n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 3, South County Administration Building, 4000 S, Tamiami Trail, Venice. n Sarasota County Commission budget workshop — 9 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, Commission Chamber, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd.
“I
recommend that we just get going.”
City Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, on the lengthy discussion about the order of proceedings for the Mira Mar development prior to the start of the hearing. Read more on page 3A
Sarasota metro tops home ownership list
Despite its affordable housing challenges, a study by financial services website
SmartAsset ranks the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metropolitan statistical area as No. 1 among all metros in the country, regardless of size, in residents who own their homes.
SmartAsset ranked 75 U.S. metro areas based on the rate of home ownership to better understand where residents intend to stay and invest. North Port-BradentonSarasota joined Rochester, New York as the only metros across
the U.S. with an ownership rate higher than 80% among all its residents in the first quarter of 2025, at 82.3% and 81.9%, respectively. This while the local metro ownership rate fell 0.9% from the first quarter of 2024 as Rochester gained 6.4% over the same period.
In addition to slipping nearly 1% over 2024, SmartAsset rates the “typical home value” in 2025 at $430,197, more than $30,000 less than the $461,635 value in 2024. Following North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota and Rochester
among the top 10 markets are: Cape Coral-Fort Myers, 78.2%; Albuquerque, New Mexico, 76.4%; Charleston-North Charleston-Summervile, South Carolina, 75.4%; Allentown-Bethlehem, Easton, Pennsylvania/ New Jersey, 74.2%; Columbia, South Carolina, 74.0%; Syracuse, New York, 73.4%; Grand RapidsWyoming/Michigan; 73.1%; and Cincinnati, Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana, 73.1%.
To view the entire report visit smartasset,com.
Barancik Foundation grants $6 million
The governing board of directors for Sarasota’s Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently approved $6 million in grant funding in four areas: arts and culture, humanitarian causes, education, and the environment.
The grants are: Barancik Foundation’s Early Learning Initiative, $900,000; Operation Warrior Resolution, $850,000: Teacher recruitment, retention and recognition initiative, $750,000; Suncoast Science Center, $450,000; FUNducation, $400,000; Help to Home, $375,000; Family Promise of South Sarasota County, $350,000; Bridge a Life, $300,000; We Care Manatee, $300,000; Manatee Education Foundation, $250,000; Art Center Sarasota, $250,000; Sarasota Music Conservatory, $230,000; Ability to Include, $150,000; and SunCoast Blood Centers, $85,000.
Barancik Foundation will also direct $205,000 to seed a mental health fund from which it will direct grants to fill gaps in mental health services. It will also set aside $200,000 to help organizations implement software to enable service referrals and coordination across the community’s network of health and human service providers.
SRQ passenger count grows 10% in April
Passenger count continues its growth trend at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
In April, 488,887 passengers traveled through the airport, representing a 10% increase compared to 443,089 passengers in April 2024. During the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year, SRQ experienced a 3.3% growth in passenger traffic compared to the first quarter of 2024, serving 1,883,344 passengers in the first four months.
“SRQ is thrilled to announce a 10% increase in total passenger traffic compared to April 2024. As summer season approaches, we are happy to report sustained high demand for travel at our airport,” said SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo.
Photo by Andrew Warfield
THE PROFFERS
Conditions proffered by Seaward Development prior to the May 19 public hearing:
Mira Mar moves forward
After a daylong hearing, a Comprehensive Plan amendment to facilitate the rehabilitation of the historic Mira Mar building wins unanimous approval of the City Commission.
WARFIELD
ANDREW
STAFF WRITER
Nearly eight hours and six new proffers later, the developer that wants to save the Mira Mar building and monetize the site to cover the hefty tab passed a critical test in its efforts.
During Monday’s marathon meeting of the Sarasota City Commission, most of it dedicated to the Mira Mar matter, property owner Seaward Development won unanimous approval of a site- and project-specific amendment to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, setting the stage for a rezoning hearing to come likely this summer.
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan usually require not only a supermajority approval to transmit the request to Tallahassee for review, then a second 4-1 vote or better to adopt it. In this case, because the amendment regarded as “small scale,” state input and endorsement is not required.
Getting there wasn’t easy with Monday’s legislative public hearing, including lengthy testimony from city staff — which recommended against approval — along with the applicant and its representatives and two attorneys representing opposition from residents of the nearby The Mark condominiums. In addition, there were 29 members of the public who spoke, 20 in favor of the
Mira Mar project with the remainder residents of The Mark, a fraction of the more than 70 residents in the audience.
The eventual rezoning of the parcel is critical to Seaward’s effort to fully restore the Mira Mar to its 1926 origins as it will permit the developer to build two 18-story condo towers, from which revenues will fund the estimated $30 million cost.
The 400-foot long, 30-foot deep frontage along South Palm Avenue was built as apartments in a matter of months with no foundation pilings atop beach sand. Rehabbing the two-story building requires starting below the ground with pilings and piers and replacing support features throughout.
Two years ago Seaward contracted one of the state’s foremost historic building rehabbers in Rick Gonzalez, who told commissioners restoration
is significantly more expensive than new construction. Architect Igor Reyes, who like Gonzalez is in the Miami area, was brought on board to design the buildings that will cover that cost.
In her support of the project, Vice Mayor Debbie Trice acknowledged the necessity of the Comprehensive Plan and zoning changes in order to raise the capital.
“You need a viable business model that will generate the money to ensure that the historic property will last. You cannot rely on philanthropy forever,” Trice said. “I think it’s important that we have agreed to enable the applicant to generate the money, not only to restore the property, but to keep it maintained and going forward for the next 100 years.”
Staff opposed the Comprehensive Plan amendment and zoning change in part out of concern that, besides being out of character for the neighborhood, it could result in zoning creep bringing higher intensity projects into the center of downtown, and that it could establish a precedent for future similar requests.
Mayor Liz Alpert dismissed the latter in that a scenario such as Mira Mar is a one off.
“I don’t think it sets a precedent because there are not other properties like this in our downtown that have such a massive impact on one street,” she said.
Residents of The Mark, meanwhile, objected to the change citing the resulting development will bring additional heat to downtown, block breezes and sunlight to their fifth-floor outdoor amenity area and obstruct views toward Sarasota Bay.
Alpert reminded that, by right, what could be on the site without the historic designation — a 13-story to 18-story monolith built lot line to lot line — would have greater impact than two towers separated in the middle and set back dozens of feet from the street on all sides.
While admitting to being deeply conflicted, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch supported the plan based on the good faith of Seaward Development — plus multiple proffers offered — and being comforted
■ The approval of the rezone without a site plan shall be contingent on the approval of the plan amendment for the change to the future land use classification.
■ Rezoning is contingent upon approval of a site plan in accordance with city regulation which (1) provides for rehabilitation of the historic portions of the Mira Mar structures as presented by the applicant to the City Commission on May 19, 2025; and (2) approves development of multifamily residential units in two towers constructed over a single podium with heights up to 18 stories. If a site plan is not approved within three years of the effective date of this rezoning ordinance, then the rezoning to Downtown Bayfront shall be rescinded and void.
■ A Certificate of Occupancy for the 18-story residential portions of the new building shall not be issued until rehabilitation of the historical Mira Mar is completed and a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the historical Mira Mar.
■ After the city issues a certificate of occupancy for the historic Mira Mar structures, Seaward Development will apply for a local historic designation.
Proffers made during the May 19, 2025 hearing. Details may be subject to change prior to second reading:
■ No more than 60% building coverage of the two towers above the podium level.
■ Discount rents of 50% or less on second-story non-residential space for 10 years.
■ Average of approximately 3 feet of interstitial space between floors.
■ Height limitation of approximately 262 feet not including elevator overrun and architectural features.
■ Historic portions of the Mira Mar property measuring 30 feet in depth from South Palm Avenue shall not be changed from Downtown Core to Downtown Bayfront.
■ The developer will not capitalize on the city’s Transfer of Development Rights program for historic properties.
that, should the project fall through, the zoning would revert back to Downtown Core.
Seaward Principal Patrick DiPinto offered assurance the project will go forward with Gonzalez having already put in two years’ worth of work on the rehab.
