Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 12.18.25

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

Fun was in the bag at The Bay.

PAGE 14B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

VOLUME 21, NO. 45

YOUR TOWN

Fewer visitors, more money As post-COVID tourism levels off, the focus turns to quality over quantity. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy image

Next-level science instruction Andy Harshman has led Sarasota High’s MaST Research Institute for 17 years.

The program for advanced scientific and mathematics allows students in grades 9-12 to perform college-level research.

This year, Harshman’s contributions to the district were honored when he was named Sarasota County Teacher of the Year for 2026.

“We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Harshman as the 2026 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year,” said Superintendent Terry Connor. “He has had a tremendous impact on the lives of his students and school community.”

Fellow finalists were fifth grade teacher Becky Hoffman of Pine View School and art teacher Holly Pisaturo of McIntosh Middle School.

OH, WHAT FUN! Sandy Claws beach run is a holiday tradition. SEE PAGE 1B

Courtesy image

Marie Souza and Mark Swanson as Hansel and Gretel

Ian Swaby

Though not necessarily attired for athletics, Heidi Anderson and Roy Sprinkle fit right in at the Sandy Claws run on Siesta Beach Dec. 13.

Storybook stars

During a gala on Dec. 4, many attendees ditched black tie for more colorful attire, such as hats worn by a certain cat in a children’s book.

The cause was literacy for children at the “Once Upon a Gala” event held in support of Dreamer’s Academy.

The dual-language public charter school, which opened in 2021, welcomed families, community leaders, and supporters to The Westin Sarasota, raising $140,000.

The school focuses on intensive literacy and math interventions for its 600 students, nearly 80% of whom live in low-income households.

The funds will help 100 children build home libraries, receive customized instruction and after-school tutoring, and participate in activities to bring them to grade level proficiency. $0.10

A+E

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

Renderings for a proposed Shore Restaurant at St. Armands Circle show a modern facade and a threestory building with retail space, a restaurant and third-floor residential units.

Shore coming full Circle?

Owners propose bringing the landmark restaurant back to a redeveloped property on St. Armands. SEE PAGE 5A

Broadway-style Christmas.

INSIDE

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

2A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

WEEK OF DEC. 18, 2025

County Commission makes a to-do list

“My back is killing me.”

Sarasota County Commission Chair Joe Neunder, a chiropractor, near the end of the marathon morning session of the Dec. 16 commission meeting. Read more on page 6A

During its annual planning retreat on Friday, Dec. 12, the Sarasota County Commission set its priority agenda for the 2026 calendar year.

The commission’s list of 2026 priorities includes: ■ Budget 2028 — ­ critical services and current budget ■ Current and future transportation management on county roads ■ Regional stormwater facilities ■ Siesta Key beautification, funding and maintenance In addition, commissioners intend to focus on crucial agenda topics including affordable housing and transportation.

They will finalize the strategic priorities during the Jan. 13, 2026, commission meeting.

During the retreat, District 5 Commissioner Ron Cutsinger was selected to serve as chairman for 2026 and District 2 Commissioner Mark Smith as vice chair. It will be Cutsinger’s second term with the gavel.

Smith, who is running for reelection in 2026, will be vice chair.

BY THE NUMBERS $200 MILLION

Approximate cost of capital improvements at SRQ Airport in 2025 PAGE 4A

$13.5 MILLION

Funding allocated to St. Armands Key by Sarasota County for storm resilience improvements PAGE 6A

690

Requests made to school districts around Florida by charter school operators for space under the state’s Schools of Hope provisions PAGE 10A

School board to set new attendance rules Courtesy image

CALENDAR n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 5, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, South County Administration Building, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

The entrance to the new Sarasota County History Center, which is under construction, and part of the renovated Fruitville Library branch.

Fruitville Library closed until July 2026 S

arasota County’s Fruitville Library off Apex Road just east of Interstate 75 has closed for an extensive renovation project, which is expected to take six months to complete.

Beginning in January, a mobile library will operate in the parking lot, allowing patrons to pick up books, browse through a small collection of titles and get basic information about library services.

Among the changes included in the project are: ■ A new library addition and

History Center, replacing the current site in Osprey ■ Renovated children’s room and a new teen space ■ Updated study, meeting and collaboration rooms ■ New green spaces and a central courtyard connecting the library and History Center A document describing the capital improvement project lists the design costs at $1.94 million and the construction contract at $26 million.

That document says the county’s current history center

“is aging and inadequate to house the county’s collections of historic artifacts.” The funding source is Sarasota County’s onepenny surtax.

The nearest full-service library buildings to Fruitville are the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library on Newtown Boulevard (7 miles); Selby Library on First Street in downtown (7 miles) and Gulf Gate Library on Curtiss Avenue (10 miles).

Fruitville Library staff will be temporarily reassigned across Sarasota County libraries.

In the new year, Sarasota’s school board will vote on an attendance policy that sets out a three-day window for parents to send in an attendance note following an excused absence.

The policy also further details what counts as an excused and unexcused absence.

At present, attendance requirements are inconsistent across schools, said board member Liz Barker.

Although the Student Code of Conduct permits a three-day window, that time frame is not specified in the current attendance policy, with some schools allowing five days, she said.

Approval of advertising passed through a vote of 3-1, with Barker and board member Tom Edwards in dissent.

The board will gather public comment on the policy at its Jan. 20 meeting.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

3A

Tourist tap Visit Sarasota County expects a ‘flat’ 2026 after years of declines from the COVID-year highs, with spending still outpacing pre-pandemic levels.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

F

or those working in the tourism marketing industry, forecasting is akin

to gazing into a cloudy crystal ball.

Certainly, there are expectations given scheduled corporate meetings at hotels, sports events planned for the region’s athletic facilities, advance bookings for accommodattions and more. Still, a single global or weather event can disrupt even the best-laid plans.

No one could have predicted, for example, the pandemic years of 2020 through 2022 would bring the crush of tourists and relocations of those seeking a less-restrictive lifestyle. Nor could they have anticipated back-to-back-to-back tropical weather systems would cost an entire season of vacationers in 2024 and reluctant travel for a large portion of 2025.

Still, the work of Visit Sarasota County continues through it all, and even though factors such as the post-pandemic return to global travel and the 2024 hurricane season have resulted in fewer visitors in the inequitable comparisons to the COVID peak, those fewer visitors are spending more. And given the value the 6% accommodations tax, or bed tax, brings to the community, that’s the mission.

“We talk a lot about quality over quantity. We’re residents, too. We would rather have fewer visitors spending more money than more visitors spending less money,” said Erin Duggan, the president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County, the county’s official tourism bureau. “We’re not just resting on our laurels and getting who we get. We’re being very strategic about who we’re going after.”

To pursue those targeted markets, for fiscal year 2026, Visit Sarasota County received from the county about 13% of the projected accommodations’ tax revenue, or $8.1 million, of which $6.9 million is dedicated to promotions and nearly $1.2 million to recruiting sports competitions.

In return, VSC is credited with directly delivering about one-third of the county’s tourism, plus a nonquantifiable number of visitors through ancillary awareness and repeat visitors. “But those meetings and those sports tournaments, they wouldn’t be here but for us,” Duggan said.

Nor would they be here but for the hotels to accommodate them.

Growth in that sector — even with the recent losses of the Hyatt Regency in downtown and the Sand Castle Resort on Lido Beach — Duggan said she expects a “flat” 2026 in terms of visitors, a welcomed trend from the declines of the prior to years.

That’s just fine with Art Ovation Hotel General Manager Wes Santos, who arrived here in 2021 with the

TOURISM TAX DOLLAR BREAKDOWN Of the $46.25 million in anticipated tourism development tax revenue for Sarasota County in fiscal year 2026, here are the key spending categories.

Beach maintenance: 23% Sports stadiums: 21% Promotion (Visit Sarasota County): 13% Capital improvement and facilities: 12% Beach renourishment: 10% Aquatic nature center: 8% Arts: 8% Sports tourism: 4% Capital projects and events: 1%

Photo courtesy of Damon Powers

Sarasota County’s beaches, which are consistently ranked among the nation’s best, offer dramatic sunsets.

‘FISH IN A BARREL’

“With season kicking back in, I’m hearing some optimism again from our hoteliers. We go after a variety of audiences. You can’t just go after one visitor. That’s not going to fill the wide variety of rooms that we have. So we’re very specific as to what markets we’re going after.”

— Erin Duggan, the president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County

Photos by Andrew Warfield

Shoppers and diners have returned to St. Armands Circle a year after the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Hyatt Regency.

“I came here just when things were getting crazy that summer,” said Santos, adding more hotels in the city’s inventory has helped boost visits and revenue. Both the downtown Embassy Suites and Art Ovation were opened in 2018, just in time for the pandemic rush.

“There’s just so much more development in those four years happening downtown,” Santos said. “I look from our rooftop here and there’s at least six cranes, so there is a confidence level that folks are continuing to come to the area.”

The opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Duggan said, has boosted the bed tax revenue with its rates. A recent search of the hotel’s website showed prices ranging from $1,137 a night for a guest room to $7,106 a night for a suite. At 6%, tourism tax revenue equals about $68 to $426 a night.

Fiscal Year

Visitors

Spending

2019*

2.8 million

$1.88 billion

$3.1 billion

WHEN FLAT IS GOOD

2020

2.26 million

$1.36 billion

$2.24 billion

2021

2.89 million

$2.04 billion

$3.45 billion

Fiscal year 2025’s 2.71 million visitors — that number based on registered guests at the county’s hotels and vacation rentals — is down 6.3% from the 2.89 million in 2024, and their spending is down 7.1% at $2.37 billion from last year’s $2.55 billion.

Duggan expects more of the same this year, which mirrors Sarasota County government’s fiscal year of Oct. 1-Sept. 30.

“I’m optimistic that we’re going to stay flat,” she said. “Last year was a bit of a decline from 2024, so I don’t think it’s going to get any lower. With season kicking back in, I’m hearing some optimism again from our hote-

Erin Duggan is president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County.

Sarasota County tourism and spending Economic Impact

2022

3 million

$2.59 billion

$4.28 billion

2023

3.07 million

$2.6 billion

$4.2 billion

2024

2.89 million

$2.55 billion

$4.03 billion

2025

2.71 million

$2.37 billion

$3.6 billion

* = Final full pre-pandemic fiscal year.

Source: Visit Sarasota County

liers. We go after a variety of audiences. You can’t just go after one visitor. That’s not going to fill the wide variety of rooms that we have.

So we’re very specific as to what markets we’re going after.”

Downtown hotels provide a birds-eye view of the city and Sarasota Bay.

Image Courtesy of Visit Sarasota County

Few of those resources are allocated toward Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves spring training, for example.

“The hotel rooms are probably going to be full in March whether or not we have spring training going on,” she said. “I think it just adds an extra amenity for our residents and tourists, which is phenomenal.”

Tourism tax dollars generated in part by VSC’s efforts help pay for the amenities that draw visitors, including spring training sites Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota and Cool Today Park in North Port, both owned and operated by the county.

For the current fiscal year, 87% of the anticipated tourist development tax revenue will be spent on beach and facilities maintenance, facilities, capital improvements and other initiatives to attract tourism that also benefit county residents.

“Beach maintenance, sports stadiums, capital improvements and facilities like Nathan Benderson Park, arts and culture grants, these are all resident quality of life amenities that tourists are paying for,” Duggan said. “We want to move the needle. We want to take rooms that would be empty and put people in them for the benefit of the entire county.”

Until the next global event creates a tourism rush to the central Gulf Coast of Florida — or mother nature drives it away — the pace of visitors has settled into more of a normal level, albeit elevated from the pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019.

Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan likened tourism marketing during the pandemic to “shooting fish in a barrel.”

“People were willing to spend whatever it cost to stay at a nice resort and eat in restaurants and go to swimming pools and go to the beach, so it’s absolutely completely unfair to try to measure last year, this year or next year against that,” Duggan said. “There was no international travel, there was no cruising. And then even when those things did start to slowly open back up, people weren’t necessarily doing it.”

Visitors are still coming here from farther flung locales, but where Sarasota County has lost market share for the past two years, Duggan said, is from in-state travel as fellow Floridians gradually felt comfortable to spread their wings and travel internationally.

“Tourism is down (from the COVID peak) but the airport is doing really well, and their bread and butter is tourism, meaning passengers coming in,” Duggan said. SarasotaBradenton International Airport, in fact, is expecting to set a record of 4.5 million passengers in calendar year 2025 compared to 1.9 million in 2019.

Art Ovation Hotel General Manager Wes Santos credits the COVID bump for raising awareness of Sarasota as a travel destination, and the reason the area continues to outpace pre-pandemic numbers.

