Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 2.6.25

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Heritage night

Observer

PAGE 2B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

VOLUME 20, NO. 52

YOUR TOWN

Will New College take over Ringling?

Gov. DeSantis puts in budget plans to consolidate campuses. SEE PAGE 6A

SWEET SCOTS Ian Swaby

Kerri Freedman, of Save the Manatee Club, and Bill Brehm, of Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club

Parrot Head partnership Not everyone may know that the nonprofit Save the Manatee Club was founded in 1981 by singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett and then-governor of Florida Bob Graham.

Yet, its connection to the musician’s legacy was celebrated on Feb. 1 during “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere: A Celebration of Jimmy Buffett’s Music and Lifestyle!” at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

The Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club, which hosted the event, took the opportunity to present a check of $630 in funds raised from raffles during the Bazaar’s previous Jimmy Buffett event in August.

That amount was added to the $1,710 raised that day.

Courtesy image

Gail Jordan and Suellen Kaeb, cochair and chair of Breast Health Sarasota, and Shelley Appleton, co-chair at The Founders Golf Club.

Ian Swaby

Karen and Jeff Lipnichan came from New Port Richey with their dogs, Lucy and Jack, to help support Scottish Terrier Rescue of Florida.

Festival draws large crowd for games and culture. SEE PAGE 6B

Putting for pink

The Founders Golf Club Women’s Golf Association says it scored big during its annual Golf Fore the Cure event.

The private Sarasota golf club holds the benefit golf tournament annually in support of Breast Health Sarasota, and says this year, funds raised through the tournament held the week of Jan. 27, which also included a silent auction, dinner and luncheon, marked a 60% increase over the prior year’s total of $51,000.

Shelley Appleton, co-chair of the golf association, said in a media release that last year, Breast Health Sarasota helped 432 low-income and uninsured women with breast mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies and MRIs. $0.10

A+E

Mobile Monster SPD’s new command center hits the streets.

SEE PAGE 3A Andrew Warfield

The new SPD Mobile Command Center has all high-tech tools and even has a bathroom.

Concert masters INSIDE

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

WEEK OF FEB. 6, 2025

SPAC workshop set for Feb. 11

“I’m fulfilling my father’s mission 100%. He believed that everyone who works deserves a clean, safe, affordable roof over their head.”

Tuesday, Feb. 11 will be a big day for proponents of a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

At 10 a.m., the Sarasota City Commission will hold a workshop to discuss design refinements and possibly more details on construction costs. Then at 3 p.m., residents and other interested parties may attend a community town hall presented by the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation at Municipal Auditorium at 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

The workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest design updates by the architects of Renzo Piano Building Workshop and to speak directly with the leadership of Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the city.

The workshop will offer insights into the evolving design concepts and vision for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center including parking, integration into The Bay park, patron access and more.

To reserve a seat at the community workshop, visit PerformingArtsFoundation.org. The City Commission workshop will be held at Sarasota City Hall. The meeting may be viewed live at SarasotaFL.gov.

One Stop Housing managing partner Mark Vengroff Read more on page 4A

BY THE NUMBERS $925,000

The sticker price of Sarasota Police Department’s new mobile command center.

PAGE 3A

4,000

Approximate number of affordable rental units under management of One Stop Housing.

PAGE 4A

248

The miles in which the International Space Station is above Earth.

PAGE 1B

CALENDAR n Sarasota City

Commission workshop — 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota Planning Board regular meeting — 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

Michael Harris

The roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and Pine Place opened on the evening of Jan. 31.

New Ringling Boulevard roundabout opens R

esidents trying to drive to the downtown post office or the Sarasota County Administration Center will now have an easier time.

The roundabout at Ringing Boulevard and Pine Place has opened for traffic after nearly a year of construction.

The city announced the reopening of the roadway last weekend on its social media pages.

The opening of the roundabout was a surprise to many. Although the project was originally sched-

uled to be finished last month, the city of Sarasota reported delays caused by supply chain issues and storm recovery had pushed back the completion date until later this spring.

“Cushion was added to the revised date, and the contractor was able to accelerate the work, including working weekends,” city spokeswoman Jan Thornburg told the Observer.

While the streets are open, some work continues, including a new Breeze bus stop and transit shelter designed to accommo-

date two buses outside of the travel lane.

Construction on the roundabout began April 29, 2024. The Jan. 31 reopening marks the completion of a string of roundabouts along Ringling Boulevard including Palm Avenue, Pineapple Avenue and Orange Avenue.

By the end of this year, the county plans to vacate the administration building as Benderson Development begins plans for a multiuse development on the site.

Florida Highwaymen lecture held Feb. 20 A free public lecture on the historical and cultural significance of the Florida Highwaymen will be held in honor of Black History Month at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Commission Chambers at Sarasota City Hall. The lecture will be led by Roger Lightle, a longtime Highwaymen art collector who has loaned the pieces for the City Hall display.

The Highwaymen exhibition will continue through February.

The collection of paintings showcases the creativity and influence of the more than two dozen Black artists following World War II. They sold paintings from the trunks of their cars beginning in the 1950s because they were prohibited from traditional showcasing.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Limited space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations will not be accepted.

438569-1

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

2A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

The new SPD Mobile Command Center arrives at police headquarters with a motorcycle escort.

COMMAND CENTER REPORTS FOR DUTY The new mobile center goes into action after an 18-month wait following its approval.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

E

scorted by the Sarasota Police Department Motor Unit, the city’s newest emergency response vehicle rolled up to SPD’s headquarters on Friday, Jan. 31.

At nearly $1 million, the department’s new mobile command center has been placed into action after an 18-month wait since its purchase was approved by the Sarasota City Commission.

As media members photographed the new vehicle, the SPD’s old mobile unit stood nearby, striking a stark contrast. At one-fourth the size, the white trailer had to be towed into place by a truck and powered by an

onboard generator. The new mobile command center can be driven to live crime or emergency scenes with space and onboard technology to accommodate multiple operations.

It even has a bathroom.

“My administrative assistant said it the best today. She said we went from the Flintstones to the Jetsons,” said SPD Chief Rex Troche. “This is the next level for this agency. We have been building out our drone program. We’re currently building our real-time operations center.

And this is just another piece of the puzzle to have a piece of technology like this within our city for our use, for our citizens, to ensure safety.”

The new mobile command center will enhance SPD’s ability to manage large-scale events, hurricanes and

OLD SPD MOBILE COMMAND The old SPD Mobile Command Center has to be towed to scenes of crimes, emergencies or special events.

other emergency situations by providing an on-site hub for extended deployments, ensuring efficient coordination and response.

Funding for the mobile command center includes $800,000 in American Rescue Plan funds approved in 2022 by the Sarasota City Commission. The remainder was paid for through the city’s Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

“This was a dream,” Troche said.

“About two years ago, we pitched it, we asked for it, and then a few months later, we got the green light on it. We’ve been waiting for it due to shortages with supplies over the last year or so, but we’re so excited to have it. We are going to utilize it as much as we can.”

The old mobile command center isn’t going anywhere. In addition to serving as an auxiliary unit, it will be deployed for events such as boat races and other large events where, at the very least, it can be used as a relief station for on-duty officers.

Troche called the new unit a “force multiplier,” incorporating multiple technologies to accommodate with the SPD’s burgeoning drone program and coordinate with its realtime operations center, which is still under development.

“The best thing is going to be communications at different levels,” Troche said. “In the back you’ll have command staff who will be listening to the crisis negotia-

Photos by Andrew Warfield

tors in real time. Then on the outside, you’re going to have a drone operator because we have a monitor where they can watch their drone flying over any type of target. We’ll also have dispatchers within the center.”

The vehicle wrap was designed by students at Ringling College of Art and Design.

Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche talks about the advanced features of the new SPD Mobile Command Center.

SPD MOBILE COMMAND CENTER SPECS ■ Length: 40 feet ■ Cost: Just less than $925,000 ■ Satellite technology for reliable communication in disaster zones ■ Real-time video streaming to provide situational awareness for officers and command staff ■ Advanced dispatch and

The new Sarasota Police Department Mobile Command Center cost just less than $925,000.

communication systems to coordinate multiagency responses ■ Multiple workstations for officers, emergency personnel and city officials ■ Onboard conference area for critical decision-making during emergencies

3A

$5.55 VALUE MEAL

4A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Kelly’s legendary Roast Beef Sandwiches and Fresh New England Seafood.

ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH SIDE OF FRENCH FRIES AND A CHOICE OF 16OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK ADD CHEESE FOR $0.30 | SIZE UP FOR JUST $2

$5.55 VALUE MEAL

Drive Thru is Open Lunch & Dinner

*

ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH SIDE OF FRENCH FRIES AND A CHOICE OF 16OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK ADD CHEESE FOR $0.30 | SIZE UP FOR JUST $2

6” Hot Dog • Fried Chicken Sandwich Kelly’s Smash Burger • Fried Fish Sandwich

6” Hot Dog • Fried Chicken Sandwich Kelly’s Smash Burger Bud• Fried Fish Sandwich Light Bottle -

File photos

Mark Vengroff is finishing what his father started at One Stop Housing.

ONE LAST STOP

$2.55

RIDA’S FINEST SHOWROOM

Red/White Wine - $3.55 Small Cone/Frappe - $0.55

Bud Light Bottle - $2.55 Red/White Wine - $3.55 Small Cone/Frappe - $0.55

*ALL MEALS ARE SERVED WITH A SIDE OF FRENCH FRIES AND A CHOICE OF 16OZ FOUNTAIN DRINK. ADD CHEESE FOR $0.30 SIZE UP FOR JUST $2

NOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

M THE PLUMBING PLACE

After multiple successful careers, Mark Vengroff finds fulfilling his father’s legacy the most rewarding.

Open Sun-Thu: 11am to 8pm and Fri-Sat: 11am to 9pm The Square at UTC Next to to CVS pharmacy • 5407 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34201 itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs KellysRoastBeef.com • 941-263-1911 • @Kellysroastbeef_FL

Beautiful AND Durable Exterior Door Hardware

ur

er oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

439455-1

ce

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets

has worked hard to earn the trust of our

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

150 years of combined experience, our

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh

rs customers and contractors. And with over friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers exceptional customer care.

ark Vengroff could still be living in Los Angeles, where he first was CEO of WestStar Group and later CEO Walker Advertising, the nation’s largest legal advertising firm that specializes in the Latino community. All that following a 29-year career in which he rose to CEO of the family business, Vengroff Williams & Associates, while living on Long Island, New York.

The son of a man who owned and sold a number of successful businesses, he could be long retired, liv-

salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

of items,There friendly staff…” and selection repair. is a practical solution to this - RANDA Z.

RIDA’S FINEST SHOWROOM

common problem – Bronze or Stainless Steel.

Plan a Field Trip

LEDGE. SERVICE. Both materials offer excellent salt

Eve ryone wil l LOVE!

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

M THE PLUMBINGstyles PLACE Straightforward Name. and finishes provide a perfect match to Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN, 5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

STAFF WRITER

M

ur• Bath Furniture & Accessories It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast For over 30 years The Plumbing Place

ANDREW WARFIELD

ing a life of leisure anywhere in the world. Since April 2018, though, he’s lived here, fulfilling the legacy of his late father, Harvey, whose mission was to provide affordable, preferably transitional, homes to as many as possible.

Instead of an executive suite in a posh office building off Interstate 110 in LA, he sits at a desk in an open office space at One Stop Housing’s headquarters, located inside its own University Row apartments across U.S. 41 from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. There, he and his staff operate more than 4,000 affordable rental units in Sarasota, Bradenton, Orlando and Memphis, while planning to build hundreds more.

“I’m fulfilling my father’s mission 100%,” Vengroff, 59, said. “He believed that everyone who works deserves a clean, safe, affordable roof over their head. I didn’t buy off on that mission at first, but then when

Convenient Location.

Beautiful AND Durable

Exterior Door schemes Hardware existing color including rich patinas of

Beautiful AND Durable Outstanding Showroom.

Exterior matte nickel, andDoor black. Hardware It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

classic bronze, contemporary polished or homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs

oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast Beautifully craftedlocated bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished has worked hard to earn the trust of our fittings and accessories from leading designers.

“Everything about the place is beautiful, we should customers and contractors. And with over inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom door hardware caused by our harsh and style showcased Masterpieces of functionality 150 call yearsitofthe combined experience, our pluming boutique, soexterior clean, organized, big friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for accessories from leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality in an astounding showroom.

- RANDA Z. air. selection of items, friendly staff…” salt-rich exceptional customer care. and style showcased in an astounding showroom. your home that are well suited for our and repair. There is a practical solution to this

• Bath Furniture & Accessories

common problem – Bronze or Stainless

For over 30 years The Plumbing Place

Steel.

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located

demanding environment, and will create the We eventually learn that the Road teaseorof “lifetime 5678 Fruitville •call Sarasota • Florida 34232 Visit our showroom to arrange an appointment. first “Everything impression your front door deserves.

941.378.5678 5678 • Sarasota • Florida 34232 • 941.378.5678 about the place isFruitville beautiful, we should Road brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance inside The Plumbing Place, displays many

lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our

demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.

call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

of items,There friendly staff…” and selection repair. is a practical solution to this - RANDA Z.

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

Book Your Group Today!

t. Showroom for the common problem – Bronze or Stainless Showroom for the ve Collection Anywhere.

Steel. e Collection Anywhere.

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

JOHN SMITHMAN, OWNER

5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Bring your students, class, family gatherings, church or other group for an exciting, hands-on adventure at Sarasota Jungle Gardens!

WNER NER | SARASOTA, FL 34232

LEDGE. SERVICE. Both materials offer excellent salt

mSARASOTA, for the FL 34232

MBINGPLACE.COM n Anywhere.

BINGPLACE.COM

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

Educational Shows | Up-Close Animal Interactions Special Groups-Only Shows | Discounted Pricing

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

To learn more or to book your field trip, visit SarasotaJungleGardens.com/field-trips

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

L 34232

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

• TUBS • VANITIES FAUCETS SINKS •• • TUBS • VANITIES • SHOWERS styles and finishes provide a perfect match to FAUCETS SINKS Beautiful AND Durable • • • • SHOWERS MIRRORS STEAM MIRRORS STEAM ROOMS • SAUNAS WHIRLPOOLS Exterior Door Hardware existing color schemes including rich patinas of ROOMS • HARDWARE TOILETS • TOILETS • BIDETS • LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES SAUNAS• BIDETS classic bronze, contemporary polished or DOOR AND CABINET HARDWARE matte nickel, and black.

LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES www.theplumbingplace.com

COM

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN, 5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance

and repair. There is a practical solution to this common problem – Bronze or Stainless Steel.

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

438556-1

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located www.theplumbingplace.com “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom a minimum of maintenance. A variety of call it the pluming boutique, so clean,with organized, big

lines of door hardware infrom beautiful styles for accessories leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality showcased your home and that style are well suited for in ouran astounding showroom. styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of Z. selection of items, friendly staff…” - RANDA classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located

demanding environment, and will create the Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment. first impression front door 5678your Fruitville Roaddeserves.

• Sarasota • Florida 34232 • 941.378.5678 inside The Plumbing Place, displays many

lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our

demanding environment, and will create the

PUBLIC NOTICES

first impression your front door deserves.

The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

Showroom for the Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

JOHN SMITHMAN, OWNER

5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232

mSARASOTA, for the FL 34232

n Anywhere.

BINGPLACE.COM

L 34232

Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

438758-1

NER

AUDITOR INFORMATION

433384-1

941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

e Collection Anywhere.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

he knew he was going to have a year to live, I was running the advertising agency. He was practically begging me to get over here, so I came, met with the managers, the tenants, and I just fell in love with the whole thing.”

Harvey Vengroff died in October 2018, leaving to his family its stake in one of the world’s largest debt collection agencies and a company that specialized in buying old motels and converting them into affordable apartments.

He also left one big piece of unfinished business.

Sarasota Station.

Beginning in 2015, Harvey Vengroff labored for three years to get his most ambitious project off the ground, a new construction development of nearly 400 residences on a vacant industrial site behind the Sarasota office of Vengroff Williams, one block north of Fruitville Road on the eastern edge of downtown.

Nine years later, after overcoming multiple obstacles posed by the city, a global pandemic and a dearth of capital, realization of Harvey Vengroff’s vision, albeit reimagined, is as close as it’s ever been. One Stop Housing has recently received full Development Review Committee sign-off for Sarasota Station, now planned as a 202-unit, 100% affordable housing project, being brought to fruition by his son.

Funding was the latest obstacle, one that Vengroff overcame by selling a portion of the property to a private developer who will build 77 luxury townhomes on its portion of the site. That sale netted One Stop Housing nearly $10 million. Also approved by Sarasota County is $15 million in Resilient SRQ federal funding.

“That’s what closed up the capital stack and made it work,” Vengroff said this past week, when he had expectations that Sarasota Station would break ground sometime in the fall.

Then on Tuesday, Vengroff received word of yet another possible delay, what he said are some minuteadditional requirements that may require changes to the site plan.

“This, unfortunately, may either delay the build or could change the scope as originally modeled out and approved by the city,” Vengroff said.

A TRUE ONE-STOP SHOP

Selling a significant portion of Vengroff Williams in 2011, a retired Harvey Vengroff boarded his boat in New York and headed south. Rounding the bottom of the state, he turned north and headed toward Sarasota.

Once he sailed into Sarasota Bay, Mark Vengroff said he knew he was home.

It didn’t take long before he recognized the need for affordable housing, even back then. Harvey Vengroff, always the entrepreneur, founded One Stop Housing on one hand, and on the other, helped create a loosely organized group of venture capitalists who provided seed money to startups. Mark Vengroff would often say his dad was always looking out for the “underdogs.”

Applying his business acumen to the affordable housing, Mark Vengroff has grown One Stop Housing with the addition of former general contractor Gabor Sztuska, the company’s president of housing development and construction. The company has also moved on from its model of acquiring and renovating old motels, Vengroff said, because they had become too expensive. The focus is now on new construction. In additional to Sarasota Station, the company is planning multiple workforce housing developments.

One Stop manages to keep rents low by employing efficient building practices. For example, regardless of the project, all units have the same floor plan from studio to two-bedroom models, with or without a den.

“No matter what the exterior looks like, every apartment is identical,” Vengroff said. “Whether it’s an exterior corridor or interior corridor, whether it’s a hotel conversion or a brand new construction, all of them are the same. Our construction crews come in phases, and they know exactly what to do because they built hundreds of those same exact same units.”

One Stop Housing is also a licensed general contractor, licensed plumber, licensed electrician and licensed roofer. On staff is a full development team that can handle nearly every aspect short of civil engineering.

“Our cost factor is just so far below what everyone else can do,” Vengroff said.

Then there is the purchasing

department of four that acquires construction and finish materials in bulk. “That’s all they do,” Vengroff said. “They are just deal making, deal making and deal making.” That efficiency, he added, allows One Stop to use upgraded finishes in all of its units, further economized by the limited the floorpans across all properties.

“I can get 1,100 custom countertops all exactly the same, so it’s super cheap,” Vengroff said. “I’m getting granite top countertops for almost nothing compared to what it would have been. I’m getting really highend, really nice materials for our residents.”

A REWARDING FINAL CAREER

One Stop Housing’s emphasis is on proving residences for what Vengroff calls the “missing middle” of the affordable housing spectrum, those in the 60% to 100% of the area median income, which is artificially inflated in Sarasota County with its large, and generally wealthy, seasonal population.

Commercial developers answerable to investors, he said, can’t provide for that range.

“If I am a developer and I have a lot of capital, maybe I want to play in the game of market rate,” Vengroff said.

“If I don’t have a lot of capital but I want really good margins and I don’t mind going through the government

bureaucracy, maybe I am going to play in the field of affordable housing because there are tax credits and other incentives.

“What ends up happening is there’s nothing for this missing middle because everyone’s either going to affordable or they’re going to market rate.”

That leaves wage earners from 80% to 100% AMI — the bulk of service workers, teachers, public safety and others — struggling to find housing locally.

“That’s 75% of our workforce, with the other 25% scattered on either side of the spectrum,” Vengroff said.

“We’re doing it for the love of the mission.”

At its core, the mission is to provide a home that allows tenants to save money eventually move up the housing spectrum.

As a career he doesn’t really need, Vengroff said that mission is the most rewarding of all.

“I was supposed to be semiretired, but the need is so great. I realized that let’s just keep growing this thing, and that’s why I do it. I ended up drinking the Kool-Aid and just said this is the right thing to do.

We were very fortunate in life. We do extremely well and so what a great way to spend your time and what a wonderful group of people to work with.”

5A

“I’m fulfilling my father’s mission 100%,” Vengroff said.

“He believed that everyone who works deserves a clean, safe, affordable roof over their head.”

— Mark Vengroff

Entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff founded One Stop Housing before he died in 2018. His son, Mark, has taken over the rental company.