“We’ve done laser scanning, Rick’s almost done with his full set of plans,” DiPinto said. “We have something most developers don’t have because we decided to spend the money and hire the people up front. We’re very confident that we can get this building done for those dollars, and that gave us the confidence because we put so much time in and actually hired (Gonzalez) early.”
Approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment on second reading is required prior to a rezoning hearing, which could occur at the same meeting. Following approval of the rezone on second reading would be a technical review of an eventual site plan by the city’s Development Review Committee and administrative approval, providing no Planning Board adjustments are required.
Courtesy images
Seaward Development is seeking rezoning of its Mira Mar property from Downtown Core to Downtown Bayfront.
Andrew Warfield The centuryold Mira Mar building has approximately 400 feet of frontage along South Palm Avenue.
A rendering of the rehabilitated Mira Mar building along South Palm Avenue.
Andrew Warfield
Seaward Development principal Patrick DiPinto (left) and President Matthew Leake review materials prior to their testimony before the City Commission regarding Mira Mar.
Sarasota Orchestra receives major gift from longtime patrons
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
As the Sarasota Orchestra swings into its active phase to raise funds for its planned Music Center, long-time supporters Jack and Priscilla Schlegel have made a $10 million gift toward the new facility at 5701 Fruitville Road.
Having relocated from Washington, D.C., to Sarasota in 1998, the Schlegels have been active supporters of the local arts community for more than two decades. Combined with $60 million previously given by an anonymous donor and other gifts, the orchestra has raised more than $70 million toward the new facility.
The Music Center architect, William Rawn Associates, revealed the conceptual drawings for the Music Center in March. The estimated project cost is between $375 million and $425 million, a more firm capital campaign goal to be set following the schematic drawing phase.
“Our community was introduced to the concept drawings just a bit ago, so we are in the early phase of the campaign,” said Sarasota Orchestra CEO Joe McKenna. “We are active in sharing the vision, the concept, with donors and we expect that will continue through the summer and fall.”
On its 32-acre site just west of I-75 off Fruitville Road, the orchestra is planning a three-building complex with an 1,800-seat main performance hall, 700-seat recital hall/flex space and an education center. Although it hasn’t embarked on a formal capital campaign, a framework for the effort is being developed, according to McKenna. The campaign will include some naming opportunities.
“As we move into schematic design, which we’re in right now that will take us through the better part of the summer, as the building gets a little further defined and refined some of those naming opportunities come into greater focus,” McKenna said.
In addition to William Rawn Associates, the design team includes acoustics and theater planning for Stages Consultants, architecture and engineering firm HKS and OJB Landscape Architecture. The orchestra acquired the property from Walmart Stores East LP for $14 million in April 2023. According to McKenna, the orchestra’s fundraising effort is gaining momentum.
“The campaign is active and in its early phase, and it’s really exciting to see people get interested in what this facility will bring to the community,” McKenna said.
Courtesy image
Donors Jack and Priscilla Schlegel with Sarasota Orchestra Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero (left) and CEO Joe McKenna (right).
Sarasota names new interim manager, relaunches search for permanent one
Veteran local government executive Dave Bullock will succeed Doug Jeffcoat in the city’s top temp job as City Commission seeks a new batch of candidates.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
As its protracted search for a new city manager continues, the Sarasota City Commission has hired a new interim top city executive as the current temporary manager, Doug Jeffcoat, returns to his Public Works director duties.
By unanimous vote, the commission during a special meeting on Tuesday tapped veteran local government administrator Dave Bullock to hold down the position as it relaunches its effort to replace Marlon Brown, who retired in October 2024.
Bullock, currently a member of the Patterson Foundation Board of Directors in retirement, will begin his new role on Tuesday, May 27. The city will pay him an annual salary of $228,000 until it hires a new city manager.
Bullock served as CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County 2019 to 2021; Longboat Key town manager from 2011 to 2018 and Sarasota County deputy administrator from 1997 to 2011.
Jeffcoat will postpone his planned June 1 retirement to assist with the management transition as Bullock takes over in the heart of the fiscal year 2026 budget cycle. He will be on the job for four days before he takes a two-week vacation, a previously planned hiking trip to the Rocky Mountains.
“I may not have (cell) service, but you do have a highly competent staff,” Bullock told commissioners.
“When I’m gone, someone will be designated, but you can always call me anytime you want.”
That someone, Bullock added, will be Jeffcoat.
Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch
asked why not just set the start date for after his return.
“Mr. Jeffcoat and the staff are deeply involved in budget preparations right now,” Bullock said.
“I intend to learn as much as I can about the work that’s been done or is being done during those four days, especially in the larger departments that constitute a bigger part of the budget.”
City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs informed the commission that, during that initial four-day period, several internal budget meetings are scheduled that Bullock will attend.
“That’s why I don’t want to miss that time. That’s useful,” Bullock added.
As Bullock prepares to take the temporary reins at City Hall, commissioners will relaunch the search for Brown’s permanent replacement.
The commission parted ways with the municipal executive search firm initially selected to guide it through the process, Daytona Beach Shoresbased Colin Baenziger & Associates, and its set of applicants that self-reduced from 51 to 43 over a few weeks. A majority of commissioners, led by Ahearn-Koch, were disillusioned with not being more heavily involved in the process from the start, and all parties agreed it was best to begin anew.
On Tuesday, commissioners scheduled discussing procurement of a consultant to guide choosing a new search firm, but placed that duty in the hands of staff, specifically City Attorney Joe Polzak and Griggs.
The city’s Procurement Division will issue a letter of interest soon to seven firms, as outlined in the Florida City and County Management Association’s City Manager Search Guide, inquiring about each firm’s
interest in executing a city manager search.
Director of Government Affairs
Jennifer Jorgensen and Procurement Manager Renee Hayes briefed the commissioners about complications held within the city’s procurement code for soliciting a consultant to solicit a search firm.
“So basically, what you’re saying is it would be complicated with a consultant and it would be much simpler just to get a search firm,” said Mayor Liz Alpert.
Not one to mince words with commissioners when it comes to reminding them of procedures and protocols, Griggs expressed her desire to not enter a consultant search without direction that had been clearly absent — as some commissioners have themselves have admitted — to date.
“If you do decide to move forward with the consultant, you all, as a commission, as a body, have to tell
us what the scope of that work is,” Griggs said. “We can’t make that up. You all have to tell us what that is and I just think that’s going to make the process longer.”
Polzak told commissioners, in lieu of a consultant, a guide to an executive search firm process published by the Florida City and County Management Association is sufficient to help staff lead the process and, if desired, the organization FCCMA can come before the commission for a presentation of procedural best practices.
Convinced about the efficiency and the greater degree of control, the commission unanimously agreed to keep the search firm search inhouse.
With that, the commission’s busy May is complete as it heads into its June break. Its next scheduled regular meeting is Monday, July 7.
image
Dave Bullock has been hired as the new interim city manager by the Sarasota City Commission.
Developer seeks Siesta hotel approval again
It’s another attempt despite state courts turning down previous proposal.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
After state courts thwarted mul-
tiple attempts to build hotels on Siesta Key, a developer is trying again, this time with a plan to amend the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan targeting specific properties.
Corporate entities 1260 Inc., and Stickney Storage LLC, both listed in state records as managed by Gary Kompothecras, is proposing the amendment restricted to the “South Bridge area” off Stickney Point Road. It proposes the Commercial General and Commercial Industrial Siesta Key Overlay District on the parcels be exempt from the county’s density restrictions, which would permit the development of large hotels there.
Led by attorney Charlie Bailey, the proposed developer held a May 12 online neighborhood workshop attended by more than 200. The proposal includes multiple commercial parcels on the south side of Stickney Point Road bounded to the west by Midnight Pass Road and to the south by the Crescent Club.
“This amendment relates solely to the South Bridge area, or a portion of the commercial enclave on Siesta Key (and) does not apply to any other portion of Siesta Key, or any other portion of the barrier islands,” said Bailey in his opening remarks.
Among the concerns expressed by attendees were:
■ The proposal’s lack of specific details.
■ Although limited to South Siesta Key, it could set a precedent.
Courtesy images
In 2021, Developer Gary Kompothecras wanted to build a seven-story hotel, above, and a five-level parking garage, below near the south bridge to Siesta Key. Kompothecras is planning another attempt to develop land south of the Stickney Point Bridge.
