On April 23, a new generation was already visible in the city workforce.
As parents showed up to work, their kids stopped by human resources to receive their own ID badges for the city’s 10th annual Bring Your Kids to Work Day.
The day coincided with the national event held at workplaces across the country.
They had the chance to enjoy opportunities such as an experience with the Mobile Sarasota Learning Center and a K-9 demonstration with the Sarasota Police Department. They also worked in groups to develop and pitch an employee benefits package in the style of the reality television show “Shark Tank.”
Cultural ambassador
Sarasota’s Phil Irwin remembers living in Dunfermline, Scotland, when he was “a wee bairn,” before he later visited the city many times.
Irwin says he will always take the opportunity to represent Scottish culture to make sure it lives on. One example was participating in Bridges Across the Seas on April 26 at Selby Library.
Hosted by Sister Cities Association of Sarasota, the event celebrated Sarasota’s connection to Dunfermline, a sister city, as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days.
The event featured activities, as well as music and culture including Ceilidh dancing, Scottish tartans, kilts, bagpipes and drums.
“It’s fun,” Irwin said. “I’d like to go home, and this gets me close to home, so it’s kind of neat. It’s a good feeling.”
$0.10
SPD organizes against crime
Police chief credits his department’s ability to ‘pivot’ for continued trends. SEE PAGE 3A
Runners tackle Ringling to help bridge the gap in education funding. SEE PAGE 2B
Ian Swaby
Courtesy image
Javier Rizzo, 8, Carlos Rizzo and Gabriel Rizzo, 10
Ian Swaby
Phil Irwin and Diana Stoker applaud a performance.
WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2026
BY THE NUMBERS
$3.3
“We are Goldilocks. The size of our agency is perfect, because we can pivot on a dime.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche Read more on page 3A
■
Surge poles installed at county beaches
To help beachgoers and coastal and inland residents better understand the dangers of storm surge, Sarasota County is installing color-coded poles in three of the county’s beach locations.
The poles are painted four colors at graduated heights to match the National Hurricane Center’s storm risk map, providing a visual representation of storm surge levels.
The county has installed poles at Siesta Beach and at Manasota Beach, with a third
scheduled for North Jetty Beach this spring. A display stands next to each pole with information about how the colors align with the county’s warning and evacuation system.
Each color represents three feet of water above ground level. They are:
■ Blue: 1-3 feet above ground
■ Yellow: 3-6 feet above ground
■ Orange: 6-9 feet above ground
■ Red: Greater than 9 feet above ground
Areas along the Gulf Coast are vulnerable, but storm surge is not exclusively a beachfront problem.
It can also travel up rivers and canals, reaching well inland from the coastline.
In 2024, Hurricane Helene brought 4 to 7 feet of storm surge, followed less than two weeks later by Hurricane Milton, which produced an isolated peak of 10 feet of storm surge in the southernmost areas of the county, and 4 to 9 feet along other parts of the county’s coastline.
Culverhouse seeds matching grant effort
Charitable donor and philanthropist Hugh Culverhouse Jr. has initiated a $250,000 matching grant effort to expand emergency assistance for Sarasota County residents struggling to cover basic expenses.
With a goal of raising $500,000 or more, the CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings established a dollar-fordollar match to support Church of the Redeemer’s Culverhouse Benevolence Fund, which provides direct aid to individuals and families facing financial hardship.
The fund was launched with a $200,000 gift from Culverhouse during last year’s federal government shutdown, when disruptions to SNAP and other programs affected many families.
Donations to the fund may be made at OnRealm.org/RedeemerSarasota. Those in need of assistance may contact Church of the Redeemer by emailing to CBF@ RedeemerSarasota.org.
MPO seeks input for five-year road plan
Public input is now open for the annual update of the SarasotaManatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s five-year Transportation Improvement Program. The new draft of the plan through fiscal year 2031 is now available for public review and comment through May 18, 2026.
A download of the document is available at the MPO website at MyMPO.org, where comments may also be submitted. Public comments will also be accepted by calling 941-359-5772, by email to MPO@mympo.org, via mail to 5460 63rd St. E., Suite A, Bradenton, FL 34203 or by attending any of the following MPO meetings:
■ May 11: Technical Advisory Committee, 10 a.m., 5460-A 63rd St. E., Bradenton.
■ May 11: Citizen Advisory Committee, 5 p.m., 5460-A 63rd St. E., Bradenton.
■ May 18: MPO Governing Board Meeting, 9 a.m., Doubletree by Hilton, 8009 15th St. E., at SarasotaBradenton International Airport.
Photo courtesy of Sarasota County Workers carry one of two storm surge poles Sarasota County has installed at Siesta Beach and Manasota Beach.
Not too big, not too small
In presenting the annual SPD crime report, Chief Rex Troche said the department is ‘just right’ to be effective.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Like Goldilocks, but with a badge.
Simplistic perhaps, but that’s how Police Chief Rex Troche described the Sarasota Police Department as he and his command staff delivered the 2025 agency report to the City Commission on April 20.
The SPD, Troche said, is not so large that it cannot quickly adapt to changing needs. And that, as much as anything else, has enabled the department to continue its yearover-year overall downward trajectory in reported crime rates, especially violent crime, down 18% in 2025 compared to the year prior.
“We are Goldilocks. The size of our agency is perfect, because we can pivot on a dime,” Troche said. “I was just at a conference in Los Angeles, and I’m with agencies that are 9,000, 10,000 strong. They can’t pivot. We can really pivot, and I feel like we are so linked into our community unlike a lot of those agencies.
“We’re just like the oatmeal for Goldilocks. This one’s too hot, this one’s too cold. SPD is just right.”
Just right, command staff said, to proactively take policing to the community level, including homeless outreach, community engagement and interaction with children and adults alike. Last year brought the
we keep other people from being victimized in our community and our surrounding communities.”
Troche offered an example.
On Sept. 12, 2025, analysts in the ROC were alerted to gunshots in a defined area by the SPD’s Flock Safety Raven gunshot detection monitors. There was no 911 call, but officers were alerted and responded to the coordinates of the gunshot.
“He was shot through the car door and bleeding out,” Troche said. “No one ever called 911. The only reason we were alerted to that incident was because of the Raven system and were able to save this person’s life.”
Citywide connections continue to be made into the ROC including red light cameras, license plate recognition devices, officer body-worn cameras, school zone speed cameras and more. Recently launched is an effort to access cameras in businesses and at the perimeter of condominium towers. Soon to come are all 600 security cameras in schools within the city, Troche said.
“That will be a major game changer.” Troche said. “In case we have bad actors who enter our schools, we can see in real time where they’re at and go to immediately to the threat.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
More than crime reduction and prevention, the SPD report included details about the Criminal Investigations Division, Community Outreach Team, Homeless Outreach Team Patrol Division and Internal Affairs.
Commissioner Liz Alpert asked about efforts in the Newtown area.
“The Community Relations unit has changed everything because what they do every day is simply engaging with the community, public relations, meeting with stakeholders, meeting with the community, and going to the schools,” said Capt. Rob Armstrong. “I think that the unit has really changed the game.”
When he delivered his 2023 report, Troche highlighted zero murders in the city. That number jumped to seven in 2024, but dropped to two last year. Both were solved.
“Our homicide case clearance rate of 100% is significantly higher than the national average of 61%,” said Capt. Jonathan Todd.
THE ROC
$100,000 Sarasota Learning Centermobile unit paid for by Deb Kabinoff, a frequent contributor toward SPD’s community-oriented needs.
All of it, Troche said, contributes to lower crime rates. In 2023, that rate dropped 16%, another 21.8% in 2024 followed by last year’s 18% decline.
“That’s a total of 56% total in the last three years,” he said. “I will tell you that police chiefs and sheriffs from around the country would be happy with a 2% or 3% drop and in some cases, flat. But we’re at 18%, so congratulations to the men and women of the city of Sarasota and the community of the Sarasota, because we’ve been working together hand in hand.”
When crime does occur, the continued buildout of the Real-Time Operations Center — affectionately known as the ROC — as its name suggests, helps solve them in real time.
“What the Real-Time Operations Center has allowed us to do is improve public and officer safety and prevent, deter and reduce crime in the city,” Troche said. “We’ve been able to strengthen our intel and policing in real time with directed operations, and we’ve been able to support stronger prosecution and higher conviction rates.
“The days of solving crimes in weeks, days or hours are no longer. We’re solving crimes in seconds, and when we can solve crimes in seconds,
One of those cases occurred on Feb. 4, 2025, when a welfare check on a woman at the Lyra apartments on Ringling Boulevard quickly became a murder investigation. Working with ROC analysts, detectives identified the victim’s ex-fiancé, Djalma Johan Gordon, as a suspect after viewing video footage of him fleeing.
“The detectives gave the suspect vehicle information to our ROC analysts, and within a matter of two hours, Gordon was located and apprehended near Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” Todd said. “Within 12 hours of the murder, our detectives were on their way to Baton Rouge to interview Gordon and seize his vehicle and other evidence of the crime.”
With 185 sworn officers and 73 civilian personnel, Chief Troche would call SPD’s ability to close a murder in days, and all other functions of the department, “just right.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche (right) delivers his department’s 2025 report to the City Commission.
Among SPD’s community outreach programs is the annual Shop With A Cop event to let underserved youth enjoy a morning of Christmas gift shopping.
Analysts at SPD’s Real Time Operations Center monitor multiple cameras, sensors and other devices located throughout the city.
Images courtesy of Sarasota Police Department
City Island park to receive $3M in repairs
The money will help make 2024 storm-related repairs and shore up the shoreline at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.
WRITER
Although a temporary pause in work to repair hurricane damage at multiple waterfront city parks remains in effect, the Sarasota City Commission on April 20 approved a $3.3 million contract for repair and resiliency work at Ken Thompson Park on City Island.
Multiple restoration projects were halted by recommendation of former Interim City Manager Dave Bullock as the partial government shutdown affected FEMA review processes, which would ultimately impact whether the city is reimbursed for the expense. The Ken Thompson Park contract was extended to Tampa Bay Construction Services for both parts of the work there.
Approving the contract with Tampa Bay Construction now positions the project to begin shortly after the pause is lifted.
The $2.9 million in repairs will be paid for out of the city’s general fund with the anticipation, but not a guarantee, of FEMA reimbursement. At $391,000, the shoreline resiliency improvements will be covered by Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant funding.
The scope of the FEMA portion of the work includes repair or replacement of the three storm-damaged fishing piers; installation of suitable fill material and revetment to protect sidewalk and road repairs along Ken Thompson Parkway; topsoil for fill and sod; and repair and replace aluminum guide rails along the Ken Thompson Park seawall. Also, repairs will be made to irrigation systems, replacement of damaged signs, installation of embankment fill at the shoreline to bring to prestorm conditions, and repair and
install new boardwalk sections, railing and pilings along the south side of the park.
With the FDEP grant, work will include installing permeable pavers; installing Shoremax transition mats to provide ADA beach access; installing resilient landscaping along the beach shoreline; and installing compacted gravel, sod, and rip-rap.
Current estimates for other city remaining storm-related repairs are:
■ Eloise Werlin Park: $1,045,477 (bid amount)
■ Bayfront Park: $1,011,932 (bid amount)
■ Whitaker Park: $1,023,736 (bid amount)
■ Whitaker Park Fishing Pier: $610,000 (estimate)
■ West End of Cleveland Drive: $427,530 (bid amount)
■ Saprito Pier: $1,667,471 (bid amount)
■ Bird Key Park: $2,254,200.00 (estimate)
■ Bay Island Park: $1,220,938 (bid amount)
■ Indian Beach Park: $1,473,200 (estimate)
■ Citywide Sidewalks: $18,865 (bid amount)
■ David Cohen Park: $400,000 (rough estimate)
■ Hart’s Landing: (no estimate available)
County takes cautious approach to The Bay park funding
Rather than commit to funding its portion of the Phase 3 project, the County Commission approved half of its share of debt service payment from TIF funds.