MATTER BROTHERS FURNITURE INTRODUCES OUR STORE WITHIN A STORE! Located inside our massive Matter Brothers Furniture showroom on Clark Road in Sarasota.

Up

To

80% OFF

This is where you’ll discover unbelievably discounted prices on designer quality furnishings for every room in your home. Enjoy the thrill of the find! Our inventory is always on the move, so visit us weekly to explore new deals and shop often!

Select from these famous name brands and more:

4675 Clark Road Sarasota FL 34233 | www.matterbrothersfurniture.com |

EVERYONE LOVES A

deal!

438182-1

Save

6A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Work on The Bay won’t impact future Van Wezel use ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

P

lans for Phase 2 of The Bay park and the compatibility of a repurposed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall took center stage at the Jan. 27 meeting of the city’s Purple Ribbon Committee.

The committee has only five more months before its recommendation of what form the Van Wezel might take should it be replaced by the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center on the opposite corner of the parking lot, with what the Bay Park Conservancy envisions as green space in between, perhaps above surface parking.

The committee’s purview is to make a suggestion or suggestions of what to do with the Van Wezel, but its members consider how it might interact with the latter stages of The Bay — what former Bay Park Conservancy COO Bill Waddill described as the “doughnut hole” between the first phase along Boulevard of the Arts, the Canal District at 10th Street and the Cultural District along North Tamiami Trail — to be critical to their upcoming deliberations.

Questions posed to BPC Founding CEO AG Lafley included: ■ How much parking will be needed on or off site to hold events at a new SPAC, the Van Wezel, Munici-

pal Auditorium and outdoor events in the park, perhaps all at the same time along with upwards of three waterfront restaurants?

■ Where will parking be located?

■ How will or will not installing a resilient shoreline next to the Van Wezel impact flood-proofing needs there?

■ With the new SPAC moving from its placeholder on the master plan to the designed location along Tamiami Trail, what happens to that space?

With 780 parking spaces currently, plus another 200 or so scattered among other lots within The Bay’s boundaries, Lafley said the master plan calls for about 800 spaces on site.

Committee member David Rovine pointed out that at an average of 2.3 people per car with a 2,700-seat primary performance hall, there aren’t enough parking spaces on the grounds even for a single event, let alone simultaneous activity at the other venues.

“We are going to need more parking on the site, given if there’s a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

The scale and scope of 2,700 seats in the main hall, 800 in the second hall and 300 (in a multipurpose space) that’s more than twice the number of seats,” Lafley said of the 1,741 seats currently in the Van Wezel. “All of

Courtesy image

A rendering of plans for the resilient shoreline in The Bay park.

the usual suspects will be looked at — parking garages on site, parking garages off site. In the Rosemary District, there is plan that includes a (pedestrian) overpass at Ninth Street.”

The point being, not unlike large performing arts centers in urban areas of other cities, parking will be scattered around the immediate vicinity and not all of it on site. That, he said, is a matter for the City Commission to consider.

Although, as usual, the parking conundrum dominated the conversation of The Bay and the SPAC, committee member Marty Hylton pressed Lafley on how plans for a resilient, soft shoreline for the park will impact options to harden the Van Wezel against future flooding events, the venue having canceled the first half of the 2024-25 performance season in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.

“Our strategy has been soften, make it native and natural, allow it to flood and be resilient,” said Lafley, who has experience in leading the development of the 45-acre Riverfront Park along the Ohio River in Cincinnati. “Those rivers flood regularly, every few years, and they had the seawall approach. We decided to go natural and resilient for a long stretch along the park.”

Meanwhile, Hylton referred to the draft Karins Engineering report the committee received at its Jan. 13 meeting, which included in its $17 million estimate to upgrade certain building systems and protect the structure from future flooding some options for a hardened shoreline along its frontage.

Lafley assured the committee that its long-term plans for The Bay — the current parking lot will be part of the final phase perhaps a decade away — or any of the construction in the interim will not impact whatever becomes of the Van Wezel.

Coordination between the three interests in that portion of The Bay, he said, will be critical in planning Phase 3 and beyond.

Courtesy image

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

New College may run Ringling Transfer seen as part of larger plan to consolidate campuses along U.S. 41.

JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

I

n his budget, Gov. Ron Desantis has proposed transferring control of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art from Florida State University to New College of Florida.

Four paragraphs inside DeSantis’ budget bill for 2025 directs FSU to work with New College “in transferring all duties, responsibilities, and state financial obligations of the Ringling including but not limited to, the art museum, the Ca’d’ Zan, circus museums and the Ringling Museum of the Circus, to New College of Florida.”

On its website, The Ringling claims other assets, including Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library and the Historic Asolo Theater.

The transfer would be complete by Aug. 1, the proposed bill says.

In a prepared statement, New College President Richard Corcoran welcomed the plan. “New College is building America’s best liberal arts college, and the addition of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art strengthens that mission, offering an unparalleled cultural and aca-

demic resource.

“This proposal will move the needle for both institutions to attain greater heights.”

The Ringling, which sits adjacent to the New College campus along U.S. 41, has been administered by FSU since 2000. Included as well is the FSU Center for Performing Arts, which houses the Asolo Repertory Theatre and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

State Sen. Joe Gruters of Sarasota says the plan makes sense, given DeSantis’ ultimate goal of merging FSU’s operation in Sarasota, and the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus into New College.

“From a logistics and economies of scale and a consolidation standpoint, it does make sense for it to be all be controlled by the same entity,” Gruters told the Observer. “I think it’s in line with the governor’s vision he started a couple years ago, to help New College be a long-term, vibrant university.”

Gruters also said he’s discussed this possibility with the three schools about the plan. “I have talked to stakeholders from University of South Florida, and I’ve talked to stakeholders from New College, and I’ve talked to stakeholders from FSU. And although there’s still work to be done, I think it’s possible.”

WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO TODAY? Beyond First Class™

P r i vat e Bu s i n e s s a n d L e i s u r e Tr av el Connecting you to Premier Domestic and Global Destinations.

F LY I N G R E G U L A R LY T O TA M PA | N A P L E S | PA L M B E A C H | M I A M I | K E Y W E S T

EXTRAORDINARY | PERSONAL CONCIERGE

We welcome impulse travelers and those with a flexible schedule to take advantage of our moderately priced Empty Leg Flights.

Offering an Extensive fleet of Light to Super Mid-Size Jets, Turbo Props and Helicopters. Pilot Owned.

As a small chain operator, Orion services are able to ensure transparent pricing, superior customer service, privacy, and access to premier FBO facilities and lounges.

The world’s only 100% Carbon Neutral charter company.

SEAMLESS | LUXURY GROUND TRANSPORTATION

438947-1

All pilots and aircrafts adhere to ARG/Us safety standards and FAA regulations.

orionskycharters.com EFFICIENCY | SPEND TIME WHERE IT MATTERS

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

7A

We Are Where You Travel Sell or buy your home with the #1 Luxury Broker in the US* Featured Listings

OPEN HOUSES

See all William Raveis open houses in Sarasota,

Hideaway Bay | Longboat Key

Siesta Rev | Siesta Key

Manatee, Pinellas and

757 Hideaway Bay Drive | $8,500,000

3916 N Shell Road | $4,500,000

Hillsborough Counties.

Andrea Cohen | 786.773.0370

Gerard Healy | 941.961.2240 Thomas Rummel | 941.961.2171

Lakehouse Cove/Waterside | Sarasota

Sarasota Beach | Siesta Key

Orchid Beach Club | Sarasota

991 Seascape Place | $5,495,000

5246 Avenida Del Mare | $3,400,000

2050 Benjamin Franklin Drive #B304 | $2,800,000

Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Bob Ruiz | 941.544.3299

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Sam Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732

Phyllis DiBlasi | 941.320.4158

Sara Sands | Siesta Key

Gulf & Bay Club | Siesta Key

IslandWalk At West Villages | Venice

5164 Windward Avenue | $2,095,000

5780 Midnight Pass Road #605 | $1,379,000

19771 Quisto Street | $950,000

Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Matt Vander Wyden | 941.483.0977

Explore Our World of Luxury Living

Boston, MA

Westport, CT

Nantucket, MA

25 Rutland Square | $6,350,000 Boston Back Bay Office | 617.266.5200

12 Mayflower Parkway | $6,750,000 Westport Office | 203.227.4343

2 Hedgebury Lane | 508.228.9117 Nantucket Office | 203.216.2194

#1 Independent Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida, South Carolina and the Northeast

*Top Brokerage by Inman Innovators, 2023

436545-1

2024

8A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Moratorium madness ‘Overdevelopment’ is not the problem in Manatee, and a moratorium is certainly not the answer.

“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.”

LAKEWOOD RANCH’S FISCAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO MANATEE For the full report, go to: YourObserver.com/Opinion Taxable Value Ad Valorem Buildout $10,272,146,440 $72,351,863

Operating Revenue $91,347,446

Operating Expenditure $67,575,126

Net Fiscal Impact $23,772,321

Source: Fishkind & Associates

MATT WALSH

A

ll it would have taken was one phone call to Sam Staley. Building moratoria, he told us, “are really bad

ideas.”

Staley knows this well. He is the director of the DeVoe Moore Center in the College of Social Science and Public Policy at Florida State University. He is widely known nationally and in Florida for his expertise on economic development, land use and regulation, urban policy, economic development, public-private partnerships, growth management, transportation and regulatory reform.

When we informed Staley of Manatee County commissioners Robert McCann and Carol Felts pursuing a building moratorium in their districts, Staley responded: “They are a sledgehammer trying to pound a finishing nail — more likely to destroy the nail than drive it in for its intended purpose.”

Twenty years ago, Staley penned a commentary on moratoria for the Reason Foundation, where he was a senior fellow. The headline and subheadline tell it all.

Headline: “Moratoria on growth signal failure of planning.”

Subheadline: “Moratoria are bold evidence of poor political leadership.”

Staley’s commentary went on to say: “Sound infrastructure planning also isn’t a short-term fix. It’s a long-term process that requires diligence, commitment and professionalism. This is why growth moratoria are unsuited to solving a community’s infrastructure problems.

“Moratoria have to be short to avoid becoming a government ‘taking’ — a seizure of private property requiring compensation to private landowners. They typically span a year or less. That’s not enough time for a long-term planning process to correct past wrongs.

“Moreover, moratoria may add to local problems if they put communities at risk to lawsuits or investment falls dramatically because developers scoot off to more hospitable (and usually greener) pastures.

“When does a growth moratorium make sense? Rarely, and only as a last resort.”

Commissioners McCann and Felts repeatedly make the claim “my constituents want a moratorium.” They don’t really know that to be true. McCann says the 41,700 people who voted for him is proof.

Sure, there are many who say they want a moratorium. But if they thought through the consequences, they probably would ask what McCann and Felts should be asking: 1) Is there really a lack of infrastructure for what exists and to accommodate additional homebuilding?

2) What are the consequences of a moratorium? And, 3) What are options beside a moratorium?

■ #1: Lack of infrastructure.

McCann cites the flooding that occurred after Hurricane Debby, making it sound as if flooding is a constant problem in Lakewood Ranch. Debby was a once-in-500years occurrence. What’s more, we quoted 25- and 30-year residents of Lakewood Ranch who said Debby was the one and only time they have seen floods in Lakewood Ranch.

And, if McCann had ventured to visit with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO Rex Jensen and his staff, he would learn that Lakewood Ranch has gone far beyond what is required with its roads, drainage and sewers. Flooding is not a major issue.

■ #2: The consequences of a moratorium.

First, can anyone think of the upside benefits to a construction moratorium? Sure, residents

One tyrant for another?

T

here’s a saying about American elections. After the votes are counted, all we have done is swapped one set of tyrants for another.

That comes to mind after seeing how the pendulum has swung on the Manatee County Commission.

Oh, the poor taxpayers. It’s going to be another long four years.

When the 2024 votes were counted, Manatee taxpayers ousted the aggressive, arch-conservative, limited-government, pro-business, sometimes tyrannical Kevin Van Ostenbridge from District 3, and in exchange, chose an unknown populist, Robert McCann from District 5.

Granted, it’s early to put McCann in a behavioral box. But after observing his presentations at the past two commission meetings, you get the sense he sees himself as the “I’m pretty smart” Big Shot legislator. It’s like watching on C-Span a puffed-up U.S. senator bloviating at a Senate confirmation hearing.

Watch the video of his 20-minute ramblings at the Jan. 28 County Commission meeting (YouTube. com/Watch?V=V6WLSoOqYjc).

Take note of attitude and tone.

This was McCann’s big moment.

He was to explain his calling for a residential building moratorium in his district, which encompasses all of the Manatee portion of Lakewood Ranch.

“That’s my district,” McCann began, pounding his stack of papers on his desktop, as a map was projected on the commission monitors.

Throughout his remarks, he

File photo

Commissioner Robert McCann

repeatedly pounds his papers. It’s either a tick or an attempt to send the Al Haig message that he is in power and the smartest and cleverest person in the room — or, at least on the dais.

“Get comfortable,” he began.

“Bring your boat. We got a guy who can help you park it.” What?

A pause, and then he goes on.

“Everybody knows that I am humble, lovable and gun shy.” (Was that a joke? Not from the look on his face.) “I need to start speaking up.

Don’t get much press, so I’ll start writing my own Substack. Because I want to be twice as good as anybody else who is out there, I think I’ll call it ‘For lack of a fourth.’”

What is McCann talking about?

His glib quips fell flat. No one laughed. Then more …

“I’m going to answer questions today: Why? Can I get support?

What is a moratorium? I’ll get there in a roundabout way. OK, if you don’t want a roundabout, all you gotta do is call Rex Jensen and the red shirts, and they’ll change it to

who have their homes and don’t want any more near them would be thrilled to stop construction. But watch out what you wish for.

They would quickly learn the consequences of a moratorium affect everyone — negatively.

No construction equals loss of jobs (contractors, trades, building suppliers; every place where all those workers and their families spend their weekly earnings).

No residential construction means higher housing prices.

Limit supply in the face of growing demand, that’s Econ 101. There already is a shortage of workforce housing; stopping construction would make a bad situation worse.

Home prices would rise not only in Lakewood Ranch. They would increase all over. Contracting supply always drives up prices.

What’s more, if McCann thinks there are too many cars on the roads now, what does he think will happen when the employees of Lakewood Ranch businesses can find affordable housing only in Parrish, Duette or Wauchula? They’ll crowd the roads even more.

This defies logic as well: to shut off Manatee County government’s taxpaying money tree. Take a look at the accompanying box summarizing the fiscal impact of Lakewood Ranch. It makes no sense to halt success.

Halting success is also damaging to future success. Capital flows where it is welcome. When politicians impose moratoria and more restrictions and regulations that interfere with a market-driven economy, investors, business owners, corporations and developers go elsewhere. It takes years to wipe away a bad, anti-growth reputation. Just ask the founders of the Argus Foundation in Sarasota County.

Argus came about in 1982 to defeat a referendum in Sarasota County calling for a construction moratorium. Business leaders and owners coalesced and educated voters on the damage a moratorium would cause. Voters rejected

the moratorium. But for 20 years thereafter, Sarasota County had a widespread reputation as one of the worst places in Florida to deal with county government on development issues and business climate.

In that vein, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Manatee Chamber of Commerce should speak forcefully against any moratoria. While their message may sound self-serving and selfish, surely the other five county commissioners recognize the importance of a vibrant local economy and how population growth fuels a healthy economy.

What’s done is done. Call it poor political leadership in the past. So learn from it. The charge for the new Manatee County Commission is to determine the best path forward and not halt success.

That path is not a moratorium.

And it’s not demonizing Lakewood Ranch or the region’s homebuilders.

There are better options. Commissioner George Kruse voiced a few options at the Jan. 28 meeting — full impact fees; a supermajority vote for any comprehensive land changes. Likewise, Pat Neal, CEO/ owner of Neal Communities, is ready to present multiple options that are far from the destructiveness of a moratorium — privatepublic road partnerships, half-cent sales tax and state appropriations.

In spite of the accusation, Manatee County is not suffering from “overdevelopment.” It’s growing, and that’s wonderful. Population growth is essential to the flourishing of prosperity.

What’s more, population growth will not stop. This is Florida, a growth state for 100 years. So prepare for it, commissioners. Your job is like that of the owners of a fastgrowing business whose demand for your products is outstripping your ability to supply them.

Raise the capital you need; charge rational prices for your goods and services and speed up production.

Growth is good. Moratoria are bad.

a street light for you.” (Pounds his papers.) “But these roundabouts are now going to go up. We’ve got 16 of them coming up. That’s great.”

No laughs.

Later: “Lakewood Ranch. I don’t know much about that, but looking at the name. After Debby, I found the lake. After Milton, I found the wood. I still can’t find the ranch.” …

“SMR has won many awards for development, but no awards for flooded homes, traffic congestion, bankrupt individuals or ruined dreams.”

And on and on. It was as painful as watching a young comedian bomb on his debut.

More than halfway into his riff, McCann gets around to the subject of moratorium.

“The builders want to build houses. They want to put those houses in before we have roads, before we have stormwater drains, before we even have the river cleaned out.

“Rex Jensen said, ‘I would really like to avoid a moratorium.’ If he is serious about coming to the table and working out what we can do together, I am going to send him an engraved invitation. He knows where the office is; so does Pat Neal; so does Carlos Beruff.

“I’d like to see all of them. I’d like to start this dialogue. They had this dialogue in Palm Beach, and they avoided a moratorium.”

By the end of his lecture, McCann issued another snarky invitation: “I hope Rex Jensen is listening. I would like you to come to my office.

I’ll have my aide contact you. And if we can actually get a good dialogue, that would be fantastic. If you want to trade insults, we can do that too.”

We are recounting all of this to illustrate the opening point — trading one tyrant for another and what

happens when people impressed with themselves get power.

Who is the servant here? Who is serving whom?

McCann repeatedly says he ran a “people-first” campaign. He makes the claim — unsubstantiated with proven data — that the 41,700 people who voted for him all want a building moratorium.

But with his remarks, McCann clearly distinguished and established a we-they confrontation when he said Jensen, Neal and Beruff know where his office is and wants them to come to his office.

And, what is this? “If you want to trade insults, we can do that too.”

What a great way to set the stage.

If McCann sees himself as a public servant for the people, he owes everyone equal respect. Jensen, Neal and Beruff are no different than any of the other District 5 voters and constituents.

Rather than immediately cast them as enemies, create confrontation and grandstand on the commission dais with a jerk attitude, McCann could have ingratiated himself with all voters and with Jensen, Neal and Beruff by being a learner. Before dropping his moratorium grenade in early January, McCann could have and should have been the one to go to them.

Be the public servant who goes to constituents to learn and understand their perspectives and possible alternatives; talk to economists and others to understand the potential consequences of a moratorium.

Power always corrupts. Instead, an effective public servant works to collaborate … To bring people together, not tear them apart. An effective public servant is an exemplar of humility.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 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 / Dylan Campbell, DCampbell@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Regional Sales Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@ YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Anna Reich, AReich@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com; Lexi Huelsman, Lexi@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2025 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

9A

Floating day dock is coming to The Bay To make the The Bay park accessible to boaters, the Bay Park Conservancy secures waivers to permit the construction of a floating dock with 18 slips.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

hen promoters of The Bay park describe the $200 million, 53-acre cityowned project as “a park for all,” they mean the local boating community as well.

A key component of that inclusion is the addition of a floating day dock in the 10th Street canal separating the parking lot of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the boat launch Centennial Park, which is being incorporated into The Bay. To achieve that objective as part of Phase 2 development of the park, the Bay Park Conservancy by separate unanimous votes, secured a Government Zone waiver and a major conditional use permit to the 2018-approved site plan for The Bay. At its Feb. 3 meeting, the City Commission considered the Government Zone waiver that would permit pilings and a seawall at heights that exceed the zoning restrictions. By statute, development in the G Zone must not exceed standards of the nearest residential zone. To build a storm-resistent floating dock, the pilings must be as high as 14.5 feet above the mean high water mark, four feet above the permitted height, and the seawall along the canal up to 6.1 feet as opposed to the zoning code limit of five feet.

The extra height of the piles is needed to help the dock remain intact during 100-year storm events per FEMA specifications.

“The existing regulations are geared more toward what we think of as a standard dock typically tied to a single family home or use, and not a 53-acre park with significant boater presence,” said Danielle Stewart of

project consultant Kimley-Horn.

The applications received unanimous recommendation for approval by the Planning Board on Jan. 8.

“The important aspect of these docks is that they do float so they are able to rise and fall with the storm surge, which is the key reason why the piles being requested are so tall,” said Michael Herrman, coastal engineer at Moffatt & Nichol of Tampa.

“That is to accommodate 100-year storm event and prevent the docks from floating off of those piles. The piles are also designed to be resilient to the lateral forces, the wave forces that come along with those winds and storm surges to keep the docks in place, so that they don’t break away and leave that the canal area.”