■ Potential for opening the door to multiple large hotels in the area.
■ Beach Access 12, located in the proposed area, is crowded and cannot accommodate more tourists.
■ The developer’s offer to provide shuttles for hotel guests to the public beach will contribute to road congestion.
■ A parking garage for hotel guests and the public will further increase traffic.
■ Previous hotel proposals included rooftop bars and restaurants, as well as more rooms, bringing more visitors to the key.
■ Stormwater and wastewater systems that currently struggle to support the current population.
KEY The green area marks the properties subject to the proposed Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan amendment that would permit a hotel or hotels in the “South Bridge area” of Stickney Point Road on Siesta Key.
From here, the county’s planning staff will review the application — which was due on May 15 — for completeness and to provide comments or questions to the developer within 45 days. From there, the amount of time before a public hearing reaches the Sarasota County Planning Commission is uncertain.
As an example, Benderson Development’s effort to build a hotel in Siesta Village has been sitting in this phase for longer than a year.
Once heard by the Planning Commission, its recommendations will go forward to the County Commission.
Approximately one month later,
the County Commission will hold a transmittal hearing, which requires a supermajority 4-1 vote to transmit to the Florida Department of Commerce for review. If approved at the state level, the commission will schedule an adoption hearing, which also requires a supermajority for approval.. Through it all, Bailey said, residents may remain involved.
“You’ll have at least three additional opportunities following this workshop to participate in the process,” Bailey said.
The proposed addition to Future Land Use Policy 2.9.1 is in bold: Barrier Islands are designated on the Future Land Use Map to recognize existing land use patterns and to provide a basis for hurricane evacuation planning and disaster mitigation efforts. The intensity and density of future development on the Barrier Islands of Sarasota shall not exceed that allowed by zoning ordinances and regulations existing as of March 13, 1989, except that, (i) with respect to lands zoned RMF as of that date and consistently so thereafter, a non-conforming duplex whose density exceeds the density restrictions of the zoning regulations and restrictions may be rebuilt within the footprint of the structure, or a nonconforming multifamily structure may be demolished and a duplex rebuilt in its place within the prior footprint of the multifamily structure without violating this policy; and (ii) with respect to lands located south of Stickney Point Road which are zoned CG and CI as of that date and consistently so thereafter (the “South Bridge Area”), such lands may be developed to contain transient accommodations which exceed the density restrictions of the zoning regulations existing as of that date without violating this policy.
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How to boost affordability
There are some simple steps Sarasota city and county can take to relieve the lack of housing that is affordable — and it’s not requiring public subsidies.
As the Sarasota City Commission once again considers how to address the city’s affordable housing crisis by once again focusing on timid measures that subsidize a handful of units that are barely noticeable compared to rising demand, it’s time for some new thinking.
The good news is that this is a problem many cities around the country have had great success with a few simple policies.
Sarasota’s fundamental problem is the city simply will not issue permits for affordable housing built by developers. They won’t let the private sector build affordable housing commensurate with demand, so the city feels compelled to subsidize the affordable housing it won’t otherwise allow the market to build. It’s bizarre to say the least.
As Ed Pinto, a Sarasota resident and co-director of the American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center has documented (see Page 9), in the last five years only 4% of the housing for which the city issued permits was single-family attached — not a single-family home, but duplexes or quadplexes or apartments.
Instead, 96% of permits were for single-family detached homes.
Even worse, the handful of single-family attached homes permitted had median values of $425,000, hardly affordable.
Unfortunately, many other cities commit similar folly, hence nearly 42 million American households in the U.S., including renters and owners, are “cost-burdened” — spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
One result of these decisions is sprawl. Workers seeking affordable housing must live where local governments DO allow housing supply to keep up with demand and, in turn, face long commutes.
In Sarasota County, the jobs are concentrated in Sarasota, but many
Living in a capitalistic, competitive society, we all like to know how we compare. Are we best? Worst? First? Last?
The Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of 40 regional business and nonprofit leaders, tracks the Greater Tampa Bay area in 67 metrics that are compared to 19 peer regions.
The eight counties include Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus.
The 19 peer regions include South Florida, Orlando, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Nashville, Baltimore, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Portland and Seattle.
In the accompanying table, you can see how this region ranks in a sampling of the 67 metrics. We have work to do. Tampa Bay ranked in the bottom half in 77% of the metrics
reports have documented that almost all affordable housing is in North Port or in the Ellenton area of Manatee County. By not allowing affordable housing in Sarasota, the city is massively increasing sprawl, conversion of undeveloped land and emissions of greenhouse gases from those long commutes.
SOME EASY FIXES
Sarasota is a clear case of what is often called a “missing middle” housing problem. The “missing” component of the name refers to the severe housing shortage of homes affordable to middle-income earners and the rapid decline of medium-density development.
“Middle” refers both to the modest density of units added and the middle-income earners who are the target residents of these homes. The answer is missing middle housing policies that incrementally increase residential density in neighborhoods near to commercial land uses while accounting for homeowners’ interests.
Florida’s Live Local Act of 2023 (LLA) was aimed exactly at addressing missing middle housing, aggressively incentivizing additions to supply via additions to workforce housing.
Live Local allows developers to override local use restrictions if they are building affordable housing. Specifically, it allows for residential development on plots zoned for commercial, mixed-use or industrial use as long as 40% of units are rental units that will be affordable for 30 years. One of the primary intentions of this bill is to allow working individuals to live closer to their place of employment.
The city of Sarasota should be working with developers to identify parcels in the city that meet these criteria and speed them through the approval process to develop duplexes, quadplexes and apartment buildings. This would do far more for housing affordability than city funds subsidizing a handful of units.
At the same time, the most common type of zoning reform to help with missing middle housing is loosening of regulations around accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
ADUs are smaller residential buildings constructed on the same plot of land as a larger single-family home, typically housing one or two people.
The popularity of ADUs is mainly “infill.” This means they do not require denser housing development but rather provide property owners with the opportunity to build another unit on their land. Instead of radical change to the zoning landscape and massive, intrusive construction projects, accessory dwelling unit reform allows additional housing to be added to existing and fully devel-
oped neighborhoods. ADUs are also a popular option for non-rental housing for extended family members. So much so that they are often colloquially referred to as “granny flats” or “in-law units.”
Accessory dwelling unit reform is an affordable housing policy tool that promotes mutual gain and voluntary additions to the housing supply. When policy allows ADUs to be rented out, their smaller size and building costs mean lower rents for tenants when compared to traditional single-family homes.
This feature makes them especially suitable for lower-income individuals, should they be rented out. The income generated from collected rents is also a clear benefit to the primary homeowner — now functioning as a landlord with one property.
AUSTIN AS AN EXAMPLE
Austin has made leaps in multifamily permitting. Austin has permitted an explosion of multifamily housing in response to the recent influx of young adults aged 20-34 with a preference for renting over single-family homeownership. This increase in apartment construction and other rental unit construction, driven by relaxed zoning regulations and a pro-housing policy shift, has led to a notable decline in rents across the region.
Between 2021 and 2023, the Austin metro area permitted approximately 957 apartments per 100,000 residents, far outpacing other major U.S. metropolitan regions. This boom resulted in tens of thousands of new units, with around 32,000 apartments delivered in 2024 alone, boosting the housing stock by about 5%.
As a result, average rents have fallen significantly. Data from Zillow and other real estate firms indicate that Austin rents dropped by approximately 4%-7% year over year, with some reports noting a decline of up to 15% from their peak in August 2022.
The increased supply stems from policy changes, including streamlined permitting, reduced parking mandates and upzoning measures such as allowing up to three units on lots previously restricted to one and reducing minimum lot sizes.
And the accompanying figure from AEI’s Housing Center shows how much better housing affordability fared in Austin compared to a lot of other growing cities.
EFFECT ON PROPERTY VALUES
Despite common perceptions, research has consistently shown that multifamily developments do not necessarily decrease property values and can even increase them, according to a review of all research by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.
While there are anecdotal cases where property values have declined upon entry of a multifamily residence, “in general, neither multifamily rental housing, nor low-income housing, causes neighboring property values to decline.”
Also, Sarasota is rich with examples of the other way to offer people an option to choose single-family housing neighborhoods or protect property values: homeowners association, condo associations and deed restrictions. These all allow the property owners in a neighborhood to agree to restrictions on density and anyone buying in those areas must abide by those restrictions on their property rights.