“It brought a lot more eyes to Sarasota,” Santos said. “When you take an average traveler who would normally just look at Miami or Orlando, I think Sarasota is in that conversation now. It’s still a seasonal place. We’ll see what next year brings, but we what we learned this year is that while it wasn’t as busy as the last couple years, it is still better compared to 2018 and 2019.”

With December numbers still unavailable for calendar year calculations, fiscal year data shows visitors down nearly 86,000 compared to 2019, but the allimportant spending and economic impact up more than $488 million and more than $498 million, respectively.

4A

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

SRQ ready to climb higher After spending some $200 million this year for expansion, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is set for more growth, including a parking garage and baggage claim.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

N

ew leadership, a new concourse, 17 new concessions and a new outbound baggage-handling system — all punctuated by an anticipated record-breaking 4.5 million passengers — highlighted a year filled with accomplishments at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

And it all sets the stage for an equally busy 2026.

By the time retired President and CEO Rick Piccolo handed the keys to his office to his successor, Paul Hoback, in October, SRQ: ■ Opened the new $100 million, five-gate Concourse A. ■ Completed the installation of a new baggage screening and delivery system to increase capacity and efficiency.

■ Opened a new ground transportation area on the north end of the terminal for taxis, ride share operators and buses.

■ Nearly finished a revamp of Concourse B with new restaurants, bars and shops.

Those four projects represent some $200 million in investment in the airport as its passenger count grows from the 1.9 million in the last pre-pandemic year of 2019.

“We will end the year with 11 airlines and 69 non-stop destinations,” said SRQ Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Mark Stuckey.

“We’ve added 12 new non-stop destinations for 2025, the latest two are Toledo and Miami with Miami being a hub for American Airlines. That is a great service when you can connect people beyond the city that somebody may be flying to as a destination.”

American also offers service to the hubs in Dallas and Charlotte. Allegiant, which leases the five ground boarding gates in Concourse A, added seven routes in February plus the Toledo route later in the year.

More flights mean more passengers seeking better service in the terminal and higher-end amenities in the concourses as SRQ competes with Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. To shorten lines and control costs, SRQ added

Renovations and construction of concessions in Concourse B at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport are nearly complete.

Among the locally branded concessions in the new Concourse A at SarasotaBradenton International Airport is Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

Photos by Andrew Warfield

a 10th rental car vendor, SixT, this year. New dining options in Concourse B include Mattison’s, Huey Magoo’s Chicken, and the nearly completed Wahlburgers. Also soon to open is Motorworks Brewing, which will replace a temporary bar.

At the far end of the concourse is The Salty Key bar and remaining in place is sandwich shop Jimmy John’s.

Concourse A dining options include Patrick’s 1481 and Anna Maria Oyster Bar. “We have great concessions that are open now, and that was one of the really big customer service conveniences that we’ve added in 2025 that has really changed the look and feel of our airport,” Stuckey said.

“Passengers have come to expect a certain level of amenities at an airport, and we wanted to make sure we provided that.”

As SRQ leadership puts a wrap on 2025, it looks toward 2026. One reason Hoback was recruited from Pittsburgh International Airport is his experience in overseeing infrastructure expansion. Adding to his expertise is new Senior Vice President of Engineering, Planning and Facilities Robert Furr. He comes from Orlando International Airport, where he was vice president of engineering, and previously Tampa International Airport, where he served as senior manager of planning and design.

“Our new CEO brings a lot of experience with construction, and we’ve got (Furr) who just came on

Mark Stuckey is executive vice president and chief of staff of SarasotaBradenton International Airport.

board, and he is really good, really sharp,” Stuckey said.

Together, they will lead the 2026 directives of planning for a new parking structure on the current short-term and rental car parking area and upgrading baggage claim to add capacity.

Current planning for the parking structure will serve the triple purposes of adding enough parking capacity for the foreseeable future on levels three through five, staging rental car operations on the ground level and moving baggage claim functions to the second level.

According to Stuckey, that plan-

ning will begin in early 2026 and take approximately a year, followed by several months to bid the project and upwards of 18 months to build at a cost of upwards of $250 million.

In the interim, baggage claim will require expansion, which may mean extending the terminal building or converting the current conveyor system to a more efficient model.

Although the entire system may eventually be relocated to the parking garage, investing in the present remains necessary.

“We’re four to five years out before we have our parking garage complete, but we have to fix the baggage claim issue in the meantime,” Stuckey said.

Since the start of the pandemicinduced rapid growth SRQ experienced over the past five years, the airport has scrambled to keep pace.

Now with all the gate capacity needed for the next decade or more and upgraded concessions in place, the future turns toward enhancing the passenger experience to remain competitive.

“Right now, the customer experience at our airport is really good,” Stuckey said. “We have plenty of room in the ticket wing, quick processing and few lines. We have multiple escalators. We have plenty of checkpoint equipment machines and personnel to keep the flow going through quickly, and then once they’re beyond the checkpoint it opens up into beautiful gate areas with plenty of concessions.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

5A

Shore Restaurant circles back to St. Armands A three-story mixed-use proposal includes the popular destination, which closed its nearby location after 2024’s floods.

S.T. CARDINAL STAFF WRITER

A

three-story, mixed-use development with retail space, a popular restaurant, a cafe, a bodega and a courtyard-style pool is the vision for a piece of property on the edge of St. Armands Circle.

Documents submitted to the city of Sarasota’s Development Review Committee show tentative plans for two parcels on the northeastern quadrant of the circle, at the corner of Madison Drive. A pre-application conference for the Shore Restaurant is listed on the Dec. 17 agenda describing a renovation of 0.33 acres to a mixed-use project that includes “a restaurant, retail space, and approximately eight residential units” at 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents.

In a news release, the potential residential units are described by Shore as a luxury residential space that could evolve into a boutique hotel to create the first “fully immersive Shore lifestyle destination.”

Shore Restaurant, in the release, said the goal is to bring Shore Restaurant, Shore Cafe and Shore Retail to the property with the renovations. The restaurant will bring New American Coastal Cuisine featuring fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. The cafe would offer grab-and-go options, and the retail space’s shelves will be lined with men’s and women’s resort lifestyle apparel.

Shore Restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle location, but it closed in late 2024 after suffering flooding from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time that infrastructure issues on the Circle “forced us to reevaluate our future here.” In Shore’s previous

space the Tommy Bahama clothing store and restaurant opened.

Now, Shore’s potential return to St. Armands looks to be in the works, described in a press release as a fullcircle homecoming moment.

Leonard said in a press release that the redevelopment would include flood-proofing and would be built to last “for generations.”

“St. Armands shaped Shore into what it is today,” Susan Leonard said. “Reopening here is emotional for all of us, our family, our team, our longtime customers. It feels like coming home, but with a completely renewed vision for the future.”

A pre-application conference appears on the agenda for the potential return of Shore with United Associates Ltd. and Kauffman Family Prtshp #1 Ltd listed as the applicant of the project.

Rezoning from Commercial Tourist will not be necessary, but there are many steps before the project is finalized or approved, starting with the pre-application conference during which city staff will discuss any potential issues or needed steps with the developers and DevelopmentReview Committee. According to a city of Sarasota development application, there are a possible 17 steps needed, including traffic studies, site plan submittal and community workshops.

According to a packet submitted to Sarasota’s Development Review Committee by consultants KimleyHorn and Associates, the proposed project would combine 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents into one building, while adding a third floor.

The project will be completed in three phases, which include a partial demolition and renovation.

“The scope of this renovation will be substantial but carefully calibrated to stay within the maximum limits permitted by the city’s zon-

S.T. Cardinal

The building at the corner of North Boulevard of the Presidents and Madison Drive may be the location of a revived Shore Restaurant on St. Armands Circle.

ing code,” the Kimley Horn packet states. “By approaching the project in carefully planned phases, the development team aims to reopen an iconic destination in a resilient manner that respects local regulations, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of this iconic Sarasota locale.”

United Associates and Kauffman Family are connected to Mark Kauffman, a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; his daughter Mindy Kauffman; and Sarasotabased Red Property Management, according to Florida Department of State records.

According to a release from Shore, the three-story “Shore flagship” on St. Armands is expected to open in spring 2027.

The project would need city of Sarasota Planning Board approval, but would not need City Commission approval.

Image courtesy of Kimley-Horn & Associates

An aerial rendering shows plans to bring a courtyard-style pool to the third floor of a new Shore Restaurant, cafe, clothing store and boutique hotel concept at St. Armands Circle.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

County grants $13.5M to St. Armands projects

Come see what everyone’s

going

D L I W

Sarasota commissioners approve some, but not all, of the funding requested to bulk up flood-proofing projects in the shopping district that’s also a key evacuation route.

about!

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

A

Close ! s r e t n Encou

File image

St. Armands Circle was several feet underwater following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FUNDED PROJECTS Projects receiving Resilient SRQ funding: River Road interstate connector: $15,647,316 Forest Lakes floodplain mitigation: $15,611,000 St. Armands resiliency: $13,500,000 Bahia Vista Road flood mitigation: $6,000,000 Southgate lift station expansion: $3,063,147 McBean Boys & Girls Club rebuild: $3,000,000 County bypass pumps sewer lift station: $178,537

their challenge was balancing $174.7 million in requests against one-third of that amount of available funding.

With the guidance of Stormwater Department Director Ben Quartermaine, commissioners decided to fund what they viewed are the most critical elements of the St. Armands plan. They include retrofitting pump stations and generators to improve reliability and capacity; installing tide check valves to prevent seawater from entering the drainage system from storm surge; and maybe, if there is enough left over, some permeable pavement in strategic locations.

Unfunded were underground water storage vaults and the purchase of deployable flood barriers. To cut costs, Quartermaine volunteered to oversee concept design in-house until the engineering stage, when it would be turned over to a professional hire. The highest-scoring project on the list at 95 out of 100, the rebuild of the McBean Boys & Girls Club in Newtown, was awarded its $3 million request.

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e c n e i r e p Ex

s the hour hand crossed the noon threshold near the end of two-plus hours of lobbying by residents for Resilient SRQ funding, Sarasota County Commission Chairman Joe Neunder pleaded with his colleagues for a brief break.

Still to enter into the agenda items of the marathon Dec. 16 meeting, Neunder, a chiropractor, in a twist of irony said he needed to stand and move because, “My back is killing me.”

He was probably not alone.

Dominating the public comment portion of the meeting were dozens of residents and even some municipal government and elected officers making the case for a share of the $57 million in available hurricane recovery funds. A request made by the city of Sarasota for $25 million in resilience projects on St. Armands sought the lion’s share of the funding, in the end securing $13.5 million as commissioners pared the project from the dais.

“I’d like to give as much as we can to St. Armands because I think it’s critical,” said Commissioner Teresa Mast. “I wish we had enough for all of that. We don’t. I feel like we’ve tried so hard to address as many areas of our county as we could.”

In all, the commission weighed 25 funding requests ranging from $178,537 for bypass pumps for Sarasota County lift stations to the city’s bid for $24.5 million for St. Armands, which Interim City Manager Dave Bullock, in somewhat pointed fashion, reminded commissioners was actually a county, not a city, project.

Under an interlocal agreement, the county is responsible for maintaining stormwater systems in the city. St. Armands, Bullock and others stated, had been neglected for decades as flooding persisted even during heavy rains from less-thantropical systems. As an economic engine, a popular tourist destination and, most importantly, the evacuation route for all of St. Armands Key, Lido Key and at least half of Longboat Key, St. Armands, they argued, should rank among the highest priorities.

There was little debate among commissioners on that point, but

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

A Reimagined Jewel on South Palm Avenue

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NO OTHER STATE. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Season sparkles

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Jack Nelson, JNelson@ YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Digital News Analytics and Marketing Strategist / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital News Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

T

here’s nothing like a lighted home for the holidays, especially when a display manages to stand out above others.

Some of the highlights in Sarasota include the home at 2834 Browning St., a spectacle with a wide variety of figures and animated characters gathered across its front yard.

Another is the home at 3059 Jamaica St., which features a Grinch theme in a scene that mirrors the whimsy of Whoville while also incorporating characters from other stories and other decor.

Here are a few of the lights displays the Observer found that acted as bright spots in the community this year.

Photos by Ian Swaby

The home at 2834 Browning St. featured decorations and animated figures.

— IAN SWABY

The Grinch looms large at 3077 Jamaica St.

Lights and inflatables adorn the yard at 4623 Busti Drive.

Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Katrina Haug / KHaug@YourObserver. com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver. com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Anna Reich, Anna@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Sydney Schunk, SSchunk@YourObserver. com Head of Sales Operations / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Director of Strategic Growth / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Strategic Marketing Coordinator / Landyn Park, LPark@YourObserver.com Social Media and Content Manager / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services and IT / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver. com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. Characters decorate the lawn at 2834 Browning St.

