Sarasota Observer 4.8.21

SARASOTA

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PAGE 8B

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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

VOLUME 17, NO. 19

Take it or leave?

HUGGY BUNNY

YOUR TOWN

Easter around town looked more normal in 2021.

SEE PAGE 1B

Despite optimism about finding a workable compromise, the Sarasota Orchestra stands by its belief that it needs to use land in Payne Park to remain in the city.

Courtesy photo

Take art, leave art Local artist Judy Robertson felt the hardships of 2020, and she noticed it also in so many people around her.

So she found a way to help.

Robertson constructed a tiny enclosed art gallery in her front lawn, encouraging people to leave and take art.

It’s an idea modeled after the Little Free Library booksharing movement.

“There’s nothing better than giving,” Robertson said.

“I’ve spent my life creating stuff, [and] it’s been such a tough year for everyone. This is my way of bringing some joy to the neighborhood.”

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

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t the March 1 City Commission meeting, before the board voted 4-1 to engage with the Sarasota Orchestra on the possibility of building a music hall in or adjacent to Payne Park, officials and residents expressed hope they could minimize or eliminate the need to use any actual parkland to facilitate a project.

On March 31, the Sarasota Orchestra dismissed that notion, holding firm to its 2019 assertion that it needs 7 acres to accommodate a new venue — and that such a project cannot be accomplished within the city limits without using some land within Payne Park proper.

In a report sent to city officials, the orchestra rejected two communitygenerated proposals for alternative SEE ORCHESTRA, PAGE 3A

Harry Sayer

Taylor Bouyet embraces the Easter Bunny at a Siesta Key event Sunday.

A+E

Meals and goodwill to go

Next stop: Trolley Classically new.

SEE PAGE 20A

City leaders aim to boost island bus service.

SEE PAGE 14A

Courtesy photo

File photo

The popularity of the Siesta Key Breeze service was one factor that motivated the City Commission’s interest in an open-air trolley, rather than a bus.

JFCS of the Suncoast is accustomed to helping people.

But on April 1, the organization took on a more direct approach to addressing hunger in the community.

JFCS staff organized a food distribution effort that handed out more than 1,800 meals to people in Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, North Port and more.

Various Sarasota and Manatee county agencies worked with JFCS to distribute the food, while local staff handed out 400 meals at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library in Newtown.

Each meal prepared by Paradise Grill of Nokomis included chicken, beans and potatoes.

WH AT’S H A PPENING

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

WEEK OF APRIL 8, 2021

ODA chief stepping down

“But in the grand scheme of things, we’re still in dire circumstances as it relates to space.”

David Mahler, the head of school at The Out-of-Door Academy, will resign after 17 years.

“While this was not an easy decision, I know that it is the right one for both Out-of-Door and for me,” Mahler said in a letter to the school community that was delivered last week.

Mahler’s resignation will be effective June 30.

In a letter to the school community, Ashley Kozel, the chair of The Out-of-Door Academy Trustees, said the school will immediately begin the process to appoint an interim head of school for the 2021-22 school year.

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman READ MORE ON PAGE 5A

BY THE NUMBERS 45 feet

Height of St. Armands Circle parking garage.

PAGE 4A

$3.9 million

At a property tax rate of a tenth of a mill, first year total funding for mental health solutions in Sarasota County as proposed by the County Commission.

Student film coming to TV “Into the Storm,” a film created by students in the Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts Film and Animation department, will air at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 15, on WEDU, the Tampa Bay area’s PBS affiliate.

“Into the Storm” is a documentary that highlights the 1966-67 Booker Tornadoes basketball team on its journey to becoming state champions. It is set against the backdrop of the civil rights era and desegregation.

The film was a senior project for students Carol Fauls, editor and director of photography; Lindsey Jennings, assistant director; Sydney Catalfino, screenwriter; and Kiara Harris, sound designer. It was completed under the direction of film teacher John Timpe and Lori Burton, a member Booker High’s Film and Animation department.

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Documented snowy plover hatchings from nests on Siesta Key.

David Conway

In March, crews began the initial stages of roundabout construction at Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41.

PAGE 24A

CALENDAR n Sarasota City

Commission meeting — 6 p.m. Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 20, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County Commission meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 20, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board meeting— 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, Board Chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd.

Construction underway on Gulfstream roundabout

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lthough no lanes of traffic are closed — yet — crews have begun construction of a roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue, a project scheduled to continue into fall 2022.

The city and the Florida Department of Transportation are partnering on the $8.6 million roundabout project. Work started March

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Courtesy rendering

Orchestra CEO Joe McKenna reiterated the orchestra’s opinion that the entirety of the facility plan it identified in 2019 (shown here with a proposal to reconfigure the park) is necessary to support the organization’s operations.

Orchestra FROM PAGE 1A

land configurations for a venue.

The venue stood by the research that led to the initial proposal submitted to the city two years ago, which the City Commission denied following outspoken public opposition from park users.

Joe McKenna, the president and CEO of the Sarasota Orchestra, emailed a report on the orchestra’s search for a new venue to City Manager Marlon Brown and other city officials on March 31.

After the commission voted to reconsider the use of land in Payne Park, which the board had previously ruled out in 2019, city management contacted the orchestra in an effort to rekindle a dialogue.

McKenna pledged to provide an update to the city before the end of the month.

The orchestra announced its intent to relocate from the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center in 2018, stating the bayfront facility was inadequate. Plans for a new venue include an 1,800-seat concert hall, a 700-seat flexible recital hall, rehearsal spaces and an education wing.

In the report, the orchestra stated the City Commission would need to affirm that it has the legal authority to authorize construction of a music hall in Payne Park before the orchestra could engage further on a potential project. When the city purchased the land that is now Payne Park in 1925 at a discounted rate,

File photo

Land for Payne Park was purchased in 1925 at a discounted price with some restrictions on future uses.

it came with a restriction stating that the property should be used “for park, playground and kindred uses and for no other use or purpose.”

Residents have pointed to that clause to argue that a music hall in Payne Park would violate the deed restriction. In 2019, City Attorney Robert Fournier wrote a memo stating Florida case law “could support a potentially successful legal argument” in favor of a music hall should the city proceed down that path, though a direct precedent has not been set.

Without the commission affirmatively asserting its right to approve a music hall in the park, the orchestra said further dialogue with the city would not be prudent. Even if the city did comply with the orchestra’s request, the report said the organization would continue to explore all its options within the region.

McKenna said the orchestra’s affirmation of its previous conclusions are not a sign of intractability but rather a signal the organization believes in the research that led to its original concept.

“The orchestra is not inflexible,” he said. “The orchestra does believe in good planning and that, when concepts are drawn, they actually have their foundation in extensive planning.”

City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, an opponent of using land in Payne Park for a music hall, said the orchestra’s update led her to believe the organization was not serious about wanting to remain within the city.

She suggested the orchestra was interested in moving to Lakewood Ranch, citing the organization’s consideration of a move east of Interstate 75 in 2003 under McKenna’s leadership.

“I just don’t see the real exploration of other options,” AhearnKoch said. “I don’t see the accounting for the community’s rejection of Payne Park.”

After Mayor Hagen Brody initially suggested reconsidering the use of land in Payne Park in February, critics of the orchestra’s initial proposal emerged to state they continued to oppose the loss of any green space for a private project.

Kelly Franklin, the president of the Preserve Payne Park coalition, said she was initially optimistic about the possibility of accommodating the orchestra’s needs without eliminating any parkland. After hearing about

“The question should be reposed back to the orchestra: How much do you value being in the city? How much do you value being a part of our community? What are they willing to do to remain here?”

— City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch

the update, however, Franklin was critical of the orchestra’s handling of its search.

Franklin said the orchestra’s insistence on using land in Payne Park was either a sign of entitlement or an indicator that the organization was not working with the city and the community in good faith. Franklin said she feared opponents of the proposal would be viewed as an obstacle to the orchestra remaining in the city, but she said that opposition grew organically.

“I think this ridiculous idea is solely an excuse to have someone else take a blame for the decision to relocate the orchestra closer to I-75, where it can draw from its dwindling base for that type of music,” Franklin said.

Active proponents of retaining the orchestra within city limits had also encouraged the organization to explore alternatives to the 2019 plan. The Friends of Sarasota Orchestra Ad-Hoc Committee, a group formed to encourage the orchestra to remain within the city, submitted a memo to the orchestra identifying three different sites on the boundaries of Payne Park it thought could adequately house a new venue.

Architect Michael Halflants also put together a concept plan reliant on the use of land adjacent to Payne Park.

In the report, however, the commission outright rejects the possibility of further exploring all of those alternatives, adding that downsizing from the 7-acre footprint the organization initially requested is a nonstarter.

“The suggestions outlined by this unaffiliated and unknown entity do not provide sufficient land for the music center’s current building program without use of park land,” the document said.

Roger Barry, a downtown resident and member of the Friends of Sarasota Orchestra Ad-Hoc Committee, said he was still encouraged by the orchestra’s response to the city. Even if the orchestra needed to use land in Payne Park, he suggested the city

could explore alternatives for offsetting the loss of green space.

“When you negotiate, you have to fly some flags, test some ideas,” Barry said. “That’s the purpose of negotiation. I’m hopeful that the orchestra and its board are interested in negotiating in good faith.”

McKenna reiterated the orchestra’s opinion that the entirety of the facility plan it identified in 2019 is necessary to support the organization’s operations and that accommodating such a facility with less land is not possible.

“I think it’s important to note that, as the result of several years of planning with a distinguished team of qualified people, that was the basis by which our building program was developed,” McKenna said.

Although the commission has expressed a strong desire to keep the orchestra within city limits, a majority of the board has also indicated a preference not to use a significant amount of land in Payne Park for a music hall. In February, Brody said he remained opposed to the orchestra’s 2019 proposal and expressed an interest in exploring alternate options.

Commissioner Liz Alpert, who cast a vote in favor of the orchestra’s 2019 proposal, said she believed the city should be proactive in its efforts to retain the performing arts institution.

“I believe they need a signal from the commission that it’s worth coming back to the table, and we’re really on board with making this happen,” Alpert said in a previous interview with the Sarasota Observer.

Ahearn-Koch said she would love to work with the orchestra on a plan for a new venue, but she said the city couldn’t retain the organization if it didn’t really want to stay.

“The question should be reposed back to the orchestra: How much do you value being in the city?” Ahearn-Koch said.

“How much do you value being a part of our community? What are they willing to do to remain here?”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

St. Armands group advances pursuit of hotel zoning The St. Armands Business Improvement District is working with Sarasota city staff on options for changing the Circle’s building regulations.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

C

ould a boutique hotel help enliven St. Armands Circle while reducing the amount of tourist activity in residential areas?

That’s one angle the St. Armands Business Improvement District intends to use as members attempt to sell Sarasota city officials and community members on a series of changes to the zoning code on the Circle.

The BID held a workshop March 31 to discuss its priorities as it pursues regulatory changes designed to accommodate the construction of hotels and more residential units in the commercial tourist district at the center of St. Armands Key. BID board members hope to get the city’s approval to allow the construction of hotels, a use that is not permitted on St. Armands Circle.

The BID agreed to pursue a

45-foot height limit above grade, using the size of the Adams Drive parking garage as a height not to be exceeded. The current height limit in the district is 35 feet above flood elevation.

The group also discussed strategies for making it easier to produce residential units on the Circle. Residential construction is allowed in mixed-use developments at a density of up to 13 units per acre.

The BID discussed eschewing a density requirement, instead relying on parking requirements and lot size to determine the amount of residences that a developer could build on one site.

The BID is working on developing its proposal in consultation with Dan Lear of DSDG Architects. Lear examined three shopping districts where hotels or residential construction is permitted: Fifth Avenue in Naples, Worth Avenue in Palm Beach and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Lear identified some

Courtesy rendering

Architect Dan Lear developed concept images showcasing what three- and four-story structures on St. Armands Circle could look like.

common elements he suggested the BID should adhere to, including height limits of three to four stories, a requirement to feature commercial space on the ground floor, setbacks above the first or second level and articulated facades to soften the perceived mass of the building.

If the BID were to hold a community workshop on its proposed zoning code changes by the end of April, Lear said it could proceed to the Planning Board in June and the City Commission in July.

At least one change would take longer to implement. Increasing the maximum height in the district to 45 feet would require a comprehensive plan amendment, which would take until early 2022 at the earliest to process.

The group failed to lock in a consensus on certain aspects of its proposal, including prospective on-site parking requirements for residential projects.

The BID is also in the process of working with landscape architect Phil Smith on developing uniform

regulations for streetscape design on the Circle, which it hopes to package with the other zoning changes.

Tom Leonard, BID board member and co-owner of Shore, said he was hopeful the group could swiftly develop a policy proposal.

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel to do this and make this work,” he said. “It’s just a couple of minor zoning changes, and I think we could get people to embrace it.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Commission, sheriff eye same property for the future “We’re very appreciative of what the county has done for us thus far. But in the grand scheme of things, we’re still in dire circumstances as it relates to space.”

County commissioners and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman are interested in 1301 Cattlemen Road as a future expansion site.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

O

ne parcel of county-owned property has become a topic of debate between two of the county’s largest entities as both want it for future expansion.

Sarasota County commissioners and Sheriff Kurt Hoffman both highlighted 1301 Cattlemen Road as a potential spot for development.

Commissioners highlighted the land as a future site for the county administration building while Hoffman said the parcel, which has easy access to Interstate 75, could serve as a public safety complex.

In 2013 then-Sheriff Tom Knight asked the County Commission to provide adequate space for law enforcement services. A report at the time showed the department had about 52% of the space it needed to function properly.

Commissioners eventually agreed to a planning process for a public safety campus on the 1301 Cattlemen Road property, which sits next to the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

However, as construction costs for the campus grew to $200 million, the county would have had to seek a referendum vote for the project. Knight withdrew his sup-

port, and the county followed suit.

