are estimated at $117 million.

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources was partially responsible for the recent extensions of Legacy Trail. Ziegler joked that if the department’s work on the park is anything like the work toward Legacy Trail, construction and completion could come sooner than expected.

“Literally hundreds of girls every season, from T-ball all the way up, come to this park and have their lives impacted in a positive way,” Ziegler said. “It gives them an outlet to set their goals and accomplish them. For us, you guys do a great job maintaining the fields out there.”

“It’s one thing to look at this on paper and another to see pages of people’s stories of how it’s changed their lives. It will benefit us, our local community and our image as a whole in Sarasota.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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he Sarasota City Commission on Monday approved funding for four more months of Fresh Friday events, which will bring music, food from local vendors and other festivities to downtown monthly through September Fresh Fridays launched in November with monthly installments on the first Friday of each month. The bulk of the funding for the events, roughly $10,000 each, has come from the Downtown Improvement District (DID) board, while the city has provided services for each event to date.

The DID this month OK’d $10,000 monthly for four more months.

“I think seeing people out at the restaurants, out at the bars and spending time in various shops, and I know many of those were not open at some times previously, but I think it served the community well,” Commissioner Kyle Battie said. “It represents what downtown is.”

The city will continue to provide special event permits, recycling and trash bins, traffic barricades and other services for the next four events after the commission’s decision. The city spent a total of $16,696 for services during the six previous events.

Commissioner Hagen Brody said the events are important for the community because they signal a return to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he has appreciated the diversity at past events and is excited to see more diverse crowds.

“What I’ve noticed in the past is the diversity of people who have come to these events,” Brody said.

“It’s not just people who look different from one another, but they’ve attracted people of all ages. We have young people come out to these and a surprisingly large number of seniors, and I think it’s important we keep that going.”

Brody also highlighted the impact

File photo

Fresh Fridays have had on downtown businesses. Each event last year featured local businesses and partners, which is not expected to change.

While all commissioners showed support for continuing the events, several questioned the name and branding of them. Some downtown organizations have called the events Fresh Fridays, while others have referred to them as First Fridays.

“At least for me, I think we should keep it as simple as possible,” Brody said. “For the people who read the first two words of an email and move on, it would be helpful to keep it simple. You can keep the idea of having Fresh Fridays, but with First Fridays, you can see what it is and when it is fairly easy.”

The next event is May 6.

Fresh Fridays have included seasonal themes in the past. Earlier this month, the theme was “Art on the Block,” which included art opportunities for both children and adults, as well as food and music downtown.

“I think my favorite one was very simple,” Brody said. “It was the one where we had a good band, people were able to walk around, eat, drink and dance on the street. These events have involved a lot of work and effort, and it really shows.”

Battie said he believes Fresh Fridays could also contribute to tourism from other cities in the region.

He also said the events help identify downtown Sarasota and cement its impact on the entire county.

Mayor Erik Arroyo presided over the vow renewal of Carol and Peter Ferranti at the February Fresh Friday event.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

Need for statue repairs in St. Armands comes to a head ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

S

Eric Garwood

“Music,” one of seven statues illustrating the seven virtues of Sarasota, was damaged months ago. It stands alongside Flora on the eastern side of St. Armands Circle.

adding that the statue was found on the ground and was reset to prevent further damage. “Public Works looked at it as it’s within our right of way, but it’s not green and growing like in Parks and Recreation, so we took it on as the potential to see what we could do. Public Works did not fund or have any funds available for the repair work.”

Wallace said five years of money for upkeep of the 2008 donations was set aside but not renewed. And although the artwork is for all to see, it doesn’t fall under the purview of the Office of Public Art, which is funded through a fee paid by developers when they apply for a city building permit valued at $1 million or more.

She said “Music” and statues like

it are “very close to people’s hearts” but are made of lower-quality pressed marble dust, not a traditional original sculpture.

Wallace, who is coordinating an overarching public art master plan for the city, said that it ultimately might be a good idea to create a segment of the proposal to deal with “cultural amenities” that sit outside the boundaries of traditional art but still need funding for upkeep and repairs. While that plan will likely be delivered to city leaders in early 2023, Wallace suggested BID and the city work together on devising a plan for St. Armands statue upkeep and repair until then.

“Cultural amenities to me are beloved items that aren’t necessarily original art but that the commu-

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nity really feels special about them,” she said.

Gavin Meshad, chair of the BID, said a renewed vision for the Circle should include the statues but that residents and shop owners should have a say in how they are displayed and kept up.

Meshad suggests hearing from the residents and others about what they want to see happen.

“If the residents and the merchant say, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the history of the Circle. We love them. This is such a great gift to the Circle,’ we could find a place in the redesign of the Circle,” he said.

Among the ideas: raising the statues higher to keep damaging hands off or using landscaping to prevent close access.

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Funding for such work isn’t part of the Sarasota Public Works Department’s budget.

even virtues.

Six heads.

One confounding set of circumstances for members of the St. Armands Business Improvement District and Sarasota city leaders over “Music,” one of a collection of statues arrayed near a crosswalk at the eastern approach to the shopping district, and her statuary siblings.

It’s been months since damage was done to “Music,” which stands near an informational sign explaining the “Allegory of Sarasota” through seven qualities of life: water, music, flora, sculpture, learning, medicine and bounty.

In addition to her noggin, fingers are missing from her left hand, as are her right forearm, the majority of a stringed musical instrument and the hand that once held it.

“The Seven Virtues” was dedicated in 2008, joining some new works and some donated by John and Mable Ringling throughout the Circle and St Armands Key, totaling 33.

Mary Davis Wallace, a senior planner with the city and leader of the Office of Public Art, and Todd Kucharski, general manager of the city’s Public Works Department, spoke recently to the BID’s board of directors to gain insight into how to proceed not only with repair to “Music” but also on a broader view of all of the Circle’s works.

“They are beloved,” Wallace said.

Kucharski said the city has received a bid of about $12,000 to clean and repair 15 statues in need of attention, including “Music,” but no money exists in the city Public Works Department budget for such work.

“This type of vandalism that occurred is substantial,” he said,

|

Members of the St. Armands Business Improvement District will likely begin working toward another 10-year renewal this summer, perhaps after the hiring of an operations manager who would work with both the organization and the Downtown Improvement District.

Mike Connolly, Sarasota’s deputy city attorney, presented to the BID last week the steps required.

The 10-year term expires Sept. 30, 2023, and it’s been extended twice previously.

Connolly told the BID board of directors that the 125-day process begins when a petition signed by 20% of the district’s property owners is submitted to the Sarasota City Commission seeking the renewal. It ends with certified results being presented to the commission.

Within 45 days after the petition is filed, the city clerk/ auditor must certify the petition and compile a list of all property owners and addresses for delivery of mailed ballots.

To approve renewal, owners of a majority of the district’s assessed property value must vote yes.

Connolly told the board members that a failed vote can be repeated and that there are mechanisms to allow new property owners to take part in the election.

“My only caution to you is once you start the process, make sure you’re ready to go because it’s a 125-day process from the date you go to the City Commission,” Connolly said.

Should the election fail and the organization sunsets, all property belonging to the BID would revert to city control.

“If you think of old statuary, sometimes heads are missing, arms are missing, so at least as far as I’mseeing, there is no further damage being done,” Kucharski said.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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THROUGH MAY 28, 2022

The Florida Department of Transportation initially rejected, then approved, Pride Month colors last summer.

Sarasota alights on holiday bridge plan Commissioners settle on a lineup for Ringling Bridge displays.

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The lighting system on the Ringling Bridge will get a workout in the next year after a decision this week by city commissioners to mark additional special occasions with the span’s flexible lighting system.

Monday’s decision to choose specific holidays and other occasions matched with specific color schemes dates back to June 2021, when the Florida Department of Transportation initially rejected, then approved, the city’s request for rainbow-colored lights to honor Gay Pride month.

Following the pushback from the city’s LGBTQ community, the FDOT relented and allowed the lights and prompted deeper discussions at the city level on what other holidays and occasions should be honored with the bridge’s LED system.

City Manager Marlon Brown said seven days would be the maximum display time, even if the period being honored was longer than a week.

At least three commissioners chose a total of 22 events in an informal poll, and on Monday added Animal Abuse Awareness Day, Valentine’s Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Cancer Awareness Day and Hannukah.

Kwanzaa was added to FDOT’s Holidays category, which also includes Christmas from Dec. 25-31.

FINANCING

The bridge will be illuminated in white for that period.

“One thing, I would rather see Christmas red and green, in my opinion, rather than white,” Commissioner Hagen Brody said.

Hannukah was added as a standalone lighting period in the beginning of December.

“We have a number of pillars and columns on the bridge, and there is a scheme that would illuminate a pillar for each night,” Brody said, adding that there was initially some confusion about whether such a thing was possible, but he said FDOT had cleared that up. “They reassured us it was no issue whatsoever; we have that in writing.”

The final list of times to be honored: New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 17), Presidents Day (Feb. 17), Child Abuse Awareness Month (April 1), Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1), Memorial Day (May 30), Independence Day (July 4), Equality Day (Aug. 26) , Labor Day (Sept.

5), Women’s History Month (March 1), St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the first day of spring (March 21), Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 1), Victim’s Rights Week (April 24-30), Support our Troops Month (May 1), Diversity Day (May 21), Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Oct. 21), Pride Month (June 1), Juneteenth (June 19), Animal Abuse Awareness Day (April 1), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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Commission sends art choice back to the drawing board By a 5-0 vote, leaders reject coral representation for Fruitville circle.

Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Public art should be representative of the community that supports it, and a giant piece of coral is not. That was the message the Sarasota City Commission sent to the city’s Public Art Committee during its Monday meeting when it unanimously rejected the PAC’s recommendation of “Dwell” for installation in the roundabout at Tamiami Trail and Fruitville Road.

In a departure from the committee’s usual selection of three finalists for consideration, PAC Chair Wendy Lerner presented “Dwell,” a sculpture in the shape of coral by Sujin Lim, as the committee’s one choice.

Included in the commissioners’ packet, though, were images of the other two finalists: “Whorligig,” a stainless-steel representation of three orchids by Mark Aeling of St. Petersburg, and “Open Gate,” a blue stylized archway made of architectural glass over a steel structure by Shan Shan Sheng of San Francisco.

While the PAC favored “Dwell,” Commissioner Hagen Brody led the opposition to the sculpture in part because it was not representative of Sarasota, pointing out that there are no coral reefs anywhere nearby.

“It’s a piece of coral that we don’t have on the Gulf Coast,” Brody said.

“One of my concerns about our public art — and please take this back to your board — is it in my opinion should bear some relation to our community. If you’re doing natural pieces of art like this natural specimen, they should have some relation to our region or our community.”

Brody further pointed out that none of the public art installed in Sarasota pays homage to the city’s circus history. He suggested to Mary Davis Wallace, the city’s senior planner and leader of the Office of Public Art, that an emphasis on that history should be included in the underdevelopment public art master plan.

But for now, it should also be considered in the city’s public art program.

Public art is not paid for by the city’s taxpayers but instead financed by a fund that includes fees paid by developers of construction projects of $1 million or more, plus donations.

The PAC issues requests for quotes for public art projects, vets submissions and ultimately recommends options to commissioners, who have the final say in the matter.

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“I was hoping in this different RFQ process that we would bring a single selection to you, a single recommendation,” Wallace said. “That way, the efficacy of the Public Art Committee is preserved.”

Having been made aware that consideration of all three submissions in the packet were at the discretion of the city commission, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch said her preference was for “Open Gate.”

“It’s an open gate to the world of Sarasota, its natural beauty and treasured wildlife, and an open gate to love and respect our growing community, our environment and our nation,” she said. “It was those sorts of sentiments that spoke to me.”

Prior to requesting a motion on the matter, Mayor Erik Arroyo said, “I liked ‘Whorligig,’ and I liked ‘Open Gate.’”

With the public art master plan still a year away, city commissioners retasked Wallace, Lerner and the PAC to be sure the master plan considers local relevance.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

The rumble over Rumble In the scheme of things, the money was a pittance.

But the squalls that blew brought to the fore free speech hypocrisy and the flaws of ‘incentives.’

MATT WALSH

A

h, Rumble. … the irony, the hypocrisy and the lessons in that little saga. (Yes, little compared with other, more-pressing issues.) The whole thing illustrates just how upside down so many people and public policies have become.

Surely, you are aware of the squalls that have swirled the past seven months around Longboat Key, the Sarasota County Commission, the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County and Rumble.

They started blowing when Ontario, Canada-based Rumble, a fast-growing video platform competitor to YouTube, agreed in early October to lease for its U.S. headquarters the waterfront office building at 444 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, next to Dry Dock Restaurant. The big plan was/is to bring 165 tech jobs to the Key, paying an average wage of $102,000 a year.

Wow. That would be a big tech win for Sarasota County and the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County: bagging an elephant in the hunt for big-game corporate relocations.

But in the process, as most of these relocating corporate elephants do, Rumble’s owners applied for the county’s “incentive grants”: $825,000 of county tax dollars to be given to Rumble in increments over nine years in exchange for hiring the 165 employees.