Santa Claus hangs on at 2846 Browning St.

is locally owned.

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Lights adorn the trees around a home at 1582 South Drive.

The yard was filled with figures that included reindeer at 4040 Swift Road.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Boys & Girls Club plans to rebuild Newtown site The Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club plans to replace its existing facility, which will be converted to outdoor space.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

hree years after unanimous approval of the Sarasota Planning Board of a street vacation for a renovation project, representatives of the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club in Newtown were back before the panel on Dec. 10.

Land that had been acquired by the organization included a street that straddled the line between the property owned by the club and the neighboring Sarasota Housing Authority, where the latter is developing the final two phases of its Cypress Square apartments.

This time, though, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties is seeking to rezone a portion of the property plus secure site plan approval to build a new facility as an overall expansion of its facilities. The entire site is to be conveyed to the SHA, which will lease it to the organization.

The Boys & Girls Club plans to replace the existing 21,197-squarefoot multipurpose structure with a slightly larger 21,760-square-foot building. Because it will not be built on the same footprint, the existing building will remain in use until its replacement is completed.

According to plans, the current building will then be replaced with an approximately 3,600-squarefoot covered outdoor play area and a multipurpose athletic field.

The original renovation plan from three years ago would have reori-

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA Founded in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, by four women who believed boys who roamed the streets needed a positive alternative, the organization focused on capturing boys’ interests, improving their behavior and increasing their personal expectations and goals. In 1906, multiple Boys Clubs partnered, forming the Federated Boys Clubs in Boston, marking the start of a movement nationwide.

In 1931, its name was changed to Boys Clubs of America, and in 1990, changed again to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and Desoto Counties was established in 1970, and the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club opened in 1997.

ented the existing building to flip the main entrance away from 21st Street, primarily for safety concerns.

Instead, while undergoing the renovation plan, Boys & Girls Clubs leadership decided to rebuild entirely.

“We figured out that the building was just not salvageable,” said Michael Beaumier, president of Osprey Consulting and chairman of the club’s building committee. “It’s 30-plus years old. It leaks. We spent a quarter of a million dollars trying to fix the roof. Finally we said enough is enough. Let’s figure out what we can do here, because we have all these kids that we don’t want to uproot and send them someplace else and tear this club down while we build a

Andrew Warfield

new club.”

With the Planning Board’s unanimous recommendation of approval of both the site plan and the rezoning, the Boys & Girls Club will go before the City Commission seeking a two-part approval. In addition to the site plan, an approximately 1.01acre portion of the property must be rezoned from a Residential Multiple Family Zone District to the Governmental (G) Zone.

Its proximity to the under-development second and third phases of the SHA’s Cypress Square apartments makes it an ideal location for the organization to serve a targeted portion of its clientele.

“We are one of the few Boys & Girls Clubs that’s actually in a public housing project in the country,” Beaumier said. “This is our commitment to continue to be there long term.”

Rezoning the portion of the site to Government will also bring it into the Housing Authority Overlay District, which will match the rest of the SHA property. The SHA leases the club’s current site to the organization, and the club will convey the recently acquired expansion site to

the housing authority.

“It’s being rezoned G so that we can give it to the housing authority, and it’ll be all one big piece of property,” said project consultant Joel Freedman.

“So I guess someday, when maybe I’m not in front of you guys anymore and this building decides to go away, it’ll all be one big piece of property, G zoned for the Housing Authority.

But I don’t see the Boys & Girls Club going anywhere.”

In addition to providing safe recreation space for young children and teens in separate areas, which includes a full-size indoor basketball court, the facility is designed to also serve as a once-weekly food pantry.

The teen center is open until midnight on Friday nights in an effort to keep teens off the street and in the club.

“I’m a Boys & Girls Clubs rat,” said Beaumier. “At 4 years old I was at the Boys & Girls Club. Both parents worked. I come from a blue-collar neighborhood in Connecticut. Boys & Girls Club was the first organization I got on the board of directors in Sarasota County when I moved here.

“They do good work.”

Plans are to replace the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club in Newtown with a new building and convert the current structure into outdoor play space.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Sarasota, Manatee say no to Schools of Hope asks Charter operators rejected in initial requests to share campus space. But that might not be the end of it.

ERIC GARWOOD DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR

I

t’s a solid no, or an even simpler rejection, from school administrators in Sarasota and Manatee counties regarding their first colocation requests by charter school operators for space in public schools.

But that might not be the end of the two school districts’ initial Schools of Hope requests.

Superintendent Terry Connor of Sarasota and Manatee attorney Kevin Pendley both sent rejection

notices in November to Somerset Academy and Mater Academy, denying space sought by two south Florida corporations at four public campuses under Florida’s Schools of Hope provisions, documents show In the case of Somerset, Connor’s rationale was that the system was not an approved Schools of Hope operator. Manatee simply did not respond to that company.

In the case of Mater, both counties called its requests unworkable for a variety of reasons, including future plans, a pending redistricting process and age-inappropriate facilities.

Both operators have open to them an appeals process. Ultimately, the state’s education board would make the final call, based on a recommendation from the proceeding.

Mater and Somerset requested space in Manatee’s Lincoln Memo-

Courtesy image

rial Middle School and Sara Scott Harllee Center along with Sarasota’s Brookside Middle and Emma Booker Elementary. The two charter operators were seeking space under the Florida law, amended recently, that allows designated Schools of Hope to co-locate on public school campuses with excess capacity.

Beginning Nov. 11, the first day such official requests were permitted, 22 school districts around the state began receiving co-location requests. According to the Florida Policy Institute, “at least 690” individual campus requests were made.

Some campuses attracted more than one.

Days earlier in November, Sarasota County’s school board unanimously approved a sweeping set of plans reimagining about a dozen county schools with excess capacity, not only for the purposes of heading off Schools of Hope requests, but also to lure students back from private schools and more traditional charter school operations.

For instance: ■ Emma Booker Elementary would use excess space to build out a Junior Achievement financial and business education simulation center for the 2027-28 school year. The resulting space usage would bring the school from 44% occupancy to 82%.

■ Brookside Middle would become

File photo

Brookside Middle School is one of two Sarasota County campuses Schools of Hope space was requested, but the request was rejected by Superintendent Terry Connor.

a magnet school focused on AI, robotics, cybersecurity and information technology. Capacity usage would move from 45% to 73%.

■ A series of schools now for kindergarten through fifth grade would be converted to K-8 campuses.

■ A building at Fruitville Elementary school would be demolished.

In Somerset’s case, a statement in November from the company says it was casting a wide net with ambitions to later focus on a smaller number of campuses beyond next school year. The company refers to itself as a Schools of Hope operator, but it does not appear on the list of Schools of Hope-designated operators published by the state. The company did not immediately answer a question on how this is so.

“Our purpose is not to replace or displace existing schools, but to collaborate with districts to expand public access to underutilized facilities and provide families with more educational opportunities,” the statement said. “While we have sent notices regarding a number of potential locations, our intent is not to operate in all of them. In fact, we anticipate opening only a handful of schools for the 2027–28 school year.

Once final locations are selected, we will rescind notices for all other sites.”

At a Junior Achievement “Discovery Center’’ in Tampa, elementary-aged students run a mock city.

Two similar facilities are proposed to be set up at Emma Booker Elementary and Booker Middle schools in Sarasota.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

SOMETIMES, LOOKING BACK IS THE BEST WAY TO LOOK AHEAD.

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The attractions of Amara, diverse and extraordinary, know no equal. This begins with its Golden Gate address— for the Point is one of those rarest of natural wonders — an enclave that looks across the bay and back to the city — once-in-a-lifetime views that are yours every day. Now accepting reservations.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Make

A Plan.

It Makes a Difference.

TRIBUTES Marilyn Wolf Schwartz, 101 1924-2025 Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family in Sarasota on November 23, 2025.

Marilyn (Lynn) was born May 28, 1924, in New York City, the elder child of George J. Wolf and his wife Anna Siegler Wolf. The family suffered huge losses during the Depression, and Lynn’s father died while she was in high school.

Her mother then took the unconventional step to run the insurance and real estate business that her husband had left behind.

Lynn learned, as many of the Greatest Generation did, to “put on a happy face and not waste time complaining.”

That ability to be pleasant, helpful, and outgoing no matter the circumstances was key to Lynn’s success in life: she loved to laugh and have fun; she enjoyed people and entertaining. She was known for her positive attitude, elegance, and superb taste.

Lynn entered Mount Holyoke College at 16 and graduated in 1944. Soon after, she met and married B. Robert (Bob) Schwartz, and they had a son, George, and daughter, Barbara. The family was raised in Millburn, NJ. While Barbara and George were in school, Lynn earned her Master of Social Work from Rutgers. With

her degree, she went to work in the local school system, placing hearing-challenged students in special programs. Once their children moved out of the house, Lynn and Bob relocated to Maplewood, NJ and spent wonderful winters in Florida and idyllic summers back in New Jersey, nearer to their family. Later, at her husband’s urging, Lynn worked for several years at Bob’s chemical company, which was sold in the early 1980s.

After, they purchased a beautiful condominium on Longboat Key. The couple enjoyed friends and family, golf, bridge, travel, and 63 years of marriage. In her early 90s, Lynn sold the New Jersey residence and her gorgeous Longboat Key apartment and moved to Plymouth Harbor, a senior-living residence in Sarasota.

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Lynn was predeceased by her husband as well as her brother Robert Wolf. She is survived by son George and his wife, Paula Maier, daughter Barbara and her husband, Jerry Flum, grandchildren Michael and Darcy Flum, Andrew Schwartz and Kala Seidenberg, and David Schwartz, as well as great grandchildren Robbie and Juliette Flum. She is also survived by many loving extended family members, cousins, friends, and her dedicated caregivers.

SERVICE: A private graveside service was held at Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, NJ. on November 26, 2025.

DONATIONS: Contributions in memory of Lynn may be made to the American Jewish Committee (AJC.org) or All Faiths Food Bank Sarasota (allfaithsfoodbank.org).

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Lakewood Ranch’s premier waterfront community offers exceptional resort-style living with stunning single-family homes by the region’s most sought-after builders. In response to phenomenal demand, Wild Blue at Waterside has released new premium homesites.

The spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, opening Fall 2026, will feature resort pools, dining, putting course, golf simulator, cinema, and fitness center. Residents are already enjoying Midway Sports Park, now open with tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17

HAPLESS ROMANTIC 5:45 p.m., 2000 block of Benjamin Franklin Drive Harassment: Having concluded her shift with a cleaning service, a woman reported another employee had been making unwanted advances.

The woman further advised the relentless Romeo told her she was pretty and he wished to go out with her. There were more questions, some saltier than others.

She did not immediately report the encounter, but on Oct. 12, alerted her supervisor after discovering her earbuds were missing from her purse, which had been left unattended. The supervisor told her to take the next day off, and when she returned on Oct. 14, was told the man was no longer permitted to work at the property. She was also told the subject was a sex offender on probation.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19

MYSTERY DATE GOES WRONG 9:02 a.m., 1900 block of Main Street Civil dispute: As it turns out, meeting a date online, giving her your credit card number, driving to Kissimmee to meet her, bringing her back to Sarasota with a surprise plus-one, putting them up in shortterm vacation rental properties and then letting them move in is not a demonstration of sound judgment.

A Sarasota man learned that lesson the hard way and called police to have the woman removed from his apartment. He said he met the woman on a dating app and first corresponded daily via text. During that time, he sent her cash, groceries and a photo of his credit card for her personal use.

The man drove the mother and her child back to Sarasota and set them up in a series of short-term rentals, and then his apartment.

Finally coming to the sober realization the woman may, just may, be taking advantage of him and had no intention of leaving the apartment, he called law enforcement for assistance.

Because the woman has no legal standing to remain at the apartment, the man issued a trespassing warning. Asked if she needed assistance to relocate, the woman declined.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17

DISTURBING THE POSE 5:42 p.m., 400 block of Sapphire Drive Disturbance: The latest episode in a long-running dispute between a yoga instructor who holds classes in Sapphire Park and a nearby residence resurfaced when a caller who lives near the park told a responding officer she was being harassed by the instructor.

She claimed that as the yogi drives toward the park she would shout slurs in her direction such as “pedophile” or “dumb idiot.” The caller said the altercations have been ongoing for several months, and are only increasing in frequency as the instructor holds more classes in the park. She further insisted the instructor yelled at her again in front of a 30-student class.

The classes, she added, are excessive in size for the community standard.