The Bay Park Conservancy is approaching completion of its design for Phase 2, which includes installation of a resilient shoreline along the bayfront, the floating day dock to accommodate as many as 18 boats and expansion of the boat launch area on the north side of the canal to include an additional ramp, all in what is called the Canal District. Phase 2 also includes building restorations and new green space along U.S. 41 in the Cultural District.

Plans for later work in the Canal District include locations for three small waterfront restaurants in Centennial Park and future retail possibilities along the south side of the canal. The site plan also shows a pedestrian bridge shown crossing over the mouth of the canal, providing a connection between both sides.

While planning continues, some work is already underway, said Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley, including dredging the canal.

That work yielded far more material than was removed from the Man-

Photos by Andrew Warfield

The 10th Street Canal within The Bay has been dredged.

A floating day dock is planned along the south (left) side of the canal.

Debris is being cleared on the south side of the 10th Street Canal in The Bay park.

grove Bayou in Phase 1.

“We’re analyzing what we took out of there, but we took more than two times as much debris and pollutants and have had it all hauled away,” Lafley said. “The next piece is to repair, reinforce, rehabilitate and improve the sea wall on the south side (of the canal).”

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch questioned how the day docks will survive severe weather conditions, citing unsuccessful attempts at installing floating docks in Whitaker Gateway Park just four blocks to the north of the canal.

Herrman explained the extra-tall piles and the location of the day dock — inside a somewhat protected canal versus facing the open waters of Sarasota Bay as in Whitaker Gateway Park — will provide extra resiliency.

“We did extensive numerical modeling, computer modeling, of the

wave conditions and the significant difference is the level of protection offered by the orientation of the canal and the location of these docks compared to Whitaker Park, which is more open shoreline,” Hermann said.

Damage could still occur, he added, but the intent of the tall pile design is to prevent the dock from breaking away and drifting out of the canal.

Ahearn-Koch said she would normally oppose variances of such scale, but trusts the judgment of the park planners.

“My concern expressed about the floating docks and their viability and the city’s liability I think are very real,” she said. “However, The Bay up to this point has shown to exceed any expectations, and they’re doing due diligence for sustainability and resiliency. They have dotted all I’s and crossed the T’s.”

CO N G R AT U L AT E S Gary S. Brochin

Managing Director/Investments Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program

Sarasota: (941) 329-6286 direct Atlanta: (404) 231-6535 direct broching@stifel.com www.brochinwealthmanagement.com

for being named to

Forbes’ 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.

Contact me for a complimentary consultation

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

439267-1

Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rankings are based on the 12-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.

10A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

navigation, whether the inlet will migrate around and eventually close, and how is that going to interact or impact the surrounding beaches.”

The fact that the flow of water and sand seems to be migrating northward, however, has researchers puzzled.

Wang says in Florida, migrating sand typically flows from north to south.

“Why, in that particular area, is the sand is flowing from south to north? That’s another question I’m trying to answer,” he said.

Nutten says the northward flow is visible during incoming tides.

“There’s a demarcation line, you can actually see it,” she said. “It appears to be taking a left turn north when it hits the Intracoastal Waterway.”

Michael Harris

A view of Midnight Pass on Oct. 17, 2024, looking from Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Milton opened the Pass after it was closed in 1983.

Midnight Pass effects now visible in Little Sarasota Bay Three months after Hurricane Milton reopened it, experts say signs point to the pass staying open for now.

JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

S

everal months after Hurricane Milton reopened Midnight Pass, experts and boaters keeping a close eye on the pass and the surrounding ecosystem say things are changing for the better.

David Tomasko, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, says people heading out on the water in 2025 will notice a new look to Little Sarasota Bay. “The water is going to look different,” he said, noting the recent brown color of the water, caused by tannin from naturally occurring decay of mangrove leaves, is being flushed away.

“It doesn’t look as much like iced

tea. It looks a little bit more like, you know, the Gulf of Mexico, right?” he said.

The clearer water will also allow sea grass to increase in some areas, and be lost in others because of the scouring action of the increased water flow. “The water is moving in so quickly, in some areas there’s sea grass loss,” Tomasko observed. “But overall, you would anticipate there to be an increase in sea grass in Little Sarasota Bay.” Danielle Nutten, a tour boat captain, says she’s noticed the bay has changed color. “It’s like a light greenish color,” she said. “It would clear up at certain times, especially in the winter. But now, it’s just got a different hue to it because the salinity has changed so much.”

A hurricane in the early 1920s opened the inlet that separated Casey Key and Siesta Key. The pass remained open until 1983 when the Army Corps of Engineers, while building the Intracoastal Waterway, deepened Little Sarasota Bay and deposited dredged material at the inlet.

Two property owners used the material to fill in the pass to protect their property from erosion.

Plugging the inlet choked off the exchange of tidal waters and had resulted in poorer water quality in Little Sarasota Bay.

WILL THE PASS STAY OPEN?

The pass itself seems like it’s here to stay for the time being, although Tomasko stopped short of describing it as stable.

“I would say persistent but dynamic,” he said. “It will move over time. It will move to the north. It’ll move to the south.”

Wang is optimistic it will stay open on its own, due to the power of the flow of water as it moves into Little Sarasota Bay from the Gulf of Mexico and back out with the changing tides.

“There is a general understanding based on a lot of study, particularly of Florida’s inlets, that if the flow through the inlet is greater than three feet per second, then the inlet tends to be stable.”

Wang says the flow rate at the moment is stronger than that. “My research hypothesis assumption is that the flow through the inlet right now is strong enough to keep it open.”

And Mother Nature may be eventually getting some help from Sarasota County. The West Coast Inland Navigation District recently granted a county request to designate Midnight Pass and its north and south channels as “public channels.”

The decision means Sarasota County can spend its share of property tax money collected by the district on projects related to the pass.

The WCIND is a special taxing district made up of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Lee counties, with a mission to “preserve and enhance the commercial, recreational, and ecological values” of area waterways.

WCIND funds are used to maintain and enhance such things as public navigation channels and inlets, boating access facilities, waterfront parks, piers and special structures.

The funds could be used for things including dredging and navigational signs on the pass, although no plans for any work have been made, according to the district’s Executive Director Justin McBride.

Tomasko said Hurricane Milton’s dredging operation was a godsend.

“Frankly, dude, it was done for free.

It’s maybe the one good thing that came out of the hurricane season in our local waters.”

TRACKING THE EBB AND FLOW

Ping Wang, a geologist at the University of South Florida, has been studying Midnight Pass for decades. “My interest is … the morphology, the stability of the inlet,” he explained, “whether it would stay open at a particular location, whether the inlet will get wider and deeper for safe

Ian Swaby

Boats came out in support of keeping Midnight Pass open.

copenhagen imports Presidents Day Sale

STOREWIDE

save save save

How to Make Florida Your Legal Residence Join Us for an Informational Seminar There are many misconceptions about establishing residency and even more ways to create ties to Florida that people don’t know about. Our team hosts seminars November through March, free of charge, to further explore these strategies and more. Join us to learn the facts you need to know about making Florida your legal residence.

Scan the QR code or visit our website for our full list of seminar dates and times, or call 941-364-4558 to reserve your spot.

440915-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN 7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

The Buskey McGinty Group Private Wealth Management

Scan here to learn more

5259 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34231 941-364-4558 | thebuskeymcgintygroup@rwbaird.com BuskeyMcGintyGroup.bairdwealth.com ©Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-1466650.

432089-1

For a limited time, we are slashing prices throughout the store, including many of our top name brands.

Plus, get 12 months free financing.*

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

11A

Elegant Home Transformations…

Payne Park Auditorium plans revealed The Sarasota Players will invest $2.5 million to convert the city-owned building into a modern performance venue.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

Courtesy image

Park Auditorium,” Skaggs told the Observer. “Conversations around ideas for the parcel on Washington are set aside while we focus and complete the renovation.”

Prior attempts by Sarasota Players and its facility construction and management subsidiary, The Stage at Payne Park, to build an addition to the auditorium were abandoned when it became clear the City Commission would not permit expansion in Payne Park. Whether it still plans to pursue a new building was not included in the news release, and Skaggs was unavailable for comment.

Approximately 250 spaces in close proximity to the auditorium will provide ample parking for the theater, according to the news release.

The announcement marks the end of a six-year search for a new home for The Players, which sold its home on U.S. 41 in 2018 for about $9.5 million, with plans to build a new facility in Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch. While those plans fell through, it has operated since 2021 in converted retail space at The Crossings at Siesta Key shopping center.

Construction is anticipated to begin by fall 2025 with the goal of opening in late 2026, just in time for the start of a new theater season. With an estimated renovation cost of approximately $2.5 million, The Players is launching a fundraising campaign to secure community support for the project.

A rendering of Payne Park Auditorium by Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture shows modern enhancements while maintaining the 1960sera aesthetic.

Crafted through Collaboration.

For us at Gilbert Design Build, remodeling your space is more than a project — it’s a partnership. With nearly 25 years of experience, our family-run team works closely with you to redefine how you live in your home. Whether it’s a smaller yet dramatic upgrade or a complete renovation, we handle every detail with care, beauty and precision.

Let’s create the home you’ve always wanted — together.

Schedule your consultation today.

Experience Beautiful Work, With Care, On Time and On Budget.

GilbertDesignBuild.com 941.757.3395 Design Center 6924 Professional Parkway East Lakewood Ranch, Florida Family Owned & Operated. License #: CBC1263526

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FEATURE WALLS | MULTIPLE ROOMS | WHOLE HOME

436607-1

WORSHIP

Family Medicine

directory

WELCOMES

Concordia Sarasota

Chapel Worship: Saturdays @ 4:30 p.m.

Contemporary : Sundays @ 9 a.m.

Traditional: Sundays @ 11 a.m.

941.365.0844 | concordiasarasota.org 2185 Wood Street, Sarasota, FL

Keyur Kurani, MD Board Certified, Family Medicine Dr. Keyur Kurani brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.

430899-1

430300-1

440189-1

ith plans to convert the cityowned Payne Park Auditorium into a dynamic contemporary theater space, The Sarasota Players has revealed its plans for a new 200seat performance venue.

The 95-year-old organization, formerly branded The Players Centre for the Performing Arts, has released renderings of a renovation that maintains the structure’s original 1960s aesthetic blended with modern enhancements. Designed

by Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture, the adaptive space will allow for a variety of productions and events.

“Our goal is to create a flexible, comfortable space that will accommodate plays, musicals and community events,” said Sarasota Players CEO William Skaggs in a news release. “We are excited to unveil our architectural plans and renderings, which showcase a new lobby, expanded restrooms and so much more.”

On Oct. 18, 2024, the Sarasota City Commission unanimously approved a 30-year lease with The Players. The base term is a rent of $100 per year plus $1 per ticket sold for performances held by Sarasota Players and any other performing arts organizations there. It also left the door open for the organization to explore building a new facility on city-owned property on the northeast corner of South Washington Boulevard and Laurel Street, just a few hundred yards from Payne Park Auditorium.

For now, though, The Players is focusing on Payne Park Auditorium.

“Our immediate focus is to get a new theater up and running in Payne

Contemporary Service Saturdays 5:30 p.m.

Traditional Service Sunday 9:15 a.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School (The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

941-921-3673 www.goodshepherdsarasota.com

431224-1

5659 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34233

Undergraduate:

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

Medical School:

University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts, Basseterre, SKN

Residency:

Family Medicine Residency, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Jackson, TN

Certification:

Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine

Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

430574-1

Find your peace

222 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236

RedeemerSarasota.org

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

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

8/26/21 3:27 PM

941-371-3337

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locat 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

Cattleridge Medical Building I

www.intercoastalmedical.com 430970-1

Medicare and most insurances accepted 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

440745-1

3333 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

8/26/21 3:27 PM

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise Multiple Locations l

l

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

12A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliate Worldwide

*

®

ISLES AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 18212 Cayo Largo Place Laura Stavola

$2,195,000 941.447.4875

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

BRADENTON

SIESTA ISLES

3101 Riverview Boulevard Thomas Netzel

$2,150,000 941.539.0633

5560 Shadow Lawn Drive Judie Berger

$1,875,000 941.321.2292

7247 Turnstone Road Judie Berger

SARASOTA

SARASOTA

2425 Floyd Street Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

THE ISLES AT LAKEWOOD RANCH 8050 Redonda Loop Donna Soda

$1,649,000 941.961.5857

PREMIER ON MAIN

CASEY KEY $1,800,000 941.928.3424

1273 Boulevard Of The Arts Jaya Brossard

$1,145,000 941.920.1500

19500 Petrino Street Maryanne Kurtz

$899,000 941.400.2406

1720 Grande Park Drive Bob Linthicum

BAY VIEW HEIGHTS

4029 Casey Key Road Valerie Dall’Acqua

VALENCIA ROSEMARY PLACE $1,395,000 941.914.8414

VENICE

2194 Fruitville Road Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

1773 Harmony Lane Katy McBrayer

$1,895,000 941.928.3424

$2,900,000 941.445.7295

SHORELAND WOODS 3414 Old Oak Drive Christopher Bush & Angie Walters

PINE MANOR

$1,325,000 941.404.9504

1649 Manor Road Chris Constantinou

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB $995,000 941.441.6624

5914 Cessna Run Laura Stavola

$859,900 941.228.9206

13072 Steinhatchee Loop Kim Vogel

BOCA ROYALE

$1,195,000 860.227.0044

GRAND PALM

$945,000 941.447.4875

11678 Aucilla Drive Kim Vogel

$850,000 941.254.1996

1111 North Gulfstream Avenue #3E Laura Pearson & Carmen Baskind

GRAND PALM

$925,000 941.254.1996

ONE WATERGATE $825,000 941.724.1854

Featured New Developments

SARASOTA’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY NEW ADDRESS Bayfront Luxury Residences from $1.4 Million Overlooking The Bay Park, Sarasota Bay and the Quay Harbor

941.770.3993 | LIVE1000.COM ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE 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. This is a limited time offer. Developer may withdraw offering at any time. Illustrations are Artist’s Rendering and may not represent the final offering.

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

Artist’s Concept

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

THANK YOU TO OUR

13A

Top 25

THANK YOU TO OUR TOP 25 AND ALL OF OUR GLOBAL ADVISORS IN THE SARASOTA REGION FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL 2024.

Top Sales Team

$

7.6

BILLION

TOTAL SALES VOLUME 2024

Top Sales Individual Judie Berger Team 941.928.3424

Laughlin-Tanner Group 941.662.4299

Gloria Bracciano 941.229.4000

Katy McBrayer-Lynch & Montana Taplinger 941.400.2406

Moriah Taliaferro & Valerie Green 941.504.9910

Charles Totonis Team 941.524.8299

Fernando Viteri 941.400.7676

Laura Stavola 941.447.4875

Currey Group 941.587.1776

Mike Warm 941.525.2740

Debi Cohoon 941.877.2550

Frank Lambert Team 941.920.1501

Hedge Team 941.587.6660

Lisa Napolitano 941.993.0025

Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins 941.321.2292

Michael Seamon 941.586.1802

Nathan Mathers 941.720.0408

Thomas Netzel and Team 941.539.0633

Laura Pearson 941.993.5167

Martha Pike 941.716.4392

Valerie Dall’Acqua 941.445.7295

Jaci Krawtschenko & Jennifer Garrabrandt 941.284.3789

Lori Carey & Leslie DuFrense 941.780.3427

Chris Wetzig 941.350.8083

PEOPLE

SERVICE

PRESENCE

OVER 1,400 PROFESSIONALS

$7.6 BILLION IN SALES VOLUME FOR 2024

OVER 40 PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY LOCATIONS

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Peerage Group Sotheby’s International Realty. Source: BrokerMetrics®

438346-1

Schemmel Soda Group 941.587.4894

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Screen time shutdown

Make

Sarasota School Board looks to tighten disciplinary policy for cellphone use on campuses.

A Plan. A

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

s the school board convened Feb. 4 for a workshop, it’s exploring changing the policy regarding cellphone use in schools.

Superintendent Terry Connor noted a survey of the public on the topic including students, parents, staff and community members, received 8,000 responses, with the majority coming from students.

The survey drew a variety of responses, with about 70% of students saying the current policy was too strict and many parents favoring the current policy.

Board members ultimately came to a consensus to escalate disciplinary actions around violations more quickly, while also educating students on the potential harms of social media.

The current policy requires elementary students to have devices silenced and put away throughout the school day. Middle school students cannot use devices outside of class instruction, while high school students may additionally use devices during transitions and lunch periods.

Violation consequences for elementary and middle school begin with a verbal warning, leading to contact with parents and eventual possible referrals to Teen Court.

Board member Tim Enos called a past situation in the district, when cell phones were taken away, “pretty much a nightmare,” stating that issues with social media must come back to parental education.

Board member Tom Edwards said the correlation of the mental health crisis and the introduction of the smartphones “100 percent parallel.”

It Makes a Difference.

Ian Swaby

He said the current policy was not enforced consistently and falling back on teachers “at a time when teachers don’t have a lot of time.” He suggested violations go straight to confiscation, with education for students on the harms of social media.

Bridget Ziegler has been the only board member to call for a bell-tobell ban, or a total prohibition on cell phone use.

“If I have to be alone on an island, I don’t care,” she said. “I believe what I’ve read. I see it. You can witness it and ... as Mr. Edwards has said, there’s numerous amounts of articles and peer-reviewed studies that show the incredible correlation of the quote, unquote, mental health crisis, which is real, and the addictive nature of them, not just social media, but even just text ... ” Barker said her sixth grader and eighth grader both have phones currently. She said students may use phones for activities from checking the stock market to homework, with lots of digital learning currently taking place that helps provide data for teachers.

The board came to a consensus that more education was needed in the realm of cell phones.

“I see opportunities for us here,” Connor said. “We’ve got community partners that would be willing to work with us to develop a strong curriculum, that we could be a leader in that space.”

School Board Chair Tim Enos talks with board member Liz Barker.

Taking a few moments now can make a significant difference for your loved ones down the road. From removing the stress and financial burdens to fulfilling your exact wishes for your celebration of life, pre-planning is the best gift you can give your family.

We’re here to help.

Give us a call today to start the conversation.

donate &&shop donate donate &donate shop shop & sh

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Building Materials Building | Furniture Materials Building | Appliances | Furniture Materials | |Appliances Furniture | Appli ArtArt | Decorative | Lamps Art | Decorative Accessories | Decorative Art |Accessories Lamps Accessories | Decorative Accessories | Lamps | L

FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORY & PREARRANGEMENT CENTER

n 1nLocation n Stores 3 Stores n 13 Location 3 Stores 1 3 Location Stores 1 Location Tuesday -n Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday - Saturday Tuesday 10:00am - Saturday Tuesday -n 5:00pm -nSaturday 10:00am -n 5:00pm 10:00am n Sarasota n Sarasota 2095 17th Street Sarasota 2095 17th Street 2095 17th Street 2095n 17th Street n Saraso

large items tolarge donate?

Have large Have items Have to large donate?

Have items to donate? items to donat Call toyour schedule free pick up.

Call to schedule Call to schedule freeCall pick toyour up. schedule free pick your free pic Call to schedule ayour courtesy pick up.up.

ToaleBrothers.com | 94 1.955.4171

(941 ) n444-5783 n www.habitatsrq.org n www.habitat (941 ) 444-5783 (941 )www.habitatsrq.org (941)www.habitatsrq.org 444-5783 444-5783 Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912. n

438058-1

Our Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Our vision is everyone deserves vision aisdecent everyone Our place vision deserves to live. is everyone a decent deserves place to alive. decent plac 440183-1

14A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

15A

1212 CENTER PLACE | Lido Shores | $6,995,000 – New Construction | 5 Beds | 6 Baths | 4,750 Sq. Ft. Steps to Private Beach Community | Ready for Occupancy | Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033

You’ve dreamed of building your own custom island home for years, but the idea of dedicating three years to making that dream a reality can feel overwhelming. Seaward Homes has the solution: 1212 Center Place in Lido Shores.

This custom-designed home, just steps from your private beach access, is now available. Built by Sarasota’s premier home builder, Seaward Homes, this property is part of our exclusive Seaward Curated Collection. We take pride in delivering a very limited number of custom homes each year, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet, West of the Trail and on the Sarasota islands.. Our business model focuses on delivering fewer homes while maintaining the highest quality. A reputation we’ve built over the past 30 years.

We use only the finest materials, collaborate with top consultants and trades, and leverage the latest technologies to ensure every detail of each project is a success. Our Seaward Curated homes feature elevated first-floor designs, superior concrete structural elements, and glass systems that often exceed code requirements-ensuring beauty, strength, and durability. Additionally, we offer clients construction schedules, open-book pricing, and a dedicated full-time project manager for added peace of mind. May we assist you with your new build?