ANDREW WARFIELD
Thanks to uncertainty regarding the future of residential property taxes statewide, what was once nearly a perfunctory exercise to secure funding for each phase of development of The Bay is now more of a challenge.
On April 21, Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley addressed the Sarasota County Commission on what has become a routine practice — securing a release of tax increment financing district funds for the next round of work at The Bay park. The model for funding of the esti-
WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
Should a state tax reform constitutional amendment referendum make it to the ballot this November, it will require 60% approval of all Florida voters. Cities and counties can be expected to mount a vigorous campaign opposing the referendum, the odds of which are uncertain. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 66.2% of permanent Florida residents are homeowners and, thus, are higher-propensity voters.
This week, a state Legislature special session has been called to discuss Congressional redistricting, during which a joint resolution on a statewide property tax reform referendum could be considered. That could also happen as during another special session to approve the fiscal year 2027 budget, or a third special session on property taxes could be held as late as July.
mated $200 million buildout of the 53-acre bayside park, which is closing in on completion of its second phase, is 50% philanthropy via the BPC, 25% city and 25% county, the public dollars derived from the property tax revenues on the improved tax value of residential property in the downtown area adjacent to the park, as compared against assessed values of the property in 2019.
The original projection for The Bay park TIF district, which was established in fiscal year 2020, was estimated to generate some $190 million over the 30-year span of the district. By fiscal year 2026, rapid redevelopment of The Quay and the Rosemary District has nearly doubled those projections. The revenue forecast is based on current and future improved property tax valuations set against the benchmark of 2019. The current total is $378 million over 30 years, rising by $27 million over fiscal year 2024.
The uncertainty of those future TIF district revenues — which per plan would be allocated to debt service for city-issued bonds — is rooted in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pledge to reform property tax, which could range from elimination of the tax to significant exemptions for Florida homesteaders only.
How much TIF revenue would be available in the future should a number of property owners in the district be partially or completely exempted from tax is unknown. The conundrum is further compounded by the county’s ability to reallocate those TIF dollars to the general fund should they remain “unspent” in The Bay. Not money that just wasn’t needed, unspent may also be defined as money the County Commission simply decides to not spend on the park, leaving it available for transfer.
The Bay Park Conservancy recommended the county commit to its 50% share of the TIF-backed city
INCREMENT FINANCE REVENUE PROJECTIONS
SHARKY’S OWNERS CHOSEN AS BAY RESTAURANT OPERATOR
Also a Phase 2 project, Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley told commissioners, is a waterfront restaurant planned for the former U.S. Coast Guard station site at the edge of the south side of the boat basin. A partnership has already been struck with Venice Pier Group, operator of Sharky’s On The Pier and Fins at Sharky’s restaurants.
“We’ll be moving into construction next year, and it will open in 2027, right there on the edge of the boat basin,” Lafley said.
It’s not the first time the restaurant group has partnered with local government to operate a restaurant on public property. In the past, it operated concessions at the county-owned Snook Haven Park, which is currently closed while undergoing renovations. THE BAY PARK TAX
Potential revenue to The Bay park and surrounding area improvements as-
Based on current Sarasota County millage rate of 3.0440 mills *County transferred $3.5 million less revenue than city in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
bond to pay for work at Centennial Park to cover interest and principal for the $16 million borrow. Instead, the County Commission approved
including the first year’s bond debt service payment of $282,000 in the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget. The move was a cautious step toward
what the BPC hopes and believes will be eventual bond approval for Phase 3, according to Lafley.
“This is a nice problem to have. We have an incredible project. It’s gotten great results,” said Commissioner Teresa Mast, who voted to approve the debt service payment. “I don’t think there’s a negative thing you can say about it. For me, it’s timing. The timing is not good, and so it’s going to be very difficult for me to get past that from a budget perspective at this time.”
Lafley said Centennial Park currently serves about 100,000 boaters per year and is the largest public boat launch site in the county. As part of Phase 2, a floating day dock was completed in late 2025.
Courtesy image
Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley makes his case to the Sarasota County Commission for funding Phase 3 work at The Bay Park.
Controversial downtown tower comes back before City Commission
Mediation has concluded, minor modifications have been ordered and now the rejected plan for a condominium tower to replace a row of merchants in the 1200 block of North Palm Avenue is coming back before the Sarasota City Commission.
The agenda for the commission’s next regular meeting on May 4 is light, a fortunate if not intentional circumstance as the reconsideration of the 18-story, 14-unit Obsidian condominium tower, also known as 1260 N. Palm Residences, likely will occupy considerable time.
The matter was referred to the city by Special Magistrate Mark Bentley of Tampa, recommending the commission reverse its 4-1 decision on May 13 to grant an appeal by residents of neighboring Bay Plaza condominiums of the administrative approval of the site plan, which included three adjustments to street-level code requirements pertaining to parallel facade, habitable space and retail frontage.
Commissioner Liz Alpert, forecasting eventual and likely prevailing legal action by developer Matt Kihnke, was the lone dissenting vote.
Summarizing his suggestion that the City Commission approve the modified site plan, Bentley wrote: “It is the recommendation of the special magistrate that the City Commission favorably consider the redesigned project. I would also advise the City Commission that I have been provided with voluminous documents,
including applications, transcripts, staff reports, the petitioner’s request for relief and city’s response to said request for relief, and viewed the televised City Commission public hearings held on May 13, 2025, and July 7, 2025. Although the hearing on this matter authorized under 70.51 (17) of Florida Statutes has not occurred, I am of the preliminary opinion that the petitioner has a strong likelihood of prevailing on the merits.”
Bentley referenced Florida Statute 70, Chapter 51, Paragraph 17, which reads, “If an acceptable solution is not reached by the parties after the special magistrate’s attempt at mediation, the special magistrate shall consider the facts and circumstances set forth in the request for relief and any responses and any other information produced at the hearing in order to determine whether the action by the governmental entity or entities is unreasonable or unfairly burdens the real property.”
Developers also argued that, at the time of submission, the city zoning code placed restrictions only on the number of stories permitted in the
Downtown Bayfront zone district, but not on building height.
Bay Plaza residents opposed the project because of its use of interstitial space to achieve a height of 327 feet, its scale compared to surrounding buildings, the proximity to their own building and the adjustments it received. Representatives of the developer made the case that the adjustments were necessary based on utilities, fire protection and other requirements on the first and second levels, and that any project built at that location regardless of scope would be subject to the same.
Speaking to commissioners at their April 20 meeting, Bay Plaza resident Ron Shapiro said, “This settlement has only modest changes from the proposal that the commission so soundly rejected last May. The size and scope of this mammoth building on a tiny lot remains unchanged, and it fails to address any of the major reasons for which the project was denied.”
The changes that were agreed upon between city and developer include: n A revised curb line to include a loading area of 10 feet by 26 feet,
Living with depression, anxiety, or PTSD can feel overwhelming-whether you’ve struggled for years or are just beginning to seek help. For many, daily life becomes heavier, focus slips, and hope can feel distant.
But what if meaningful relief didn’t have to come only after everything else has failed?
IF YOU GO NEXT SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION MEETING
When: 9 a.m. Monday, May 4
Where: In the commission chambers at City Hall, 1565 First St. The meeting may also be viewed on the city’s website at SarasotaFL.gov and on the city’s Facebook page.
sized to accommodate deliveries.
n Palm trees configured to closely resemble the 1960s locations and to maintain historic placement.
n Enhanced landscaping at the podium, at the frontage, and wrapping the corners with a green wall that extends two stories.
n A 31-inch setback to allow for the green wall features and that exceeds the podium-required setback along Bay Plaza property line.
n A detailed staging plan for the first 90 days of development.
“Most of the criteria not met the last time in zoning code have been totally ignored and not addressed, including, but not limited to, land development regulations, the Sarasota city plan, and compatibility and other key elements,” Shapiro said. “Approval by city staff alone does not provide substantial competent evidence in a court of law, nor should it, especially when there are so many good reasons to override their approval.”
Mediation hearings were held in January. Bentley issued his recommended settlement on April 1. Having spoken regularly to the City Commission since the Obsidian project first surfaced in 2023, Shapiro warned commissioners he and his red shirt-clad compatriots are unified against the project.
“We’ll do everything we can for as long as necessary to keep this project from ever happening. My dad passed away a few years ago, at the age of 101, so I expect to be around for quite awhile.
“See you on May 4.”
The results can be life-changing in both large and small ways.
“One patient with severe anxiety hadn’t left his home in months,” Catania shares. “After just a few treatments, he was able to go to the grocery store. Soon after, he reconnected with his family. Those moments matter.”
Safety remains at the core of everything the clinic does. With her anesthesia background, Catania maintains a medical environment comparable to a surgical setting-complete with continuous monitoring, emergency preparedness, and one-on-one care throughout every session.
But care doesn’t stop when the infusion ends. Through regular follow-ups and mood tracking, the team stays closely connected to each patient’s progress-helping maintain results and intervene early if symptoms begin to return.
“It’s about supporting patients long-term,” she says. “Not just treating symptoms, but helping them stay well.”
For those navigating depression, anxiety, or PTSD, the message is simple:
You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable.
Founded by Ann Marie Catania, CRNA, APRN, alongside Melina Magistri, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, the practice is dedicated to helping individuals regain clarity, stability, and quality of lifewhether they are newly exploring treatment options or have been struggling for years.
At the Anti-Aging & Ketamine Center, with offices in both Bradenton and Sarasota, patients are discovering a different path, one grounded in precision medicine, compassion, and a deeply personalized approach to mental health care.
Catania, a board-certified nurse anesthetist since 1995, brings decades of clinical experience with ketamine. But what truly sets her approach apart is the time and attention she gives each patient.
Before any treatment begins, she spends up to an hour understanding the full picture including mental health history, medications, hormones, lifestyle, and overall wellness.
“Every patient’s story is different,” she explains. “Some have tried many treatments, and some are simply looking for something that works faster or more effectively. We meet them exactly where they are.”
Ketamine infusion therapy is not a onesize-fits-all solution-but for many patients with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, it offers a powerful and often rapid improvement in symptoms.
Following established clinical guidelines, treatment typically begins with a series of six infusions over two to three weeks. From there, care is tailored to the individual.
“Some patients feel significant relief early on.
Others benefit from ongoing maintenance,” Catania says. “It’s highly personalized.”
Each session lasts about 45 minutes to an hour in a calm, comfortable setting. Patients receive a carefully controlled IV infusion while being continuously monitored, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
Unlike traditional medications, ketamine works on glutamate pathways in the brain-helping to restore neural connections and improve mood regulation. For many patients, that can translate into noticeable shifts in how they feel, think, and function-sometimes within days.
You don’t have to run out of options first. There is another path-and it may be closer than you think.
If you or someone you love is struggling, now is the time to take the first step. Contact the Anti-Aging & Ketamine Center to schedule a consultation and learn whether ketamine therapy could be right for you. Relief may be closer than you realize.
Melina Magistri DNP, APRN, FNP-C and Ann Marie Catania MSN,
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Andrew Warfield
Red shirt-wearing opponents of Obsidian have frequently attended Sarasota City Commission meetings since 2023.