The officer then went to the park where the yoga class was still in session, consisting of five students and the instructor. She said she was not surprised the caller alerted law enforcement, claiming the woman walked across the street with her dog shouting, “She calls me a pedophile! She calls me a pedophile in front of everyone,” according to the report.

The yogi denied the accusation, advising the complainant regularly disturbs her classes. She said he had been hired by the homeowners association to teach residents and, although she is no longer paid for her services, continues to teach the class on a voluntary basis.

She declined to file a complaint, stating the two combatants are already embroiled in a court case over a separate “church incident,” the nature of which was not specified. Further, Sapphire Park allows classes that do not surpass an “excessive” number of students, a threshold not met by a group of five per the officer’s judgment.

No further action was taken.

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Conceptual rendering

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DECEMBER 18, 2025

SPORTS

“I’ve never wanted to play any other sport.”

— Bo O’Daniel, Cardinal Mooney football SEE PAGE 17A

FHSAA CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONS

Cardinal Mooney football gathers at midfield for a photo. The Cougars scored on every one of their drives in the FHSAA Class 2A state championship, piling up 52 points against Jacksonville Bolles.

HOLY TRINITY JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

T

he Cardinal Mooney Cougars know a thing or two about the end zone. Much of their season was spent within it or approaching it.

Piling up points is what they do — a tireless pursuit.

Offensive perfection, though, is a rarity. It’s even rarer on this stage, where the state’s absolute best do battle.

Eight scoring opportunities were presented to the Cougars with a title on the line. And not one of them was wasted.

This was their master class.

“No question,” said coach Jared Clark.

Securing the ultimate trophy, Cardinal Mooney football (14-1) shredded Jacksonville Bolles (13-2) in the FHSAA Class 2A state championship with an all-out attack — 52-28 — on Dec. 10 at Florida International University’s Pitbull Stadium.

Its offense was fast and furious from beginning to end — no turnovers, no punts and no field goals.

Only touchdowns.

With every drive, the Cougars hit paydirt. They’re state champions for the third time in program history, and the second time in three years.

“If you stop our run, we’re going to throw it. If you can’t stop our (passing game), then we’re going to run it,” said senior wide receiver Bo

O’Daniel. “Both our passing game and running game ... they’re lethal.”

It was back and forth before it was a beatdown. The two teams traded blows, and Cardinal Mooney was the first to land a punch.

Following a mishandled kickoff by senior safety/wide receiver LaRon Foye, the squad had to travel 96 yards to do so. Junior quarterback Davin Davidson hit O’Daniel, streaking down the left sideline, for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 8 minutes, 20 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Bolles’ pass-catchers found open space, too. Wide receiver Naeem Burroughs stood all alone downfield less than three minutes later, reeling in a ball that shifted the pressure right back to Cardinal Mooney.

Connail Jackson decided it was time to join the points party.

The junior running back regained the lead for the Cougars on the subsequent drive, punching it in from 3 yards. He’s been a true workhorse — responsible for 2,253 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns entering the championship.

As the first frame turned to the second, offense stalled for the Bulldogs. They settled for a 24-yard field goal attempt, but missed, handing the ball right back to the team they couldn’t slow.

“We got a chance to go up two scores. That’s a big deal,” Clark said.

“That missed field goal was big. It was our first stop.”

Both O’Daniel and Jackson capi-

talized. The former leaped upward for a catch-and-turn touchdown at Bolles’ 16-yard line, while the latter willed his way past the line of scrimmage for another 3-yard score with just 0:18 to go before halftime.

Behind them, Cardinal Mooney possessed a commanding 27-7 advantage entering the locker room, riding high on relentless offense.

Its defense was tasked with stifling a 45-points-a-game team, and to stop running back Xander Edwards.

The Florida Gatorade Player of the Year finalist entered the title game with 2,532 yards and 44 touchdowns on the ground.

He was held to 98 rushing yards, his second-fewest all season. For the first time in 2025, he didn’t score.

“We needed to stop him. We were going to make them win the game throwing the ball,” Clark said. “And we didn’t feel like they could do that.”

A two-headed monster had emerged. And in the quarters to follow, it roared.

O’Daniel and Jackson kept on powering the Cougars. In the immediate wake of a second Bulldogs’ score, the difference ballooned back to 20 thanks to Jackson’s work on the other end, breaking the plane with 5:28 left in the third frame.

And when his team looked to the air, O’Daniel was waiting. He beat

A pack of Cardinal Mooney tacklers swarm Bolles running back Xander Edwards. The Florida Gatorade Player of the Year finalist failed to record a touchdown in a game for the first time all season.

Senior wide receiver Bo O’Daniel reeled in three touchdowns to help topple Bolles, just five days after catching two in Cardinal Mooney’s state semifinal victory over Cocoa.

Cardinal Mooney football crowned state champions for third time.

Photos by Jack Nelson

his man down the sideline — again — to haul in his third touchdown and maintain breathing room.

Combined, O’Daniel and Jackson accounted for seven of Cardinal Mooney’s eight touchdowns. Senior quarterback Devin Mignery turned on the jets for a 54-yard scoring sprint to cap off the night.

The offense got whatever it wanted, whenever it wanted.

“Our defense has been stellar all year, but I knew there’d be a time where our offense would need to step up,” said senior wide receiver Mason Jordan. “And that was here on the biggest stage.”

Every emphatic tackle or big gain down the stretch came with a certain celebration. The Cougars each looked toward their fans and held out their hands, pointing at their ring fingers.

Soon enough, Clark embraced the inevitable. He walked over to the Cardinal Mooney bench as the last few minutes ticked away, putting down his headset and raising his fists.

Several of these players fought for him in 2023, when the program claimed its first title in 51 years. They stayed and endured the disappointment of last season’s state semifinal defeat.

But that one-of-a-kind feeling can be shared among them once again.

Eight drives. Eight touchdowns. One championship performance.

Connail Jackson hits a pocket of space during the FHSAA Class 2A state championship.

The running back thrashed the Bulldogs’ defense with four touchdowns to finish his junior season with 39 in all.

CARDINAL MOONEY’S 2025 STATISTICAL LEADERS

n DAVIN DAVIDSON, JUNIOR QUARTERBACK 2,360 passing yards, 64.6% completion rate, 23 touchdowns n CONNAIL JACKSON, JUNIOR RUNNING BACK 2,452 rushing yards, 217 carries, 39 touchdowns n KYMISTRII YOUNG, SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER 996 receiving yards, 47 receptions, 8 touchdowns n ELIJAH GOLDEN, SENIOR DEFENSIVE END 17.0 sacks, 39.0 tackles for loss, 76 total tackles n KJ BROWN, SENIOR LINEBACKER 118 total tackles, 51 solo tackles, 32.0 tackles for loss n JAYDEN BURNETT, SENIOR SAFETY 70 solo tackles, 113 total tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss n VANTREZ YARN, SENIOR DEFENSIVE BACK 7 interceptions, 87 total tackles, 55 solo tackles

16A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

NELSON’S NOGGIN

JACK NELSON

Turnaround for the ages The Cougars had their ups and downs in the past, but in the past three years, they have been one of the state’s undisputed best.

S

truggles once defined this program. Year after year, results underwhelmed far more often than they impressed.

It’s a difficult reality to grasp.

The Cardinal Mooney Cougars have been so downright dominant as of late that it’s easy to forget their notso-prolific past.

But there was indeed a time when Cardinal Mooney football was more concerned with district titles than state titles. Sights were set not on undefeated seasons, but on winning seasons.

The recently minted three-time FHSAA state champions hadn’t won it all in 51 years until 2023 came around.

When coach Jared Clark took over in February 2020, the team had finished 2-8 the season prior. That ended with a six-game losing streak and no postseason berth.

Coach Jared Clark shares an embrace with senior linebacker KJ Brown in the waning seconds of the 2025 FHSAA Class 2A state championship.

There was improvement in Year 1, but marginal improvement, at best.

Cardinal Mooney went 2-7 — again, losing six straight — and relied on strength of schedule to extend its season.

The group found itself in the then-Class 3A tournament. It came away with a regional quarterfinals victory and the collective sense that a better future really was possible.

Clark himself played quarterback for the Cougars in 1996-2000 and returned as an assistant for 200514. Buoyed by his own belief in the program, he embraced the coach’s headset when offered the opportunity.

In his first few years, he sifted and sorted through the school’s football talents, finding the guys who could meet or exceed his elevated standards.

He still looks back fondly on those foundational players. Linebacker JR Rosenberg, tight end/ wide receiver Cameron Heald, quarterback Tayven Clark and offensive lineman Ryan Sugg were on the forefront, among others.

Cardinal Mooney jumped to an 8-3 regular season in 2021, but was promptly humbled by Bishop Verot in the regional quarterfinals, 39-0.

And in Year 3 — the proverbial “prove-it” year for coaches — the Cougars were much of the same en route to a first-round exit in Class 1S and 4-7 finish.

Something changed in 2023, though.

All their wrongs turned to rights.

Several switches were flipped.

The Cougars claimed their first state championship since 1972 while winning 10-plus games for the first time since 2006. And just like that, decades of disappointment faded away.

That moment, in and of itself,

was massive. Clark and Co. took time to find — and retain — the most potent mixture of talent and execution. Their labor was rewarded.

Back then, it was quarterback Michael Valentino, wide receiver Zy’marion Lang and running back/ wide receiver Carson Beach powering the offense. Cornerback/wide receiver Teddy Foster, linebacker/ tight end George Leibold and linebacker Jacob Brown were feared faces in the eyes of opponents.

That vaunted group of seniors put Cardinal Mooney back on Florida’s football map. And that breakthrough brought residual success with it.

In this day and age, winning state titles means winning the battle of transfers.

Leading up to 2024, defensive end Elijah Golden came over from IMG Academy, quarterback Davin Davidson from Sarasota and wide receiver Kymistrii Young from Parrish Community. There was also offensive lineman Max Polivchak from The Out-of-Door Academy and safety/wide receiver LaRon Foye from Hurricane High in West Virginia.

They weren’t the only players to choose the Cougars. Every one of them, though, would stamp their names on the team’s latest championship.

Cardinal Mooney didn’t go backto-back behind an influx of transfers. It lost in the 2024 Class 2A state semifinals, but it also didn’t have to worry about a reload.

Talent returned in droves. This season, 25 of 56 varsity players were seniors.

Seven of them signed early with Division I programs — Golden to Notre Dame, Young to North Carolina, Polivchak to Presbyterian,

Photos by Jack Nelson

Zackery Samuel Jr. (left) looks to join in on the fun as Mason Jordan (center) and Connail Jackson (right) celebrate after a Jackson touchdown.

Just as it’s easy to forget a time when Cardinal Mooney struggled to compete, it’s hard to believe this is Jared Clark’s first head coaching gig. safety/cornerback Macaiden Brown to Liberty, edge Zackery Samuel Jr. to Mercer, edge Bryce Fulda to Western Kentucky and offensive lineman Ethan Salata to Stetson.

That doesn’t even account for running back Connail Jackson and quarterback Devin Mignery, two driving forces behind a commanding Cougars offense these past two seasons.

Just as it’s easy to forget a time when Cardinal Mooney struggled to compete, it’s hard to believe this is Clark’s first head coaching gig.

He had never been in charge of a varsity football program before

2020. Now, he’s one of just two coaches in program history with 50 wins, and has accumulated 38 of them since 2023. Clark has more than earned his flowers.

The Cougars went 4-7 in 2022.

They’ve lost a grand total of four games ever since, assembling a remarkable three-year run featuring not one, but two state championships.

It took three years beforehand to learn winning ways. They had to understand trials and tribulations before they could triumph.

What a ride it’s been.

Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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I started playing football because my dad (Chris O’Daniel) played football. He loved football, so he made me love football. I just fell in love with it.

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How did you gravitate to wide receiver as your position of choice?

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When you first stepped into the Cardinal Mooney football program, what were your early impressions?

I was obviously intimidated, because I’m coming in as a freshman and wasn’t one of the big dogs like (thencornerback/wide receiver Teddy Foster) and all them. The culture has always stuck with loving your brother, trusting the process... I’ve just been doing that all four years.

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I would meet George Pickens, receiver for the (Dallas) Cowboys. I just like the way he plays. He’s one of the No. 1 receivers in the league, and I always love watching him. And he’s on my fantasy team this year.

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The first touchdown of the 2025 FHSAA Class 2A football state championship went to Bo O’Daniel. And for the Cougars, it wouldn’t be the last.