We’ll address the folly of these incentive grants, but first let’s focus on the irony and hypocrisy that erupted after the public learned that Rumble was the company on the verge of signing a contract with Sarasota County for that $825,000 “rebate,” as some commissioners called it.

The free speech irony and hypocrisy

Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski, whose family owns property in Venice, founded Rumble in 2013. It became a fast-rising media company the past two years after Google’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter began censoring conservatives.

That put a target on the company right from the start.

You can bet that when word surfaced that the Sarasota County Commission was about to sign a contract with a video platform favored by conservatives, it triggered a call to action among liberal activists (see photo above).

You also can imagine that many of those who had no idea what Rumble was went online and clicked on the Rumble entry on Wikipedia. The reference section containes two dozen entries with headlines from mainstream and liberal media describing Rumble as the rapidly favored alternative search engine for conservatives.

More clicking and you would read that its CEO has stated: “Rumble is designed to be … immune to cancel culture. We are a movement that does not stifle, censor or punish creativity and believe everyone benefits from access to a neutral network with diverse ideas and opinions. We are on a mission to restore the internet to its roots by making it free and open once again.”

For many of us, that would be welcome relief from the censoring

by Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

(Side note: Rumble is not totally open to anything anyone wanting to publish or post. See some of Rumble’s terms and conditions, right.)

But as we all know now, it wasn’t just that Rumble is popular with conservatives that brought out the protests and petitions. In early March, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that Rumble, on the verge of being awarded $825,000 in taxpayer grants, still gave its users access to content from RT.com, the Russian government-owned TV network, while other major tech platforms had restricted access.

(BTW: You can still get RT.com content on Google.)

That did it. Out they came, the protesters. Five to six people stood on the swale many afternoons at 444 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the Rumble headquarters address, castigating Rumble, waving Ukrainian flags and signs urging Rumble to get the heck out of Longboat Key. More than 560 people signed a petition demanding the county nix the incentive contract with Rumble because of access to RT.com.

The activists didn’t stop there.

They grew nasty, accusing in letters and emails Gecko Hospitality and its owners — owners of the building Rumble is leasing — of having Ukrainian “blood on your hands” and “profiting from Putin.”

They demanded on social media that Gecko restaurants be boycotted and that Gecko break its lease with Rumble.

Nevermind, of course, that Gecko and Rumble negotiated the lease back in early October, well before Russia invaded. Back then, when Gecko’s owners did their due diligence on Rumble, they thought having a new technology company paying Rumble’s wages would be a boost to Sarasota County and a catalyst for more technology jobs — a big net plus for the region.

Now the irony and hypocrisy: Start with the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble … .”

While all those protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights, as they are entitled to do, apparently it did not register with them that they campaigned that Rumble be denied the incentive funds for which it is legally qualified and for Rumble to leave Longboat Key because they disagree with how Rumble is exercising its First Amendment rights.

It’s OK for them to say what they want, but it’s not OK for Rumble to publish what it wants.

Remember this? … When the Vietnam War protesters burned the American flag, many Americans gasped, cringed and shuddered with anger. But we all knew those protesters had the right to do it.

Or flip the situation: Imagine Rumble calling for a stop to the protesters’ right to protest. Oh, the rage that would follow.

Yes, Americans are passionately sympathetic to Ukrainians and hold hostile hate toward the Russian government. But if Rumble wants to give its users access to Russian government propaganda, it has a right to do so.

No one is obligated to consume it.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Blake Fussell, BFussell@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Courtesy image

Anti-free speech? This was posted on the website of the Sarasota County Democratic Party.

All of us can choose not to tune in and ignore it.

Likewise, however, there might be some who want access to RT.com, who out of curiosity want to see how the Russian propaganda machine works. And they will do it knowing what they are reading. You know this saying, too: Stay close to your friends, closer to your enemies.

In the end, the protests over Rumble can remind us that the one value, the one right that makes the United States better than anywhere else is the First Amendment. Free speech is part of our American DNA. Indeed, there was a time, you might recall, when we all believed: “I may not like what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

The errant culture of business handouts

In the end, the Sarasota County commissioners made the right decision to eliminate the county’s job incentive grants altogether.

How they got there wasn’t perfect and, in an ideal world, would have been much better. But neither was the commission’s path to its decision outrageous, as has been portrayed.

To a great extent, the commissioners found themselves sucked into the nation’s longstanding culture of states and local communities handing out corporate subsidies in the name of economic development.

For more than three decades, the accepted practice around the United States has been for local and state governments to offer a multitude of taxpayer subsidies to attract existing businesses to move to their communities. The justifications primarily have been: n The economic return on investment to a community or state supposedly would far exceed the value of the subsidy in terms of new jobs and economic multipliers that follow. n Everyone does it, so the argument has always been: “We must be competitive.”

Neither holds sway.

To the first: Why should the government use taxpayer dollars to pick business winners and losers? It shouldn’t.

RUMBLE’S COMMENT RESTRICTIONS Here are some of Rumble’s terms and conditions: n Rumble reserves the right to monitor messages on Comments and the Forum and to remove messages which Rumble in its sole discretion determines to be undesirable, inciting violence, harmful, offensive or otherwise in violation of these Terms of Use. n You may not post or transmit any message which is libelous, defamatory or which discloses private or personal matters concerning any person or entity.

You may not post or transmit any message, file, image or program which is indecent, obscene or pornographic. n You may not post or transmit any message which is abusive,

“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.”

inciting violence, harassing, harmful, hateful, anti-semitic, racist or threatening. n You may not use the Forum to conduct or solicit the performance of any illegal activity or other activity which infringes the rights of others. n You also agree that you will not harvest or collect information about users of the Forum or use such information for the purpose of transmitting or facilitating transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic e-mail or communications. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you further agree that you will not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from a child 18 years old or younger.

In the late 1990s, Sarasota County awarded subsidies to a national accounting firm that opened an office employing hundreds of people. The owner of a small accounting firm told us then that he objected because 1) he had never received a dime from Sarasota County, and 2) the subsidies gave the national firm an unfair advantage. They made it more difficult for his firm to compete and hire workers.

When Alabama offered $300 million in taxpayer subsidies in the early 1990s to Mercedes-Benz to build a car plant in Tuscaloosa, the late Nobel economist Milton Friedman objected on two counts: “Ask the widow on a fixed income in Mobile, Ala., how she feels about taking her money and giving it to one of the most profitable car companies in the world.” What’s more, he said, the government’s taking of that $300 million from taxpayers arrogantly presupposes that existing Alabamans would not generate as much income as Mercedes. Let the market decide.

To the second — “We must be competitive” — research repeatedly has shown that companies already have made the decision to move to a new location even before applying for a subsidy. Rumble already had signed a five-year office lease before securing the county’s incentive grant.

To their credit, county commissioners recognized it was time to end the county’s corporate subsidies. Commissioner Christian Ziegler was the only commissioner who rightly said government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The other commissioners sided with ending the grants because economic circumstances have changed.

The grants program dated back to the Great Recession, when Sarasota County’s economy was gasping for any type of boost. But now, as Commissioner Nancy Detert noted: “Our new problem is not that we have high unemployment … Our new problem is too many people want to come here, and how do we handle the tidal wave of people and businesses?”

The answer is not using taxpayers’ money to subsidize businesses. The answer is to create and maintain the framework that makes Sarasota County attractive to businesses: the quality-of-life attributes of low taxes, low regulations, low crime, good schools and well-maintained environment.

In the scheme of economic development subsidies, the $825,000 that Rumble sought was a pittance.

Three weeks ago, the CEO of Intel Corp. asked Congress to provide $52 billion in subsidies to his industry.

But both CEOs and companies are wrong. Just as governments should not subsidize businesses, businesses should not seek taxpayer subsidies.

That’s the lesson in this little saga. None of this controversy would have occurred, or will ever occur again, if governments at all levels decline, to begin with, to hand out other people’s money to private enterprises and CEOs quit asking for handouts as well.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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PET PICS Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

Harry Sayer

2 Steps Further Founder Cathleen Studdiford, Gocio Elementary School Principal Steven Royce, Ella Lahners and Kelley Bakan

Gocio Elementary students get early boost for college Sarasota 18-year-old Ella Lahners donated $1,000 to the program that helps students save.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

With the help of the Step 2 Furthers nonprofit, Gocio Elementary School has helped its students save for the future with its Step Up for College program, raising $250 a year per child through online schoolwork.

The money is provided by nonprofit founders Cathleen and John Studdiford, who started the program with their children, Mairead, Maeve and Owen.

Sometimes, though, they get some help. Businesswoman Ella Lahners donated $1,000 to the school’s program on April 18, presenting a check to Principal Steven Royce at the school.

The Step Up for College program tests children on math and English and rewards them with up to $50 a month — capped at $250 a year — deposited into a personalized savings account for doing extra work in

the iReady online learning program.

Around 250 students are involved with the program.

“The vision for the project came down to, ‘How do we create resources so kids can access college?’” Royce said. “It’s showing them that college is a reality for everyone. Sometimes having resources is that boundary.”

“They can enroll in second grade and it goes up to fifth grade, so by the time they leave fifth grade they can have $1,000 towards college,” said data facilitator Kelley Bakan.

Lahners, who is friends with Studdiford’s daughter Maeve at The Outof-Door Academy, became involved with the program after hearing about the impact it had at Gocio.

She’s had a good amount of success selling jewelry she creates online in the past year and a half. Her jewelry specializes in summer designs.

“Most of the jewelry (is made) with string, needles and a lot of patience,” Lahners said. “The necklaces are made with wire, and that takes more time.”

She’s made around $10,000 in sales so far, and said she planned to donate 10% to the program.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Giving Challenge harkens back to pre-pandemic landscape The Community Foundation is using pop-up events to pack more muscle on its marquee fundraiser.

HEIDI KURPIELA CONTRIBUTOR

How to donate: Go to GivingPartnerChallenge.org from noon April 26 to noon April 27.

2012: $2.4 million 2018: $11.7 million 2020: $19.1 million 107: Nonprofits participating in 2012 700+: Nonprofits participating in 2022

Although the donations happen online, back this year are face-toface pop-up events, designed to stir interest among people who aren’t already on the email lists at area nonprofits. Twelve pop-up stations from Charlotte County to Manatee County will be hosting events to engage with the community, build awareness for their organizations and raise additional funds.

These events range from trying out water sports equipment at Nathan Benderson Park to watching professional domino artists work their craft in a pop up hosted by WSLR. “These organizations are creating an experience and making it fun and encourage people to participate,” Kirby said.

Another aspect of this year’s challenge is the collaborations between nonprofits. One such collaboration is between the Sarasota Youth Opera and the Child Protection Center. The two are partnering to host a Brown Bag Lunch & Learn at the Sarasota Opera House to kickoff the Giving Challenge. At the event, they will be sharing information about the opera’s programs for youth, in addition to highlighting the work the Child Protection Center does to help with the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse.

“The arts are what make Sarasota special,” says Stephen Baker, direc-

File photos

Above: Amy Caron, a staff member with Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, loads a van with food to deliver.

Left: All Faiths Food Bank volunteers deliver Thanksgiving food to cars.

The food bank was the top fundraiser in the 2020 Giving Challenge.

tor of marketing at Sarasota Opera.

“There were more immediate needs that needed to be met because of the pandemic, and those needs were more acute. At the same time, there’s still a real need for arts funding,

which is one of the reasons why we found it important to partner with the Child Protection Center.”

While organizations big and small participate in the challenge, for some nonprofits, like Beyond the

Spectrum, a nonprofit education and therapy center for children with special needs, the Giving Challenge is the biggest fundraiser of the year.

Lora Carpenter, executive director of Beyond the Spectrum, said 100% of the proceeds from the Giving Challenge go back to the nonprofit’s students to provide therapies.

“Any size donation that comes through allows us to provide more therapies,” Carpenter said. “We can have more sessions or longer sessions and ensure the children are getting the best quality they deserve.

It helps us operate from year to year on a small budget.”

Besides providing in-house therapy at Beyond the Spectrum, funds from this year’s Giving Challenge will help the nonprofit build two playgrounds.

Lisa Burns, Miller and Angela Massaro-Fain, president of Sisterhood for Good, said the Giving Challenge gives them an opportunity to spread awareness about their nonprofits.

Sisterhood for Good, a nonprofit that provides grants each year to other nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee counties, depends on member dues and donations to support its grants program. The more people know about the organization, the more the nonprofit is able to receive donations to assist the community.

In June, Sisterhood for Good plans to give away $75,000 in grants to local nonprofits, compared with $44,000 last year.

Massaro-Fain said she would love to be able to give out $100,000 next year with the help of funds raised in the Giving Challenge.

“Sisterhood for Good is an allvolunteer organization,” MassaroFain said. “We have no salaries. We basically have no overhead. Every year when we raise money, 100% of what we raise goes back to the community.”

East County Observer reporter Liz Ramos contributed to this report.

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he Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge is back, and with a renewed sense of purpose after operating for two years in crisis mode during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like a lot of local institutions, the foundation faced a bevy of hurdles during the height of the pandemic.