• 5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | 2-car oversized garage

• Large designer format 24x48 porcelain tile

• Exciting 1,100 sq ft rooftop terrace with views of Sarasota Bay

• Designer quartzite stone countertops in the kitchen

nearly 5,000 sq ft

the Gulf of Mexico, and the Ringling Bridge

• Concrete and block masonry

• Thermador commercial appliance package

• Large second floor family room and dry bar, perfect for guests • Yoga room or art studio

• Cucine Ricci custom fabricated Italian cabinets throughout • Designer Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures

• High quality hurricane safety glass throughout • First floor master suite

• European hardwood floors on the second floor

• Custom Lutron lighting package by Wicked Smart Homes • AV package including home security, shade prewire, and security cameras

• Dramatic 2-story great room

• Summer kitchen with stainless steel appliances

• 10’ tall glass sliding doors

• Gorgeous pool, with waterfall feature and built-in spa

• Custom steel floating staircase • 8’ solid interior doors with Emtek hardware

T H E

• Tim Borden tropical landscape package with shellstone exteriors

Seaward Homes would love to talk to you

G R O U P

941.323.0033

Sarasota’s Fine Home Builder

441174-1

about building your Dream Home.

16A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Culverhouses give $100,000 to Embracing Our Differences The gift from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse makes up for a gap in funding as the annual exhibit lost funding from Sarasota County.

OBSERVER STAFF Jim DeLa

E

mbracing Our Differences has received a $100,000 gift from Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse Jr. following changes in Sarasota County’s grant qualifications that left the organization ineligible for funding because of its format as an annual outdoor exhibition that is freely accessible in a public park with no ticketing system.

The donation will support Embracing Our Differences’ educational initiatives, including field trips, professional development workshops, the annual Reading Day program and curriculum development. It will also help fund the 2025 outdoor exhibition at Bayfront Park in Sarasota, which features docentled tours conducted by local high school students. Also benefiting from the contribution is the MakeA-Day Of It! program, which provides an opportunity for thousands of students to visit the exhibition and extend their experience with cultural partners.

“In these challenging times, when our mission of kindness, respect and inclusion is more essential than ever, we face unprecedented obstacles,” said Embracing Our Differences President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer. “This gift is an absolute game-changer, providing us with critical resources to continue our vital work and ensure that kindness, respect and inclusion continue to flourish in our community.”

Hugh Culverhouse Jr. is CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings, leading the development of the 15,000-acre

A first responder with the Sarasota County Fire Department assesses a volunteer playing a wounded victim in an active shooter training exercise Jan 30.

AT THE READY Training exercise smooths coordination between Sarasota fire, law enforcement personnel.

JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

S

arasota County first responders staged a mock active shooter event Jan. 30 to be better prepared should the unthinkable happen.

The exercise, held at the former L3 Communications building on Cattlemen Road, involved the Sarasota County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office in a series of drills designed to be as realistic as possible.

“It’s very beneficial for our responders, especially in this day and age where, unfortunately, active shooter incidents are becoming more of a prevalent kind of call that we respond to,” said Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Sullivan.

The scenario: An active shooter has injured multiple people inside a building. The Sheriff’s Office is first on the scene and must secure the area before rescue personnel can

come in to treat the injured.

Once deputies swept the building — and dealt with an unexpected second shooter — first responders entered to find volunteers smeared with makeup to simulate injuries lying on the floor. Rescuers were tasked with coordinating with law enforcement, assessing injuries and evacuating the victims.

The training is done twice a year, Sullivan said, and on this day, the scenario was replayed at least six times, to accommodate around 120 fire department personnel working several shifts.

“We hire every 10 weeks, so we have a lot of new personnel that we bring through these drills,” Sullivan explained. The training includes learning protocol and terminology to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Sullivan said the training is particularly important to him. “I’ve got kids that go to schools here in Sarasota County. I was born and raised here, so it’s important for me to know that my fire department is going to respond to the call and be able to assess and treat the community and mitigate the issues.”

Courtesy image

Embracing Our Differences President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer and Hugh Culverhouse Jr.

“This gift is an absolute game-changer, providing us with critical resources to continue our vital work and ensure that kindness, respect and inclusion continue to flourish in our community.”

— Sarah Wertheimer

master-planned community for nearly three decades. He has donated $72 million to various community causes, higher education, mental health and social welfare initiatives.

Eliza Culverhouse is a longtime arts advocate who has donated millions to arts programs over the years, including Embracing Our Differences.

The Embracing Our Differences exhibition is on display at Bayfront Park in Sarasota through April 13, and will be featured at Poynter Park in St. Petersburg March 1-31.

Since its inception in 2004, the nonprofit has attracted approximately 420,000 visitors annually and hosted 15,000 students on school field trips last year. For more information or to contribute, visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.

We Serve All Families

Experts In Celebrating Life handcrafted for a lifetime

10% OFF BEDROOM FURNITURE

If you or a family you know would like to discuss options for services, cremation, Life Story Celebrations, or returning to their home state up north, we have answers available.

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT MANASOTA MEMORIAL PARK 1221 53rd Ave East Bradenton, FL 34203

BRADENTON 941-755-2688

ROBERT TOALE & SONS CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER

ROBERT TOALE & SONS CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER

LAKEWOOD RANCH 941-932-8100

SARASOTA 941-921-5755

4310 Solutions Lane Bradenton, FL 34211

7454 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34231

IN STOCK ITEMS + SPECIAL ORDERS

ENDS 2/28/25

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT PALMS MEMORIAL PARK 170 Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34232

SARASOTA 941-371-4962 Sale does not include previous purchases, custom, or Miller’s Cabinetry. Sale may not be combined with other offers or discounts. Ends February 28, 2025.

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 - 941.960.2942

440370-1

Not affiliated with Toale Brothers Funeral Home or Toale Brothers Inc.

dutchhausfurniture.com 437436-1

www.RTSfunerals.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

17A

441075-1

YourObserver.com

18A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Commerce and community The Annual Awards Dinner, held for chamber members, celebrated individuals within the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

T

Eric Fleming, board chair of Siesta Key Chamber, presents a check to Lora Wey and Dana Dalpra for funds raised during the Siesta Key Crystal Classic.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Phil Trego, a volunteer of more than 30 years, and Brittany Stokes.

their role in supporting the chamber with graphic design through Signarama Sarasota, called it “awesome” to be recognized.

“I have a lot of passion about

what’s going on on the Key ... ” she said.

“It’s very fulfilling to be able to know you can make a difference. And we’ve tried to do that.”

Commissioner Mark Smith, one of the event’s honorees, offered the opening speech.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

438453-1

he Siesta Key Crystal Classic sand sculpting event in October marked the reemergence of the island shortly after the hurricanes, said Eric Fleming, board chair of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Nonetheless, he said the chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner, held Jan. 30 at Sarasota Art Museum, was an opportunity to recognize the progress made.

“Tonight’s a great way to reflect on that, really cheer on the people that worked hard and that made that happen, and made this recovery happen, and also look to the future and acknowledge that there’s still more to do, that there’s still a lot left to rebuild, and coming together and working together as a team to get us back to even better than we were prehurricane,” Fleming said.

The event recognized chamber members, from volunteers to businesses, for their work in the community.

Kathy Elliott, a board member of the chamber who was honored along with her husband, Chris Elliott, for

OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-6pm - 941-366-2424 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org

Unleash the

Fun

Where 5-Star Playtime Awaits!

Premium Dog & Cat Boarding Doggie Day Care Complete Grooming Services Group & Private Training Classes Doggie Suites with Private Lanais Salt-Water, Filtered Swimming Pool Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas Live HD Web Cams Doggie Day School

Valentine’s Day Photoshoot $

Feb. 13th

12

per pet

437491-1

941-244-4930 | www.BaysidePetResort.com 718 S. Tamiami Trail | Osprey, FL 34229 Family Owned & Operated Since 2015 4 Convenient Locations

439958-1

Reserve Your Spot!

Concierge Level Real Estate Services

gigi

SILVERBERG

BROKER ASSOCIATE

LUXURY PROPERTY REALTOR FOR SARASOTA & BRADENTON FOR OVER 20 YEARS

941.993.3695 GIGI@GIGISARASOTA.COM GIGI.SILVERBERG@ELLIMAN.COM WWW.ELLIMAN.COM

Sarasota Luxury Lifestyle at its Finest The Tower Residences ~ Ritz Carlton 35 WATERGATE DRIVE UNIT 801 3 Bedroom 3 1/2 Baths 3,751 Sq ft Lives Like a Home Extraordinary Amenities CALL TODAY

941.993.3695

440678-1

Scan Above to See Active Condos in Downtown Sarasota

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

19A

VALENTINE’S

GIFT GUIDE

THE GIVING TREE GALLERY

5 N Blvd of the Presidents • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-388-1353 • www.thegivingtreegallery.com

Make hearts sparkle with high-design jewelry from awardwinning designers. For over 30 years, The Giving Tree Gallery has offered unique, artful jewelry and home decor on St. Armands Circle. From demi-fine to 18KT fine jewelry, we have pieces for every budget. Experience exceptional customer service in a warm, welcoming atmosphere this Valentine’s Day!

MCCARVER & MOSER

1301 Main St • Sarasota, FL 34236 1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr • Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-387-8000 • www.mccarvermoser.com

BOCA BOUTIQUE

6969 S Tamiami Trl • Sarasota, FL 34231 941-529-1000 www.BocaBoutiqueSRQ.com

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Stop in and explore our amazing collection. From chic and unique home decor to gifts, wellness and beauty, you’ll find something for everyone on your list.

Local Artists, apparel, jewelry, pet products, indoor & outdoor furniture and so much more. Open daily: 10-5, Thursday till 6 and Sunday, 12 to 4.

McCarver & Moser Jewelers has sophisticated design collections from around the world. We provide customer service that exceeds expectations with our knowledge, hand crafted designs and a personal concierge team that represents over 115 years of experience. Making our customers happy and beautiful is our passion.

ANNA MARIA OYSTER BAR

Find a location near you • www.OysterBar.net/locations

Oysters are for lovers, but lobster and crab are for romantics! Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Anna Maria Oyster Bar with a special seafood experience. At the Pier, enjoy a Snow Crab Boil for two, featuring snow crab, lobster tails, mussels, shrimp, and more. At all other locations, savor Twin Lobster Tails with two sides.

A simple, elegant way to celebrate.

MOLLY’S! A CHIC AND UNIQUE BOUTIQUE

1874 Stickney Point Rd • Sarasota, FL 34231 941-921-1221 • www.MollysSarasota.com

BARTLETT JEWELERS

Your perfect Valentine’s gifts can be found at Molly’s!

Named Best Gift Store in Sarasota for 5 years, you are sure to find something special to give or get for yourself. Beyond gifts, enjoy their large selection of quality shoes, jewelry, apparel and accessories too.

Creekwood Crossing I-75 & SR70 Bradenton, FL 34203 941-751-6600 • www.BartlettJewelers.com

Bartlett Jewelers, your trusted local jeweler for 52 years, offers a stunning selection of engagement rings, wedding bands, and designer fashion jewelry. With an experienced team to guide you, discover the brilliance of lab-created diamonds, identical to mined diamonds but at a more affordable price. Celebrate your love with the perfect piece for your sweetheart.

SAIL AWAY STUDIO (SAS) COASTAL CHIC BOUTIQUE 6612 Gateway Ave • Sarasota, FL 34231 508-971-4410 www.instagram.com/SailAwayNewport

Come in and find some thing as unique as you are! From Euro, chic, clothing, jewelry and accessories. To fine soaps and house warming gifts and enjoy our superb customer service. You won’t be disappointed! Open Mon 12-5, Tues-Thur 11-5 & Fri-Sat 10-6.

SIRIUS DAY SPA, SALON & MED SPA

11585 E SR70 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-357-4611 • www.SiriusDaySpas.com

The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine, a gift card from the #1 Spa in Lakewood Ranch. Full service hair salon, spa and medical spa featuring state of the art services, 11 treatment rooms (including couples room!), Serenity Lounge, 200+ services including Massages, Facials, Botox, Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, IPL, Morpheus8, Lash Services & More. *Gift cards available at LWR location only.

440386-1

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

NEW PRICE ALERT • $1,495,000 4740 Rivetta Ct

COPS CORNER

$3,245,000 • 1155 N Gulfstream Ave #1201

$1,990,000 1155 N Gulfstream Ave #406

High-End Real Estate, Personalized Care 441005-1

Andrea O’Brien • 978-257-5176

AndreaOBrien@michaelsaunders.com

Designer Roller Shades Large Square Cassette 2.0 in Birch PowerView® Automation, PowerView® Motorization

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

SPEAKING THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE 400 block of Benjamin Franklin Boulevard Dispute: An officer was flagged down by a complainant who spoke limited English but was able to communicate that two men owed him money for a car ride to work. He then led an officer to where the subjects were walking. The officer was able to discern through the language barrier that the subjects had been paying him for rides to work, but that they owed him $40.

To get to the bottom of the story, the complainant handed the officer a telephone with dispatch on the line.

A translator confirmed the man’s complaint, but there was more. The translator also advised one of the subjects was harassing and terrorizing them, and that he may wish to press charges.

Another officer arrived on the scene and brokered an agreement between the parties with an agreement to pay the complainant $20.

AN UNIMPEACHABLE WITNESS 1:45 p.m., 500 block of South Pineapple Avenue Disturbance: Two officers were dispatched to the area after a highly reliable witness saw two subjects “about to get physical” in the combatant sense. That witness, SPD Chief Rex Troche, activated the lights of his vehicle and called for officers to respond to the scene.

One officer met with a man who said he was driving southbound on Orange Avenue when his co-combatant was crossing the street in the designated crosswalk. As he drove past, the pedestrian signaled for him to slow down, to which the driver responded with a derogatory hand gesture that involves the raising of a single digit. Taking exception to that reply, the pedestrian proceeded to punch the driver side mirror of the vehicle, not causing any damage.

Because it was determined both parties mutually provoked the situation, there was no probable cause to make an arrest, and both parties were sent on their way.

UNWELCOMED OVERTURES 7:59 p.m., 3900 block of Overlook Bend Terrace

©2025 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23

LATE NIGHT BAR BRAWL 1:20 a.m., 1500 block of Main Street Fight: Officers arrived at a late night drinking and dining venue to observe a man bleeding from his nose. He stated that while inside the establishment, a friend was pushed by an unknown male.

Not one to accept that demonstration of disrespect, the nosebleed victim explained he responded by picking up and throwing a beverage of nonspecified variety at the perpetrator. That was when the victim said he was battered by a group of individuals, although he was unable to provide a description of them.

The officers spoke with the manager, who corroborated the victim’s tale of woe, adding the melee involved approximately 10 people, including the victim and his friends.

No further action was taken.

Harassment: In a case of unrequited passion, the complaint told an officer that, four days earlier, a nearby resident knocked on the door of his villa and invited him, in not so many words, to engage in coital activities.

Not inclined to obtain carnal knowledge of the subject, the man diplomatically declined by saying he was on his way to a doctor’s appointment.

Undeterred by the complainant’s rejection, the subject was found waiting for him as he returned home, approached him and attached his open hand to his posterior. The next day, the complainant said the man left a note on his door that read, “What about 7 o’clock tonight?”

The complainant said there have been no threats of violence from the man but he just wanted him to cease and desist. He advised he plans to obtain a restraining order against the man but does not wish to prosecute at this time.

FOR THE FLORIDA LOOK! SCAN for a Peek at our Showroom!

Valentine’s Day Sale!

That’s right, we started it early!

Our Showroom-wide Sale

on all in stock “Handcrafted” Trees and Arrangements!

2- Days Only!

Immediate Delivery on In-Stock Items

5465 University Parkway BRADENTON (941) 359-0025

Friday, February 7th and Saturday, February 8th

4586 S. Tamiami Trail SARASOTA (941) 923-3299

8155 25th Ct. E. Sarasota, FL 34243 441009-1

432937-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

FRIDAY, JAN. 24

ThePamaroShop.com

427798-1

20A

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

SPORTS Fast

Break

“This year I’ve especially focused on improving my ball handling when under pressure. ” —Paisley Binswanger, Sarasota High girls basketball. SEE PAGE 23A

MOONEY MAKES MAT MAGIC

The Cougars new wrestling program kicked off this year with a boys and girls team.

DYLAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER

File image

Riverview High senior Bailey Springman is third on the team in goals scored this season, with eight.

T

he quote of the week: “We didn’t do ourselves any favors earlier this season when we lost some games that we should’ve won, but as of late, we’re starting to play better basketball,” said Carl Williams, coach of the Booker High boys basketball team prior to the Class 4A-District 11 tournament from Feb. 3-7. “I feel pretty confident in saying that if we don’t have the toughest district in the entire state, it’s one of the toughest.” ... Booker, which defeated Bayshore at home 89-50 in the quarterfinal game Feb. 3, shares a district with St. Petersburg Gibbs (21-4), the defending 4A state champions. … The Cardinal Mooney girls weightlifting team qualified five athletes for the FHSAA 1A state championships at the 1A-Region 4 meet Jan. 29. Senior Zoe Kirby was crowned regional champion with a total score of 330 in the Olympic 199-pound weight class.

Kirby was the runner-up in the Traditional 199-pound class with a score of 290. ... Cardinal Mooney junior Isabella Picone qualified in the Traditional and Olympic 129-pound class, senior Annabella Masters in the Traditional 119-pound class, junior Shelly DiLorenzo in the Olympic 119-pound class and junior Cecelia Velotta in the Olympic 139-pound class. … The Riverview girls soccer team won its second straight 7ADistrict 12 championship when it defeated Venice High 4-1 at home Jan. 30. Junior Olivia Shkorupa notched a hat trick, scoring three goals to give her a team-leading 10 goals. Senior Bailey Springman scored once. The Rams are ranked as the 23rd best team in the state according to Max Preps entering the 7A state championship tournament, which kicked off Feb. 4.

GETTING THE RAMS BACK ON TRACK PAGE 22A

T

his was not the type of practice Will Schenerlein was used to. The dean of students at Cardinal Mooney High was now the head coach of the school’s new wrestling program, with a boys and girls team.

He found himself this fall in the school’s gym, standing on the brand new red wrestling mats, explaining the rules of the sport to a couple dozen students, the majority of whom had never so much as watched a wrestling match.

It was a stark contrast to his time spent coaching wrestling at his alma mater, Parkersburg High, in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“It’s two opposite ends of the spectrum,” said Schenerlein. “One is, here are the keys to the race car, don’t screw this up and other is more like you’re building the car from the ground up.”

Schenerlein, who was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019, comes from as pure a wrestling pedigree as one can. Outside of being an outstanding wrestler himself, while at Parkersburg he coached five top 25 nationally ranked teams, three national champions, 26 individual champions, 14 AllAmericans and many more excellent wrestlers.

He won four West Virginia team state championships while at Parkersburg, leaving a legacy of his own in the heartland of wrestling.

So no, teaching entirely new students about wrestling is not what he’s used to. Schenerlein, however, wouldn’t trade it for anything. He’s coached the utmost echelon of high school wrestling.

Now at Cardinal Mooney, he has the chance to shape the lives of his students through a sport that has given so much to him.

The idea of starting a wrestling program at Cardinal Mooney had been percolating around the campus since Schenerlein joined the school.

“The first thing I thought when I got hired here was ‘Why don’t we have a wrestling program?’” said Schenerlein. “I’d never seen a Catholic school without a wrestling team.

We’d gotten the ball rolling a couple of years ago, but then COVID-19 hit and obviously, wrestling is the last sport people want to do during a pandemic.”

Schenerlein, who has four children, had a lot on his plate. When students like junior Blake Roulund, one of the few on the team with wrestling experience, started expressing interest, it was hard for Schenerlein to say no.

Schenerlein brought in a coaching staff, including assistant coach Felix Osuna-Cotto, who also is from Parkersburg and wrestled at Schenerlein’s rival high school.

NEW KIDS, SAME SPORT

While Schenerlein was essentially introducing the sport to many of his wrestlers at Cardinal Mooney, his philosophy in coaching hasn’t changed. Whether it’s a perennial

Dylan Campbell

“The first thing I thought when I got hired here was ‘Why don’t we have a wrestling program?’ I’d never seen a Catholic school without a wrestling team.”

— Will Schenerlein

state champion with full Division I scholarship or someone who started the sport just a couple of months prior, Schenerlein still holds his wrestlers to the same level of accountability.

“You expect a certain type of work ethic, regardless of experience,” said Schenerlein. “Wrestling is different from any other sport, not only because it’s one-on-one and very physical, but it’s also mentally and emotionally draining. So the philosophy of teaching someone that they can push through walls or reach down to parts of their competitive spirit that they didn’t know they had doesn’t change.”

On the first day of practice, Schenerlein made a statement to his prospective wrestlers.

“I told them that wrestling is not a sport we’re going to just try,” said Schenerlein. “It’s a physical, tough sport (and) you have to put a lot into it. To be a wrestler, you have to be a little bit different of a breed of person. We had some kids come out and they made it one day and decided that it wasn’t for them. I understand that, and I’m glad they were able to see that and move on.”

Those who have stayed, Schenerlein maintained, have made incredible progress. Sometimes that progress is seen in wins and losses. Other times, it comes just from having an increased awareness on the mat, staying alive for a couple more minutes, getting pinned.