The senior wide receiver registered catches of 34, 16 and 21 yards — all for scores — in Cardinal Mooney’s title-clinching victory over Jacksonville Bolles. He finished with 103 yards on seven receptions. Alongside junior running back Connail Jackson’s four touchdowns, O’Daniel powered the team offensively, helping to secure a second championship in three seasons. O’Daniel is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

If you would like to make a exceptional care. recommendation forcustomer the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Jack Nelson at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.

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DECEMBER 18, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS Festive feet get moving

A

Photos by Ian Swaby

Lobster-attired Greg Corban (third from left), similarly attired Katy Corban (center) and Katelyn Corban (third from right) pose with a variety of characters from Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

fter being a triathlete a decade ago, Carol Metzger was looking for a way to get back into running.

She said the 49th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run, held Dec. 13 on Siesta Key, was the best race she’d even been in and a good way to start back.

In fact, she came away with more than the race itself accomplished; she also earned a “Best Festive Hat” certificate for her Christmas tree-shaped accessory.

She wasn’t the only participant in festive attire at the race, which is hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and has become a fixture of Sarasota’s running community.

Runners and county staff also dressed in holiday costumes as participants headed across the beach sands in a 5K run chiptimed by Manasota Track Club and the preceding 1-mile fun run.

“I just can’t say enough,” Metzger said, also noting she signed up for the event because it benefits kids through the “Summer in the Parks” Adopt-ACamper scholarship fund. “Everybody that’s helping here made it really fun. I’ll do it again.”

— IAN SWABY

Joni Hill, Cate Douglas and Gaby Hayashi make their way across the beach.

Heidi Anderson and Aaron Gordon

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Avi Dorrill, 8, comes in at the finish line.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Boats on parade M

ark Hoffman has always been a do-it-yourself kind of person.

“I love working with my hands, and I love doing charity work. It’s my whole goal in life now is just, help charities out, and Suncoast is one of my favorites,” he said.

The south Bradenton resident was pleased to win first place in the category for private vessels from 21 to 35 feet, as well as “most creative,” in the Holiday Boat Parade presented by Suncoast Charities for Children.

Held on Dec. 13, the parade featured some 30 boats, which sailed across Sarasota Bay and past Bayfront Park and Marina Jack.

Hoffman, a former pilot and aircraft mechanic, created the flamingo, which has a moving head and wings, using 1,100 feet of steel wiring, some leftover supplies, and 3D-printed parts.

The wings are operated by a motor commonly used in store displays, which he converted to use DeWalt batteries instead of a generator. He said the total cost was about $1,200 in raw materials, and “a few Band-Aids.”

“I wanted grandparents to say, ‘I remember when I was a kid,’ and that’s what I want to try to pass down, that people need to get hands-on and build stuff and not just buy something from a store, and make memories for the families and friends,” he said. “That’s what life’s about.”

Madison Fiedler, who at-

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Photos by Ian Swaby

CORPORATE (35’ AND OVER) First Place: Bluewater (Jay Riggs) Second Place: Golden Ticket (Elas Wallace)

Golden Ticket arrives, and Olaf the snowman has been invited to the rooftop party.

Seas the Kilt approaches.

MOST CREATIVE Seas the Kilt (Mark Hoffman)

tended the event in support of Suncoast Charities for Children, praised the organization, which provides support to six nonprofit agencies benefiting people with special needs, and its work on the event every year.

“We have been here for a few years, and every year it gets better and better, and it’s so exciting to see all the different boats that they have ... ” she said. “Suncoast Charities for Children is one of the best charities that you can support in Sarasota every single year.”

Amid a flurry of snow, Santa Claus and boat passengers wave from Bluewater.

Front: Nadia McKinnon and Bri Burriss Back: Parade co-Chair Lisa Baer and Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director Lucy Nicandri

— IAN SWABY Whoville Wonder approaches.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

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Emily Chana, 10, rehearses the swinging trapeze.

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or many kids, the holidays are an opportunity to enjoy time off from school.

For kids at the Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy, however, they’re a time to kick into high gear, or maybe practice the high wire.

Students in the program, which is Sarasota’s premier youth circus training program, will showcase skills they’ve learned during the Winter’s Dream show Dec. 26-29.

This year’s troupe featuring 150 performers is the largest cast in at least the past several years, said the organization’s CEO and President Jennifer Mitchell.

“I think that they’re being empowered to be part of production in a way that’s new,” she said.

Held for 76 years, Winter’s Dream is one of six to eight performances the organization holds each year.

IF YOU GO

SAILOR CIRCUS 'WINTER'S DREAM' Runs 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 26, 27 and 29 and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Tickets: $20-$40 For information, visit CircusArts.org.

The 90-minute show features 24 acts across four rings and involves performers ages 6-18.

“I put a lot of hours into this, we all have been, but we also enjoy it, so I don’t think it’s all that much work per se,” said Calvin Owen, 15.

“It’s really just repetitions so we can get our routines and get ready for shows.”

Unifying the performances is a story involving two sisters on a journey in which they meet Jingle McSprig, an Elf on the Shelf who inspires them with holiday spirit.

Emmi Tvenstrup, a 17-year-old in her eighth winter show, says performing during the holidays is a unique opportunity.

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Photos by Ian Swaby

Cayden Banda, 7, works to get his clown act just right.

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that the event repeatedly receives good reviews.

“When everyone’s like, ‘You did amazing,’ a lot of times it’s like, I feel very grateful for that, because I know they’re not just saying that,” she said.

“It really is a good show, and getting to see all of that together and them to enjoy it is very rewarding.”

“You’ll be amazed,” Mitchell said.

“You won’t even believe that they’re kids.”

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“Doing shows during the holidays, they’re always special because obviously you have a lot of fun and stuff going on, and then also getting a lot of families in town and like stuff like that,” she said. “They all get to come see it, and it makes it more special than a normal show — like, everyone’s happy,” she said.

Some of the new acts audiences can see include elves on the Cyr wheel, toy soldiers on a bungee web and aerial perch, a Jack-in-the-box on a bungee trapeze, and acrobats launching into the air as part of banquine.

It will also feature returning acts like gingerbread people bouncing up a trampoline wall, penguins walking the high wire and a “blizzard” of flying trapeze skills.

Tvenstrup is excited to showcase the cloud swing, which she started in ninth grade and describes as similar to standing on a swing as a child, although it involves the performer swinging by their knees or their feet.

“It’s definitely the act that everyone is like, ‘Wow, that’s so cool,’ and I love being able to do that,” she said.

It’s Owen’s first winter performance, and he will have the chance to showcase the Spanish web, perch pole and flying trapeze. He says while Spanish web is his oldest skill, he has really loved his flying trapeze class.

“The people, the height, the adrenaline. I’m really there for all of it,” he said.

Mitchell says the performance is the reward that kids receive for the hard work they’ve put into the skills.

“When audiences come and applaud, that’s their trophy,” she said. “That’s their reward. It’s probably the most empowering feeling for these young students to go from training, learning, to confidence, and that confidence gets instilled by the audience, rewarding them for seeing this great journey.”

She says the organization tries to ensure kids are showcased in the best light, giving them tailored costumes and professional light and sound.

Tvenstrup notes the performers are not limited to the more experienced older kids.

“You still have the wow factor, acts like flying trapeze and stuff like that, but also getting to see little kids do it, it’s cute and it’ll be good,” she said.

She says she’s been pleased to see

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Santa in Sarasota ‘Deck the Halls’ celebrates the holidays, Sarasota-style.

IAN SWABY

IF YOU GO

“Deck the Halls” Through Dec. 24 Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $12 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

STAFF WRITER

H

oliday entertainment often focuses on the snow and the northern areas of the globe.

Yet, the biggest children’s show of the year at Florida Studio Theatre is set in a place where you’re much more likely to find sand as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a group of elves enjoy a trip to Sarasota.

Audiences can watch Santa try pickleball or elves offer treats made with marsh water from the Everglades in “Deck the Halls,” which began its run this year on Nov. 29.

Director Caroline Saldivar said when she moved to the area 10 years ago from New York City, Richard Hopkins, FST producing artistic director, tasked her with creating a show about the holidays in Sarasota.

“I wanted to capture that it’s really fun to spend the holidays here, and that we don’t have to compare it to something else; we can simply enjoy

it for what it is,” she said.

It’s a topic that is explored with lots of singing and humor in the show, in a way that seeks to engage younger audience members.

That includes students who may attend the show as an add-on to the theater’s Write a Play program, which works with local schools.

Students in the program write their own plays to be performed at the end of the season and have the chance to see productions by Florida Studio Theatre.

“No matter what holiday you are celebrating, there is something slightly special or reverent about the season, and I hope that we can celebrate that through the laughter of the show,” Saldivar said.

Started eight years ago, the play, which includes both Christmas and Hanukkah elements, is becoming a

Santa Claus (Dellan Short) speaks with Mrs. Claus (Jillian Hurley).

tradition in the community, Saldivar says.

“I have preteens coming now who’ve been coming since they were, like 5, 6 years old, and they might come every Christmas Eve,” she said.

Jillian Hurley, who plays Mrs. Claus, said before she stepped into the role this year, she wasn’t “a big Christmas person.”

However, she says the experience has caused her to reflect more on her relationship with her family, connection and community during the holidays.

She says it’s easy to maintain that spirit on stage because of how the audiences respond.

“I think definitely, the kids are giving you so much joy, so it’s easy to give it back to them, because you receive that from them,” she said.

Dellan Short, who has played the role of Santa Claus since 2023, echoes Hurley when he says he enjoys being part of a local tradition.

“I think the thing that keeps me coming back to it is just that you get to interact with all of the kids ... ” he said.

“I’ve been able, over the last three years, to see some of the same kids grow up, which has been really, really exciting.”

Hurley says the team talks a

SECOND OPINIONS

Photos by Ian Swaby

lot about the degree of tradition involved, whether it’s the special field trip kids get to go on, or the families who return year after year to see what is different and what is the same.

“I think that’s really special to be a part of somebody’s holiday tradition,” she said.

“That’s that’s really exciting to me.”

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Jolly (Flynn Nolen, center) is surrounded by the other characters including Candy (Christiana Allison), Mrs. Claus (Jillian Hurley), Jangle (Ray Barber), Tinsel (Vanessa Smith), Jingle (Mareece Love) and Santa Claus (Dellan Short).

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Shared traditions Young and old celebrate Hanukkah together as Temple Emanu-El students visit Aviva Senior Living.

The temple visits the location on Sukkot as well as on Hanukkah.

“We know that some people don’t get to see their grandparents or their families. Sometimes, they’re alone because they moved from somewhere else, and we want them to feel joyful,” she said.

Ben-Herut also notes that the holiday is “all about a miracle that happened.”

The eight-day “festival of lights” celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple in the Second Century B.C.E. According to the Talmud, the temple’s menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day.

Ben-Herut says there is “an opportunity to look for miracles in our lives every day, and if you look, you’ll find them.”

Residents said they enjoyed the experience of spending time with the students.

“It’s nice to come here and be around younger kids,” said resident David Stone, who said it wasn’t an experience he enjoys every day.

“Before I came here, a young kid was in their 50s.”

Resident Edie Geier highlighted how attentive the kids were throughout the experience.

Resident Sandy Klein noted that

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

M

arian Busby enjoyed the experience that brought together small hands and large hands, on the first day of Hanukkah.

Kids created dreidels and crafts alongside the adults at Aviva Senior Living the morning of Dec. 14.

“They’re lovely children. It’s not hard to be nice to them,” Busby said.

The annual visit by the temple’s Religious School to the senior living community, which is informed by Jewish values, has become an experience that people from both locations look forward to each year.

For younger kids, the event included craft projects and dreidels to play with, while older kids pursued other crafts, including creating their own dreidels alongside the residents.

The dreidels, four-sided spinning tops, had to be fixed with the Hebrew letters nun, gimel hai and shin.

Snait Ben-Herut, director of the Temple’s religious school, said the temple’s visits to the community at Aviva represents the Jewish value of Hiddur P’nei Zaken.

“It means you respect the elderly, and we see the elder people as a pillar in our community,” she said. “They are the people that educated us, and we want to keep them with us.”

Landry Murphy, 8, works on decorations with Marian Busby.

Photos by Ian Swaby

she has seven great-great grandchildren, and said being around children was part of the experience of the holiday.

“It’s wonderful, being with the age difference and excitement, the energy,” she said. “What can I tell you? It’s a wonderful experience.”

Attendees also had the chance to enjoy other traditions of Hanukkah.

The event concluded in the lighting of a menorah, and kids being led in songs alongside residents.

As the children left, they received a token of appreciation from residents of Aviva themselves, in the form of gift bags to take home.

Margaret Taylor just added a Christmas tree in her room, but she enjoys taking part in the festivities of all holidays. She holds a decoration from the event.