Two years ago, the organization had to scrap any of its face-to-face popup events leading up to its 2020 Giving Challenge. Fortunately the event — a 24-hour appeal for donations during which more than 700 charities across four counties flood their donor bases with pleas for money — was a decade ahead of its time, having been structured primarily as an online-only fundraiser.

“We’ve been virtual from the start,” says Mischa Kirby, the foundation’s vice president of strategy and communications. “So it was never any question that the challenge would go on.”

The 2020 Giving Challenge marked a time of unprecedented need in the community, and donors responded with a record-breaking $19.1 million in donations, which bested 2018’s record of $11.7 million. Since it began in 2012, the challenge has raised more than $59 million for local nonprofits from Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Charlotte counties.

This year, the biannual challenge hopes to beat that mark again. From noon April 26 to noon April 27, nonprofits will be raising money and have the ability to have donations between $25 and $100 matched by the Patterson Foundation.

THE GIVING CHALLENGE

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County expert answers a battery of EV questions Charging facts, how electric vehicles fit into Sarasota County residents’ lifestyles were among topics covered at presentation.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

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bout 20 car enthusiasts gathered in Longboat Key Town Hall the other day to talk about, well, cars.

An Audi owner was there.

So was a gentleman who just bought a Ford Mustang.

Several fans of Elon Musk’s sporty creations. Even a boat.

Many of the rest of the folks gathered in the space normally reserved for town commissioners or municipal advisory boards also owned something cool, but everyone on hand was there to learn.

Yet there was no chatter about handling, horsepower or how many speeding tickets drivers had chalked up.

There was, however, plenty of discussion about kilowatt hours, amps, and charging times.

Sara Kane, Sarasota County’s sustainability program supervisor, was in town with her presentation, “Electric Avenue: Supporting Electric Vehicles in Sarasota County.”

Here are some answers to some questions that were raised: Are all EVs the same?

No. Aside from electric scooters and bikes, which are technically EVs, Kane said there are really three types: Gas-electric hybrids that supplement internal combustion with electric power; plug-in hybrids, which supplement electric power with internal combustion when needed and pure electrics, which rely 100% on electricity.

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On April 23, Earth Day, an event sponsored by DriveElectric, will bring together electric vehicles and their owners for a showcase of technology.

About 25 vehicles, including an electric motorcycle, will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Florida House, 4454 Beneva Road in Sarasota. The event is open to the public.

Does the county practice what it preaches?

In a word, yes.

In addition to the county’s 18 free-to-use charging stations with 30 access points, Sarasota County also operates a 2019 Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle. Kane said she wanted to bring it with her on her visit to Longboat Key, but it’s a popular ride in the county’s motor pool and already checked out by another user.

The sedan offers about 230 miles of range and is used by a range of county employees for day-to-day chores.

Where did those stations come from?

The first nine were installed through a 2011 grant from the county’s Pollution Recovery Trust Fund.

What are some concerns with electric cars?

Some condominium communities are heading in toward adding charging stations, but technical details and costs are often impediments.

State law provides a condo association cannot prohibit an owner from installing a charging station within the boundaries of the owner’s limited common element parking area.

But some condos do not consider parking spaces as common elements.

Plus, the condo owner has to pay for installation, operation, maintenance, repair and insurance of the

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What are the types of chargers Level 1 are the lowest price and require a standard 120 volt power outlet. They charge typically at about 3-5 miles gained in range per hour.

Level 2 chargers require a 240 volt outlet, similar to that of an electric clothes dryer. They can add 10-60 miles of range per hour of charging.

A fast charge system can require up to 600 volts and add up to 80 miles of range in 30 minutes. They aren’t typical for home use.

Can businesses install charging stations? Are there deals to be had?

Yes. Sarasota County offers a program called ChargeUp! Sarasota in which rebates are offered for businesses and nonprofits, based on fund availability. Businesses can receive 25% of station costs up to a $2,000; and nonprofits or government agencies can get up to half the cost refunded, up to $4,000, but the stations have to be open to the public. Among those eligible are tourism attractions, hotels, retail hubs, com-

munity centers, high-traffic government offices and employers with 150 full-time equivalent positions.

What about electric buses?

Sarasota County Schools is planning to take delivery of its first three of 12 electric school buses, as part of a Department of Environmental Protection grant. Kane said beyond the obvious operation of the buses, the vehicles could one day be called into emergency duty to help run storm shelters in the event of a power failure during a hurricane. Some manufacturers of consumer electric vehicles already promote such a capability for home use.

About 20 people attended the electric vehicle workshop presented

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By 2030, at the current rate, 2.2 million electric vehicles will be on the road and 12% of new vehicle sales will be electric. Florida is No. 2 behind California in electric vehicle registrations.

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Photos by Eric Garwood

Above: Club President Scott Gray and Jack Brill, acting chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County Right: Richard and Sunny McGrath join former club President Joe McElmeel alongside Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman and Teri Hoffman.

Longboat Republicans hear from school board candidates

M State Rep. Tommy Gregory meets Sarasota School Board candidate Tim Enos.

embers of the Republican Club of Longboat Key heard from candidates for Sarasota County School Board and a candidate for Manatee County Commission on Tuesday during their final gathering of the season.

The group will meet again in September, President Scott Gray said, urging members to learn about the process for absentee balloting in case they are headed

out of the area for the summer.

School board incumbent Bridget Ziegler joined hopefuls Robyn Marinelli and Tim Enos in delivering addresses that focused on parental rights in school and other issues while reminding those in attendance that the races will be decided not in November but during the first round of elections in August.

Jason Bearden, a candidate for Manatee County Commission, told

guests about his military career and the need to stay ahead of infrastructure needs in the county.

Failing to do so, he said, would end up costing taxpayers more in the long run.

Among the dignitaries at the event, held at the Harbourside Ballroom of the Longboat Key Club, were Sarasota County Sherif Kurt Hoffman and State Rep. Tommy Gregory.

—ERIC GARWOOD

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

$351M hospice aims to use size increase access points A slew of challenges lies at the foot of the hospice industry. One bold organization attacks the obstacles with a mindset of bigger is better.

MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVER

J

onathan Fleece, a prominent health care lawyer, speaker, author and most recently, hospice executive, didn’t expect to get emotional on a tour of a durable medical equipment warehouse.

But sometime last year, while standing in such a building in Clearwater, Fleece, president of hospice organization Empath Health, broke down a bit – not just at the sight of hospital beds and other gear, but at the notes some youth volunteers had written about the equipment. The letters were passages of appreciation for the people who would soon be getting the beds: patients at some level of end-of-life care. “This is hard for people, but that’s the direct kind of care we provide,” he says. “It hit me emotionally to be there.”

The emotional side of hospice care, what Fleece witnessed, is also the public-facing side, as families

HOSPICE ACTIVITY

There were at least 23 hospicerelated private equity acquisitions in the third quarter last year, up from 17 transactions in the second quarter, according to a report from Mertz Taggart, an M&A advisory firm. The 23 deals were the second-most hospice M&A activity in a quarter since 2018, topped only by 29 hospice-related transactions in the fourth quarter of 2020, the firm found.

Photo courtesy of Mark Wemple

say goodbye to loved ones, many times in heart-wrenching situations.

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, the hospice industry is a big business.

It’s filled with a host of challenges and obstacles, including government regulations, declining reimbursement rates, increased competition and consolidation trends, hiring and staffing needs, and, of course, in the past two years, COVID-19. Multiple hospices, both for-profit and nonprofit, have merged or sold to private equity firms in recent years, while others sought to expand services and find new revenue streams.

Empath Health, parent of Suncoast Hospice, took the merger route in joining with Fleece’s former organization, Stratum Health System, the parent entity of Sarasota-based Tidewell Hospice. The merger, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in March, was a seismic move in the hospice world. Under the Empath

Health brand, it created a nonprofit hospice giant, with 2,500 employees who see and treat some 14,000 people a day. The combined organization has annual revenue of $351 million.

The timing could be spot-on for Empath to take a bigger-is-better strategy. Florida, with its fast-growing but also aging population, has a big need for hospice care.

Florida, according to the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization, had a hospice utilization rate of 57.9% of Medicare clients in 2018.

That’s the fourth-highest rate in the country, slightly behind Utah, Delaware and Arizona.

On a national scale, the U.S. hospice market was valued at $32.1 billion in 2021, according to a new report from Grand View Research.

The research firm projects the industry will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.20% through 2030.

“The rising geriatric population cou-

pled with the increasing prevalence of chronic as well as age-associated diseases is anticipated to boost the market growth,” the report states.

Empath executives see the same trend lines, both in seeing more people and in providing more services for the people and families the organization sees. “The purpose of Empath is to be a full-life care provider,” says Empath CEO Rafael Sciullo, 69.

“We are in a unique position,” adds Fleece, 54, pointing to Empath’s size.

“There are a lot of organizations that can’t provide all the services we can.”

Jonathan Fleece and Rafael Sciullo started thinking about a merger between Clearwater-based Empath with Sarasota-based Tidewell Hospice in 2016.

MULTITUDE OF ISSUES

One of the closest organizations in size and geography to Empath Health is Hope Hospice in Fort Myers. Over 30 years, Hope CEO Samira Beckwith has helped grow the organizaSEE HOSPICE, PAGE 18A

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Hospice FROM PAGE 16A

tion from seeing 100 patients a day to a census of some 4,000 people a day. Hope offers hospice, palliative and pediatric care, in addition to a Parkinson’s disease program Beckwith says is pioneering in the industry. Like Empath and Tidewell, Hope Hospice, says Beckwith, follows the need. “We might’ve stayed as a hospice,” she says, “but we came to understand the community had a lot of gaps in services.”

In addition to being a prominent advocate for hospice care in Southwest Florida, Beckwith is also a national voice for the industry.

She’s served on and chaired numerous boards, including recently being named chairwoman of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. She’s also spoken before both chambers of the U.S. Congress on hospice rules, regulations and payment structures, among other issues.

The biggest challenge in hospice care, Beckwith says, has historically been “where we fit in the continuum of care” among the entire health care landscape. That lack of clarity, she says, has led the public to sometimes, if not often, misunderstand a hospice’s mission, thinking that it’s just for the last week or 10 days of someone’s life. “I don’t even consider hospice end-of-life care,” she says.

“It’s more like last-year-of-life care.”

That ambiguity stretches, notably, to government regulations, both in Florida and nationally, says Beckwith. In general, Beckwith says the federal government tends to overreach in regard to health care, and hospices are both “over-regulated and inappropriately regulated.”

She specifically cites the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,

Courtesy photo

Hope Hospice CEO Samira Beckwith has helped grow the organization from seeing 100 to approximately 4,000 patients a day.

the federal agency that sets reimbursement rates hospices get for providing hospice care. While the federal agency recently proposed a 2.7% pay increase in the rate for fiscal 2023, that comes after several years of slashing payments. In addition, Beckwith says the agency’s new move to go toward what it calls value-based care could not only keep rates low, but also continue a misunderstanding of the intricate value of a hospice. “CMS demos and models have changed so much over the years,” Beckwith says. “That’s very frustrating.”

Hospices, Beckwith says, also faced some of the dramatic cost increases seen across health care during the pandemic. In the early days that included buying more PPE and COVID-19 testing kits, and later, investing in telehealth. More recently, rising wages in a tight labor market and inflation have squeezed margins even further.

PIECE OF THE PIE

Empath executives embrace these challenges.

The organization uses a 10-point care navigation circle, what it calls the wheel of access, as a guide to encompass everything it does. On a PDF, the circle is broken down into pie wedges, with each slice identifying what Empath provides.

The circle includes the expected: a variety of hospice services, under Suncoast Hospice, Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough and Tidewell, ranging from crisis care to six to 12 month supportive care to pediatric care. There’s also a pie wedge for grief and community counseling and perinatal loss doula services.

Then there’s the unexpected, from sexual health services to home health care to adult day care centers.

Another pie wedge is for support, which includes durable medical equipment, infusion services, integrative medicine and pharmacy.

Empath does this in 14 Florida counties, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier. In some counties, it provides home health private duty home health services but not hospice care. In addition, earlier this year Empath received Florida Agency for Health Care Administration approval to deliver hospice care services in Hardee, Highlands and Polk counties.

That addition is on hold, an Empath spokeswoman says, as entities that weren’t approved for the expansion appeal AHCA’s decision.

The merger goes back at least six years, when Sciullo and Fleece, then on the boards of Empath and Tidewell, respectively, met. Both shared a passion for using technology advances to keep their organizations ahead of health care trends.

Fleece, who in 2011 co-wrote a book with Sarasota-based futurist David Houle, “The New Health Age: The Future of Healthcare in America,”

HOSPICE MARKET SHARE, U.S.

was talking up telemedicine long before the pandemic, for example.

“It was pretty clear we had the same vision for what hospices could be,” Sciullo says.

The pair chatted about a merger back then, in 2016, but the timing was off. By 2019 Fleece was president and CEO of Tidewell, after he left Blalock Walters, where he’d been CEO and managing partner of the Bradenton-based law firm for seven years. The timing for a merger was better. Sciullo, for one, was looking toward retiring in 2023. He sought a visionary successor — and saw it in Fleece. “I wanted to make a meaningful impact in the way people live and in the way they die,” he says, “and so did Jonathan.”

