Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 2.27.25

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

SEASON SPRING 2025

THE OBSERVER’S G

U I D E TO T H E A R TS

AND SOCIETY

INSIDE MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

VOLUME 21, NO. 3

YOUR TOWN

The call before the storm City lays out resiliency plans for parks, St. Armands and Van Wezel. SEE PAGE 5A

Ian Swaby

SIPPY PUP

Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement Jacqueline House and President and CEO Brena Slater speak at the groundbreaking.

Satchel’s Last Resort hosts Get Your Mutt Movin’ event. SEE PAGE 2B

Breaking ground on youth support For the past four years, the utilization of the Safe Children Coalition’s Youth Shelter has exceeded its contracted bed days. Yet, the organization celebrated a major step toward a larger facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 26.

Staff and supporters gathered at Sawyer Road on the planned site of the nearly 9,000-square-foot building, which, as the only youth shelter in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, will provide temporary emergency housing for up to 200 youths annually.

CEO Brena Slater said the occasion took her back to the start of her career, which began at a shelter.

“I fell in love with the positive changes that I saw in the children there, and now, so many years later, that this is coming, I’m so honored by all of our donors, the people who helped us to do this youth shelter,” she said.

Ian Swaby

Makai, a thirsty pup, receives a drink from Tina Valentiner during the Feb. 22 event at Payne Park.

Ian Swaby

A shoreline in the spotlight Siesta Key Beach proudly boasts a sign reading “#1 Beach in the USA.” However, the beach may have an even larger reputation to claim. TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice awards recently ranked it in fourth worldwide.

The beach came in behind Elafonissi Beach in Greece, Banana Beach in Thailand and Eagle Beach in Aruba, in the category of Best of the Best Beaches.

“Kick back on the white sand, go swimming in the clear water or simply admire the sunset — it’s up to you,” reads the listing.

A+E

PLENTY TO GO AROUND

$0.10

Courtesy image

An artists rendering for a covered walkway in the Sarasota Performing Arts Center plans.

Financial backing is strong for area projects. SEE PAGE 3A

Smoky drama INSIDE

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

WEEK OF FEB. 27, 2025

FDOT restricts bridge lighting schemes

“Following last year’s devastating hurricane season, the city’s 2025 appropriation requests focus on coastal and infrastructure resiliency.”

The Ringling Bridge will no longer be illuminated in colors by special request that promote or celebrate individual causes. The Florida Department of Transportation has informed the city of Sarasota that the lighting of FDOT-owned facilities, such as the Ringling Bridge, is now reserved for government-observed holidays only.

Under the revised policy, effective Feb. 1, 2025, “lighting combinations will be limited to the recognition, commemoration or promotion of government holidays.” The lights will default to red, white and blue, and any alternative lighting combinations will be determined by FDOT. Local organizations that had requested and received approval from the city and FDOT for a special lighting scheme on the Ringling Bridge in 2025 to bring awareness to their cause are being notified by the city about the policy change.

Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat. Read more on page 5A

BY THE NUMBERS 300

Approximate units proposed for a multifamily development on North Tamiami Trail between 17th and 18th streets.

PAGE 4A

$11.5 MILLION

Legislative appropriations submitted on behalf of the city for storm resilience projects.

PAGE 5A

One Stop Cares names new leader

22 YEARS

The amount of time Erin Minor spent as executive director of Harvest House.

PAGE 6B

CALENDAR n Sarasota City

Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, March 6, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Downtown Master Plan Committee — 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County School Board work session — 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 4, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

Andrew Warfield

An extension of Circus Trail is planned to continue through Bobby Jones Golf Club and into 17th Street Park.

Circus Trail workshop set for March 5 A

n update on the progress of the Circle Trail Extension and opportunity for public input will be provided at a community meeting 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, at The Harvest Sarasota, 3650 17th St. The meeting will include a brief overview presentation of the project followed by an open house to interact with the project team and ask questions.

The project will create a trail connection for bicyclists, walkers and other activity users along the east side of Circus Boulevard

from approximately one-fourth of a mile south of Bobby Jones Golf Club and continue three-fourths of a mile to the northeast corner of the golf course to Sarasota County s 17th Street Park.

This trail extension will create key connections within both the shared-use nonmotorized trail and Gulf Coast Trail networks.

“This project is an opportunity to strengthen our residents’ connectivity to and usage of one of our most cherished nature paths,” said Sarasota Chief Transportation Planner Alvimarie Co-

rales in a news release. “By gaining insight from our community, the extension and subsequent improvements will come from a holistic approach and ultimately satisfy the goals put forth by our Transportation Master Plan.”

Input from the public meeting will be considered for the 30% design portion for the proposed trail. The current project planning phase is scheduled for completion in summer 2025.

Meeting materials are available on the project website at SarasotaFL.gov/CircusTrailExtension.

One Stop Cares, a nonprofit affiliated with affordable housing developer One Stop Housing, has named Audrey Abraham as its new executive director. With more than 20 years of experience at One Stop Housing, Abraham brings a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by working families.

Abraham’s first role at One Stop Housing was as property manager, then advanced to regional manager, where she gained insight into the financial and personal hardships many residents experience. In her new role, she will oversee One Stop Cares’ mission-driven initiatives, ensuring that essential services reach residents of One Stop Housing’s workforce housing communities.

One Stop Cares is dedicated to using housing as a platform to create positive social impact, bringing vital resources directly into affordable housing communities. With 100% of donations directly funding One Stop Cares initiatives, the organization ensures that every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves.

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W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

CITY OF

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A Renzo Piano Building Workshop conceptual rendering of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center as viewed from the 10th Street Canal.

New and underway arts and cultural projects in Sarasota require nearly $1 billion in philanthropy to bring to fruition. Organization leaders say there is enough to go around.

GIVING ANDREW WARFIELD | STAFF WRITER

T

File images

here are philanthropic campaign efforts for capital projects by non-

profit performing arts and cultural organizations in and around the city of Sarasota that add up to $900.5 million in needed giving to bring them to fruition.

Breaking it down, there are plenty of projects to go around: ■ The Bay park, $100 million ■ Sarasota Orchestra Music Center, up to $425 million ■ Sarasota Performing Arts Center, $203.5 million ■ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan, $112.5 million ■ Florida Studio Theatre McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, $57 million ■ Sarasota Players’ renovation of Payne Park Auditorium, an estimated $2.5 million.

Some of the money has already been raised, most notably $110 million by Selby Gardens, $60 million by Sarasota Orchestra, $45.6 million by Florida Studio Theatre and $65 million by the Bay Park Conservancy, but with those dollars already given and the need for some $619.9 million more, it begs the casual observer to question whether there is enough largesse in a nonmetropolitan market to fund all them all.

The answer is yes, according to leaders of the organizations who describe Sarasota and the surrounding area as an epicenter of generosity with a unique distinction.

According to Sarasota Opera General Director Richard Russell, an onlooker to the flurry of fundraising activity, Sarasota possesses a giving base unlike any other area in Florida.

“This is a community of a lot of retirees, and in conversations that I’ve had with others throughout the state, Sarasota is special in that our retirees, when they come down here, many of them either move their philanthropy or make significant philanthropic investments here that they don’t necessarily do in other places in Florida,” Russell said. “I think of Palm Beach as an example.

They view themselves as snowbirds.

They make some philanthropic investment in Palm Beach, but they maintain their philanthropy in the places they come from.

“Here, we have people who really come to this community, see the uniqueness of the community and decide to make their philanthropic investment here. You don’t see that as much other places as we see it here.”

Although there is some degree of organizational crossover among local arts and cultural benefactors, Russell said each has its own support base that comprises the majority of their individual giving. Professionals, who manage all of them, do the groundwork to ensure the capacity is there before embarking on aggressive growth plans.

A $60 million anonymous gift to the Sarasota Orchestra, he said, is such an example.

“I think a lot of people in this community are saying, ‘Wow, I didn’t know that was out there,’” Russell said. “They did their homework.

They knew that they could get that kind of gift. I think too many people would underestimate what’s out there, what the capacity is that we have.”

That capacity will be tested by the following:

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA MUSIC CENTER Because the new center is still in the design phase, the Sarasota Orchestra has yet to set its capital campaign goal, but early estimates are the facility on 32 acres it owns on Fruitville Road just west of I-75 will cost $375 million to $425 million.

Said President and CEO Joseph McKenna, “Sarasota has a storied legacy of supporting the arts and fostering community through enriching cultural experiences. These experiences are among the many reasons more people are choosing to call our region home.

As we and our peers expand to keep up with the community’s rapid growth, we are confident philanthropic support will grow with us and the region’s passion for the arts.”

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA Project: Music Center Location: Fruitville Road just west of I-75 Estimated cost: $375 million-$425 million Capital raised: Campaign not yet underway, but seeded by a $60 million gift from a single donor Next step: Architectural design process that will help set the fundraising goal for the project and endowment to be approved by the board of directors in early 2026.

SARASOTA PLAYERS

Also just getting started, and on the other end of the cost spectrum, the Sarasota Players initially estimated it will need $2.5 million — which is subject to change — to renovate and freshen up Payne Park Auditorium for its productions and to serve as a home to various smaller performance organizations in the area.

“I have no doubt that our project and all the others will be successful due to the combination of the philanthropic generosity in this community, our status as the arts capital of Florida and the overall economic impact of arts and culture in this community,” said CEO William Skaggs.

The Sarasota Players have yet to launch their capital campaign.

SARASOTA PLAYERS Project: Payne Park Auditorium renovation Location: 2100 E. Laurel St. Estimated cost: $2.5 million Capital raised: Campaign has yet to begin Next step: Design interior spaces.

SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The second of the two most significant, to some extent somewhat similar, performing arts facility efforts, the SPAC is a public-private effort of the city of Sarasota — perhaps Sarasota County — and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. In the conceptual design stage, that project is now estimated at $407 million. Located within The Bay park, the project is eligible for a 50-50 cost split, meaning the foundation is on the hook for raising $203.5 million in a capital campaign that has yet to begin.

Presuming approval of an implementation agreement in March, the city, and if it participates, the county, would provide the public share via tax increment financing revenues on taxes on improved property values.

“Sarasota has a long history of philanthropic generosity — particularly toward arts and culture — and continues to attract high-net-worth individuals who recognize the value of investing in cultural institutions,” said Foundation CEO Tonia Castroverde Moskalenko.

SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION Project: Sarasota Performing Arts Center Location: The Bay park, 655 N. Tamiami Trail Estimated cost: $407 million, 50% private philanthropy Capital raised: Campaign has yet to begin Next step: Secure implementation agreement with the city of Sarasota to continue the design phase.

THE BAY PARK

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

Having raised $46.5 million of $57 million needed to build the McGillicuddy Arts Center adjacent to its current facilities, CEO Richard Hopkins takes a somewhat contrarian view. Raising the capital for the project, he said, wasn’t easy.

“I know that it has been hard for us,” Hopkins said. “Each organization has its own circle of funding. I think the biggest competition will be between SPAC and the orchestra. They are both mammoth projects. The orchestra is clearly in the lead. They have their property, seed money and no pushback. They are independent and not asking for taxpayers to foot the bill.”

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE Project: McGillicuddy Arts Plaza Location: 1200 block of First Street Cost: $57 million for Phase 1 and 2 Capital raised: $45.6 million Next step: City approval of building to include 24 residential units and 33 hotel rooms above a parking structure and three new performance spaces.

Meticulously navigating the public-private venture landscape while bringing in all projects on time and at or under budget, the Bay Park Conservancy is in its second phase of redeveloping 53 underutilized city-owned acres into a green gathering space that doubles as a stormwater purification system.

Estimated at a total of $200-plus million — its share 50% of that total — the BPC has raised $50 million in private contributions and $15 million in government grants to add to $9 million in city capital, $48 million in tax increment finance district-backed city bonds for Phase 2, evenly divided between the city and county. The combined endowment and cash reserves goal will be $30 million to $40 million by the time the park is completed.

The Bay is generally regarded as a model for public-private ventures, led since its inception by Founding CEO AG Lafley in a volunteer capacity.

BAY PARK CONSERVANCY Project: The Bay Location: North Tamiami Trail from Boulevard of the Arts to north of 10th Street Cost: Approximately $200 million-plus Capital raised: $65 million Next step: Construction of Phase 2 and planning for Phase 3 and beyond underway. A $60 million anonymous gift to the Sarasota Orchestra.

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS Selby Gardens completed the first phase of its three-phase master plan and raised more than $110 million, 99% from private philanthropy. The budget for Phase 1 and the underway Phase 2 is $98.1 million but has not been established for Phase 3. It is raising additional funds for endowment and operations.

MARIE SELBY MEMORIAL GARDENS Project: Downtown Campus Master Plan Phase 1 and 2 Location: 1534 Mound St. Cost: $112.5 million Capital raised: $110 million Next step: Break ground on Phase 2 by the end of 2025 with completion by the end of 2027. Phase 3 time frame and budget are yet to be determined.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

New development planned for North Trail This motel property at North Tamiami Trail and 18th Street will be razed to make way for a 300-unit multifamily complex.

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lthough no plans have been revealed, a developer has had a pre-application conference with the Sarasota Development Review Committee regarding an upcoming rezoning request for parcels covering the east side of North Tamiami Trail between 17th and 18th streets.

At 2.88 acres, the property addresses are 1716, 1750 and 1770 N. Tamiami Trail. Developer MCRT Investments is seeking to rezone the property from North Trail to Urban Mixed Use and intends to build approximately 300 multifamily units utilizing the commercial centers and corridors attainable housing density bonus. Of the 300 units, approximately 30 would be identified as attainable. Those numbers may vary depending on the final design of the project.

The site is partly vacant; the remainder is occupied by the Sunshine Inn and Suites. The local government designated the restaurant building as historic. What the developer intends to do is submit an application for a certificate of appropriateness for demolition to the Historic Preservation Board. The city approved a demolition permit for the structure in 2021.

The project is anticipated to include a clubhouse amenity area and internal courtyards. The design will ensure compatibility with surrounding uses and will further develop the North Trail area as the northern gateway into the city.

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This motel property at North Tamiami Trail and 18th Street will be razed to make way for a 300-unit multifamily complex.

multifamily development planned on a 1.7-acre site on the east side of North Tamiami Trail between Fourth and Fifth streets. It will include 30 attainable-designated units, taking advantage of the downtown zone districts’ affordable and attainable housing density bonus.

The project made its first appearance before the DRC since its original submission in December 2024.

The eastern portion of the site stands in the Downtown Bayfront zone district and western part in the Downtown Core. As a result, the height of the structure will vary with 18 stories along Tamiami Trail and 11 stories bordering the neighborhood to the west, including one bonus floor as permitted by the affordable housing ordinance.

The property is across North Tamiami Trail from the luxury Cordelia by Lennar apartments in The Quay and across Fifth Street from the BLVD condominium tower.

Vacant commercial buildings currently occupy the site.

Saravela will be required to make a second resubmittal to the DRC.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Sarasota seeks $11.5 million in storm resiliency appropriations Local legislative representatives sponsor bills for funds to protect parks, St. Armands and Van Wezel from future storm events.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

tate appropriations on behalf of the city of Sarasota totaling $11.5 million have been submitted as bills to the Florida House and the U.S. House of Representatives. All of the bills address weather-related vulnerabilities brought to the forefront during last year’s trifecta of severe tropical weather systems.

The bills are the result of city staff preparing reports regarding local needs prior to this year’s legislative sessions.

“Following last year’s devastating hurricane season, the city’s 2025 appropriation requests focus on coastal and infrastructure resiliency,” said Interim City Manager Doug Jeffcoat. “The much-needed funding would address vulnerabilities to withstand future hurricanes, storm surges, and sea level rise at our coastal parks, St. Armands Key and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which lost two months of shows and revenue due to Hurricane Milton flooding.”