“A lot of their progress has to do with their confidence and mental toughness,” said Schenerlein. “How much are they able to endure? On top of that, understanding that wrestling is always flowing. You take a

shot, you’re thinking about your next move, which is totally different from any other sport. We’ve made a lot of progress in that area.”

The biggest barrier, Schenerlein said, for first-time wrestlers entering the sport isn’t just how physically demanding it is. It’s the fact that success may not come for quite some time. Maintaining that mental discipline and having faith in their coaches is part of what he’s most proud of with his wrestlers in the program’s first year.

“You’re putting yourself through things you’ve never put yourself through before and at the same time you’re getting beaten on a consistent basis — to come back and keep doing it says a lot about your character,” said Schenerlein. “For them to be able to compartmentalize and say ‘I know that I’m getting better and if I keep working and trust my coaches it’s going to happen at some point,’ says a lot about the individual.”

Osuna-Cotto echoed Schenerlein’s sentiments. At the program’s meet with Booker High on Jan. 31, which Cardinal Mooney lost 34-24, he expressed pride in the tenacity of his team and their willingness to continue to battle through adversity.

“No one’s quitting and that was my goal,” said Osuna-Cotto. “I want them to fall in love with the sport and grow with it, because it’s not about the money or fame or anything like that. Who voluntarily comes out here and gets beat up and wants to work hard? There’s no prize necessarily, except for pride. That is the prize.”

THE MOMENT OF REALIZATION

Cardinal Mooney sophomore Jayden Howard wrestles in the 132-pound class during the Cougars’ meet with Booker on Jan. 30.

Although Howard lost by decision, 18-17, he showed great progress in his wrestling, said assistant coach Felix Osuna-Cotto.

Schenerlein described a moment where he saw the light bulb go off in freshman wrestler Skyla Campano’s head while watching a film of one of her matches.

“You could literally see it in her eyes where she went, ‘Oh, I get it,’” said Schenerlein. “As a coach, to see that almost brings tears to your eyes because she’s learning and getting beat up every day, but she keeps coming back time and time again. The feeling of seeing her get it after working so hard this season, you just can’t explain it. It’s why you coach.”

22A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

CAMPBELL’S CORNER

DYLAN CAMPBELL

Setting Riverview High on the right path

B

razilian jiu jitsu is a humbling sport. The martial art is a mostly ground-based fighting style, centered around grappling and submission holds.

At its core is the concept that experience and skill level can trump size and strength — in a matter of seconds, a smaller, weaker practitioner could have a much larger opponent in a rear naked chokehold, gasping for air.

Mark Cristiani understands this.

The fact that it is humbling, that there is always a new technique to learn or an opponent more skilled than himself, is the very reason that he practices the sport.

“One of the best ways that I can lead is by being led,” said Cristiani, who was named the new head coach of Riverview High’s football team Jan. 14. “I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu because it helps me relate to my players. It gives me insight into what they’re feeling when they’re failing to understand a concept or a task, because I get frustrated with myself when I don’t understand something in jiu jitsu.”

Cristiani is always striving to learn more. It’s why he took this past year off from coaching — he previously was the varsity defensive line coach as well as the strength and conditioning coach for multiple sports, including football — to pursue his doctorate in exercise science and health leadership from Pennsylvania Western University.

Now Cristiani faces the biggest test of his coaching career: to get the Rams, who went 4-6 last season under former head coach Josh Smithers, on the right path.

Riverview’s football program, one of the more storied programs in the area, is in a state of flux. In Smithers’ eight-year tenure as head coach, the Rams went 66-33, winning three district titles and a regional title in 2018.

In the era of high school transfers, however, Riverview has struggled to retain players, with star talent leaving for different schools in recent years. Last season, running back DJ Johnson, one of the area’s top talents at the position, transferred to Booker High after starting the year at Riverview.

Cristiani, however, does not take over a program in the midst of a complete rebuild. The Rams have, barring future transfers, returning talent at key positions. The returning senior class features running back Isaiah Belt and quarterback Anthony Miller.

Belt averaged over 75 yards per game on the ground last season and Miller, although only 5-foot-10, is a true dual threat athlete. Miller, who runs an 11.84 100-meter dash and holds Riverview’s alltime school record in the javelin, recorded 18 touchdowns last year, with 11 in the air, five on the ground and two as a receiver.

Cristiani praised the work ethic of the players in the program, stating that as one of the reasons he put his name in for the job. In taking over as head coach, however, Cristiani said this would be a reset for the program.

“The players should expect nothing and earn everything,” Cristiani said. “If you look around at the prevalence of people transferring, I believe that everybody has to compete for their jobs at all times. I would be remiss to think that I’m not competing to continue to be the head coach. We’re in the production business and things get evaluated consistently.”

With that evaluation, however, comes respect. Parents can expect Cristiani to develop relationships with his players, often forged through the time they spend in the weight room, as he plans to continue on as the strength and conditioning coach.

His day starts, he said, with 55

File photo

Riverview High defensive line and strength coach Mark Cristiani has been appointed as the football team’s head coach.

varsity and junior varsity level football players in the weight room.

“What parents can expect is an open line of communication, and for myself and the rest of the staff, to hold their kids accountable,” said Cristiani. “It feeds into my primary concern, which is developing young men and women into being good members of the community. You’re going to play life a lot longer than football. Hopefully, we can use football as a vehicle to teach you life lessons by exposing you to some hard situations and difficult circumstances and having persevere through them.”

Cristiani said he’d much rather coach out of love than fear. He

wants his players to be able to come to him about any life situation and feel comfortable and cared for. It’s a style of leadership that has grown throughout his career, but was forged by his time in the military.

Cristiani is a Special Forces veteran, having served three combat tours with the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment, participating in more than 100 special operations missions.

“After playing college football, I was in a unit that was a very humbling experience because I was around these tremendous human beings, physically, emotionally and mentally,” said Cristiani. “I got to attend some of the premier

leadership schools in the military and it redefined what I considered to be the standards and expectations of myself. Those are lessons that I carry with me, but at the same time, I’m very aware that the young men and women that I teach are not in the military and did not sign up for that lifestyle.”

His experience in the military, Cristiani said, taught him patience.

It taught him how to deal with different kinds of people, to work together through difficult situations.

His time teaching English at Venice granted him perspective on what it was like to work with adolescents and not soldiers.

“The biggest event that opened my eyes was in my first year as a teacher,” said Cristiani. “I’d just left the military, and there was a student who was late to class a couple of days in a row and then didn’t show up for a week. When he returned, I jumped all over him, until he told me that he’d gotten kicked out of his house the week before. He’d been sleeping on top of the pavilion and hadn’t had anything to eat.”

That interaction, Cristiani said, increased his understanding of what was truly important and essential to his students. In the hierarchy of needs, football does not come first.

“Life’s a little bit bigger than football,” Cristiani said. “It’s a little bit bigger than just winning games.”

Dylan Campbell is the sports reporter for the Sarasota/ Siesta Key Observer.

Contact him at DCampbell@ Your Observer.com.

The stage is set Sights + Sounds is an outdoor showcase of the best instrumental, visual and performing arts the Sarasota

Out-of-Door Academy: Jazz Under the Stars

region has to offer. Come out for dinner at the town center and stay to enjoy the show!

Tuesday, February 11th @ 6 pm

RING SARASOTA

SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE Friday, April 18th @ 6 pm 440279-1

© 2025 Lakewood Ranch

Friday, March 14th @ 6 pm

Check out all of the events happening around The Ranch!

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Paisley Binswanger is a junior point guard for the Sarasota girls basketball team (9-13). This season, Binswanger led the Sailors in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Binswanger reached the career 1,000-point mark on Dec. 17, during Sarasota’s 64-41 loss to Port Charlotte High. The Sailors will lean on Binswanger when they square off with Riverview (19-4) in the semifinals of the Class 7A-District 12 tournament at Riverview on Feb. 6.

When did you start playing basketball and why?

I started playing basketball seriously in sixth grade. I played soccer for a long time, but I think my parents got tired of sitting in the heat. My mom, Ali, played basketball at Florida State University. She’s my inspiration.

What’s the appeal?

I like the pacing of it. It moves faster than sports like softball or soccer.

Plus all the little things — how the ball feels in my hands, what it’s like to shoot it, just everything about it.

What’s your best skill on the court?

Probably my IQ. My ability to make the right reads and find my teammates in open space while also picking and choosing scoring opportunities for myself. I’ve been told by every coach I’ve had that I have a high basketball IQ. I think it comes from how much I care about the game.

Do you have a player that you emulate or model your game after?

I like watching Hailey Van Lith (Texas Christian University

guard). She’s about my size, so seeing someone my height (5-foot-8) play at such a high level on that big of a stage is pretty cool.

What are you working on to improve?

This year, I’ve especially focused on improving my ball handling when under pressure. Every team we’ve played so far has tried to take me out of the game — doubling me and face guarding — so I’ve had to focus on inserting myself back into the offense. There’s definitely a mental toughness aspect of it that I’ve had to work on as well.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Paisley Binswanger

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

UNWIND IN

23A

Style–

Shop our New Collections IN-STOCK & READY TO DELIVER!

What’s your favorite basketball memory?

Recently, it’s when I hit 1,000 points.

I knew that going into the game I was 19 points away, so the goal was to get at least 19. I remember being frustrated because we were losing by a lot, but it still felt special, the way that all of my teammates had supported me through it. Not a lot of people get to experience that.

What’s your favorite food?

My dad cooks great ribs.

Do you have a favorite school subject?

Probably math, which is kind of nerdy, but I like how there’s an answer for everything.

Largest Selection of Outdoor Patio Furniture IN-STOCK in SWFL

What’s the best advice that you’ve received?

“You can’t ride two horses with one butt.” My mom says it to me all the time, and its true.

Sometimes you have to make decisions in life and set your priorities straight.

Sectionals, Sofas, Lounge Chairs, Dining Sets, Pool Furniture, Firepits, Umbrellas, Rugs and so much more!

7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41)

941-217-6547

TOUR THE STORE

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES

438467-1

ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

Love is in the air … and in th e trees!

OPEN HOUSE 2/8 & 2/9 • 12-4PM OPEN HOUSE 2/8 & 2/9 • 12-4PM

FOR SALE 1559 Bay Road • West of Trail 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,237 Sq. Ft. $2,849,900

FOR SALE 2554 Arlington Street • East of Trail 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,915 Sq. Ft. $1,899,990

BUILDER INCENTIVES AVAILABLE - CALL TODAY!

The Ground Is Overrated BRADENTON

Text 941-322-2130 www.TreeUmph.com

2245 Oak Terrace • East of Trail

1915 Tulip Drive • West of Trail

5 STARS

“This place is awesome.

My teens loved it, the courses progressively get harder. It is definitely a workout!”

4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,915 Sq. Ft. $1,599,000

4 Bed | 4 Bath | 2,935 Sq. Ft. CALL FOR PRICING

SUMMER 2025

PENDING

CLOSED!

1959 Wisteria Street West of Trail

2425 Temple Street East of Trail

1521 Bay Road West of Trail

– Google Reviews 3 Bed + Office | 4 Bath 2,844 Sq. Ft. CALL FOR PRICING

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL Use promo code LOVE25 and save 20% on Adventure and Ape Up Tickets for Valentine adventures to climb on February 14 –16, 2025. *Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Get yours soon! Time is running out!

4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,915 Sq. Ft. $1,798,900

For More Listings & Information Visit Our Website www.MajestikHomes.com 438504-1

20% * OFF

SUMMER 2025

@MajestikHomes

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2,844 Sq. Ft. $2,999,000

(941) 500.9060 Buyer Agent Cooperative

Charles Simons Lic FL Broker #BK3273813. This flyer is for informational purposes only. Information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. All measurements are approximate. Subject to change.

439599-1

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar

NEW PRICE

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

LUXURY REAL ESTATE DEFINED

JUST LISTED

3638 SAN REMO TERRACE

$9,975,000

SAN REMO ESTATES – WEST OF TRAIL oin

OVER $162 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2024

JUST LISTED $6,945,000

1389 TANGIER WAY SAN REMO ESTATES – WEST OF TRAIL

PRICE IMPROVEMENT $3,695,000

540 NORTH TAMIAMI TRAIL #604 BLVD – DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

$3,200,000

7665 SANDERLING ROAD THE SANDERLING CLUB – SIESTA KEY

PRICE IMPROVEMENT $495,000

2721 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE #607 THE LONGBOAT BEACHCOMBER

SOLD – REPRESENTED SELLER AND BUYER $2,275,000

19444 BEACON PARK THE CONCESSION

5125 OXFORD DRIVE SIESTA KEY

PENDING $2,095,000

#1 TEAM for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Sarasota

PENDING $625,000

#2 SMALL TEAM

#19 SMALL TEAM

by sales volume in Sarasota

by sales volume in Florida

TOP 100 AGENTS AND TEAMS WORLDWIDE Sotheby’s International Realty® 2021 – 2023

4501 MURCIA BOULEVARD PRESTANCIA

To find out more about our recordbreaking luxury sales and how we can work for you, scan the QR code.

Joel Schemmel, J.D., REALTOR® Joel.Schemmel@PremierSIR.com 941.587.4894 SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.COM

With expert market knowledge and unparalleled team resources, I can provide the highest level of service throughout the buying and selling process for customers on the barrier islands, mainland neighborhoods, and in the area’s golf course and master-planned communities, including Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch.

CONTACT ME TODAY TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE, COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS THE CURRENT MARKET AND YOUR REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: Stellar MLS; RealTrends Verified 2024; SIR 100.

438488-1

24A

Classifieds 21B Games 20B Real Estate 17B Weather 20B

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS REACHING FOR THE SPACE STATION Students had the chance to ask questions to astronaut Sunita Williams, one of two astronauts currently stuck on the space station, via ham radio.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

n event at Pine View School on Jan. 28 showed just how far the dreams of students could reach: all the way to the International Space Station.

That distance was a total of about 248 miles above Earth, with the station orbiting at 17,500 mph and tracked with a special moving radio antenna fixed to the school’s roof.

Yet the voice of Sunita Williams, space station commander of Expedition 72, came into the auditorium, clear for most of the duration of the call.

Marie Rosander, a sixth grade Earth and space science teacher, credited two students, Connor Craig and Paula Cuellar, with making the event possible when they approached her last year asking her to fund the NASA space club.

“I thought it was truly remarkable that we could actually talk to Suni up in space, and it’s something that I’ll never forget,” Cuellar said.

Sponsored by STEMania and part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, the event brought together the space club and the Pine View, Tamiami and Fort Myers amateur radio clubs.

Also present was a special guest, none other than Sunita Williams’ mother, Bonnie Pandya.

Daniel Blashill, Roger Mcentarfer, Paul Nienaker and Stephen Phillips connect with Sunita Williams.

Sunita Williams floats on the International Space Station.

MAKING CONTACT

It was “a little difficult” to deal with her daughter still being in space after nearly eight months, said Pandya, a Nokomis resident.

What was initially an eight-day mission stretched into eight months, as Williams and her partner, Butch Wilmore, were unable to return due to safety issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was to transport them home.

Pandya said although she often feels concerned, her daughter offers reassurances that the situation is OK. “I miss her,” Pandya said. “I love my daughter so much, and I’m just happy when I see her outreach to everybody.”

On Thursday, Williams surpassed her previous record for the longest spacewalk by a woman, with a walk of 62 hours and six minutes.

She has flown aboard the space shuttle Discovery, the Russian Soyuz

spacecraft and the Boeing Starliner.

With the astronauts’ return now set for late March or April of this year, they have devoted their time to performing science experiments and maintenance tasks — and sometimes speaking with students.

“It’s fantastic, and she’s an inspirator,” Pandya said. “She really loves kids, and she does everything to include them in different programs, and I’m really proud of her for that.”

Yet communicating with the space station is a precise operation.

Cuellar recounted, “It was a little nerve-wracking, because we didn’t know if we would get the contact with Suni or not, and once it happened, once we got contact, and everything was fine… then I was really happy that it could happen.”

When Williams’ voice emerged via ham radio at 11:21, students launched directly into the questions they had prepared in advance to fit the 11-minute time frame.

Cuellar said she learned a lot that day about the differences between space and the Earth, including that some things are more difficult in space.

“As soon as you get to space, it starts to have an effect on you,” Williams told students. “Things are a little bit weird because your balance is not quite there, and in a small spacecraft, it’s OK. But when you get into the International Space Station, wow, you can tumble all over the place ... ” She went on to explain things about space from the experience of a rocket launch, which she called “pretty amazing” and “like the best roller coaster ride you’ve ever been on,” to her favorite food on the space station (the lasagna, which has a lot of pesto).

Her best moment, she said, was witnessing the glowing aurora borealis on her first space walk.

Paula Cuellar, Ariana Vishnevsky and Sanjay Velagapodi wait in line to ask questions.

Photos by Ian Swaby

“It was just mind blowing that we have that energy in our universe, and we really don’t even know how to think about it or tap into it. It just puts everything in perspective,” she said.

She also noted another way in which being in space changes someone’s perspective.

“We look at our planet and we know that’s the only place that we know of that we can be living, so you’re really changing your perspective about how humanity should be working together, and how today’s exploration really brings people together,” she said.

She also had some advice for aspiring astronauts.

“Ask as many questions as possible,” she said. “Don’t ever be satisfied with, ‘I don’t know’ ... I think if you want to be an astronaut, you just have to be curious and you have to be ready to explore.”

A PRECISE OPERATION

Stephen Phillips, of the Tamiami Amateur Radio Club, said the call, the first space call he had conducted in his 50 years of experience, wasn’t a responsibility he took lightly.

“We worked very hard to make this a success, and we’re very, very pleased with how well it went,” he said.

The club serves as guidance for the Pine View School Amateur Radio Club, which teaches students the fundamentals they need to achieve a ham radio technician license. For the event, it partnered with the Fort Myers club for the use of its equipment.

Thanks to a grant from American Radio Relay League , the school will also be receiving its own permanent radio station, W4PVS.

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS PE

Over $89 Million Pending & Sold in 2024 Over $175 Million Sold in 2022-2023

1080 W PEPPERTREE LN | $1.075M

1358 ROBERTS BAY LN | $2.75M

Judie Berger, P.A., REALTOR ® Judie.Berger@PremierSIR.com 941.928.3424 homesofsarasota.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

439192-1

20 Years as Siesta Key’s #1 REALTOR ® Ranked in the Top 1.5% of REALTORS ® in the USA

ING

W

ND

NE

5560 SHADOW LAWN DR | $1.895M

2B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Crowd dances to same beat I t may be a month until Mardi Gras, but there was the sight of feathers and color as a bomba group, followed by leaders of two Mardi Gras Indian tribes, took to the stage Jan. 31 at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. UnidosNow co-founder CJ Czaia said being able to host NocheUnidos at the museum, which celebrated Hispanic heritage, was “big time” for the organization.

He said the organization was founded to “inspire young people to understand we have a great country and we can participate, but we need to educate ourselves, and we need to be active.”

“The longer we are here, the more we raise, the more we end up getting involved in the community, the more of a strong foothold we have, partnerships we build, so we can give back and help,” he said.

The event began with music by

Bomba Yemayá, one of the leading groups performing the Afro-Puerto Rican genre of bomba, and continued with The 79rs Gang from New Orleans, led by the Big Chiefs of Mardi Gras Indian tribes, 7th Ward Creole Hunters and the 9th Ward Hunters.

Martin Alvarez, 13, said he was glad to be present for an event supporting the organization, which he said helped him in ways that include gaining scholarships.

“When I came here, I had a bit of help from my parents, but I didn’t really know what to do, and it’s helped me understand some careers better than I did before, and also investigate things for my future, as well visit campuses in Sarasota County and outside, and just to know what they offer, and it’s been really good,” he said.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Maria Cruz dances in the performance by Bomba Yemayá.

— IAN SWABY

Romeo Bougere III takes the stage alongside his father, Big Chief Romeo Bougere, of the 9th Ward Hunters Mardi Gras Indian tribe.

Monika and Arthur White dance in the courtyard.

Moses Cummings, ABC’s “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin, Gabriel Hostin, Debra Thomas and Dewayne Martin.

Plants & Decor

for yo balcony & lanai!

We are your source for everything yard and garden!

Family Owned • Beautiful Garden Accessories & Gifts • Pottery & Containers

941.366.4954 • YourFarmandGarden.com 735 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

Achieving Siesta Key Dreams 1 home at a time.

New Listing

Siesta4Sale.com SOLD!

Building B

5300 Avenida del Mare Crystal Sands #606 Siesta Key Siesta Key $4,325,000 $1,500,000

Gulf & Bay Club Siesta Key $1,000,000

Rudy Dudon 941.234.3991

Sophia Dudon 614.800.3301

Price reduced

The Pointe #404 Siesta Key $635,000

Midnight Cove II Siesta Key $689,000

Vacant Land Siesta Key $799,900

Palm Bay Club #161 Siesta Key $900,000

The Experience you want. The Expertise you need. The Excellence you deserve.