The pair spent an afternoon hammering out what the organizations would look like together. “There was a real need to look at succession plans,” Sciullo says. “It wasn’t just a matter of me but looking at the whole organization. We are a mission-based organization. We don’t want to grow for growth’s sake. We want to create access for more people to have more access to our services.”

side forces, like competition, reimbursement rates and regulations — goes internal when contemplating his biggest up-at-night worries. For that, he’s constantly thinking about three things for the Empath employees: their mental health, their physical wellness and the widespread economic pressures (rent, for one) many are facing in health care.

“We are constantly doing everything we can to support our people,” Fleece says. “One of the things I worry about is, (are) we doing enough to help our people through these challenging times?”

CALL TO ACTION

Access to better palliative care is the core of founding principles of both Suncoast and Tidewell. Suncoast got its start in a one-bedroom bungalow in Largo in 1977, when some community residents volunteered together, aiming to improve end-of-life care for people and their families. Mary Jean Etten was one of those initial founders, and she volunteered for Suncoast for decades. Tidewell, with a similar call to action, was founded in 1980 in a rented room inside Sarasota Memorial Hospital. It had one paid employee, a nurse.

With that history and sense of purpose as Empath’s North Star, Fleece — while not immune to out-

AT A GLANCE Key takeaway: The hospice industry is in consolidation mode during a period of surging need for more services as Florida’s population both ages and grows. One big example: Clearwater-based Empath recently merged with Sarasotabased Tidewell Hospice, creating one of the largest hospice and palliative care organizations in the country.

Core challenge: Hospices, like many others in health care, are navigating a minefield: declining federal reimbursement rates, increased competition, labor retention challenges and more.

What’s next: Empath CEO Rafael Sciullo has announced he will retire at the end of 2022.

Empath President Jonathan Fleece, former CEO of Tidewell, will be the new CEO of the organization in 2023.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

MLB vet makes pitch for dogs

HOW TOMMY JOHN MADE HIS MARK

Sarasota resident Tommy John, known for undergoing revolutionary elbow surgery in 1974, helps raise money for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

When a Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge member asked retired Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John about a 1968 fight with fellow player Dick McAuliffe, John remembered it as if it were yesterday.

He was pitching for the Chicago White Sox at the time in a game against the Detroit Tigers.

McAuliffe, the Tigers’ second baseman, stepped up to bat. John said he was ahead in the count with two strikes.

After a ball, the fourth pitch was a doozy. McAuliffe thought John tried to hit him with it and charged the mound. Both teams emptied their dugouts and scuffled.

Dozens of Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge members listened as John continued his story and shared others during the lodge’s fundraiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots program April 9.

John said his pitch wouldn’t have hit the head of an elk mounted high on the lodge’s wall, let alone McAuliffe.

“That’s how high it was,” John said.

“I go, ‘Now what’s the easiest way I can get out of this?’” John said. “I thought, ‘I’ll do a rolling block into him, take him down on the ground, and then everybody piles on, and it’s over.’ When I went down like that, he drove his knee into my shoulder and separated my left shoulder. Now I’m on the ground and writhing in pain.

That was it, and I was out for the rest of the year.”

After the game that night, John was flown to a hospital in Chicago, where he received a phone call.

“Worst tackle ever,” the caller told him.

“Who is this?” asked John.

The caller turned out to be Bill George, a Hall of Fame linebacker with the Chicago Bears.

John, who is now 78 and living in Sarasota, shared several stories about his days on the pitcher’s mound during his 26 seasons playing for six MLB teams.

Known for being the first person to undergo a surgery on an ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow in 1974, John said the surgery and a balance of perseverance and rest kept him in the game. The surgery was later named Tommy John Surgery.

“I wanted to pitch,” John said. “It was a job. I got paid very well, and I enjoyed it. I loved pitching. My thinking was I’ll pitch as long as I can. Whatever I had to do, I would do it. I threw six days a week. I took Sunday off. I figured if God rested on Sunday, so should Tommy John.”

Since 1999, 235 Major League Baseball players have undergone the procedure, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.

John said the cast from his surgery has found a home in the Smithsonian after he donated it adorned with signatures from famous people.

One of those signatures is from Danny Murtaugh, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers when John was with the team in 1974.

John said that after his surgery, he wanted to “sit on the bench and be with the guys” during a game, but he needed Murtaugh’s permission.

Murtaugh said, “I’ll let you sit on the bench only one way: You’ve got to let me sign the cast.”

Murtaugh’s became the first signature on the cast, followed by all of the 1974 Dodger players, manager Tommy Lasorda and sportscaster Vin Scully.

Elks Lodge member William Caprio loved hearing from a baseball player he admired.

“I was very appreciative of him and what he did for the Yankees,” Caprio said. “Stand-up guy, very

TEAMS n 1963-1964: Cleveland Indians n 1965-1971: Chicago White Sox n 1972-1978: Los Angeles Dodgers n 1979-1981: New York Yankees n 1982: New York Yankees, California Angels n 1983-1984: California Angels n 1985: California Angels, Oakland Athletics n 1986-1989: New York Yankees

Photos by Ian Swaby

Sarasota’s Tommy John speaks to members of the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge with his dogs, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, by his side in the carriage.

Sean Brown, associate director of philanthropy for Southeastern Guide Dogs, speaks about how the nonprofit changed his life. Brown received a service dog from the nonprofit in 2018.

professional, all of what you want in a ballplayer. Very good.”

John signed baseballs to be part of a prize raffle with the money raised

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going to the Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots program, which provides service animals to veterans in need.

“You’re raising money for a great, great cause,” John said.

One of the Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge’s focuses is helping veterans.

“The Elks have traditionally always helped veterans,” said Tara’s Frank Iannello, a loyal knight at the lodge. “We’ve seen firsthand how these dogs change the lives of these veterans. They can function in society, and they know they always have a companion that will protect them and support them.”

Sean Brown, an associate director of philanthropy for Southeastern Guide Dogs and owner of a service dog, said the money raised at the fundraiser would help the nonprofit provide service dogs to veterans.

Brown, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, said he was taking 16 pills per day before he received his service dog, Pella, from

MLB CAREER HIGHLIGHTS n 26 seasons as a pro, 288 wins, 2,245 strikeouts n Career earned run average of 3.34 n Career record of 4-1, with a 2.08 earned run average during seven League Championship Series starts n 2-1 record with a 2.67 earned run average during six World Series appearances n All-Star in 1968, 1978, 1979, 1980 AWARDS n 1976: National League Comeback Player of the Year n 1976: Hutchinson Award for player who “best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire” of former MLB manager Fred Hutchinson n 1977 and 1979: Cy Young Award, second place n 1981: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for the player who “best exhibits the character and integrity of Lou Gehrig, both on the field and off it”

the nonprofit in 2018.

“I needed that connection,” Brown said about his relationship with Pella. “I had to have an animal from the best. And ladies and gentleman, not just because I’m an employee, Southeastern Guide Dogs is the best.”

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APRIL 21, 2022

SPORTS

“I understand the game more than a lot of opponents and use that to get past them.”

— Riverview High’s Caroline Steinwachs SEE PAGE 23A

HIGH

EXCELLENT EXAMPLE

5

Hallie Monserez’s 4.0 GPA and excellence in three sports earned her the honor, which goes to 24 athletes — and just 12 girls — each year.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

F 1

Sarasota High alumnus Vaun Brown, now with the A-level San Jose Giants baseball team (San Francisco Giants affiliate), went 4-4 with an RBI and a run scored April 16 in San Jose’s 8-7 win over the Fresno Grizzlies.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above: Hallie Monserez holds a share of the school’s girls 4x400 record (4:07.64) which was set at the 2021 FHSAA state meet in Jacksonville. Below: Hallie Monserez volunteered at St. Michael’s Parish for two weeks in the summer of 2021.

2

Sarasota High alumnus Ben McCabe, now with the University of Central Florida baseball team, went 2-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored April 10 in the team’s 15-6 win against Memphis.

3

Cardinal Mooney senior Patrick McGrath had six goals and three assists April 14 in the Cougars boys lacrosse team’s 18-7 win against St. Stephen’s Episcopal in the Class 1A, District 11 championship game.

4

Riverview High junior Sam Klanot pitched seven innings, allowing zero runs on two hits with six strikeouts, April 18 in the Rams baseball team’s 6-0 road win over Palmetto High.

5

Sarasota High junior Ryleigh Bennett pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts, April 19 in the Sailors softball team’s 3-2 home win over North Port High.

Bennett also had two hits at the plate.

UNDERRATED PAGE 22A

Courtesy photo

MEETING HALLIE

Name: Hallie Monserez School: Cardinal Mooney High Grade: Senior Sports: Cross country, soccer, track and field GPA: 4.0 Community service hours: More than 150 School record: 4x400 meter relay (4:07.64) Honor: Was named to the FHSAA/Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State team on April 6 Next steps: Attending Notre Dame in the fall

or Hallie Monserez, putting together a high school athletic career worthy of awards is academic.

Literally.

Monserez, a senior at Cardinal Mooney High, was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association/Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team on April 6. The award is for an athlete in any sport.

She is the only athlete in Manatee or Sarasota counties to receive the honor this year. It’s a prestigious one.

Only 24 graduating athletes — 12 boys and 12 girls — are named to the team each year. Members of the team are rewarded with a $1,700 scholarship toward schooling, so it is a fruitful honor as well as a prideful one.

The FHSAA and Florida Dairy Farmers consider a number of factors when deciding its team each year, including grade point average.

Monserez is a National Merit Finalist and has a 4.0 GPA. Monserez also is a top contributor in soccer, cross country and track and field. She even contributed to a school record time in the girls 4x400 meter relay (4:07.64) at last year’s FHSAA track and field championships in Jacksonville.

Community service? Monserez has a list of more than 150 community service events. Extracurriculars? Besides sports, Monserez is involved with student government, the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics society and plenty more.

You get the picture. In everything she does, Monserez excels. She’s an obvious candidate for the award, yet she still handles it with humility.

“It’s such an honor,” Monserez said. “I think it is a recognition of my work but also the help I have received from my coaches and teachers and counselors. I’m happy I was selected.”

Monserez said she didn’t use any fancy tricks to manage her time, other than making sure she notes her appointments on a calendar and checks it often. Mooney’s online work system, Canvas, tells students when assignments are due, Monserez said. She makes sure to not miss a deadline. Other than that, her success in school might come down to

Hallie Monserez was a defender and captain on the Cardinal Mooney girls soccer team.

She was named to the FHSAA/Florida Dairy Farmers All-Academic Team on April 6.

genuinely enjoying learning. Monserez said her favorite subjects are math and history, though that could change depending on the day. AP Statistics, Monserez said, is one of her all-time favorites.

“I think it’s so fun,” Monserez said with a laugh. “It’s applicable to everyday life. You have to take it for basically any major in college anyway, but I like it.”

For Monserez, that college will be Notre Dame. Her family has ties to the South Bend, Indiana area and Monserez grew up rooting for the Fighting Irish. She checked out other schools, Monserez said, but none could match Notre Dame’s mix of academics, sports and spirituality.

She is Catholic and said that visiting places like the school’s Grotto and Basilica is powerful in a way that is difficult to describe.

Monserez spent time working on her spiritual relationships while earning community service hours last summer. But unlike other students who, understandably, volunteer with local churches, Monserez did something a bit different. She spent two weeks in Wauchula with a group of nuns at St. Michael’s Parish, helping them run their religious education camp.

In Wauchula, she woke at 6 a.m. for “adoration,” where you sit in the presence of the Eucharist (the Communion bread and wine) for an hour and meditate on what it means to you. She took kids to Mass and to a morning and evening prayer. It was a refreshing experience, sure, but her ultimate takeaway?

“Those nuns work their butts off,” Monserez said.

Monserez tentatively plans to major in marketing. She’s been working alongside Mooney’s marketing manager, Melissa Tomasso, to learn about best practices and has helped the school start a TikTok account among other ventures.

One thing she will not be doing at Notre Dame, though, is playing sports. Once the track and field season ends, Monserez’s competitive athletic career is over. She’s concentrating on having a well-rounded collegiate experience, one she might not be able to have if the bulk of her time was spent playing a sport. It is something she has thought about a lot and has resulted in some positive changes.

“This year, there has been a lot less pressure on me,” Monserez said.

“I know I don’t have college coaches watching me. I’m just doing this for myself and my teammates. I’m truly having fun again. I think I’m in the best place I’ve ever been mentally.”

That mental freedom has resulted in Monserez making some of her favorite memories this year, like when the Mooney girls soccer team beat Oxbridge Academy 1-0 in the Class 3A regional quarterfinals on Feb. 8. With a 10-7-1 record, the Cougars were not a powerhouse this year. Oxbridge was 11-4-1 and heavily favored to win. MaxPreps had them ranked 10th in the class while Mooney was 24th. That didn’t matter much on the field. When the Cougars withstood the opening 10 minutes of the match, they realized they could hang.