ROOF

CLEAN & SEAL CLEAN • SEAL • RESTORE • PROTECT • SAVE

Dr. Stephanie Catoni, pictured here with her family, looks forward to elevating your dental experience.

Your Smile Deserves the Best!

Our goal is comfort,calm and ease.

At Chateau Dental we understand that dental visits can feel stressful. Our team is dedicated to creating a gentle environment where you feel relaxed and confident in a space designed for you.

Those black streaks on your roof are more than just dirt.

They’re mold and bacteria eating away at your shingles or tiles. Our process removes the source and protects your roof, keeping it clean and strong for years.

Mold Defense Stronger Roof

Accepting New Patients!

Clean Look Tile Preservation

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Owned and Operated by the Yoder’s

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340+

ChateauDentalSarasota.com

CONVENIENT LOCATION 80 S. Tuttle Ave. Suite 100 Sarasota FL 34237

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026 6:30PM TO 11:00PM THE ORA | 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota BLACK TIE | JAMES BOND-INSPIRED | LIGHT FARE | OPEN BAR

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CASINOROYALE26.GIVESMART.COM Hosted by YMCA of Southwest Florida Sarasota City and Palmer Ranch Community Boards, with proceeds benefiting both locations

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(941) 320-6172

Longer lifespan Lasting Protection

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

SANTA SLAM — TENNIS DOUBLES ROUND ROBIN Noon to 3 p.m. at Payne Park Tennis Center, 2010 Adams Lane. $10 for passholders; $20 for others. Enjoy friendly competition at this co-ed doubles Round Robin open to all skill levels. Visit SarasotaFLGov.com.

Joseph Hamlet

VERMONT’S EASY STREET — ‘SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY TUNES FROM BING TO BURL’ 2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. All ages. Join Lisa Brande and Mark Trichka for holiday favorites and some lesser-known songs from around the world. First come, first seated. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 20

PILATES IN THE PARK WITH CLUB PILATES 9-10 a.m. at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive. Free. Bring your water and a mat or towel for this pilates class on the Circle. Visit StArmandsCircleAssoc.com.

FINAL LIMELIGHT POP UP 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 821 Apricot Ave. Free. The Limelight Market, held every Saturday at The Bazaar, hosts its last session of the year. Visitors can find puppies, live music and guest vendors, with special deals this month. Visit BazaaronApricotAndLime.com.

MUSIC CLUB Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Jam and learn in the Teen Center with instructor Anni Szantosi and numerous musical instruments. This club is intended for music lovers who want to learn an instrument or find people who enjoy music. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

Courtesy image

BEST BET SUNDAY, DEC. 21

SUNDAYS AT THE BAY FEATURING JOSEPH HAMLET 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts.

Free. Cello performer Joseph Hamlet, a classically trained musician and Suzuki-certified educator, is the featured performer at this weekly concert series. Registration requested.

Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

We would like to thank you for your continued patronage & wish you a A Happy and Safe Holiday Season

MONDAY, DEC. 22

COOKBOOK CLUB | THE WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN COOKBOOK 2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Discuss new recipes and connect with other food lovers. December’s theme is Giving Back, and this month’s cookbook is The World Central Kitchen Cookbook. The event will discuss recipes used by the World Central Kitchen’s relief team, to feed the hungry in times of crisis. Visit SCGovLibrary.

LibraryMarket.com.

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

TUESDAY, DEC. 23

THE Y: PRIMETIME+ 7:30-8:15 a.m. at Sunset Deck, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. This lowimpact cardiovascular class includes resistance training suited to active seniors and beginners, and spotlights the core muscles including the abs and glutes. Visit TheBaySarsasota.org.

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989 451600-1

BUILD A BOARD HOLIDAY TREAT WORKSHOP 5:30-7 p.m. at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St. $15 per board. Design a festive charcuterie board, while decorating cookies and treats with festive toppings. A chocolate fountain will be included. Visit SarasotaFLGov.com.

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, DEC. 19

9B

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

MORE THAN A PLACE TO LIVE. A curated lifestyle in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

The Edge redefines Sarasota luxury with 27 boutique residences, panoramic views, world-class amenities, and modern design—steps from the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.

Now Under Construction Two to Three-Bedroom Residences Available Priced From $2,995,000

Schedule Your Private Presentation 941.866.3068 Sales Gallery 1801 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 The Edge Sarasota 290 Cocoanut Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34236 TheEdgeSarasota.com

Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice.

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CELEBRATES TOPPING OFF!

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Holiday

WORSHIP GUIDE

LIVING LORD

LUTHERAN CHURCH

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 753-9365

DECEMBER 24th 7:00 p.m.

Celebration of His Birth

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Christmas

(The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) 5659 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233

941-921-3673 | www.goodshepherdsarasota.com

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Both in person and live streamed on YouTube

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School

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Wednesday, December 24. at 4:00 pm & 7:00pm.

at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Christmas Day

Christmas Eve

Lessons & Carols

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 941.388.1234 office@saklc.com www.saklc.com

2025 DECEMBER LITURGY SCHEDULE Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Monday, December 8 | 9:00am

Advent Penance Service

Tuesday, December 16 | 6:30pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wednesday, December 24 Children’s Christmas Pageant | 3:30pm Christmas Eve Mass | 4:00pm Christmas Music Prelude | 6:30pm Christmas Eve Mass | 7:00pm

CHRISTMAS DAY

Thursday, December 25 Christmas Day Masses | 8:00am & 10:00am

Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 9:00am

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Rev. Dr. Kenneth Blyth, Pastor Michael J. Bodnyk, Minister of Music

December 28th 9am & 11am Worship

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Live Streamed Service at 7pm www.saklc.com

harbour.church/christmas

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Prelude concert begins 20 minutes before each service

11am - Concert A special program of Christmas favorites

St. St. Michael Michael the the Archangel Archangel || 5394 5394 Midnight Midnight Pass Pass Road Road || Sarasota, Sarasota, FL FL 34242 34242

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Holy Communion, Festive Brass & Timpani at all services

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December 24 · 5, 7, & 9pm

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December 25 9am - Worship

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10B

YourObserver.com

11B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

JESUS’ HARMONY FOR SARASOTA’S HEART Christmas Eve services at 5pm and 11pm

Christmas

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

CELEBRATE

Peace

3rd SUNDAY

Dec 14th @ 10:00 a.m.

Voices of Joy

WITH

4th SUNDAY

8:00 pm Worship in the Chapel

Dec 21st @ 10:00 a.m.

Voices of Love

Candlelight Service with Communion

Friday, December 12, 7pm Enchanted Noel Concert with Astralis Chamber Ensemble

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT

Sunday, December 28 Calypso Christmas Hymn Sing 9 am Chapel on the Beach, 10:30 am Worship in the Chapel

Dec 24th 6:30 p.m. - Main Sanctuary & 11 p.m. - Historic Chapel

Live Nativity & Outdoor Music

Wednesday, Christmas Eve, December 24 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm

SUNDAY

Peace Presbyterian Church

Dec 28th @ 10:00 a.m.

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12705 St. Rd. 64 East, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212 www.PEACEpcusa.com 941•753•7778

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF HEALING Sunday, December 21st @ 5 pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

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Wednesday, December 24th @ 6 pm

8010 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL (941) 378-0885 newlifesarasota.org

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Service

CHURCH of t he REDEEMER Christmas Eve 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 10:30pm Childcare available for children under 4 at the 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm services Christmas Day 10am

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siestakeychapel.org

Sunday, December 21, 5–7 pm The Path to Christmas

Downtown Sarasota | 222 S Palm Ave RedeemerSarasota.org

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Family Service with Live Nativity

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5:30 pm Worship in the Chapel

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Christmas Eve Services

941.349.1166 4615 Gleason Ave. Siesta Key

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2185 Wood Street, Sarasota, FL 941.365.0844 concordiasarasota.org

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CHRISTMAS SERVICE SUNDAY, DEC. 14 at 10:00 AM

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

SIESTA KEY 3820 Flamingo Ave 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,775 Sq. Ft. Fred Sassen & Barbara May 404.408.5956 A4673215 $8,395,000

SIESTA KEY 910 Siesta Key Pl 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,201 Sq. Ft. Toni Schemmel & Mette Milland 941.914.0805 A4670452 $3,000,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1690 Arlington St 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,965 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404.822.9264 A4673742 $2,750,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1905 Goldenrod St 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,176 Sq. Ft. Maria Krahn 941.323.8667 A4673474 $2,750,000

SIESTA KEY 4757 Higel Ave 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,232 Sq. Ft. Victoria Turner 662.614.2783 A4669548 $2,750,000

SIESTA KEY 5966 Midnight Pass Rd #G113 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,300 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4673331 $1,750,000

SIESTA KEY 5512 Avenida Del Mare 4 Beds 5 Baths 3,680 Sq. Ft. Toni Schemmel & Mette Milland 941.914.0805 A4671246 $1,695,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1648 Shelburne Ln 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,166 Sq. Ft. Marcy Davis 941.685.5005 D6144951 $1,675,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 33 S Palm Ave #1503 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,122 Sq. Ft. Coreen Wilde & Michelle Wilde 941.960.5557 A4674241 $1,525,000

SIESTA KEY 1260 Dolphin Bay Way #404 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson & Ethel Lovelace 941.404.9347 A4673762 $1,395,000

SIESTA KEY 1240 Dolphin Bay Way #401 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941.586.7390 A4658380 $1,375,000

SIESTA KEY 445 Reid St 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,750 Sq. Ft. Robin Leonardi 941.685.6270 A4671563 $1,375,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 7915 Kavanagh Ct 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,910 Sq. Ft. Susan Alliano 941.735.6571 A4656211 $928,400

SIESTA KEY 5962 Midnight Pass Rd #129 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,268 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker & Adam Cuffaro 941.735.4393 A4672593 $869,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1347 Landings Dr #6 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,564 Sq. Ft. Kristina Rain 941.320.2639 A4656077 $767,000

SIESTA KEY 1309 Siesta Bayside Dr #1309c 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,280 Sq. Ft. Shane Lewis 941.685.3252 A4672436 $699,900

SIESTA KEY 6150 Midnight Pass Rd #13 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,101 Sq. Ft. Linda Stowe 941.228.5685 A4672146 $699,000

SIESTA KEY 5970 Midnight Pass Rd #177 1 Bed 1/1 Baths 956 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4667894 $699,000

SIESTA KEY 5400 Ocean Blvd #8-05 1 Bed 1 Bath 522 Sq. Ft. Mickey Kiernan 941.402.9115 A4670371 $690,000

SIESTA KEY 1900 Cove Ii Pl #138 2 Beds 2 Baths 860 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4672795 $675,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 800 N Tamiami Trl #1508 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,484 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941.266.0529 A4673344 $620,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 2921 Seasons Blvd 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,402 Sq. Ft. Michelle Silva & Alex Stafford 941.993.8993 A4626853 $585,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 2042 Country Meadows Pl 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,052 Sq. Ft. Susan Keal 941.320.1689 A4673225 $525,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 3957 Breezemont Dr 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,407 Sq. Ft. Alberto Rueda Ramirez & Jason Coy Turner 701.314.6916 A4673724 $450,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 2342 Sunnyside Pl 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,645 Sq. Ft. Maureen Doherty 941.993.3159 A4673825 $415,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1516 Sandpiper Ln 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,016 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris, PLLC 941.376.1717 A4672868 $6,500,000

SIESTA KEY 1035 Seaside Dr #603 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,303 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4672418 $4,950,000

SIESTA KEY 5400 Ocean Blvd #12-2 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,374 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941.302.8127 A4670756 $3,999,999

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

J

effrey Jones and Robin Kneeshaw, of Sarasota, sold their home at 265 Cedar Park Circle to John Georgiopoulos and Toni Carlock, of Sarasota, for $7.2 million. Built in 1959, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 6,455 square feet of living area. It sold for $7.7 million in 2024.

SIESTA KEY: $3.7 MILLION Casarina Cynthia Bontrager, of Bristol, Indiana, sold Unit 801 at 5880 Midnight Pass Road to Scott Morgan Smith and Bridget Anne Smith of London, Kentucky for $3.7 million. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,542 square feet. It sold for $2.8 million in 2015.

PALMER RANCH: $920,000

SARASOTA

HARTSDALE RJJM LLC sold the home at 1827 Morris St. to Todd and Angela Hollowell, of Orland Park, Illinois, for $4,215,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,038 square feet of living area.

SOUTH HIGHLAND Susan Porter, trustee, of Exeter, New Hampshire, sold the home at 1842 Kenilworth St. to Clark Eaton Hopkins and Rebecca Kay Hopkins, of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, for $2,125,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,297 square feet of living area.