This is a much better way to offer people that option than broad based restrictions across broad swaths of the city under zoning and development rules. The latter allows a small group of vocal activists to persuade the City Commission to limit the option of their neighbors whether they want it or not. This is always and everywhere the cause of housing affordability problems.
With the simple changes in attitudes and actions discussed above, without even having to change city code, much more affordable housing could be unleashed.
It’s time for the City Commission to stop focusing on penny ante solutions like subsidizing a trivial number of affordable units and start allowing the kind of missing middle workforce housing we need to be built.
Dr. Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Eliza Terziev is a policy analyst at Reason Foundation and a student at Florida State University.
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compared to the 16 non-Florida regions and ranked last in five of the nine metrics that ranked the four Florida regions.
As the table shows, it’s not all bad news. According to the 2025 Regional Competitive Report:
“Tampa Bay remains a magnet for talent, families and businesses, ranking first in net migration and in the top five business startup rates and seventh for in-migration of young professionals.
“Additionally, the 2025 report highlights year-over-year improvements in an outstanding 43 of 67 metrics (64%), and over a third of the indicators (23) climbed in rank.”
What’s more, in Florida, Tampa Bay ranks second in SAT scores and kindergarten readiness.
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ADRIAN MOORE AND ELIZA TERZIEV
Eliza Terziev
Land-use rules inhibit affordability
Sarasota County needs to address the lack of housing that’s affordable with a paradigm shift, not subsidies.
The Sarasota County Commission appears poised to adopt “aggressive policies” on affordable housing. This is based on recommendations from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) to dedicate and transfer a percentage of property tax income from new development to the county’s affordable housing trust fund. AHAC also recommends requiring developers to include affordable housing in exchange for higher density on new development.
We can all agree Sarasota County is facing an affordability crisis. We can also agree that new growth creates increased demand for working class occupations and that these workers currently can’t afford to live in or near where they work. However, this situation is one of the county’s own making.
The fundamental problem with past programs and the new recommendations is not insufficient
subsidies but structural issues — namely, restrictive zoning and land use rules — that are holding back housing construction. These regulations make buildable land both scarce and expensive and difficult to legally build lower cost singlefamily attached (SFA) homes.
What is needed is a paradigm shift, not more ways to add marketdistorting subsidies.
As Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, succinctly put it in “How Affordable Housing Distracts People From Housing Affordability”: “We have to move beyond the narrow, almost futile task of making affordable [subsidized] housing and start working on the broader and more meaningful effort of making housing affordable.”
In short, we need to increase housing supply significantly.
Let’s start with what has been built from 2000 to 2024.
About 71,000 new single-family detached (SFD) and attached (SFA) have been added across Sarasota County. Only 2,760 or 4% of these have been SFA. The median values of new SFD and SFA are $661,000 and $425,000, respectively (both at 2024 values).
And if SFAs were allowed to be built in the same areas as SFDs, the median value would have been even lower — $393,000.
Now let’s turn to what would happen if 20% of the land used to build the SFD homes instead was used to build SFA ones.
First, we would have an extra 43,000 homes.
$1,000K
$950K
$900K
$850K
$800K
LOT SIZE & MARKET VALUE FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED AND SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED IN SARASOTA COUNTY
The orange circles show the relationship between current market value and homes per acre for Sarasota County. There were 68,202 new single-family detached homes and 2,845 single-family attached housing units built from 2000 to 2024 in Sarasota County.
DEFINITIONS
Single-family detached: One home on one lot for one family. Single-family attached: One home on one lot for one family. Two or more homes that are owned individually (including the land underneath each home) and share adjacent walls, but are part of a larger structure. It includes townhouses, duplexes or row houses. In a condominium, the land is owned by the condo association.
Second, these homes would be valued today at $393,000 (median) and $354,000 (25th percentile), respectively.
Third, these additional homes would have about 1,510 square feet of living space, enough for three bedrooms.
Fourth, as the graphic nearby demonstrates, many of these new
homes would priced at the level of homes purchased in 2024 by occupations such as police, fire, teachers, sales, construction, registered nurses and drivers. The problem, of course, is there are too few such homes to meet the demand.
Fifth, about 8,000 or 20% of these SFAs would be rentals.
The Sarasota County Commission also heard that SarasotaManatee County region is currently short by between 10,000 and 20,000 affordable rental units, and that Sarasota County alone would also need to build an additional 14,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years to keep up with growing demand.
In addition, to the 43,000 extra SFA homes in Sarasota County already noted, Manatee County also could have added 26,000 extra SFA homes, 7,000 of which would be rentals. That totals 69,000 additional SFA homes, 15,000 of which would have been rentals.
Importantly, building an abundant supply of homes on smaller lots would facilitate a filtering down
process, as many of these new home purchasers will free up less expensive homes as they move. Sixty-two percent of move-up buyers in the combined Sarasota/Manatee area were already living in the area. Implementing this approach is simple. Allow the property owner to determine the mix of SFD and SFA, along with lot sizes.
Research covering more than 1,000 counties confirms that builders and developers will build more affordable homes on smaller lots if it is legal to do so.
The relationship between current value and homes per acre is shown nearby for Sarasota County.
Edward Pinto, a longtime St. Armands Key resident, has spent 51 years in the housing and mortgage industry. A lawyer, Pinto has served as chief credit officer of Fannie Mae, 24 years as CEO of Courtesy Settlement Services, a closing service for banks; and currently as senior fellow and co-director of the American Enterprise Institute’s Housing Center. Pinto wrote this for the Observer. Edward.Pinto@aei.org.
EDWARD PINTO
Source: American Enterprise Institute
Planning Board advances Sarasota Yacht Club expansion
Sheriff’s new helicopter adds safety, rescue ability
The aircraft is designed to make rooftop rescues possible with greater hoisting power.
The Sarasota Yacht Club is planning to add 12,691 square feet of space, including a new three-story building.
ERIC GARWOOD
ANDREW WARFIELD
STAFF WRITER
Approved by county commissioners in 2023 and now on duty, the newest helicopter serving the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is first and foremost a “police car that flies.”
In contrast to a complete rebuild planned by Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota Yacht Club on neighboring Coon Key is proposing an addition to its 22,068-square-foot clubhouse on the south side of the key it shares with Plymouth Harbor at 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
But beyond its un-car-like 170 mph top speed and its ability to reach across the county in under 10 minutes, the 2024 Bell 429 has one capability its predecessors didn’t, says Sheriff’s Office Chief Pilot Dave Bouffard.
The metallic green helicopter that arrived in March has two turbine engines instead of just one. While adding a wider margin of flight safety for the crew, the more powerful aircraft also has improved lifting abilities to, say, rescue victims from rooftops or carry water buckets for firefighting when lives or property are in danger.
On May 14, the Sarasota Planning Board unanimously approved minor conditional use permit with conditions and recommended approval of the site plan and a rezone ordinance amendment to the Sarasota City Commission.
to commissioners, saying the department’s older two helicopters would need costly upgrades and more frequent maintenance in years to come. The new helicopter arrives with a three-year, 1,000-hour fac tory warranty. That would “avoid an estimated $1.4 million in overhauls that would be required over the next two years if the 2005 aircraft was continued to be utilized,” Hoffman wrote then, seeking funding to be added to his office’s five-year capi tal improvement budget. The 2005 model had about 9,500 flight hours logged. The previous two aircraft cost the county just over $5 million total to purchase — one in 2005 and one in 2018.
The club plans to build a 12,691 square feet of new building space including a 1,003-square-foot expansion of its existing outdoor dining deck. The plan is for a 4,691-square-foot expansion of the existing clubhouse in addition to a new 8,000-square-foot, threestory multiuse building to include club offices, a classroom and fitness space; a 2,540-square-foot roof deck; and 26 additional parking spaces for a total of 197.
“It was purchased specifically for the capability of doing hoisting operations, in case we get another mass flooding event,” said Bouffard, who has been flying with Sarasota County for 15 years and has experience as a patrol officer, a civilian pilot, and now a combination of both.