“We played as an entire unit,” Monserez, a defender and team captain, said. “We were at home. The crowd was into it. We could feel that we could do it.”

It is moments like that one Monserez will carry with her into the next phase of her life. No matter how much sports are or are not a part of that phase, Monserez seems a safe bet to continue winning at the game that matters most — the game of life.

22A

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Their time in the sun From the diamond to the track, some unheralded players get their time as spring sports wind down.

M

y allergies have kicked into high gear in the past week.

That’s how I know the spring sports season is, somehow, coming to its conclusion in the next month or so. Lacrosse is already into its regional tournament stage, for goodness sake. Spring feels like the shortest season and somehow has the most sports in it.

It’s not a great recipe for one-man sports departments at newspapers.

I can’t cover nearly as much as I’d like. It’s one reason why I started writing columns highlighting some of the undercovered athletes in our area.

Like I always say, there’s no hard and fast criteria for inclusion in this column; it’s just a collection of high school spring athletes I think deserve more recognition than they have thus far received (particularly from me).

If lacrosse rosters had official point guard designations like in basketball, Cardinal Mooney High junior Sean Laureano would be the Cougars’. He’s the guy who turns the cogs for the Cougars, who are back in the regional round of the postseason. Laureano has 39 goals, which is good, but he also has a team-high 45 assists. He’s an unselfish player who thrives on setting up teammates such as senior Patrick McGrath, who had a teamhigh 57 goals. The Cougars have won four of their last six games (including a district title) and seem to be carrying a lot of momentum into the regional stage. They will play St. Stephen’s Episcopal — the team they just beat for the district title — on April 20 in the regional

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above left: Rams senior Christopher “Pip” Smalley gets it done at the plate and on the mound for Riverview baseball. Above right: Booker sophomore Jakai Peterson is in the top 10 in Class 2A in the girls long jump. Right: Cardinal Mooney junior Sean Laureano (1) leads the Cougars in assists.

quarterfinals. If they win, they play either the Community School of Naples or Bishop Verot High in the regional semifinals. No matter the opponent, the Cougars always have a chance to win thanks to unselfish players like Laureano.

Brooke Bendel is having a breakout year for the Sarasota High softball team. Bendel, a sophomore, is hitting .383 with six home runs and 19 RBI. No one else on the team has more than two home runs, so Bendel has been carrying the power load. It’s been paying off: The Sailors are 14-6 this year after going 12-10 in 2021. As of April 20, two games remain in the Sailors’ regular season schedule, including a meeting with defending state champion Lakewood Ranch High on April 25. Splitting those games would set the team up well for the

district tournament, where they are projected to be the No. 1 seed, and beyond. Thanks to Bendel’s power surge, the Sailors have a chance to make some noise.

On the boys side of the diamond, Riverview High senior Christopher “Pip” Smalley has been getting it done at the plate and on the mound — so no, the 6-foot-3 Smalley is not being chosen only because of his great nickname. Smalley, a Stetson commit, is hitting .436 with five doubles, four triples and 20 RBI along with six steals. On the mound, Smalley has a 1.45 ERA and has struck out 36 while walking 13. Smalley’s strong play has helped the Rams to a 15-6 record.

As of April 20, the team has won seven games in a row and appears to be playing its best baseball as the postseason approaches. Continued

strong play from Smalley will help the team’s overall level of play stay at that level.

Booker High sophomore Jakai Peterson has had another solid season on the track after reaching the girls state meet in multiple events as a freshman. Peterson sits tied for ninth in Class 2A in the long jump (5.35 meters) with Berkeley Prep junior Ellis Weekley. The pair is only 0.22 meters from third-place Kendal Haf, a senior from Nature Coast Tech, so a medal is not out of the question if Peterson jumps to the best of her ability at the state competition next month.

Riverview sophomore Luis Castaneda, a discus thrower, is also having a great season. Castaneda handily won the boys event at the Sarasota County Championships on April 11 with a throw of 45.90

meters. Castaneda is 12th in Class 4A in the event, but even if he fails to finish in the top 10 this year, he’s almost guaranteed to next season: 10 of the 11 throwers in front of him are seniors. With another offseason in a high school weightlifting program and refining his technique, Castaneda has a great shot at a medal in 2023. He’s still worth watching in 2022, too.

As is Sarasota distance runner Alec Miller, who sits fifth in Class 4A in the 1,600-meter run (4:19.06). Miller is less than three seconds away from a medal spot, an amount of time easily made up during a big race (like the state meet). Interestingly, the three times directly ahead of Miller were set at the same race, the Florida Relays on April 2. Miller didn’t run that race.

If he had, would the pressure to keep up with the other top runners have dropped even lower this time?

It’s interesting to think about and makes me even more confident in him as states approaches.

Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention all of the area weightlifters who qualified for the state meet, held this weekend in Port St. Joe. I don’t want to single out one weightlifter here because, well, they’re all excelling at the same thing based on their weight class, so I’m going to list them all. From Riverview, Dabien Reitz, Ahmad Hunter, Max Kollar, Walter Leise, Jonathan Petty qualified in the traditional division (bench press and clean and jerk), and from Cardinal Mooney, J.R. Rosenberg and Kyle Cooke qualified in the traditional division. Congratulations, guys. Now go chalk those hands and lift as much as you can at states.

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the Sarasota Observer.

Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Eric Garwood MANAGING EDITOR

Hometown: Melbourne, Florida Currently Living: Sarasota, Florida Alma mater: University of South Florida Observer Employee: Five Years What you do when you are not working?

My wife and I enjoy exploring parks, traveling and walking.

Connect: egarwood@yourobserver.com

There’s so much to enjoy here in Sarasota.

I’ve lived in several regions of Florida, and Sarasota has more to offer than any of them. I’m so happy to be part of the Observer team, telling the stories of the people and events that take place here.

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

Support independent local journalism today at YourObserver.com/newsies

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing lacrosse in third grade. I played for the Sarasota Seahawks and (Riverview’s) Coach Ashley (McLeod) was my coach. I started playing because my friend Camille Johnson was playing, and she convinced me to play when I sat next to her on the bus one time. I liked it from the start, but my enjoyment has definitely increased over the years.

What is the appeal to you?

I love that lacrosse combines the physical and mental aspects of sports so much. You have to be strong at both. Lacrosse is complex, and you have to understand it to do well, but you also have to implement plans by using your physical skills.

What is your best skill?

I think I am able to use my mental game to my advantage. I understand the game more than a lot of opponents and use that to get past them.

What is your favorite memory?

Definitely being able to experience winning districts for the first time.

That was such a cool feeling. We have so much fun on the field, and I think we were able to use that to our advantage in that game.

What does your team have to do to keep winning in the postseason?

Just keep putting in hard work. If we use all of our heart and hustle, we will bring another one home (on Friday). I think we have come a long way since the start of the season.

Our stick work has gotten so much better and so has our chemistry, since we had a lot of girls like me who were new to the team.

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Caroline Steinwachs is a freshman on the Riverview High girls lacrosse team. Steinwachs scored a teamhigh five goals April 13 in the Rams’ 11-7 win against Manatee High in the Class 2A, District 11 championship game. The Rams (12-6) will play Sickles High (15-4) in a regional quarterfinal at 7 p.m. Friday at home.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Caroline Steinwachs

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.

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I think my favorite is ‘Criminal Minds.’

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APRIL 21, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Harry Sayer

Alexa Hancock at Southside Elementary School.

Harry Sayer

Alex, Alicia, Robert Brown Jr. and Robert Brown take photos with the Easter Bunny at Southside Elementary School.

Weekend of celebrations

F

rom first light on Good Friday to the point at which the last colorful egg was collected on Easter Sunday, last weekend was filled with celebrations, both religious and secular.

And Sarasota families participated far and wide, whether at one of several Easter egg hunts, at Friday’s stations of the cross procession down Main Street or celebrations of Passover at area temples.

Passover started on April 15, which also marked the start of Easter weekend.

About 1,000 people gathered downtown

Harry Sayer

Asa Overton races towards the eggs at the ninth annual Easter Egg Hunt at Southside Elementary School.

around sunrise on Good Friday for the annual walk organized by the Sarasota Ministerial Association and Church of the Redeemer Episcopal.

At Sarasota temples, families enjoyed dinners and and fellowship, beginning on the first day of Passover on Friday.

And throughout the weekend, eggs aplenty were collected by kids, some adults and even some dogs.

As one organizer said, This year, with kids being out of school, we thought, ‘What a great way to spend time on their day off.’”

— OBSERVER STAFF

Ian Swaby

Above: Hundreds of plastic eggs are distributed across the ground for the Eggstravaganza April 15 at the Mall at UTC in Sarasota.

Left: Brody and Laura Brooke Hoffman on Siesta Key for the annual egg hunt.

Heidi Kurpiela

Addison Shea gives a bunny a squeeze at Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

Harry Sayer

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Dye-hard fans flock to Jungle Gardens S

arasota Jungle Gardens delivered on its 40,000-egg promise on Good Friday.

The 10-acre park’s lush labyrinth of trails became an Easter mana on April 15, as swarms of pastelclad families filtered in and out of the 83-year-old botanical landmark in pursuit of plastic loot.

As usual, the garden’s resident free-roaming flamingos added more color to the event, which featured a real bunny “petting zoo” and one-on-one time with the fully costumed bunny of the hour.

— HEIDI KURPIELA

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

One of the garden’s famed flamingos passes by egg hunters.

Above: Paloma Sirianni took advantage of the face painting.

Right: Hayden Holland checks out his bucket of eggs.

Cristiano Lourenco enjoys the fruits of his labor.

Liam Roberts, Peyton Walsh and Colin Roberts

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Above: Jeff, Mason and Michelle Craig Left: Ireland and Isla Johnston Photos by Harry Sayer

Patrol mount horses had bunny ears of their own.

Beachy Easter E

Patricia, Ruby and Cameron Brian

gg hunters of all stripes met on Siesta Key for the annual egg hunt on April 16.

The Siesta Key chamberled event brought hundreds of eggs to Turtle Beach park for an early morning egg hunt. Children raced around the park picking up as many eggs as they could find.

The event included an Easter Bunny who took photos with families, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office mounted patrols, games and an animal presentation from Sarasota Jungle Gardens.

— HARRY SAYER

Emma and Ava Fischer cool off at the coloring station.

Mason Giunta throws a beanbag at the Easter Bunny.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Southside egg hunt

F

amilies gathered for the ninth-annual Easter Egg Hunt at Southside Elementary School on April 16.

The event brought dozens upon dozens of families to the school for the annual adventure.

Children raced for as many eggs as they could find, with a select few finding golden eggs that gifted them prizes.

Kids later had treats, took photos with the Easter Bunny and played on the playground.

— HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Zayn Bradley Left: Cecile and James McPheeters

Benjamin Simms gathered 64 eggs.

Dozens of children sprint in search of eggs during the annual Easter event.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

5B

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“We have worked with Judy over many years, buying & selling property on Longboat Key. Each time, Judy and her team carry out their duties with honesty, integrity and respect - very often going that extra mile! We were kept informed every step of the way and knew each time that the sale/purchase was in safe hands -very reassuring when we live in the UK.”

-Michael & Helen McArdle ‘ Newcastle, United Kingdom

Happy Easter and Pesach

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Seder celebration

T

emple Emanu-El celebrated the first night of Passover with a Seder dinner at Michael’s On East on April 15.

More than 200 temple members and supporters met to mingle and sit for the traditional Seder meal, which marks the beginning of the Passover holiday.

—HARRY SAYER

Sue reminisced on her best day- a Christmas Eve when a child came in with such severe injuries that they would not be going home. 'How will Santa ever find me now?' Sue and the Child Protection Investigator made sure the child had presents to wake up to on Christmas Day. "I think about that every Christmas Eve. Almost 20 years later, I carry that child in my heart."

"Unfortunately we don't always get happy endings, as much as we want them," Sue said about her worst day, when she viewed autopsy photos of a child who had been examined for an injury to their face only a month prior.

"Sarasota's a beautiful county, but ugly does happen here."

"You have to stay focused on the positive. If we see a child that's been sexually abused, neglected, or injured, this should be the last day they have to endure that. I look

at this place (CPC) like a beacon of hope for the kids of this community."

Doug Staley, the Executive Director of CPC, reflected, “Looking back over Sue's years of service, we see the countless cases she’s worked on, the long list of evidence gathered, the cabinets filled with files and notes... But this doesn't tell the whole story. The real story is filled with children whose lives were changed by her kindness, who found safety in her tender care, and who left CPC knowing that they are not alone. Susan Barber is an unfaltering symbol of hope in our fight against child abuse- that is her true legacy."

JEAN & ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES

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Sue's wish is for "Adults to see a child as what they are- an absolute gift."

She encourages each of us to "Give of your time to a child and give of your wallet to an agency that's an advocate of our children." She is very much looking forward to the time she'll get to spend with her sweet grandchildren in retirement.

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Sue's empathetic nature carved a clear path to health care from a young age, when she helped at home with her brother's medical needs brought by spina bifida.

Years later, while working as a nurse, the opportunity to work specifically with victims of child abuse at CPC presented itself. "I didn't choose CPC- it chose me. I knew this was where I belonged."