The appropriations requests are as follows: ST. ARMANDS RESILIENCY PROJECT — HOUSE 1858 Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland Amount requested: $3.5 million Project description: To address critical stormwater and coastal infrastructure vulnerabilities at St. Armands Circle and key public areas of St. Armands. The project will employ advanced mitigation strategies, including: ■ Hydrological and environmental

impact studies to identify weak points in stormwater systems and predict future flooding scenarios ■ Infrastructure resilience upgrades to improve drainage systems, seawalls and roadways to withstand Category 5 hurricane impacts ■ Evacuation route protection to ensure evacuation corridors remain operational during emergencies, benefiting residents and tourist.

Key Components of the project include: ■ Advanced modeling tools to predict storm surge and rainfall impacts ■ Community workshops to incorporate local feedback and ensure public engagement ■ Coordination with the town of Longboat Key and the Florida Department of Transportation to align evacuation and resilience strategies OCEAN TECHNOLOGY AND CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL ECOLOGY PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION — HOUSE 1860 Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland Amount requested: $1 million Project description: Deploy an advanced network of ocean monitoring systems in Sarasota Bay to collect critical environmental data. Specific components and functions include: ■ Sea level monitoring stations: Provide precise tracking of changes in sea level to support regional adaptation plans ■ Wave height and current sensors: Help in understanding physical dynamics critical to marine navigation and recreation ■ Water quality and nutrient sensors: Track pollution sources, nutrient loading and harmful algae bloom precursors ■ Storm surge and drainage sensors: Measure surge impacts during extreme weather events for better emergency response Key Partnerships for this project include Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, which will provide scientific expertise to ensure data accuracy and usefulness, and Flor-

File photo

St. Armands experienced catastrophic flooding from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024.

ida Department of Environmental Protection, which will aid in aligning this project with state environmental goals. The system will integrate with the Beach Condition Reporting System, enabling residents and tourists to access real-time conditions benefiting recreation, tourism and public safety.

CITYWIDE COASTAL RESILIENCY HAZARD MITIGATION – HOUSE 1861 Sponsor: Florida House Rep. Fiona McFarland Amount requested: $3.5 million Project description: To address vulnerabilities of parks, seawalls and stormwater systems by strengthening infrastructure to withstand future hurricanes, storm surges and sea-level rise. The project includes shoreline stabilization, seawall improvements and drainage enhancements across multiple city-owned properties, including:

■ Ken Thompson Park (shoreline stabilization, sidewalk repairs and lighting upgrades) ■ Bird Key Park (seawall and roadway restoration) ■ Whitaker Park (pier and seawall improvements) ■ Centennial Park (pier and parking lot improvements) ■ Saprito Pier and Lido Key (stormwater drainage upgrades) VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL HAZARD MITIGATION – HOUSE 3469 Sponsor: Florida Rep. James Buchanan Amount requested: $3.5 million Project Description: The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall faces significant flooding risks due to its shoreline proximity. In 2024, Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton caused flooding and structural damage, highlighting the urgent need for hazard mitigation. Built in 1969,

the structure lacks modern flood defenses, making it vulnerable to storm surges and rising sea levels.

The project includes: ■ Installation of flood barriers around the building ■ Implementation of wave-absorbing breakwaters ■ Upgraded drainage and pumping systems to prevent infiltration ■ Backflow prevention devices and waterproofing for critical systems ■ Accessibility and ADA compliance enhancements “These funding requests are critical as our community recovers from the 2024 hurricane season and proactively plans for a resilient future,” said Jeffcoat. “We greatly appreciate Sen. Joe Gruters, Rep. James Buchanan and Rep. Fiona McFarland for sponsoring appropriations requests on behalf of the city of Sarasota.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

ABOUT 1000 BOTA Ranging from 1,200 to more than 3,000 square feet, the residences will be one-, two- and three-bedroom units, each featuring ceiling heights up to 12 feet, private terraces with glass balcony railings. Designer kitchens will include European cabinetry, quartz countertops,and premium Thermador stainless-steel appliances, according to the news release. Owners’ suites include walk-in closets and spa-like bathrooms with glass wall partitions, soaking tubs per plan and Grohe fixtures.

Residences are arranged into a distinct series based on view corridors. On the north side of the building, The Bay Residences offer views of The Bay park and Sarasota Bay. The Harbor Residences on the west side provide views of Quay Harbor, Sarasota Bay and beyond. Prices will start at $1.4 million.

The adjoining Hyatt Centric Harborside Hotel will include a grand ballroom, meeting rooms, pool bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, all located on the amenity level adjacent to the residential amenity floor.

At the street level, 8,830 square feet of street-level commercial space is planned to include an independent restaurant at the corner of Quay Commons and Boulevard of the Arts.

Courtesy image

A rendering by SB Architects of 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, which will include 117 condominiums in the west tower (right) and a Hyatt Centric Harborside hotel in the east.

Hyatt redevelopment rebranded Under the name 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, the Quay-adjacent project will include 117 luxury condos.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

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lthough it has not received a full blessing of the city, developer Kolter Urban has announced the launch of sales for 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, currently the site of the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Although imminent, the project has yet to receive full sign-off from the city’s Development Review Committee. It also faces a March 17 appeal before the Sarasota City Commission brought by the developer of the nearby One Park and

One Park West, which is challenging a critical code adjustment approved by the Planning Board, among other claimed irregularities.

The Planning Board granted the requested adjustment on Dec. 11.

The project will replace the Hyatt Regency and adjacent parking structure with two towers, one comprising 117 luxury condominiums and the other a Hyatt Centric-branded hotel. It was originally planned for 224 condominiums and 166 hotel rooms under Hyatt’s Thompson Hotels flag. Whether the number of rooms has changed was not revealed in a news release announcing the project.

In the news release, Kolter Urban President Bob Vail describes 1000 Boulevard of the Arts as, “A standout development that embodies our commitment to delivering exceptional luxury living in Sarasota. This

new project offers a unique opportunity to live in one of the most dynamic and sought-after areas of the city combining elegant residences with world-class amenities.”

The property abuts The Quay, where Kolter Urban is currently building its second Ritz-Carlton Residences condo tower on Blocks 7 and 8, adjacent to the south side of the Hyatt site. It’s also adjacent to Block 9, where Property Markets Group of Miami and MoneyShow of Sarasota plan to build One Park West, a sister condo tower to One Park, which is currently under construction on Block 1 at the corner of U.S. 41 and Boulevard of the Arts.

The primary objections of PMG are a portion of Kolter’s eastern tower overhangs an alley separating the two properties, which amounts to taking of a public easement, and that an inadequately sized turning

template for garbage trucks in the shared alley will force them onto Block 9 property.

For good measure, PMB also alleges the plan is in violation of the city’s Engineering Design Criteria Manual in multiple points, including: ■ At 33 feet in width, the primary driveway exceeds a 24-foot limit for commercial driveways.

■ Proposed curb cuts violate provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and the EDCM pertaining t and promoting the existence and maintenance of pedestrian sleeves and bicycle lanes.

■ The approved adjustment interferes with both Quay 1 and 9’s and the public’s pedestrian access to the multi-use recreational trail and to the bay, including vistas of the water.

■ Kolter’s traffic study conclusions were inaccurate.

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Thursday, March 27, 4:30-5:30pm } Manivel K. Eswaran, MD - Advances in Diabetes Management

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

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

TH IS IS A MAR A .

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. Add your name to our early interest list.

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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.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

How $115 billion is spent We are fortunate our lawmakers are not like New York’s. Even so, we should know how lawmakers spend our money.

MATT WALSH

O

K, there are too many numbers on this page. You can definitely get a case of “MEGO” — My Eyes Glaze Over — just looking at them.

But every now and then, it’s good for all of us to keep tabs on what our governor and legislators are doing with all that money we send them.

All that money: $115 BILLION a year.

That is a huge amount of money.

Comparatively, the Texas state government budgets $321 billion a year; the New York budget is $230 billion; and the Georgia state government budgets $66 billion a year.

Or put another way: Florida spends $5,024 for each of its 23,014,551 residents. Texas spends $10,294 for each of its 31,183,290 residents. New York spends $11,578 for each of its 19,867,248 residents. And Georgia spends $5,906 for each of its 11,180,878 residents.

It looks like Floridians have a good deal — that is, if you’re one to favor low taxes, limited government and more liberty.

That approach certainly produces convincing benefits. If you read Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed 202526 budget highlights, he points out how his and the Legislature’s management of state government has resulted in remarkable economic results. To wit: ■ Florida leads the nation in the number of new business creations, with more than 3.4 million businesses created since 2019.

■ Florida’s unemployment rate in December 2024 was 3.4% versus the national unemployment rate of 4.1% Florida’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 50 consecutive months, and as of November 2024, was the lowest among the top 10 largest states in the nation.

■ Private sector job growth increased 122,800 from December 2023 to December 2024, a growth rate of 1.4% and higher than the national rate of 1.3% ■ As of December 2024, Florida employers have added jobs for 52 of the past 56 months. November 2024 marked the first time Florida’s total nonagricultural employment exceeded 10 million jobs.

All of that comes about because of Florida’s overall quality-oflife climate — favorable weather (notwithstanding a few hurricanes); favorable lifestyle amenities (beaches, et al); favorable business climate; and no state income tax.

Those factors combined bring about another essential ingredient to economic growth and prosperity: population growth.

We know, of course, many Floridians want the population growth to stop. And to be sure, if the Legislature became dumb enough to reverse course and adopt the New York state approach of horribly high taxes and regulations, the Florida economic miracle would disappear.

Many of us can remember how bad things were from 2008 through 2010 during the big recession.

Population and economic growth stopped. Unemployment soared. It was awful.

And here is one other factor to take into account: Florida’s No. 1 export — tourism.

Longtime Florida economist Hank Fishkind told us years ago that Floridians live on an automatic 20% discount. Tourist-generated sales tax revenues cover roughly 20% of the cost of state and local government in Florida. Be nice to our visitors.

But all that goodness aside, let’s get back to the governor’s proposed budget.

One of the governor’s jobs is to submit to the Legislature how he would like to spend the state’s tax money.

Think about that. If someone handed you $115 billion and told you to divvy it up around the state, how would you possibly prioritize who gets what?

Indeed, it’s illuminating and instructive for every interested Florida taxpayer to see how DeSantis wants to “invest” your money. (“Invest,” of course, is a politician’s way of avoiding the word “spend.”) To his credit, if you’re at all interested in your state government’s handling of your money, it would be worth your time to read the governor’s 28 pages of budget “highlights,” in which he itemizes where he wants much of TO READ DESANTIS’ ITEMIZED PRIORITIES, GO TO: ■ YourObserver.com/Opinion or ■ FocusOnFloridasFuture.com/ PDFLoader.HTM?File=OverView. pdf

that $115 billion to go.

For about 30% of the budget, or nearly $34 billion, neither DeSantis nor the Legislature has control.

That’s money that must go toward funding Florida’s share of federal Medicaid.

That leaves about $81 million.

And then, as you can see in the top table, 41%, or $48 billion, goes toward public education.

Now you’re down to $33 billion to cover the rest of the state’s needs and wants.

SUBSIDIES FOR A FEW? The following are some of the special allocations and tax cuts in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget.

■ Creation of a corporate income tax credit — totaling $100 million — incentivizing investments in new ventures in research, innovation, science and engineering ■ “A permanent extension of the sales tax exemption for Data Center Property to incentivize artificial intelligence infrastructure growth — valued at $3 million — to create jobs and place Florida at the forefront of research and technology” ■ $82 million — Sales tax holiday in July on outdoor recreation purchases (camping, fishing, kayaks and canoes) with a sales price of $500 or less; tents with a sales price of $200 or less; plus tickets for events, museums, the arts and more

■ $87 million — 14-day backto-school sales tax holiday, exempting clothing and accessories priced up to $100, school supplies up to $50, learning aides and jigsaw puzzles up to $30 and computers and accessories up to $1,500 ■ $72 million — Two 14-day disaster preparedness sales tax holidays, including generators priced at $3,000 or less ■ $18 million — Seven-day tool time sales tax holiday on specified tools and equipment used by skilled workers ■ $8 million — “Second Amendment Summer” sales tax holiday between Memorial Day and July 4th on ammunition firearms and related accessories.

■ $27 million — Two-month marine fuel tax holiday provides a 29.5 cents per gallon reduction of the motor fuel taxes levied on commonly used boat fuels

“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.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

WHERE YOUR FLORIDA TAX MONEY GOES Of the $115.6 billion in annual revenues poring into the state treasury, here is how Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes that it be spent. Mind you, roughly 70%, or $33.7 billion, of the Health and Human Services budget and roughly 30% of the entire budget is mandated to be spent on Medicaid. (Dollars in millions) Proposed % of Budget Human Services $48,132.30 41.63%* Education 27.36% $31,630.20 Environment/Transportation $21,274.80 18.40% General Government $7,082.70 6.13% Criminal Justice-Corrections $6,705.40 5.80% Judicial Branch $798.40 0.69% Total Operating $115,623.80

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Vinnie Portell, VPortell@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com DESANTIS’ NEW BUDGET VS. 2024-25 BUDGET Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, Dollars in millions) GRHaskins@YourObserver.com

Legislature Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Gov. DeSantis Adopted Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com 2025-2026 2024-2025 Editorial Designer / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com OPERATING All Funds All Funds % Change A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, Education $30,037 $29,137 +3.1% MGagnier@YourObserver.com Human services $48,064 $45,893 +4.7%

(

Criminal Justice-Corrections $6,533 $6,263 +4.3% Environment/Transportation $4,623 $4,744 -2.5% $6,808 $8,466 -19.6% General Government Judicial Branch $787 $742 +6.1% Total $96,852 $95,245 +1.7%

FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY Education $1,593 $1,675 -4.9% Human Services $69 $87 -21.4% Criminal Justice-Corrections $173 $141 +23.0% Environment/Transportation $16,652 $18,006 -7.5% General Government $275 $391 -29.7% Judicial Branch $11 $3 +254.8% Total $18,772 $20,302 -7.5%

OPERATING + FIXED CAPITAL OUTLAY Education $31,630 $30,812 +2.7% Human Services $48,132 $45,981 +4.7% Criminal Justice-Corrections $6,705 $6,403 +4.7% Environment/Transportation $21,275 $22,749 -6.5% General Government $7,083 $8,857 -20.0% Judicial Branch $798 $745 +7.2% Total $115,624 $115,547 +0.1% EMPLOYEES Education 2,289 $30,812 +2.7% Human Services $48,132 $45,981 +4.7% Criminal Justice-Corrections $6,705 $6,403 +4.7% Environment/Transportation $21,275 $22,749 -6.5% General Government $7,083 $8,857 -20.0% Judicial Branch $798 $745 +7.2% Total $115,624 $115,547 +0.1%

STATE EMPLOYEES: PROPOSED VS. 2024

Gov. DeSantis 2025-2026 Employees Education 2,289 31,421 Human Services Criminal Justice 41,023 Environment/Transportation 15,162 General Government 18,375 Judicial 4,739 Total 113,011

Adopted 2024-2025 Employees 2,288 31,782 40,791 15,097 18,268 4,580 112,808

% Chg. +0.04% -1.14% +0.57% +0.43% +0.59% +3.47% +0.18%

Source: Office of the governor, Florida House of Representatives

It becomes a process of picking winners and losers.

Here is one minor highlight from his proposed budget: “(I)nvestments in Florida’s deer and wild turkey populations and to design and construct new shooting sports and archery facilities in Liberty and Polk counties.” Really?

Or, how about this one: $50 million for the Sun Trail Network.

This is the statewide version of Sarasota’s Legacy Trail. The Legislature approved plans in 2015 to develop free-access trails for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the entire state.

Here’s the point: You’re encouraged to read the highlights of the governor’s proposed budget. That may trigger you to raise obvious questions: Why are taxpayers funding certain projects

and programs? Indeed, many of them are subsidies for a few at the expense of the many.

That is especially true when you look at all of the governor’s proposed tax holidays. While the positive side of these holidays is that they cut taxes, they cut taxes only for special groups.

We’ve argued repeatedly that rather than play that game, cut the state sales tax for everyone.

Altogether, Floridians are fortunate. While we all can question and criticize how the state’s lawmakers spend our tax dollars, DeSantis and the Legislature live up to DeSantis’ title for his budget — “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” — far better than most states.

But they still can do better.