At the same time, about $859,000 was sought to upgrade the 2012 helicopter’s equipment to the standards of the new one. About $4 million in hangar upgrades at centrally located Venice Airport were approved separately in 2024.
rezoning of the property to Office Regional District for the site plan to be compliant.
observation platform, so we can see everything. We can get there first a lot of times, and once we get there, we’ve got a great view of what’s going on.”
The design of the project is by DSDG Architecture, whose principal is 17-year club member Mark Sultana.
To achieve all that, the city requires an approved amendment to its 2008
Outfitted for service with the sheriff’s department, the helicopter plus additional equipment and other related expenses cost just over $12 million, which included about a $1.3 million trade-in allowance of a 2005 model Bell 407 single-engine helicopter previously in the fleet.
The aviation unit, which is based in Venice, now operates a 2012 version of the Bell 407 and its newest model. Trained pilots and tactical officers can operate both, Bouffard said, adding he has about 30 hours to date flying the new arrival.
Sheriff Kurt Hoffman in March 2023 proposed the Bell 429 upgrade
The aviation unit operates as part of the Special Operations Bureau, also home to SWAT, the mountedpatrol unit, marine unit, police-dog unit and more. But the role of the helicopters and the crews who fly them are similar and connected to deputies and police officers on the ground, Bouffard said.
“The club has gotten to the point to where they need more space for their members, as well as special events like weddings and such,” Sultana told the Planning Board. “So, they asked me to come up with the design for an addition to the existing building.”
The pilots and tactical deputies respond to calls often based on their own judgment, taking advantage of the view from about 1,000 feet and the capabilities of their optical gear that can spot a specific car from 5 miles. Though on call around the clock, the air crews work two of three shifts a day, six days a week routinely patrolling the county and responding to calls just like a road-patrol deputy would.
“We are a police car that flies,” he said. “Because of the nature of what we’re doing, we’ve got speed on our side, and we obviously have the
Child
The club has only one immediate neighbor, Plymouth Harbor and all of its residents, which is in the midst of planning an expansion of its own.
Finding missing people, helping spot suspects who might be hiding or fleeing, and directing deputies during vehicle pursuits are all typical missions.
Crews also connect to the communications networks of surrounding agencies; therefore, they can assist Manatee County, Sarasota Police, or Longboat Key Police if needed.
To allay concerns of additional noise coming from the new rooftop deck, which would mostly affect residences on the north side of Coon Key across the Ringling Causeway, Sultana said the club will limit use.
“We are a police car that flies ... We can get there first a lot of times, and once we get there, we’ve got a great view of what’s going on.”
said. “It’s also on the farthest south corner of the lot, away from the residents across the street.”
— Dave Bouffard, Sheriff’s Office Chief Pilot
“We are planning a roof deck on the new building, and the new building has no kitchen facility,” Sultana
Likewise, if adjoining counties can help with air service in Sarasota County, they will. Manatee and Charlotte counties operate in the air. DeSoto County does not. Often, it’s a matter of who is flying, when and where, he said.
“We’re not like a fire department where we’re sitting in the hangar waiting for a call to come out,” Bouffard said. “Sometimes, that does happen, when the guys on the ground need us for something specific, something we can specifically help with.”
Bouffard said the Bell 429’s twin engines make overwater flying more reassuring, because typical helicop-
In addition, the wall around the expanding parking is 4 feet high, blocking headlights from shining off the property. The proposal does extend the hours of operation from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. With little discussion among its members, the Planning Board concurred with the staff’s recommendation of approval.
ters can land safely after an engine failure, but with limited options. With twin engines, “I have an engine failure over a populated area, like downtown Sarasota? I just fly back to the airport. It’s a non event.”
Even so, there are limits. In the case of missing boaters or other such maritime search and rescue flights, the Sheriff’s Office now has a little more leeway to venture offshore, but mostly to help find a stricken boat. Bouffard said they’d be fine searching and sticking with victims below while a marine unit boat responded or some other agency more suited to sea rescues.
“We make no pretense,” he said. “We are not the Coast Guard.”
A rendering by DSDG Architects shows the entry court at Sarasota Yacht Club.
Courtesy images
The location of Sarasota Yacht Club on Coon Key is outlined in red.
JOIN US IN PARADISE
Developer seeks to build 6-story hotel, apartments next to Michael’s On East
The plan is to use the area occupied by the former Winn-Dixie grocery store, which closed 7 years ago.
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER
The owner of a prominent Sarasota shopping center just south of downtown is planning to redevelop part of it, years after seeking a change in zoning that will allow for the shift.
At Midtown Plaza, the owner seeks city approval to construct apartments, a parking garage and hotel, according to newly submitted site plans for the property at 1299 S. Tamiami Trail.
John Meshad of Midtown Associates, who owns Midtown Plaza near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Bahia Vista Street, plans to redevelop about 3.52 acres of the 7.51-acre property. While the retail and office space on the north half of the shopping center will remain intact, the portion where changes will occur is at the south end — including the former Winn-Dixie that’s been empty for seven years.
“The redevelopment will require the demolition of the existing grocery store,” Joel Freedman, development consultant with Freedman Consulting & Development LLC, writes in a letter to city officials accompanying the application for site plan approval.
In 2018, Winn-Dixie moved out of the more than 40,000-squarefoot grocery store space. That year, Freedman and the owner sought to change the zoning of the property from commercial shopping center community to commercial general district. That change was granted.
“The new development will include the development of a mixeduse building where the grocery store is today,” Freedman writes.
The new building will include 112 apartments as well as 5,800 square feet of first-floor retail, according to Freedman. In accordance with the zoning regulations, 28 of the apartments, or 25% of the total units, will be designated as attainable housing units.
A parking garage is proposed in the site plan between the north side of the shopping center and the apartment building. The parking structure will be 51,100 square feet, according to documents submitted to the city, which say the proposed build-out date for the project is 2025.
“In addition, a new 145-room hotel is proposed to be constructed in the southwest corner of the site,” Freedman writes. It will be erected to front U.S. 41, according to the site plan, which shows it as a six-story Courtyard by Marriott hotel with a pool between it and the apartment building behind it. Submission of the site plan marks the beginning of the development process. It will be followed by an appearance before the Development Review Committee. As of May 17, Midtown Plaza has not yet been added to the published agenda of the Development Review Committee.
Elizabeth King Midtown Plaza is near the intersection of U.S. 41 at Bahia Vista Street. The north side of the shopping center will remain intact, according to proposed plans for redevelopment.
Best-In-Class Care
smh.com/cancer
Inside Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, we’re tackling the toughest subject on the syllabus and rewriting the rulebook. Equipped with the latest technology and trained in the advanced treatment of head and neck cancers, lung and thoracic tumors, prostate and bladder cancers, breast and uterine malignancies, and complex colon and stomach cancers, this is a team that’s done the homework.
And from imaging and diagnostics to a collaborative care model where oncologists, specialists, surgeons, radiologists, and more work side-by-side for each and every patient, compassion is core curriculum, teamwork is second nature, and excellence is always expected.
It’s healthcare that’s personal, powerful, always progressing and only getting stronger.
And with every step, our community gains something even greater: more hope, more healing, and more victories, closer to home.
This is cancer care at the top of its class.
COPS CORNER
Full Mouth Implant Dentistry
THURSDAY, MAY 8
DELAYED IMPACT
8:46 p.m., 2200 block of Bee Ridge Road
Criminal mischief: A man pulled over his pickup truck several miles away from where damage was apparently inflicted on his pickup truck.
The complainant said he had earlier parked in the street outside a downtown eatery on Gulfstream Avenue, but while driving home noted a loud noise emanating from his truck.
Pulling over, he noted his tire was flat, likely caused by eight slash marks around the tire. The victim said he noticed fingerprints above the wheel well that were not his own, strengthening his case by mentioning that he had washed the truck before his gastronomical foray into downtown. The prints were lifted and submitted for processing.
The officer was able to locate a camera near the area in question on Gulfstream Avenue that possibly captured the incident. Follow-up was planned to be conducted. The victim said he wished to press charges if a suspect can be positively identified.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
DANCIN’ IN THE
7:57 p.m., 2100 block of Main Street
Impaired person: A man caught the attention of law enforcement as he was, quite literally, feeling the rhythm of the night in the center of Main Street. The subject stated, to no surprise, that he had been drinking and admitted that he had “smoked something” earlier in the day.