Photos by Harry Sayer

Lila Beychok-Boyer and Franklin Boyer

Robert Mapplethorpe, Hyacinth, 1987. Courtesy of Graphicstudio, University of South Florida Collection and Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation.

Susan Barber- or "Nurse Sue" as she is affectionately referred to by her peers- is retiring after a career of over 20 years in the intervention of child abuse at the Child Protection Center, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and hope.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

7B

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

The Rev. David Svihel with the Church of the Redeemer leads the walk.

Good Friday walk A

round 1,000 people joined church leaders for a walk down Main Street during the annual Good Friday pilgrimage on April 15.

The event, put on by the Sarasota Ministerial Association and the Church of The Redeemer each year, saw hundreds meeting outside the Hollywood 11 Theater on Main Street to walk and stop at 14 stations representing Jesus’ walk to his crucifixion.

Several church leaders and representatives spoke at the various stations before concluding at the Church of The Redeemer.

—HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Pastor Jeff Gross speaks at a station. Right: Jan Hamel Solomon prays with the group.

Above: The Rev. David Svihel with the Church of the Redeemer leads the walk.

Right: Marta Asencio speaks at a station.

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Pastor Peter Greenidge speaks to the crowd.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

9B

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ith eggs hunts, live entertainment, bounce houses and a safety expo for children, there was plenty for families to do to get into the Easter spirit April 15.

Sarasota’s Rylie Baker, 9, liked everything about Eggstravaganza at the Mall at UTC in Sarasota.

More than 1,000 families participated in egg hunts broken down by age groups.

“You couldn’t ask for a better turnout,” said Lauren Clark, the mall’s director of marketing and sponsorship. “We like to do this event because it’s just a fun way to connect with the community and do something fun and free. This year, with kids being out of school, we thought, ‘What a great way to spend time on their day off.’”

The indoor activities included a Kids Safety Expo featuring 25 groups and agencies providing information on different forms of safety.

“They were giving away bike helmets, like really nice bike helmets, and it was a lot of fun,” Sarasota’s Marti Fox said.

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Photos by Ian Swaby

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

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DR. RUBINS David Rubins, MD, BSME, FAAOS, is a board-certified joint replacement surgeon at 360 Orthopedics in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

He specializes in hip and knee replacement.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

ST. ARMANDS KEY 66 N Washington Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,983 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4519666 $10,900,000

SIESTA KEY 7108 Midnight Pass Road 6 Beds 5 Baths 4,697 Sq. Ft. Stephen Weeks & Jeff Hinrichs 941-504-3689 A4523915 $4,950,000

SARASOTA 105 N Isle Drive 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,258 Sq. Ft. Phyllis Garfinkel 941-302-6400 A4530323 $3,950,000

SARASOTA 650 Golden Gate Point 302 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,949 Sq. Ft. Dana Westmark 941-356-5091 A4531159 $3,700,000

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SARASOTA 35 Watergate Drive 603 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,990 Sq. Ft. Joan Dickinson & Beth Afflebach 941-914-0496 A4529059 $2,750,000

BIRD KEY 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,495,000

SARASOTA 1704 Arlington Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,545 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4529406 $2,400,000

SARASOTA 1335 Second Street Villa 2E 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,520 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams 941-735-4393 A4522536 $2,399,900

SARASOTA 3224 Signet Court 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,008 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4530120 $2,250,000

SIESTA KEY 6326 Midnight Pass Road 508 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4523199 $2,159,000

PALM ISLAND 41 Lemon Bay Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,447 Sq. Ft. Kevin Mackin 941-769-0198 D6118750 $1,850,000

SIESTA KEY 1660 Summerhouse Lane 103 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,400 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg & John Garmong 941-544-6103 A4530114 $1,850,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8171 Abingdon Court 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,609 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4525357 $1,650,000

SARASOTA 8149 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,214 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4529184 $1,495,000

SARASOTA 1646 7th Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,340 Sq. Ft. Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4528362 $1,369,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 516 Tamiami Trail S 301 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,833 Sq. Ft. Jackie Kennedy 941-266-4074 N6120364 $1,150,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 5580 Semolino Street 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,091 Sq. Ft. Kathleen Carbone P.A. 941-228-8429 A4529713 $749,500

SARASOTA 1652 7th Street 2 Beds 1 Baths 712 Sq. Ft. Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4531550 $697,000

SIESTA KEY 5855 Midnight Pass Road 222 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,180 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4530261 $679,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4390 Exeter Drive I-103 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,152 Sq. Ft. Malihe Karimi 941-376-5099 A4526696 $625,000

VENICE 182 Wading Bird Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,896 Sq. Ft. Kristen Wheat 941-204-8028 N6120638 $599,000

SARASOTA 647 West Lake Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,515 Sq. Ft. Valerie Telfair 941-315-5488 A4530115 $590,000

SARASOTA 4645 Ainsley Place 7 Beds 6 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4514309 $22,000,000

SARASOTA 1423 Hillview Drive 6 Beds 7/2 Baths 11,588 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Kim Ogilvie 941-374-2920 A4525534 $21,600,000

SARASOTA 3300 Old Oak Drive 4 Beds 4/3 Baths 6,428 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4520464 $8,495,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Siesta Key property sells for $4.88 million

Other top sales by area

A

home in Siesta’s Bayside tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. John Mansfield, of Boulder, Colorado, sold his home at 506 Venice Lane to RG Trust Services LLC, trustee, for $4.88 million. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.3 million in 2018.

SARASOTA: $4.85 MILLION

Sapphire Shores Marc Gagliardi and Helene Gagliardi, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 404 S. Shore Drive to The Real Estate Parking Co. for $4,849,000. Built in 1952, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,192,300 in 2012.

PALMER RANCH: $2.6 MILLION Kat Hughes

RED ROCK PARK Darren and Rachel Saltzberg, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1583 Hansen St. to 1583 HB Holdings LLC for $2.4 million. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,557 square feet of living area. It sold for $715,000 in 2013.

PHILLIPPI GARDENS Fiji Management Property Holdings Inc. sold the home at 5645 America Drive to Joyce Lau and James Reiland, of Sarasota, for $2.05 million. Built in 1964, it has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,507 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2009.

BAY PLAZA Augie Ognjen Mimica and Renee Lafleur Mimica sold their Unit 805 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Michael Joseph Roth and Elizabeth Anne Roth, of Sarasota, for $1.9 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,656 square feet of living area. It sold for $735,000 in 2020.

Patrick McKeough, of Ontario, Canada, sold his Unit 8H condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Augie and Renee Mimica, of Sarasota, for $1,673,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,055 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2001.

SARASOTA BAY CLUB Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 727 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to James and Susan Buck, of Sarasota, for $1,734,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,343

REAL ESTATE

APRIL 4-8

RESEARCH EDITOR

Built in 2008, the home at 506 Venice Lane on Siesta Key has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,336 square feet of living area.

square feet of living area. It sold for $1,097,000 in 2012.

CURRIN’S LAKEVIEW Sue Myerscough, Reed Myerscough and India Marie Myerscough, of Springfield, Illinois, sold their home at 1720 Spring Creek Drive to Adnan Dedic, of Sarasota, for $1,625,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,104 square feet of living area.

It sold for $845,000 in 2003.

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY Christof and Karen Weihs sold their home at 8136 Gabanna Drive to Jolee Suskovic, of Minneapolis, for $1.05 million. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,755 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2019.

$865,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,429 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2016.

GULF GATE WOODS Lorraine Holm sold the home at 2851 Hardee Drive to Andrew and Olga Khart, of Ontario, Canada, for $645,000. Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,110 square feet of living area. It sold for $260,000 in 2013.

Prestancia Thomas and Mary Jo Runfola, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3944 Losillias Drive to Tom and Patricia Lietha, of Sarasota, for $2,595,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,779 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.26 million in 2014.

13B

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

ADAM HUGHES

SARASOTA

|

OSPREY: $3.35 MILLION

Oaks II Todd and Kristie Parker, of Decatur, Illinois, sold their home at 562 N. Mac Ewen Drive to Gail Eldridge, John Eugene Eldridge and Nancy Coade Eldridge, trustees, of Newport Beach, California, for $3.35 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, sixand-a-half baths, a pool and 6,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,505,000 in 2020.

NOKOMIS: $719,000

Mission Estates Suzanne Johnson, trustee, and Sid Durham, of Nokomis, sold the home at 2438 Sonoma Drive to Jan and Anne Pitzer, of Brighton, Michigan, for $719,900. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,397 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2004.

Thomas Henry Elton Stringer and Margaret Nasser, of Gulf Gate Estates, sold their home at 2911 Captiva Way to Bradley Restivo and Salvatore Restivo, of Baltimore, for SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 14B

MANDARIN PARK Julia Park, of Sarasota, sold her home at 1348 Tearose Place to Sean Sanford, trustee, of Sarasota, for $925,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,227 square feet of living area.

It sold for $412,400 in 2000.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

MARINA VIEW Timothy Christensen sold the Unit 42 condominium at 660 Golden Gate Point to Leanne Zinn, of Sarasota, for $905,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,359 square feet of living area. It sold for $442,100 in 2019.

Longboat Key

SAPPHIRE SHORES Jonathan Patella and Jessica hart Patella, of Sarasota, sold their home at 435 Acacia Drive to Janeen and Eric Douglass, of Sarasota, for

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of April 4-8, in order of dollar amounts.

Downtown St. Petersburg

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

1765 Lincoln Park Circle

Windows/Doors

Gary Jodat, trustee

1011 Bayou Place

Windows/Doors

Clinton Wrigley

$84,890

1621 Cocoanut Ave.

Enclosure

Felice Theisen

$29,800

1826 Clematis St.

Generator

John Alexander

$29,497

3536 Bayou Louise Lane

Re-roof

Brian Wood

$22,500

2308 Tuttle Ave.

Windows/Door

David Gauck

$20,621

2949 Floyd St.

Re-roof

Andrew Hirschmann

$18,000

3135 S. Osprey Ave.

Demolition

Phuc Pham

$15,000

2498 Arlington St.

Door

Lyn Deborah, trustee

$14,842

1357 23rd St.

Re-roof

James White

$14,675

$91,771 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com 2 UNITS LEFT

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Permit

Applicant

216 Keel Way

Addition/Remodel

Bradley Gwirtz

$159,790

Amount

176 Coastal Hammock Court Re-roof

Nathan Davis

$104,000

3612 Torrey Pines Blvd.

Windows/Doors

David Dunlop

$94,697

2307 Bayshor Road

Dock

Gerald Bramwell

$90,000

5600 Beach Way Drive #207 Alterations

Kevin Keefe

$85,000

5408 Hope Sound Circle

Pool/Deck

William Johnson

$78,164

1736 Stanford Lane

Seawall/Dock

Kevin Hannabery

$77,715

500 Shotgun Lane

Pole Barn

Frank Hannon

$65,000

3331 England St.

Repairs

Walter Wallin Jr.

$64,064

6125 Anise Drive

Pool/Spa

Brent Arckey

$55,326

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2MM’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

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

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

373649-1

Address

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

14B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Real estate FROM PAGE 13B

$630,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,885 square feet of living area. It sold for $136,000 in 1998.

Wayne Head and Julie Mycroft, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2926 Captiva Drive to Donald Wagner, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,449 square feet of living area. It sold for $143,000 in 1998.

Judith Ligon, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2328 Cass St. to East Forrest Lakes Partners LLC for $425,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,000 in 2009.

FLORA VILLA Ronald and Anna Giddings, of Cape Coral, sold their home at 4404 Groveland Ave. to Alexandra Lawson-Baker and Matthew LawsonBaker, of Sarasota, for $581,000. Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,623 square feet of living area. It sold for $281,000 in 2019.

RIDGEWOOD Ann Livingston, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2215 Oak Terrace to Carrie Anne Goodridge, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,718 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2017.

GOLF VIEW Constance Puleo sold the home at 2704 Ringling Blvd. to Elizabeth Yerkes, of Sarasota, for $525,000. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,406 square feet of living area. It sold for $329,800 in 2005.

BAYVIEW HOMES Margaret Kahn and Leslie Tolep, of Cincinnati, sold their Unit 106 condominium at 5400 Eagles Point Circle to Cincinnati Capital Partners 794 LLC for $515,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two

baths and 1,904 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2014.

THE LANDINGS CARRIAGEHOUSE Josiah Willard IV, Mary Willard Shaffer and Andrew Stuart Willard, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 2 condominium at 4935 N. Kestral Park Way to Javier and Justina Granthon, of Sarasota, for $510,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2015.

Terry Black, trustee, sold the Unit 52 condominium at 1714 S. Kestral Park Way to Jeff Stephen and Connie Stephen, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, for $510,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,368 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2018.

DUEBY STREET Juliann Bartholomew, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2627 Dueby St. to Nicholas and Marissa Tuttle, of Sandpoint, Idaho, for $460,000.

Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,769 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,000 in 2016.

CASTEL DEL MARE Michael and Linn Turner sold their Unit 102 condominium at 1606 Stickney Point Road to Rick and Brenda Olson, of Des Moines, Iowa, for $455,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,036 square feet of living area. It sold for $58,500 in 1978.