Courtesy image
An artistic rendering by Hoyt Architects of the street level of the proposed Obsidian at 126 N. Palm Ave.
Tax collector’s money grab
Mike Moran needs cash to ‘modernize’ his operations. His target: taking money from the schools, in spite of what voters approved.
There is something about power. Something about it that just seems to get to people.
Or maybe, it’s just Mike Moran, the Sarasota County tax collector. It’s the way he goes about things. To that point, an angered Sarasota County School Board filed suit last Friday in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, seeking a temporary and permanent injunction and declaratory judgment against Moran (as Sarasota County tax collector).
The board says Moran unilaterally and illegally has been charging the school district a first-ever commission on the money it collects on the school district’s extra voter-approved one-mill tax.
The board says that commission through March has diverted $2,055,798.65 to Moran’s office, depriving the district — students, teachers, etc. — of funds that were designated for educational uses when voters approved the one-mill tax in 2022.
The lawsuit is the predictable culmination of our new tax collector bullying ahead in a first-year rush to throw out and trash the 40 years of operational success by his predecessor, Barbara Ford-Coates; and to make a grab for millions of someone else’s tax dollars to, as he says, build “a modern institution” to better serve taxpayers. Perhaps it’s more like, well, to build his modern empire.
For the past 16 months, Moran has operated with little public attention, charging ahead from the day he took office in January 2025 to transform the tax collector’s operations.
It’s classic “new sheriff”-Al Haig syndrome: “I’m in charge,” and things are going to change. Indeed. In his first budget year, compared to his predecessor’s last year, the tax collector’s expenses will be up by what most people would say is an astonishing 34%, or by $4,006,968. Payroll increased 26%, up 14 people to 117 and up $2.6 million; and operating expenses jumped 157%, increasing $1,407,004 (see box). How could he do that? From where did the money come?
The only way a tax collector can get that additional cash is to charge more than his predecessor did for the service of collecting taxes for counties, municipalities, school districts and multiple other special taxing districts.
As state law stipulates, tax collectors can charge a commission for their services according to a prescribed formula.
And surely, for those who have watched Moran during his two terms as a county commissioner, it’s no surprise that when he launched his efforts for more money to do what he envisions, he saw where the money was and armed himself with arguments to justify the grab. Here are two of them:
■ His predecessor left him an antiquated, operational disaster. That’s what he says, and he has made sure to tell that to his former chums on the Sarasota County Commission.
■ He interpreted state statutes to entitle him to the money.
Over the past 16 months, he has forged ahead, determined to get his way, a well-known Moran “M-O.”
And if you watched this saga unfold as if it were a TV series,
the school board lawsuit has come about, not just because it’s about money, but because of the way Moran has gone about getting it. The issue has mushroomed into a legal battle that’s now costing taxpayers legal fees and diverting the time and money of the school district and tax collector resources.
When you know the details, it’s clear: All of this easily could have been prevented.
THE AUDIENCE REACTS
The issue surfaced publicly April 12, when Sarasota County School Superintendent Terry Connor presented a remarkable State of Education for Florida and Sarasota County at a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Connor enthralled his audience with 59 slides of data. But there was one slide that triggered a visceral reaction. The one displayed above.
Connor explained that Moran’s office was changing how the tax collector is paid — a method that had been in place for 23 years, ever since 2002, when Sarasota County taxpayers first approved the extra one-mill school tax.
During a Q&A after his remarks, you could see the news of Moran’s new school district commission incensed audience members. They couldn’t believe the tax collector was taking money away from Sarasota County’s children for the tax collector’s benefit.
Few in the audience had no idea what had been occurring since Moran took office in January 2025.
NEW CEO = CHANGE
It’s almost always the case when a new boss takes over. The new CEO wants to show his or her competence. As the cliché goes: Take it to the next level.
That means change.
If the organization is in a tailspin,
Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran has been collecting a commission on the school district’s special one-mill property tax since November — something that hasn’t been since voters approved the tax in 2002.
the CEO sees that change is needed immediately. If it’s operating successfully, the CEO has time to observe, learn and make gradual improvements.
When Moran came into the tax collector’s office, managers saw he was eager to make changes. He immediately hired Guidehouse, an international consulting firm, to do a forensics accounting analysis.
In the campaign before his election, Moran charged FordCoates with “overcharging our taxpayers.” He specifically questioned Ford-Coates’ overtime payments of $461,752 over a two- to three-year period, mostly during the COVID years.
Guidehouse reported two employees in particular — Joe Garafalo, the collector’s CFO, and Sherri Smith, deputy tax collector, worked 1,672 and 1,764 extra hours, respectively, in fiscal 2021 and 2022. That resulted in additional pay of $191,890 to Garafalo and $166,129 to Smith, according to Guidehouse.
In September 2024, during the campaign, Ford-Coates responded
HOW THE TAX COLLECTORS COMPARE
When newly elected Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran made his budget presentation to the Sarasota County Commission last July, he noted how his office was an outlier among tax collectors in similar sized counties. He said his priorities were to hire more people and update the office’s technology platforms.
to Moran’s charges in the Sarasota Observer: “During the period following the pandemic … we had employees leave to care for family members, pursue other opportunities, move to other regions, etc. This resulted in turnover at nearly four times our historic rate.
“Throughout 2023, one employee worked 75-80 hours per week because of these staffing shortages,” Coates wrote. “This was the equivalent of two jobs, and I paid the employee for the actual time worked.”
Ford-Coates rejected Moran’s indirect allegations of wrongdoing and mismanagement. “My office’s financial operations are audited each year by an independent external auditing firm, and I have always received a ‘clean’ audit with no issues or comments.”
For fiscal 2023-24, the independent auditor, Carr Riggs & Ingram wrote: “Rules of the Auditor General requires us to communicate noncompliance with provisions of contracts or grant agreements, or fraud, waste, or abuse, that have occurred, or are likely to have occurred, that have an effect on the financial statements that is less than material but warrants the attention of those charged with governance. In connection with our audit, we did not note any such findings.
“In our opinion, the Tax Collector complied, in all material respects, with Section 218.415, Florida Statutes, regarding the investment of public funds …”
While noting it does not express “an opinion on the effectiveness of the Tax Collector’s internal control,” the auditor said, “… we did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses.”
In the executive summary of its 26-page report, it said:
■ “Executive Leadership: There are instances of questionable business practices and decisions made in staff members’ own selfinterest.”
■ “Internal controls are present but need improvement” — in check, ACH & wire payments; transaction voids and reversals; and procurement (“review CFO’s purchases”).
“The practice of paying extra compensation in the manner observed to exempt employees appears to violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.” It also cited “Inconsistencies between payroll records and CFO’s explanation for extra compensation.”
This was just what Moran wanted — proof of poor management and ammunition for what was to come.
MOST EFFICIENT IN FLORIDA Here is another business and management truism: When you stay in a job more than 25 years, no matter how passionate you are, you get comfortable, develop hardto-break routines, likely become complacent, not eager to change. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Even so, under Ford-Coates’
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When Sarasota School Superintendent Terry Connor showed and explained this slide at an April 12 Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce luncheon, audience members wanted to know how they could stop this.
Andrew Warfield
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The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens
The open-air restaurant on Washington Boulevard has returned and has future plans to offer online ordering.
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER
ASarasota staple has returned after a nearly two-year closure.
The Original Hob Nob DriveIn at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. has reopened under new ownership.
Entrepreneur Troy King, who renovated the restaurant through his construction company, is the new owner. His stepson, Dimitri Syros, who co-founded local restaurant chain The Breakfast Company, is a minority partner in the venture.
Since the Hob Nob opened on April 21, “the response has been resoundingly positive!” King and Syros say in an email. “We are very pleased with our team’s ability to meet the high volume and consistently put out high-quality food with rapid turnaround time.”
A team of 20 staff has been serving up customers, King and Syros say.
On the menu are burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, a hot dog and milkshakes.
In the future, The Original Hob Nob Drive-In plans to offer online ordering.
“We are focused on meeting walkin demand for the time being. Once the opening rush levels out, we will begin taking online orders,” the owners say in an April 24 email.
“We believe online ordering is an important part of serving our guests who live and work nearby and may be dining with us in a tight window like their lunch break or daily commute,” King and Syros say. “We want folks to be able to save time by ordering online.”
The plan is to partner with thirdparty delivery services as well.
King and Syros are moving the iconic brand — which has been around nearly 70 years — into the
future while preserving what the community has cherished from its past. The eatery’s red, black and white color scheme and open-air format, for example, have been kept.
“We have loved hearing how much this brand means to the local community, and have had so much fun listening to everyone’s Hob Nob Stories,” King and Syros say.
The Hob Nob first opened in 1957. King, who grew up in Sarasota eating at the Hob Nob, later took his children there. The business closed in 2024, when previous owner Cary Spicuzza retired.
Citing the need to protect a local landmark, King announced his plans to take over the restaurant in January, with the goal of reopening in the spring. He had learned about the opportunity to bring the brand forward while he was working on renovations at the business through his construction and remodeling company, King & Sons LLC. The Karras family, which owns the property at 1701 N. Washington Blvd., leased it to King.
“We are extremely proud to be doing this with our team of friends and family,” King and Syros say of reopening the Hob Nob. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we learn this new concept, especially around parking.”
There are around a dozen parking spaces at The Original Hob Nob Drive-In. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
CHILLIN’: Jon and Suzanne Anderson at Thingvellir National Park in Iceland with a copy of the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In is back at 1701 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota.
Image via The Original Hob Nob Drive-In / Facebook
long-time tenure, the tax collector’s office clearly was not broken.
For Pete’s sake, she was elected 10 times — 10 four-year terms. Voters approved her resoundingly each time. They wouldn’t have done that if she were incompetent. Even more remarkable: Ford-Coates was a registered Democrat in a Red Sea. What’s more, thousands and thousands of Sarasotans who made trips to the tax collector’s office repeatedly encountered the unexpected: a pleasant experience at the DMV!
In the course of reporting this, everyone interviewed was universal: They exclaimed how efficiently and pleasantly the tax collector staff treated them under Ford-Coates.
Typical comments: “When you went to the DMV in New Jersey, it was the most horrible experience ever. I couldn’t believe it when I came here.”
“Barbara was obsessed with customer satisfaction,” a former tax collector staff member said. She required staff to give her a report every week on customer reviews and feedback cards.
That is what the public saw. What the public did not see was that Ford-Coates also operated one of the most financially efficient tax collector offices in the state.
Florida has 67 county tax collectors. They collect their county’s ad valorem tax payments, tourist development taxes and business taxes. They issue driver licenses, vehicle tags, boat tags, mobile home decals, disabled parking permits and title applications. They sell hunting and fishing licenses.
The tax collectors fund their operations mostly by charging commissions for collecting ad valorem taxes. They also charge fees for the other services.
The commissions are calculated according to a Legislatureapproved formula. Tax collectors commonly say the formula amounts to up to 2% on all collections.
In fiscal 2023-2024, FordCoates’ final full budget year, her office collected $1,470,442,850 in property taxes and fees for local governments. Its commissions were $21,549,909 million, or 1.4% of collections.
Once tax collectors extract their commissions to fund their operations, they send the leftover amounts, or the “excess,” back to the taxing authorities in corresponding proportions.
During Ford-Coates’ era, the Sarasota County tax collector routinely was among the state’s leaders for sending back the most money and operating the lowestcost office (see box, page 8).
In her final two fiscal years in office, Ford-Coates returned $39,257,573 to her county’s taxing authorities — far more than five other counties of similar size. And when you compare cost of operations on a per-capita basis among similarly sized counties, Ford-Coates’ office was easily the least expensive.