In February 2017, the county instead authorized $15.8 million be used for a new Sheriff’s Office headquarters at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd., which allowed the department to relocate its administrative offices, forensic lab and evidence storage.

However, appearing at a March 24 budget meeting, Hoffman said the Cattleridge structure is not large enough to accommodate the department’s needs. The old structure was about 193,980 square feet while the Cattleridge structure is about 72,000 square feet.

Commissioners suggested using the two parcels adjacent to the headquarters to expand, but Hoffman said he was told the stormwater retention pond in the area lacked the capacity to build a large enough complex.

Hoffman requested the board consider adopting a resolution to add the safety complex as a project within the county’s 2021 Capital Improvement Program and including $2 million in the county’s 2022 Capital Improvement Program for design and permitting work for the project.

“We’re very appreciative of what the county has done for us thus far,” Hoffman said. “But in the grand scheme of things, we’re still in dire circumstances as it relates to space.”

— Sheriff Kurt Hoffman

Brynn Mechem

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman says the current Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office at 6010 Cattleridge Blvd. isn’t large enough to accommodate the entire department.

However, Hoffman’s presentation came just hours after the commission discussed the Cattlemen Road property as a potential site for a new county administration center.

“We might have to arm wrestle you for the property,” Commissioner Nancy Detert said.

Consultants hired by the county last year showed that to accommodate growth, the county would need to sell its current administration center at 1660 Ringling Blvd. The building was constructed in 1973 and over the course of the next 20 years would need about $49 million in renovations.

Commissioners in June 2020 began seriously considering two

potential Cattlemen Road sites with 1301 Cattlemen Road emerging as the favorite because of its lower $50 million price point.

Aside from the obvious conflict of competing for the property, commissioners feared that the new sheriff’s complex would cost more than $100 million in a year they had planned to spend recovering from COVID-19 costs.

The project will likely exceed the county’s charter cap of $24.5 million, and board members offered several suggestions, including seeking a voter referendum in November 2022.

Commissioner Mike Moran said the sheriff’s office could potentially use the 17,483 square feet of unfinished space planned

in the second floor of the planned District 12 Medical Examiner’s Office. The project is expected to be complete in January 2023, and commissioners agreed it could help in the short term.

Chair Al Maio suggested the county move its administration center to the Cattleridge property and allow the Sheriff’s Office to have the Cattlemen Road property. Detert said it could consider moving into the county’s current building on Ringling Boulevard to be near the jail and courts.

“Has anyone looked at giving you this building?” she asked Hoffman. “It might be worth the maintenance fees.”

Although no immediate solutions were presented, commissioners said they would revisit the topic during their May budget workshop, which is centered around the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal year 2022.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

April Fool’s strikes again in the Observer Foolish premises, wacky sourcing — you know the drill by now. Or do you?

FAM I LY

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

Y

ou’ve been had, dear reader.

Had by our traditional April Fool’s zaniness that tiptoes on a razor’s edge between Mad and Newsweek.

Funny, but almost believable.

We know you’re smart enough to get the joke — eventually. And in case you were preoccupied and didn’t give reading your full attention, we always own up to it in “It’s War”-sized type on the fourth page, right before our regular news begins, with a traditional front page. Gotcha!

What’s our goal? Well…

We wrote a little thing about a mystery airline arriving unannounced to Sarasota-Bradenton International, offering new flights to a handful of cities in the Northeast. Then we get a call from the airport (the real airport), wondering about our reporting on new air service to Albany, New York, on a carrier that never announced itself (or exists).

We’re laughing right alongside you folks. (The managing editor turns to a co-worker, whispering, ‘They’re laughing, right?”)

Family Owned.

Family Focused.

We’ve been doing this for years.

Decades even. Every spring, in the edition as close to April 1 as possible — what a treat 2021 is turning out to be, right? — we spin paper-thin premises with the help of sources such as Winifred Fullpockets, which we then flesh out with ludicrously misshapen story angles remotely connected to local happenings.

Meetings are held. More meetings are held. Ideas are spiked.

Rewrites are ordered. Photoshop is used.

So, no: ■ The Sarasota Orchestra isn’t leaning into a new “perform anywhere’’ model; ■ No one is charging beachgoers to ask lifeguards questions; and ■ You can’t buy a park-whereveryou-like pass in the city .

Always, though, a schmeckle of truth shines through.

Like when we made up a little sniglet about a new city program called Haiku for SRQ that promised to cover up graffiti with something more positive, we thought we’d get a laugh.

What we got was an actual haiku. You know, from a reader: Join us to make our city safe and healthy for all under the sun We’re not laughing now.

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Consultant aids in district plan School leaders hope the improvements will increase the district’s metrics in learning, employee excellence and community relations.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

Each year, school leaders determine goals and areas to improve upon as a part of the district’s strategic plan.

This time around, however, the district will work with the help of a consulting company to improve the plan with clear, achievable goals that will be implemented over several years.

“The strategic plan is so very important to keep us all on task and moving forward in the same direction,” Superintendent Brenna Asplen said.

Consultant DeliverEd will work with the district to set goals around teaching, learning, employee excellence, facilities, finance, government and community relations. It will then create plans to reach those goals.

DeliverEd will work with leaders in monitoring and measuring progress and making adjustments if needed.

“We really believe in a collaborative facilitated process, and we focus on progress-monitoring and implementation versus a pretty plan that sits on a shelf,” DeliverEd CEO Corey Gordon said.

Gordon said too much strategic planning time is often spent brainstorming and not enough on implementation. To help achieve the overall goal, Gordon said district staff will be challenged to think about two things: the boldness of their ideas and the quality of their execution.

“If we execute a lot of what we’re already doing better, more consistently, we’re already going to see improved outcomes,” he said. “If we then include a few

File photo

Superintendent Brennan Asplen says the updates are important to ensure all leaders are focused on the same goals.

bold ideas with well-executed timelines and strategies, we’re going to see transformation.”

Each month, those in charge of a particular area will meet with Asplen to monitor progress and adjust as needed.

“Many superintendents tell me the most powerful part of this process is the actual progressmonitoring piece because it’s different than anything they’ve done before,” Gordon said. “It requires some real thinking and focus to get it right, but it can be really transformative for a district.”

DeliverEd is conducting a capacity review to determine where the district is right now in the strategic planning process and what staff thinks it should focus on in the future.

It is looking at data, conducting surveys, interviewing board members and holding town halls.

DeliverEd will then create a list of the district’s top three strengths the strategic plan should build on and the areas that need work.

That list will be shared with the board in May when the board will decide the next course of action.

Leaders will then work in June and July to build implementation plans to be rolled out from August to October.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

OPINION / OUR VIEW

Prelude to Piney Point No doubt there will be plenty of political blaming in the wake of the Piney Point leak that Manatee County commissioners were negligent. For the truth, just watch their Jan. 26 meeting.

A

s the drama subsides around Manatee County’s environmental emergency at the old Piney Point phosphate mine, no doubt we can expect the political fallout to equal, if not surpass, the environmental fallout.

Out-of-power forces always love a crisis and a disaster to blame on those in power.

Thankfully, the leaking of contaminated water from a deteriorating containment wall did not create the historic human and environmental catastrophe it could have.

But you can bet there will be plenty of political activists in Manatee County — especially those still chafing over the new Republican commission majority — who will tuck this brush with Piney Point disaster in their campaign ammunition bags.

But as the political blame game begins, some context will be useful. The Jan. 26, 2021, Manatee County Commission meeting is a good one to watch the archived video. It shows how the Piney Point problem has been known for a long time, and it shows how slow government moves.

But it also shows that the Manatee County Commission as a collective body, Manatee’s legislative delegation of Sen. Jim Boyd and Reps. Will Robinson and Tommy Gregory, and Manatee Chair Vanessa Baugh committed at the beginning of the year to fixing Piney Point.

At the end of the Jan. 26 meeting, Baugh dropped a big surprise when she told commissioners she had just found out herself that the commission had only a week — not a month — to submit a request to the Legislature for $12 million to address

between one to four years to solve this problem.”

After Hunziker finished his presentation, the commissioners commented one by one.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who spars with Baugh at just about every meeting: “So under commissioners’ comments, we’re going to commit $6 million. And where is this money going to come from?”

Silence.

Piney Point. The catch was this: Manatee County was to contribute $6 million, and the state would contribute $6 million.

Baugh told commissioners Robinson’s office informed the county the day before the commission meeting that it needed to rush its request to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to secure the funds in the 2021-22 legislation session.

Let’s pick up the commission meeting with Charlie Hunziker, Manatee’s director of Parks and Natural Resources, explaining that among the documentation that needed to be submitted were reports to justify the funding.

Hunziker reminded commissioners that the commission had two detailed reports presented in February 2020, including one from the FDEP that, as Hunziker said, “clearly stated that we have

Whitmore: “Please. I mean, are we taking the money for 44th that the state gave us last year? … Where do we have $6 million for Piney Point, [which] we don’t own? It’s in our county.

There’s a major issue with it.

And I agree it needs to be resolved.

Whitmore “So you say the state’s going to pay the other $6 million? And, well, we’re going to do a study.

What if it’s more?

“I can’t believe you’re bringing this up now and asking us to vote with no information. … That’s not fiscally responsible, I don’t think.

“So that’s just my comment.

But whatever. And many of our citizens aren’t going to like what they’ve just heard.”

Commissioner James Satcher: “Obviously, we all know the situation at Piney Point is real serious and a danger to our environment and people. When it comes to what we’re going to do with the state and this year, we made that bet. We all put it at the top of the list. That was the vote.

“We sat up here [and said] we’re going to put all of our emphasis on this one.

“Obviously, we didn’t know the Feb. 2 deadline. So it’s time.

We made the bet.”

Commissioner Reggie Bellamy: “What are our options?

We have to make a move like this. And this is a move that we need to put our county in a better situation. The question on the table is where is this money coming from?”

‘IT’S JUST ABSOLUTE MALARKEY’ After CBS’s “60 Minutes” aired a hit job Sunday on Gov. Ron DeSantis, attempting like so many of the biased goon squads in the Democratic Party media to bring down the governor, Jared Moskowitz, the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, set the record straight.

Moskowitz, a Democrat no less, debunked and refuted on Twitter CBS’s allegation that

DeSantis selected Publix Super Markets as a distributor of COVID-19 vaccines as a reward for being a contributor to his election.

It’s sickening, frightening and enraging to see the national media forces go all out to destroy anyone who dares to challenge their orthodoxy.

Keep going, DeSantis. Stay strong. Stay bold.

“Damn the torpedoes!”

Chair Vanessa Baugh: “We know it’s a catastrophe waiting to happen. It will be a major catastrophe not only for Manatee County, but for Sarasota County as well. …

“I really find it hard to comprehend that anyone on this board could question how serious this is and how we need to move forward.

“The longer we wait, the worse it is.

“Do we have all the answers?

No, but you know what, we’ve got a lot of people working on them. And a lot of people are trying to make this happen, including Congressman Buchanan, whom I spoke with last Friday.

“We will have a lobbyist working on Piney Point in Tallahassee

to try to get this done.

“Yes, we know, the funding — good grief, we’re not stupid — we know the funding in Tallahassee is difficult this year. But we also know this is a catastrophe waiting to happen.

“I for one will not just close my eyes and act like it doesn’t exist and take a Baugh chance of this happening, not on my watch, while I’m on this board.

“I can tell you Rep. Robinson feels the same way. He feels for his family and for the future. It’s very important to get this done.

The longer we wait, the more it’s going to cost.

“So if we can afford to do some of the things in this county that we do, we certainly should be able to afford $6 million in our reserves to pay to finally get Piney Point taken care of.”

Commissioner Kevin Ostenbridge: “You’re asking me to spend $6 million. And it is a good cause, don’t get me wrong. And it is something that I want to resolve, and I want to see fixed.

“But this $6 million is more tax dollars than 99.9% of the people in this county will pay in their entire lives. And we’re supposed to today because it’s due Feb. 2 and with no details spend $6 million taxpayer dollars. …

We’re going to commit to $6 million in taxpayer dollars, and we don’t even know where out of our budget this money is coming from. This is no way to spend other people’s money.”

Commissioner Misty Servia: “I would just say things move extremely quickly at the legislative level. This is not uncommon.

You just got to go with the flow.

“But we can change our minds.

If the rules changes, and things change, and this board says we’re uncomfortable with it, we say we’re out.

“To even have a chance at the matching money, we have to go forward. That’s the way I see it.

And with that I’m making the motion to do so.”

By the discussion’s end, the commissioners voted 7-0 to apply for the $6 million matching grant from the state.

Given what occurred the past week, with Florida lawmakers and state officials responding quickly to avoid catastrophe, whatever state money is needed will likely be there.

But the moral of this story is that when the seven sitting Manatee commissioners are accused in the next election cycle of neglecting Piney Point, the facts can be found in the video of the Jan. 26 County Commission meeting.

“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.”

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“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Talk about greed, hate and deceit

Courtesy photo

Reader Mary Peirce sent a photo of a recent crash on Siesta Drive.

Crashes infuriate Siesta resident Do we really want more accidents, injuries and deaths because Siesta Key is the place to party? On spring break? On a weekend? Or just any old time?

Then why not develop some more! Why not build some more hotels, “convention facilities,” and bars?

How many young people will not walk away as the result of a good time on the Key? MARY PEIRCE SIESTA KEY

Nothing good is happening A letter published recently proves the current administration is not doing anything humanly good for America.

If a writer can spend her entire day trying to disgrace a past president who puts his heart and soul into his work versus praising Biden/Harris/Pelosi/Schumer administration, that shows nothing good is happening in our beautiful country other then higher taxes and debts.

Someone has to pay for free college, fake cleaner energy, Pelosi’s San Francisco subway, immigrants’ education/ health care and more.

I have never been nor will I ever be racist or gender-phobed, which I thought had passed since the Obama presidency. Democrats have created such divide in this country I fear for us all.