GREENBRIAR HOMES John and Ruth Raber sold their home at 2857 Novus St. to Lonnie and Amy Borkholder, of Bremen, Indiana, for $453,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,582 square feet of living area.

It sold for $150,000 in 2014.

PINE GARDENS Diane Schrepple, of Dawsonville, Georgia, sold the home at 2181 Pine Gardens Trail to Arturas Misurenkovas, of Sarasota, for $435,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,592 square feet of living area. It sold for $93,000 in 1993.

TAMIAMI TERRACE Richard Capes and James Melvin Capes, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2120 Florinda St. to Maria and Bruce Sicilia, of Sarasota, for $415,000. Built in 1976, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,472 square feet of living area.

HELEN D. MEAD Gabriel and Courtney Hawk, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1865 Rita St. to Equity Trust Co. for $401,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $216,500 in 2017.

SIESTA KEY EL PRESIDENTE TMC Enterprises sold the Unit 310 condominium at 6326 Midnight Pass Road to S&D FL Property LLC for $2.7 million. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,100 in 1995.

THE TERRACE Laurence and Valerie Parry, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 21 condominium at 5400 Ocean Blvd. to Joseph and Emily Rondinelli, of Downers Grove, Illinois, for $2.4 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,677 square feet of living area. It sold for $418,000 in 1995.

SIESTA ISLES Matthew Matechik, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 5405 Azure Way to Who Rocks The House LLC for $1,675,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 4,118 square feet of living area.

three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,642 square feet of living area.

It sold for $865,000 in 2021.

SIESTA WOODS David Greg Dexter, of Sarasota, sold his home at 5174 Siesta Woods Drive to Kathryne Ernest, of Siesta Key, for $1.21 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,924 square feet of living area.

It sold for $396,000 in 2013.

HOUSE OF THE SUN Susan Shapiro, Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 213 condominium at 6518 Midnight Pass Road to Yana Saknovsky and Eugene Sakovsky, trustees, of Richboro, Pennsylvania, for $1,054,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,215 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2013.

SIESTA COVE Patricia Grace Hammes, of Greenport, New York, sold her home at 1248 S. View Drive to Cody Dean Lindquist, of Sarasota, for $995,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,922 square feet of living area. It sold for $574,000 in 2016.

SIESTA DUNES BEACH Robert and Michelle Willig, of Rochester, Michigan, sold their Unit 208 condominium at 6208 Midnight Pass Road to George Kinney Jr. and Julie Kinney, trustees, of Afton, Minnesota, for $950,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,150 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,000 in 2012.

BAY ISLAND PARK Jeffrey and Karen Solomon, trustees, sold the home at 3484 Hamilton Ave. to Jon and Elizabeth Tilkemeier, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,658 square feet of living area. It sold for $527,400 in 2015.

HARBOR TOWERS YACHT AND RACQUET CLUB Daniel Lundy, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 528 condominium at 5855 Midnight Pass Road to Rachel Carson and Autumn Bayles, of Philadelphia, for $900,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,593 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2012.

SARASOTA BEACH Robert McGrath and Michelle Paige-McGrath sold their home at 656 Avenida De Mayo to Sand Deichman, of Sarasota, for $1,225,000. Built in 1950, it has

THE PALM BAY CLUB OF SARASOTA William Hinton, Steven Mailhot and Timothy Bird, of Cincinnati, sold their Unit S-29 condominium at 5968 Midnight Pass Road to

PALMER RANCH ESPLANADE ON PALMER RANCH Gerold Leopold Hager and Victoria Georgia Landes, of Maurach, Austria, sold their home at 5329 Salcano St. to Linda Green, trustee, of Sarasota, for $999,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,377 square feet of living area. It sold for $622,200 in 2019.

HAMMOCK PRESERVE Mara Torres and Francisco Alvarez, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5820 Willow Marsh Court to Melinda Moyer, of Seattle, for $805,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,164 square feet of living area. It sold for $423,700 in 2019.

Stephen and Meredith Mastropietro, trustees, of Osprey, sold the home at 5582 Rain Lily Court to Elaine Louise-Enriquez Pakula and Randy George Pakula, of Sarasota, for $575,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,675 square feet of living area. It sold for $399,100 in 2017

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15B

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

5Y

EROW N AR INS IN WEAR !

YOUR CALENDAR

Live Beautifully

File photo

BEST BET FRIDAY, APRIL 22

SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW Runs through April 24 at Marina Jack, #2 Marina Plaza. The premier boat show marks 40 years with a weekend of boats and boat lovers at Marina Jack. $17.

For information, go to SuncoastBoatShow.com.

SCENES OF UKRAINE: A PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT 8 p.m. at 580 Central Avenue. Local photographer Allan Mestel highlights his photos from the PolandUkraine border documenting the refugee crisis and Russian invasion of Ukraine. Free.

information, go to SarasotaArtMuseum.org/untitled.

BIG TRUCK DAY 10 a.m. at CoolToday Park, 18800 South West Villages Parkway, Venice.

Sarasota County Parks and the Atlanta Braves are bringing a number of big trucks and heavy machinery to CoolToday Park for parents and kids to enjoy. Free. For information, call 861-5000.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

33RD ANNUAL EARTH DAY FESTIVAL 11 a.m. at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail. Sarasota’s annual Earth Day celebration includes guided hikes, craft booths, photo contests, kids activities and more.

For information, call 483-5956.

“UNTITLED” ART PARTY 7 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail. The museum’s party series promises live music and performances, photo ops, exhibition walkthroughs and more. $20 members, $35 non-members. For

We invite you to become part of our Lakehouse West family and enjoy an independent and carefree lifestyle. Our goal is to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

A RADD PARTY IN THE PARK 5 p.m. at 531 Central Ave. RADD puts on a party with food trucks, games and more celebrating the beginning of Rosemary Park. Free. For information, go to RosemaryPark.org.

EARTH DAY 11 a.m. at The Children’s Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way. The Children’s Garden hosts a scavenger hunt followed by a paper flower garden crafting session for parents and families. Tickets start at $6. For information, go to SarasotaChildrensGarden.com.

2017

From wellness, fine dining, and social initiatives to scheduled transportation, housekeeping and full home maintenance, we strive to meet your needs to maintain a vibrant and active lifestyle.

(941) 923-7525 | 3435 Fox Run Road | Sarasota, FL 34231 | www.lakehousewest.com Lic.#AL5850

372967-1

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

Thank you Sarasota for voting Lakehouse West Reader’s Choice Best Retirement Community & Best Assisted Living 5 Years in a Row!!!

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS $137,000,000 PENDING & SOLD IN 2021

PENDING

SUCCESS STORIES “Judie is an exceptional real estate agent. Her knowledge of the area and existing properties was instrumental in our decision to purchase.

She is an extraordinary agent who goes the extra mile.“

SOLD

2 DAYS | 7340 PINE NEEDLE RD | $3.2M

1 DAY | BUYER + SELLER | $2M | ABOVE LIST

CHRISTOPHER KILLARNEY

“Our experience with Judie Berger was exceptional. She has assembled a team of experts covering every aspect of the process. Her experience and relationships are invaluable. She is a top-notch professional with the highest ethics. We recommend Judie and her team without hesitation, for any real estate transaction.”

“SEABREEZE” | $3.1M

546 FREELING DR | $1.975M

SOLD

TONY & MARILYN ROMANUS

1

No.

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

SELLER | $1.399M LP

6150 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #40 A & B | $1.475M

23 Years Connecting Buyers & Sellers of Sarasota’s Finest Homes Ranked in the Top 1% of Realtors® in the USA YOUR HOME HAS NEVER BEEN WORTH MORE BUYING OR SELLING? SCAN THE CODE FOR MORE INFO 380420-1

941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com 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.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, APRIL 21 High: 88 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 4%

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 High: 89 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 4%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, April 21

6:59a

7:57p

Friday, April 22

6:58a

7:57p

Saturday, April 23

6:57a

7:58p

Sunday, April 24

6:56a

7:58p

Monday, April 25

6:55a

7:59p

Tuesday, April 26

6:54a

7:59p

Wednesday, April 27

6:53a

8:00p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 High: 90 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 16%

SUNDAY, APRIL 24 High: 90 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 44% Jennifer Mitchell captured this image of the sun setting through the clouds on Lido Beach.

May 22 Last

May 30 New

June 7 First

June 14 Full

RAINFALL Monday, April 11

0

Tuesday, April 12

0

Wednesday, April 13

0

Thursday, April 14

0

Friday, April 15

0

Saturday, April 16

0

Sunday, April 17

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 4.71 in.

2021 8.82 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 1.05 in.

4.09 in.

2021

The Observer’s

Weather ENTER: &Nature

Sponsored by

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

379855-1

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

56-Across) 46 Progressive and disco, for two 47 First performance 48 Bit of ink 52 Souvenir from a beach trip?

53 Heart chart, for short 55 Scoundrel 57 Crook’s joint?

58 Sports page fig.

63 Present tie 65 Morsel served with lox 67 Inhaler spray, often 68 Dryers’ predecessors, DOWN and a theme hint 1 Fabric pattern for a G.I. 70 Sample version 2 Squirrel’s snack 73 Brook fish 3 Dessert with pearls (Hint: 75 Like the story of Medusa This clue’s answer includes 76 Roman or American 40-Across) legislative group 4 Afternoon snooze 77 (It’s cold!)

5 Zulu, e.g.

78 Suffix for “lime” 6 Salt Lake City athlete 79 Tater ___ 7 Outrage 82 Null and void 8 Bin covers 83 “___ OK” 9 SAT coach 84 Offer from a Nigerian 10 Executed perfectly prince, perhaps 11 Diana Ross’ hairdo 85 Ice cream holder 12 “Cool!” inspired by a cookie 13 Apt Maugham novel ©2022 Universal Uclick 86 “Care to put money on to devour? (... includes that?”

88 Vikings’ language 32 Boring response to 61 Visual illusion’s genre ACROSS 37-Across) 91 Stitched juncture 89 Command that makes “What’s new?”

62 Where to say “I do” 1 2019 movie musical with 14 Poet’s “before” 93 Peculiarity recruits alert 35 Taken-back auto 64 Taking to court feline characters 15 Street in a city center 95 Dove’s sound 90 Hit the sack after a long 37 Flip-flop, for one 65 Kept in the loop 5 Muscular, slangily 16 Where Japan is 98 Some wash their boxers day 40 Graduate’s headwear 66 Like a shocking old 10 Waltz, e.g.

17 “No, thanks” (... includes 110-Across) 92 Jacket 41 Free (of) practice 15 Dudes 20 Mini vehicle?

101 Honest ___ 94 Tolkien monsters 43 Pumpernickel purchase 69 Palindromic explosive 18 Berry in a bowl 28 Small demon 102 Decanter’s relative 96 Martians, e.g.

(Abbr.)

45 Very, very 70 “Shoot!”

19 Open patio 31 Freshly 105 Tibetan teachers 97 Virgil poem 46 It comes after harvard.

71 Awards for John Legend, 21 Lead-in to a concern 33 Bawl 107 Magical sticks 99 Crisp set 48 Write in a Google Doc briefly 22 Small battery 34 Medical vow (... includes 108 Simple basketball shot 100 ___-tzu (philosopher) 49 ___ Field (stadium in 72 Crunchy sandwich 23 Sulk 111 Minecraft minerals Queens) 74 Some Nintendo control- 101 Summer coolers, briefly 92-Across) 24 Must 36 End of a figurative 112 Like a sage lers 103 European gambling 50 Stand by for 25 “Hotline Bling” rapper journey 114 “Voila!”

77 Cauldron contents mecca 51 Body of water within 26 “Kinda” 38 2009 sci-fi film with a 116 Noblewoman 78 Cancel, like a launch 104 What a handshake “eared seal” 27 “... but are we sure about 2022 sequel 117 Light run 80 MLB player in Queens symbolizes 54 Pie nut that?”

39 Tons 118 Antipollution grp.

81 Energy company in 2001 106 Give a bad offer to 56 It can be bulletproof 29 Roll in the yard 42 Pool section for skilled 120 Most Wanted list org. news 109 Quarterback Newton 59 Word before “station” or 30 Spacious carry-on swimmers 121 Email provider since ‘93 83 “Same here!”

110 Graduate’s garment “stove” 31 Member of a small 44 Eisenhower was one 60 Take onto a spaceship, 84 “You reap what you ___” 113 Back muscle, informally colony? in the Army (... includes 87 Singer Amos 115 Like photos taken by say

“ALJV BJYBCJ XYSJ HYRJHLJP ZYP HLJ RYYO YZ LFSTVKHG TVO HLJ JTPHL, AJ XTV TXXYSBCKNL RPJTH HLKVRN.” – OTEKO NFMFDK

“WYCXJN IOXJW JBKTHTKS TM AYCMG ZYC WJKOCG KIJW KIG PCGJKGMK WOBNGJC JBBTUGWK TW ITMKYCS.” – XJCKTW BCOV MXTKI “XWLZS TV YU VJKV VJU XWNTS HKFSUDTX TM MJWBTFP LM BJKV’M UMMUFVTKZ RWC K JUKZVJG UXWFWDG KFS HZKFUV?” – SWFFK DKZVI © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: C equals R

drones 117 Employer’s listing 118 Like a haunted house 119 “You do good work!”