436117-1

435857-1

Largest selection of plants & flowers Including native, tropical & more.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

3B

COM I N G SOO N TO L A K E WOO D R A N C H :

Vibrant Senior Living!

Conceptual rendering

Conceptual rendering

Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.

Our first phase of construction is now underway. It includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.

At Emerson Lakes, Every Day Is a Holiday Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect: • Multiple dining venues

• Pickleball and bocce ball courts

• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar

• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Fire pits

A Financial Structure You Can Count On Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into an easy monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers: • Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes

• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities

• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone

A New Community With Decades of History When you start a life at Emerson Lakes, you’ll be part of a community you can trust. The Erickson Senior Living network of managed communities has provided quality care for seniors like you across the nation for more than 40 years. Our track record is one you can count on.

436575-1

6045 White Eagle Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202 EmersonLakesCommunity.com

1543207

Don’t wait! Scan the QR code or call 1-888-515-6435 to learn more about this exciting new community!

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

PET PICS Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them!

Share them at YourObserver.com/Contests/Pet-Pics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP: Sweetie and Bear are eager to go shopping with their “mom” Lia in Sarasota.

The Home Service P ros Who Care

24 HOUR

Emergency Service

HVAC | ELECTRIC | PLUMBING | WATER TREATMENT

FREE WATER ANALYSIS AND $100 Credit towards a New Whole House Filtration System Installed

Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Expires: 02/26/2025

21,171 REVIEWS

941.366.7676 www.aquaplumbing.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

439492-1

Aqua Plumbing & Air is the best. I trust them, I trust their judgment, and I trust their recommendations, so I use them exclusively for my plumbing and air-conditioning needs. It’s a very trustworthy company. I know the owners and have worked with them on different projects. I would recommend Aqua for all of your A/C, heating, plumbing, and electrical projects and services.

Join our

Award-Winning

Team!

Outside Sales Professional Are you an innovative self-starter? Are you persuasive, energetic and focused? Do you build strong relationships?

We are looking for an experienced candidate to sell our complete media offerings including print, digital and niche publications to local businesses in the Sarasota/Manatee markets. Top candidates will have a proven track record of overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.

We are an innovative, growing company offering competitive compensation with the opportunity to grow into six-figure earnings. The plan includes base, commission and bonus opportunities.

The Sky’s the Limit at OMG.

Join the Observer Media Group Team!

SHOW JUMPING RETURNS

EVERY WEEKEND: FEB. 15 - MAR. 16 GENERAL ADMISSION IS FREE!

FOOD TRUCKS • TINY TOWN • SHOPPING

Discover new hospitality experiences!

ENJOY VIP BRUNCH ON SATURDAYS & FAMILY BREAKFAST ON SUNDAYS

Reserve your ringside VIP table on Saturdays - 10:30am - 3:00pm • gourmet brunch • beer and wine • VIP parking • courtesty shuttles and the best views of show jumping featuring Olympic riders!

Join us for Sundays at TerraNova beginning with a non-denominational Christian service at 7:30am, followed by the $25,000 TerraNova Prix at 9am, and Family Breakfast (9am - 11am).

Breakfast tickets on sale at the door. $30/adults, $15/kids. 3 & under free!

Be part of our success and growth!

A short drive east of Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota!

www.TerraNovaEquestrian.com

941-557-8014 | INFO@TERRANOVAEQUESTRIAN.COM 31625 Clay Gully Rd. Myakka City, FL 34251

433801-1

440979-1

Please send resume to: pnowicki@yourobserver.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

5B

New on Lido Key FROM THE NAME TH AT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

Now Under Construction • From the $6 Millions • 941-888-3131

438929-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affiliates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. The Ronto Group®. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts®.

6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Bryan Klopfenstein of Drunken Shrubbery plays the fiddle.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Senior Drum Major Steve McClure marches in the opening ceremony.

A spectacle of Scotland

I

n 1885, a group of Scots arrived on the shores of Sarasota.

Although they were met with drought and wilderness instead of the town they were promised, with many leaving in disappointment, the remaining Scots helped establish the town of Sarasota.

Bob Fair, president of Suncoast Scots, said this history is why the Suncoast Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival, held Feb. 1, resonates with the public.

He noted the large turnout at the event, which included piping and drumming, Highland games, such as the caber toss and stone put, and a Highland dance competition.

“My ancestors have Scottish roots, and it’s just an honor for me to be able to pick this instrument up in my life and play it,” said Fair, who plays the bagpipes with Lion

Rampant Pipe & Drum.

It was the second year Suncoast Scots, a nonprofit devoted to preserving Scottish culture, has hosted the event.

“Two years ago, I personally put 100 dollars in a checking account to start it, and here look at this today.

So I am so pleased and happy that we’ve been able to do this,” Fair said.

The festival drew competitors and musicians from far and wide, such as Ethan Albrecht-Carrie, a participant in the Highland games from Orlando.

“It’s a small community, so, wherever the game is, we show up,” he said. “It’s as much for each other as it is for the fans, which have a great time. It’s a really nice family.”

Baker Zovath, 4, had his face painted based on the film “Braveheart.”

Becky Wissink helps Julianne Durante take hold of the caber.

John Gale and Mary Mullen walk in the opening ceremony.

— IAN SWABY

PRESIDENTS DAY SALES EVENT

NOW THROUGH FEB 26

Exclusive In-Store Rebates - Nobody Beats Jessup’s Major Appliances!

REFRIGERATOR

WAS $3,299

NOW 2,699

$

26 cu. ft. Smart Counter-Depth MAX™ French Door Refrigerator with Four Types of Ice (LRYXC2606S)

ON SALE 2/6 - 2/26

MICROWAVE

WAS $599

NOW $ 499

2.1 cu. ft. Smart Over-the-Range Microwave with ExtendaVent®2.0 & EasyClean® (MVEL2137F)

ON SALE 2/6 - 2/26

REFRIGERATOR

MICROWAVE EACH

4.5 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Smart wi-fi Enabled Front Load Washer (WM4000HWA) 7.4 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Smart wi-fi Enabled Front Load Electric Dryer (DLEX4000W)

ON SALE 2/6 - 2/26

WAS $529

ON SALE 2/13 - 2/26

RANGE

WAS 1,999

WAS $1,099

NOW 1,399

NOW $ 779

$

ON SALE 2/6 - 2/26

NOW $ 278

GE® 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven (JVM7195SKSS)

$

NOW $ 2,499 ON SALE 2/13 - 2/26

WAS $1,149 EACH

NOW $ 899

RANGE

WAS $3,699

GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 27.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French-Door Refrigerator (PFE28KYNFS)

WASHER/DRYER

6.3 cu ft. Smart wi-fi Enabled ProBake Convection® InstaView® Electric Slide-In Range with Air Fry (LSEL6335F)

WASHER/DRYER

WAS $949 EACH

NOW $ 679

EACH

GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 5.0 cu. ft. Capacity Washer with Smarter Wash Technology and FlexDispense™ (PTW600BSRWS). GE Profile™ ENERGY STAR® 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity aluminized alloy drum Electric Dryer with Sanitize Cycle and Sensor Dry (PTD60EBSRWS)

ON SALE 2/13 - 2/26

ON SALE 2/13 - 2/26

GE® 30” Free-Standing Electric Convection Range with No Preheat Air Fry and EasyWash™ Oven Tray (GRF600AVSS)

Visit JessupsAppliances.com

Major Appliance Centers

3756 Bee Ridge Rd. | Sarasota | 941.927.4900 | Mon-Fri 9-6 | Sat 9-5 | Sun 11-4 1210 E. Venice Avenue | Venice | 941.484.9030 | Mon-Fri 9-6 | Sat 9-5 | Sun Closed 1019 Tamiami Trail | Port Charlotte | 941.249.4992 | Mon-Fri 9-5:30 | Sat 9-5 | Sun Closed

429299-1

We carry a wide variety of High-End & Mid-Range Kitchen, Laundry & Outdoor Appliances with the latest technology & hottest designs.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

7B

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.

438213-1

smh.com/100

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Love is on the menu...

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Arts & Central

Celebration of achievement The Boule foundation has awarded scholarships and works with programs to provide internships to local teens.

Feb. 14th and Feb. 15th Seating Times: Early Seating 5-6:30 PM Late Seating 7:30-9 PM

MICHAEL HARRIS MANAGING EDITOR

A

s Rodrick Dixon belted out “The Impossible Dream” on Thursday in his unique and powerful tenor voice, members of the local Gamma Xi Boule Fraternity and Foundation can take solace the fraternity helps students in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Dixon was a guest of the foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration at the Sarasota Opera House that included a speech by former U.S. Rep., U.S. ambassador, mayor of Atlanta and civil rights activist Andrew Young and a personal message sent by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

“I really like Sarasota. I’ve been here several times,” said Young, who turns 93 in March. “I tell you what: We have built Atlanta on tax municipal bonds. We have guys who donated to that and then retired here to Sarasota. Of course, I’m still working my (butt) off, but I enjoy it. You die when you retire.”

The scholarships awarded to local students are also built on donations and, from meager beginnings roughly 20 years ago, now help at least four students receive $4,000 scholarships each year, according to Gamma Xi Boule’s Sire Archon Vincent Foderingham.

“It really started in its infancy with little small contributions from member dues, and we may have given one scholarship around $500 or so, but now that’s grown significantly since,” Foderingham said.

“The funding mechanism has been in place since 2004, but we really stepped up efforts since 2014.”

The foundation also helps funding for internships, many of which are in Sarasota, including Mote Marine

Enjoy a 3-course meal by our executive chef and decadent desserts by celebrity pastry chef, Stephanie Boswell

75

$ World-Renowned Pastry Chef

PER PERSON

Reservations are required via OpenTable under experiences

Stephanie Boswell at Arts & Central for Valentine’s Day

941-306-2356 Artsandcentral.com

VISIT OUR NEW

Laboratory & Aquarium and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. In 2014, the foundation teamed up with Career Source Suncoast, the school boards of the two counties and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to sponsor programs for teenage students.

It has grown even further since then.

“We have the paid internship program with local employers,” Foderingham said. “But we have a speaker series at two high schools (Booker and Southeast) and a summer education program with Kettering University.”

The fraternity’s flagship event occurs every other year with the Valentines at The Ritz, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The next one is slated for 2026, but there are other ways to get involved in the foundation through its website GammaXiFoundation.org.

JEFF RHINELANDER JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590 | jef f@jef frhinelander.com

SHOWROOM

941-685-3590 | jef f@jef frhinelander.com

& DESIGN CENTER

COURTNEY TARANTINO COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 | cour tney.tarantino@floridamoves.com

to CUSTOM-ize

941-893-7203 | cour tney.tarantino@floridamoves.com

your outdoor furniture.

BIRD KEY

BIRD KEY

605 Wild Turkey Lane, Sarasota 3BR/2.5BA • 2,200 SF • $2,090,000

419 CIRCLE, SARASOTA $600,000 7298PARTRIDGE BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH 4BR/3BA 2,229 SF• •Open $2,495,000 2BD/2BA ••1,608 Sq.Ft. Concept $600,000

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

BIRD KEY - NOW BIRD KEY SOLD

BIRD KEY 453 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE, SARASOTA BIRD KEY 453 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE, SARASOTA $8,495,000 KEY 453 EAST ROYALBIRD FLAMINGO DRIVE, SARASOTA $8,495,000 5BD/6BA • 4,500 Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction 453 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO $8,495,000 DRIVE, SARASOTA 5BD/6BA • 4,500 •Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction Canal Front Property Stunning Views of the Water $8,495,000 5BD/6BA • 4,500 Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

from

QUALITY

Canal Front Property • Stunning Views of the Water 5BD/6BA • 4,500•Sq.Ft. • Pre-Construction Canal Front Property Stunning Views of the Water Canal Front Property • Stunning Views of the Water

PENDING PENDING

OPEN to the PUBL IC

7298COUNTRY BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH CLUB EAST

• Supreme Style •2BD/2BA Meticulously Maintained & Updated • Picturesque Views • 1,608 Sq.Ft. • Open Concept • Supreme Style • Meticulously Maintained & Updated • Picturesque Views

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES COUNTRY CLUB EAST

CLUB EAST 7298COUNTRY BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH 7298 BELLEISLE GLEN, LAKEWOOD RANCH $600,000 $600,000 2BD/2BA • 1,608 Sq.Ft. • Open Concept

2BD/2BA 1,608 Sq.Ft. Maintained • Open Concept Supreme Style ••Meticulously & Updated Supreme Style • Picturesque MeticulouslyViews Maintained & Updated Picturesque Views

TIMBERLAKES

410 MEADOW LARK DRIVE, SARASOTA 4BR/2.5BA • 3,257 SF • $3,550,000

4583TIMBERLAKES TRAILS DRIVE, SARASOTA $668,000 4583 TRAILS DRIVE,LONGBOAT SARASOTA 585 GUNWALE LANE, KEY 3BD/2BA • 2,092 Sq.Ft. • Timeless Design & Comfort $668,000

3BR/3.5BA • OPEN WATER • $5,995,000 Versatile Den/Office Tropical Backyard 3BD/2BA • 2,092 Sq.Ft.••Lush, Timeless Design & Comfort Versatile Den/Office • Lush, Tropical Backyard

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

BIRD KEY - PENDING

LIDO KEY - PENDING

CUSTOM MADE OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5.

CLOSED SUNDAYS.

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY CLUB SHORES DOWNTOWN 505 ORANGE AVE, #401, SHORES SARASOTA COUNTRY CLUB 585 SGUNWALE LN, LONGBOAT KEY 505 S ORANGE AVE, #401, SARASOTA

$2,215,000 585 GUNWALE LN, LONGBOAT KEY $5,995,000 $2,215,000 3BD/3.5BA 3BD/3.5BA • 3,003 Sq.ft.

• Elegance MeetsWater Modern Comfort •$5,995,000 4,733 SF • Open

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

250 ROBIN DRIVE, LONGBOAT KEY 3BD/3.5BA • 3,003 Sq.ft.

•The Elegance Meets Modern Comfort •Breathtaking Private Foyer • Set Desirable Burns Court Area 3BD/3.5BA • 4,733 SF••Large Open Water City & In Bay Views Boat Dockage •&2,548 SF ••$1,900,000 •Breathtaking Private3BR/3BA FoyerCity • Set In The Desirable Burns Area Bay Views Large BoatCourt Dockage

BIRD KEY BIRD KEY

BIRD 410 MEADOW LARKKEY DRIVE, SARASOTA 410MEADOW MEADOW LARK BIRD KEY $3,895,000 410 LARKDRIVE, DRIVE,SARASOTA SARASOTA $3,895,000 410 MEADOW LARK DRIVE, SARASOTALiving $3,895,000 4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. • Waterfront 4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. • Waterfront Living • Open-Concept Floor Plan $3,895,000 1800 BEN FRANKLIN DR.Floor #B507, 4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. • Waterfront Living Open-Concept PlanSARASOTA

LB Boat Lift• Open-Concept Floor Plan 4BD/2.5BA • 3,257 Sq.Ft. •16,000 Living 3BR/3BA • Waterfront 1,980 SF • $2,200,000 Open-Concept Floor 16,000 Boat LiftPlan 16,000 LB LB Boat Lift

16,000 LB Boat Lift

CONTACT TODAYFOR FOR YOUR TOUR CONTACT USUS TODAY YOURPRIVATE PRIVATE TOUR CONTACT TODAYFOR FOR YOUR TOUR CONTACT USUS TODAY YOURPRIVATE PRIVATE TOUR CONTACT US TODAY FOR YOUR PRIVATE TOUR 443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236 443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236

439235-1

AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

438474-1

440733-1

611 Central Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236

Michael Harris

Vincent Foderingham, sire archon of the Gamma Xi Boule Fraternity of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, speaks during the fraternity’s 30th anniversary celebration on Jan. 30.

437064-1 437064-1 436105-1 436105-1

8B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

9B

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.

Visit the Sales Center today.

8396 Sea Glass Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 l 941.313.3852 From University Parkway turn south onto Lorraine Road and follow the signs to Wild Blue at Waterside

WildBluelwr.com Residences from $1.5 million

ANCHOR BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

440334-1

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.

10B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Photos by Ian Swaby

Sarasota School of Architecture member Carl Abbott and Pastor Ashley Nicolls 439361-1

A design in history

941.924.4481 | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C, Sarasota, FL 34233 | www.B2END.com

PROVIDING THE BEST ROOFING EXPERIENCE

St. Paul Lutheran Church held a rededication of its Victor Lundydesigned education building.

with a focus on customer service, quality, and peace of mind.

Local & FAMILY Owned

EXPERT Roofing TEAM

20+ YEARS Experience

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

ccording to Christopher Wilson, the scholar in residence at Architecture Sarasota, the famous quote of architect Victor Lundy was that his buildings are more roof than wall.

“He’s known for being more expressive than a typical modernist architect,” Christopher said.

That description applies to the three buildings Lundy designed for St. Paul Lutheran Church, which decided to undertake the costly project of renovating its education building in 2024.

The church hosted a rededication of the building Jan. 26, as well as a celebration of Lundy’s life on Feb. 1, on what would have been Lundy’s

Lic.# CCC1335914

SERVICES:

Roof Repairs & Replacement | Commercial Roofs Maintenance Program | Emergency Services

Need Any Roofing Help?

More Info: www.floridaroofs.com

439168-1

Call Us: (239) 530-8313 OPEN 24/7

102nd birthday, and also recognizing the church’s 70th anniversary.

RE-CREATING A MASTERPIECE

Designed by Lundy is the fellowship hall (the original sanctuary) built in 1959, the education building created in 1962 and the current sanctuary, built in 1969.

Pastor Ashley Nicolls told the Observer in 2024 that when the congregation was consulted on whether it wanted to undertake a restoration of the education building, which was experiencing leaks and decay to some posts, the answer was “a resounding yes.”

She said the total cost, which was aided by a matching grant from the state obtained through the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, was about $756,000.

The dedication also recognized the inclusion of the church’s buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, as of 2024, due to the help of the alliance.

“Today’s dedication is not just a recognition of this building, its new beams, decking and roof, but of the history and the people whose stories are woven into its walls,” Nicolls told attendees. “St. Paul is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Today we stand in gratitude and reverence for what this place represents and for the generations that have passed through

SMOKER’S LINES REMOVED

WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SURGERY

Emily M. Flinchpaugh, Esq. • Estate Planning • Business Entities

Andrew L. Clark, Esq.

• Probate • Elder Law

• Equine Law

438206-1

“Plexr® Plasma-based technology is terrific for removal of extra skin and targeted wrinkle reduction without the need for surgery, and much less expensive than typical surgery costs. For indications like eyelid lifts, neck lifts, crow’s feet and smoker’s lines it’s a great option.”

- Dr. Sam

M. Michelle Robles, Esq.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS PERSON IS?

Non-Invasive | Less Down-Time | More Affordable By using different techniques, Plexr® Plasma energy can sprinkle the skin with tiny plasma bolts. Gently tighten your skin and promote months of collagen production to slow the signs of aging!

WANTED CRUPI, DOMINION SUSPECT JOSEPH

SCAN FOR VIDEO & ARTICLE

1 CT OF CONTRACTING WITHOUT A LICENSE DURING STATE OF EMERGENCY, 1 CT OF WORKERS COMPENSATION FRAUD, (WORKING WITHOUT WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE, $100,000 OR MORE,1 CT UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR- ELECTRICAL 1 CT GRAND LARCENY, $100,000 OR MORE

Services: Plexr® Plasma, Injectables, Skin Resurfacing, Weight Loss

CASH REWARDS

Medical Director Dr. Sam Uzabel

941-366-TIPS

SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com

SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT A TIP OR DOWNLOAD OUR FREE MOBILE APP

436981-1 402842-1

PD BY CSTF

429406-1

5537 Marquesas Circle, Sarasota | Phone: (941)202-4051 info@warmsandswellness.com | warmsandswellness.com

FOR ANONYMOUS TIPS THAT LEAD TO AN ARREST

YourObserver.com

11B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

THE SUPREME GOLF SWING

declined to return to the location.

Abbott said the ducts could have been installed in the floors, which would normally be cheaper. Nicolls said the congregation had looked into installing the air conditioning according to Lundy’s vision, but it was cost-prohibitive.

“I actually wouldn’t be surprised if that is true, that he didn’t want to come back to see it again,” Pastor Nicolls told the Observer, stating she understood his feelings.

She said she had heard different stories of whether Lundy was consulted about the changes. Abbott said Lundy was not, while Nicolls said some people associated with architecture have said Lundy was not, while some church members have said he was.

However, Nicolls said she is glad for the chance to “enjoy his masterpieces, and take them for the best they are, knowing that our congregation did the best they could, too.”

“Those are things that we as a congregation would love to revisit, to bring it back to more of his original design and vision, if there were the resources, financial resources, to do it,” she said.

Church member Mike Scherr said he was glad to see the project completed.