Vehicles were forced to stop to avoid hitting him. The subject was not able to hold a coherent conversation, nor did he have anyone to care for him. For no discernible reason, he then began rolling on the ground while speaking incoherently. He was placed in protective custody under the Marchman Act.
After being placed into protective custody, a search of his belongings revealed a blunt that was tested on the scene, the green leafy substance determined to be spice. In addition, a small container of THC-A was found. The man was transported to the hospital.
FRIDAY, MAY 9
A CHANGE OF HEART
1:49 p.m., 2700 block of Palmadelia Avenue
Dispute: A complainant explained she and her cousin, whom she declined to identify, were in an argument about “family drama,” according to the incident report. During the argument, the complainant said the cousin, for no discernible reason, sprayed mace on her vehicle and then left after the threat of police involvement was extended. At that point, she said she did not want any police involvement regarding the incident and refused to engage in further cooperation with law enforcement, which called into question why she called SPD dispatch in the first place. Regardless, the officer explained the incident would be documented due to the nature of the complaint.
MOVIN’ ON UP? MAYBE
Urbanite Theatre’s ‘From 145th to 98th Street’ follows a family’s struggle for upward mobility.
MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR
“From 145th to 98th Street” is a play about a Harlem family. And every family.
Nia Akilah Robinson’s play is making its world premiere at Urbanite Theatre on May 30. The play unfolds in 2014. Sadly, its issues are still in the news.
Robinson’s play revolves around the Curtlys, an upwardly mobile Black family. They recently left Harlem for New York City’s Upper West Side. That seems like a big step up for the family. But life brings them down. One day, their son, Jamal, comes home covered in bruises. Jamal was beaten because a local news team falsely identified him as a robbery suspect. They put his larger-than-life photo right next to the culprit’s name. But he’s the wrong Jamal Curtly. That idiotic mistake plunges the family down a rabbit hole of generational, racial and socioeconomic conflicts. It’s heavy subject matter. But Robinson’s play keeps a lighthearted tone. It’s a heartfelt, hilarious celebration of one resilient family’s unbreakable bonds.
Life gets tough for that family. But the Curtlys are too proud to quit. And too loving to quit on each other. They’re also too stubborn to stop arguing — even when they know they’re wrong. For such a smart family, the Curtlys can be surprisingly stupid at times.
Real families are nuanced and full of maddening contradictions. The Curtly family is, too. That’s why they feel so real. That sense of authenticity was the playwright’s goal.
“I want Sarasota audiences to feel like they’re looking into the living room of a real Black
SEE HARLEM PAGE 16A
IF YOU GO
‘FROM 145TH TO 98TH STREET’
When: May 30 through June 29
Where: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $30-$44.
Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine Urbanite Theatre’s “From 145th to 98th Street” follows a family in search of a better life.
family living in New York City,” Robinson says. “Whatever their background, Urbanite theatergoers will recognize their own family dynamics — the arguments, the love and the tough decisions.”
Robinson’s characters are universal. But their story is deeply rooted in a specific sense of place. Harlem’s the place. Not Dublin, Los Angeles or Yoknapatawpha County.
The playwright paints a vividly accurate picture of that Manhattan neighborhood. It’s not always flattering. But it captures a real community. Despite the insulting clichés, Harlem is actually a nice place to live.
“The Harlem community has its own resources,” Robinson says. “I make that very clear in my play. The Curtlys moved to a different community as a path to a better life. But it wasn’t their only path forward. The family could’ve stayed in Harlem and flourished.”
Robinson adds that the move wasn’t a selfish choice for the parents.
“Jackie and Cedric were striving for a better life — not for themselves, but for their children,” she says.
“The Upper West Side expanded their opportunities. Their daughter, Fatima, would get free counseling and college prep in her new school district. Their son, Jamal, would get a much wider range of promising career choices. Their parents never had those options.”
The logic behind the move was sound. The parents’ motives were pure. The real-life consequences turned out to be messy. Fact or fiction, that’s the way it goes in many family stories.
“From 145th to 98th Street” is a family affair at its core. That’s true for the play — and also for its development. Preparing the play for its world premiere has been a family affair for the playwright and her Urbanite creative collaborators for the last five years. During those years, Robinson and her creative team became as close as any family.
Before that, the emerging playwright was often on her own. That changed in spring 2020. It was the time of COVID. But Urbanite Theatre held its first Charles Rowan
Beye New Play Commission contest anyway. After sending a few writing samples, the playwright submitted an early draft of “From 145th to 98th Street” for consideration.
Her script was far from perfect, but it was strong. Urbanite awarded Robinson the commission. The play’s development process soon began. The playwright wasn’t just typing on a lonely screen anymore. What was that like?
A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
“The last five years have been incredible for me,” Robinson says. “Urbanite’s constant support has transformed me in so many ways. Creatively, I’ve grown as a playwright — and I’ve made my script so much better. I’ve also grown as a person. This commission has made a profound difference in my life and work.”
“From 145th to 98th Street” has also made an impact on the life of its director, Jerrica D. White. Urbanite Producing Artistic Director Summer Wallace tapped White to direct the play’s premiere in late 2024. But White got her first taste at a play reading in Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York City earlier that year.
“The play instantly jumped into my spirit,” she says. “It’s been living with me ever since.”
The play reading was a powerful experience for White. But fleeting. It doesn’t come close to her experience directing this play.
“Even the best play reading is like a drive-by,” White explains. “You go to a theater for one or two hours. After the reading’s over, you move on to something else. It’s a shortterm thing. But directing a play is a long-term commitment. You live with these characters throughout rehearsals and the run of the play.”
White’s done exactly that for the last six months. Needless to say, she’s gotten to know the Curtly family pretty well. How would she introduce them?
“I’d describe them as a family of love, laughter and sacrifice,” White says. “They’re messy, but real. The parents don’t lecture their kids. They hold honest conversations — the kind I wish I’d had with my own parents. The Curtlys feel like a real family to me. I think that’s why their
story resonates so powerfully.”
The Curtly family is fictional. But their story mirrors the struggles of many real-world families today. The playwright and director are both keenly aware of that.
According to White, “From 145th to 98th Street” gets “painfully close” to the shifting fault lines of contemporary values, ambition and generational attitudes. It’s a play about now — and that’s always a moving target. The director thinks the playwright hit it.
How did the playwright work her magic? “I think it’s her command of language,” White says. “The Curtly family’s speech is very authentic. The children are millennials; their parents are Gen X. Their jokes have different references. The kids don’t always get the parents’ jokes and vice versa. But they laugh with each other anyway.”
Urbanite’s Wallace agrees. She’s been hooked on Robinson’s writing since Urbanite’s 2020 script contest. “The selection from Nia’s play was one of the best things I read that year,” Wallace says. “I instantly fell in love with her writing.”
Five years later, Wallace is still full of joy. “Nia’s a rising talent as a playwright,” she says. “She balances lyrical language with gritty storytelling. And she centers her stories on Black joy and everyday experience, not just trauma. Nia challenges stereotypes and broaden perspectives. That beautifully aligns with Urbanite’s mission.”
“The last five years have been incredible for me. Urbanite’s constant support has transformed me in so many ways. Creatively, I’ve grown as a playwright — and I’ve made my script so much better. I’ve also grown as a person. This commission has made a profound difference in my life and work.”
— Playwright Nia Akilah Robinson
Courtesy images
Playwright Nia Akilah Robinson
OUR PICK
‘UNITED WE STAND’
THIS WEEK
Studio Theatre Improv Troupe.
SATURDAY
A team of four experienced form, long form and musical
A team of four experienced improvisers deliver a mix of short form, long form and musical improv in a mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May
MONDAY
COMEDY ROULETTE
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
‘CONJURING THE SPIRIT WORLD:
‘CONJURING THE SPIRIT WORLD: ART, MAGIC AND MEDIUMS’
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
in France.
JAZZ THURSDAY AT SAM
THURSDAY
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
‘SYNCOPATED AVENUE’
‘SYNCOPATED AVENUE’
Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $22-$52 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’
‘VICE & VIRTUE’ OPENING RECEPTION
With “Syncopated Avenue,” created,
5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Darcie Allen and the Five Points Quintet perform on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum in a program sponsored by Jazz Club of Sarasota. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, bistro and museum shop.