122 Actress Taylor-Joy 123 January’s number 124 Group asking Jen Psaki questions 125 Father figure?

126 Prolonged dispute 127 “___ a grip!”

128 Buffoons 129 Departs the dock 130 Sports award

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: V equals Z

HANGING OUT TO DRY by Garrett Chalfin. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: M equals Z

crossword

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

4-21-22

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

17B

ANNOUNCING ANNOUNCING A BREAKTHROUGH

A BREAKTHROUGH IN HEARING AIDS! IN HEARING AIDS!

, T S ARE

CLETHE MOUSTNDING

-SO L A ER! R V U E T ID NA A G N I E) HEAR (SEE INSID

SPECIAL EVENT

5 DAYS ONLY

MONDAY, APRIL 25 - FRIDAY, APRIL 29 380050-1

SEE INSIDE FOR DETAILS

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

INTRODUCING THE NEWEST, MOST ADVANCED

!

E R E H S ’ T I

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AURUM INTRODUCTORY OFFER

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TRY BEF TY RO YRBEEYFOO 3 0 DA S NO URBEU Y NO OB 3L0, D IGAAYCSO, SN Y OU NO I ON T O C B U Y OTB LIG O !

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Introducing Phonak Audéo™ Paradise, delivering an unrivaled universal Bluetooth® connectivity. hearing experience. The world’s first and only hearing aid • Crisp, natural sound with a motion sensor, speech enhancement, tap control and universal •Bluetooth® Unrivaledconnectivity. sound quality

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• Connects smartphones, TV and moretap control and Phonak Audéo Paradise your smartphone. youraids hearing aids for universal Bluetooth® connectivity.

Rediscover your wondercharge of sound with for any • Empowering smart apps • 24 hours on a single environment with • Crisp, natural sound Phonak Audéo Paradise Adjust your hearing any environment with • Fully charge in 3 hours • Unrivaled sound quality • 24 hours on a single environment with Join us Month Date–Date, 2020 and receive: your smartphone.

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Join ussound Month Date–Date, andcharge receive: Centers your smartphone. Elite Hearing Join Rediscover us Month Date–Date, 2020 wonder and receive: of sound with your hearing screening | Free 30-day trial | Free live demonstration of the NEW Phonak Audéo Paradise Total control with Introducing Phonak Audéo™ Paradise, delivering an unrivaled ofFree America hearing experience.

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OVER 50 Join us Month Date–Date, 2020 and There’s receive: LOCATION nothing like • Crisp, natural sound Authorized Dealer Adjust your hearing Free hearing screening | Free 30-day trial | Free live demonstration of the NEW Phonak Audéo Paradise NATIONW S • Unrivaled sound quality IDE! • Personalized OPEN NOW: noise canceling PROFESSIONAL DOCTORS Call XXX-XXX-XXXX to schedule your safeSTAFF in-personOF appointment today! OF AUDIOLOGY Practice NameOUR aids for any the sound of Paradise.

Only available at Street Addressto smartphones, TV • Connects &and LICENSED HEARING AID more PhonakSPECIALISTS Audéo Paradise of America City, State • Empowering smart apps Total with • Introducing 24 hours onParadise, a single environment with controlWebsite Phonak Audéo™ delivering an unrivaled Rated ALL LOCATIONS hearing experience.

The world’s first OVER 50and only hearing aid Rated CDALC COLRediscover VIDCATIName Practice ONS your smartphone.

LO charge with a motion sensor, speech and NT Address your wonder of sound with LIA Street COMPCD L your smartphone.

D O Cenhancement, ERcontrol C COVI ATIONS OVtap Authorized Dealer 50 City,PL universal Bluetooth® connectivity.

IANT N M State A CO L T IONWIDEOCATION Website Phonak Audéo Paradise Authorized Dealer !

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SMART PHONE APP EliteHearing Hearing Centers Elite Centers of America Elite Hearing Centers

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Free hearing screening | Free 30-day trial | Free live demonstration of the NEW Phonak Audéo Paradise City, State Website

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

ALL LOCATIONS CDC COVID COMPLIANT

[PRACTICE LOGO] [PRACTICE LOGO]

© 2020 Sonova AG. All rights reserved. MS-XXXXXX. 250NEWh

[PRACTICE PHOTO OR MAP]

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[PRACTICE PHOTO OR MAP]

[PRACTICE LOGO]

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. © 2020 Sonova AG. All rights reserved. MS-XXXXXX. 250NEWh

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

of America OPEN Adjust your NOW: hearing Rated OPEN NOW:

© 2020 Sonova AG. All rights reserved. MS-XXXXXX. 250NEWh

[PRACTICE PHOTO OR MAP]

• Fully charge in A3TIOhours • Crisp, natural sound NWIDE!

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

© 2020 Sonova AG. All rights reserved. MS-XXXXXX. 250NEWh TIONS L LOCAus Month Date–Date, 2020 and receive: ALJoin • Unrivaled sound quality OVER COVID screening | Free 30-day trial | Free live demonstration CDC hearing Free of the NEW Phonak Audéo Paradise COMPLIANT • Personalized noise canceling LO

50 CATIONS SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633 GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003 OUR PROFESSIONAL OF OF DELRAY ROYAL PALM BEACH Call XXX-XXX-XXXX to scheduleBEACH your safeSTAFF in-person appointment today! TV Nand AAUDIOLOGY Tmore IO • Connects toDOCTORS smartphones, NWIDE! & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS 561-501-4392 561-631-8757 BRADENTON

any OPEN NOW: 4900 Linton Blvd #3• Empowering smart apps 11985 Southern Blvd • 24 ho environment with 941-201-6076 (In between Poppies Restaurant and (Publix at Crestwood Square Kristi Cleaners) - next to Carter Healthcare) 2001 Manatee Avenue E. your smartphone.

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The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

ALL LOCATIONS CDC COVID PLIANT COM SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

© 2020 Sonova AG. All rights reserved. MS-XXXXXX. 250NEWh

Authorized

Dealer

and Fon Shan Chinese)

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SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

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LO2020 CATIOand Join us Month Date–Date, N receive: NATIONW S IDdemonstration Free hearing screening | Free 30-day trial | Free live of E!

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OUR PROFESSIONAL Call XXX-XXX-XXXX to schedule your safeSTAFF in-personO

& LICENSED HEARIN

20B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

AIDS HEARING O ARE TO E EXPENSIV

I ONLY HAVE TROUBLE IN NOISY ENVIRONMENT S

G HEARIN LOSS

HEARING A DON’T W IDS ORK

EVERYONE MUMBLES

IT’S TIME TO CONFRONT THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM...

AU RU M

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JUPITER 561-529-3011 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

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SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

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380053-1

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

RED PAGES

Items Under $200 42 LIBBY Cocktail Glasses $70(941) 356-2657 DINING TABLE outdoor, oval, 72” and 6 chairs. $150.

(941) 218-9908 PAINTING- RINGO The Happy Clown by Arthur Sarnoff. Framed 17X21, $100. 941-462-5599 SHOWER CHAIR $30, wooden TV tray set (4) $50, fertilizer spreader $25, electric air compressor $50. 941-359-8460 TOWER FAN by Aries. CT-290TF. Oscillates, 29" tall, 3 speed. Pic online. $10 (941) 966-6816 TWIN BED sturdy, hickory, amish.

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

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Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

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Help Wanted DRIVER WANTED- We are seeking an experienced driver for an old family member on a parttime basis (Monday & Fridays only.) Weekly salary very attractive, $55 per hour/$765 weekly. Must have a valid stateissued driver's license. Must be professional, safe, patient and an attentive chauffeur at all times.

Kindly E-mail or call 209-840-6585 Resume/References: suepatrick112@att.net

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Adult Care Services

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Homes for Sale LONGBOAT KEY Incredible views Private boat dock Owner/agent $650,000 The Lake Club LWR 4 bed 4.5 bath Pool/Spa Dazzling with upgrades 2.5 Million Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

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TREASURES FOUND HERE!

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Professional Services

RED PAGES

ANGELO'S LAWN Care. Mow, edge, string trim & blow. From $20/cut. Licensed & Insured.

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CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

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Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

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Cleaning FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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the competition!

MOW OVERMOW theOVER competition!

real estate

auto

stuff

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.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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

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Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

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Advertise your business or service in the Observer

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©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Painting

peekers’ place

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “When people come together for the good of humanity and the Earth, we can accomplish great things.”

David Suzuki Puzzle Two Solution: “Normal human activity is worse for nature than the greatest nuclear accident in history.”

Martin Cruz Smith Puzzle Three Solution: “Could it be that the COVID pandemic is showing us what’s essential for a healthy economy and planet?”

Donna Maltz

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 NEA, Inc.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Computer

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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YoderAluminum.com

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379533

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Pegatronics.com

5-Star Rated

378819

941.270.4400

Furniture Repair

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378893

380117

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

Concrete

Cleaning

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379535

378892

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GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

BUZ CORP D/B/A

ome

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epaiR

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Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888 Doors

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

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DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call us today! 941.628.8579

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

www.ezslider.com

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379536

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Naji Aoun

CRACK REPAIR

#1 in IR REPA Crack %

379537

6968 Beneva Road

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Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! 378890

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

380107

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378881

Aluminum

379116

|

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

Home Services

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Realtors

Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

378894

SARASOTA OBSERVER

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS® Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

380573

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Visit RED PAGES at YourObserver.com/RedPages

380116

22B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Plumbing

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941-923-8140

Power Washing $100 COUPON

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Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

941-228-9850

Joe Murray, Owner

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

378897

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Lawn Care

941-544-1066

| scaperotta@aol.com

Windows

Rescreening & Repairs

380115

Movers

Wizard Moving SRQ

Licensed

For $135 per hour you get: A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Insured

380114

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

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

Pet Services

Melanie Gates

941-345-5264

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

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS Warranties

378888

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

(941) 345-5264

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

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25

UP TO

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941-270-1561

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

“No Job Too Small”

Lic./Ins.

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

380574

724-2945

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Eldridge Re-Screen

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

(941) 966-2960

BEFORE

Italian American Owned

Curt’s Lawn Service

by

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

378899

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

Pet Care

Trees

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Deck/Paver Sealing• •Decks Gutter• Driveways Cleaning ••Roofs • Pool Cages AndSealing Much•More!

• Deck/Paver And Much More

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Lic. & Ins.

380113

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Licensed & Insured

373-9299

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Pressure Washing

379541

379538

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

Pressure Washing

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

378895

PRESSURE WASHING

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8 $100 COUPON

GLENN KROECKER

38 Years Experience

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Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

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379539

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379554 364556

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3687676-01

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

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$

• 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

ows

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

379548

GRAB BARS

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!

23B

380575

General Plumbing Services Inc.

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Roofing

378896

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

|

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

24B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

your home has never been

WORTH MORE

If you’re thinking of selling, our complimentary home evaluation tool is the best way to get a feel for the market before meeting with one of our expert real estate advisors.

SCAN CODE TO VIEW YOUR HOME EVALUATION

L I ST W I T H U STO DAY.C O M

WEST OF TRAIL 1514 South Lake Shore Drive Peter Laughlin

SIESTA KEY 4028 Roberts Point Road Joel Schemmel

2466 Whippoorwill Circle Robyn Sadlo

$969,000 941.812.4219

$750,000 941.716.0564

616 South Casey Key Road Valerie Dall’Acqua

$639,000 941.993.7279

BELLEVUE TERRACE $980,000 941.228.7356

3060 Courtland Street Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

$975,000 941.321.2292

$895,000 941.445.7295

STONEYBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 8963 Whitemarsh Avenue Ken Ipox

STONEYBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 9416 Forest Hills Circle Ken Ipox

17005 1st Avenue East Helena & Per Nordstrom

$1,600,000 941.223.0037

NOKOMIS

LAKES OF JACARANDA 663 May Apple Way Kevin Stanley

550 Flamingo Drive #202 Dan Olson & Maryanne Kurtz

RYE WILDERNESS $3,900,000 941.587.4894

PHILLIPI CREEK TREE HOUSE

ISLAND SHORES | VENICE ISLAND $1,925,000 941.356.8428

WILDWOOD ACRES

$714,500 941.993.7279

RIVER PLACE 6939 74th Street Circle East Kevin Stanley

6677 Mandarin Road Kevin Milner

$2,000,000 41.539.3287

CALUSA LAKES $575,000 941.716.0564

2308 Falcon Trace Lane Frank Wheeler & Patty Wheeler

$529,000 941.928.3850

Vie w a re a listings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

Situated in Sarasota’s uptown, Premier on Main boasts 23 contemporary townhomes.

Priced from $1,195,000, these four-level residences offer a sophisticated, modern sanctuary near the city’s captivating arts and cultural district.

2191 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.920.1500 | TheFrankLambertTeam.com 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.

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

Contact us for a confidential consultation PremierSothebysRealty.com LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

370693-1

your home has never been