“It’s something that has to have been done, and we’re glad we can finally get to it and then finally get it done,” he said. “Even with the grant, it was a lot, but I’m pretty happy about it, and I’m sure everybody is, and it’s great for the community, it’s great for our school and great for our campus.”

PROBLEM

You will Slash your Golf Score in 90 minutes...

Guaranteed! “This clinic is priceless”

Millions of recreational golfers are inconsistent arm swingers, can’t hit it with their practice swing, do great on the range, but not on the golf course.

SOLUTION

Everyone will lower their score in this Revolutionary Golf School with U.S. Marine now Sports Scientist Stephen Cornetta. You will become a silky smooth power leg player and make it look easy.

BRING YOUR 7 IRON Enroll at class $19 or Pay Online $14.95 Bring One Friend | FREE with this Ad CORNETTASGOLF.COM

Sarasota / Lakewood Ranch Hampton Inn & Suites Wednesday, February 12th @ 10am or 2pm 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34201 ( I-75/University Pkwy Exit)

438585-1

ALL INDOORS • RESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED

Local, family owned roofing contractor specializing in METAL | SHINGLE | TILE

CCC1334855

VEREA CLAY TILE FLAT GRAPHITE

Lundy beams are visible in the church’s fellowship hall.

422032-1

its doors and those who will pass through these doors for hopefully the next 70 years.”

Known for his use of modernist architecture, Lundy, who died last year on Nov. 4, is considered one of the leading members of the Sarasota School of Architecture.

During his time in Sarasota, from 1954 to about 1960, he contributed buildings, including the Blue Pagoda originally intended for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, with his most prominent work nationally being the U.S. Tax Court Building in Washington, D.C. Nicolls says the distinctiveness of his work and his distinctive, curving ceiling beams has led to many Lundy buildings being demolished over time.

“We’re the first people to take out Lundy beams and try to re-create it rather than just tearing it down, which a lot of Lundy’s buildings have had happen, so that was a bigger cost than they expected, a lot more time and a lot more specifics of how to do it,” Nicolls said previously.

Wilson complimented the renovated building.

“I’m not necessarily a preservationist myself, I’m an architectural historian, but that building looks like it did in 1962,” he said. “It’s fantastic, and for me, it’s about the building, but of course, it’s about the community, this whole three-building campus here that people love, and they love it because of the architecture, I think. I like to think that.”

Carl Abbott, 88, who is considered the last member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, served as Lundy’s “eyes on the ground” during the design of the building, and recalls Lundy as someone who would push him to have staff get the building correct, but also “a very nice guy, nice person.”

“I know he really cared about what he did,” he said. “He clearly was an artist, and he cared for his buildings as though they were children, I think, and he really wanted to get the maximum for that building,” he said.

However, Abbott said later on, when air conditioning ducts were added to the fellowship hall and education building, blocking the view of part of the beams, Lundy became discouraged that his artistic vision wasn’t being realized, and he

Contact us today for a complementary estimate

Visit our Showroom @

941.312.5535

2245 PORTER LAKE DR. SARASOTA, FL 34240

OFFICE@NWRSRQ.COM

O N LY A F E W R E M A I N | C A L L 9 4 1 . 6 5 5 . 9 6 6 9 F O R A V A I L A B I L I T Y

C o nt a c t Us To d ay

Final Opportunity – Downtown Sarasota’s Only New Condo Nearing Delivery The sought-after Sarasota lifestyle continues to be in high demand, and new construction opportunities are scarce. Situated on Golden Gate Point and surrounded by Sarasota Bay, Peninsula Sarasota is nearing completion.

With residents preparing to move in soon, only a handful of luxury residences remain. A select few floor plans are still available, offering a rare chance to secure your coastal retreat. Don’t miss out on this boutique building with

Stephen Windsor 941.592.5569

Georgia Salaverri 941.260.6429

just one or two residences per floor. Prices starting from $2.75M. 3 BEDROOMS | 2,400 TO 3,032 SF

PeninsulaSarasota.com

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the State of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices, square footage and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. This is a limited time offer. Developer may withdraw offering at any time. Coldwell Banker® is a registered licensed trademark. Equal Housing Opportunity.

436428-1

Sales Gallery: 1300 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 Property Location: 223 Golden Gate Point, Sarasota, FL 34236

12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Frame It Up

“WINNER”

• OVER 5,000 FRAME MOULDING STYLES MATS FILLETS LINERS • All Paper Art/Canvas & Needle Art Framing • Mirrors Framed To Fit Any Size Opening

Best Framing Services!

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

Custom

PICTURE & MIRROR FRAMING

Mon.- Fri. 9:30 - 5pm Sat. 9:30 -12:30pm

6578 Superior Ave.

25% OFF

(941) 924-6656

438236-1

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

VOTED SARASOTA

Readers’ Choice

FrameItUpGallery.com

Any Frame Order

Expires 2/15/2025

A & R PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC Full-Service property management for annual rentals, tenant placement only services, and home watch services.

Agent referral fees from 25%-50 % of the first month’s rent.

439306-1

Anaelizabeth Mckinon Broker/Owner

CELL: (941)387.4928 | OFFICE: (941)909.6915

anamckinonpropmgmt@gmail.com | aandrpropertymgmt.managebuilding.com

RESALE STORE

DON’T MISS

50% % OFF DAYS!

E FR E U R E N IT I O N R U F NAT * D O KU P S PI C *Upon approval.

SARASOTA 5441 Palmer Crossings Cir., Sarasota, FL 941-552-7555

VENICE Bird Bay Plaza 523 US Hwy 41 Bypass N., Venice, FL • 941-882-4467

2022

Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm

Store

CZECHING IN: Robert and Leslie Callender took a copy of the Sarasota Observer to Prague in Czech Republic.

Saturday 9am to 5pm

429054-1

TT-092224-0800

Hours

Find out which days at TidewellTreasures.org

All Sales Benefit Tidewell Foundation

IMPLANT & AESTHETIC DENTISTRY

Oral Surgery, Periodontal, Restorative, Dental Hygiene Trust your oral health to a specialist IMPLANT SURGERY

ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

Saturday, March 8, 2025 In-Person & Virtual Attendance

Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL 9 am – 3 pm (et) • Free to Attend • Registration Required

To Register Scan Code or Visit ParkinsonsExpo.org This event is presented to the community at no charge thanks to the following partners: PRESENTING SPONSOR

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD, MS

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

Minimally invasive periodontal and implant Master clinician using surgical techniques to the latest technology to artistically transform smiles improve patients’ oral using veneers and crowns health

Over 30 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental implant restorations

SILVER SPONSORS COFFEE SPONSOR Abbott Abbvie AskBio Medtronic Merz Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota Therapeutics

Expo Presenters

International lecturer, faculty at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & PENN, author of numerous scientific publications and textbooks

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

www.drmisch.com

941.957.6444

437810-1

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237 CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

PLATINUM SPONSORS

A complete listing of speakers and topics is available at ParkinsonsExpo.org Keynote Speaker Jimmy Choi

Endurance athlete and Parkinson’s advocate, diagnosed with YOPD at 27.

Jimmy uses exercise to manage symptoms and inspire others.

Alex Pantelyat, MD

Assistant Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins, directing programs in Parkinsonism, movement disorders, and music and medicine.

Stephanie Peabody, PSYD, HSPP Neuropsychologist, Founder of BHI, and Co-Director of the Florida Brain Health Consortium.

Robert Hauser, MD

Aldolfo RamirezZamora, MD

Professor of Neurology Associate Professor of at USF and Director of Neurology and Director the Parkinson’s Center at the Fixel Institute, of Excellence.

UF, and Parkinson’s Center of Excellence.

Registration is FREE at ParkinsonsExpo.org

437751-1

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

DIAMOND SPONSOR

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

13B

I N TRO DUCIN G AM AR A .

N OW A N D NEV ER AGAI N. Step inside to bayfront residences unequaled in Sarasota, perhaps because they open to a panorama of the city’s entire skyline. Here is a stage for expansive living — a breathtaking esplanade, pool terrace, and even, a berth for your boat.

This is that once-and-forever moment. Add your name to our early interest list.

C O N D O M I N I U M R E S I D E N C E S F R O M T H E $ 4 M s | 9 4 1 . 8 6 7. 7 1 6 0 | A M A R A S A R A S O TA . C O M 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. 436304-1

YourObserver.com

14B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

The Observer Presents:

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Exclusive offer for Observer Readers!

Join us for an engaging speaker series featuring two of the nation’s leading historians. Dive deep into American history as our expert speakers bring the past to life with captivating stories and fresh perspectives.

THURSDAY, MAR. 13

LOUIS MASUR

JEREMI SURI

Rutgers University – World Expert on Lincoln

The Mind of Abraham Lincoln Discover Lincoln’s genius through his speeches, from the Gettysburg Address to his vision for democracy and equality. Explore how his legacy shaped the nation and continues to inspire generations today.

Wealth in America: From Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Carnegie to Gates, Bezos, and Musk Take a journey through America’s wealthiest figures—past and present—exploring how they shaped the nation’s economy and continue to impact society today.

LOCATION

OBSERVER READER SPECIAL OFFER

The Ora 10 AM – 12 Noon (Doors open at 9:30 AM) 578 McIntosh Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232

ONLY

49

$

Regular ea. Price $79

LUNCH & Q&A WITH SPEAKER

FREE PARKING

ONLY 125 $

Purchase tickets at: YourObserver.com/history-tickets

Regular Price $150 ea.

TICKET INCLUDES: Sponsorship opportunities available, contact marketing@yourobserver.com

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.

THURSDAY, APR. 10

•

Premium reserved seating in the first three rows

•

Exclusive luncheon with the speaker at Ora’s private dining room, catered by Michael’s on East.

•

Lunch begins immediately following the lecture.

•

Q&A session with the speaker

•

Luncheon is limited to 50 people.

Luncheon Sponsor

Questions: call 941-366-3468, ext. 383 or mail historyseries@yourobserver.com

433815-1

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.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

15B

LIVE EXCEPTIONALLY Discover an unprecedented new residential experience embraced by refined amenities and the intuitive service of one of the most celebrated luxury hospitality brands in the world.

INTRODUCING FULLY SERVICED WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES FROM $2.5M

PRESENTATION GALLERY & MODEL OPEN DAILY | APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED 805 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 | 727.955.3264 | ViceroyCWB.com

Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED, INCLUDING PRICING, IS SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY NOT BE RELIED UPON. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

439378-1

All images, drawings and designs depicting a beach herein are artist’s conceptual renderings. All statements and other information contained herein with respect to a beach are conceptual only and may not be relied upon. No representations are being made that any beach will be permitted or exist, or that any sand will be added or other improvements will be made to such adjacent seawall, if any, or coastline areas, or that they are otherwise are attainable or will otherwise be permitted, or if permitted, when they will be performed, or if performed, that they will be in any particular location, or of any particular type, manner, amount or quality. The Developer hereby disclaims any and all such representations and each Buyer, by acquiring title to a Unit, shall be deemed to have waived, released and relinquished any claims and remedies with respect thereto. Any improvements or other changes to the coastline areas adjacent to the Condominium Property, if any, may be restricted by, or may otherwise be subject to, various governmental requirements, restrictions, regulations, controls and approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Developer reserves the right, in its sole discretion, but in no event the obligation, to add (or to request that the applicable governmental agency add) beach sand and/or related improvements to all or any portion of the existing seawall, if any, and coastline areas adjacent to the Condominium Property.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

SARASOTA 1336 & 1338 Harbor Drive 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 4,366 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941-266-7555 A4629795 $11,995,000

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

SIESTA KEY 7314 Point Of Rocks Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,977 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4637135 $4,400,000

SARASOTA 117 S Polk Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,583 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4637982 $3,500,000

SARASOTA 72 N School Avenue 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,761 Sq. Ft. Marta Altizer 941-544-4437 A4636998 $1,650,000

SIESTA KEY 5780 Midnight Pass Road 609 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,473 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7718 A4637295 $1,399,000

SARASOTA 8994 Wildlife Loop 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,783 Sq. Ft. Kelly Sallee 941-914-0400 A4635869 $1,275,000

SARASOTA 10269 Canaveral Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,167 Sq. Ft. Rosalie Phillips 941-544-4430 A4634711 $1,195,000

SARASOTA 5716 Bay Pine Way 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,943 Sq. Ft. Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997 A4629764 $1,089,000

SARASOTA 4561 Murcia Boulevard 13 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,677 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4627867 $895,000

SARASOTA 3947 Country View Drive 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,696 Sq. Ft. Caroline Mitchell 913-787-3131 A4636320 $775,000

SARASOTA 5211 Inverness Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,753 Sq. Ft. Kathleen Carbone P.A. 941-228-8429 A4632369 $749,500

SARASOTA 4697 Antrim Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,300 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4636458 $739,000

SARASOTA 7552 Aguila Drive 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,289 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams 941-809-9760 A4625220 $650,000

SARASOTA 9414 Forest Hills Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,056 Sq. Ft. Debbie Daviadoff 770-331-9805 A4636793 $635,000

SIESTA KEY 8773 Midnight Pass Road 205G 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,303 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4634761 $575,000

SARASOTA 3625 Tin Cup Boulevard 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,647 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4632567 $550,000

SARASOTA 5890 Guarino Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,549 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell 941-320-8265 A4635858 $465,900

SARASOTA 6600 Deering Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,652 Sq. Ft. Shane Lewis 941-685-3252 A4631608 $450,000

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

SARASOTA 4515 Falcon Ridge Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,441 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941-266-7555 A4637187 $429,000

SARASOTA 8212 Country Oaks Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,416 Sq. Ft. Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4625858 $424,900

SARASOTA 7187 Wood Creek Drive 10 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Kristina Rain 941-320-2639 A4628315 $385,000

SARASOTA 4264 Central Sarasota Parkway 111 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,319 Sq. Ft. Susie Pelton 941-321-1007 A4631877 $350,000

SARASOTA 4228 Central Sarasota Parkway 1013 2 Beds 2 Baths 957 Sq. Ft. Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997 A4636840 $325,000

CASEY KEY 1776 Casey Key Road 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 5,794 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4631842 $10,750,000

SIESTA KEY 4105 Shell Road Michael Hays 941-376-1826 A4620120 $9,975,000

SARASOTA 3930 Red Rock Way 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 5,892 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays & Jeff Hinrichs 941-376-1826 A4635126 $9,750,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

440839-1

16B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in BLVD of Sarasota tops the week’s sales. Peter and Judith Wasserman sold their Unit 1102 condominium at 540 N. Tamiami Trail to Ronald and Odile Sarti, trustees, of Sarasota, for $4 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 3,962 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.96 million in 2021.

SIESTA KEY: $3,025,000

Siesta’s Bayside Ronald and Odile Sarti, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 850 Siesta Key Circle to Joseph Voss and Wendy Voss, trustees, of Sarasota, for $3,025,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,299 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million in 2009.

PALMER RANCH: $800,000

SARASOTA

BAYPOINT PARK Dyer Seymour Wadsworth and Beverly Wadsworth, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 1050 Bay Point Place to Mark Miller and Juliette Palarea, of Sarasota, for $3.3 million. The first property was built in 1925 and has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,683 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1925 and has one bedroom, one bath and 247 square feet of living area. They sold for $1,584,000 in 2017.

GRANADA Mission Property Partners LLC sold the home at 1521 Bay Road to Adam and Barbara Miller, of Sarasota, for $2,825,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,854 square feet of living area.

RIDGEWOOD Isabel Norton, trustee, of McCaysville, Georgia, sold two properties at 2383 Fiesta Drive to Fletcher and Laura Rush, of Sarasota, for $2,175,000. The first property was built in 1999 and has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,173 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1999 and has one bedroom, one bath and 310 square feet of living area. They sold for $1.1 million in 2012.

FLOYD AND CAMERON Martin and Connie Schlam, of Paducah, Kentucky, sold their home at 1862 Prospect St. to Kevin and Cassidy Lyons, of Sarasota, for $1,875,000. Built in 1928, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,439 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2009.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA Christopher James Sesslar, trustee, of Waynesville, Ohio, sold the Units A507 and A508 condominiums at 1709 N. Tamiami Trail to Donald Leslie Salvage and Evelyn Louise Salvage, of Las Vegas, for $1.15 million. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,739 square feet of living area.

GOLFVIEW Steve Barnhardt, of North Port, sold his home at 2600 Colorado St. to Kristin Brianna Orozco Manninen, of Sarasota, for $730,000. Built in 1980, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $109,500 in 2000.

GREENBRIAR HOMES Stephen Fisher, trustee, of Sarasota,

JAN. 20-24

REAL ESTATE

A condominium in BLVD of Sarasota sells for $4 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

17B

Courtesy image

The Unit 1102 condominium at 540 N. Tamiami Trail was built in 2020 and has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,962 square feet of living area.

sold the home at 2820 Novus St. to Reuben Miller, of Sarasota, for $606,400. Built in 1959, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $212,000 in 2020.

WESLO WILLOWS HOF Series 2302 LLC sold the home at 2424 Whippoorwill Circle to JMA 2000 LLC for $600,000.

Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,080 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2020.

ALFRED PARK Christine Schaaff, trustee, of Dunedin, sold the home at 2542 Hillview St. to Gary’s Roofing LLC and Natasha Lewicki, of Sarasota, for $555,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,378 square feet of living area.

It sold for $33,200 in 1977.

it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,890 square feet of living area.

It sold for $900,100 in 2023.

SIESTA TOWERS Julie and Kevin Mechigian, trustees, of Highland, Michigan, sold the Unit 2F condominium at 4822 Ocean Blvd. to Clarney Holdings LLC for $850,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,435 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2021.

ONLINE

BELLEVUE TERRACE James and Stephanie Nehman, of Dunedin, sold their home at 719 Wood Lane to Antoinette Atherton Smith and David Smith and Sandra Atherton, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,864 square feet of living area. It sold for $100,000 in 2013.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

The Hamptons Joe and Shirley Bonello, of Flat Rock, Michigan, sold their home at 4977 Gardiners Bay Circle to Bryon Weintraub and Susan Weintraub, trustees, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,430 square feet of living area. It sold for $386,000 in 2007.

OSPREY: $2.1 MILLION

Oaks II Timothy and Leslie Hazlett, trustees, of Cary, North Carolina, sold the home at 627 Eagle Watch Lane to Beat Roy Lehmann and Ingrit Lehmann, of Osprey, for $2.1 million. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,606 square feet of living area. It sold for $620,000 in 2010.

NOKOMIS: $880,000

Mission Valley Estates 1541 Mackintosh Blvd LLC sold the home at 1541 Mackintosh Blvd. to Jeremy David Mumford and Shaina Ross Mumford and Madalena and David Mumford, of Nokomis, for $880,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $864,000 in 2024.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SIESTA KEY DOLPHIN BAY Robert Hough, of Siesta Key, sold his Unit 301 condominium at 1240 Dolphin Bay Way to Jean Wooster, trustee, of Atlanta, for $1.47 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,200 square feet of living area. It sold for $865,000 in 2020.

SOMERSET CAY Kevin Lynch and Janella Matter, of Southlake, Texas, sold their Unit 53 condominium at 9122 Midnight Pass Road to Mary Elizabeth Heroux, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million.

Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,237 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.37 million in 2021.

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA SOTA Residences & Hotel | 941.462.3900 | From $1.8M | Visit the Main Street Gallery | thesota.com

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $900,000s | Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

SANDY TOES TOWNHOUSES Safe IRA Homes LLC sold the Unit 3 condominium at 6796 Sarasea Circle to Lennartz Beach House LLC for $1.2 million. Built in 1981,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of Jan. 20-24, in order of dollar amounts.

GOLDEN GATE POINT En Pointe | 941.685.1598 | enpointesarasota.com | From $2,775,000

LONGBOAT KEY The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

1044 Tocobaga Lane

Remodel

Howard Akey

$634,500

636 Indian Beach Lane

Storm Repairs

Kendall Kellaway III

$250,000

90 S. Jefferson Ave.

Addition

Harry Beukelman

$200,000

3319 Higel Ave.

Re-roof

Roy Cohen

$124,000

1640 Waldemere St.

Pool

Wojtek Pajor

$109,000

722 45th St.

Solar Panels

Andrew Newcomer

$88,185

930 Whitakers Lane

Re-roof

Roberta Miller, trustee

$85,000

1485 Siesta Drive

Re-roof

Kirk Voelker

$65,336

2632 Hawthrone St.

Pool/Deck

Susan Stearns

$65,000

1614 Hillview St.

Windows

Albert Novak

$39,152

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

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

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of November 2023

440811-1

Address

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

YOUR CALENDAR

18B

“Voted Best Gift Shop 2023/24”

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

BEST BET

HEART & SOUL ON PALM 7 to 10 p.m. at Palm Ave. Free. Enjoy light bites, live music, and more, amid live music by K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation, in this Fresh Fridays event celebrating Valentine’s Day. Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com/Fresh-Fridays.