What? Then how could this be an operational disaster that greeted the new tax collector?
‘DEEP, CONCERNING OUTLIER’ Moran, nevertheless, painted a pernicious picture to the Sarasota County commissioners.
At a July 1, 2025, commission meeting for the 2025-2026 budget, Moran began his presentation by providing operational statistics — creating a scene that his office is inundated daily with mounds of work and transactions.
By Moran’s numbers: It’s collecting almost $2 billion a year; processing more than a million transactions a year for the state; 1,200 transactions a day; 1,600 phone calls a day; 1,200 online transactions a day; 700 pieces of
mail a day.
“I don’t know if that even really tells the story, because if any of you have been in our offices on a Monday or a Friday, these can have incredible spikes,” he told commissioners.
Then came the slides. First up: Priorities for FY 26 … “Modernize Technology!!!” it said in red letters.
“The second bullet point is the number one, two and three priority of that office is modernizing the technology,” Moran said. “We are a deep, concerning outlier in this area. For perspective, out of 67 tax collectors in the state of Florida, we are the only one that is on the software platform we’re on.”
Moran then gave commissioners a foreshadowing that in the future he may not be returning as much money to the county. “So I’m just being very cognizant that we need to have a hand-in-glove relationship when I’m using the funds to properly run that office. It could affect your excess.”
Then came more data to show how awful conditions were in the tax collector’s office — “the reality of what I’m dealing with,” he said.
He showed two charts (see one of them below) comparing his office’s staff count and expenses compared to nine other counties “that fit in the profile matching Sarasota.”
(Note: Volusia, Brevard and Pasco counties each have more than 600,000 population compared to Sarasota’s 487,000.)
“We are literally 53 full-time employees away from the average, he said. “So this affects everything. It affects turnover and burnout staff. It affects wait times. It is something I have to pay attention to and making sure we’re properly budgeting for it and planning longterm.”
On expenses, Moran told commissioners: “We are literally almost $2.9 million annually behind on operating expenses … it’s just simply an outlier.
“I’m committed to making sure I have the proper staffing and technology like any other business.”
Without context, of course, you’d say he makes a good business case. But you also could see his presentation as a setup — to get the commissioners sympathetic to his desire for more money.
On Feb. 26, 2026, in another budget meeting, Moran did it again — trashed Ford-Coates, albeit more explicit this time.
“The prior leadership was in that office for 49 years. We inherited an organization with artifacts, not office equipment … This wasn’t a forward-thinking organization. It was a museum with office hours.
“Our priority is modernization and infrastructure investment.”
Later on, Moran posted another slide for commissioners: “the onetime expenditures that I’ve had to
INFRASTRUCTURE EXPENSES
Moran presented this list to county commissioners last July in a budget hearing. He said they “are the one-time expenditures I’ve had to deal with …”
Here are excerpts from the Sarasota County School District’s complaint seeking an injunction against Sarasota County Tax Collector Mike Moran:
■ For 23 years, the Sarasota County School Board has not paid any commission to the Sarasota County tax collector on the voterapproved millage.
■ “The School Board, the electorate and the taxpayers have relied upon this long-standing practice in establishing annual budgets, in passing referendum measures and in casting their votes with the reasonable expectation that 100% of voterapproved funds would be directed to the educational purposes for which they were voted.”
■ The tax collector’s proposed diversion of these trust funds to inflate his own budget by more than one-third violates the fundamental trust-fund principle that protects the taxpayers of Sarasota County.
■ The Tax Collector should not now be permitted to inflate his budget by more than one-third on the backs of the Sarasota County electorate and schools,
■ At no point did the ballot lan-
deal with …
“I wasn’t there but a very, very short time, and the IT group came to me that our main server that runs the entire operation was well beyond its useful life and in failure. It was a $325,000 conversation.
“Of course, any reasonable person, I said, would do whatever it takes get it fixed immediately.”
What Moran did not report was that the tax collector’s office, the clerk-comptroller and property appraiser were all on the same platform and had been working with the vendor for at least three years for updates and improvements — before and after COVID. But each time the vendor provided new features, Ford-Coates’ office said the changes were unsatisfactory. “It was a valiant effort on both sides — the vendor and us,” a former staffer told us.
OK, yes, everyone knew the system was dated. But it wasn’t an “artifact.” While Ford-Coates was unsuccessful completely updating technology, the office still was working well enough to remain one of the most cost-efficient.
COMMISSIONERS GO ALONG
As Moran painted a picture of operational neglect and excessively deferred maintenance in that February meeting with county commissioners, he also made a brief reference to the issue that has now mushroomed into a lawsuit.
“Since we last met, there are two issues that we talked about through correspondence between our offices. One is the excess issue. The past tax collector administration was not distributing the annual excess as outlined in Florida statute as far back as our records can show…
“(And) the school board issue. … The Sarasota County government was paying the school board’s state-mandated commissions for approximately 23 years under the past administration. This is corrected in the last tax distribution. For reference, the FY ’25 was almost $2.2 million.”
These were two more dings at Ford-Coates.
But none of the commissioners questioned Moran on either point, showing no interest in the matters. They didn’t need to. By that time, they had already voted to approve Moran’s charging the school district a first-ever commission.
‘NO RATIONALE’
guage disclose that a portion of the voter-approved funds would be diverted to pay the Tax Collector’s commission.
■ Florida Statutes “is completely silent as to whom bears responsibility for tax commissions on voter-approved school millages … Indeed, the Tax Collector is not required to collect any commission at all and does so at his sole discretion.”
■ “… (T)he statute’s silence regarding voted school millage demonstrates a considered legislative choice not to authorize commissions on voted school millage.”
■ “(We) request that this court: Enter a permanent injunction enjoining the tax collector from collecting, withholding or retaining any commission on the voterapproved school millage levied by the Sarasota County School Board; requiring the tax collector to remit 100% of all voter-approved school millage proceeds … without deduction of any commission; requiring the return of all commissions already collected.
To read the full lawsuit, go to YourObserver.com/Opinion, “Sarasota school board lawsuit.
forward …
“I would greatly appreciate it if you could connect and come to a conclusive understanding regarding this matter, and then formally advise my office on how to proceed.
“My goal is simply to ensure that we are handling this appropriately, transparently and in alignment with both the law and the expectations of all stakeholders.”
Classic Moran — always cordial and polite, even though you sense an ulterior motive.
Sarasota School Board attorney Dan DeLeo saw through it. He was perturbed. He responded to Moran’s letter on Sept. 5. Excerpts from his 1,100-word letter:
“This office sees no rationale for the sudden and complete shift of course brought on independently, and without justification, by the newly elected Tax Collector. …
“The gross divestment of funds by the Tax Collector’s office would have real and detrimental effects on the ability of the School Board to continue to adequately provide for its students as well as employ resident staff and educators …
“Be advised the School Board takes this claim very seriously and intends to zealously defend against the unrightful taking of taxpayer dollars intended for the School Board.”
Moran responded with another email. He requested to meet face to face with Connor.
According to Connor, Moran “said if this is already moving down a legal pathway, then we can just let the lawyers take this. But if I was amenable, he said let’s have a conversation. I said, absolutely. I said the last thing we want to do is go down a legal path. So I invited him to the office.”
Moran went to Connor’s office in August 2025.
“It was very convoluted,” Connor said. “I couldn’t get a good grasp of what his stance around the issue was.”
The conversation concluded with Connor recommending Moran meet individually with the school board members. Which he did, all but Tom Edwards.
Politely and cordially, Moran informed the school board members he was just following state statutes.
The school board took no formal action.
MORAN’S OUTLIER CHART
“The reality of what I’m dealing with,” said Mike Moran. Compared to other Florida tax collectors, he said: “We are literally almost $2.9 million annually behind on operating expenses … it’s just simply an outlier.”
Indeed, Moran’s grab for school district money actually began well before the February 2026 budget meeting. It had been underway since the first half of 2025.
But his efforts took on full momentum on July 28, 2025. Moran sent Superintendent Connor and Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis a one-and-a-halfpage letter.
Subject: “Clarification on responsibility for payment of millage collection fees related to school board voter-approved levy.”
Wrote Moran: “I am requesting your assistance in determining which entity is properly responsible for the commission on the voterapproved school millage going
to pick up the tab. This needs to be passed on to the school board. They can find the money. It’s time to turn that over after 23 years.”
Commissioner Ron Cutsinger: “We appreciate the collaboration we have with the school board … This is a mistake that needs to be corrected.”
Commissioner Joe Neunder: “We appreciate the relationship with the school board, but business is business.”
With that, Moran had an important imprimatur to proceed full speed. On Sept. 4, 2025, Connor received the following letter from the county: “We’d like to inform you that the Board of County Commissioners discussed this situation at its Aug. 19 budget workshop and voted to discontinue paying this commission on the school board’s behalf beginning in fiscal year 2026.”
Said Connor: “We were like, ‘Oh my God, they just voted this.’”
‘IMMEDIATELY CEASE’
Since November 2025, Moran has been taking a commission on the district’s extra one-mill tax.
According to Connor, the first hit came in December. It was a shocker: Moran claimed $4 million. It was a mistake, but after “back and forth,” Connor said, it was corrected.
The total taken as of April 17, 2026, has been $2,055,798.05. That date is significant. School Board attorney DeLeo sent Moran a letter on that date formally demanding Moran “immediately cease collecting, withholding or retaining any commission on voterapproved school millage funds, and to return all commissions improperly diverted to date, together with any interest accrued.”
DeLeo concluded the letter: “Please be advised, however, that if this matter is not resolved within five (5) days of your receipt of this letter, the School Board may be compelled to move forward with seeking Judicial relief …
“The harm caused by the continued diversion of these trust funds is real, immediate, emergent and ongoing. As a direct result of your unauthorized taking of millage funds, the School Board has already been forced to limit employee health care benefits, roll back educational programs and implement staff reductions. Every day that passes without resolution compounds this harm to the students, teachers, and taxpayers of Sarasota County.
“We trust that this matter can be resolved cooperatively and in the best interests of the Sarasota County community.”
DeLeo invited Moran to contact him to “discuss terms of a negotiated resolution” in person or via telephone.
Moran’s response? A letter that same afternoon, via email.
He wrote that he was awaiting an opinion from the Florida attorney general, which “will likely resolve the core of this issue, potentially avoiding costly litigation and saving Sarasota County taxpayers significant resources.”
There was no phone call, no faceto-face meeting.
‘CAN WE NEGOTIATE?’
In an interview with Connor and DeLeo April 24, the question was posed: “Did Mike Moran ever say anything like this: ‘This is what I’m thinking regarding the collection of commissions. I know this is a lot of money that would affect you. Is there a way we can figure out how to work this out?’”
‘BUSINESS IS BUSINESS’ But Moran did. He sent letters to the county commissioners, making the case that the county for 23 years incorrectly had been paying the school district’s commission on the extra one-mill tax.
It worked. At an Aug. 19 budget workshop, commissioners took only 2 minutes and 40 seconds to end that 23-year practice. There was no detailed discussion about any of the ramifications to the school district or whether charging the school district was legal. They voted 5-0.
Commissioner Teresa Mast: “I don’t know if this is the right time to bring it up, but I wanted to discuss real quickly the letters that we received from our Tax Collector Mike Moran. One in particular is the $589,556 from the school board fee … I’m not interested in continuing
Connor, recalling Moran’s visit last August: “No. I asked for that. In the spirit of working collaboratively, I asked ‘Is there a glide path to something? Can we negotiate something?’ I told him our budgets were already set and approved. This $2 million will create a major significant deficiency in our budget.”