HOW DESANTIS FUNDS UNIVERSITIES Gov. DeSantis’ budget recommends allocating $3,819,834,981 of tax revenues as follows to the state universities: University of Florida...........................................................$660,499,229 Florida State University....................................................... $559,764,018 University of Central Florida...............................................$336,023,014 University of South Florida................................................ $323,590,140 Florida International University........................................... $316,157,442 Florida Atlantic University....................................................$176,877,499 University of North Florida.................................................. $128,959,184 Florida Gulf Coast University.............................................. $121,938,485 Florida A&M University........................................................ $114,975,003 University of West Florida................................................... $104,324,921 New College of Florida................................................... $70,084,334 Florida Polytechnic University...............................................$45,011,725 University of South Florida, St. Petersburg..........................$36,174,750 University of South Florida, Sarasota/Manatee.......... $21,045,635 SOURCE: Office of the governor

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Dear Ringling Patrons, FSU Alums, Locals and Visitors, As former board chairs, trustees and donors of The Ringling Museum, we are writing you, our fellow citizens, about the governor’s proposal to allow New College to take over The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It is clearly a waste of taxpayer resources to disrupt a proven Florida State University-Ringling partnership that has delivered significant benefits to our students, state and local community.

The Ringling has enjoyed a marvelous 25-year partnership under FSU’s excellent and supportive stewardship. FSU has provided infrastructure, resources, expertise, programs and master’s and Ph.D. level student programing to The Ringling. FSU has benefitted from its association with the museum’s nationally recognized collections, educational programming and Gulf Coast footprint.

Each has enhanced the reputation of the other. A takeover by an institution that lacks FSU’s resources, infrastructure, experience, expertise, academic programing and strategic plan would significantly harm The Ringling and FSU. The Ringling Museum estate contains 66 acres of land. The property includes Ca’ d’Zan (the Ringling mansion), the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens, and other buildings and grounds. The museum has been recognized as one of the top six art museums in the United States for visitor experience and one of the most visited museums in the U.S. The strong arts community and history of Sarasota/Manatee drive tourism and the historic Ringling is the crown jewel of a rapidly growing Gulf Coast.

While the physical proximity of New College to The Ringling may seem convenient, the proposal would negatively impact taxpayers, The Ringling and FSU in the following ways:

LETTERS

Ringling transfer to New College would be detrimental

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A plan is in place to transfer control of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art from Florida State University to New College of Florida.

Courtesy image

1. Burden to taxpayers n The cost of transferring the stewardship to an institution much smaller than either FSU or The Ringling and without the resources, infrastructure, expertise and plan, will be costly to our community and the state. This change could bring protracted lawsuits by donors or others.

2. Risk to collection and asset security n Potential sale of post-1936 art collection and buildings. n Disruptions to programs, performances and professional curatorial level exhibitions. n Absence of plan for maintaining standards, certifications and its national museum accreditation. n Disruption to donor relationships. Key donors are signaling an end to contributions and others plan to remove The Ringling from their wills.

n Risk to future acquisitions and donations.

3. Loss of academic and professional integration n The Ringling enhances FSU’s stature as a world class university with its integrated programing. n FSU students pursuing advanced degrees in arts administration, museum studies and museum education gain invaluable hands-on experience through The Ringling. n The unique partnership between the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Conservancy, and FSU Theatre Department creates distinctive educational opportunities unavailable at New College.

4. Jeopardy to facility preservation and management n New College cannot match FSU’s facilities management capabilities required for the museum — an institution both

larger and more complex than New College itself. n FSU preservation experts and architects provide an ongoing invaluable resource to the historic and partially restored Ca’ d’Zan, and the museum. New College has no such experts. n Annual review of the Hazardous and Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Reports by professionals at FSU and The Ringling staff is required to deal with the complexity of the museum’s buildings and grounds. New College does not have the staff, expertise nor infrastructure to assume this role.

5. Imperiled emergency response n FSU’s rapid emergency and recovery team prevented damage to the buildings and collections in the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes. As an example, FSU provided an emergency chiller in just

24 hours, preventing catastrophic mold damage to the collection and facilities. n New College lacks the expertise, staff or a facilities network to handle such a crisis.

These are just a few of the concerns we want to share about this proposal. The Ringling and FSU have spent 25 years building a thriving, productive, mutually beneficial relationship, cultivating donors, collections and awareness of our two incredible organizations globally. We are asking the citizens of and visitors to Sarasota to help by becoming involved and calling representatives in the Florida Legislature requesting their support of this thriving FSURingling synergistic collaboration.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

NANCY PARRISH ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS TO PROTECT THE RINGLING

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

File image

The Purple Ribbon Committee has until June 30 to submit its report with suggestions for repurposing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

City should treat public’s treasures with care The City Commission is scheduled to make a decision on the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s proposed $400 million Van Wezel replacement on March 3.

They should vote to end this unsupportable and extremely expensive vision and invest in protecting our city’s signature structure.

It is, in the words of Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott, “Sarasota’s icon.”

The distinctive color selected

by Frank Lloyd Wright’s widow raised eyebrows from the beginning. But in the words of longtime City Manager Ken Thompson “if a building doesn’t provoke discussion, then it probably isn’t a successful piece of architecture.”

Championed by former Mayor David Cohen, co-founder of the West Coast Symphony (now the Sarasota Orchestra), the Van Wezel put Sarasota on the map as the arts and culture center of Florida’s west coast.

The landmark purple hall was designed by William Wesley Peters of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy firm, Taliesin Associated Architects. Peters also served as site architect for New York’s Solomon Guggenheim Museum.

Sarasota’s award-winning seashell-shaped structure was described as acoustically perfect when it opened in 1970 with a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

But by the late 1990s, when I served on the City Commission, the costs of keeping the lights on at the purple hall required a fresh look at the programming to include Broadway productions.

After studying the geography, demographics and market trends, the city made the strategic choice to enlarge the stagehouse to fit bigger shows.

Since the 2000 remodel, the Van Wezel has been recognized as the best touring theater in the world seven times.

But the flytower — made taller to accommodate bigger sets — adversely impacted the unamplified acoustics.

This prompted the Sarasota Orchestra to begin exploring building a dedicated symphony hall, which it decided to build on land it purchased on Fruitville near 75. That is its prerogative.

But I can’t help wondering if the public and the orchestra wouldn’t be better served by merging efforts with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation philanthropists pushing for a new hall in the city?

If not, then the LAST thing the city of Sarasota should be doing is competing with the orchestra for funding now and bookings once the new structure is built.

The replacement cost of Sarasota’s placemaking purple theater is almost $100 million (estimated by Staebler Appraisal and Consulting). That makes it the city’s most valuable asset.

As stewards of the public’s goods, city officials must take basic measures to prevent damage from future storms.

Karins Engineering estimated that a removable water barrier (like the aquafence that protected Tampa General from storm surge) could be installed for under $1 million.

If we’d had one in place for Hurricane Milton, the Van Wezel could have avoided almost $10 million in flood damage.

Protecting our city’s crown jewel is the right thing to do, and the Wright thing for Sarasota!

MOLLIE CARDAMONE FORMER CITY COMMISSIONER

Once again, city ignores residents Shame on Sarasota’s Planning Board for approving the mammoth Obsidian tower to be built at 1260 N. Palm Ave. This absurdly tall structure — by far the tallest in all of Sarasota County — will house a mere 14 ultra-wealthy, likely part-time unit owners while permanently blighting our skyline.

Despite massive opposition from residents, including petitions signed by more than 4,000

citizens, clockwork appearances before the city and even citizenfunded advertising campaigns, the board green-lighted the plan by a vote of 4-1.

The lone dissenting vote?

Chairman Dan DeLeo, citing a “tremendous amount of evidence in this record to turn this building down.” And even though one board member stated he “hates this building” and another said it would “shock my wife when I tell her tonight,” they approved the project anyway.

In the coming decades, people will stare at this awful tower and say, “How on earth did THAT get approved?” Our city officials are ignoring the best interests of their constituents.

Perhaps they can learn a lesson from the Sarasota County Commission, which just resoundingly rejected a proposed housing development near the Celery Fields after similar vocal resident opposition. But perhaps they aren’t interested in listening to us at all.

THOMAS WAITE SARASOTA

Biden, Obama, Clinton: Era of great prosperity I am saddened by Matt Walsh’s Opinion in the Jan. 23 Observer.

Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. Walsh is ecstatic. I am not.

I am fearful that our democracy and rule of law are under attack, even since last week with the fusillade of executive orders — essentially unconstitutional decrees that have shut down our government, stopping programs that impact the lives of millions of our fellow citizens and humanitarian services we provide abroad that enhance our security at home.

Not to mention his pardon of the Jan. 6 criminals who are now back among us plotting further violence.

Walsh characterized the BidenHarris administration and the

Obama and Clinton presidencies as “catastrophes” deserving to be shamed “for what they inflicted on American families.”

Unbelievable and untrue.

His screed about Anthony Fauci is equally outrageous. I am thankful that President Biden pardoned him.

The 20 years of the Biden, Obama and Clinton presidencies were times of great prosperity for American families. Clinton left us a robust economy and a balanced budget; Obama led us out of the Great Recession of 2008; and Biden, with Dr. Fauci’s help, led our recovery from the ravages of COVID, a return to a healthy economy and passed historic legislation with unprecedented job growth.

Walsh’s selective memory does not erase these clear benefits to American families as a result of their leadership.

The truth as I see it is that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have left our country far better off than they found it. They deserve our thanks, not vitriol.

America needs unity, not divisiveness, calmness and not disruption.

I urge all Americans to pay attention to what is coming next.

Our democracy continues to be at risk.

RAYMOND ROITMAN SARASOTA

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@ YourObserver.com.

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LETTERS

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

City begins traffic calming plan update process

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OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 2, FROM 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM $1,495,000 - 4740 RIVETTA CT

Sarasota city staff is in the initial stage of developing an updated plan to slow vehicle traffic on city streets.

W

hat to do about speeding on the city’s roadways was on the agenda as Sarasota’s transportation planning staff hosted a public workshop on Feb. 19 to seek input for developing a new traffic calming plan.

Sarasota already has a traffic calming plan, which was established in the 1990s, Senior Traffic Planner Corinne Arriaga told the audience in the City Hall Commission Chamber.

Out of that came new measures, such as speed tables, which are wider than traditional speed bumps. The new measures evolved into a transportation master plan that included a newly created neighborhood prioritization process; this shifted from an engineering-based approach to transportation in the 2010s.

Prior to the development of the master plan, all proposed improvements were brought before the City Commission, when hearings were held to gather public feedback prior to approval and implementation.

“As we moved through that process, we were getting a lot of complaints from residents that they weren’t being notified that a speed table was getting installed or whatever traffic calming improvement was being implemented,” Arriaga said.

The city updated the process to provide eligibility to neighborhoods that don’t score highly for certain treatments that aren’t permanent alterations to roadways. Now, the city is gathering data through both public engagement and an online survey to craft the next generation of traffic calming throughout the city.

“Traffic calming is a set of roadway treatments that can alter a driver’s behavior so it can reduce negative

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KEEP CALM AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS To take the traffic calming plan survey, visit the project website at SarasotaFL.gov\TrafficCalmingPlan. Comments may be made by mail or email to project manager Corinne Arriaga at 1761 12th St., Sarasota, FL 34236 or Corinne.Arriaga@ SarasotaFL.gov.

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impacts that motorists can have on pedestrians and cyclists,” Arriaga said. “What it can really do is help reduce speeds and vehicle crashes.”

Such devices include speed bumps, humps and tables, traffic circles; chicanes, bends or deviations; narrowed lanes; raised intersections and more.

The process will be rolled out in phases. They are: n Phase 1: A citywide speed study and identification of the highpedestrian areas n Phase 2: Developing evaluation matrices for the collector and arterial road data n Phase 3: Determining eligibility for certain treatment solutions in neighborhoods Currently, in the data gathering state of Phase 1, a digital survey is available and will continue until April 20. In fall 2025, staff will begin to develop traffic calming plans for the neighborhoods and for the areas that aren’t affiliated with neighborhoods. By winter, staff will begin developing the report with a target of spring 2026 to present to the City Commission.

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12A

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Sotheby’s International Realty ® Affiliate Worldwide*

ARCADIA 9940 SW Peace River Street Courtney Green & Melissa Caldwell

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

$2,750,000 941.809.8432

OYSTER BAY ESTATES 1310 South Lake Shore Drive Steve Wexler

$27,650,000 941.586.1124

SARASOTA 5727 Riegels Point Road Peg Davant

SARASOTA

SIESTA KEY SANDERLING CLUB

815 Tropical Circle Joel Schemmel

$4,495,000 941.587.4894

CASEY KEY ESTATES 1040 Gulf Winds Way Lisa Napolitano

$2,900,000 941.993.0025

5730 Braden River Road Kevin Milner

$859,000 813.731.3332

280 Hidden Bay Drive #204 Thomas Netzel

$749,000 941.716.1277

1318 3rd Street Circle East Cindy Pierro

$649,000 941.539.0633

23494 Copperleaf Drive Marsha Weaver

3611 99th Street West Laurie Mock

$2,200,000 941.232.3665

SARASOTA 1611 4th Street #B6 Frank Lambert

SARASOTA $2,995,000 941.920.1500

WHISPERING SANDS $1,390,000 941.539.3287

20 Whispering Sands Drive #501 Liz Arme

$822,250 941.539.0633

502 16th Avenue East Nathan Mathers

$1,250,000 941.266.4003

SANCTUARY COVE IN PALMETTO

HAMMOCKS AT RIVIERA DUNES

NOKOMIS 5732 Puccini Street Thomas Netzel

$3,200,000 941.587.4894

OSPREY

SUNCOAST HARBORS 182 Oma Drive Beth Sargent

7665 Sanderling Road Joel Schemmel

BRADENTON

TAMPA 11504 Splendid Lane Kathleen Wingate

SAN REMO SHORES $7,350,000 941.356.4552

SARASOTA

$725,000 941.920.6818

1558 4th Street #406 Frank Lambert

$630,000 941.468.2227

7422 Loblolly Bay Trail Maggie Davenport

VENICE

$776,000 941.720.0408

2512 Jefferson Circle Katy McBrayer

$2,990,000 941.400.2406

ROSEDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 5145 96th Street East Mia McKeehan

$1,125,000 941.726.0898

LAKEWOOD RANCH 5234 Castello Lane Donna Soda

$749,000 941.961.5857

DEL WEBB $695,000 941.920.1500

RIVERWALK VILLAGE $624,000 941.400.8757

6912 Gosport Cove Mary Northrup

$675,000 941.544.0763

WARES CREEK 2006 14th Avenue West Laurie Mock

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. *Peerage Group Sotheby’s International Realty. Source: BrokerMetrics®

$612,000 941.232.3665

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

STANHOPE GATE

WATERCOLOR PLACE

6922 Stanhope Place Laura Pearson & Carmen Baskind

$1,395,000 941.993.5167

438 Whistler Glen Mike Warm LLC & Rodney Damron

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 6832 Bay Hill Drive Art Paterson

$699,000 941.302.8194

GULF SHORES $795,000 941.525.2740

204 Gulf Drive Martie Lieberman

LIONSHEAD 5708 39th Street Circle East Nathan Mathers

13A

$749,000 941.724.1118

OSPREY $549,900 941.720.0408

564 Meadow Sweet Circle Kevin Stanley

$525,000 941.716.0564

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

CENTRAL PARK 4907 Torrey Pines Run Charles Totonis & Joe Harris

NOKOMIS $597,500 941.524.8299

223 Ravenna Street Ziad Sleit

$495,000 941.720.0408

995 Laguna Drive #303 Frannie Smith

EDGEWATER COVE 1153 Edgewater Circle Nathan Mathers & Shellie Young

$595,000 941.928.5493

CASA SEVILLE

CRESCENT SIESTA KEY $449,000 941.236.1796

6512 Midnight Pass Road #206 Lisa Gullick

$1,700,000 941.364.4000

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB 5710 Palmer Circle #204 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

7303 Westminster Court J. Walter Almeida

GARDEN LAKES

$1,585,000 941.757.7550

3285 Datura Road Leslie DuFresne

$335,000 941.724.4459

4251 Oak Terrace Circle Gwen Heggan

SPENCER COVE $349,900 941.720.0408

17 Brentwood Lane Kevin Stanley

SOUTH VENICE

UNIVERSITY PARK

5613 Garden Lakes Drive Nathan Mathers

$439,000 941.374.5010

ENGLEWOOD ISLES

17128 Blowfish Drive Wesley Hoggard

$425,000 941.716.0564

BELLA LAGO $375,000 941.374.5010

TREE TOPS AT RANGER POINT $329,000 941.468.1297

10328 Charlotte Drive Jessica Bell

$364,000 850.509.5512

CEDAR HOLLOW AT TARA 7214 Cedar Hollow Circle Tom Fitzpatrick & Elizabeth Fitzpatrick

$318,000 423.508.5217

Featured New Developments

READY TO TAKE CENTER STAGE

Debuting 2025 I AdagioSarasota.com ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. 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 at any time without notice.