God bless America, home of the brave and the free.

DEBBIE KISS SARASOTA

The ignorance and arrogance of a letter writer was on full display on March 25.

The letter claimed: “Greed, hate and deceit have divided us, and accountability is a thing of the past. Our grandchildren will be the ones to pay for the selfcenteredness of people like you, and God will not be fooled.”

In a way, I agree with your statement; however I believe you’ve missed the mark on the source of the “Greed, hate, deceit and accountability.”

Try for a minute to sit on the other side. All the flaws confidently assigned to Trump supporters actually are the hallmarks and accomplishments of the Democratic Party, mainstream media and Never Trumpers.

Truth be damned. If Trump was for it, or Trump supporters favored it, it was hateful and racist. Care to look at our southern border today?

I seem to recall it was Trump who signed the First Step Act into law, a landmark law targeting an unfair and racist penal system.

Oh, and who was it who secured long-term funding for the historically black colleges and universities? Trump. He must certainly be racist. After all, the media and Democrats have been telling us that since before he was inaugurated.

In the world I live in, the greed, hate, deceit and lack of accountability are owned by the Democrats, the Never Trumpers and the mainstream media.

I guess it’s impossible to

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

9A

recognize the venom and hate eschewed by leading lights of the Democratic Party — Rashida Tlaib’s “let’s impeach the motherf---er” comes to mind. No hate there, I guess. Or Maxine Waters. Or dear old Hillary Clinton and her “basket of deplorables.” No “human decency” deficiency there, I suppose.

Accountability? I guess that Steele dossier thing and the impeachment were steeped in facts. Isn’t that what the Mueller investigation told us? Oh yeah, I guess not.

Trump’s personality is without question caustic, even toxic. In fact, it’s loathsome.

Yet the 76 million or so of us who voted for Trump didn’t elect him for his personality. We elected him and voted for him again for his effectiveness.

Although it might be hard for you and the rest of the Never Trumpers to fathom, the U.S. and its citizens were on a path to prosperity unlike ever before, with economic benefit to all Americans.

Supporting Trump is far from being beneath all human decency, as you assert. It is a love for what made this country great: opportunity for all who welcome the challenge.

Oh, and I do agree with you on one thing: God will not be fooled.

TOM WALSH LONGBOAT KEY

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

County accepts bids on north Sarasota affordable plan Developers will have until April 26 to submit bids for the property at 2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

After mounting frustrations with a developer that prompted county commissioners to reconsider a bid for a north county affordable housing project, they are now ready to consider new bids for the parcel.

The land, at 2501 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, originally was slated to become a mixed-use community. A proposal from the Miami-based firm Woodwater Investments showed single- and multifamily affordable housing and retail space on the property.

Under the proposal, at least 6 acres would be used for specific needs of the neighborhood, such as the addition of a grocery store or pharmacy.

Woodwater Investments first approached the county with an unsolicited proposal in 2018, and in October 2020 commissioners approved a term sheet to help staff draft a contract for the project.

However, in November 2020, Commissioner Nancy Detert brought up concerns that the proposal offer was too low.

The county purchased the parcel, which sits across from Emma E. Booker Elementary School, for $2.2 million in 2013. Woodwater is offering $2.5 million.

She also questioned whether a Miami-based company had the

File photos

Above left: Commissioner Nancy Detert led the decision to open bids for the parcel in hopes of obtaining proposals that better fit the land parcel.

Above right: Commissioner Mike Moran says he hopes the process will elicit creative projects.

A current proposal for the parcel includes single-family and multifamily affordable housing and retail space.

best interests of the county in mind and requested the county consider other ideas from local developers.

“We’ve heard from other people who have said: ‘I didn’t know that property was available. I could do better,’” Detert said at the time.

Eventually, Detert was successful in swaying fellow commissioners to create a competitive public process to allow other proposals for affordable, workforce or other creative housing opportunities on the site.

Now staff has opened an invitation to negotiate for the 114-acre parcel. Proposals are due to the county by April 26.

The process does not mean that Woodwater is out of the running.

sold or rented for households at or below 60% AMI, or $46,020.

The property is zoned for single-family housing, but the invitation notes other concept plans will be considered by the board.

An overall timeline for the project has not been laid out, though the invitation includes a due diligence phase of six months where surveys and inspections will be done before any construction can begin.

Commissioners asked that each proposal include a timeline for completion. The bidding process for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way property comes on the heels of the county approving another affordable housing project at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail.

Courtesy rendering

It just means that other proposals now have a chance to be considered.

Detert said it’s a way to “maximize the options” for the land.

The invitation to negotiate lays out specific price guidelines developers must follow. According to the negotiation, the minimum bid is $2.5 million.

Additionally, any proposal must have no fewer than 150 units, or 25% of the total dwelling units — whichever is greater — set aside for affordable housing for a minimum of 10 years.

All affordable units shall be sold or rented for households at or below 80% of the area median income, or $61,200. No less than half the affordable units shall be

Commissioners opened a bidding process for the Tamiami Trail property and received six proposals. In the end, commissioners in February directed staff to negotiate with the Arts and Cultural Alliance and a developer known as Artspace for an artist community on the property.

Commissioner Mike Moran said that process allowed the county to receive unique proposals and he hopes the negotiation period for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way property will reap the same results.

“We want creative, entrepreneurial-type thought in front of this board to enhance the community,” Moran said.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Officials discuss mental health district millage rate As commissioners discuss how much will go to mental health taxing districts, local groups ask for funds.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

The Sarasota County Commission is cautiously moving ahead with plans to create a special taxing district to support mental health organizations, asking what it would take to draft an ordinance supporting the district.

A ballot initiative planned for the November 2020 election was pulled over economic uncertainties connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now commissioners are ready to move forward.

Commissioners would set an earmarked millage rate to support mental health services in unincorporated areas, though cities could participate.

Commissioner Mike Moran, who first broached the subject of a special district, suggested 0.1 mill in fiscal year 2022 to support the district. A tenth of a mill would amount to a tax of $20 on a home with a taxable value of $200,000.

It would raise an estimated $3.9 million annually.

The funds would help area organizations that help address mental health issues through a variety of programs. A 2019 mental health scan conducted in the county found that 12.1% of Sarasota County’s 24-and-under popula-

File photo

Some programs vying for mental health district money would help keep those with mental health issues out of jail.

tion, or about 10,177 people, have an untreated mental illness.

In the process of revisiting the district, John Annis, the senior vice president for collaboration and impact of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, said those numbers have increased during the pandemic.

“The pandemic did not make mental health any better,” Annis said. “In fact, every piece of research I’ve read has talked about how bad it has been for our mental health, so this is the right time to

make this investment.”

If approved, it would be up to the county to divide the funding.

Commissioners could have the Human Services and Advisory Council decide how best to split the funds, they could choose a priority for the year and dedicate a percentage to a corresponding organization, or they could create a subcommittee of experts to determine the biggest issues.

One organization vying for funds is First Step of Sarasota, which launched a pilot program

for a Behavioral Health Response Team that serves people with behavioral health needs while improving interactions between those individuals and law enforcement personnel.

The program, launched in October 2020, identifies people who have frequent law enforcement encounters who are struggling with mental health issues and helps provide them with services before it escalates to a level where law enforcement gets involved.

Data from the four-month pilot program showed that professionals handled 80 crisis calls, diverting 100% of those calls from first responders, emergency rooms and jails. Additionally, 86% of the people in crisis were diverted from involuntary admission and instead received appropriate professional care.

“We know who they are, we know they could go into crises, and we know that their families are struggling to get help,” President Tom Knight said. “So we want to go to them in advance, have a conversation with them while they’re not in crises and offer them a support plan.”

The grant for the program, funded from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, runs out Sept. 30. Knight is now seeking county funds for the program at a cost of $974,000.

“We don’t really have anything in this county going like this,” Knight said. “But if we can interact with these individuals on the front end, who knows what we’re potentially stopping on the back end?”

Although they haven’t promised funds to any organizations, commissioners agreed the best way to tackle mental health in the county is through dedicated revenue.

A public hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance creating the special district is tentatively set for June 8. Commissioners will set a final millage rate during budget discussions in mid-July.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

City favors open-air trolley for islands transit The City Commission is interested in spending additional money to expand a transportation service between downtown and Lido Key, though it’s unclear how the route might be funded.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Mayor Hagen Brody outlined his vision for a trolley service making stops between Main Street and School Avenue and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Key, but the final route is still to be determined.

File photo

The popularity of the Siesta Key Breeze service was one factor that motivated the City Commission’s interest in an open-air trolley, rather than a standard SCAT bus.

bus route would, and he wanted to pursue a more expansive route that could allow users to travel between the east and west ends of downtown in addition to riding out to St. Armands or Lido.

Brody expressed hope the trolley could be beneficial for tourists, residents, businesses and more.

“I think this is a huge economic development tool,” Brody said.

Although the FDOT grant could be used to fund a trolley service rather than the planned bus route, the city would still be responsible for covering any additional costs above $500,000 annually.

According to staff estimates, the additional expense of running a service with three trolley vehicles

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ot satisfied with the state and county’s plans for a free shuttle bus route from downtown to St. Armands Circle, the City Commission voted Monday to pursue plans for an enhanced and expanded transit service to the barrier islands.

The commission unanimously agreed to put out a request for proposals in hopes of finding a transportation company to operate an open-air trolley linking Main Street to Lido Key. The board did not finalize details regarding the trolley service, but under the most robust plan the commission discussed Monday, the route could run seven days a week between Main Street east of U.S. 301 and Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach.

Launching the service could cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to estimates city staff produced.

That expense is reflective of the commission’s desire to go beyond the initial plans the Florida Department of Transportation and Sarasota County Area Transit developed for a bus service between downtown and the barrier islands.

FDOT provided a $1.5 million

grant to cover three years of a free bus route running from the downtown SCAT transfer station to St. Armands Circle. The service was designed in response to anticipated congestion associated with the construction of a roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

Under the initial plan, a single bus would run on a loop, serving each stop on the route every 30 minutes. The service would run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday beginning in July. The only expenses the city would incur involved marketing, buying signal prioritization equipment and wrapping the buses with a design to look like a trolley. Staff estimated the city’s costs at about $40,000.

At Monday’s meeting, staff presented a menu of options for enhancing the service. The potential changes included adding vehicles to reduce wait times, expanding the service to Sundays, providing late-night operations, extending the route to Lido Key and using open-air trolley vehicles instead of SCAT buses.

Mayor Hagen Brody has been a vocal advocate for creating a trolley service between downtown and the barrier islands. He said he believed a trolley would attract higher ridership numbers than a

from Thursday through Sunday is between $210,000 and $515,000 annually. Commissioner Liz Alpert said she felt it was important to offer the service Monday through Wednesday as well.

Brody suggested the city could look to organizations including the St. Armands Business Improvement District and the Downtown Improvement District to assist with funding.

Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch was the lone board member to express her preference for a modified version of the original plan. Staff said the process of finding a private operator for the trolley service would likely take four months, pushing the launch date of the new route beyond July. Ahearn-Koch suggested opting for the bus service would allow the program to begin sooner while giving the city more time to explore its budgetary capacity.

“I think it’s more important to start this and then eventually move into the trolley situation,” Ahearn-Koch said.

The rest of the commission was supportive of the open-air trolleys. Staff said details regarding the trolley service, including a route and hours of operation, could be sorted out once the city selects an operator.

Planning Director Steve Cover said that even after the route begins operations, the city would have the ability to make revisions.

“As time goes on, and we run the system — if there are weaknesses or times that aren’t productive, we can adjust on the go,” Cover said.

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Will SCAT’s site have to scoot?

The city is encouraging the county to sell the bus transfer station land to facilitate the redevelopment of the property.

County Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who first raised the item at the Feb. 24 meeting, said he wanted to look into the topic after having one-on-one conversations with several city commissioners. Ziegler said the transfer station posed serious logistical challenges that warranted consideration of moving the facility.

“I see the buses coming in, and it’s pretty unsafe, and it’s also very awkward and difficult to navigate,” Ziegler said.

Mayor Hagen Brody expressed a similar sentiment at Monday’s City Commission meeting.

During the Feb. 24 discussion,

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

As the County Commission debates the future of the Sarasota County Area Transit bus transfer station on Lemon Avenue, the City Commission is unanimous in its agreement that it would like to see the facility removed from the property.

On Monday, the City Commission agreed to send a letter to Sarasota County encouraging officials to move the SCAT transfer station from the 0.41-acre property at 150 Lemon Ave. The item was placed on the board’s agenda by Commissioner Erik Arroyo, who noted the county has been deliberating changes to the operations of SCAT, which could include the long-discussed relocation or elimination of the downtown transfer station.

Monday’s meeting agenda included documents related to the city’s 2002 sale of the transfer station site to SCAT, which featured a provision giving the city the right to reacquire the property at a “fair market value” price. The county is obliged to notify the city if it intends to sell the property, giving the city a 120-day window to decide whether to purchase the land. The city sold the land to the county for $491,212.

Arroyo said freeing up the property on which the transfer station sits could allow the city to move on several items officials have discussed in recent years.

Arroyo noted the city has talked about extending the brick-paved Lemon Avenue mall north of First Street toward the Rosemary District, and he said eliminating the bus station could help facilitate that effort. He also cited the city’s ongoing need for additional office space and said acquiring a site adjacent to City Hall could be used to address that issue.

The county has signaled its willingness to work with the city on the possibility of selling the transfer station. On Feb. 24, the County Commission unanimously directed County Administrator Jonathan Lewis to research the potential effects of relocating the transfer station and options for the future of the site. SCAT director Jane Grogg produced a report on that topic for the commission April 2.

Maio said selling the transfer station property could require the county to return some funds it received for construction due to Federal Transit Administration

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standards. Grogg affirmed that point in her report, stating that because more than $2.8 million of the project was funded via Florida Department of Transportation grants, the county could owe the state agency money if it disposes of the project before the end of its expected useful life of 40 years.