BERMUDA MAVERICKS
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$26 Visit McCurdysComedyTheatre.com.
It’s not so often that McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre co-founder Les McCurdy takes the stage. This time, he’s half of the Bermuda Mavericks.
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35-$95. Visit AsoloRep.org.
With “Syncopated Avenue,” created, adapted and directed by WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, the company is producing its first tap musical, which explores the history of the art form. Runs through May 25.
Art Center Sarasota opens its annual juried regional show, “Vice & Virtue,” which spans four galleries. Juried by curator, writer and artist Jessica Todd, the exhibition invites artists from across the Southeast to explore the dualities of the human condition. Exhibit runs through Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
‘JERSEY BOYS’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $49-$69 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
DON’T MISS
‘DIVAS: TIME AFTER TIME’
They’ve enjoyed the talents of Rick Kerby as their producing artistic director for more than two decades. For their last production of the season, the community theater presents the musical “Evita,” about the former first lady of Argentina. Runs through May 11.
‘BAD JEWS’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30-$42 Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
IF YOU GO
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, May 22
stage chops with monologues, a play
for this clubhouse concert from Katherine Michelle Tanner’s Tree Fort Productions. In this program, members of Tree Fort’s Advanced Acting Class will demonstrate their stage chops with monologues, a play reading and Broadway songs.
Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Free with $25 admission; Mondays
10 a.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Free with $25 admission; Mondays Visit Ringling.org.
Choral Artists of Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble join forces to honor the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. The concert of patriotic music will be led by Joseph Holt, conductor of Choral Artists, and Joe Martine, conductor of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. It will feature soprano Adelaide Boedecker as a soloist and Kate Alexander as a narrator.
13TH ANNUAL STUDENT TENMINUTE PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL
13TH ANNUAL STUDENT TENMINUTE PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL
This is it — the one we’ve been waiting for all season! Broadway director Josh Rhodes (“Spamalot”) returns to Sarasota to direct and choreograph Asolo Rep’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the granddaddy of rock musicals. The show promises to be Biblical in more ways than one. Look for Sarasota’s own Ann Morrison, Mary in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” as King Herod. Runs through June 28.
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts $30 Visit TheatreOdyssey.org.
Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts Visit TheatreOdyssey.org.
Looking to have fun on a Saturday night in Sarasota without breaking the bank? Look no further than Florida Studio Theatre Improv Troupe. A team of four experienced improvisers delivers a mix of short form, long form and musical improv in a mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May 30.
SUNDAY
Joseph Caulkins
Led by Artistic
go bump in the night with this which follows the growth of magicians and mediums.
Go on the trail of things that go bump in the night with this fascinating interactive exhibition, which follows the growth of Spiritualism in the mid-19th century from its roots in dining room seances to traveling shows featuring magicians and mediums.
‘GEORGE HARRISON: A GARDENER’S LIFE’
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,1534 Mound St. $28 Visit Selby.org.
‘JAGDEN UND FORMEN’
7:30 p.m. May 12 at the Sarasota
7:30 p.m. May 12 at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30 Visit ENSRQ.org.
DON’T MISS ‘ODE TO JOY’ Led by Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale closes its ruby 40th anniversary season with a gift to young people who love music.
ruby 40th anniversary
Walking around the 15-acre sanctuary on the Sarasota bayfront where gardens and botanical displays have been erected to mirror those in George Harrison’s estate Friar Park, you can’t help feeling the late Beatle would approve of this living tribute. Runs through June 29.
Bennett’s contemporary classical
‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND THE MUSICAL’
Formen,” an ambitious work for 25 musicians. At a post-concert courtyard, concertgoers can meet the musicians and learn about the
IF YOU GO When: 4 p.m. Saturday, May 24
George Nickson and Samantha Bennett’s contemporary classical music group ensembleNew SRQ closes its ninth season with Wolfgang Rihm’s “Jagden und Formen,” an ambitious work for 25 musicians. At a post-concert reception in the Opera House courtyard, concertgoers can meet the musicians and learn about the 10th anniversary lineup.
2:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.
AN EVENING WITH JAMES T. LANE
This all-Beethoven symphonic chorus is free for students under
finale to Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and the will be followed by a Joyful Jubilee party to are $125.
This all-Beethoven performance by the symphonic chorus is free for students under 18 and only $10 for college students. The program features the finale to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, his Choral Fantasy and the rarely performed “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage.” The concert will be followed by a Joyful Jubilee party to mark its anniversary. Tickets for that event are $125.
When: May 10
IF YOU GO When: 4 p.m. Saturday May 10
Winner of both the Tony and Olivier true story of Frankie Valli and the Roll Hall of Fame. This isn’t a musical directed by Ben Liebert. Runs
FRIDAY
‘THE GROWN-UPS’
Winner of both the Tony and Olivier awards, “Jersey Boys” tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in the Garden State to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This isn’t a musical revue; it’s a full-fledged musical directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through May 25.
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $23 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
PINKY’S PLAYERS
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W. Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
New to Sarasota? We’ve got two words for you: Jannie Jones. When Jones is performing at Florida Studio Theatre, run — don’t walk — to the Court Cabaret. She is one-third of the trio performing in FST’s new cabaret show, “Divas: Time After Time.” The other talented singers are Aja Goes and Dakota Mackey-McGee. Firsttimers to FST’s cabaret shows leave the show amazed that there is such talent here in our laid-back beach town. Runs through June 22.
Where: FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
Tickets: $37-$39
Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Written by Joshua Harmon, this often-humorous drama follows three adult cousins as they compete to own an heirloom hidden by their grandfather during the Holocaust. Runs through May 11.
In its 75th season, Venice Theatre once again demonstrates its commitment to keeping community theater accessible. This year’s production by Pinky’s Players, the theater’s program featuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is “(Welcome to) Hotel Pink Flamingo.” Runs through May 11.
Playwriting Festival presents the eight plays selected by professional school students from grades nine
once again demonstrates its with intellectual and developmental Pink Flamingo.” Runs through May 11.
Theatre Odyssey’s Thirteenth Annual Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival presents the eight plays selected by professional readers and written by area high school students from grades nine through 12 (or homeschooled equivalent). The winner of the best play award will receive the Verna Safran Prize — a $1,000 cash scholarship. Author of the runnerup play will receive a $500 cash scholarship, and the remaining authors will receive $100 cash scholarships. Continues May 11.
VIC & CARO
VIC & CARO
A production of Venice Theatre’s Youth Production Company, “The Grown-Ups” is a dark comedy by Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques that follows a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of the next generation while the future looks uncertain. Runs through May 25.
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $37 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.
Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. org.
leave the show walking on air and doing a little dance of their own. (We kid you not!) Runs through May 25.
Under the direction of Katherine Michelle Tanner, Tree Fort Productions’ Youth Acting Company brings to the stage Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic about a girl who falls down a rabbit hole and meets all kinds of strange characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare.
Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. for students under 18;
MONDAY
‘JERSEY BOYS’
Safran Prize — a $1,000 cash scholarship, and the remaining
2 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.
The gang’s sure to all be here
With “Syncopated Avenue,” Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is producing its first tap dance revue. Direct from Broadway, James T. Lane stars as Duke, whose 25-yearold dance studio is threatened by gentrification. Romance blooms between Percy (Lamont Brown), a newly arrived choreographer, and Duke’s granddaughter (Kaylee Olson) as they work together to produce a rollicking anniversary show for the studio that tells the history of tap. Audience members
Hear what the voice of young country sounds like when Nashville twentysomethings Victor Futardo and Carolina Schott return to Sarasota and take the stage at Fogartyville, the funky listening room in the Rosemary District. Their duo, Vic & Caro, brings together Furtado’s prize-winning clawhammer banjo with Schott’s singer/songwriter talents.
FRIDAY
room in the Rosemary District. Their duo, Vic & Caro, brings clawhammer banjo with Schott’s
James T. Lane, who has just come from Broadway to star in Westcoast Black TheatreTroupe’s world premiere tap musical, “Syncopated Avenue,” will discuss his creative journey. Known as a “triple threat” because of his talents as a singer, dancer and actor, Lane will talk about his roots in Philadelphia, where he began studying tap at the age of 6, and the twists and turns of a career path that took him to the Great White Way.
from Broadway to star in Westcoast
There are countless imitations, but there is only one “Jersey Boys.” Winner of both the Tony and Olivier awards, the musical tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in the Garden State to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Runs through May 25.