BECAUSE EVERY HOME IS UNIQUE. JUST LIKE YOU. JUST LIKE US.

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

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LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

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FRIDAY, FEB. 14

DUMPING DISPUTE 6:34 p.m., Zero block of Marina Plaza Dispute: A man who lives on a vessel just outside the mooring fields near Selby Gardens told an officer that earlier in the day he confronted the dweller of another boat about illegal dumping into the bay.

Although it escalated into a minor issue at the time, he said the man complied and corrected the issue.

The dispute, however, was not over. Later in the day, the complainant observed the subject circling his boat on a dinghy expressing his intention to “kill him.” He said the man had not brandished any weapon, but for the sake of his safety, he went ashore to effect separation and call law enforcement. He did not wish to press charges but wished to have the incident documented should he need to file for a protection order or have further adverse interactions.

SUCKER PUNCH? 700 block of North Osprey Avenue Dispute: A woman described in the incident report as “very scattered and rambling” told an officer she arrived at her boyfriend’s apartment and knocked, and that’s when the door opened and the man punched her in the ribs, then closed the door. She claimed she immediately went across the street to call law enforcement.

The officer spoke with the subject’s brother, who was in the apartment at the time, who denied the alleged incident occurred. He added that before the woman approached the apartment, he looked out the window and warned his brother that “she’s here.”

The subject told the officer the two were not dating, and they had not been intimate for more than six months. He advised he was outside of the apartment smoking marijuana when the woman arrived. His brother saw her and advised him to go inside and hide.

A second brother, who was also in the apartment at the time, said he did not witness the woman approach the apartment.

With several witnesses offering a contrary version of the alleged incident, the officer determined no battery occurred. When the woman was informed of the outcome, she acknowledged and left on foot without rebuttal.

TUESDAY, FEB. 18

NOISE CALL ESCALATES 11:48 p.m., 2300 block of Bayshore Road Noise disturbance: An officer arrived at Indian Beach Park in response to a noise complaint, finding three subjects by the park across the street from an unattended car from which loud music was emanating with the engine

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

RINGLING BRIDGE ROAD RAGE 6:45 p.m., 700 block of Ringling Causeway Road rage: During a road rage incident, a complainant told the officer he was cut off by another vehicle while crossing the Ringling Bridge.

Sounding his horn in objection to the reckless maneuver, the offending driver became provoked, responding with the universal single-finger salute and shouting profanities.

The complainant then stated the other driver threw cigarette butts and an unknown liquid onto his vehicle.

Whether the vehicles were in motion at that time was not included in the incident report.

Since there was no apparent damage to the complainant’s vehicle, no direct threats were made and no crash occurred, the complainant wanted to have the incident documented.

Photos by Elizabeth King

Demolition of Sarasota Square Mall is underway in preparation for a mixed-use redevelopment.

Sarasota Square Mall demolition begins Developer Torburn Partners is planning a redevelopment to include up to 1,200 apartments and 690,000 square feet of commercial space.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

running. Two of the subjects were holding open containers of an alcoholic libation, in violation of city code, and the third appeared intoxicated but was not holding a beverage at that time.

While conducting a records check on the two violators, the officer observed the third party — who was eventually arrested — walking down the stairs and into the park in violation of posted hours at the city park, which is closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The officer contacted the subject to inform him of the transgression and requested his identification.

Refusing to provide ID, he turned and walked away, prompting the officer to detain him as he began to resist arrest. According to the report, the subject was then pushed to the ground, resulting in a small facial laceration. Ultimately, the report reads, the officer, “sat on the defendant’s buttocks area, immobilizing him and potentially preventing further injuries to both of us.”

The subject was then transported to Sarasota County Jail and “charged accordingly,” according to the report, which offered no further description of the disposition of his two companions.

H

aving spent more than $50 million to acquire properties that comprise the former Sarasota Square Mall, Illinoisbased developer Torburn Partners, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, is spending another $1 million to raze most of it in preparation for redevelopment according to sister publication Business Observer.

The publication has reported that demolition is underway, with Torburn having been issued a permit to clear the site — save for three big box buildings — from Sarasota County in December 2024. The mall’s address is 6201 S. Tamiami Trail, just south of the Sarasota city limit.

Escaping the wrecking ball are Costco and JCPenney, which will remain in operation during and after construction, and the space that formerly housed the AMC Sarasota 12 theater, which ceased operation amid a nationwide corporate realignment in October 2024.

Torburn previously spent $35.3 million to acquire most of the mall property before buying the final piece, the JCPenney building, for $18 million in August 2024.

Including outparcels and park-

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

ing, the entire mall property occupies approximately 93.5 acres. In its place, Torburn is planning a town center-style multiuse development planned to include up to 1,200 apartments on the north side of the property along Sarasota Square Boulevard; more than 690,000 square feet of commercial, retail and office space; and an event lawn for outdoor activities and events.

Torburn secured site plan approval from the Sarasota County Commission in April 2024. It shows a free-standing Costco, JCPenney and AMC buildings — all previously attached to the mall — three separate apartment developments next to the Costco parking lot, a variety of specialty retail and restaurant sites, a grocery store and potential medical space with the event lawn in the center. Interior circulation will provide vehicle access to multiple parking lots scattered throughout the site.

The County Commission approval includes special code exceptions, including: n Bar with outdoor entertainment after 10 p.m. or outdoor dining after 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, or after 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday n Indoor entertainment after 10 p.m. n Outdoor recreation

Workers have begun tearing down Sarasota Square Mall, which will be redeveloped into a mixed-use lifestyle center. n Outdoor entertainment after 10 p.m. n Special events in conjunction with an approved outdoor recreation use n Garden center with outside merchandise Outdoor entertainment may occur only in the commercial/ office area of the development or on the lawn area, which is located in the center of the development buffered from surrounding neighborhoods by residential and commercial structures.

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14A

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

15A

Exceptional in every way.

We are proud to honor our top-performing sales associates of 2024.

We salute their steadfast commitment to delivering the best results for their customers and giving back to the communities they serve across Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

Kim Ogilvie Group TOP TEAM

Adam Cuffaro TOP AGENT

Main Street

Carol Stewart

Lynn Morris

Bradenton | IMG

Developer Services – St. Regis

Boca Grande

Lakewood Ranch

Ann Martin & Joanna Benante

Stacy Hanan

The Rudy Dudon Group Siesta Key

Lakewood Ranch

Janet Walter & Steve Walter The Walter Group

Drew Russell

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig

Barbara Sassen May

Linda Driggs

John Harms Boca Grande

Anna Maria Island

Doug Parks

Michael Moulton

Fred Sassen, Jr

Maureen Horn

Robert Goldman

Jennifer Linehan Group Main Street

Hannah Hillyard & George Myers

Longboat Key

St. Armands

Mark Boehmig Lakewood Ranch

Barbara Milian Lakewood Ranch

Tina Ciaccio

Georgia Kopelousos

Developer Services – St. Regis

Main Street

Longboat Key

Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickerson Main Street

Francoise Borel St. Armands

St. Armands

Longboat Key

Main Street

Main Street

Main Street

Longboat Key

Main Street

Venice

Stacy Haas

Bibi-Ann Allard Main Street

Dee Munn

Anna Maria Island

Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson

Kathy Callahan Longboat Key

Lakewood Ranch

Sandi Dietrich

Treiman Team

Michael Hays

Team Dunn

Kennedy Team

David D’Angelo

VanDuren Group

Kristina Waskom

Main Street

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Venice

Lakewood Ranch

Venice

Siesta Key

441795-1

Offices in Sarasota, St. Armands, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, Englewood, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Honoring our top Sales Associates in 2024

Jackie Griese

Angela Adams

Kathy Harman

Beverly St. Hilaire

Main Street

Debra Pitell-Hauge & Lisa Sebastian

Rachelle Golden

Philip Pisano & Wayne Fastzkie

Anna Maria Island

Doucett Team

Tara Lamb & Judy Greene

Kathy Valente

Judy Nimz

Bernadette Caswell

Jamie & Chris Van Vliet

Amber Watson

The Moffatt-Wellman Team

Mackenzie Longueuil

The Mei Team

Kevin Mackin

Victoria Turner Main Street

Anna Maria Island

The Wolf Experience

Debbie Daviadoff

Elizabeth Van Riper

Margie Valentine & Jo-Anne Sckowska

Sherri Mills

Julie Klick

Bradenton

Palmer Ranch

Englewood

Main Street

Main Street

Palmer Ranch

Main Street

Siesta Key

Main Street

Lakewood Ranch

Englewood

St. Armands

Venice

Kristen Redding Palmer Ranch

Silva | Stafford Team

St. Armands/Main Street

Sara Boudarga Main Street

St. Armands

Main Street

Longboat Key

Main Street

St. Armands

St. Armands

Siesta Key

St. Armands

Tim Koons-McGee

Tom Cinquegrano

Rob Delaney

Maryann Casey

Beck Group

Marcia Cullinan

Marcy Davis

JoDene Moneuse

Dana A. Westmark

Navratil/Pihl/Carney Team

Helen Kirchner Moore

Pamela Miller

Larry Zeigler

Bambi & Ford Utton

Deborah Angelo-O’Mara

Cheryl Roberts

Beth Helvey

Rob & Susan Brooker

Mary Jo Violett

Jonathan Abrams

Josie Cline

Lori Bollinger

Tracy Pierce

Susan Alliano & Sally Watson

Rosalie Phillips

Heidi Cox

Ryndie Brusco

Deanna Kennedy

Lakewood Ranch

Longboat Key

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

Main Street

Bradenton

Venice

St. ArmandsI

Lakewood Ranch

Main Street

St. Armands

Englewood

Venice

Plantation

Palmer Ranch

Main Street

Bradenton

Siesta Key

Lakewood Ranch

Englewood

St. Armands

Siesta Key

Main Street

Englewood

Plantation

Siesta Key

St. Armands

Offices in Sarasota, St. Armands, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, Englewood, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228 441796-1

16A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

17A

Honoring our top Sales Associates in 2024

Linda Stowe Siesta Key

Janet Oberholtzer Venice

Estraica Grayson Longboat Key

Nicole Ryskamp Lakewood Ranch

Jonnie Dwyer & Bianca Dwyer Lakewood Ranch

Boca Grande

Hans Peterson & Rebecca Peterson

Jeff Hinrichs Siesta Key

Anna Maria Island

Jordan Team

Kelly Quigley

Deborah Beacham

Debi Benson

Limberger/Small Team

Alison Elizalde

Robert Krasow

Jessica Meyers

Main Street

Boca Grande

Englewood

Punta Gorda

Main Street

Main Street

Main Street

Carol Aviles St. Armands

Stacy Liljeberg & George Kolar

Kathy Barrie

Victoria Beckham

Ray Rausa

Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

Melissa Gissinger Main Street

Lakewood Ranch

Izzy Pollack

Kristy Sommers

Ingrid Walker

Richard Perlman

Hillary Niver

Kitt / Jaramillo Team

Debbie Vogler

Tammy Mast Longboat Key

Lakewood Ranch

Ken Callahan

Michael Yawitz Longboat Key

Longboat Key

Mimi Kruk

Michael & Laurel James

Michael Nink

Lesley Barton Punta Gorda

Georgina Clamage & Mary Pat Radford

Rulon/Hagen Team

Janie Vaughan

Kaitlin Kuhn

Erin Halstead

Longboat Key

Englewood

Longboat Key

Terri Thacker

Lakewood Ranch

Punta Gorda

Boca Grande

Main Street

Main Street

Siesta Key

Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton

Main Street

Anna Maria Island

Englewood

Main Street

Main Street

Karen Chandler Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Erica Thomas

Team Mann

Bradenton

Venice | Main Street

Judy Wright

John Ludden

Susan Mitchell

Julie Horning

Kathleen Griffin

Connie Lyke-Brown

Karen Scott

Brett Hendricks

Alexa Mast

Shelley Addessi

Thomas Arthur

St. Armands

Main Street

Main Street

Longboat Key

Boca Grande

Venice

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda

Palmer Ranch

Boca Grande

Lakewood Ranch

441797-1

Offices in Sarasota, St. Armands, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, Englewood, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Honoring our top Sales Associates in 2024

Andrea O’Brien Main Street

Lakewood Ranch

Chris Baylis

Nora Johnson

Marlene Marshall

Jennifer “JJ” Williams

Bob Lorence

David Anthony

Joanne Hammar

Cathy Palmer

Jim Litton

Juli Pearce

Fox & Leiter Team

Schemmel & Milland

Mickey Kiernan Siesta Key

Lakewood Ranch

Turner / Schrock Team

Amy Dawn Gonzales

Melba Ramirez

Pamela Wall

Lainy Vanderwey

Brian Loebker

Debra Garrett

Lindsay Nock

Englewood

Main Street

Siesta Key

Main Street

Plantation

Main Street

Main Street

Englewood

Cheryl Siple Englewood

Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton

Susan Smith Longboat Key

Siesta Key

St. Armands

Goodwin/DeDona Team

Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton

Main Street

Siesta Key

Englewood

Siesta Key

Beth Ann Boyer

Laura Naese

Lee Anna Duck

Noel Morton

Leah Secondo

Stacey Fredericks

The Meyer Team

Julia McClung

Irene Slattery

Suzy Korinek

Diana Kryszak

Janis Collier

Phyllis Garfinkel

Jared Ross

Jennifer Guzik

Peter Salefsky

Main Street

Bradenton

Englewood

Main Street

Englewood

Main Street

Longboat Key

BJ Jones

Main Street

Kathy Bergloff

Palmer Ranch

Main Street

Elisa Gersman

Siesta Key

Englewood

Bradenton

Anna Maria Island

Cathy Meldahl Longboat Key

Bradenton

Lakewood Ranch

Robin Leonardi

Lakewood Ranch

Team Faillace

Englewood

St. Armands

Main Street

Sean Clark

Longboat Key

Punta Gorda

Coffey/Galloway Team Plantation

St. Armands

Offices in Sarasota, St. Armands, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, Englewood, Boca Grande, Punta Gorda | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228 441798-1

18A

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

SPORTS FAST

BREAK

“We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and we’ve pushed through it and now we’re in the final four.”

— Marayah Stuart, junior, Booker High girls basketball SEE PAGE 21A

Sarasota prep softball

PLAYERS TO WATCH VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER

A

big season awaits high school softball teams in the Sarasota area. Several area teams are loaded with senior lead-

Returning talent, senior leaders and new faces are aplenty this spring.

ership and standout players with collegiate potential.

That means most teams are setting lofty standards for

themselves, including winning district championships and making it into the state tournament.

File image

Kali Barrett led Cardinal Mooney to a 3A-Region 2 championship with an 18-point night in a win over Windermere Prep on Feb. 21.

T

hree Sarasota prep basketball teams won regional championships this past week and have advanced to the state semifinals at RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

The Sarasota boys team pushed its win streak to 18 straight when it defeated top-seeded Osceola (Kissimmee) 64-61 on the road on Feb. 20. John Lackaff (19 points), Oliver Boyle (16 points) and David Young (15 points) led the way to victory. The Sailors will play Windermere in the Class 7A state semifinals on March 7 at 3 p.m.