Grogg stated that a 2013 discussion of relocating the transfer station to Ringling Boulevard triggered resident opposition and the need to reconfigure routes to accommodate the new site. A 2016 analysis stated the current station was adequate at the time but recommended expanding or relocating the facility if the county added more routes or increased service frequency. At the time, the County Commission determined it was not worth the costs to relocate the transfer station.

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County Commissioner Al Maio said he had also heard lobbying to relocate the transfer station from members of the business and design community. In March, the city’s Downtown Improvement District discussed the possibility of combining the bus station property with adjoining cityowned sites to create a mixed-use complex with public parking at the corner of Lemon Avenue and First Street.

“It’s hard to argue it wouldn’t be a better experience up toward City Hall if the bus station weren’t there,” said Chris Gallagher, the vice president at Hoyt Architects.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

City staff identified improved bike rental offerings as a priority in the proposed Sarasota in Motion transportation master plan.

File photo

City seeks partner for bike, scooter service The city hopes to capitalize on the extension of the Legacy Trail as it works to expand its transportation offerings.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

T

he city has spent more than two years searching for a company to provide bike rental services for the public, but so far, it hasn’t found a long-term match.

Transportation planning officials hope that will change soon.

On Monday, the City Commission authorized staff to issue a request for proposals seeking vendors to operate bike-share and scootershare programs. Ahead of Monday’s meeting, Chief Transportation Planner Colleen McGue said enhanced micromobility offerings are a key part of the city’s vision for the future.

The decision to seek a new

we

because we

bike-share operator came after the company I Bike Sarasota informed the city it intended to end an existing rental partnership. In 2020, the city allowed I Bike Sarasota to place about a dozen bikes for rental in a parking garage on St. Armands Circle.

The city later expanded that partnership to include a rental area in the Palm Avenue parking garage

downtown. Visitors could rent bikes at a rate of $10 for two hours and $25 for 48 hours.

McGue said I Bike Sarasota decided to end its partnership because the operator was retiring from the rental business. Already, McGue said the city has received communication from a local rental company interested in providing bike-share services within the city. McGue said the company indicated they were reaching out in part because of the looming completion of the Legacy Trail extension to Payne Park, expected to open in early 2022.

“That was one of the reasons why they’re very interested in doing this, is the potential for that market — visitors wanting to hop on a bike, ride down the Legacy Trail,” McGue said.

McGue noted the Legacy Trail extension presented an opportunity for increased bike ridership in the city, but it also posed some logistical challenges. Because the Legacy Trail runs into unincorporated Sarasota County, McGue said it’s likely that some riders would want to return their bikes in areas not under the city’s jurisdiction. As the city works to find a private operator, McGue said staff could reach out to the county to explore options for overcoming those challenges.

At Monday’s commission meeting, Commissioner Kyle Battie questioned whether bike rental stations would only be available downtown or if the vendor could offer them in other parts of the city. McGue said any determination about rental locations would be made during negotiations between the prospective vendor and city staff, but it’s possible bike racks could be offered throughout the city.

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McGue noted that, during a 2019 search for a bike share operator, both applicants submitted their proposals for rental locations, which staff reviewed for safety and other considerations.

The city was unanimous in its desire to seek a bike rental vendor, but Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch expressed opposition to the prospect of exploring options for electric scooter rentals.

“There are big safety issues with those,” Ahearn-Koch said.

The rest of the commission favored moving forward with scooters. In 2018 and 2019, officials held exploratory conversations with scooter companies about offering services in the city, though no program came to fruition. McGue said state laws regulating e-scooters have changed since 2019: Today, scooters are allowed by right in municipalities where bikes are permitted unless local governments establish rules prohibiting their use. McGue said scooter rental programs across the country have generated concerns about parking and vehicle storage, but she said it appears companies have developed strategies designed to address those issues.

In addition to traditional bikes and e-scooters, McGue said the city is open to exploring a broad range of micromobility offerings.

She said staff is drawing inspiration from similar programs in Tampa and St. Petersburg,and that vehicles, such as seated scooters and electric bikes, could warrant further consideration as the city advances its search for a vendor.

“There are a lot of different options that currently are not being offered in the city,” McGue said.

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TO ALL WHO LOVE

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

WE CALL YOU TO

ACTION SIESTA KEY Sarasota’s World-Renowned Beach Community urgently needs your support for its continued preservation.

Help the Siesta Key Coalition oppose development of FOUR LARGE HOTELS planned for our beautiful barrier island • Two Planned for Siesta Key Village • One Planned for the Wells Fargo site (Midnight Pass and Beach Road) • One Planned for the South Bridge area (Old Stickney Pt Road) • All violate current building regulations • All require our County Commissioners to issue special code exceptions • Each will set a precedent for more to follow • Each will adversely impact accessibility to the Key • Each will strain current limited beach amenities

The County is reviewing permit applications from these developers to revise and circumvent the very codes and policies put in place to prevent the adverse consequences of this type of high-rise, high density and intensity development. These regulations were established decades ago, with input from foresighted County and Siesta Key stakeholders, to protect the unique character of our barrier island for future generations of Sarasota County residents and visitors.

WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, SIESTA KEY WILL BE ON A PATH TO EMULATE THE CONCRETE SPRAWL OF MIAMI BEACH, AND SARASOTA’S RUSTIC PLAYGROUND WILL BECOME A PARADISE LOST

The developers are well-funded and interested in maximizing size and profits. Our Coalition is on the side of enhancing redevelopment and smart growth for the public interest, but we depend on your donations to fund this cause.

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MAINTAINING THE UNIQUE CHARM OF SIESTA KEY DEPENDS ON YOU-- --THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NEED TO HEAR OUR VOICE GO TO OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SKCOALITION.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO DONATE

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APRIL 2

WOOD, SHED 3:59 p.m. — 2400 block of Fruitville Road Property damage: A woman said she was driving behind a pickup truck when a piece of wood flew out and hit her car, damaging the bumper and passenger-side headlight. The woman said she could not give a detailed description of the truck because she was focused on not crashing. An officer observed a large sheet of plywood in the road about 500 feet away from where the woman pulled over.

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POP OFF 5:50 p.m. — 3500 block of Fruitville Road Property damage: A woman said she was leaving a store behind another vehicle when it braked suddenly because a third vehicle cut it off. The vehicles’ occupants got into an argument, which included getting out of their cars to yell. All parties got back into their cars, at which point the woman pulled alongside the other vehicle to make a turn. When the light turned green, a passenger in the other vehicle threw a full container of soda at the woman’s car, causing liquid to splatter inside and outside the car. As the woman turned into her residential complex, the other vehicle drove by again, and a passenger threw another container of soda at the woman’s car. The woman took a picture of the license plate for the other vehicle. The woman said it appeared the soda stained the leather in her car and that she would procure an estimate of any damage to her car associated with the incident.

CALLED OUT 3:41 p.m. — 500 block of Beneva Road Theft: A grocery store security guard said a customer tried to leave without paying for a cart of unbagged items valued at $381.06.

When the guard stopped the customer, the customer tried to push past him. The customer said he was talking to someone on the phone and did not realize he had not paid as he was walking out.

APRIL 3

KICK IT 12:40 a.m. — 1400 block of Second Street Property damage: A woman said she parked her motorcycle on the street near her workplace. While she was working, a co-worker saw a man approach the motorcycle and kick it over. The woman said she and her co-worker chased the man but were unable to catch him. The woman estimated the damage at $500.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

The co-founders of the contemporary music group continue to redefine perceptions of new music.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

“The present day composer refuses to die.”

— Edgard Varèse

S ENSEMBLENEWSRQ’S

EXPANDING MUSICAL UNIVERSE

amantha Bennett and George Nickson agree with Varèse. They’re the founders and co-artistic directors of EnsemblenewSRQ, a Sarasota contemporary music collective.

They’ve been committed to fresh, new classical music since they founded the group in 2016. And it’s a commitment based on both knowledge and practice.

Both are principal players in orchestras. Bennett is Sarasota Orchestra’s principal second violin; Nickson is the principal percussionist at the Dallas Symphony and also teaches percussion at Southern Methodist University. This pair draws on that experience in their EnsemblenewSRQ concerts, as well as their occasional concerts for the Sarasota Concert Association and New Music New College.

They see themselves as musical ambassadors. They love their work, though it isn’t easy. The pandemic made it even harder. But it didn’t make them quit.

When most people imagine “classical music,” they imagine dead, white, male composers in powdered wigs. That’s the cliche association. But you prove them wrong.

Nickson: That’s what we’re here for. There is an incredible range of people writing fantastic music right now. The contemporary musical universe is rich and amazingly diverse.

Bennett: We want our audiences to explore the full scope of that expanding universe.

You play great music.

“Easy listening,” it’s not.

Your compositions can be dissonant or atonal — or from a non-Western musical scale. How do you draw audiences into that?

Nickson: Well, each concert is its own musical journey.

We guide the audience along the way. In the same way a museum director curates an art exhibition, we curate the concert experience. We try to show the listeners the connections between different musical forms. What’s the starting point of the style, how it proliferated and cross-pollinated with other styles and how it connects to the composer’s culture.

You don’t throw the listener in the musical deep end.

Bennett: No. We try to share our excitement with what’s happening in the music world right now. That creates a real connection with audiences.

This music isn’t remote or from the past, and that’s particularly important in the time of COVID. It speaks to what

we’re living through in the 21st century.

Nickson: Exactly. We don’t have to fight to put ourselves in the point of view of an 18thcentury composer. Collectively, we have all lived through the same experience.

What’s a short list of contemporary composers you love?

Nickson: That’s constantly changing, but people we performed recently include Nico Muhly, Eric Wubbels, Jessica Meyer and Elizabeth A. Baker.

Bennett: I’d also like to mention Kevin Day, Quinn Mason and Andreia Pinto Correia — she’s a fantastic Portuguese composer. Their works have become part of our repertoire.

How has the pandemic affected your commitment?

Nickson: It prompted us to offer streaming concerts. We originally thought we could return to live performances this spring, but it’s just not feasible.

Bennett: But it also opens up new possibilities. When we planned this season, we had to cut down the repertoire to what we could fit on stage.

That forced us to leave out a lot of great compositions. Going virtual allows us to put them back in.

Your streaming concerts are free. Why? Bennett: We wanted to keep our music accessible during the pandemic. Everyone’s so much more isolated now.

People are starved for artistic experiences. We made sure we could reach them.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Courtesy photos by Matthew Holler

Samantha Bennett and George Nickson, founders of EnsemblenewSRQ

diverse group of composers.

That’s been part of our mission since day one. But in light of the social issues of our time, we’re reexamining our work to see if we can be even better.

Your ‘Sun Colors’ streaming concert is coming April 19. What’s one great composition?

Bennett: They’re all great. But if I have to stick with one, I’ll go with “Darshan,” by Reena Esmail, an Indian American composer. She composed this amazing work for solo violinist, and I’m super excited to get to play it. It’s based on “Raag Charukeshi,” a melodious raag centering on a particular scale from Hindustani classical music. It’s a very different experience, and I think audiences will be transported.

Your commitment to diversity extends to composers as well. You’re using the pandemic to highlight work by composers who are female, LGBTQ and people of color.

Bennett: Absolutely. These composers have been historically underrepresented. We’ve always championed a very

IF YOU GO ‘SUN COLORS’ When: 8 p.m. beginning April 19 Where: Virtual Cost: Free Info: Visit enSRQ.org.

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Has streaming content expanded your base?

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

TRIBUTES

Born in 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fr. Pick was the youngest of the three children of Herbert and Madeline Pick. At an early age, he and his family moved to Miami. Years later, at the urging of his uncle, Monsignor Edward Freking, he returned to Ohio and began his studies for the priesthood at St. Gregory’s Minor Seminary. Following graduation, he was accepted at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West, also in Ohio.

In 1960, Fr. Pick was ordained into the priesthood at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati.

His first assignment was to Sacred Heart Parish in Lake Worth, Florida, followed by an assignment to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Miami. Thereafter, he served at St. Joan of Arc parish in Boca Raton, where he also served as Chaplain at Mary Mount College, and Newman Chaplain at Florida Atlantic University.

In 1966, he became Assistant Pastor at St. Sebastian’s in Fort Lauderdale, followed in 1968, by his appointment as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Punta Gorda, and Our Lady of Mercy Chapel (a Mission Church) in Boca Grande.

In 1973, there came a move which would change Fr. Pick and Longboat Key forever.

He was offered the extraordinary opportunity to build a church and a church community on that idyllic island. Years earlier,

Archbishop Hurley of St. Petersburg had purchased a 12 ½ acre site right in the center of the island. Fr. Pick quickly arranged to purchase it from the Diocese. Upon arrival on the key, he and his mother moved into a small house on Denarvaez Dr. just a bit south of Whitney Beach. Arrangements were made to rent a small room at the local firehouse every Sunday morning where Mass was offered for local Catholics, as well as for a flock of peacocks who, on a regular basis, strolled up the center aisle to hear Fr. Pick’s sermon. Daily Masses were celebrated at the Denarvaez house.

The pastor and parishioners began the formidable task of building a church and a church community. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated on May 27, 1978, and the formal dedication ceremonies took place on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, forever more considered as founding date and Parish Feast Day. A unique attraction of the church is the sanctuary mural, painted by Frank Hopper, honoring the Eucharist as depicted in the 6th chapter of John’s gospel. In addition,

Hearts Forever in our

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DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Tuition Fund, in honor of Fr. Pick. To donate online, please go to https://stmarylbk.weshareonline.org/ index.aspx or St Mary, Star of the Sea, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228.

Submit your Loved One’s Obituary Call Adela at 941-366-3468, ext. 346; tributes@yourobserver.com or ask your funeral director for assistance.