VUE Christine Short and Dina Bair Maher, trustees, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, sold the Unit 306 condominium at 1155 N. Gulfstream Ave. to William O’Shea, of Sarasota, for $1.6 million. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,701 square feet of living area.

It sold for $989,000 in 2020.

LA LINDA TERRACE Tiffany and Anthony Howard, of Heath, Texas, sold their home at 2283 Arlington St. to Gerald and Susan Horst, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, for $1,445,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,977 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,901,000 in 2023.

Yvette Marie Rogers, of North Port, sold her home at 2122 Waldemere St. to Segatto Property Solutions Inc. for $550,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,709 square feet of living area. It sold for $113,500 in 1998.

HARBOR ACRES Merrill Kaegi, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1555 Flower Drive to Mark and Leslie Laven, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,447 square feet of living area.

EMBASSY HOUSE Kingbull Capital LLC sold the Unit 604 condominium at 770 S. Palm Ave. to 1305 Sunset LLC for $1.01 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,408 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2024.

DECEMBER 1-5

REAL ESTATE

A home in Cocoanut Bayou sells for $7.2 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

13B

Photo courtesy of Realtor Andrew Haddad

EAGLES POINT AT THE LANDINGS Hugh Windom, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 403 condominium at 5450 Eagles Point Circle to Braverman Group LLC for $980,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,937 square feet of living area. It sold for $616,200 in 1998.

BAY PLAZA Elizabeth Brainerd and Judy Brainerd Roth, trustees, and Alan Quinby sold the Unit 1003 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to James Atterholt and Brenda Atterholt, trustees, of Sarasota, for $950,000.

Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,565 square feet of area. It sold for $900,000 in 2015.

for $515,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,686 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2022.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA Donna and Walter Kochman and Darek Kochman sold their Unit B304 condominium at 1703 N. Tamiami Trail to Robert Migliozzi, of Olney, Maryland, for $570,000.

Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, two baths and 858 square feet of living area. It sold for $292,400 in 2022.

The home at 265 Cedar Park Circle was built in 1959 and has five bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 6,455 square feet of living area.

ONLINE

332 COCOANUT Kathy Seiders, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 505 condominium at 1338 Fourth St. to Aldina LC, trustee, for $879,000. Built in 2021, it has one bedroom, one bath and 897 square feet of living area. It sold for $737,000 in 2021.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

The Country Club of Sarasota Zachary Bowling and Laura Welsh, of Tampa, sold their home at 3947 Prairie Dunes Drive to Francesco Tarsillo and Jennifer Lynn Tarsillo, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, for $920,000.

Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,906 square feet. It sold for $825,000 in 2023.

OSPREY: $520,000

Willowbend Yao Tang, of Potomac, Maryland, sold her home at 1313 Thornapple Drive to Joseph Thomas Lesnau and Elizabeth Gay Lesnau, of Waterford, Michigan, for $520,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,082 square feet. It sold for $185,000 in 2020.

NOKOMIS: $850,000

Calusa Lakes Marianne Powers, of Englewood, sold her home at 2102 Muskogee Trail to Kipp and Amanda Bockhop, of Nokomis, for $850,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,394 square feet. It sold for $825,000 in 2023.

RIVER FOREST Andrew Klinger, of Venice, sold his home at 5346 Palos Verdes Drive to Casey Bryan Cole and Ashlee Cole, of Sarasota, for $875,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,198 square feet of living area. It sold for $519,000 in 2020.

CORAL COVE Deborah Mouhot and Emile John Mouhot, trustees, of Englewood, sold the home at 7535 Cove Terrace to Kendall Rodesiler and Nathan Rodesiler, trustees, of Sarasota, for $835,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,856 square feet of living area. It sold for $357,900 in 2018.

SOUTH GATE Maalika Shay Devidasi, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her home at 2511 Goldenrod St. to Tara Green, of Sarasota, for $599,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,927 square feet of living area. It sold for $235,000 in 2018.

Lindsay Jane Leary and David Minges Leary, of Winston Salem, North Carolina, sold their home at 2932 Upper Tangelo Drive to Matthew and Lauren Clippard, of Sarasota,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of Dec. 1-5, in order of dollar amounts.

For nearly 50 years, Michael Saunders & Company has led Southwest Florida real estate. Our Developer Services Division offers unmatched expertise from concept to sell-out, partnering on 85+ landmark projects like the St. Regis Longboat Key Residences, The Collection, The Mark and The Ritz-Carlton Residences with innovation and integrity.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Sarasota From From $2.5M to $30M+ | WAResidencesSarasota.com

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From $1.3M Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

Let’s build something extraordinary together.

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

Mechanical

Jon Boscia

$76,890

948 Rhodes Ave.

Addition

Ervin Miller, trustee

$75,000

The Edge Sarasota | 941.866.3068 | From Mid $3M Sales Gallery at 1801 Main Street | TheEdgeSarasota.com

#PH9C 440 Acacia Drive

Windows/Doors

Virginia Bray

$56,400

217 S. Shade Ave.

Pool/Deck

Adam Rudnicki

$41,000

614 Beverly Drive

Battery Back-Up

Jeffrey Bilek, trustee

$34,600

2451 Loma Linda St.

Renovations

Bruce Miller

$28,000

1376 Harbor Drive

Screen Enclosure

Vivian Browning, trustee

$26,825

3511 Iroquois Drive

Mechanical

Stephen Ferderber

$14,999

700 45th St.

Mechanical

Dale Rodgers

$14,556

1100 Imperial Drive #506

Archway

Sherril Morse

$12,000

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

Prices as of January 2025

Source: City of Sarasota

Issa Homes at SeaFlower | 941.491.7879 From $1.29M | SeaFlower.IssaHomes.com

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Address 464 Golden Gate Point

14B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

GIVE & RECEIVE OUR BIGGEST STRESSLESS SAVINGS OF THE YEAR ARE HERE

Wendy Egan, Eliana Egan, 5, Santa Claus, Macallister Egan, 7 and Shawn Egan have a seat together.

Donate $50 or more to Resurrection House now through Jan. 20th Save up to $400 off Stressless.*

Grass skirts and ugly sweaters A s Santa Claus greeted kids and families, attendees also had Hawaiian leis draped over their shoulders.

A tropical element was part of this year’s Holidays at The Bay, held Dec. 13, with the theme of “Holiday Hula.”

Some of the other features of the event, the fourth annual Holidays at The Bay, included crafts with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a sack race Olympics, and a story

LEARN HOW YOUR DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

suited to the season read by children’s mindfulness educator Mr. Stevey (Stevey Jones).

Amid the event’s screening of “Lilo & Stitch,” attendees were welcome to wear hula skirts and Hawaiian attire in addition to ugly sweaters and festive apparel.

“It’s really nice to be here,” said Daniela Garcia, noting the offerings by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and Mr. Stevey and Friends, which she said the family was always enjoys.

“It’s a great community,” she said.

— IAN SWABY

Stressless® Wing Signature Base shown in Paloma Mushroom/Smoked Oak

7211 S. Tamiami Trail

Charlie Tavernier, 7, hops along in the sack race.

941-923-2569

copenhagen-imports.com

Mindfulness educator Stevey Jones (Mr. Stevey) leads kids in a session, encouraging them to imagine falling snowflakes.

*See Sales Associate for Details

DECEMBER 21 - 23 Sarasota Opera House

Feel Like Yourself Again

Limited tickets available!

With the Science to Back It Up

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This advertisement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment. Individual results may vary.

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15B

“Bringing Helpful To Your Home” SCHEDULE A CRAFTSMAN

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Wenxiao Li and his son Eddy Li, 3, exchange a high-five and a kick.

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Santa Claus pets Charlie.

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Jude Tomchinsky, 2, practices hoop tricks like rolling it backwards.

Real Estate with

Over $100M Sold in 2025 - Experience the Extraordinary

BARBARA SASSEN MAY

REALTOR® RELO, ECO BROKER

FRED SASSEN

REALTOR®

309 Ringling Point Dr $5,895,000 5 Bedrooms, 3/2 Bathrooms

1536 Sandpiper Lane $2,699,000 0.32 Acre Lot

1300 Tangier Way $6,495,000 4 Bedrooms, 4/1 Bathrooms

3820 Flamingo Ave - Under Construction $8,395,000 4 Bedrooms, 4/2 Bathrooms

3550 Flamingo Ave $6,595,000 4 Bedrooms, 4/2 Bathrooms

PENDING

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SOLD

4311 Bay Shore Road $5,650,000 4 Bedrooms, 5/1 Bathrooms

333 N Shore Dr $2,495,000 2 Bedrooms, 2/1 Bathrooms

888 S Orange Ave #3D $2,100,000 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms

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BARBARA SASSEN MAY, REALTOR®

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FRED SASSEN, REALTOR®

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16B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 18

Sunrise Sunset

High: 81 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 40%

FRIDAY, DEC. 19 High: 77 Low: 54 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, Dec. 18

7:14a

5:39p

Friday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:39p

Saturday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:40p

Sunday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:40p

Monday, Dec. 22

7:16a

5:41p

Tuesday, Dec. 23

7:16a

5:41p

Wednesday, Dec. 24

7:17a

5:42p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 High: 77 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 2%

Dec. 19 New

Dec. 27 First

Jan. 3 Full

Jan. 10 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, DEC. 21 High: 80 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 2% Gordon Silver captured this photo of a yellow-rumped warbler taking a break in the vegetation at Celery Fields in Sarasota.

Monday, Dec. 8

1.69

Tuesday, Dec. 9

0

Wednesday, Dec. 10

0

Thursday, Dec. 11

0

Friday, Dec. 12

0

Saturday, Dec. 13

0

Sunday, Dec. 14

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2025-26 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2026, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2025 45.94 in.

2024 77.96 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 1.71 in.

2025 0.07 in.

2024

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

RIGHT CALL by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit from entering casinos

43 Has a turnip cake

124 Trumpet sound

44 ICU pros

125 Shed tears

47 Reggae, Mandopop, etc.

127 Sporty auto roof

49 Aggressive poker play

128 Fictional evildoer

51 ___ up (absorbs)

129 Second-largest branch

53 Sports fan’s glove

of Islam

55 Fashion designer Wang

130 Mental flash

58 Like “it,” grammatically

131 In the know about

60 Airline to Tel Aviv

132 *Bit of telemarketing

62 Reprimanding sound

133 *Item on a phone bill

64 Once named

134 *”Who’s in attendance?” 66 Squirrel away check

69 Make screwdrivers and

135 *”The bar is closing

rusty nails?

soon!”

72 “Courage to Soar” author

DOWN

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Official who may bestow a key to the city 6 “oh, b4 i forget ...”

9 Once and once more 14 Box office failure 18 Waikiki “Hello!”

19 Ramen seaweed 20 Jumbotron shoutout to a parent 21 Leisurely gait 22 Flu sound 23 TV type 24 Tech support whiz 25 BILLY bookcase seller 26 WordGirl or Astro Boy 27 People living the high life?

29 Relevant 31 Strong suit

33 Wilts

61 Some flat screens

93 “Yeah, right!”

35 Paranormal ability, for

63 *Audition opportunity

94 Higher in rank than

short

for all

96 Cake akin to a Ding Dong

36 Daring maneuvers

65 Coin toss possibility

97 Tolerated

39 Run in the wash

67 Bring shame to

99 Shoe’s tip

41 Walker in the woods

68 Fat in some puddings

101 Adjusted the pitch of

45 Install, like bricks

70 Exam for future MDs

102 Small band size

46 X-ray ___ (novelty

71 Enjoys

104 Glittery stuff on a

goggles)

73 Boathouse propeller

Christmas tree

47 Pills, briefly

76 Premolars, etc.

106 Docking platforms

48 Tehran resident

78 Foamy coffee orders

107 Pet that may arch its

50 Big name in escalators

81 *Hunter’s imitative device back

52 Huge mess

84 Runway vehicle

109 Tequila cocktail, for

54 Certain doctor’s visit

86 Chewy flatbread

short

(Note: This puzzle’s title is

88 Shields from the sun

110 “I’m so frustrated!”

a hint to understanding the

90 “The Simpsons” bar-

111 Iridescent birthstone

starred clues’ answers!)

tender

113 Speaks from a podium

56 Understands

91 Actor Ed who won seven

115 Canine’s neighbor

57 “King” actress Cicely

Emmys

119 Says out loud

59 *Narrow escape

92 Big Apple fashion label

Biles

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“HGWY M CZLVO LB OWLOJW CWF VO BZLN M FMEJW, FGW FMEJW RLWPY’F SYLH HGDTG HMK MYK LB FGWN HDJJ CL.”

hint”

2 Skin-soothing gel

74 “Additionally ...”