The Cardinal Mooney girls held off Windermere Prep in a 71-60 win to capture the 3A-Region 2 title on Feb. 21.

Four players scored in double digits, led by Kali Barrett with an 18-point night. Cardinal Mooney will play Miami Sports Leadership & Management in the 3A state semifinals on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m.

Booker girls basketball controlled Arcadia DeSoto County 74-37 on Feb. 21 to win 4A-Region 3. Marayah Stuart powered the win with 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and seven steals. The Tornadoes will play Melbourne Palm Bay in the 4A state semifinals on March 4 at 5 p.m. ... The Booker baseball team matched its season win total from last year this past week alone. The Tornadoes defeated St. Petersburg Gibbs 18-4 on Feb. 18 and then beat DeSoto County 6-4 on Feb. 21.

Quote of the Week: “I think our senior group is great this year. I think we have one of the best senior groups we’ve ever had. It’s totally drama-free.

We’re all super close and great friends, so I think the dynamic and the chemistry is here. I think this year is the best year we’re going to have so far.”

— Sarasota softball senior Sommer Speers.

Here are the top Sarasota-area prep softball players to watch in 2025:

ALLISON COLE | RIVERVIEW

Stats don’t get much better than Cole’s were this past season. Despite debuting in varsity softball as a junior last year, Cole dominated on the mound and at the plate.

She hardly left the pitcher’s circle, throwing 124 2/3 of Riverview’s 150 innings last year with a 14-5 record, a 1.40 ERA and an eye-popping 232 strikeouts.

Cole also hit .492 with 19 RBIs and six doubles and played first base when she wasn’t pitching.

“I didn’t come out until my junior year because I was scared of a new team,” Cole said.

“New coaches, new girls and a whole different environment. I was scared of making new friends. I was very anxious, but I got pretty comfortable. We all got close with each other.

I’m confident now and I love it here.”

ELLA TRANDEM | RIVERVIEW

A senior catcher, Trandem is essential to everything the Rams hope to accomplish this season.

She’s built a strong relationship with ace Allison Cole, which empowers her to keep Cole calm in the circle and know when to call which pitches.

Trandem is a force at the plate, too. Last season, she hit .362 with 23 runs, 17 RBIs and a team-high seven doubles.

“Allie is a raw talent, but we have the same struggles when it comes to the sport with anxiety and being nervous,” Trandem said.

“So we kind of understand each other, and instead of feeding off each other, I think we help each other to calm down. We make it fun instead of making it scary.”

SIERRA LIPTON | RIVERVIEW

Another team captain alongside Trandem, Cole and Isabelle Bain, Lipton brings defense, speed and contact hitting to the Rams.

She primarily plays shortstop and worked on her agility this season to further improve her defense and become a weapon on the basepaths.

If last season’s stats of a .365 batting average, 27 runs and five triples are any indication of what’s to come, she could be in for a special senior season.

“I did agility training with ladders and sprints and I used to have an agility trainer at my gym,” she said of her offseason work.

“I wasn’t slow necessarily, but I knew to take it to the next step I had to be faster. I also did weightlifting here, and I knew that would help build strength in my legs.”

CARLEY RAMSDEN | SARASOTA SOPHOMORES SHINE. PAGE 20A

A key senior for Sarasota, Ramsden leads off and plays shortstop. Last season, she hit .333 with 18 runs, 17 RBIs, six doubles, three triples, three home runs and six stolen bases.

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Cardinal Mooney sophomore Olivia Lockhart gets comfortable at the plate during a game at Sarasota High on Feb. 20.

After struggling to overcome mistakes during a sophomore season, Ramsden worked on her self-confidence in travel ball and backed that up with an impressive junior year.

This year, she said she’s working on becoming a better leader, and wouldn’t mind a few more home runs along the way.

“We actually had a really good year my sophomore year, the year that I struggled,” she said. “We were (21-5). We had a really good season, and that was probably the most fun season I’ve had. Last year was rough, so this year, I want to have a season like we did my sophomore season. We have all the potential in the world. This team is full of talent. I think we could go far this year.”

MADY PINT | SARASOTA

Pint is another important senior leader for Sarasota who plays outfield and middle infield.

She was one of the Sailors’ top hitters last season with a .377 batting average, 18 runs, 10 RBIs and seven stolen bases.

Pint said she prides herself on her ability to overcome mistakes and slumps, but that’s something that’s taken her some time to master.

“I had to work on my attitude when I struggled,” Pint said. “Last year, I struggled a lot, so I worked on telling myself that it’s fine and I can get through it. It honestly gave me motivation for this year to work harder. This offseason I hit every day after school and was always here doing workouts with the girls.”

SOMMER SPEERS | SARASOTA

A slap-hitting speedster, Sommers bats second, plays center field and is yet another senior ready to lead Sarasota.

Sommers said she’s best at tracking balls hit into the gaps on defense, but she is a weapon on offense, too. Last season, she hit .354 with 18 runs, 11 RBIs, two triples and a team-high 11 stolen bases.

“I definitely focused on hitting a lot,” Speers said of her offseason work. “I’m primarily a slapper, which is what I’m going to college for, but I like being able to do everything. So I really focused on hitting and being comfortable with my natural swing and not just slapping. That was a huge point of focus for me this past fall.”

OLIVIA LOCKHART | CARDINAL MOONEY A young Cougars team played a softer schedule last season, but the stats Lockhart put up were ludicrous.

Despite being a freshman, the shortstop hit .721 with 36 runs, 52 RBIs and 22 extra-base hits, including 10 home runs, along with 21 stolen bases.

Lockhart said she grinds in the offseason by lifting weights, playing travel ball and practicing on the side, but even she didn’t expect such a standout debut season.

“I want to do relatively as good as last year,” she said. “It’s hard to do better than that. I re-

ally want to help get my team together so we can win games against better teams.”

AVA PROFFITT | CARDINAL MOONEY

A sophomore second baseman and outfielder, Proffitt was one of many young Cougars last season who had to adjust to varsity softball while also being tasked with a full-time starting role.

Despite saying it took her time to feel comfortable, her stats don’t reflect it. She quickly turned into a topof-the-order bat for Cardinal Mooney, hitting .469 with 34 runs, 18 RBIs, six extra-base hits and six stolen bases.

“The pitching was sometimes difficult to get used to and having to fill a position as a freshman on varsity was scary, just with the pressure,” said Proffitt who said she went to hitting coaches, played travel ball and did speed and agility work this offseason. “As a freshman, you can make mistakes.”

ERIN GRIFFITH | CARDINAL MOONEY Griffith was a shutdown pitcher for Cardinal Mooney this past season as a sophomore. She pitched 43 innings, allowing just 25 hits on the way to a 1.79 ERA, a 6-0 record and 52 strikeouts.

She was more than effective at the plate, too, with a .476 batting average, 15 runs and 14 RBIs across 51 plate appearances.

This season, Griffith is hoping for even better results in the pitcher’s circle, where she throws a fastball, changeup and curveball.

“My goal is to have 100 strikeouts this year,” Griffith said. “It’s kind of a reach, but I’m a junior, so I still have one more year.”

VALERIA HOWARD | BOOKER

Booker won no more than two games in a season from 2020-23 but turned the corner last year in a 6-8 season.

Howard, a captain last year, is back for her senior season.

The outfielder and third baseman said she’s best at defense, but her biggest improvement has been becoming a coachable player and leader.

“I had to learn how to understand what I’m doing wrong and fixing it,” she said. “I had to put my pride to the side.”

GABRIELA AVILARAMIREZ | BOOKER Avila-Ramirez joining Booker this year as a freshman is one of the reasons head coach Shatoya Davis is so optimistic about the future.

The catcher, pitcher and second baseman said she’s best at catching, but is expected to be an impact player in the pitcher’s circle, too.

“I really want to get my timing down and taking a second to collect myself when I’m pitching,” she said.

20A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

VINNIE’S VIEW

VINNIE PORTELL

Cougars sophomores prove they can play Brady Zaun, J.D. James, Colton Hyde and Michael Geaglone have led Cardinal Mooney to a hot start.

I

made my first rounds to the Sarasota-area high schools this past week to highlight the top baseball players to watch for this season.

When I stopped at Cardinal Mooney, the Cougars were talking about state championship aspirations.

I must admit, I was skeptical.

Cardinal Mooney lost seven of its top players from last season.

That meant the Cougars were going to be forced to turn to some of their younger talent. That move usually doesn’t lead to winning records, let alone competing for championships.

However, Cardinal Mooney is proving its skeptics wrong — myself included — through a 4-1 start.

Four sophomore players — Brady Zaun, J.D. James, Colton Hyde and Michael Geaglone — have become fixtures on the field, and they’ve been playing as if they’re seasoned seniors.

PLAYING WITH AN EDGE

For those on the outside looking in, there’s not much of a silver lining to losing talented veteran players.

Don’t tell that to these sophomores, who are up to the challenge of filling the void.

“I’m sure people were (doubting us) because we lost, you could say, our best player, and last year, we had a bad record, so people were like, ‘Oh, they’re going to be bad this year,’” said James, who has hit .421 with five runs, three RBIs and

a stolen base. “I think we’ve shown them that, so what? We can still play and be a good team.”

Of the Cougars’ four impact sophomores, Zaun might have the most motivation.

His older brother, Eddie, was a star for the Cougars last year, hitting .431 with 11 extra-base hits, 13 runs and 16 RBIs in 24 games as the starting shortstop.

However, Eddie decided to transfer to Venice, while Brady stayed with the Cougars.

So far, Brady has done a fine job of replicating that production as the leadoff batter and starting centerfielder. He’s hit .480 with a .519 on-base percentage, five runs and four RBIs. “He’s definitely made me work way harder to get better,” Brady said of Eddie. “Seeing how good he’s doing, I want to follow his footsteps.”

Hyde is fueled by a different kind of motivation.

The son of Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, Colton said he hardly played for Cardinal Mooney’s junior varsity team last year during a frustrating freshman year.

So far, he’s been one of the Cougars’ go-to arms and a muchneeded backup catcher.

He’s taken just three at-bats, but has scored five runs. On the mound, he’s thrown the second-most innings on the team (10) with a 1.40 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 10 strikeouts thanks to a fastball that he said tops out at 88 mph.

“At tryouts, I didn’t know if I was going to make the team or not,” Hyde said. “I didn’t play much on JV last year, so I wasn’t expecting (to make the team), but when I found out, I was really excited.”

Vinnie Portell

Cardinal Mooney has four sophomores, Michael Geaglone, J.D. James, Colton Hyde and Brady Zaun, making a big impact during a hot start to the season.

DON’T OVERLOOK AN UNDERDOG

Allow me to use a cross-sport reference to drive home a point.

Every year during March Madness, there is a scrappy team that upsets a blue blood program in a way no one saw coming.

Those upsets happen for a few reasons.

One is the underdog team is playing without pressure and expectations with a hunger to prove the world wrong for underestimating them.

Another is the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is a singleelimination tournament, and anything can happen in one game.

That scrappy underdog team could be Cardinal Mooney in the Florida High School Athletic Association single-game elimination tournament later this year, if it can make it that far.

Most of Cardinal Mooney’s most challenging games are ahead of them, and a hot start doesn’t mean much now if they can’t keep it up.

After talking to them and watch-

“I think it gives us an edge against teams.”

— Michael Geaglone

ing them on the field, however, I’m done doubting them.

“I think it gives us an edge against teams,” said Geaglone, who has struggled at the plate early this season, but hasn’t allowed a hit through four innings on the mound.

“We have confidence in ourselves and we have a lot more to play for.”

WHERE CARDINAL MOONEY’S SOPHOMORES RANK IN TEAM STATS BRADY ZAUN

Batting average min.

10 at-bats (second), hits (tied for first), runs (tied for first), RBIs (fourth)

J.D. JAMES

Batting average min. 10 atbats (third), hits (tied for fifth), runs (tied for first), RBIs (fifth)

COLTON HYDE Vinnie Portell is the sports reporter for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at VPortell@ YourObserver.com.

Innings pitched (second), ERA (tied for first), Ks (second)

MICHAEL GEAGLONE

Innings pitched (tied for third), ERA (tied for first), Ks (tied for third)

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

When and why did you start playing basketball?

In my third grade summer, going into fourth grade. My sister played basketball for a travel team. I was just going to practice for fun and it was something I enjoyed doing, so I just kept playing. It was a sixth grade team and I ended up starting, so I was like, ‘This is something I could actually do.’

What has been your most memorable moment this season?

Probably the last game, winning the regional championship. This is the first time in my high school career that I’m going to the final four, so that was a pretty good moment for me.

What’s gone right for Booker girls basketball this season?

The ability to push through and fight through anything that comes our way. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and we’ve pushed through it and now we’re in the final four. We have practice every day, two to three hours a day. Sometimes, two practices a day. We’ve had the mental ability to push through those practices.

What’s your favorite meal?

I love eating pasta. My favorite is chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden.

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite TV show is “Money Heist.” It’s a show I can keep watching. I never get tired of that show.

What are your go-to warm-up songs?

Typically, I listen to gospel music before games because it calms me down. I can’t listen to quote-unquote hype music because my adrenaline rushes. I like “Intentional” and “That’s Who I Praise.” Those are my go-to (songs) before a game.

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What’s been your most humbling moment in basketball?

Probably my freshman year. I went to Bayshore High School. I went in thinking I was going to start and I didn’t start for the whole first half of the season. It actually made me work for my spot instead of it being handed to me. Also, coming here to Booker, you’re never guaranteed a spot no matter how good you are.

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Booker girls basketball has been on a tear this season, and junior guard Marayah Stuart has had a big hand in that success.

Stuart’s season averages of nine points and four-and-a-half rebounds per game don’t jump off the page, but she prides herself on her defense, and that showed itself in a big way this past week.

The Tornadoes shut down their opponents — Tampa Chamberlain and Arcadia DeSoto County — to win the 4A-Region 3 and advance to the state semifinals in Lakeland against Melbourne Palm Bay on March 4.

Stuart scored 10 points with three rebounds, three assists and six steals as Booker beat Chamberlain 61-20 on Feb. 18 and followed that up with 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and seven steals in a 74-37 win over DeSoto County.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Marayah Stuart

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

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FEBRUARY 27, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS “The more things change, the more they remain the same, in that we have grown and gone quite a ways, but we’re still in the same place, in so many places.”

— Willie Charles Shaw

Photos by Ian Swaby

COURAGEOUS CONTRIBUTIONS Former Sarasota mayor Willie Shaw recalls his African American family’s history of military service.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

W

illie Charles Shaw has worn many hats.

He’s served in the U.S. Air Force, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service and a city commissioner and mayor of Sarasota, and he is a reverend at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church.

The hat of a veteran is one he’s proud to wear every day, and in fact, he keeps a collection of about 14 different caps representing different aspects of the service, which is still growing in size.

His service is important to him not only because of how it impacted his own life, but because of its significance to his family, which stretches back in Sarasota for generations.

He said many people may not be aware of how many Black citizens served in the military, such as his father Wade C. Shaw, who served in World War II, or his uncles Clarence Wells and Henry Limbrick, who served in World War I. Yet he emphasizes his family’s story is not unique.

“There’s history, and then there’s our story. Our story is not always as well-told,” he said.

A RICH HISTORY

You’ll often find Shaw at the Greater Newtown Historical Gallery, where he loves sharing the history of New-

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town, Sarasota’s predominantly Black community.

A native of Sarasota whose family extends back in the area for generations, he has memories of growing up in Newtown, and effortlessly recalls the names of people and places.

Shaw was born in 1947 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, under segregation.

“We didn’t go to the beach. We had to go to the Skyway for a beach…” he said. “I remember colored and white water fountains on what is now Fruitville.”

Shaw says the influence of his father, a truck driver for a lumber company, was important to him as he was growing up, when he attended the Booker schools and performed work helping his parents, including his mother who worked as a housekeeper, in their jobs.

He said while his mother taught him how to keep many aspects of the home in order, his father helped him to assert himself, also serving as a father figure to many of his friends.