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Still the same great providers at the same four locations: First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Floyd Street 1901 Floyd St. Sarasota, FL 34239 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Blackburn Point 929 S. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 205 Osprey, FL 34229 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Lakewood Ranch 8433 Enterprise Circle, Ste. 150 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 First Physicians Group Silverstein Institute at Longboat Key 546 Bay Isles Rd. Longboat Key, FL 34228

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Father Edward G. Pick, founder and Pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Church on Longboat Key, died March 27, 2021, at the age of 86.

Fr. Pick personally planted and cared for the glorious Indian Banyan trees arrayed at the front of the property along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Once asked to describe the most memorable moment or event in his life, he answered, “For me, it was my ordination in 1968. But it makes one think. There are so many turns in your life. I am here, but with another turn in my life, I could have been somewhere else. If I had to choose, I would not be anywhere else but on Longboat Key.” Visitation was held on Tuesday April 6th from 4pm to 6pm with a Wake Service at 6pm at St Mary, Star of the Sea, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key. Funeral Mass was held Wednesday April 7th at 11am St Mary, Star of the Sea, Burial was private.

Funeral Arrangements by Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park.

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Father Edward G. Pick 1935-2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

P E R F O R M I N G

Snowy plovers return to Siesta

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Out of 25 confirmed nests since 2018, no chicks have made it to maturity.

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STAFF WRITER

CASEY KEY GULF TO BAY MODERN COMPOUND

A

s the calendar advances into April, shorebirds are getting the signal that it’s time to nest on Siesta Key. Although the area sees shorebirds, such as black skimmers, least terns and occasionally American oystercatchers, the HEADLINE HERE HEADLINE HERE key nesting bird on Siesta is the Ernam dolorem asitaque eum unde same eos qui audia Ernam dolorem asitaque eum unde same snowy eos quiplover. audia INE HERE HEADLINE HERE Snowy plovers are small, solinon explam abores alitiisti volupta debit quatur? non explam abores alitiisti volupta debit quatur? orem asitaque eum unde same eos qui audia Ernam dolorem asitaque eum unde same eos qui audia tary nesters, which means a male H E occaboria A D L I N Eid et HE RE Iqui repuda cus eatum re quam, eostiis Iqui repuda cus eatum re quam, occaboria id et eostiis and a female defend a small terrim abores alitiisti volupta debit quatur? non explam abores alitiisti volupta debit quatur? eum unde same eos qui audia Ernam dolorem asitaque eum unde same eos qui audia dolorro magnimusa nam, quiatiorrum eatem nes dolorro magnimusa nam, quiatiorrum eatem nes a cus eatum re quam, occaboria id et eostiis Iqui repuda cus eatum re quam, occaboria id et eostiis tory of nesting and foraging habisti volupta debit quatur? non explam abores alitiisti volupta debit quatur? tat from other snowy plovers. agnimusa nam, quiatiorrum eatem nes dolorro magnimusa nam, quiatiorrum eatem nes Kylie Wilson, the shorebird e quam, occaboria id et eostiis Iqui repuda cus eatum re quam, occaboria id et eostiis stewardship and monitoring BEAU CEIL , quiatiorrum eatemRITZ nes CARLTON PENTHOUSE dolorro magnimusa This nam, quiatiorrum eatem nes corner residence enjoys 270-degree Bay views & City This pristine residence occupies the entire eastern section of coordinator for Audubon Florithe building offering incomparable vistas of the Bay and the lights from the 14th floor, 4000+ sf condominium unit.

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O I NEnjoy Q UtheI R E amenities ABOU T H Eyour S EtownOunits N Eoffering - O F Beau - A -Ciel’s KIN D R Esuch S I as D 24-hour E N C E S . of nesting bird on the Key, there own concierge and private entry. Rare three car deeded spac- concierge, Hyatt privileges, fitness room, pool, and garage are only about 10 nests mostly on parking. $2,795,000 es to this residence. $2,750,000 TO INQUIRE ABOUT THESE ONE-OF-A-KIND RESIDENCES. the northern portion of the island between beach accesses 11 and 4.

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Camouflaging is more easily done in areas of the beach that have bits of vegetation.

That is why, Wilson said, it is important to stay out of marked nesting areas. “If you don’t see a bird in it, that’s kind of the point,” Wilson said. “They don’t want to be seen.”

Since 2018 there have been 25 documented snowy plover nests, but not a single bird has hatched due to disturbances.

To allow the birds to nest naturally, Wilson said humans should avoid activities that would disrupt the birds from normal breeding behavior. Those activities could include chasing birds, walking dogs past nests, leaving trash on the beach, flying drones or kites and walking in nesting areas.

Additionally, if you notice another person disturbing the birds, you are asked to report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 888-404-3922.

Snowy plovers are the most popular nesting shorebird on Siesta Key. The small birds nest earlier than most shorebirds, often starting the process in March.

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APRIL 8, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

5

“If you aren’t having fun doing something, why do it? Be happy, and it will go a long way.”

— Sarasota High’s Conner Whittaker SEE PAGE 27A

THE NEXT STEP Photos by Ryan Kohn

1

Former Riverview High softball player Devyn Flaherty, now a redshirt freshman at Florida State, went 2-3 with two RBI and scored twice March 27 in the Seminoles’ 10-2 win against Boston College.

2

3

Riverview High junior Ava Johnston struck out seven without an earned run in a 3-1 complete game softball victory April 1 win against North Port High.

4

Sarasota High senior Jaxson Crump struck out five and allowed three earned runs in a 6-3 complete game victory April 3 against Palm Harbor University High.

5

Sarasota High senior Orlando Cicilioni finished first in the boys 3,200-meter run (9:29.51) at the IMG Relay Carnival, held April 3 at IMG Academy.

Sarasota girls lacrosse’s Kylea Bruneau fires at the Cardinal Mooney High net Feb. 23.

The Sailors have been working on finding a love of the game this season.

Sarasota High lacrosse is in its infancy, but progress has been made in 2021.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

S

tarting sports programs from scratch is hard.

Throw in a pandemic, and it almost seems insurmountable. But the Sarasota High boys and girls lacrosse programs are doing their best to succeed.

The programs were scheduled to begin in 2020, but the season was shut down after just a handful of dates over COVID-19 concerns. For teams filled with many

players who had never played lacrosse before — and some who had never played any organized sport before — this was a setback.

On the scoreboard in 2021, games have gone as expected. But progress is evident.

“Halfway through the season, our games weren’t very close,” boys Coach Christian Dombovari said. “But they had gotten their taste of a good lacrosse game, a good lacrosse atmosphere. The games we played showed them what lacrosse should feel like.

And they never looked at the scoreboard and got down on themselves. They always played hard.”

In the second half of the season, there’s been a change. Dombovari

Boys lacrosse Coach Christian Dombovari talks to his team after its final practice.

Dombovari is proud that his team is starting to think like varsity players think.

IF YOU GO ■ What: Sarasota High girls lacrosse (1-10) vs.

Lakewood Ranch High (6-6) ■ When: 5 p.m.

April 9 ■ Where: Lakewood Ranch High ■ Why: It's the final season game for either Sarasota High lacrosse program, and a chance to catch them in their first year of existence ■ Sailors player to watch: Senior attacker Ainsley Rector, who leads the Sailors with 12 goals, per MaxPrep

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Cardinal Mooney High senior Chloe Webber recorded her 100th career point April 6 in the Cougars’ 22-14 girls lacrosse loss to the Community School of Naples.

said what he’s proudest of is the way his team has begun thinking like a varsity lacrosse team.

The Sailors boys (1-10) won their first game March 30, a 14-3 road victory against St. Petersburg Catholic. It was the culmination of everything Dombovari wanted to see. They were aggressive and made varsity-level decisions and plays. Junior attacker Dylan Martin set a program single-game record with seven goals.

Sophomore midfielder Kellen Rector had five.

The girls (1-10) had their first win earlier in the season, a 15-10 win against Osceola High on Feb. 24. The win was just as satisfying, Coach Heather Ballew said.

Ballew said this season has been about getting her players to love the game. Ballew took over the program for Heather O’Neill, who coached the team during last year’s pandemic-shortened season. Ballew, who moved to Sarasota from Annapolis, Maryland, wants her players to view lacrosse not as a sport but as a lifestyle.

If players don’t love the gritty details, Ballew said, they’re not going to love lacrosse as a whole.

Ballew believes her team is getting there, though.

To that end, the team is holding its final practice on Siesta Key Beach, ending the season on a joyful note.

“I have to give it to these kids for coming out hard,” Ballew said.

“I mean, I’m running a real varsity practice. But they see us having fun with it.”

As the offseason approaches, players will have time to refine their game by playing with a club team and joining voluntary workouts. By the time next high school season comes around, they said, the bar will be raised.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Beginning of the end Spring sports are turning toward the postseason.

A

s more and more spring sports reach their regular season’s end, it can be tough to keep track of everything that’s happening (trust me).

That’s why today, I’m dedicating this column solely to high school postseason/end of regular season updates, starting with the sports that seem to get less love than others. Not only to balance those scales a bit but also because this area has some genuine talent in those sports that you should know about.

(We’ll get to baseball and softball next week, don’t worry.)

The boys weightlifting district meets were held April 2, and our area saw a handful of individual winners, if not many winning teams. At the Class 3A District 12 meet, Riverview High’s Kristopher Leise won the 129-pound division, hitting 170 pounds in the bench press and 145 pounds in the clean and jerk for a total of 315 pounds. Two Sarasota High lifters, Sean Quinlan (245230-475) and Hunter Henson

(285-240-525), took the 154- and 169-pound divisions, respectively, and two more Riverview lifters, Max Kollar (315-235560) and Jay’Den Birch (275285-560), took the 199- and 219-pound divisions.

At the Class 1A District 14 meet, Cardinal Mooney lifter Gabriel Hahn won the unlisted division (330-250-580).

It always amazes me to see how strong young athletes are.

These lifters will head to their respective regional meets later this week to see who advances to the state finals, held April 23-24.

The track and field season will see district meets begin April 12.

It’s always tough to tell who the best athletes in each event are prior to this point; coaches have athletes doing different events to get them experience or to try to win a meet. Now, though, it’s everyone’s best events. It’s where the fun begins. I’m excited to see how numerous area athletes do, including Booker High’s freshman pair of Jakai Peterson and Terrietta Smith. In Class 2A, Peterson is 10th in the state in the long jump (5.25 meters), and Terrietta Smith is 10th in the state in the 100-meter dash (12.47 seconds). I’m also look-

Ryan Kohn

Riverview High boys lacrosse captain Kai Hudson sprints down the field against Plant High

ing forward to seeing results for Sarasota High distance runner Orlando Cicilioni, who is second in Class 4A in the 3,200-meter run (9:21.88) and a ton of others.

The state track and field meet

Elsewhere, the high school tennis regular season is wrapping up this week, too — district tournaments begin April 12 — and beach volleyball district tournaments begin April 13. Historically, both Riverview High and Cardinal Mooney High have done well at the state beach volleyball tournament, though with last year’s tournament being lost to COVID-19, speculation on this year’s tournament is more difficult. The Sunshine State Athletic Conference website has Riverview on top of Class AA Region 5 at 3-0, while Cardinal Mooney is third in Class A Region 4 at 4-2.

Lacrosse district also begin next week. Of all the area teams, the Riverview High boys team has the best record at 11-3, despite a 15-5 home loss to Plant High on Tuesday. I was at Tuesday’s game, and although it certainly wasn’t the Rams’ best, they showed a lot of toughness and battled when they could have given up. I saw some signs of frustration from the players, such as slammed sticks and balls, which to me is actually a positive: They know they’re capable of so much more. They were also going against one of Florida’s best teams. When districts roll around, I expect the Rams to be ready and to play their best.

is one of my favorite things to cover — and definitely the most exhausting thing to cover — each year, and I hope to see a lot of area qualifiers May 7 and 8 in Jacksonville.

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

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

When did you start playing baseball?

I started playing baseball when I was 5. My older brother was already playing baseball at that time. I looked up to him and wanted to do what he did. I just fell in love with the game and continued with it.

What is the appeal to you?

Being able to compete as a team and build relationships you will have forever. For high school baseball, the end goal is winning a state championship. It’s fun to be able to have that as a goal.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Honestly, it is dealing with adversity and people always saying, “You aren’t good enough.”

You just have to ignore them and play your game. You can’t control everything that happens, so always keep your head up high.

What is your favorite TV show?

I love “Impractical Jokers.”

What is the best advice you have received?

Have fun at whatever you are doing. If you aren’t having fun doing something, why do it? Be happy, and it will go a long way.

27A

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Conner Whittaker is a senior pitcher on the Sarasota baseball team. Whittaker, a Florida State signee, threw a complete game, allowing zero earned runs (one run) with eight strikeouts in the Sailors’ 5-1 win against Braden River High on March 30.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

DIVORCE

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Conner Whittaker

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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Definitely my curve. I can place it different spots depending on what count it is. It keeps hitters off balance.

What is your favorite memory?

Freshman year, making it all the way to the state championship game. Being a part of that was an unforgettable moment.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

ROGER SELLS

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Walls of impact glass sliders throughout this wonderfully updated, 7th-floor Sanctuary residence ensure that each room of the open-concept 3BR layout is bright and airy.

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From almost any room of this charming beach retreat, you can look out into the coastal landscape of azure Gulf waters and powdery shores. Mesmerizing beach and sunset vistas are the highlight throughout this lovely getaway. The open concept of this two-bedroom residence is spread across nearly 2,000 SF. The perfect place to escape, you will love adding your personal touches to the bright and airy design.

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CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 595 Bay Isles Road , Suite 250 | Longboat Key, FL 34228 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC 351930-1

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Classifieds 16B Games 15B Real Estate 11B Weather 15B

APRIL 8, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS Finding Easter S

arasota was full of families making the most of Easter weekend and hunting for eggs, playing fun games and making fond memories to be enjoyed for years to come.