FRIDAY, FEB. 7 TO SATURDAY, FEB. 8

SHELL SHOW 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 2896 Ringling Blvd. Adults $5 Students 12-18 $3 Children 12 and under free with paid adult. In this show by the Sarasota Shell Club, find shell arts and crafts, scientific and artistic displays, exotic and rare shells, shell-related prizes, educational programs and more. Visit SarasotaShellClub.com.

CHAIR YOGA WITH MANCHING 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd.

Free. This class is designed for those of all ages and fitness levels and suited to those who are new to yoga, living with limited mobility or recovering from an injury. It is taught by certified yoga instructor Manching Tom. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

439252-1

SUPER SONIC YOGA 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. This yoga event includes the workshops “Vinyasa Flow with Inspirational Talk plus Q&A;” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by Chill Flow with Inspirational Talk plus Q&A; from 2-4 p.m., and the main event, Evening Super Sonic Yoga, from 6-9 p.m. Visit SRQAuditorium.com.

GET ON THE ROAD TO A NEW YOU: INTERACTIVE SEMINAR THE BAY SARASOTA 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Sarasota Garden Club, 1130 Boulevard of the Arts.

Free. Mirabai Holland offers this interactive seminar showing you how to make lifestyle changes and create a long-term wellness plan and short-term goals. Holland has collaborated with leading physicians and has trained professionals. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

— 2 Guys —

GUN SHOW

MONDAY, FEB. 10

A MATTER OF BALANCE 2 to 4 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. This award-winning evidence-based fall prevention program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fall risk. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 2025

Guns, knives, accessories, ammo, parts and so much more!

TUESDAY, FEB. 11

ONE DAY IN HARLEM WITH CHERYL COLEMAN 6 to 7 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331

FIle Image

In this art piece, multiple shells are used to create a wave design.

First St. Free. This free concert explores Black art and literature during the Harlem Renaissance, with music performed by Cheryl Coleman.

Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12

THE SARASOTA MUSIC ARCHIVE PRESENTS THE JOHN GOODMAN PERFORMANCE AND LECTURE SERIES 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free. This lecture by opera singer Joy McIntyre is titled “Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci–A Matched Pair.” Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

Spanish Conversation Group 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Hold conversations in Spanish in this group for adults and seniors. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

Robarts Arena • 3000 Ringling Blvd • Sarasota

For more information: Contact Guy 727-776-3442 • 2guysshows.com

440968-1

Tickets sold at the door

FRE ParkinE g!

!

$1 OFF admission

5Y

2 Hour CWP s Classe

EROW N AR INS IN WEAR

Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 3pm

Live Beautifully Our Expertise Is Dental Implants Personalized, gentle, and comprehensive patient care is our highest priority

Call us!

Bone Grafting Dental Implants Teeth in one day IV Anesthesia Wisdom Teeth

We invite you to become part of our Lakehouse West family and enjoy an independent

Why Choose Us? Board-certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

and carefree lifestyle. Our goal is to make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Dual Degree Licensed Dentists (DMD) & Physicians (MD)

From wellness, fine dining, and social initiatives to scheduled transportation, house-

Professional & highly trained staff

keeping and full home maintenance, we strive to meet your needs to maintain a vibrant

Patient centered solutions backed by cutting-edge technology

NEW LOCATION Venice Office (941) 263-7343

Five Star Rated

2017

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

and active lifestyle.

Hillview Tamiami Office (941) 365-3388

Bee Ridge Office (941) 926-9100

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

sarasotaoms.com

440975-1

425520-1

Lic.#AL5850

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

19B

Hear your happy Take your hearing experience to the next level with the new Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio!

Exceptional Sound Quality

From the very first fit, you'll experience a perfect balance between clarity and comfort

Reduced Listening Fatigue

Many users report feeling 21% less fatigued at the end of the day

Spheric Speech Clarity

This feature ensures that you can hear every word from any direction

Enhanced Connectivity

I recently purchased Phonak Sphere 70 hearing aids and I can hear much better. I'm super happy with these. I think anybody would be very happy with them. It's how hearing aids should really work. I highly recommend them. Thank you.

-Morris G., Patient

Market-leading connectivity with uninterrupted hands-free calls and streaming

You'll receive our distinctive Total Care Program with every purchase!

Total Care provides everything you need, from custom ear molds, to accessories, to cleaning, all complimentary or at a discounted rate.

At AudioNova, we’re with you every step of the way, through cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

SARASOTA (941) 278-5392

BRADENTON (941) 278-5391

DELRAY BEACH (561) 377-3057

2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104 (Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

BOYNTON BEACH (561) 377-3058 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER (561) 377-3066 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

HEAR YOUR HAPPY OFFERS

$750 OFF a new pair of Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio¹

PLUS receive our

TOTAL CARE PROGRAM

with every purchase!²

¹Receive $750 discount towards the purchase of a pair of Phonak Audéo Sphere™ Infinio technology. This limited-time offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.New orders only. Private pay only (not combinable with insurance or network). 2The Total Care Package as shown is exclusively available with the purchase of Audéo SphereTM Infinio 90. Other packages are available. Private Pay only. Offer valid until 2/28/25.

SL-AT241213_104828^_01

440740-1

HURRY! OFFERS EXPIRE 2/28/25!

20B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, FEB. 6

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 78 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 9%

FRIDAY, FEB. 7 High: 79 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 9%

Thursday, Feb. 6

7:12a

6:15p

Friday, Feb. 7

7:12a

6:16p

Saturday, Feb. 8

7:11a

6:17p

Sunday, Feb. 9

7:10a

6:18p

Monday, Feb. 10

7:10a

6:19p

Tuesday, Feb. 11

7:09a

6:19p

Wednesday, Feb. 12

7:08a

6:20p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, FEB. 8 High: 81 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 8%

Feb. 12 Full

Feb. 20 Last

Feb. 27 New

March 6 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, FEB. 9 High: 80 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 8%

Patrick Robinson took this photo of seagulls flying over the shoreline on Siesta Key Beach.

Monday, Jan. 27

0

Tuesday, Jan. 28

0

Wednesday, Jan. 29

0

Thursday, Jan. 30

0

Friday, Jan. 31

0

Saturday, Feb. 1

0.01

Sunday, Feb. 2

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: 1.09 in.

2025 5.53 in.

2024

MONTH TO DATE: 0.01 in.

2025 1.22 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

LATIN ROOTS by Alan Levin, edited by Taylor Johnson

121 Figure out

51 Building wing

122 Doesn’t play, say

54 “Eww!”

123 Prefix for “center”

57 Give off

DOWN

59 Mail 61 Paradise

1 Pledge

63 Unified

2 “Hold your horses!”

64 A cinephile may collect

3 Glasgow gal

them

4 Michael Scott’s “favorite

65 Tattles

New York pizza joint,” on “The 66 Confronted Office”

67 Tehran native

5 Legal

68 Monopoly piece

6 Potato, in Hindi

69 Juvenile

7 Bizarre

70 Ghostly sounds

8 Paris of ___ (prince in

71 Sass

Greek mythology)

75 Auction actions

9 Tear

77 “The Addams Family”

10 East Coast Amtrak service cousin

©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Bird associated with wisdom 4 Barbecue side 8 Theme park shuttles 13 Rudely brief 17 “That’s it!”

18 Digestive juice

28 It might be a stretch?

29 Clickable hypertext 30 The “A” in MoMA 31 Double-helix molecule 32 Winged creatures associated with Halloween

award)

79 Neither’s partner

12 Defrauds

81 ___ II Atreides (“Dune”

13 Sound like a dove

character)

14 Instrument for Israel

82 Sulk

Kamakawiwo’ole

84 Docking locale

15 Pine secretion

85 Vehicles for ETs

16 Blow up on social media

86 Sticky black stuff

20 Cry of discovery

90 Like the game mah-jongg

22 Shapewear brand

91 Food ___ (feeling after a

23 French-American writer

feast)

Anais

92 Detested

25 Sun setting?

95 Potatoes and yams 96 Android download

33 “Peter Pan” girl

services company (in other

95 California border lake

34 “Not in a million years!”

words)

96 Up and about

32 Sear

97 Freezing rain

37 “Geaux Tigers!” sch.

71 Glove material

99 “No bid,” in bridge

33 Fuse, as metal

98 Turkic language

39 ___ Air (Los Angeles

72 Embedded

102 Will Smith/Tommy Lee

34 Fish’s breathing organ

99 Ode writers

neighborhood)

73 Ye ___ Shoppe

Jones film series, for short

35 Clarinet cousin

100 Houston ballplayer

74 “That’s possible for me!”

105 Dull routine

36 Weaken

101 Iron/carbon alloy

106 “Sounds like a ___!”

38 Disco ___ (“The Simp-

103 Bouncers ask to see

(“Works for me!”)

sons” character)

them

80 It may throw shade?

107 Not quite all

39 ___ dry (drained)

104 Data storage units

83 Fur baby

108 *New York Harbor sight

41 Perfect

105 Metal fastener

84 Pesto ingredient

(without preparation)

42 D.C. ballplayer

107 Celebrity roast hosts,

87 Daffy and Bugs

113 *Longtime lead singer of

43 Army NCO

briefly

the rock band Chicago (and

44 Fish in a caterpillar roll

108 Tardy

so on)

45 Cosmetics mogul Lauder 109 Jeans maker Strauss

40 Wild mountain goat

41 *Off!, for one (concerning) 75 Azerbaijan’s capital 50 Arcing throw

24 *The Met and La Scala (in 53 Debtor’s letters 55 Polynesian garland essence) (before the fact)

78 Sticky stuff

27 Soft mineral

19 Steamy kitchen appliance 51 Old saying 52 Not backed up, in a way 21 Flip to get heads or tails

26 *Is allowed to go first

11 ___ badge (Boy Scout’s

56 “Stinging” plant

76 Tugging one’s ear, maybe

88 “The Matrix” protagonist

58 Like a game about to go

89 *Important consider-

into overtime

ations when making a choice 116 Dockworker

46 Couples

59 Cozy

(in practice)

117 Comfortable state

47 Reason to circle a date on 111 Certain back muscle,

60 Singer/activist Horne

92 URL starter

118 At any point

the calendar, maybe

briefly

62 “___ Family” (sitcom)

93 “___ Got the Whole World

119 Certain back muscle,

48 Century when Darwin

112 Hairy cryptid

65 Molars and incisors

in His Hands”

briefly

lived

114 Marbled loaf

120 80-Across, for example

49 Talks up

115 Title for MLK Jr.

66 *Boston-based financial

94 Gold, in Guadalajara

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.

“UIV UDGAC OIZXZ KZ M CZFOYBMOYDB UIZB AYLZ YOFZAL YF M WDGXBZV? VDG TD BDO OD TZO OIZXZ KGO OD KZ OIZXZ.”

BYPPY TYDJMBBY

“M’Z EUA EW KXEIA OAEOPA KXSK KXMURI KXMULI XSOOAU WEF S FASIEU, SUY CED GDIK XSHA KE PEER WEF KXA FASIEU.”

TPMUK NPSTR

“ZWP VW HXUWPVX M DOUKWS WB KGGORNO DMKR YXOR UOMEKHZ GOOHN HXO SUOMG.” IXMUEWHHO UMGDEKRV Puzzle Three Clue: W equals O

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: G equals J

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

Flooring Made for Your Family

Puzzle One Clue: P equals K

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.

110 Part

©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-6-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

RED PAGES DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon 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.

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales 50TH YEAR HUGE, ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE

real estate

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

Homes for Sale

Items Under $200 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 2 ADIRONDACK CHAIRS. Gray plastic/resin, nice cond. Pic online. Both for $25 (941) 966-6816 4 SELDOM Used Wilson Tennis Racquets. All for $45.

941-358-5313 COMFORTABLE STATIONARY recumbent bike. $100 Call 941-925-3084 NACHTMANN CRYSTAL $150 OBO 38 pcs. from W. Germany. 8 water, 8 wine, 8 whiskey, 8 brandy, 6 champagne. Pics available.

941-966-8429 PET CARRIER w/ telescopic handles. 22” L x 11” W x 12” H Airline approved. Great condition! $50 No txts- 941-879-7105

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.

Contact James at 310-463-0043

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

Free House Calls.

Confidential & Honest. Call David 813-439-2694 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

Pets PREMIUM MINI AUSSIEDOODLES -ready 1/30/25 Genetic tested parents & both parents at our house. This is the only litter. 5 Pups are a variety colors/patterns and extremely smart! Two merles-1 with blue eyes. $1,500 (765) 215-5704

Autos for Sale 2008 MERCEDES BENZ CLK 550 Convertible Exc. Cond. 40k miles, Garaged, Dealer Maintained, New Tires, All Books, 2 Keys, A Must See, Cash Only $19,995 (516) 695-1466

Use the

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

Announcements

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.

KEVIN'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Kevin Weisenbacher / Owner / Technician Homecall - Diagnostic $89.95 941-216-7351 kevin@kevinsapplianceservice.com www.kevinsapplianceservice.com

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

SEARCH

RED PAGES for great deals.

Visit

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Cleaning

MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

HOMES FOR SALE

Painting

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 February 8th 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

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

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

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

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.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Crossword answers

Real Estate Wanted 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.SarastotaCashHomeBuyers.com

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

BEST VALENTINE'S GIFT Two tickets Andrea Bocelli in Tampa 2/13/2025 $350 each Excellent ticket location

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

jobs

Appliances

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

Handyman Services

941-955-4888

Recreation

NOVENA TO ST. JUDE Thank you. My request has been granted. MJR

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

Autos Wanted

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

SHEET MUSIC- for piano, or violin, or flute. $2 / piece.

941-730-1776

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Houses or Condos 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.

Help Wanted 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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939

©2025 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

Concordia Lutheran Church 2185 Wood Street Sarasota (Corner of Wood St & School Ave)

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

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

Adult Care Services

peekers’ place

Something for everyone: clothing, jewelry, housewares, tools, books.

Half price Saturday

auto

stuff

Friday 2/7 & Saturday 2/8 8 am- 2 pm

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

RED PAGES AD RATES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Why would there be a destination when life itself is a journey? You go not to get there but to be there.”

Nikki Giovanni

Puzzle Two Solution: “I’m one of those people that thinks things happen for a reason, and you just have to look for the reason.”

Clint Black Puzzle Three Solution: “You go through a period of immense pain when reality meets the dream.”

Charlotte Rampling

This week’s Sudoku answers

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

©2025 NEA, Inc.

22B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Aluminum

Doors

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

DON’T let your

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

Renovation, Construction and Remodeling Specialist

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM REPAIRS & REMODELS.

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

FREE

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Divorce without Lawyers

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call us today!

440906

941.628.8579

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Landscaping & Lawn

ROCK & SHELL LANDSCAPING

WASHED SHELL, LIMESTONE

Handyman

RIVER GRAVEL, GRAYSTONE

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

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

YARDS INSTALLED DRIVEWAYS

STEVE PANEBIANCO

Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

FREE (941) 809-7311 ESTIMATES! NEED HELP?

Movers

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

SELL YOUR CAR!

Wizard Moving SRQ

Health

For $149 per hour you get:

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

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

439546

Cleaning

GG1 Lawn Care & Landscaping Services Pruning, Weed Maintenance, Tree Care Call Today for FREE Estimate

Painting

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Painting

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

Licensed & Insured

Carpentry Drywall Powerwashing

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Call 941.320.5068 for FREE Estimates

(Interior/Exterior)

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069 440970

Computer

439531

Home Watch

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! 439554

6968 Beneva Road 941-929-9095

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

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

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

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

First Time Customer Discount · $150 OFF

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

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

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

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

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

Pet Care by Melanie Gates Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

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

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Administering medication 30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

249 235

* $ $235

(941) 966-2960

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

364556 440907

WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

$

Find Us @

440904

5-Star Rated

HoHoBuysCars.com

Lic./ Insured

439523

Auto Service

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616

439544

440905

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

24/7 SERVICE

439543

Shell Work & Landscape Stone

Home RepaiR SeRvice

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

439556

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

941-955-4888

DAVID

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE SARASOTA NATIVE

440912

439988

(941) 228-6479

AMI SUN - FULL COLOR 2x2 175642 09-06-23

William J. Leininger, JD

439534

BOULDERS, BRICK PAVERS

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.ezslider.com

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.

941.270.4400

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

RED PAGES

439533

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

439521

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

- FREE ESTIMATES -

439555

Dustin Yoder

439542

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Real Estate

Professional Craftmanship on Carpentry • Cabinets Plank Floors • All Trims and Moldings Pressure Cleaning Services • Painting

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

941~400~6786

Call Today for FREE Estimates in Sarasota County

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

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

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH Call us FIRST at

941-202-6957

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

440900

www.SarasotaCashHomeBuyers.com

affordablewindowcare.com affordablewindowcare@gmail.com

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

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

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers Your Local Home Buyers

Cut Your Energy Bill by Tinting Your Home or Business!

Tax benefits! FPL rebates!

Building & Roofing Contractor

• 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

30+YEARS LOCAL EXPERIENCE.

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

We Pay All Closing Costs!

5

941 - 248 - 4734 439549

REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

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

$

CBC1265487

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880 439558

439547

941-544-1152

senior citizen discount.

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Trees

DCCoastalLLC@gmail.com www.DCCoastalLLC.com

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

SPECIAL 00

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION

UP TO

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Transportation

Remodeling/Home Improvement

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

CALL (941) 955.4607

Roofing

Your Local Home Buyers

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

Residential specialist for window cleaning & tinting

TRUSTED SECURITY FILM INSTALLER

439553

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

439524

941-923-8140

AFFORDABLE WINDOW CARE

by John Larson

Remodel & Home Improvements

439548

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

Mastercraft Construction

• 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

410036

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!

Windows

439557

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Remodeling/Home Improvement

439550

Plumbing

23B

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Local Roots, Legacy of Experience: One Family, Two Generations TOP 1%

of Coldwell Banker Realty Agents Globally

3

$ + BILLION

in Career Sales Volume

49+ YEARS Selling Sarasota & Manatee Counties

LIGHTHOUSE POINT - LONGBOAT KEY

$13,950,000

50 LIGHTHOUSE POINT DR. • 6BR/6 FULL & 1 HALF BA • 7,450 SQ FT Gorgeous Gulf Front Home • New Roof • Newly Resurfaced Pool • Private Boat Dock • Behind the Gates of The Longboat Key Club • Expansive .83-Acre Lot

Ryan Ackerman 941.387.1818

Barbara Ackerman 941.387.1820

HARBOR ACRES

1430 HARBOR DR • 7,049 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE

$9,600,000

Completely Renovated in 2023 • 110’ on Deep Protected Boat Basin • 1,100 Bottle Wine Room • In Home Elevator • All New Hurricane Impact Windows & Doors

W NE

TWO INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES IN GRAND BAY

ING T S LI

GRAND BAY IV - LONGBOAT KEY

3010 GRAND BAY BLVD., #493 • 2BR/4BA • 2,550 SQ FT

$2,225,000 GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

9th Floor Cayman with Gorgeous Sunrises, Sunsets, Bay, Beach & City Skyline Views Blank Palette • Includes 2 Prime Side-By-Side Parking Spaces on Main Level and Private Beach Club Membership • Gated, Pet Friendly Community

OYSTER BAY ESTATES - NEW CONSTRUCTION

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD., #283 • 3BR/3BA • 2,550 SQ FT

Direct Sunrise & Sunset Views • Custom Updates • Private Elevator Foyer • 8th Floor Cayman Plan • Sarasota Skyline Views • Beautiful Wood Floors • Gorgeous Updated Kitchen • Gated Community • Resort-Style AMenities • Includes Private Beach Club Membership • Pet-Friendly

$5,995,000 LONGBOAT KEY MOORINGS

1429 N. LAKE SHORE DR. • 5BR/5 FULL BA & 2 HALF BA • 4,545 SQ FT Open Plan • Gourmet Kitchen • Wine Room • Resort-style Pool & Spa

$2,195,000

$405,000

2800 HARBOURSIDE DR. #E-22 • SPACIOUS 70 FT. SLIP Deep-Water Access • Harbor Master & Security • Electric, Water & WiFi

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON

WATER CLUB I - LONGBOAT KEY

HARBOR ACRES - WEST OF THE TRAIL

PROMENADE - LONGBOAT KEY

BAY POINT - GOLDEN GATE POINT

ST ARMANDS - JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

HARBOR ACRES - HILLVIEW

CLUB LONGBOAT - BEACH & TENNIS

SUN N SEA - SIESTA KEY

Completely Renovated • High Floor Stunning Gulf Views

Over 100’ of Waterfront on Pansy Bayou Move-In Ready • Single Story • Back-Up Generator

Estate Sized Lot • Beautiful Tropical Setting Sought-After Neighborhood

Estate-Sized Buildable Lot on Large Boat Basin

High Floor • Terrific Views Spacious Plan

Value Priced • Perfect For Tennis & Beach Enthusiasts

Totally Renovated • Magnificent Bay & Bridge Views • Excellent Downtown Location

Duplex • Great Investment Income Opportunity

The Ackerman Group | Coldwell Banker Realty • 443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. F | Sarasota, FL 34236

440690-1

24B