“You had to be able to speak up and speak out,” he said.

He also calls his family “very much military-minded.”

“My dad kept up shop. We polished our shoes, and he drilled us.

‘Right face, left face, forward, march.

To the rear,” he said.

A staff sergeant in World War II, Wade C. Shaw served in General George Patton’s Third Army, helping transport troops and supplies on the famous Red Ball Express.

The 1944 trucking operation supplied the American troops as they faced the German troops during the Battle of the Bulge.

Afterward, he headed to Japan with his truck company following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as part of what Shaw said he thinks was an occupation troop.

He spent the rest of his time in the military there until his return home.

Shaw said he doesn’t know his father’s inspiration for serving, but it likely arose from his time in a Black unit of the Civilian Conservation Corps which built Myakka River State Park, and from which many people chose to enter the military.

According to the National World War II Museum, more than 1 million African American men and women served in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces in roles not limited to nurses, engineers, truck drivers, gunners and paratroopers.

However, Shaw’s family’s history of service goes back even further, to others including his uncles Clarence Wells and Henry Limbrick, who served in World War I, or his cousin Jerry Hempfield, who served in the Spanish-American War. Wells was part of the Quartermaster Corps, a military unit that supplied troops with food, equipment and services, while Limbrick received a small stipend from the VA due to injuries from poison gas, until his death in about 1968.

Historical photos adorn the walls of the Greater Newtown Historical Gallery.

FOLLOWING IN FOOTSTEPS

Shaw chose to enlist in the Air Force in 1967 at the age of about 19, as an individual that was due for the draft during the Vietnam War. “It was just a part of me to serve, being a part of it, my uncles, my dad, cousins kinfolk, that participated,” he said.

He performed the role of security, serving as an air policeman and then a security policeman.

“My military experience for me was not only exciting, it was engaging,” he said. “That’s what I wanted to do. My four years there, I wouldn’t take anything for that experience.”

He said with the troops being integrated, he enjoyed the experience of meeting many different people, and maintains many friendships.

His first tour of duty brought him to Osan Air Base in Korea. During his

423841-1

Willie Shaw has a collection of military hats.

13 months there, the taking of the USS Pueblo occurred.

This ship is the only ship of the U.S. Navy currently on the “commissioned” roster while held captive.

From there, he returned to the United States, where he was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas, overseeing aircraft of the Strategic Air Command as the youngest sergeant on the base.

One quality he says he developed in the military was an appreciation for jazz, as a result of being exposed to music by the greats of the genre.

“I tell people all the time, there’s two ways to listen,” he said. “You can listen to it, or you can listen at it. If you listen at it, you hear what you want to hear, but if you listen to it, you become a part of it.”

He says he also developed qualities that helped him upon leading in the military, eventually becoming a city commissioner and mayor.

“I went in, being obedient, being able to follow orders,” he said, noting afterward, he became a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a steward chief, steward vice president, and local union president.

“Coming out of the military, I had accountability, responsibility,” he said.

He said some people are surprised when they learn of the Black community’s military contributions throughout history.

For instance, he says the site of Robert L. Taylor Community Complex was once a site where African American service members stationed in Sarasota and Bradenton would gather to dance.

“We were there in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War. We’ve been here all along,” he said.

He says the recognition of Newtown as a historical preservation district in 2024, which will prevent the area from being gentrified as others have, is an important step forward.

He says an important part of change is the opportunity for people to learn the past, and the Black community’s contributions to history.

“I’m open to share this, Black, white, the persons of Sarasota,” he said. “I love doing that.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Leashing up and lacing up A

Rhett Fledderman, 10, (left), Zuma, the first pup to finish the race, and Brett Keyser, approach the finish line.

lthough it was cool outside the morning of Feb. 22, it wasn’t too cold to enjoy a morning outdoors with dogs — or for Brett Keyser’s pup, Zuma, to reclaim her first-place title in this year’s Satchel’s Fifth-Annual Get Your Mutt Movin’ 5K Run and Walk 2025.

“Last year was a little warmer, so she was kind of lagging behind, but this year she was pulling me in,” said Keyser, who came in sixth place among humans.

After last year, he was eager to return.

“We had to defend our title,” he said.

However, he also wanted to enjoy the experience of the event, held by Satchel’s Last Resort.

“It’s just a great run, and she loves running, and I love running. It’s the only dog race that I know about,” he said.

The event supported the organization, a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary whose mission is to take in animals with nowhere else to go.

It also featured a festival with offerings that included a pet agility course, a photo booth, a “pie-eating” contest with whipped cream-covered frisbees, a pet costume contest and more.

“This event means so much to Satchel’s,” said Jill Creevy, the organization’s board president.

“We are all about community, and this brings together so many people in our community.”

— IAN SWABY

Photos by Ian Swaby

Kate Johnston and her niece, Tovah Johnston, 11, run in the race.

Shuggy, a Satchel’s rescue, enjoys whipped cream during the pie eating contest provided by Tracy Addison.

FEBRUARY 2025

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Bali, a Bengal cat who belongs to Laura and Tom Walker, participated in the event. Laura Walker says he walks on a leash like a dog.

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Diverse voices unite in education IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

lthough severe weather may have canceled the opening ceremony for the Embracing Our Differences art exhibition currently on display, the nonprofit and its supporters were still able to come together a month later on Feb. 21.

The Embracing Our Differences 2025 Annual Luncheon, held at The Ora, shone a spotlight on the organization’s educational initiatives.

While it may be best known for the exhibition, the nonprofit describes its main focus as education.

The event welcomed speakers from local schools, including Isabella Cicala, a senior at Sarasota High School, Bryson Day, a senior at Venice High, and Brooks Tracey, an art instructor at Sarasota Middle.

Among the various educational initiatives are Unity Days, Embracing Reading Day and Coexistence Clubs.

For two years at Sarasota High, Cicala has led its Unity Day, a workshop of various activities intended to foster communication and cooperation.

“Being a part of this event has allowed me and my fellow students to show our true selves in a safe place where we can trust that nobody will judge us, laugh at us or tease us just because we believe in something different or have endured something traumatic,” she said.

Tracey said he has formed many relationships and connections with the organization, with six of his students having their works selected for the exhibition.

He said for one former student it opened her eyes to the opportunities available to her.

“I still have the memory of getting the opportunity to share with her the news that she was going to be a part of the show, and I still remember her trying to hold back tears of excitement,” he said.

President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer said she is “so fortunate to be able to work with students and teachers like these every day, stu-

Making Waves on Siesta Key: Azure Siesta Key Sets New Standard for Luxury Living The highly anticipated Azure Siesta Key development is making remarkable progress, with an expected completion date set for September 2025. This extraordinary new condominium promises to redefine luxury living on one of Florida’s most coveted barrier islands. The boutique development will feature just three exclusive residences, ranging from 2,300 to over 4,000 square feet, with prices starting at $3.2 million. Each unit is designed to offer sophisticated, high-end beach adjacent living, blending elegant design with world-class amenities.

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Judge Charles Williams, Sarah Wertheimer, Isabella Cicala and Bryson Day

dents who have the courage to be themselves, and teachers who have the passion to inspire them.”

Wertheimer noted recent obstacles faced by the nonprofit.

Last year, it lost a $60,947 state grant when Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts and culture grants in June, and also was denied $46,696 in July by the Sarasota County Commission, which also denied grant requests from the Chalk Festival and WSLR/Fogartyville Community Arts and Media Center.

A video played at the event said art and creative writing submissions for the annual juried competition continued to break records this year, with 10,124 submissions from 122 countries, 46 states, and 511 schools, 45% of which came from the local community.

Wertheimer announced a fundraising goal of $300,000, noting a $100,000 challenge match by Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse and stating $115,000 more was needed to unlock that match.

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Rabbi Elaine Glickman and Katie McCurry, vice president of advancement at Harvest House

Photos by Ian Swaby

Dan Minor accepts a key from his sister, Erin Minor.

A FAMILY EFFORT Erin Minor, CEO and executive director of Harvest House, celebrated the new leadership role of her brother, Dan Minor, at this year’s Home Again Luncheon.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

CONTINUING A LEGACY

Harvest House credits Erin Minor with realizing its vision and expanding its impact of actions, including her successful pursuit of grants on levels from federal to local.

The nonprofit focuses on meeting needs in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including affordable housing, addiction recovery, workforce development and food security.

A media release said in 2024, it served 576 households, including more than 800 individuals, through housing and community-based case management.

personal for our family to carry the legacy on, and I couldn’t be prouder to hand the torch up to him.”

According to figures provided the day of the luncheon, the event raised more than $300,000, including matching funds contributed by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Jerry and Fay Bainbridge, surpassing last year’s fundraising total of $250,000, The event also showcased testimonials from two clients, a woman identified as Farah, whose story was relayed by staff member KK Burchell in a video, and Barb Allen, who spoke at the event.

“The success of Harvest House and its programs, is personal,” Allen said. “It’s personal because I stand here today as proof that it works.

It’s personal because I know what it feels like to believe you’re too far gone, and it’s personal, because I know there’s people sitting in jail, moms living on the street, trapped in addiction right now, people just like me who are waiting for someone to believe in them.”

While on stage, Allen was gifted with funds to cover the remaining $1,500 down payment on her home.

During requests for donations, attendee Kathy Brown agreed to sponsor something that Farah’s young daughter, who has special needs, had wished for: a trip to Disney World for around $2,000.

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t age 27, in 2010, Erin Minor became executive director of Harvest House, which her parents, Jim and Peggy Minor, founded in 1992.

On Feb. 20, after 22 years with the organization, she handed a symbolic object, an oversized key, to her brother Dan Minor.

The event made the 2025 Home Again Luncheon, held at Michael’s On East, a passing of the torch besides its role as a yearly fundraiser

for the organization.

On Feb. 22, Erin stepped down to enter the role of vice president of community leadership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, with Dan assuming the additional role of CEO at Harvest House.

“I believe in divine timing, and I really do feel like it was divine timing for Dan moving into this new role,” she said. “If I were to ever move, it had to be the right time, the right place and the right position, and this hit all three things. So it’s just that moment in time where it’s like, yes, yes, yes. It all makes sense.”

Erin said Dan has been an instrumental part of its workings for 21 years. Now, it is his turn to lead its mission.

“I’m elated and also feel the great weight of the responsibility of carrying on something that is so wellrespected in our community,” he said.

He said he looks to continue doing what Harvest House has done, which is “carrying a level of dignity and integrity with the way that we serve those that are in our care.”

He said he will focus on two main priorities, which are more affordable housing in Sarasota — with a project specifically for seniors — and the building of a mental health wing in Harvest House.

“If there’s room left over, we want to continue to innovate, because the needs of Sarasota, Manatee County and beyond are constantly changing, and I want us as an organization to do what we’ve always done, which is adapt in real time for the needs of our community, and have the kind of partners in the philanthropic world and supporters who will support these quick changes to address the needs that are in our wheelhouse for Sarasota,” he said.

Erin said she was glad to pass the organization on to her brother.

“It’s an honor for me to pass it on to a family member who’s been by my side for years,” she said. “He’s kind of been behind the scenes, but leading with me, and so obviously, it’s very

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

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Abraham Lincoln revisited as teacher of valuable leadership lessons A New Jersey college professor and Abe Lincoln aficionado, at a Southwest Florida event, details why one of the most famous Americans ever is also an underappreciated leadership expert.

By Mark Gordon Reprinted from the Business Observer It’s hard to overlook Abraham Lincoln.

What is sometimes overlooked with Lincoln—despite the 16,000 books written about him—is the set of soft skills he learned, and then exhibited, about leadership throughout his life. This is the message Louis Masur, a Lincoln expert and Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University in New Jersey, shared in Southwest Florida in 2024.

Masur was a keynote speaker for a Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. Speaker Series event. His talk, “Lessons of Abe Lincoln: How Effective Leadership Can Change the World,” was given at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. In a virtual interview, Masur remarked, Lincoln “saved the union and freed the slaves, but what made him such an incredible leader during such a divisive and partisan time?”

Masur, who has researched, taught, and spoken about other historical figures, says Lincoln remains his No. 1 educational and leadership muse. Masur has distilled Lincoln’s leadership into a few powerful lessons: Education: Lincoln’s dedication to selfeducation was critical to his success. Despite his father’s disapproval of reading, Lincoln’s “love of learning” played a pivotal role in his ability to lead. When Lincoln became president in 1861, he had no formal military experience, except for volunteering in the Black Hawk War. To prepare, he read military strategy books from the Library of Congress, immersing himself in the details of military tactics.

Diplomacy: Masur points to Lincoln’s letter to General George Meade after the Battle of Gettysburg as an example of his restraint. Lincoln wrote a letter to express disappointment that Meade didn’t pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee after the Union victory. However, Lincoln ultimately chose not to send the letter, recognizing that chastising his general would be counterproductive.

Empathy: Lincoln’s empathy and ability to step outside himself were hallmarks of his leadership. Masur tells a story of Lincoln writing a condolence letter to the daughter of a friend who had died in combat. In the letter, Lincoln wrote, “You are sure to be happy again,” sharing his own experience with grief.

This ability to connect with others helped him lead with compassion.

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Principle over power: Lincoln’s commitment to principles is another lesson Masur highlights. During the 1864 presidential election, Lincoln refused to postpone the vote, even though he risked losing.

He believed that “We cannot have free government without elections.” This resolve to uphold democratic principles, even in times of war, defined his legacy.

Masur’s insights emphasize that Lincoln’s leadership was as much about character as it was about strategy. “I just never tire of reading about him and thinking about him,” Masur says.

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For starters, the 16th U.S. president signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, ending slavery in the country. It’s also well known that Lincoln was physically hard to miss, standing six-foot-four, the tallest of the 46 U.S. presidents. And, of course, he was so celebrated for telling the truth that his famous nickname, Honest Abe, lives on 159 years after he was assassinated.

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September infiltrated the Olympic Village and killed two members of the Israeli Olympic team, taking nine team members hostage.

Burkhardt said what drew him to the topic is the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how it continues today.

He set out on a search for primary and secondary sources, with some sources including the book “One Day in September” and the Israel Forever Foundation.

Burkhardt spoke with both of his sets of grandparents, who were alive at the time of the events, to understand their perspective, coming to understand how shocking the tragedy was to them.

“His grandfather called this morning. He’s like, ‘I learned some things from your paper that I didn’t know before,” said his mother Shannon Burkhardt.

Shannon Burkhardt said the experience raised some questions.

“I think probably one of the most educational things for him is having to stretch his brain and figure out, what are, what are my rights? What are my responsibilities? What is the government’s responsibility?” she said.

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lthough Sarasota Middle School teacher Jennifer Jaso says there is plenty of history students can learn in the classroom, she wanted to offer them the chance to go even further.

For 18 years, she has been involved with the National History Day Contest, having led an effort to bring the competition to the district level.

On Feb. 22, the contest returned to Selby Library, giving around 800 students the chance to showcase to a panel of judges their work performing research and exploring sources that could include the National Archives and the Library of Congress.

It was a chance for them to present results of research they had started in August on this year’s theme of Rights and Responsibilities in History.

The contest is the preliminary opportunity for students to participate at the Florida History Day Contest and the national level of the competition.

Students who participate in the program, which also welcomes students from private schools and homeschool students, research a topic of their choice, creating exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites and papers.

For Tommy Burkhardt, a sixth grader at Sarasota Middle School who plays soccer and tennis, the topic was one that combined his interest in sports with an issue still relevant today.

He chose to write a paper on the Munich massacre terrorist attack during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

“It really stood out to me how the joyful Olympics where we’re all supposed to be unified every four years, turned into such a massacre,” Burkhardt said.

“Because they are so invested in the topic that they chose, it gives them a chance to really dig deeper and find something beneath the surface, as far as how this impacted short term, but how it also impacts on a much larger scale,” Jaso said.

The attacks occurred when the Palestinian militant organization Black

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QUILTS IN PARADISE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. $10. View more than 200 show quilts and enjoy vendors, auctions and more. Visit FriendshipKnotQuilters.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

MINDFULNESS AND NATURE CONNECTION WITH UF/IFAS EXTENSION SARASOTA COUNTY 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. Free. Learn about using mindfulness to connect with nature.