Families raced around searching for Easter eggs on Siesta Key during the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce event had a number of games and activities for families to enjoy, including bean bag tosses, coloring, photos with the Easter Bunny and plenty of Easter egg hunts. Kids ran out in groups to collect a number of eggs and received goodie bags for their efforts.

Children enjoyed their morning at Southside Elementary School at the eighth annual Easter egg hunt organized by Southside Village Life. Families took photos with the Easter Bunny and engaged in competitive Easter egg hunts.

The Children’s Garden had its own Easter festivities as well. Staff hid eggs across the playground and had some actual bunnies for kids to pet.

— HARRY SAYER

SOUTHSIDE: Niko Nappo leans down for an egg.

Photos by Harry Sayer

SIESTA KEY: Gus and Adam Gorecki sit with their eggs.

SIESTA KEY: Annya, Arianna and Alessandro Hernandez with Lisa Mayer

SIESTA KEY: Kids won eggs and other prizes.

SOUTHSIDE: Pierce and Landon Jordan run for eggs.

SEE EASTER, PAGE 2B

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Save $2 with co de SO1

FROM PAGE 1B

SEE SARASOTA IN STYLE Fun Narrated Trolley or Van Tours!

Vanna White

Amish Experience Art Crawl Trolley Boutiques & Bubbles Circus Secrets City Sightseeing

Haunted Sarasota Infamous Happy Hour Psychic Sundays Public Art Tiki Trivia Trolley

SOUTHSIDE: Jack McLean gets an early photo with the Easter Bunny.

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CHILDREN’S GARDEN: Piper Lyons became acquainted with one of the bunnies.

Visit our Vintage Sarasota Gift Shop and The Chillmobile!

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asolorep • Outdoors on the Terrace Stage

ONE WEEK AWAY!

THE STARS OF EVITA ARE BACK!

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Join the Child Protection Center for our Virtual Gala April 14th at 6:30pm

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April 15-24

difference for kids!

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

3B

Faithful join Good Friday pilgrimage

C

hurch leaders and followers practiced their faith and walked downtown Sarasota’s Main Street for the annual Good Friday pilgrimage April 2.

Hundreds of followers and church figures met on Main Street near the Hollywood 11 theater and walked to 14 stations of the cross, where they reflected on Jesus’ journey. Mayor Hagen Brody, church figures and other supporters spoke to the assembled crowd at each station before concluding at Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Church.

Above: Maryann Grgic and Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody walk with the crowd.

Left: Hundreds of followers gather for the pilgrimage.

— HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer

Petra Greenidge sings a movie piece to the audience.

25th Anniversary Season

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Great Music ~ Exceptional Artists ~ Safe Settings

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Outdoors at Nathan Benderson Park

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Neighbors’ mailboxes don Easter finery The Cottages of Rivendell started sprucing up their mailboxes for every Easter season.

decorative Easter bonnets — a nod to the lively tradition that so many churchgoers still practice — but has spread out to Easter Bunny designs and other colorful creations. May and her husband, Jim, figure more than 20 neighbors kept on with the tradition this year.

May, who has had a career teaching first graders, said she has a crafts background and has approached the new project with gusto. While her mailbox has the typical Easter bonnet, she has included a drawn Easter Bunny design as well as an Easter basket hanging below. She said that seeing what other creations her neighbors have drummed up has brought a feeling of joy to her Easter morning.

“What’s great about this is no one’s judgmental, and everybody is creative,” May said. “The creativity is what’s flowing — there’s a neighborly thing. All morning people walk around and [appreciate the mailboxes].”

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

A

pril 2020 was a bleak time for Marilyn May and other residents of the Cottages of Rivendell neighborhood. Every institution seemed to be shutting down for a time, and local churches were no different. That was hard enough, but the arrival of Easter with no place to worship made things especially difficult.

One neighbor suggested a spirited and crafty way to celebrate Easter: decorating mailboxes with Easter bonnets, eggs, flowers, colors and more. It was an absolute hit, and the neighborhood turned the craft-making into a tradition. Easter 2021 had

Several neighbors added flowers to their Easter bonnets.

several neighbors putting out colorful craft Easter hats creations to celebrate the holiday.

“Last year it was a big hit,” May said. “Even though some churches are open, and some people are going this year, some still are not.

So we decided to extend this tradition.”

The original idea was to have

Photos by Harry Sayer

Residents added Easter Bunny ears and other features to their decorations.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

5B

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the possibilities are endless.

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Marilyn and Jim May have committed to adding more Easter decorations to their mailbox.

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FREE Admission

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APRIL 21, 2021 • 4:30 TO 7:30 PM

Nathan Benderson Park, Finish Tower • Sarasota, Florida 354741-1

The performing arts raise spirits, provide joy, and spark inspiration for many in our community.

We believe it is vital that the show go on, and that it does so as safely as possible.

For the safety and confidence of our performers and those attending our venues, we are requiring masks and social distancing for all joining us for live performances.

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Above and top: Flowers in varying shades and colors adorn the bonnets.

Left: The mailboxes started out with bonnets then progressed to bunny ears.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

National Hug a Dog Day April 10

Photos by Harry Sayer

Rita Greenbaum, WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Susan Palmer

WBTT April Fools’ Fete

W 4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Great Style is Timeless

estcoast Black Theatre Troupe put on its April Fools’ Fete fundraiser with a revised outdoor setting April 5. The annual spring event was held outside the WBTT building, where supporters sat for dinner in socially distanced pods.

Board Chair Doris Johnson and cochairs Asa Thomas and Marian Moss started the program thanking their patrons for their continued support through the pandemic before shifting into a performance from the Stage of Discovery students.

— HARRY SAYER

Co-Chairwoman Asa Thomas champions the WBBT’s mission.

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7B

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Wyland paints turtle mural HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

T

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he artist known as Wyland has made a career out of making paintings and other forms of artwork about marine life, his favorite subject.

On April 1, he added another work. It was fitting that for the 10th annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation campaign — which features the Wyland Foundation nonprofit and mayors across the country aiming to encourage smart water usage — the artist painted a new vibrant mural of a sea turtle at Tuttle Elementary School, home of the Tuttle Turtles.

Wyland, Wyland Foundation staff, Mote Marine representatives and Sarasota city officials attended the event that marked the start of the campaign, which promotes daily actions to reduce water waste and promote the health of water-based ecosystems. Residents in participating areas are encouraged to take a water pledge online that will instruct them on small daily ways to save water at home. Cities with the most registrants will win prizes.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve seen climate change and shifting weather patterns affect the distribution of water, pollution impacting the quality of water and fresh water sources that are being used at a quicker rate than they are bring refilled,” Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech said in a statement. “That’s why it is so important to have programs

Harry Sayer

like this where people can learn what they can do to help.”

Mayor Hagen Brody spoke to the assembled students about the importance of taking small steps now, so the future generation will benefit with clean water and a healthy ecosystem.

Fifth grade students at Tuttle were on hand to hear about the new initiative.

The students also brought paper and drawing materials to learn how to draw their own turtles from Wyland.

The artist used spray paint to create the turtle and fill it in and then splashed the design with blue paint to give the feeling of water.

“We’re doing a sea turtle, but it’s larger than life,” he said.

“We’re bringing science and art all together.”

Mayor Hagen Brody and artist Wyland take a photo with the students.

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION WILL USE THE FUNDS FOR THE STATED PURPOSE BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THE GIFT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSE IF THE STATED PURPOSE IS IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL TO ACHIEVE.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

THE SARASOTA BALLET

APRIL 18, 2021

ALA C E L E B R AT I N G

THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

EV E N T S O LD OUT Listed below are the remarkable sponsors who are making this event possible.

DIAMOND SPONSORS Karol Foss Patricia Golemme and Timothy Fullum Julie A. Harris Frank and Katherine Martucci EMERALD SPONSORS Sydney Goldstein Gulf Coast Community Foundation Harry Leopold and Audrey Robbins Phil and Kim Lombardo Jean Weiller SAPPHIRE SPONSORS Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation BMO Wealth Management Jean Weidner Goldstein JoAnn Heffernan Heisen Richard Johnson Pat and Ann Kenny Richard March Bill and Linda Mitchell Mercedita OConnor Stu and Gini Peltz Micki Sellman Hillary Steele Curt and Melliss Swenson Marcia Jean Taub and Peter Swain RUBY SPONSORS George Allison, ASID and Alan Watkins, ASID Bob and Ginger Cannon Bailey Paul Cantor and Michelle Roy Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Peter G. and Patricia D. Laughlin Robin Klein-Strauss and Michael Strauss Peter B. Miller and Dr. Martha Harrison Tom and Maureen Steiner PEARL SPONSORS Ken and Peggy Abt Maryann Armour Christopher and Natalie Armstrong Ronelle Ashby Shari and Steve Ashman Isabel Anchin Becker Jerry and Gay Bowles Barbara Brizdle James Brooks Judy Cahn Canandaigua National Trust Company William and Bonnie Chapman Katie Couchot Cumberland Advisors Neil and Sandra DeFeo Sona and David Degann Kay Delaney and Murray Bring Fred and Lynda Doery Murray Duffin Laura Feder Frances D. Fergusson and John Bradbury Jennifer Gemmeke Valerie Gill Jane C. Gould and Stephen W. Fillo Marnie and Stephen Grossman Sherry and Michael Guthrie Renee Hamad Huisking Family Fund of CFSC D’Anne Hurd Barbara Jacob Phillip King

Kenneth and Victoria Kolbe Tassana and Michael Landy Joan Switt Langbord Melvy Erman Lewis Tina and Rick Lieberman Peter and Teresa Masterson Joan Mathews Donna Maytham Tim Metz and Geraldine Fabrikant John and Mary Ann Meyer Carla and Michael Miller Gloria Moss Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf Dorothy O’Brien and Richard Antoine Kimberley Pelyk Charles and Charlotte Perret Pamela Revels Marilyn and Steve Rothschild Theda Bohrer Wendy & Tracey Charitable Foundation Thomas and Gwendolyn Watson David Welle and Rosemary Reinhardt Sheila and Merrill Wynne MEDIA SPONSORS Observer Media Group Sarasota Scene Magazine GALA DONATIONS Wanda Garofalo Edward and Roberta Hamilton Henry and Ellen Mason Jack and Lenore Rubin Joan Volpe and Ronald Kluck Anonymous 355472-1

PERFORMANCE SPONSOR Bud and Betty Shapiro

10B

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 1802 Francoise Borel & Ken Desautels 941-228-3768 A4485046 $3,750,000

SARASOTA 127 S Pineapple Avenue Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4491365 $1,875,000

SIESTA KEY 8600 Midnight Pass Road 202 Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4430866 $1,800,000

BRADENTON 6510 200th Street E Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4489175 $1,750,000

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard E4 Carol Aviles 941-356-6777 A4490359 $1,575,000

SIESTA KEY 6140 Midnight Pass Road 208 Mina Johnson & Ethel Lovelace 941-404-9347 A4493412 $1,189,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 104 Lyons Bay Road Felix Power & Bob Moffatt 941-586-8958 A4495593 $1,173,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 6700 Gulf Drive 15 Lindsay Nock 941-735-7005 A4492778 $1,150,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 230 Pesaro Drive Audrey Peabody 941-780-6695 N6114088 $789,000

SARASOTA 1807 Grove Street Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4494295 $785,000

SARASOTA 6433 Taeda Drive Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4495670 $779,000

ENGLEWOOD 1375 Beach Road 101 Scott Johnston & Helene Johnston, P.A. 941-232-5482 N6114551 $749,900

SIESTA KEY 5911 Midnight Pass Road 205 Veronika Bajtala 941-504-0307 A4495179 $735,000

SIESTA KEY 6326 Midnight Pass Road 105 Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4495326 $725,000

SIESTA KEY 160 Garden Lane Nora Johnson & Klaus Lang 941-809-1700 A4495349 $650,000

OSPREY 2321 Jessie Harbor Drive 2403 Bernadette Caswell & Deborah Nelson 941-320-8265 A4495674 $500,000

SARASOTA 151 Tall Trees Court Nancie Kalin 941-928-8833 A4495916 $475,000

SARASOTA 5405 83rd Terrace E Zita Bowers 941-465-5819 A4495655 $450,000

SARASOTA 1744 Landings Boulevard 37 Dana Westmark & Donald Geikie 941-356-5091 A4495958 $425,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 221 Matisse Circle N Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4495960 $424,900

VENICE 11467 Saffron Court Dennis Czapiga 941-416-7672 N6114447 $415,000

SIESTA KEY 8897 Midnight Pass Road 504 Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-809-2154 A4479965 $399,000

BRADENTON 4902 7th Avenue W Linda Dickson 941-224-1337 A4492742 $335,000

SARASOTA 7610 Fairway Woods Drive 205 Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4492740 $325,000

SARASOTA 4064 Oakhurst Drive 3173 Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4496016 $224,900

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 305 Dante Drive Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4495205 $210,000

SARASOTA 5500 Bentgrass Drive 6-104 Priscilla Adams & Susan Elkins 941-350-5871 A4495883 $210,000

SARASOTA 4564 Morningside 44 Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4495316 $174,900

SARASOTA 1274 Banchory Lane 6 Kathy Winkler Leon & Diana Napoliello 941-549-3420 A4478693 $174,500

NOKOMIS 4992 Western Docks Lane Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4495865 $2,550,000

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

SARASOTA 7727 Donald Ross Road W Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4493537 $2,100,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

355155-1

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard E11 Denise Mei & Nicole Mei 941-685-3198 A4487843 $2,600,000

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Point of Rocks Road property sells for $3.8 million ADAM HUGHES

A

SARASOTA

HARBOR ACRES Susan Porter, trustee, and Winslow Turner Porter Jr., of Exeter, New Hampshire, sold the home at 1408 S. Orange Ave. to Paula and Kevin Butler, of Sarasota, for $2.3 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,435 square feet of living area.