His response?
Connor: “His response was that it wasn’t his authority. It would be the county commission’s authority. He said he can’t unilaterally decide to create anything outside of what he said the statute says.”
On Friday, April 24, the school board had enough. It filed suit against Moran.
After being served Tuesday, Moran responded: “We respectfully suggested that the School Board wait until the Florida attorney general issued its opinion on the matter, which would save the taxpayers money, but apparently, they would rather spend money on attorneys than the children.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
CHAIN OF FOOLS
6:40 p.m., Zero block of Marina Plaza
Assault: A dispute between two men that allegedly began the prior night at a local venue of questionable adult repute in nearby Bradenton continued in the area of Marina Jack. What was reported as an assault was downgraded to a dispute when the complainant stated he was exiting a trolley bus when he happened upon a man with whom he had a dispute the night before. The complainant said the two had met at the lounge and, for an unexplained reason, the man wanted to take his chain — presumably of the accessory type — so he just gave it to him. Seeing the man with his chain, he told an officer, prompted him to want it returned. In an attempt to get away, the subject allegedly told the complainant he had a gun.
driving recklessly and backed up the subject’s claim that the complainant threw the water bottle at her vehicle. No rocks were seen. There were no injuries observed, no vehicle damage to report and neither party wished to press charges. Both women were then offered the sage advice to not engage in road rage and to call police to report reckless drivers rather than engaging in vigilante justice.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
FIGHT DISRUPTS COOKOUT
6:50 p.m., South Lido Park
LETTERS
City’s free events need better organization
Omgeeee!
The subject said while trying to board the trolley, the complainant attempted to extract the chains from his neck, to which he responded physically. He said he does not know the complainant, only that they crossed paths at the lounge the night before. He also denied claiming he had a gun. The incident report notes the complainant appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic as he had pinpoint pupils, was unable to focus his attention and his emotions were erratic, but did not meet the standards for the Marchman Act. The complainant then left the area and the other man, with his chains intact, was provided a courtesy transport to the Selby Library.
5:56 p.m., North Washington
Road
Dispute: Officers met with a woman at a gas station who wanted to report a dispute with another driver. The complainant stated that while driving south on North Washington Boulevard another woman driver cut her off.
After retaliating by signaling the international symbol for displeasure, she said the woman then threw rocks at her vehicle while
both were driving. She said the woman then stopped her car in front of her and told her to get out so she could forcefully apply her foot to her posterior. That’s when the complainant called 911. The subject offered a contrasting perspective of the incident, claiming she was traveling along North Washington when the complainant cut her off, displayed her middle finger and threw a bottle.
To settle the matter, officers obtained video footage from the SPD’s Real-Time Operations Center, which showed both women
Fight: When officers responded to the scene, they encountered a group of subjects having a cookout, but shouting at each other. As one of the primary antagonists was detained in cuffs, another man began yelling at officers from the parking lot and raising his middle finger into the air.
Naturally, that earned him a visit from an officer in an effort to determine the nature of his ire. While speaking with the detained subject, an officer was advised the other man had arrived and was behaving aggressively, began extending racial epithets and eventually struck him. He said he punched back in self-defense.
As officers attempted to coax a statement out of the aggressive second party, it was observed he appeared to be intoxicated, belligerent and repeatedly insulted officers. Obviously appearing incapable of cooperating with the investigation, officers detained the man under the Marchman Act and he was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
I’m still hot and furious and just plain perplexed at the two latest free, city-sponsored events in the past few weeks. I was in time at the Van Wezel’s huge parking lot (for the city’s free shredding event) a few weeks ago with three boxes filled with old business files that my offspring kept asking me why I was keeping them.
But, when it was my turn in line to tell the folks what I had in my trunk, I was told the “paper truck” was filled to capacity and could not hold any more!
Then, on April 18, I emptied my trunk and headed out to gleefully choose a free tree at that weekend’s city free event (at which the city of Sarasota was giving away 200 trees to residents).
I realized as I waited through two red lights at Sixth Street that this was going to be a very popular event, but when I saw where it was being held ... in the smallest parking lot (I’m guessing) in the city’s realm, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I reached a half-empty Van Wezel parking lot with loads of room for a temporary tree forest and eager gardeners’ automobiles! So, my obvious question running through my brain in the hot walk back, empty handed, to my car ... who on Earth at City Hall chooses and plans these events?
And, why would they choose the smallest parking lot in the city for this particular event, which was sooo awkward, hard to maneuver for all of those folks who had to park at the Van Wezel and walk back to their vehicle and tie up traffic again out to U.S. 41 when they tried to pull in to the mini lot at The Bay to load their prize free tree?
And then, to make matters worse, when I was told by the volunteer parking attendant that there were “about 200 people in line” waiting to choose their tree, I gave up and left, simmering, not from the heat, but from total amazement and disappointment at yet another city-sponsored event!
Frustrated beyond belief, JANE KIRSCHNER CITY RESIDENT SINCE 1976
SEND US YOUR LETTERS
Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Executive Editor Kat Wingert at KWingert@ YourObserver.com.
THINK 3% INFLATION ISN’T A BIG DEAL? THINK AGAIN.
Over the next decade, that ‘small’ number could raise your cost of living by 34%. The question is - is your financial plan prepared for the long-term effects of inflation?
THE COST YOU DON’T SEE
We can all see the taxes we pay, but inflation is harder to notice - even though it may be one of the most powerful forces quietly shaping your financial future. Even at a moderate rate of 3%, inflation steadily increases the cost of living while reducing the value of money that isn’t growing.
In simple terms: the same lifestyle becomes more expensive over time. At 3% inflation, prices will increase by about 34% over the next 10 years. That means something that costs $100 today could cost $134 in a decade. Over longer periods of time like retirement, the impact becomes even more significant. Inflation doesn’t make dramatic headlines, but its long-term effect is powerful.
STANDING STILL MAY
MEAN FALLING BEHIND
Many people believe inflation is something only governments or economists need to worry about. In reality, it affects financial decisions every day. Doing nothing with your money may feel safe, but overtime inflation can reduce purchasing power. When savings do not grow at a rate that keeps up with rising prices, the value of those dollars may gradually decline.
WHY INVESTING
MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Investing has typically been about building wealth. Today, it is equally about protecting your purchasing power. Over time, inflation can reduce purchasing power which is an important factor to consider when making financial decisions,
If you don’t plan for inflation your money buys less, your goals require more, and your lifestyle becomes harder to sustain. The good news is that thoughtful planning and investing can help you address the impact on your long-term financial goals and help keep you moving forward.
The key is having a strategy that considers growth objectives, risk tolerance, and long-term planning. At JL Bainbridge, we work with individuals and families to develop disciplined investment strategies designed to support both growth objectives and long-term financial security.
READY TO CHECK YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE?
If you’re wondering whether your current strategy is keeping pace with inflation, now is the time to find out. Contact JL Bainbridge today to schedule a complimentary financial review and learn more about inflation and how it can impact your wealth.
DEAL DELAYED
waterfront access.
arasota County commissioners — who, with one exception, authorized the acquisition of 2.04 acres on Stickney Point Road in February — postponed voting on a $20.77 million loan request last week, citing the need for more information. Calling it a “significant purchase,” Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger said he would like to have “staff bring back an update” on the due diligence process, which runs through May 20. He also requested preliminary designs or a concept plan for the project. Other commissioners sought clarity around whether businesses at the location could remain. The property the county plans to purchase at 1500 Stickney Point Road, known as the Boatyard, contains 21 individual parcels consisting of commercial condominiums painted red, orange, yellow, green and blue, on the mainland near the South Bridge to Siesta Key. It also includes about 700 feet of bay frontage; 390 feet of canal/boat basin access; more than 5,000 square feet of docks, boardwalks and decks; and 72 parking spaces, Interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Shawn Yeager said previously.
Commissioners voted 4-1 on Feb. 10 to acquire the property for $18.1 million as part of a $21.36 million project to create a public park with
Potential amenities could include a fishing pier, kayak launch, docks, picnic shelters, concessions, restrooms and parking, Yeager said, and the property could “serve as a hub for the ... charter boat and tour operator program” the county recently approved.
“I want to be very clear: I support prioritizing water access,” Cutsinger said at the April 21 commission meeting. “This does present a great opportunity, but I think it does merit a little deeper dive.”
DIVE IN
Cutsinger’s fellow commissioners agreed on delaying the vote on the loan to finance the project so they could see plans for the project and get more information about supporting tenant Siesta Key Watersports, which offers parasailing, wave runners and boating activities.
“I think it is prudent to ... pause a little bit (and) come back with a little further discussion on the matter,” Commissioner Joe Neunder said. About a month ago, the commissioner said, he asked the county’s legal team as well as parks and recreation staff about the potential for what he called a “win-win situation” for Siesta Key Watersports. Siesta Key Watersports has been operating for 20 years in the area. Co-owner Shawn Fontana, speaking during the public comment por-
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tion of the April 21 meeting, asked whether the business could have rights to continue operating there.
“If operations stop in mid-May right as demand is peaking,” Fontana said, then his business, its 20 employees and its clientele would have “nowhere to go.”
The property is substantial enough to support multiple activities, Fontana said, adding: “We are fully willing to reconfigure our vessels within the waterfront.”
“Anytime that the government can help the private sector out,” Neunder said, “I think that’s something ... we should be obligated to try and do.”
STICKING POINT
When Sarasota County set out to purchase the Stickney Point property from owner Big Main Street LLC (which is registered to Sarasota property investor and restaurant owner Chris Brown), one of the conditions it established for the seller was that it wanted a clean title.
In a February video about the Stickney Point acquisition, Yeager said the county would “not absorb any ... current leases or agreements.”
Despite that, multiple commissioners expressed interest in finding ways to give existing businesses a chance to operate at the property.
Fellow tenant Waves Boat & Social Club was ordered to vacate the premises by April 15.
“Waves Boat & Social Club has successfully transitioned operations from our longtime Stickney Point headquarters, where we had been based for over 17 years,” Waves President Carissa Dressel said in an April 21 email.
The business had 12 boats based there that had to be moved to some of its other locations.
“We’ve relocated boats to Phillippi Creek Marina and Venice, secured dockage in a very tight waterfront market and are excited about our new headquarters at 7628 S. Tamiami Trail,” Dressel said.
While Waves has moved its headquarters, Siesta Key Watersports remains at the Boatyard, a location that co-owner Fontana previously told commissioners was essential.
“After exhausting all possible options to relocate, there is simply
no viable alternative location, meaning closure would be unavoidable,” Fontana said Feb. 10.
Siesta Key Watersports has about 45,000 visitors annually and contributes more than $100,000 in sales tax each year, he said.
“I hate the idea that this purchase is putting people out of business,” Commissioner Tom Knight said.
Knight was the sole opponent of the acquisition in February, voicing concerns over the cost, operational funding and lack of clarity around the plans.
Since that decision, Knight added, he has heard an additional concern from constituents that the acquisition is a “$20 million purchase to resolve one issue,” finding a location for the charter boat program.
“When the staff comes back, that would be something I would be curious about,” Knight said. “How much of this (property) is going to be for that program?”
‘BUBBLE DIAGRAM’
Commissioners’ request to see plans for the property was coming early in the process, added Commissioner Mark Smith, an architect.
“Ordinarily, folks don’t do a preliminary plan until they own the property, and we don’t own the property yet, so we’ve got a little bit of the cart before the horse,” Smith said.