Participants will enjoy activities and a story trail for the picture book “Charlotte and the Quiet Place.” The first 12 families will receive a goody bag to take home. Registration recommended. Visit SCGovLibrary.

LibraryMarket.com.

SUMMER KICK-OFF YOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Philippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail.

Free. Youth are invited to plan for their family’s summer. Enjoy demonstrations, entertainment, food truck, free items and more. Participants can obtain an event passport and submit it after visiting all vendors to be entered for a drawing of swag prizes. Visit Facebook.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 TO SUNDAY, MARCH 2

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SARASOTA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive. Free. More than 70 artisans will present creations, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass and much more. Attendees will have the chance to engage with artists and learn about their work. Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

PSYCHIC & HOLISTIC EXPO 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. $10; free for children 12 and younger. Attendees can take an aura photo, have a private session with a psychic or medium, experience a reiki energy healing or shop for crystals at this event featuring healers, mediums, clairvoyants and holistic products. Visit EventBrite.com.

File image

Izzy Perez, 4, Inka Perez, 7, and Nila Schreiber, 7, discover some stuffed marine friends.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

BAY FEST 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Discover the underwater world in this family friendly event by Sarasota County and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. View showcases of local marine life, learn from experts about conservation efforts, explore the coast on a kayak tour and more. This event is part of Good to be Green Months at The Bay. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

DANCE AT THE BAY: SALSA AND SUNSETS 6:30-8 p.m. at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Learn Latin dance moves and then put them to practice at a Latino-inspired dance party while the sun sets over Sarasota Bay. Bring family, friends, a date, or come on your own. The Nest Café will be serving margaritas, beer and more. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY — WATERCOLOR WITH LORI GEORGE 2-4 p.m. at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. Free. Join artist Lori Loveberry George and explore underwater ocean life, focusing on the shapes and colors of the octopus and its habitat. Learn easy techniques of color mixing and application, as well as how to make a deckled edge on watercolor paper.

Registration required. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

11B

The Most Wildly Successful

New Waterfront Community 16 Designer-Decorated Models Now Open

NEW HOMESITES RELEASED IN PHASE 2

Wild Blue at Waterside has captivated homeowners with its Lakewood Ranch location, incomparable residences and resort-style amenities. This award-winning community by Stock Development features single-family homes by some of the area’s most notable builders and incredible lifestyle amenities, including the 13-acre Midway Sports Complex, opening this spring, plus a social clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, a movie theater, fitness center, and a 9-hole premier putting course. Ideally situated minutes from Waterside Place, the waterfront shopping and dining destination, now is the time to discover Sarasota’s most desirable nature-centric luxury community.

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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.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

SARASOTA 4511 Bay Shore Road 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,500 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4627940 $7,650,000

SARASOTA 6747 Old Ranch Road 5 Beds 4 Baths 2,820 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4640059 $1,475,000

SARASOTA 101 S Gulfstream Avenue 5K 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,408 Sq. Ft. Lindsay Nock 941-735-7005 A4638917 $1,299,000

SIESTA KEY 1260 Dolphin Bay Way 203 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,915 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson 941-404-9347 A4616567 $1,283,000

SARASOTA 2434 Wood Street 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,231 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4638296 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 1092 Waterline Court 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,273 Sq. Ft. Mark Boehmig 941-807-6936 A4639972 $1,150,000

SARASOTA 3530 Flores Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,960 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4639588 $979,000

SARASOTA 2376 Novus Street 6 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,036 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4640340 $950,000

SARASOTA 8284 Barton Farms Boulevard 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,359 Sq. Ft. Allison Werner 941-961-3212 A4640349 $895,000

SARASOTA 3970 Country View Drive 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,421 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4640509 $775,000

SARASOTA 7344 Villa D Este Drive 7344 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,207 Sq. Ft. Dennis Schulte 702-810-4906 A4640671 $735,000

SARASOTA 800 N Tamiami Trail 1502 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,323 Sq. Ft. Kristina Rain 941-320-2639 A4635082 $720,000

SIESTA KEY 1291 Siesta Bayside Drive 1291A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,130 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4628484 $715,000

SIESTA KEY 4822 Ocean Boulevard 2D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. David Anthony 941-786-4282 A4639974 $635,000

SARASOTA 2903 Mayflower Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Zita Bowers 941-465-5819 A4639411 $540,000

SARASOTA 5827 Beaurivage Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,783 Sq. Ft. Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4638093 $535,000

SARASOTA 2630 Moss Oak Drive 50 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,985 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4640442 $479,000

SARASOTA 1749 Burgos Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,672 Sq. Ft. Susan Noah 941-468-9286 A4602252 $449,000

SARASOTA 1678 Starling Drive 102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,712 Sq. Ft. Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 A4602070 $449,000

SARASOTA 4522 Busti Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,300 Sq. Ft. Victoria Beckham 941-544-6734 A4640073 $389,900

SARASOTA 6517 Approach Road 57 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,388 Sq. Ft. Kathleen Carbone P.A. 941-228-8429 A4639301 $385,000

SARASOTA 5711 Soldier Circle 204 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,141 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace 941-586-7390 A4638011 $316,900

SARASOTA 9320 Clubside Circle 2205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,106 Sq. Ft. Betsy Campbell 203-554-8349 A4640358 $310,000

SARASOTA 3278 Village Green Drive 1024 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,323 Sq. Ft. Robert Moffatt & Peggy Wellman 941-374-0811 A4639953 $279,900

SARASOTA 3523 Longmeadow 12 1 Bed 1 Baths 428 Sq. Ft. Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4639950 $199,900

SARASOTA 1718 Bay Street 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,015 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays & Jeff Hinrichs 941-376-1826 A4632154 $4,595,000

SARASOTA 3783 Beneva Oaks Boulevard 5 Beds 4 Baths 5,251 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4640476 $2,795,000

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 1206 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,507 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4640521 $2,770,000

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12B

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

Siesta Cove home on Siesta Cove Drive tops the week’s sales. Charles and Lauren Lomangino, trustees, of Boca Raton, sold the home at 5418 Siesta Cove Drive to Karen Kuppler, trustee, of Sarasota, for $5 million.

Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, five-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,306 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.5 million in 2021.

SARASOTA: $4.5 MILLION

Sarasota Bay Club Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 1127 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Ernest and Kristin Brown, of Sarasota, for $4.5 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,295 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.2 million in 2021.

PALMER RANCH: $1,125,000

Esplanade on Palmer Ranch Laura Anne White and Maria Dagostino, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5405 Manchini St. to Phillip and Joy Feerrar, of Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, for $1,125,000.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,301 square feet of living area. It sold for $609,600 in 2018.

Photo courtesy of realtor Adnan Dedic

SARASOTA

GRANADA DEFCO Homes LLC sold the home at 3523 Jacinto Court to Peter and Ashley Burroughs, of Sarasota, for $1,872,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,985 square feet of living area.

RUSTIC LODGE Mission Property Partners LLC sold the home at 2425 Temple St. to Logan Estis, of Myakka City, for $1,765,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,894 square feet of living area.

THE LANDINGS H. Brune Levering Jr., of Concord, Massachusetts, and W. Joshua Levering, of Montclair, New Jersey, sold their home at 5127 Kestral Park Place to Kelly and Jon Baldwin, of Sarasota, for $1.49 million. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,698 square feet of living area.

INWOOD PARK Ocean Builders of S.W. Florida Inc. sold two properties at 1875 Fifth St. to Cheri Campbell and Sarah Whitney, of Burlington, Vermont, for $1.2 million. The first property was built in 2024 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 1,515 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2024 and has one bedroom, one bath and 518 square feet of living area.

PALM AVENUE VILLAS William and Jane Knapp, of Sarasota, sold their home at 523 S. Palm Ave. to Thomas and Barbara Finn, of Longboat Key, for $1,095,000.

Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,919 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million in 2022.

ADAMS HEIGHTS Emily Virginia Heffernan and Richard Kline, of Bellevue, Washington, sold their home at 4510 45th Court to Christopher Allen Corde and Danielle Corde, of Sarasota, for $742,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,202 square feet of living area. It sold for $244,400 in 2015.

JAN. 20-24

REAL ESTATE

A Siesta Cove home tops sales at $5 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

The home at 5418 Siesta Cove Drive was built in 2021 and has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,306 square feet of living area.

OSPREY: $3,335,000

PURTZ Lynn and Carol Sanden, of Lake Placid, sold their home at 2135 Hyde Park Circle to Saweda Bright Exantus and Nadin Exantus, of Sarasota, for $665,000. Built in 1964, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,801 square feet of living area.

It sold for $339,900 in 2005.

NOKOMIS: $1.6 MILLION

GULF GATE WOODS Jonathan and Joy Sue Andrew, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, sold their home at 7173 Antigua Place to Randall and Betsy Ridenour, of Sarasota, for $634,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 2015.

Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club Christopher and Michele Ann Brown, of Osprey, sold their home at 419 Yacht Harbor Drive to Jeffrey Allen Brinckerhoff and Michele Brinckerhoff and Jill Corey Brinckerhoff, of Osprey, for $3,335,000.

Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,417 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.5 million in 2024.

TEN35 SEASIDE FEKRA LLC sold the Unit 408 condominium at 1035 Seaside Drive to 1035 Seaside 408 LLC for $2.5 million. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,646 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.35 million in 2023.

Sorrento East Chandra Hanson, of Austin, Colorado, sold her home at 4678 Silent Creek Way to Vladimir and Aileen Kovalev, of Nokomis, for $1.6 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,914 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,225,000 in 2019.

ONLINE

Robert Stanley Gold and Barbara Ann Gold, of Berea, Kentucky, sold their home at 2417 Carlisle Place to Ronald and Cindy Lynn Walton, of Sarasota, for $510,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,471 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,000 in 2012.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

MOVE-IN SUMMER 2025

KENWOOD Janet and Cort Martin sold their home at 2295 Hibiscus St. to Kristopher Dillon Wilson and Victoria Toledo-Wilson, of Sarasota, for $629,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,401 square feet of living area. It sold for $146,000 in 2010.

SIESTA KEY SIESTA KEY Thomas Schlender, trustee, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 6835 Peacock Road to Geoffrey Raker and Jill Raker, trustees, of Sarasota, for $4.5 million. The first property was built in 1976 and has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,345 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1974 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,259 square feet of living area. They sold for $786,500 in 2022.

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LONGBOAT KEY

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of Feb. 10-14, in order of dollar amounts.

DeMarcay | 941.404.8858 | TheDeMarcay.com | From $7,200,000

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

1221 N. Palm Ave. #103

Storm Repairs

Richard Tangolics

$150,724

367 S. Shore Drive

Storm Repairs

Moira Hendricks

$106,201

1914 Hyde Park St.

Re-roof

Jason Mashke

$64,900

11 Sunset Drive #301

Door

John Peck Jr.

$53,708

3854 Bay Shore Road

Windows/Doors

Gail Kamensky, trustee $50,508

1884 Morris St.

Windows/Doors

Robert Cole

$50,229

3333 Higel Ave.

Windows/Doors

Robert Arnall

$48,600

3035 Irving St.

Re-roof

Harold Fox

$40,950

2136 Clematis Place

Remodel

Fred Sciuto

$40,000

150 Faubel St.

Re-roof

Jason Collins

$39,050

MSC | Developer Services Full Service means something different here.

49 Years of Experience I 600 Exceptional Agents I 85+ Successful Partnerships

MSCDeveloperServices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of January 2025

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

440814-1

Address

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | Memberships Available | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

WILD FLORIDA

14B

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8/26/21 3:27 PM

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Luxury

MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

ark visitors who venture into Myakka’s extensive backcountry will notice an important new wayfinding feature: Trail intersections are now marked with numbered posts.

With nearly 200 miles of trails, Myakka’s backcountry offers an unparalleled and increasingly rare opportunity to experience expansive Wild Florida ecosystems. But to date, most park visitors did not venture into the backcountry, largely due to a lack of clear wayfinding and trail markers.

In the past, many park visitors who ventured out to the backcountry got lost, which resulted in a negative and potentially dangerous experience for them and also created a substantial drain on park resources.

Over the past few weeks, Friends of Myakka River and Florida Park Service volunteers have placed 192 unique trail markers to aid navigation. As each marker is a unique point identifier, park rangers will now be able to locate easily those who are lost or need assistance.

Fabricated by MC Metal Works, a Sarasota-based small business, the laser-cut markers were custom designed for the park. They are intentionally unobtrusive, so as not to detract from Myakka’s wild and scenic vistas.

To protect sensitive ecosystems, they have no painted or plastic parts that could deteriorate and pollute the environment.

Since the majority of Myakka’s backcountry natural communities are fire dependent, the markers are aluminium, which are fireproof and don’t combust. They’ll therefore be able to withstand the

8/26/21 3:27 PM

Cattleridge Medical Building I

l

New trail markers will enhance wayfinding and help rangers locate park visitors in need.

P

Vascular Surgery

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

Myakka marks backcountry

Miri Hardy

Myakka’s trail marking was made possible thanks to Friends of Myakka River volunteers and a generous grant from Athletic Brewing.

park’s required regular schedule of prescribed burns.

This impactful project was made possible by a Two for the Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Co., awarded to Friends of Myakka River.

Named after co-founder and CEO Bill Shufelt’s family tradition of taking two brews to toast posttrail adventures, this grant program donates up to $2 million annually to nonprofits working to protect and restore local trails, waterways and urban green spaces around the world.

To further enhance accessibility to the park’s off-the-beaten-path areas, four trailhead kiosks with maps will soon be installed.

But even without a map, the markers already add value to those who get turned around in the backcountry: All markers were placed with the number facing south, in the northwest corner of intersections.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own.

Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

8/26/21 3:27 PM

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4 Bedrooms, 4/1 Bathrooms 4,359 Square Feet

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

15B

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YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, FEB. 27

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 77 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 High: 76 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, Feb. 27

6:55a

6:29p

Friday, Feb. 28

6:54a

6:30p

Saturday, March 1

6:53a

6:30p

Sunday, March 2

6:52a

6:31p

Monday, March 3

6:51a

6:31p

Tuesday, March 4

6:50a

6:32p

Wednesday, March 5

6:49a

6:33p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 High: 74 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 5%

Feb. 27 New

March 6 First

March 13 Full

March 22 Last

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 High: 75 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 6% Christopher Harrington took this photo of a water lily at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota.

Monday, Feb. 17

0

Tuesday, Feb. 18

0

Wednesday, Feb. 19

0

Thursday, Feb. 20

0.1

Friday, Feb. 21

0

Saturday, Feb. 22

0

Sunday, Feb. 23

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25. Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 3.05 in.

2025 3.26 in.

2024

MONTH TO DATE: 4.13 in.

2025 7.57 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

PLAYOFF GAMES by Bob Weisz & John Kugelman, edited by Jared Goudsmit

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Some memes featuring pets 8 Like crisp images 13 Narrow canyon 18 “That’s a must-have” 19 Spooky 20 People who do crosswords 22 Flick off?

24 “Totally agree!”

25 Olympian’s prize 26 Black Ops video game franchise, for short 27 Drift off?

29 Term such as “brickand-mortar store” or “meatspace” 33 Big financial shift for a unicorn (Abbr.)

DOWN

50 Bronte protagonist Jane 51 ___ on one’s laurels 1 Activist Klenk 54 Needing a scrub 2 First word in “The Raven” 56 In itself 3 Metal in some old 57 Slender wire nails ceramic 4 National tree of Lebanon 59 Steel plow inventor John 63 Tied in ___ (confused) 5 “Skyfall” singer 6 Tiny role in “A Christmas 64 Make merry 65 “Cool beans!”

Carol”?