AQUALANE ESTATES Laura Knowles-Cutler, of Vero Beach, sold the home at 1640 Stanford Lane to Robert and Jennifer Cushman, of Sarasota, for $1.72 million. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,032 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.43 million in 2014.

MARK SARASOTA Steven David Hutton and Bonnie Baker Hutton, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 915 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to John and Dawn Gallucci, of Chatham, New Jersey, for $1.66 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

11B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 22-26

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

two-property sale in White Beach Fruit Co. tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. S. Marce Fuller and Lee de Ovies, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 7340 Point of Rocks Road to Sea Bear LLC for $3.8 million. The first property was built in 1936; it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 4,268 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1964; it has one bath and 408 square feet of living area. They sold for $1.78 million in 2001.

|

SARASOTA

Pine Shores Estates Donna Simmons, trustee, sold the home at 6438 Hollywood Blvd. to LV7 Hollywood LLC for $2.5 million. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,282 square feet of living area.

PALMER RANCH

Courtesy photo

2,122 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.31 million in 2020.

The main house at 7340 Point of Rocks Road was built in 1936.

John and Dawn Gallucci, of Chatham, New Jersey, sold their Unit 813 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Ted and Karen Costantino, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, for $1.19 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,482 square feet of living area. It sold for $936,400 in 2019.

Promenade Estates M/I Homes of Sarasota LLC sold the home at 5516 Northern Juniper Court to Woomee and Robert Yu, of Sarasota, for $745,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,923 square feet of living area.

OSPREY

Casey Key Ronald Johncox, trustee, of Celine Johncox, of Sarasota, sold the home at 418 N. Casey Key Road to Chris and Natalie Bauleke and Chris Bauleke, trustees, of Savage, Minnesota, for $2.4 million. Built in 1957, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,334 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million in 2018.

Stephen Lattmann, of Osprey, sold his home at 3718 Sandspur Lane to Madock Family Trust, of Sarasota, for $2.45 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,426 square feet of living area.

KENWOOD Courtyard Modern Builders LLC sold the home at 2261 Wisteria St. to Rainer Scholl and Sabine Huelse-Scholl, of Sarasota, for $1.64 million. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,144 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2019.

In with the new

GOLDEN BAY Michael Hurney, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 52 condominium at 166 Golden Gate Point to Steven and Susan Root, of New Canaan, Connecticut, for $1.44 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,130 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2013.

VISTA BAY POINT Patrick McNamee and Sandra Young, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 128 Golden Gate Point to David Michael Travis and Laura Ann Travis, of Sarasota, for $1.33 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 3,317 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2020.

SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 From the $2,000,000’s Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

WATERFRONT HOMES & HOMESITES

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

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 12B

MOVE-IN READY

These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of March 2226, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

1700 North Drive

Renovations

Michael Long Jr.

$552,500

750 N. Tamiami Trail #819

Alterations

Harry Kramer

$134,000

2136 Euclid Terrace

Alterations

Georgiy Mokan

$95,000

1634 N. Lodge Drive

Seawall

Thomas Legare

$62,000

2969 Novus St.

Solar System

Nathan Skiles

$49,176

899 Freeling Drive

Fence

Maurice Milikin

$48,000

1325 13th St.

Pool

Baris Misman

$41,719

3524 Palonia Court

Alterations

Filipe Fortes

$39,726

1886 Prospect St.

Remodel

Gregg Kaplan

$37,000

3214 Higel Ave.

Seawall

Jason Sparbel, trustee $34,544 Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

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

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

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

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA 355165-1

Prices as of February 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

12B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Siesta Key Bayfront Estate

Real estate FROM PAGE 11B

NEW LISTING!

3821 Flamingo Ave., Sarasota, FL 34242

1½ acres w/ 200 ft of Bayfront, this 5 BR/ 5.5 BA 5860 sq ft home was originally built in 1925 with heart pine floors & first cut, clear cut cypress. Updated and expanded to enhance the authentic character of this southern hospitality home. Verandas, brick terraces, 4 fireplaces, French doors, formal dining room opening to private pool and expansive lawns. Dockage for 2 boats on the bay plus add’l dockage on Hanson Bayou for a 50 foot boat and lift. 5 BR/4.5BA, 5860 sq ft + guest house and 3 car garage.

GRANADA Robert Gershen and Debra Kaye, of Sarasota, sold three properties at 3838 Flores Ave. to Scott Switzer and Ashely Dawn Tayloe-Switzer and Joseph Poarch and Christine LockhartPoarch, of Salem, Virginia, for $1.15 million. The first property was built in 1926; it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,725 square feet of living area.

The second property was built in 1925; it has one bedroom, one bath and 312 square feet of living area. The third property was built in 1975; it has one bedroom, one bath and 996 square feet of living area. They sold for $790,000 in 2012.

DESOTA PARK Toby Skelton, of Marlow, England, sold his home at 1930 Wisteria St. to Jeffrey Weinberger, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,060 square feet of living area.

It sold for $945,000 in 2017.

 5 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths, 2 with Fireplace  5,860 sq ft in main house, 522 sq ft in 1 BR, 1 BA Guest House  3 Car Garage with apartment overhead  Expansive views of Roberts Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway

MLS#A4496158 $6,900,000

#1 Agent in the Siesta Key Office for 29 years!

Jackie

Betsy

de MANIO Eberley

de MANIO cell: 941-914-5540 office: 941-349-2922 betsy@betsydemanio.com

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Voted Sarasota Magazine’s Five Star Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” 14 Years in a Row Coldwell Banker - International President’s Premier Agent

cell: 201-233-1959 office: 941-349-2922 Jackie@JackieEberley.com

THE LANDINGS Joshua and Anne Scott, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4919 Landings Court to Joseph Miletich and Lisa Fernandez, of Belmont, Massachusetts, for $840,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,496 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2017.

LAKE PARK James and Cheryl Williamson,

of Brevard, North Carolina, sold two properties at 1705 Shoreland Drive to Brian Wagner, of Louisville, Kentucky, for $775,000.

The first property was built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,615 square feet of living area. The second was built in 2014, it has one bath and 334 square feet of living area.

SCHINDLERS YGD Investments LLC sold the home at 1775 Seventh St. to Gerardo Bonilla, of Falls Church, Virginia, for $750,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $130,000 in 2017.

ALINARI Megan Charlton Boyer and Terry Michael Boyer, trustees, of New York City, sold the Unit 1203 condominium at 800 N. Tamiami Trail to Ranjit Singh Sufi and Kerry Anne Murphy, of Walnut Creek, California, for $700,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,323 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2019.

HUDSON LANDINGS Poppy Rossano, trustee, of Venice, sold the Unit 862 condominium at 862 Hudson Ave. to Bonnie Lynn Rumbold, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, for $679,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,362 square feet of living area. It sold for $576,000 in 2004.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL Janet Weller, of Nokomis, sold her Unit 608 condominium at 1350 Main St. to John Calderon, of New York City, for $644,000.

Built in 2007, it has two bed-

Coldwell Banker Realty Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH WELCOMES Brittney M. Benjamin, MD Board Certified, Family Medicine

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

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

941-365-7390 Beneva Family Practice Office

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921 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida 34232

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

POINSETTIA PARK E. Stephen Duffy and Jocelyn Pippy sold their home at 1886 Bougainvillea St. to Robert and Kim Livengood, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,474 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 2010.

THE LANDINGS TREEHOUSE Stephen Ball Jr. and Paula Lee Ball, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 29 condominium at 1499 Landings Lake Drive to Shannon Alves and Paul Alves, trustees, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2013.

Kristin Lunte sold her Unit 68 condominium at 1447 Landings Circle to Daniel Swiers and Evamarie Pilipuf-Swiers, of Sarasota, for $459,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,048 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2007.

CONDOMINIUMS OF ORANGE CLUB Paul Smith and Amy Fitzgerald, of Manasquan, New Jersey, sold their Unit 203 condominium at 635 S. Orange Ave. to Christopher Adrian, of Holmes Beach, for $549,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,039 square feet of living area. It sold for $549,900 in 2018.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Camphor Ave. to Jennifer Lynn Taylor and Gregory Alan Taylor, of Sarasota, for $545,400. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,764 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 2005.

BLAKEMORE LANE John and Sheila Sharpe, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1675 Blakemore Lane to Brendan and Jessica Diefenderfer, of Sarasota, for $545,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,386 square feet of living area. It sold for $269,500 in 2018.

Digital Program 6

ASHTON 23 -27 April

DESOTO TERRACE Kathryn Shevlin PA sold the home at 3710 Iroquois Drive to Angel Velazquez, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,704 square feet of living area. It sold for $151,600 in 2018.

PELICAN COVE Susan Rohrer, of Nantucket, Massachusetts, sold her Unit 125 condominium at 1621 Boathouse Circle to Joseph and Roberta Hellman, of Guilford, Connecticut, for $490,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,424 square feet of living area. It sold for $228,000 in 2012.

ONLINE

SARASOTA-VENICE CO. John and Lori Liguori, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4718

TICKETS $35

See more transactions

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941.359.0099

at YourObserver.com 349352-1

rooms, two baths and 1,395 square feet of living area. It sold for $620,000 in 2018.

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SARASOTABALLET.ORG

W ho you list with matters.

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PENDING MARCH | $1.22M

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SOLD MARCH | $2M LP

SOLD MARCH | $1.675M LP

548 BEACH RD | $1.695M

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

13B

14B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

YOUR CALENDAR

Voted One of Sarasota’s Best 28 Years in a Row!

New Style Shutters

Your Home Deserves Hunter Douglas Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc....Since 1989

•

Janet and Curt Mattson

Owners Blinds • Shutters • Draperies • Wallcoverings Sarasota 941-925-7800 www.mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 355056-1

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • Across from The Landings

File photo

DON’T MISS APRIL 10-11

ST. ARMANDS 18TH ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 10 and 11 at St. Armands Circle. The annual spring art festival returns with gallery-style booths full of fine art from national and local artists. Free. For information, call 388-1554.

APRIL 8

WOMEN IN ARCHAEOLOGY 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom. The virtual program “Women in Archaeology — Sarasota County from Past to Present” will have Maranda Kles of Archaeological Consultants Inc. talking about the women who helped shape Sarasota’s architecture. Free. For information, call 861-1289.

APRIL 10

355848-1

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE, FEATURING STEPHANIE BASTOS 7 p.m. Virtual. Dancer Stephanie Bastos will put on a live rehearsal of “Timeline,”

a one-woman show, as part of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s performance series. Free. For information, call 260-8485

APRIL 15

THE SIDEWALKS WE TRAVELED TO SARASOTA COUNTY 1-2 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. The Art in Common Places group will host a Q&A with Kathryn and Jerome Chesley looking at the many roads, bridges and walkways that have made up Sarasota for the past 100 years. Free. For information, call 861-1100.

OPTIMISM / op • tuh • miz • uhm / noun feeling nostalgic about the future OUR COLLEAGUES IN CARE NAME

Arturo “Tito” Santos

R E L AT I O N S H I P QUOTE

Blue Butterfly Volunteer

After my mom died, I wanted to

give back. I see goodness and hope as the kids heal from their loss.

Volunteering at the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center, Arturo is known for his genuine nature, and admits he learns more from the kids than he can ever teach them.

By starting with relationships, the Tidewell Foundation is redefining care. It’s how the Tidewell family has done it for 40 years.

351907-1

Brighten lives today CareRedefined.org

THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

High: 84 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 7%

FRIDAY, APRIL 9

SATURDAY, APRIL 10

Thursday, April 8

7:12a 7:50p

Friday, April 9

7:11a

7:51p

Saturday, April 10

7:10a

7:51p

Sunday, April 11

7:09a

7:52p

Monday, April 12

7:08a

7:52p

Tuesday, April 13

7:07a

7:53p

Wednesday, April 14

7:06a

7:53p

April 26 Full

May 3 Last

May 11 New

May 19 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Monday, March 29

0

Tuesday, March 30

0

Wednesday, March 31

0

Thursday, April 1

0

Friday, April 2

High: 80 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 51%

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

High: 86 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 12%

Kevin French captured this bald eagle on Lido Key near the beach.

15B

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

High: 87 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 12%

|

0.37

Saturday, April 3

0

Sunday, April 4

0

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 5.10 in.

2021 0.37 in.

2020 4.06 in.

2020 0.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 349213-1

CROSSWORD

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Sprinkler sites 6 One may be incandescent 10 Text format letters 13 Strong criticism 17 Earth Day’s month 18 Pirates’ sea in movies 20 Echo voice 21 Mexican dip in Manila?

23 Report on 24 Look after a pet, say 25 Knobs 26 Venomous porcupine’s defense?

28 Where paradise was lost 30 Chinese menu general 31 Country lodging

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

PICK, QUICK! by Hal Moore; Edited by David Steinberg

32 Series of concerts 33 Cold, as a look or a brook 35 “It’s of no ___ me” 38 Smallest possible amount 41 Guthrie at Woodstock 43 Weed chemical, for short 44 Beehive State native 45 Starts feeling fatigued 47 Heineken alternatives, informally 50 Curved path 52 Gravelly sound 54 Tiffany fixture 55 One particle in alignment with another?

58 Streetcar

60 Historical period 61 Stage sister of Masha and Irina 62 Hide’s counterpart, in a game 64 Missions, briefly 65 Come out on top 66 Charming old color assortment?

70 Resistance measure 73 Big ___, California 74 Pop star nickname hidden in “Missouri River” 75 Marsh plant 76 Kool ___ Dee (hip-hop pioneer) 77 As of right now

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

105 Smoke with a pen 109 Airplane flyers who have misgivings?

113 Decrees 115 ___ de los Muertos 116 Not trendy 117 “Behave,” or a theme hint 120 Agenda components 121 Komodo dragon’s country 122 Prize highly 123 The Terra-cotta Army guards one 124 Rooibos or oolong 125 Largest of Canada’s First Nations 126 Dueling swords

47 Explode like a volcano 48 Enticed 49 “Genesis does what Nintendon’t” sloganeer 51 Sea seen from Baku 53 Mentored one 56 Place to hibernate 57 Irish actor Stephen 59 Take place?