3 *”Psst! Fix that undone

75 *Alternated between

zipper”

extremes

4 “Glad to hear it!”

77 *Having an adverse

5 “Go, team!”

effect

6 Rodeo necktie

79 *”Get used to my style”

7 Latest fashions

80 Lake near Carson City

8 More extensive

82 Vehicle such as Curiosity

9 *PBS home improvement

83 “Noble” actions

show

85 Store sign gas

10 Clever humor

87 No, in Russian

11 Ask too much

89 Hung tight

12 Food on a cob

95 *Sturdily made

13 Overact

97 Stocked up on

14 *Making a rude gesture

98 Analog’s counterpart

15 Mischievous Norse god

100 “Mr. Blue Sky” grp.

16 Crude grp.

103 Chef Lagasse who says

17 Aloo matar veggie

“Bam!”

19 *Way off the mark

105 Rapper Lil ___ X

27 Comes to a halt

107 Barber’s tool

28 Bathroom garment

108 Memorable part of an

30 Org. with hard hat rules

opera

32 Apartment ad abbr.

112 Insect stage after larval

34 Guadalajara coins

114 Chore list heading

36 Leaky pen’s stain

116 Neighborhood near NYU

37 Like Cheerios

117 Slinky shape

38 Praise highly

118 Second chance

40 Turned off, like notifica-

120 Volcano in Sicily

tions

121 Goes bad

CMJHMK SDYYWJJ

“FG’N RJKA P MPX. OVNG GVXJ VH GCT XPLFR PJL GCPG JRFNT’KK ER PDPA.” “MPX GPKB” MR-CRNG GRI IPEKFRYYF

73 Fish hidden in “drop a

1 Supersonic speed unit

448064-1

celebrity cipher

“GAC ZM RZAX RHXTABEW ... CZ VWBWNXHCW FHMAEEHF! KMICWHS ZL ZMW SHR ZL GXWIWMCI, JW FHUW WKOFC VXHYR MKOFCI.” HSHT IHMSBWX Puzzle Three Clue: S equals D

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals Z

Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Flooring Made for Your Family

Puzzle Two Clue: R equals D

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

42 Chicken ___ (dish named 122 Cheetah’s marking

123 People generally banned after a Ukrainian city)

126 Kabayaki fish ©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-18-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Condos/Apts. for Rent

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.

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

ISSUE OF 12/18: Deadline is 12/11 (Noon)

$500/month. We can accept electronic payment or check. No credit card.

ISSUE OF 12/25: Deadline is 12/12 (Noon)

Call for details: 941-724-9486

ISSUE OF 1/1: Deadline is 12/16 (Noon) Call 941-955-4888 to place your classifi fie ed ads.

Merchandise Wanted $100 FREE COUPON BUYING GOLD, SILVER W/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Confidential & Honest.

FREE HOUSE CALLS. Call David (941) 499-6417

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Items Under $200

AWESOME WOMANS GIANT Dash 1- Hybrid Bike-Exc Cond; composite; (941) 518-4224

Antiques/ Collectibles

Autos for Sale

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

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Paintings •B Bronzes •P Sculptures •O Oriental Rugs •S Asian Art •A Antique Furniture •A

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Open House 1st Saturday of the month 10am-2pm 3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com To schedule a tour, call 844-552-4574

Real Estate Wanted Real Estate Wanted Looking to buy a house with no hoa and a yard. Good, bad or ugly, with down payment, I’ll pay closing costs and make payments.

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Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

2012 Chrysler 200 2012 CHRYSLER 200 Low miles Convertible low miles (47,800) (47,800) 3.6L, automatic, well 3.6L, well kept, special light kept, one of a kind two-tone light grey leather upholstery, upholstery, silver, silver, grey leather navigation, bluetooth, non navigation, bluetooth, non smoking ownership. ownership. smoking Call/text 941-356-7177 941-356-7177 $8500 $8500 Call/text

WANTED

Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle

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1968 FORD Mustang, V8 289, Auto., PS, AC. $25,000 (941) 224-6424

ANTIQUES WANTED

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House 5em illhiofrnont House Over 1 Ac$re6.B ac $6.5 million OSvaeilrb1oaAtcAreccBeesascC hfaro nn alt 4Ho Buesde Over 1 Ac$re6.B eac nt House lhiofarno din5g m SailboPaetnA s$675,000 siillC $6c.c5em lionnal 4 Bed Pending $675,000 SPalailn btoaattioAncG ceoslfsCCoaunra l 4VB se ieewd SailboPaetnAdcincges$675,000 s Canal 4 Bed onGdoolf3CBoeudrse View PlantP ateiC o nn din g $675,000 Co$294,000 ndo 3 Bed Plantation$294,000 Golf Course View Plantationo Gdoolf3CBoeudrse View House on Canal with Pool & Dock Co$294,000 ndo 3 Bed House on C$1,250,000 a$294,000 nal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000 HooulsH e oom n eCC anoaml p wlieth op l& oecd k P teP lyoU grD ad House on C$1,250,000 anal with Pool & Dock $545,000 Pool Home $1,250,000 C ompletely Upgraded $545,000 Pool Home Completely Upgraded Pool Home C ompletely Upgraded $545,000 $545,000

auto

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

Homes for Sale

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.

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

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Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4LB Baarta hsw ocsk uexd ur5 yS oittahBBaoyavt iD ew 4 Bed 5 $1.76 Bath wmillion ith Boat Dock Luxury $1.76 Sarasomillion ta Bay views LB uexd ury Saarta sotitahBBaoyavt iD ews 4N ear S5oB uthhbw ridge to Siesotcak 4 Bed 5 $1.76 Bath wmillion ith Boat Dock ON neealervSeol,uhte a t e d p o o l , s t h brmillion idge to Sierosltlato $1.76 d-p2o.5oB One lsehvoepl,sh. e3aBteed l,astthroll to NeasrhS breid oo pu s$1,250,000 .tth 3B dg -2e .5tto BaS tihesta N e a r S o u h b r i d g e o One level,$1,250,000 heated pool, Ssiterosltlato One lsehvoepl,sh. e3aBteed p o o l , s d-2.5Batthroll to Brooke O’Malley shops$1,250,000 . 3Bed-2.5Bath CLUB REALTY Brooke O’Malley $1,250,000 Call 941-726-2677 CLUB REALTY Brooke O’Malley Call 941-726-2677 Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677 Call 941-726-2677

peekers’ place

stuff

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Auto Transport

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

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RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/Red Pages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

BETTY’S HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, high quality cleaning. Reasonable rates. Lic./Insured.

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This This week’s week’s Crossword Crossword answers answers

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

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This This week’s week’s Celebrity Celebrity Cipher Cipher answers answers

Puzzle Puzzle One One Solution: Solution: “I“When have less to doofwith ‘Theget Simpsons’ a group people up from aevery table, the season but I noseway in ...any making sure the table doesn’tstick knowmy which of them will show has a soul.”

Matt Groening go.”

Galway Kinnell Puzzle Puzzle Two Two Solution: Solution: “Yo, what’s happenin’ man, is Bartand Simpson; “It’s only a car.

Just turn up this the radio that just kidding, don’t hang up, this is Nancy noise’ll go away.”

Cartwright.”

Nancy “Car Talk” co-host TomCartwright Magliozzi Puzzle Puzzle Three Three Solution: Solution: “Danny who wrote theme to ‘The “Put on Elfman, your yarmulke ... tothe celebrate Hanukkah!

Simpsons,’ et cetera That’s what I’ll beeight Instead of one day of ... presents, we have remembered DannySandler Elfman crazy nights.”for.”

Adam

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 ©2025Universal UniversalUclick Uclick

Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County, & Longboat Key

PRIVATE 29’ covered dry slip for lease at The Boathouse on Longboat. Located just a few minutes to the Gulf and downtown Sarasota.

Open House

real estate

Due to the Christmas holiday, The Observer has early deadlines for the issues of 12/18, 12/25, and 1/1.

Mobile Homes

Sale $29,900 Txt 941-565-0098. jl

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

You’re cheating yourself. yourself.

You’re only cheating

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE

THREE BEDROOM CONDO Unit 1701 available for monthly rental in Copperleaf the Brooks.

Contact donnamariecos5@icloud.com

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

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DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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home services

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 18,2025 2025

Aluminum

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PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

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18B

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

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SARASOTA SARASOTAOBSERVER OBSERVER || THURSDAY, THURSDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER18, 11, 2025

Pet Services

Roofing

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

Trees

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

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

Building & Roofing Contractor • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

Dog Walking (sm/md) Cat sitting & Cat/Kitten Introductions Administering medication 453877

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

(941) 966-2960

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Remodeling/Home Improvement

453869

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

GROW

20 years local experience

YOUR BUSINESS

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FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

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• On Time, Quality Work • Available 24/7 • Free Estimates • Financing Available

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

(941) 544.5663

luislopeztreeandlawnservices.com Windows

TandemHomesFlorida.com | Office@TandemHomesFlorida.com Licensed General Contractor - CGC1537429

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

Rescreening & Repairs

Eldridge Re-Screen

SCREEN MACHINE RE-SCREENING

941-879-3136

• Pet Screen • 20/20 No-See-Um Screening • We Paint Pool Cages 455080

Transportation

WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space:

SPECIAL 00 5

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Advertise as low as $85 per week.

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found here.

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

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

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

453496

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

160

25 $

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941 - 248 - 4734

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

UP TO

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BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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TIME TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

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Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Screening

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Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

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941-888-4868

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Dog Sitting (sm/md)

• Licensed Women G.C • Locally Owned • Full Service Design in 3D • Fully Insured

19B

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

WISHING

our valued customers all the joy this holiday season brings.

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan for a full list of open houses, property details, driving directions and more.

SAPPHIRE SHORES 388 South Shore Drive Andrew Tanner & Natalie Tanner

THE ESTATES AT TERRANOVA 32206 Grand National Drive Andrew Tanner & Hannah Herrig

$5,250,000 941.539.0998

RIVIERA DUNES 140 Riviera Dunes Way #1001 Laura Stavola

$1,325,000 941.447.4875

8009 Bounty Lane Chris Constantinou

$529,000 941.587.6660

SARASOTA 2740 Bruce Lane Jennifer Garrabrant & Jaci Krawtschenko

$3,400,000 860.227.0044

152 Audubon Place Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

$995,000 941.920.1500

WATERFORD $564,000 941.882.0070

8585 Midnight Pass Road Mike Warm

$7,390,000 941.525.2740

1810 Lincoln Drive Mike Warm

$2,498,000 941.525.2740

406 Trenwick Lane Courtney Green & Melissa Caldwell

$549,000 941.882.0070

BAHIA VISTA GULF | VENICE ISLAND 1555 Tarpon Center Drive #140 Debbie Sugden

$519,900 941.223.9363

2171 Chenille Court Martha Pike

$975,000 941.809.8432

2424 Placida Road #D102 Jessika Arman

$474,999 941.587.4202

$539,900 941.716.4392

5400 Ocean Boulevard #5-3 Judie Berger

$510,000 941.961.3570

18013 Polo Trail Gloria Bracciano

$780,000 941.229.4000

VENETIAN GOLF & RIVER CLUB 102 Treviso Court Patricia Guenther

$535,000 941.961.3570

RIVIERA DUNES 610 Riviera Dunes Way #306 Cindy Pierro

VENICE 230 Santa Maria Street #330 Sandra Hachmann-Simic

$1,350,000 941.928.3424

POLO RUN

VENETIAN GOLF & RIVER CLUB 114 Bella Vista Terrace #6B Patricia Guenther

$6,850,000 941.445.7295

SIESTA KEY

STONEYBROOK AT VENICE

1684 Valley Drive Crystal Cosby

1304 Casey Key Road Valerie Dall’Acqua

THE RESERVE | PLANTATION

LANDINGS ON LEMON BAY $479,000 941.228.3554

CASEY KEY

SARASOTA

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST 1014 Calico Glen Tom Hedge Jr

$18,950,000 941.539.0998

THE LAKE CLUB

RENAISSANCE 11932 Bohemian Place Crystal Cosby

NAVAJO PLACE

$485,000 941.920.6818

BRADENTON $395,000 941.504.0944

4223 Overture Circle Nathan Mathers

$325,000 941.720.0408

Featured New Developments

941.213.0014 TheEstatesatTerraNova.com

941.920.1500 OrangeOneFL.com

941.920.1501 TheFrankLambertTeam.com

941.920.1500 TheFrankLambertTeam.com

BECAUSE EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE. JUST LIKE YOU. JUST LIKE US. BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT | MORTGAGE | TITLE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

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 resources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®