66 Like a lit party 7 Muddy place 67 “___ we go again” 8 Like some patches 68 Daredevil Knievel 9 Intoxicating 10 “I’m a very vocal pirate!” 69 “Disease” that spawns many a Hollywood fran11 Frees (of) chise 12 European city unified 73 Ultimately become with Buda in 1873 74 Director Sergio 13 Surplus 76 MCU actor Paul 14 Sooo finished with 77 Judge to be 15 Burning with embar78 “King of Soul” Sam rassment 79 Over again 16 An oaf lacks it 17 First name in cosmetics 81 Thanksgiving’s day 20 First name on the most (Abbr.) expensive basketball card 82 “Yeah, right!” sound 84 Political party member ever sold 21 Cookie with a Limeade that sounds like a hairpiece 85 Restricted refrigerant flavor 23 Nut that’s often squir- 87 Take to task 90 Unit of thyme reled away 91 Prefix for “therapy” 28 Laughably ironic 92 Some, but not tons 30 Stories (holiday) 34 “Believe me now?”

88 ___ Stadium (onetime 94 NAACP cofounder Ida 31 “Sharknado” actress 62 Hand off?

35 Approves D.C. venue) B. ___ Tara 67 “___ So Fine” (Chiffons 89 Laser tag sound 38 ___ Lingus 95 In ___ (banished) 32 Wasn’t fooling around hit) 39 Distinctive period 90 Khan of Khan Academy 35 Fly-by-night creatures? 96 Tabasco or Texas 42 Org. that oversees com- 70 Bills no longer printed in 92 Poke bowl tuna 97 Polynesian kingdom 36 Jazz drummer Gene mercial space vehicles Australia 93 Most tender 99 “Titanic” actor Billy 37 “El ___ Presidente” 44 Hold off?

71 Like some dive bars and 98 Blow off?

100 Waze figs.

(1946 novel) 49 “Die Hard” villain Hans bagels 103 Prefix with “skeleton” 101 Set with a crisp image 40 Read-a-thon grps.

52 Ate at noon, maybe 72 Hydrogen or butane 104 Done for, or a breakfast 41 World Sake Day’s mo.

102 The ___ (London 53 Barreled toward 75 Taylor Swift’s sister food 42 NCAA hockey semis and Underground) 54 “Well spotted!” album to “Folklore” 108 Did a 180, say 105 Slightly cracked finals 55 Future fungi 77 Opera megastars 109 Pick off?

106 Only 43 e-tron automaker 56 Romeo and Juliet, in 78 Lens cover?

113 “Color me impressed” 107 Ruler until 1917 45 Rx “Romeo and Juliet” 80 Return, like love 114 Sport without pitchers 46 Pet’s energetic “condi- 110 Where a bud may 57 Some coal heaters 81 Core belief 115 Event aka the Costume tion” hang?

58 State where the D-Backs 82 Hammer Institute Benefit 111 Yukon or Sierra 47 Political corruption play 83 Manages to shake 116 Krypton, argon, etc.

112 “___ Canto” (2015 48 Referee in Nintendo’s 59 The “D” of AED, for short 84 Spin off?

117 Ending for “trans” or opera) Punch-Out!!

60 Like a red lychee 86 Wired workers (Abbr.) “multi” 49 Fly off the handle 61 ___ Nguyen Dan 87 Compadres 118 More crystal

437914-1

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“GK’E RBEX KL HBEW LTK BPY ABJR ...

OBY ALDGRE. G’Y VBKWRV OR YGVKULLV LP KWR EKVRRKE BPY WBDR YLPR CLLY ZGFAE.”

JGRVBP HTFJGP

“ZEBZYCLFFN CJ MDCE (RCFO) CJPHEMKN, GIOZJ YDLFFZJWZ OZJ OHYD OIKZ JIG UZYLHEZ GZ’KZ ELNCJW, ‘GZ YLJ PI CM, MII.’”

KZWCJL VCJW

“UXUL OD BWP ZVL’K VDDWJG KW SPB V AVOLKOLF, BWP ZVL UHAUJOULZU OK. BWP ZVL FW VLG CUU KYU ‘NWLV IOCV’ VLG SU KJVLCAWJKUG.” VGJOUL SJWGB Puzzle Three Clue: D equals F

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: L equals A

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

Flooring Made for Your Family

Puzzle One Clue: Z equals F

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.

©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-27-25

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

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

12 PC. dress, gown, shrug bundle Size 10. Like New! $100 for all 941-504-0165 2 WILSON Tennis Racquets, Like New. Both for $20.

941-358-5313 AUTHENTIC SPORTS autograph: 1968 Tigers, 1960 Yankees, 1966 Giants (football). $50 OBO 941-355-2870 before 7 pm, no txts GOLF CLUBS - Set of 12 + Wilson bag. $100 941-921-5684 LONG WHITE TABLE for office work or store display. Sturdy top braced with solid alum. supports.

76W x 25D x 26.5H Exc. clean condition. $175.

860-324-0026 (lv. msg. or text) NEW PVC mailbox, post.

Cross-arm post $35, mailbox $15, both for $45. (941) 966-6816 PET CARRIER w/ telescopic handles. 22” L x 11” W x 12” H Airline approved. Great condition! $50 No txts- 941-879-7105 ROLLATOR WALKER w/ seat.

New, never used. Handbrakes, folds for transport. $115 OBO 941-927-3805 TWIN BED Mattress, Comforter, Metal Headboard. Hardly used. $195 (941) 922-7786

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Announcements QUILTS IN PARADISE Celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of quilting at the Quilts in Paradise Quilt Show! (203) 605-5230 https://friendshipknotquilters.com.

For more information call Ken at: 941-356-3318 Or Visit: AntiquesandChatchkes.com Estate Sales Conducted by: Antiques & Chatchkes

Health/Fitness/ Beauty LIKE NEW SAUNA can accommodate 3 - $1,750 (Sarasota) Less than 1 yr old 3 person sauna used less than 10 times for sale.

Originally purchased from Costco for $3500 now $1750 or best offer.

auto Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

WANTED: Vintage/collector cars for cash purchase. Will buy 1 or a collection. (941) 993-4060 WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Motorcycles

Contact James at 310-463-0043

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE!

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *1920-2010* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition! $ CASH PAID $ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Merchandise Wanted

DAD AND DAUGHTER PURCHASE TEAM BUYING COINS & CURRENCY 941-795-3203 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

Village Walk on Palmer Ranch - a rarely available 4 bd, 4 bth w/ stunning water views plus custom pool. Gated, private.

Call 941-921-5687 $815,000

The Premier Golf & Marina Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle

As low as $17.50 per week!

HOMES FOR SALE

Starting in the low $100s Brand New Model Homes starting in the low $200s NOW offering HOMES FOR RENT from $2,500/monthly *On select homes

OPEN HOUSE 1st Saturday of the Month 10AM-2PM For home listings and tee times visit us online To schedule a tour, please call 877-211-5337 Business Hours MON-SAT 8AM-5PM SUN 10AM-4PM 2550 Pier Drive, Ruskin, FL 35570 www.riversideclubFL.com

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE IT EASY TO PLACE YOUR AD

Visit the RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota

Homes for Sale

View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com

•Gated/Secure Private Community •4 bd, 3 upgraded baths, 3 car garage.

•Lap pool (resurfaced), oversized lanai, & new pavers •NEW water heaters (‘23/’25) & barrel tile roof (‘23) •NEW a/c unit (‘23), outdoor kitchen, & exterior paint (‘24) •Spacious living & dining rooms •Chefs kitchen upgraded w/ cabinets & counters •NEW travertine floors- kitchen, laundry, halls, baths •Fully resodded yard (2,600 rolls in 2024) •3,119 s/f under air. Est. 1/2 acre lot •1 mi. to elementary school, 4 mi. to high school •Only 10 min. to Siesta Beach •Misty Creek offers golf, but no mandatory membership •Photos avail. on req.

•All home furnishings avail. for sale •Home inspection on 2/1/25, Move In Ready!

Offered at $1,008,500 Call for Appointment: 262-366-5425 or email: pckalawa@yahoo.com

www.SarastotaCashHomeBuyers.com

Adult Care Services CNA - 20+ yrs exp. References on req. Will work weekends, nights, holidays. 941-402-6148

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

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

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

Handyman Services 26 YRS. EXPERIENCE Chicagoland handyman looking for new projects in Florida.

Call 773-456-3780 MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

WELCOME TO 2291 Pueblo Lane, Sarasota, FL—a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa in the 55+ Gulf Gate Estates. Offering 1,009 sq. ft., a well-appointed kitchen, and spacious bedrooms, it provides comfort and convenience. Enjoy a refreshing pool and a prime location near Siesta Key Beach, shopping, and dining. (941) 400-0423

8315 Eagle Crossing, Sarasota (Misty Creek Preserve)

SARASOTA CASH HOME BUYERS: We buy off market properties including single family homes, condos and land. Distressed properties are ok. We always pay Cash. Call us first at 941-202-6957.

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Condos/Apts. for Sale

FOR SALE BY OWNER

941-955-4888

BUYING GOLD, SILVER W/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Free House Calls.

Confidential & Honest. Call David 813-439-2694

GARAGE SALE

real estate

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

Outstanding 2005 Mercedes Benz SL 600 V12 convertible, only 61,000 mi. on it.

Beautiful contemporary sofa, patio furniture, Lenix stainless steel barbecue grill, decorative flower pots, china, amazing grandfather clock, 2 glass top dining room tables w/ chairs, artwork, estate jewelry, tvs, garage items, king size bedroom suit & 2 queen size bedroom suits, linens, & lots of bric a brac.

SARASOTA SALE BY OWNER

TUTOR: Math, English as a Second Language for Spanish speakers. Grades 3-7.

732-889-0764

jobs

stuff Items Under $200

7244 Orchid Isle Place, Lakewood Ranch 34202 (Please use University Pkwy entrance)

MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS TECHNICIAN Upkeep of the grounds & facilities for multiple campuses.

General maintenance & repair of buildings & grounds.

Minor troubleshooting, repairs and adjustments.

High School diploma required.

More details at site below. https://www.oda.edu/about/ career-center

Tutoring

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB ESTATE SALE (Gated Community)

Numbers out at 8 a.m. on Friday.

Homes for Sale

941-955-4888

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

February 28th 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & March 1st 9 a.m.-4p.m.

Help Wanted

Real Estate Wanted

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

Open House BAHIA VISTA ESTATES Open House March 1st, 10am-2pm

Landscaping/ Lawn Services AKERS IRRIGATION SERVICE LLC Supreme irrigation service and repair. (941) 600-8563 www.AkersIrrigation.com

Legal Services NOTARY SERVICES In person and Remote Notary Services coastalnotaryservicesswfl@gmail.com

To schedule a tour, call 941-371-2940

Painting

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

Roofing ROOFING SOLUTIONS GROUP, LLC Commercial & Residential Roofing **Shingles: Low as $499 per sq. ft.

Metal, Tile, & Flat Roofs** Free Estimates!

SOFFIT & FASCIA & ROOF REPAIRS AS LOW AS $99 Licensed & Insured License #CCC1331958 Call/Text 941-999-1065

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Doors

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

DON’T let your

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Divorce without Lawyers

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Call us today!

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Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

Renovation, Construction and Remodeling Specialist

SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM REPAIRS & REMODELS.

- FREE ESTIMATES -

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

441490

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S 440905

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24/7 SERVICE

Auto Service

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

5-Star Rated

ROCK & SHELL LANDSCAPING

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Computer

(941) 228-6479

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

DAVID

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069 440970

Shell Work & Landscape Stone

441229

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

Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616

441247

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Lic./ Insured

Home Watch

Landscape

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

Pegatronics.com

Dave and Connie Grundy

941-735-3362

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

TREASURES found here.

Looking for something?

Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

Design & Installation

5 Reviews on Google Personal Touch & Budget Conscious

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

941-809-4333

www.tendingtohisgarden.com 441248

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

Call Today for FREE Estimate

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

6968 Beneva Road 941-929-9095

Pruning, Weed Maintenance, Tree Care

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! (Next to Beneva Flowers)

GG1 Lawn Care & Landscaping Services

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE SARASOTA NATIVE

440912

441239

HoHoBuysCars.com

Landscaping & Lawn

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

WE COME TO YOU

441232

WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

FAST • EASY • SAFE

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

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Health

SELL YOUR CAR!

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

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

FREE

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

440906

William J. Leininger, JD

941-243-0995 • jsancorporation@gmail.com jsancorporation.com Lic#CBC1265920

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

941.270.4400

441235

Handyman

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

DRGRABBARS.COM

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

441392

441231

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

941.966.0333

FREE

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

441211

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

249 235

* $ $235

$

364556 440907

Aluminum

441236

18B

$500 OFF any job $3000 or more

expires 4/30/25

YourObserver.com

19B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Movers

Real Estate

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

Wizard Moving SRQ For $149 per hour you get:

A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

make your moving day a pleasure.

441212

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

Licensed and insured #IMT708

We Pay All Closing Costs!

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

• We are Local Cash Buyers • We Provide The Flexibility You Want

• We Buy In “As Is Condition” • No Need For Repairs

Carpentry Drywall Powerwashing

• Any Situation, Any Price Range • Water Damaged Houses are OK • Fair Cash Offers • Close When You Want • No More Uncertainty

• We Also Buy Land and Condos

SOLD

First Time Customer Discount · $150 OFF

Call us FIRST at

941-202-6957

441237

$1500 job or more (labor only) one time use • one per customer

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH Sarasota Cash Home Buyers Your Local Home Buyers

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

www.SarasotaCashHomeBuyers.com

440900

Find Us @

Neighborhood

941-955-4888

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Remodeling/Home Improvement

Pet Services

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

(941) 544.5663

luislopeztreeandlawnservices.com

Residential specialist for window cleaning & tinting

440904

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

AFFORDABLE WINDOW CARE

by John Larson

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

Closer is better.

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

Licensed & Insured

Windows

heroes found here.

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

20 years local experience

Cut Your Energy Bill by Tinting Your Home or Business!

Tax benefits! FPL rebates!

affordablewindowcare.com affordablewindowcare@gmail.com

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

Windows

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

CBC1265487

(941) 966-2960

Roofing

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

Building & Roofing Contractor

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

the

RED PAGES

for great deals.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

You’re only cheating yourself.

SEARCH

410036

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

peekers’ place

441242

941 - 248 - 4734

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

This week’s Crossword answers

441243

Transportation

441730

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

160

25 $

UP TO

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

441250

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “It’s easy to cash out and make ... bad movies. I’d rather be dirt-poor on the streets and have done good films.”

Kieran Culkin Puzzle Two Solution: “Especially in this (film) industry, women challenge men much more now because we’re saying, ‘We can do it, too.’”

Regina King Puzzle Three Solution: “Even if you can’t afford to buy a painting, you can experience it. You can go and see the ‘Mona Lisa’ and be transported.”

Adrien Brody

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 NEA, Inc.

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

©2025 Universal Uclick

Plumbing

941-923-8140

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

441240

DCCoastalLLC@gmail.com www.DCCoastalLLC.com

441249

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

941-544-1152

Administering medication

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

on US CAPITAL, SENATE & LIBRARY of CONGRESS buildings after 9/11.

30+YEARS LOCAL EXPERIENCE.

Dog Sitting (sm/md)

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

TRUSTED SECURITY FILM INSTALLER

CALL (941) 955.4607

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

General Plumbing Services Inc.

441445

(Interior/Exterior)

441246

Painting

Call 941.320.5068 for FREE Estimates

WE ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT, COST EFFECTIVE, HASSLE FREE WAY TO SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR CA$H TODAY!

Your Local Home Buyers

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

Painting

Licensed & Insured

Trees

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025

1925 2025

A Century of Care, A Future of Hope In 1925, the people of Sarasota County came together to open a new hospital — their only hospital.

With just 32 beds, it was named simply Sarasota Hospital.

One hundred years later, we have grown into something extraordinary: a healthcare system with two full-service hospitals, a Level II Trauma Center, a renowned cancer institute, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated behavioral health pavilion, and a vast network of outpatient and physician services. Today, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System stands as an award-winning symbol of excellence, recognized nationwide and respected worldwide.

While our name and reach have expanded, our mission remains steadfast. The promise endures: to safeguard our community’s health, to be there for our neighbors in times of need, and to carry forward the trust that has defined us for a century.

Because at our core, we are still a community hospital. And some things will never change.

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