63 Russell of “The Americans” 67 Muslim face veil 68 Play about Capote 69 Outdoor wedding need 70 Union Pacific’s Nebraska base 71 Baklava sweetener 72 Queens team DOWN 73 Bicyclist’s challenge 1 Moment of forgetfulness 77 Interview goal 2 Part of a ladybug’s lunch 78 ___ Eats 3 Compose a letter 79 Sammy with six Silver 4 Zero, in soccer Slugger Awards 5 Went downhill, perhaps 6 Help for a struggling bank 80 15 minutes, say, at a crossword tournament 7 Huge coffee containers 82 Ringlet 8 Tell a tall tale 83 What an athlete might 9 Place for grilling take in protest 10 Escort from the door 84 Certain flat-screen set 11 Einstein’s “m” 87 Remote abbr. near a “+” 12 Most stuck-up and a “-” 13 Some grain-grinding 91 Beats, as a lovestruck facilities heart 14 Strauss of denim 94 Vast grassland 15 Skating jump 97 Weisshorn or Matterhorn 16 Marx or Malden 98 One-up 18 Books reviewers, briefly 99 Harmonious 19 Good, in Italian 100 Halloween animals 81 Factory that makes noisy 20 Find not guilty 102 Odyssey automaker 22 Shame toy ducks?

104 Valley known for 85 Instrument that tunes an 27 French refusal vineyards 29 Nabisco’s ___ Wafers orchestra 106 Discombobulate 34 Formal discussion 86 Opera star 36 Hack-a-___ (rhyming NBA 107 Irritated feeling 88 Sister with a habit 108 Simplifies strategy) 89 Shows the ropes to 109 Give up 37 Linen shade 90 Under siege 38 Long Island Rail Road org. 110 Golden rule word 92 Mafia 111 “Uh, I’m standing right 39 Eurasian border region 93 Part of a gym set here” 40 Viral phenomenon 95 Australian greeting 112 It may be dotted or 41 “Pong” producer 96 Senator Warnock dashed 42 Showed again 98 Gulf ship 44 “Family Matters” charac- 113 Firework feature 100 Wager 114 Rescue ter Steve 101 Select the best of 46 Agent involved in a dead 118 Opposite of ‘neath 102 Invader of Gaul 119 Quick snooze drop 103 Santa ___ winds

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“H.J.C. GMWHJA MPKGDFKI, K GWFJG NPIJRA ... VPK KHUDRH KIE FKEPMJIP XKDI KHP LPMGWFJIN DPH UW GWFPEZ DPKSPI.” – CKRM HREIJGX

“UNY SXCB RN VN RSMNYVS RSNWB TNYERXAEW XEP CXIIBUW – KBFXYWB RSXR’W DSXR IAGB AW: WNYI VMNDRS.”

– DXUEB EBDRNE

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals C

Sarasota

SAVE ON SELECT COLORS & STYLE

Puzzle One Clue L equals W

HARDWOOD

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-08-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Autos Wanted

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

Items Under $200

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

2 AREA rugs, 5x8 & 4x6 $40 each 941-413-7808 2 FLOOR lamps, Ikea telescoping arms $30 each 941-413-7808 CONCRETE DOLPHIN statue, 2 ft $70, Waterford paperweight $65, knee pillow $25, metal garden trellis $15 941-359-8460 EDGERS CONCRETE for walkways & garden landscaping, 50 cents, like new (941) 920-2494 Fountain pen set. 1970s. Osmiroid #75 pen, 6 22K nibs, ink, 3 books. Ex. cond.

(941) 966-6816 HUSQVARNA WEED whacker, new, used once, Model 179L $150, Black & Decker shears $20 941-776-3417 NEVER WORN, waist length, Men’s XL dark brown jacket.

Orig. $100. $30.

(941) 224-1244 NEW VIOLIN for Sale w/ bow & case $180 (941) 358-8511. www.allegromusicacademy.com

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Autos Service

Help Wanted NOW HIRING line cooks, bussers, servers, dishwasher and bartender.

Apply in person, 3218 Clark Road, El Toro Bravo Monday-Saturday 11 to 4

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver. com/redpages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales ESTATE ART SALE, 1666 Hillview Street, April 16 & 17 9am-2pm, many items under $100

General Merchandise MAYTAG TOP loading, matching washer and dryer, large capacity, excellent condition, you haul $350 cash only 941-312-0036

Merchandise Wanted Local Collector pays cash for flags, guns, medals, helmets, war souvenirs, military items ours/theirs.

941-323-9417.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE. YourObserver.com/RedPages

jobs

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

auto

First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

Condos/Apts. for Sale

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

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

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

RENTAL MANAGER Longboat Key Real Estate office is seeking an experienced Rental Manager. Must hold a valid Florida Real Estate License, have 5 – 10 years' experience as a Rental Manager. Have experience with short term vacation rentals and annual rentals, be versed in Landlord Tenant Law & Fair Housing.

Compensation is based on experience. Please send resume to flarentalmgr@gmail.com

GOLDEN GATE POINT: Beautiful 2BR/1BA, top floor, end unit, remodeled kitchen and bathroom, polished Terrazzo floors, peek-a-boo views of bay from every room, For Sale: $332,900.

303-944-8300. eceonlbk@msn.com Please no agents.

SELL IT FAST HERE! POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

PALMER RANCH: 2BD/2BA second floor corner unit w/ cathedral ceilings, largest 2 bedroom in the complex.

1,200 sqft + huge lanai. Gated community, tennis court, clubhouse, fitness center, and pool. $215,000.

941-358-6001.

This week’s Crossword answers

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “R.I.P. Cloris Leachman, a comic genius ... Bea Arthur and Madeline Kahn are welcoming her to comedy heaven.”

Paul Rudnick Puzzle Two Solution: “You have to go through those mountains and valleys -- because that’s what life is: soul growth.”

– Wayne Newton

This week’s Sudoku answers

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ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

RED PAGES AD RATES

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Items Under $200

TWO TIRES all most new 255/55R/18 paid $80, $20 each OBO, black wall 941-953-4186

peekers’ place

stuff

THREE DRAWER pine desk, middle drawer holds laptop or keyboard, dimensions 47”L x 22”W $50 941-224-1253

MOW OVER the competition!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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real estate

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Rentals Wanted

Luxurious 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2020 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $1,599,900

WANTED- LBK Beachfront Condo Searching for LBK updated oceanfront condo to rent. 2BR/2Ba with heated pool, tennis court. No pets, non smoking quiet complex.

Annual rental. Property managers/realtors/owners welcome. (423) 736-8326

Everything Updated Sarasota's Phillipi Gardens 3/2/2 $359,900 55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, 1/CAR, Dock. $530,000. Owner/agent Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo Pet Friendly $399,000 Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

WRITER SEEKS affordable, COVID-Safe mother-in-law suite or private room. I’m quiet, clean, professional & discreet.

Will caretake or housesit for snowbirds.

Excellent references.

941-271-1778.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Adult Care Services

Room for Rent FURNISHED ROOM, 1 to 2 persons, Siesta Key, walk to beach, all amenities, $850 per month 617-366-7557

home services

Homes for Sale

|

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Cleaning By Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Epic Home Care Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s CareLight Cleaning Med AdministrationMeal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 EpicHomeCare@yahoo.com Rosa Torres- Owner

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

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

17B

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

Landscaping/ Lawn Services PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

Tomlarsen559@gmail.com farmgirlfarmboyorganics.com 941-357-7750 business or 678-755-3804 cell

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Home Services

Painting

ESTATE MANAGER/ HOUSEHOLD MANAGER Olga has ability to manage all of your properties with seamless service standard. As a highly organized and intelligent professional, I will represent your family in the highest manner. I have over 20 years of experience managing household services.

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION AND INQUIRIES. (248) 755-0327. www.olgascleanhouse.com

Carlo Dattilo Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Realtors

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE! CALL 941-955-4888

Aluminum

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

Dustin Yoder

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

353815

Auto Service

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

354829

941.270.4400 Visit RED PAGES at YourObserver.com/RedPages

YOUR HOME

found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

HoHoBuysCars.com

5-Star Rated 354934

WE COME TO YOU

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Handyman

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

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Garage Floor Paint • Power Wash

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

Naji Aoun

6968 Beneva Road

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

354470

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Licensed Lic. #38333 References

ome epaiR eRvice • No JoB Too SmaLL • ScReeN RepaiRS • paiNTiNG/DRY WaLL • TiLe RepaiRS • & MUCH MORE!

941-735-3362

809-7311

24/7 SERVICE

Concrete

3680493-01

Reasonable Prices

Licensed & Insured

918-8587

Free Estimates

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007

ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES

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

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

GRAB BARS

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

235

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$

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

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

355522

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Lawn Care

• Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts 3687676-01

Curt’s Lawn Service

Call us today!

355513

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

954-1878

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

www.ezslider.com

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured

GLENN KROECKER

Doors

941.628.8579

941.966.0333

THE GRAB BAR GUY

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

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

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

DrGrabBars.com

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

FREE CONSULTATION

Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC 355504

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

373-9299 RED PAGES

Also Laying Stone

334711

Driveways • Sidewalks

Watching your home while you’re away

Health

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999

355569

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

YourObserver.com/RedPages

355558

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

“No Job Too Small”

BONDED/INSURED

RED PAGES

Since 1967

Residential Concrete Specialist

922-3157

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

Made for where you live. Here!

LACIVITA CONCRETE Patios - Driveways - Sidewalks

FREE

ESTIMATES!

941-315-2415

HighTechHomeWatch.com Rita@hightechhomewatch.com

353821

354939

(941) 504-3168

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

Pegatronics.com

State Lic. CR CO25291

“OUR ESTIMATES & ADVICE ARE FREE”

354471

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

Retired Police Officer

354463

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

Rita Raimer

✦ Carpentry ✦ Indoors ✦ Remodeling ✦ Ceramic Tile ✦ Water & Fire Damage ✦ Kitchen/Baths

355570

New & Refurbished Computers Servicing PC & MAC on Site or In Shop Virus and Spyware Removal- Free Software We Make Windows 10 User-Friendly!

355524

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

Home Services

354940

Computer

Lic. & Ins.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

724-2945

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 941-955-4888

355571

|

354945

SARASOTA OBSERVER

355506

18B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Wizard Moving SRQ

Eldridge Re-Screen

Ray - 941-313-4538

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Licensed

Painting

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

Free Estimate 941-922-3996

by

38 Years Experience

All Work Guaranteed

941-228-9850

354472

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

Joe Murray, Owner

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

STANDARD WINDOWS

354473

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

354946

• 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 Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d UP TO

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Plumbing

941-923-8140

Res./Com.

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

(941) 966-2960

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

Windows

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

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

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!

Roofing

LEAKY ROOF?

Melanie Gates

General Plumbing Services Inc.

941-232-1192

354485

Pet Services

Pet Care

Licensed & Insured

10 Years Experience

941-270-1561

Painting & Pressure Cleaning

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

Insured

5

$

941-626-3194

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

354467

Made for where you live. Here.

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

355510

351320

Faulkner’s

“No Job Too Small”

Trees

354474

make your moving day a pleasure.

19B

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

(941) 345-5264

ROAD HUGGER found here.

Whether you’re looking for high performance or a gas sipper, we have the listings to find your next ride.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

BUZZ! CREATE Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

355512

For $110 per hour you get: A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

354469

Rescreening & Repairs 353825

Movers

|

20B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

DOING MORE IS OUR DISTINCTION

$

WWW.SCHEMMELGROUP.COM

PENDING

CA S E Y K E Y 1 9 0 0 CA S E Y K E Y R OA D | $1 9, 9 0 0,0 0 0 3.5-acre Gulf-to-Bay resort-like compound with 128 feet of direct Gulf beach frontage and over 1,000 feet of Bay frontage.

S I E S TA K E Y 1 2 5 8 T R E E B AY L A N E | $1 ,0 8 5 ,0 0 0 Private beach access on Siesta Key.

S A R A B AY AC R E S 1 3 3 W E S T B AY S T R E E T | $1 , 5 4 5 ,0 0 0 Direct bayfront investment opportunity.

104

MILLION CLOSED IN 2020

$

87

MILLION

CLOSED OR PENDING IN 2021

NEW LISTING

S I E S TA K E Y 3 5 3 6 B AYO U LO U I S E L A N E | $ 6 , 97 5 ,0 0 0 Gulf-front estate on the north end of Siesta Key.

PENDING

PR E S TA N C I A 4149 L A S PA L M A S WAY | $7 9 5 ,0 0 0 Great lakefront home in a gated golf course community.

PR E S TA N C I A M O N T E V E R D E | $170,0 0 0 Buildable lot in a gated golf course community.

A R L I N GTO N PA R K 2 5 3 0 P R O S P EC T S T R E E T | $1 , 2 5 9,0 0 0 Historic East of Trail home just minutes from downtown Sarasota.

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

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

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

SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

355073-1

SCHEMMELGROUP

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

BRIDGE April 2021 Issue

Quarterly Member Magazine

From the CEO Page 2

New Team Members Page 6

New in Membership

100 YEARS

Pages 12-13

Leadership Sarasota Pages 14-15

THE CENTENNIAL MURALS Pages 8-9

Click here to Read the April 2021 BRIDGE Magazine: https://issuu.com/greatersarasotachamber/docs/2021_april_bridge_magazine

(for Frown Lines, Forehead and Crow’s feet)

9.00

$ per unit (Max 25 units)

SEE BACK FOR DETAILS.

OVER 500 FIVE STAR REVIEWS

320377-1 Following all CDC Guidelines to ensure the safety of our clients & staff

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 353105-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 4/30/2021.