Commissioners agreed to postpone the vote until May 5 so they could hear more about the plans and decided to have the resolution on the $20.77 million loan categorized as a discussion item. It had previously been listed on the April 21 agenda as a consent item, which is ordinarily handled without comment.
County Administrator Jonathan Lewis tried to prepare commissioners for what they may see at their upcoming meeting.
“I just want to be clear on expectations on preliminary design,” Lewis said. The plan will be “like a bubble diagram” that is “very conceptual,” with potential uses and concepts. He noted it would not be binding.
According to the contract that commissioners approved in February, due diligence at the property must be completed by May 21, and closing should occur on or before July 10.
IS
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SPORTS
FAST BREAK
The 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala will be held May 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, where Vitale hopes to raise $12 million for pediatric cancer research via The V Foundation. Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo is this year’s recipient of the Dick Vitale Spirit Award, while Jamie Valvano — daughter of foundation co-founder Jim Valvano — will receive the John Saunders Courage Award. Other honorees include Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson and former broadcast journalist Katie Couric. Vitale, a Lakewood Ranch resident, will be in between immunotherapy treatments for his melanoma and plans to speak at the gala. ... Sarasota boys weightlifting raked in medals at the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 6 championship April 25 at Lake Gibson High School. In Olympic style, five different Sailors won gold — senior Chris Schrum (139-pound weight class), junior Andrew Choate (154), senior Nick Migliaccio (169), senior Ty Drobney (183) and senior Jackson Costlow (199). Migliaccio also won the title for Traditional style in his weight class. Senior Vance Freeman topped the podium for Traditional style too, but at 119 pounds. The 3A state championship is scheduled for 10 a.m. May 7 at RP Funding Center’s Jenkins Arena.
... Cardinal Mooney baseball (23-3), as the No. 3 seed, ousted No. 6 seed Bishop McLaughlin Catholic 4-2 in the 2A-3 regional quarterfinals April 25. The Cougars — 2A11 district champions — are red-hot, having won 17 games in a row dating back to March 3. Next up is a best-of-three road series against No. 2 seed Tampa Catholic in the regional semifinals, starting with Game 1 at 7 p.m. May 1.
... Both Cardinal Mooney boys and girls lacrosse advanced to the 1A-3 regional semifinals. The No. 3-seeded girls (15-3) knocked out No. 6 seed Gulf Coast 14-7 on April 22, while the No. 4-seeded boys (11-7) eliminated No. 5 seed Berkeley Prep 10-4 on April 21. After the Sarasota/ Siesta Key Observer’s deadline, the girls and boys were scheduled to face No. 2 seed Bradenton Christian on April 29 and No. 1 seed Community School of Naples on April 28, respectively.
“Volleyball is fun. You just jump high, hit the ball hard (and) get mad.”
SHIP SUNK
Bats go quiet for Sarasota baseball as season comes to early end.
JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
Extra-base hits came at a premium for the Sailors this season. So did home runs, which were rare occurrences without sluggers in their lineup.
Lacking power at the plate, they sought a different means to be a winning team. “Gritty” thus became their approach to the game, per Mark Metcalf.
“That’s what’s been the story all year — find a way or make a way,” said the senior infielder.
No matter the way, no matter the margin, the Sailors were happy to add wins to their resume whenever possible.
But grit failed them in the end. With their season on the line, they never found a way.
No. 2 seed Sarasota High baseball (19-8) was ousted by No. 7 seed Plant City (17-10) in the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 quarterfinals, losing 3-1, on its own diamond April 24.
The Sailors carried a 1-0 lead into the seventh inning but surrendered three runs to the Raiders.
That left the hosts with three outs to force extra innings.
On a night when their bats had gone quiet — producing just three hits — they couldn’t do so.
It marks the fifth time in six seasons Sarasota lost in the regional tournament, with 2025’s regional semifinalist finish being the sole
“They’re a hardworking group,” said coach Sterling Pell before the regional quarterfinal.
“They want to win, they want to learn (and) they want to be taught. They’re eager to get out here every single
day, and that’s refreshing for me.”
Months before its early postseason exit, Sarasota thrived.
Pell oversaw an 8-0 start in his first year at the helm. Unbeaten in February, the Sailors defeated opponents by an average of 7.6 runs per game while allowing no more than one run on five occasions during that stretch.
Former coach Greg Mulhollen had stepped down before the season because of health-related concerns.
That opened the door for Pell, one of his assistants, to toss in his resume for the job.
It became his first high school gig since serving as an assistant for Cardinal Gibbons baseball from 200717. More recently, he fine-tuned his tutelage at the NJCAA Division I level from 2021-25 as an assistant for Chipola College baseball.
He saw promise when assessing the Sailors’ situation before the 2026 season.
“The talent on the field was definitely easy to see, and the camaraderie between them,” Pell said. “We have 13 seniors ... you could tell it was led by them. You could just step in, observe, look at what they’re doing and see where you fit in.”
The winning start that ensued was a product of hot hitting. Three or four Sailors batted over .400 during that stretch, per Pell.
Sarasota’s top-three hitters from 2025 all returned in the forms of senior shortstop/second baseman Patrick Drymon, Metcalf and junior infielder/right-hander Braedon Mackay. They had posted batting averages of .378, .361 and .309, respectively, that year.
As a junior, Mackay — committed to Florida — improved to .350 at the plate. Metcalf stayed steady at .360 this season while Drymon dropped dramatically to .208.
Kole Ayrault was a revelation. After contributing three hits and four RBIs in 2025, the first baseman/outfielder led the Sailors with 32 hits and batted .390 as a senior.
“I’ve just been keeping it simple,” Ayrault said. “Coach Pell has helped me a lot — he really believes in me. Keep my approach, stay with line drives, trust in myself and trust in God.”
A heap of injuries to the pitching staff, though, put a strain on the Sailors.
Four or five arms that the team depended on in the past, per Pell, were unavailable at points through-
out this campaign. The loss of Cesar Garmendia was a particularly big blow.
Injured in his first appearance of 2026, the senior right-hander never returned to the mound. He was their top option as a junior with a 1.02 ERA across 54.2 innings pitched — best among those with 10 or more appearances.
When all was said and done, the Sailors had 10 different players throw a pitch this season. Freshman left-hander Mason Moeller threw the most innings of anyone en route to a 3.12 ERA.
“We had some guys go down. It’s next man up. Here’s the opportunity for you,” Pell said. “That’s basically the way it goes ... You just see who’s got the hot hand and roll with it.”
Sarasota stood tall at 18-4 on April 8, but lost four of its final five games, including to Venice on April 17 in the 7A-8 district championship.
In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the eight-time state champions still have yet to claim a district title. They haven’t reached the regional finals in that time, either.
Pitching held down the fort against Plant City for six innings in the regional quarterfinal. That granted Sarasota time to be “gritty” and build a lead.
But after a sacrifice fly from Mackay sent Metcalf across the plate in the first inning, no more Sailors would score. There was no last-ditch rally in the bottom of the seventh.
They’ve found their way into an early offseason.
PAST FINISHES FOR SARASOTA BASEBALL
2025: 22-8-1 record, reached district championship, reached regional semifinals
2024: 9-17 record, reached district quarterfinals, did not reach regional tournament
2023: 21-9 record, reached district semifinals, reached regional quarterfinals
2022: 18-8 record, reached district championship, reached regional quarterfinals
2021: 17-11 record, reached district championship, reached regional quarterfinals
— Cale Zeltwanger, Sarasota Christian boys volleyball SEE PAGE 22A
Jack Nelson John Saputo, Denise Saputo, Lorraine Vitale and Dick Vitale at the March
Mayhem fundraiser March 28. Vitale — amid his fifth cancer battle — hosts his annual gala on Friday.
Mark Metcalf breaks his bat on a swing. He accounted for the Sailors’ only run in the regional quarterfinal, scoring in the bottom of the first inning.
Sarasota baseball players watch from their dugout during the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 quarterfinal April 24 against Plant City. Despite holding the No. 2 seed, the Sailors went one-and-done in the regional tournament.
Photos by Jack Nelson
Kole Ayrault prepares to field a grounder at first base. He was Sarasota’s top hitter this season, but facing Plant City, went 0-for-3 at the plate.
Hamlet Perez roars after a strikeout. The senior left-hander surrendered five hits but struck out seven batters in six innings pitched April 24.
New bling signals new beginning
Cardinal Mooney football received its 2025 state championship rings ahead of spring workouts.
ather Michael Scheip lowered the microphone, placing it on the table before him. He picked up a bottle of holy water and looked out at the crowd.
Across from him sat rows and rows of Cardinal Mooney football players. He had just spoken to them about the significance of their achievement.
Before sprinkling holy water to bless their championship rings, Scheip shared where it came from — Ireland. It was “top shelf,” he said. That was all-too appropriate. A top team warrants top treatment.
In an April 23 ceremony, the Cougars were presented with championship rings to commemorate their 2025 FHSAA Class 2A state title.
The team defeated Jacksonville Bolles 52-28 on Dec. 10 to secure the third crown in program history.
“It’s hard to think about this team without thinking about how talented they were,” said coach Jared Clark. “There’s no question that this is the most talented team in the history of Cardinal Mooney.”
Talent shined in how the Cougars handled their competition. They didn’t just defeat opponents — they dismantled them.
Cardinal Mooney posted a 14-1 record last season, losing only to Cherry Creek of Colorado. It piled on an average of 45.3 points and allowed just 13.1 per game.
Power Four prospects featured heavily on both sides of the ball, including defensive end Elijah Golden and wide receiver Kymistrii Young, who are now at Notre Dame and North Carolina, respectively.
April 23 served as the team’s coronation. It was the moment they dreamed about, sliding comically large rings onto their fingers.
But it was also a bejeweled precursor for what’s to come.
Spring practices began April 27 for the Cougars and will run through May 20. A referee scrimmage is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 8 against Manatee and Port Char-
Davin Davidson was a first-time starter under center in 2025. Now committed to Florida entering his senior year, he’ll be a major cog in the Cougars’ back-to-back quest.
lotte, staged at Austin Smithers Stadium.
A spring jamboree will also be held May 21 at Ave Maria University, where Cardinal Mooney will play True North Classical Academy and St. John Neumann, starting at 6 p.m.
It’s time to focus on Cougars of the present rather than Cougars of the past.
“We turned the page a long time ago,” Clark said. “We’re going to continue to build our culture. We created a standard, and continue to push that standard and make sure everybody lives up to that.”
Defensively, the team will have a new and powerful presence in the trenches — rising senior defensive lineman Kaleb Exume. He’s a threestar recruit, per 247Sports, and committed to Louisville on April 19.
This fall will be his first and only season with Cardinal Mooney. He played for Parrish Community in 2025, racking up a team-high 22.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.
And claiming the Cougars will boast one of the best backfields in the state this fall is no understatement.
Running back Connail Jackson, who tallied 2,452 yards and 39 touchdowns on the ground, will be back for his senior campaign. Pushing himself to the next level won’t be an easy task after a monstrous junior year.
Toryeon James enters the picture alongside him. Transferring in from Riverview, he was responsible for 1,941 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior running back for the Rams last season.
Additions to the roster should be welcomed following the loss of a senior class which constituted 44.6% of the Cougars’ roster.
“I don’t think it’s going to be that tough. I trust our team,” said rising junior tackle Jackson Snelling. “The kids that we have right now are still going to be really good, and
we’ll have another chance of being a really good squad.”
Cardinal Mooney’s signal caller was the talk of the town this offseason.
Rising senior quarterback Davin Davidson, a four-star recruit per 247Sports, held 32 NCAA Division I offers. He named Auburn, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky finalists.
He ultimately committed to the Gators on April 9. College distractions won’t be an issue for him as preparations for this fall continue.
“I’m just ready to get back on the field and play again. It’s been too long,” Davidson said. “It’s not the same team we had last year, seniority-wise, but a lot of young kids are playmakers and they’re ready to go.”
The ultimate goal is, of course, back-to-back state titles. That’s an exceedingly difficult feat in today’s chaotic statewide landscape of high school football.
But this won’t be Clark’s first rodeo. He attempted it in 2024, coaching the Cougars to the 2A
state semifinals en route to a 12-1 finish.
He learned how hard it is to defend the throne.
“It’s really important to pay attention to all the little things — pay attention to detail,” Clark said. “This is a process ... don’t get ahead of yourself, build from the ground up.”
Cardinal Mooney has a long way to go before scheduling another ring ceremony. More diamond-encrusted hardware will have to be earned first, beginning this spring. Until then, the team can dream about even higher-shelf holy water, if there is such a thing.
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
Photos by Jack Nelson
Coach Jared Clark shows off his 2023 (left) and 2025 state championship rings. He’s guided Cardinal Mooney to a 52-22 record since taking over ahead of the 2020 season.
Omelet Bar, Scrambled Eggs and Eggs Benedict
Composed Salad Station with Antipasto, Smoked Salmon, Shrimp Cocktail Waffle Bar with Toppings, Fruit Display with Melons, Pineapple, Grapes & Berries
Chef Carved Beef Striploin and Smoked Ham Over Roasted Salmon with Champagne Dill Beurre Blanc Herbed Rice Pilaf and Butter Chive Mashed Potatoes with gravy, Market vegetables
If you would like to make a recommendation for the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Jack Nelson at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
Sarasota Christian boys volleyball (14-5) lost, 3-2, to Keswick Christian (8-12) in the FHSAA Class 1A-District 4 championship April 24, but it featured another winning performance by Cale Zeltwanger. The junior outside hitter notched 20 kills and 18 digs — both team highs — despite the Blazers’ defeat. On the season, he boasts 271 receptions, 251 kills and 194 digs, which all rank as most among his teammates. Zeltwanger is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.
What do you attribute your success to?
We’re all buddies out there. We’re all playing for each other, and volleyball is just really enjoyable. We’ve got a good, strong connection on who’s getting the ball, when and where it’s going — and to know when the ball is getting set to you or not.
What has this team focused on recently in practice for the postseason?
We’re focused on the middle stuff in our game, where it’s in between free ball and serve/receive. We’re all multisport athletes for the most part.
What were your goals entering this season?
I wanted to win the district championship. That was a big goal. Didn’t get it done, sadly. I wanted to win a regional game, too, but I also wanted to have a really good record for the seniors.
When and why did you start playing volleyball?
When I came here my freshman year, and I heard they were thinking about starting a (boys) volleyball team. I had played volleyball before and was like, “That sounds amazing. I’m not doing a spring sport, so let’s give her a try.” I loved it — so fun. I actually started with a sprained right wrist my first year, so I played left-handed.
After all these years, why have you stuck with this sport?
Volleyball is fun. You just jump high, hit the ball hard (and) get mad.
What’s a fun fact about you not many people know? I like to go scuba diving. Mainly down here, off the coast, wherever.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Stephen Curry, 100%. Ever since I was little, I’ve seen him as a great shooter. He’s a smaller guy, and when I was growing up, I wasn’t the biggest. It was inspirational to see him be able to do so much even though he wasn’t very big.
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?
Probably eggs, because you could do so much with it. You could have them in a casserole or scrambled or sunny side up.
What music gets you in the zone during practice or before a game?
I don’t listen to any.
Finish this sentence.
Cale Zeltwanger is ... Determined.
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JINGLE JEAN THE SWIMMING QUEEN
Soon-to-be 100-year-old continues her passion in the water.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Jean Craig Flynn has seen lots of changes in the world.
She remembers when a horse-drawn rig would deliver ice for the ice box, and when a milkman made regular visits.
But at least one thing has remained constant over the last few decades: swimming.
On most days, the Siesta Key resident swims 27 to 30 pool lengths of about 65 feet. She’s turning 100 on May 7, and while she says age may have slowed her, she still enjoys it.
In fact, she believes swimming, a pursuit that has earned her the nickname “Jingle Jean, the Swimming Queen,” is behind her longevity.
Flynn notes an article she read stating that swimming is the best activity a person can do for their mind. But she says what draws her is “the feeling, the reward you get.”
“One of my friends says, ‘Oh Jean, aren’t you exhausted?’ And I said, ‘No, I feel like I could fight a tiger,’” she said. “It gives you energy, and it also releases any of the tension that you’ve got, and problems.”
HAPPINESS IN THE WATER
It was later in her life that Flynn began swimming regularly.
It started at a cottage her family had purchased when she was 14, at Higgins Lake, Michigan, a place famous for its turquoise waters.
She was staying there after the death of her husband, Dick Craig, in 2003, after they had been married 53 years. (She later married Hal Flynn.)
She was still grieving when she went for a swim in the lake and realized she felt better.
From there, she began increasing her distance.
She began swimming laps at the fitness club in her home of Grand Blanc, Michigan.
“I walked both my hips off, so then I had to do something else,” she said of double hip replacement in 2007.
‘No, I feel like I could fight a tiger. It gives you energy, and it also releases any of the tension that you’ve got, and problems.”
Jean Craig Flynn
The first time in the pool, she was out of breath after half a length, but she worked up to 53 lengths. She just wanted to see how far she could go.
Her son, Jim Craig, says he has a competitive spirit he might have inherited from her. Flynn says swimming doesn’t have to be competitive.
“There might be two fellows, one on both sides of me, and they’re just going like blazes, right past you, and you don’t care,” she said. “You just are doing your thing. He’s doing his thing, this fellow is doing his thing ... but I just wanted to see how many I could do and still feel good.”
She also says swimming has been “wonderful therapy.”
“You could get on the steps and think, ‘Oh, I have 10 things that are really bugging me,’ and you get in the pool and you swim for about maybe 15-20 minutes — I always swam about an hour — if you get out you say, what was I thinking? What was I worried about?… It just vanishes.”
Another bright aspect has been the people she calls her “pool pals.”
She says in Grand Blanc, where the pool is adjacent to a hospital, she has met people including doctors.
“It’s just fun to have that association with a lot of people that you never would run across,” she said.
She exchanges texts with some of her pool pals. One helps count laps.
Other friends kept a watchful eye, including a couple of girls who would stand at the end of the pool, watching for kids crossing into Jean’s lane.
“One of them had a whistle, and she’d blow it and she’d say, ‘Out of the lane,’” she said. “She was so funny.”
She and Dick Craig settled on Siesta Key. Many of their friends from the Flint, Michigan, area also lived there, and since 1996, she has been a resident of Gulf & Bay Club.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Flynn says it’s hard to comprehend her milestone birthday, stating, “I feel like I’m about maybe 70.”
She credits her faith in God as a reason for her longevity.
“I’ve always depended on him to look after me, and I’ve just had a lot of trust in him, and I’m thankful that he’s let me stay on this earth this long, given me all these blessings,” she said, noting her three children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
A couple of bouts with COVID over the past two years set her back, a her to rebuild her strength.
She says during a time when swimming becomes difficult, she pushes through for the “ice cream at the end
SPREADING SONG
Indeed, there’s more to the story of the “jingle” in “Jingle Jean” than swimming. She says her career involved “being a mother and singing,” with work in oratorio and opera. After her three children left home, she began looking for something else to do.
She talked to her friend, Pat Moore, a music teacher, who said she was ready to start a singing telegram business they had previously discussed.
They started the business Jingle Belles, for which she would compose jingles for telegram recipients. Flynn says she found the enterprise fulfilling because of her love of music and creating poetry.
“We’d go into homes. We’d go into hospitals. We’d go into restaurants, any place that would let us come in the door, we sang,” she said. Their standard uniforms included epaulettes and gold buttons, but the telegrams grew to involve costumes, including gorillas, Superman and Miss Piggy.
She was once hired by a vice president of General Motors to sing for the company’s president at a Detroit Christmas party.
She entertained guests with a musical RSVP from another vice president who was in the hospital, saying he was sorry he could not attend the party.
She also, almost, had the chance to present a jingle to Ronald Reagan, although security prevented them from taking the stage.
of the trail.”
“The one thing I think that you have to think about when you get to be this age: It would be fun to be able to go out and romp around, because I always like to be active and jump around and ride bicycles and that type of thing, but you sort of have to go with the flow, and you’ve got to recognize that your body is just sort of slowing down and, and you’ve got to accept that fact,” she said. “If you don’t, you’re going to be miserable.”
Her mindset has managed to inspire at least one other.
Her neighbor, Heidi Kreiner-Ley, who is turning 70 this year, says after the foundation was poured for her new home in Toronto , the first thing she did was go to a pool company.
She says her friends also share her admiration for Flynn.
“We all agree we’re going to be more like Jean, all of us, because obviously she’s got the formula down to get to be 100,” she said. That formula? “Spreading joy, happiness and gratitude.”
Jean Craig Flynn stands at the pool deck.
Jean Craig Flynn swims a length in the pool.
Courtesy image
Singing telegram recipient Charles Sheridan stands with Jean Craig Flynn and Pat Moore.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Lacing up for learning
ianna Ferrazzani is training for a marathon, but she thought the Education Foundation’s Ringling Bridge Run would offer a way to prepare. She came in as first place overall female winner during the 10K race at the event, which was held April 26.
“There’s a lot of really competitive runners today, and a lot of fast women that ran today, which was great,” she said. “I think it’s great to see people who respect the sport and people who do train really hard to make (personal records) or whatever goal they’re trying to reach.”
The event also offered a 5K, which, like the 10K, started and ended at The Bay, while crossing over the John Ringling Causeway, as well as a family fun run.
Ferrazzani said she also appreciated the event’s cause, with its mission of raising funds for education and making it more accessible to “children and people who need advocates” and those who need support.
Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the foundation, said about 1,300 people turned out for the event, the largest ever participation across the three years it has been held, also noting the participation of local schools.
She said the goal for next year is 2,000 runners.
Funds go toward the foundation’s causes, including providing teachers with grants and supporting students with workshops, mentoring and coaching.
“It is very humbling when you see how much our community cares about students and teachers, and you see it up close and personal, and being able to just do it all together collectively is what makes it so special,” she said. —
IAN SWABY
Photos by Ian Swaby
First place overall female Kianna Ferrazzani heads across the Ringling Bridge.
Laura Ansel, Hunter Carpenter and Kim Livengood celebrate finishing the race.
Mirfed Perez heads up the Ringling Bridge.
Heather Ferrigno and Kerri Deatherage reach the finish line.
Freedom Hammond heads up the Ringling Bridge.
Arts support gets cooking
programs are often the first to be cut, says Jennifer McPheeters, president of Southside School Foundation for the Arts.
That’s why, she says, the foundation’s purpose is to make sure that regardless of circumstances, arts education at Southside Elementary School continues.
To meet that goal, the foundation invited the community for the fourth annual Cooking for the Arts event on April 24.
Led by celebrity chefs Phil Mancini and Jamil Pineda, attendees cooked and enjoyed their own gourmet meals.
The organization supports the arts in ways that include paying the salary of the school’s dance instructor; covering costs for three plays, three ballet performances and jazz performances; and recently, a new keyboard for music education.
Last year’s event raised over $100,000.
“There are all sorts of statistics about children that are exposed to the arts, learn better, behave better, succeed more,” McPheeters said. “There’s a very clear correlation between arts education and future success, and we want all of our kids to have that.”
Towering 331 feet, more than 100 feet taller than any other building in the neighborhood on North Palm Avenue.
Dear City Commissioners,
On May 13, 2025, you voted 4-1 to stop this superstructure—just 14 condo units—on a tiny North Palm Avenue lot. We were grateful.
Now the developer is back, citing an obscure Florida statute and a mediated settlement that recommends approval.
This is not a better proposal.
To make room for deliveries to the skyscraper, the developer would remove city trees and narrow the sidewalk to create a 10’ x 26’ loading zone on North Palm Avenue.
This is outrageous. You already rejected this megatower because:
• It violates key land development regulations;
• It conflicts with the Sarasota City Plan, as amended;
• Its density, scale, and height are out of character and do not mitigate impacts;
• It fails to ensure safe, adequate vehicular and pedestrian access and traffic circulation.
It also still doesn’t resolve the prior required adjustments (full retail frontage, facades, and habitable space). Now it wants the City to narrow a public sidewalk for its own street loading zone.
This tower has faced strong citizen opposition. It exploits a loophole to rise roughly four stories above what an 18-story building would typically allow and remains out of scale for this site. It’s the wrong building in the wrong place.
On May 4th, we urge you to DENY this proposal again. Thank you.
— IAN SWABY
Photos by Ian Swaby
Molly Biter, Winfred Van Workum and Katie Moulton get the meal sizzling.
Nikki Sedacca and Margaret Wise cook some seafood.
Star Connor and her husband, Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor, enjoy the meal.
Forecaster is wary of storm outlook
Climate Adaptation Center predicts a total of two major hurricanes this season.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
As the Climate Adaptation Center unveiled its annual hurricane forecast, an audience member called out from the crowd: “We’ll take it.”
The organization revealed the prediction of 12 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes during the Hurricane Season Forecast Day hosted at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus.
The local nonprofit has repeatedly claimed its forecast is the most accurate in the nation.
Last year’s forecast predicted 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, compared with the actual 13 named storms, five hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.
The 2024 forecast predicted 24 named storms, 12 hurricanes and six major hurricanes, with an actual 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes and five major hurricanes.
EYE ON THE SEASON
Bob Bunting, CEO and chairman of the Climate Adaptation Center, emphasized that while the numbers of storm may have dipped, resilience against storms remains important.
He noted a record 23 cases of rapid storm intensification last year because of rising sea surface temperatures.
“It’s waiting to happen. The right ingredients have to come together. And if you look at this year, it’s not that much different,” he said.
Bunting, who is also a scientist, reviewed the range of factors that determine the forecast, and said warm sea surface temperatures topped the list.
He said warm temperatures are expected to continue in the Atlantic, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, making rapid intensification more likely.
However, Bunting also noted that there is currently an El Niño climate pattern forming in the Pacific, which is usually associated with a milder hurricane season in the Gulf.
In fact, he said the models forecast an El Niño with no likelihood of the opposite phase, La Niña, with a “Super El Niño” even being a possibility.
“When we have a La Niña, we have more hurricanes. When we have an El Niño, we really have a lot less, but the key thing is, it’s not zero, and in the age of rapidly developing storms because of the warm water, we can have major hurricanes, even if there aren’t many,” he said.
“We don’t need a direct hit by a hurricane to have major impacts here. That is the takeaway.”
Bob Bunting
Bunting said that as hurricane season goes on, El Niño becomes stronger, which means the early season will be most conducive to storms.
Bunting also noted that this year, the Bermuda-Azores High, a major steering mechanism for Atlantic hurricanes, has two different locations, one in the area of Bermuda, and another in the area of the Azores.
“That’s supportive of whatever does form moving closer to the United States,” he said.
While Sahara dust helps prevent the formation of storms, he noted predictions of excessive rainfall in Africa this year, which would indicate the amount of dust in the Atlantic will be reduced.
He said this would be a concern,
especially for June, which might be a month with a named storm in the Gulf.
He said in July, the south Texas coast, the coast of Mexico and the north Atlantic could be favored areas for development. September would involve the storm-reducing wind shear of El Niño arriving “in a big way,” Bunting said, but also a warm loop current in the Gulf, which could still produce storms.
“I am a bit worried about late August and early September as being sort of an opportunity for a hurricane in the Gulf, and these are the kinds
that can spin up very quickly, and it sort of reminds me a little bit of what Milton really looked like because we had a lot of sheer north of the hurricane,” he said.
Bunting emphasized that even if storms do not directly impact Sarasota, there is still the potential for major damage. He noted 3.5 to 5.5 feet of storm surge from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, as well as 6.7 feet of storm surge from Hurricane Helene.
“We don’t need a direct hit by a hurricane to have major impacts here. That is the takeaway,” he said.
Ian Swaby
Bob Bunting talks about this season’s hurricane forecast.
SATURDAY, MAY 2 TO SUNDAY, MAY 3 6TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN
SARASOTA SPRING CRAFT FAIR
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
SUNDAYS AT THE BAY
FEATURING SPEAK EASY
6-7 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. This week’s artist is the four-part multigenre band Speak Easy. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
ANIMAL RESCUE COALITION
WALK
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Payne Park, 2010 Adams Lane. Free. This walk hosted by ARC Spay & Neuter Specialists raises funds for the mission of affordable spay and neuter services. The event welcomes families and dogs and will be followed by food trucks, free dog treats and dog and cat raffle baskets. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
MONDAY, MAY 4
FLORIDA REFLECTIONS: THE 14TH COLONY THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION’S BEST KEPT SECRET
6-7 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Historian and author Roger Smith leads this dis-
BEST BET FRIDAY, MAY 1
BACK TO THE ’80S
7-0 p.m. at South Palm Ave. Free. At this Fresh Fridays block party, enjoy a throwback that includes a live band playing ’80s hits, and attendees wearing ’80s-inspired costumes. Local downtown vendors will be offering drinks and bites to eat. Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
cussion on Florida’s overlooked role in the American Revolution. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
FLORIDA ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL: ‘SAVING
FLORIDA’S SPRINGS’
5:30-7:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Enjoy a screening of “Saving Florida’s Springs” (39 minutes) by the Florida Environmental Film Festival. This documentary explores the history, beauty, and growing threats facing Florida’s springs, and their connection to the Floridan Aquifer. It is the second installment in The Global Connection documentary series. Visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
CINEMA AT THE BAY: ‘FARGO’
7:30-9:15 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at The Bay with a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the black comedy crime film “Fargo” (R). Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
YOUR CALENDAR
Courtesy image
Golden Gate Point condo tops
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Richard Perlman and Ellen Hanson, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 4 and 5 condominiums at 280 Golden Gate Point to Amy Katz, trustee, of Sarasota, for $7.5 million. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, five-andtwo-half baths and 7,645 square feet of living area. They sold for $7.79 million in 2017.
Mango Trail LLC, trustee, sold the home at 4050 Camino Real to Sama Haghighi, of Ontario, Canada, for $3,888,900. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,586 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,638,200 in 2024.
HARTSDALE
Erin Zamoff, trustee, of Edina, Minnesota, sold the home at 1843 Morris St. to William Hicks, trustee, of Sarasota, for $3.4 million. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,408 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,396,000 in 2023.
SAN REMO ESTATES
Candace McClure, trustee, of Palmetto, sold the home at 1386 Tangier Way to M&J Pham Development LLC for $3.15 million. Built in 1957, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,349 square feet of living area.
BAYSO SARASOTA
Carragher Hall Holdings LLC sold the Unit 701 condominium at 301 Quay Commons to Arturo Vladimir Tafur, of Brea, California, for $2,875,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,635,500 in 2023.
MAJESTIC BAY
Carol Beeler, trustee, sold the Unit 801 condominium at 258 Golden Gate Point to Jonathan Yunis and Hilary Yunis, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.8 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2013.
OYSTER BAY ESTATES
RJJM LLC sold the home at 1801 Field Road to Tracie Volder Kimiayi, of Sarasota, for $2.55 million. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,030 square feet of living area.
SOUTH GATE
Gary’s Roofing LLC sold the home at 2413 Clematis St. to Alexander and Jennifer Pacheco, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,922 square feet of living area.
GOLDEN BAY
Francis and Manon Graves, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 22
condominium at 166 Golden Gate
Point to Sean and Andrea Bagan, of Sarasota, for $1.95 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,130 square feet of living area. It sold for $730,000 in 2010.
THE TOWER RESIDENCES
Patricia Ann Santucci, trustee, of Sanibel, sold the Unit 503 condominium at 35 Watergate Drive to Robert and Aimee White, of Columbus, Ohio, for $1,925,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,985 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.85 million in 2022.
SARASOTA BAY CLUB
Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 620 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Laurance and Barbara Newman, of Sarasota, for $1.75 million. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,849 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.38 million in 2023.
MARK SARASOTA
Anita Ochab and Regina Vandroff, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 511 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to John Hein, trustee, of Chicago, for $1.35 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,482 square feet of living area. It sold for $928,400 in 2019.
SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS
Michael Jett and James Fagan, of Sarasota, sold their home at 66 Marlin Drive to Alan Jay Kaplan and Tatyana Kaplan, of Sarasota, for $1.32 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,817 square feet of living area. It sold for $470,000 in 2020.
332 COCOANUT
David Box, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, sold the Unit 508 condominium at 1338 Fourth St. to Deborah Wells, trustee, of Pittsburgh, for $965,000. Built in 2021, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,117 square feet of living area. It sold for $808,900 in 2021.
RIVERWOOD PARK
Evan Feinberg and Leslie Feinberg, trustees, of Los Angeles, sold the home at 4771 Riverwood Circle to Michele Stefani Belanger, trustee, of Sarasota, for $870,000. Built in 1964, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,866 square feet of living area. It sold for $205,000 in 1995.
PAYNE PARK VILLAGE
Timothy Francis Curtin and Bridget Barbara Curtin, of Sarasota, sold their home at 399 Gowdy Road to Harry and Sandra Jannetta, of Sarasota, for $750,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,050 square feet of living area. It sold for $830,000 in 2023.
ESSEX HOUSE Patricia and Adam Dunn sold their Unit 604 condominium at 707 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Peter Mathews Sprague, of Sarasota, for $705,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,262 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2022.
See more transactions at YourObserver.com.
Other top sales by area
SIESTA KEY: $4 MILLION
Bay Island Shores Rose Allison, trustee, sold the home at 878 Freeling Drive to Michael Griffith, trustee, of Sarasota, for $4 million. Built in 1953, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,866 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.6 million in 2007.
PALMER RANCH: $2.71 MILLION
Beneva Oaks
Grant Castilow and Tracee Murphy sold their home at 3709 Beneva Oaks Way to Robert and Kathryn Vorisek, of Sarasota, for $2.71 million. Built in 1985, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,206 square feet of living area. It sold for $712,000 in 2021.
OSPREY: $1,495,000
Oaks II
Sandra Webber, of Greenfield, Indiana, sold her home at 554 Dove Pointe to Carlos and Milinda Crawford, of Osprey, for $1,495,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,501 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,605,000 in 2022.
NOKOMIS: $3.25 MILLION
Casey Key
Karl and Kathy Grass, trustees, sold the home at 409 Casey Key Road to Andrea Burdekin and Edward Steven Burdekin, of Fayetteville, Georgia, for $3.25 million. Built in 1947, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,680 square feet of living area. It sold for $292,500 in 1995.
Ian Swaby The home at 878 Freeling Drive on Siesta Key was built in 1953 and has four bed-