PERSONAL TO POLITICAL: CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS OF PAULSON FONTAINE PRESS
COMEDY ROULETTE
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First $15-$18
$15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Saturday night in Sarasota
Looking to have fun on a Saturday night in Sarasota without breaking the bank? Look no further than Florida
journey. Known as a “triple threat” because of his talents as a singer, about his roots in Philadelphia, OUR PICK
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Included with $20 admission Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Drawing from the Paulson Fontaine Press collection, the exhibition includes renowned figures like Martin Puryear, self-taught artists like Lonnie Holley and artists of the Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective in Alabama. Runs through Aug. 10.
MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET: PAUL GAVIN AND FRIENDS
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $39-$44 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
TUESDAY
Tickets: $20-$55; free for students under 18; $10 for college students Info: Visit KeyChorale. org.
Visit KeyChorale.
Monday can be the best night of the week, thanks to this weekly series by Jazz Club of Sarasota at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret. This week features Paul Gavin and Friends, led by the Tampa-based drummer, teacher, composer and arranger. Doors open at 6:30 for food and beverage service.
OUR PICK SONGS FROM THE SAND: AN EVENING OF HERMITAGE MUSIC
AN EVENING OF HERMITAGE MUSIC
‘HOW SWEET IT IS’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Fellows who have gone on to become
Hermitage Artist Retreat Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg will host an evening of songs featuring music from Hermitage Fellows who have gone on to become Tony Award-winning Broadway musical writers like Jeanine Tesori, Michael R. Jackson and Doug Wright, as well artists and composers evolving the form, such as Adam Gwon, Zoe Sarnak, Rona Siddiqui and more.
IF YOU GO
Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Cabaret series kicks off with a Motown tribute called “How Sweet It is.” Led by vocalist and songwriter Luke McMaster, an energetic trio demonstrates the enduring appeal of hits such as “Tracks of My Tears,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Runs through Aug. 3.
When: 6 p.m. Monday, May 12
Where: Waterside Place Pavilion, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Tickets: Free with $5 registration fee
Info: Visit HermitageArtistRetreat. org.
6 p.m. Monday, May 12 Where: Tickets: org.
Director Joseph Caulkins, Key
Courtesy images
Sarasota’s Choral Artists march in a parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Jannie Jones, Dakota Mackey-McGee and Aja Goes
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine
Benny Sato Ambush steps down as artistic director of Venice Theatre
Ambush helped the community theater rebound from COVID and Hurricane Ian.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
When Benny Sato Ambush got the call from Venice Theatre in January 2021, he only expected to spend a year as artistic director at the nation’s second largest community theater.
More than four years later, as steel beams rise from the bowels of the Venice Theatre’s mainstage Jervey Theatre and a videographer prepares to shoot the last installment of a documentary about the history of the 76-year-old company, Ambush says it’s time to go.
“I was asked to elevate the acting and education at Venice Theatre, and I fulfilled that mission,” Ambush says. “With the steel rising, it’s a good time to move on.”
He plans to return to the Boston area, where he worked as a director and theater educator before coming to Venice at the request of Murray Chase. Now restoration supervisor of the Venice Theatre, Chase was executive director from 1995 to June 2023, when he was succeeded by Kristofer Geddie.
In a theater world, where minority representation can sometimes be in short supply, Venice Theatre is unusual to have two Black leaders — Ambush and Geddie — on its management team.
Chase will act as artistic director on an interim basis until he, Geddie
and the theater’s board of directors find Ambush’s replacement.
“Benny’s departure is bittersweet,” said Geddie in a statement. “Over time, he has become both a brother and a mentor to me. We know Benny has exciting projects ahead and will no doubt continue to do incredible work. We look forward to welcoming him back as a guest director in future seasons.”
Mum’s the word about Ambush’s next act. “I don’t want to jinx anything,” he said during a telephone interview where he reflected on a tumultuous tenure marked by the aftermath of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian, which destroyed the 432seat Jervey Theatre in September 2022.
The storm left the 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre intact and the Venice Theatre was able to transform its Raymond Center, previously earmarked for education and storage, into a 130-seat theater until the Jervey is restored.
More than once during the interview, Ambush remarked on the sense of hope that seeing “beams of steel rising” has given both the theater and the Gulf Coast town it serves.
Another $5 million in funding is needed to complete the $25 million restoration of the Jervey Theatre, which Ambush expects will open during the 2026-27 season.
Ambush first came to Venice in 2010 as an adjudicator for WorldFest, an event featuring theater companies from around the globe sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre and hosted by the Venice Theatre. He served as WorldFest adjudicator again in 2014.
After taking the artistic reins of
Venice Theatre, the nation’s second largest of 6,000 community theaters as measured by its $4 million budget, Ambush helped produce the 2022 edition of WorldFest.
MARKING THE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE
Asked to name some artistic highlights of his tenure, Ambush pointed to his 2022 production of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” where he incorporated the voices of the Black community into the stage version of Harper Lee’s classic novel. Other standouts for him were two productions from this season — “Syncopation,” about a man looking for a dance partner, and the revival of Molière’s 353-year-old comedy, “The Learned Ladies.”
The 2024-25 season marked Venice Theatre’s 75th anniversary and the theater celebrated the occasion with great fanfare. It revived several productions from its history and continued annual traditions such as staging “A Christmas Carol” and producing Pinky’s Players, a show that allows adults with disabilities to participate in community theater.
The diamond anniversary season opened with a revival of Venice Theatre’s first production, “The Torch Bearers,” a play within a play about the dangers posed by community theater to family life, and ended with the surprise hit, “The Learned Ladies.”
But whether it was getting the theater up and running after COVID or working with Chase and Geddie to launch the 2022-23 season after Hurricane Ian, Ambush says none of it would have been possible without the Venice Theatre’s 1,600 volunteers.
“We have a professional staff, but community theater is made possible with the help of volunteers,” Ambush says. “With the recent proposed cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts, some professional theaters may have to adopt our model.”
In a farewell note to students, volunteers and patrons, Ambush wrote, “Part of me wishes to stay forever. At the end of this 75th season, I know that Venice Theatre will forge ahead for another 75 years with new wind in its sails. It is an extraordinary, professionally run, volunteer-reliant, hybrid model, distinct among any theater I know.”
Ambush holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Dramatic Literature from Brown University and an MFA in Directing from the University of California, San Diego. In 2020, he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre.
During his long career, he has been artistic director of TheatreVirginia in Richmond, Virginia, Oakland Ensemble Theatre in California and Rites and Reason Theatre Company in Providence, Rhode Island, to name just a few of his many posts.
“I was asked to elevate the acting and education at Venice Theatre, and I fulfilled that mission. With the steel rising, it’s a good time to move on.”
— Benny Sato Ambush
Venice Theatre launched its diamond anniversary season in September with “The Torch Bearers,” the first play it ever produced.
Courtesy images
Benny Sato Ambush is leaving as artistic director of the Venice Theatre.
WBTT hosts third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at WBTT’s campus at 1012 N. Orange
Ave.
This year’s festival will feature live performances by local artists, art from local creators and short films by local filmmakers and students from Ringling College of Art & Design.
“As the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S., Juneteenth holds great significance for the Black community as well as all those who believe in social justice and equal rights for all,” said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs in a statement. “Our organization’s mission is to promote and celebrate African American history and experience; our hope is to bring the community together to enjoy a diverse offering of arts experiences while recognizing this important historical milestone.”
The festival will wrap with a free jazz concert by saxophonist Dee Lucas presented in collaboration with Smooth Jazz Harbor online radio.
An indie jazz artist, Lucas has been broadening his fan base through album releases and tours. He formed his own label, Mo Better Recordings, in the early aughts, releasing his debut solo CD, “Remembrance,” in 2004. Numerous releases have followed, including four No. 1 hits on various smooth jazz charts. Lucas is currently on the road with his “Twenty Tour,” celebrating 20 years as a solo recording artist.
Other highlights of WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival include Marquis Dawsey’s “Soul Crooners — The Documentary,” which showcases the group and the period leading up to the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, N.C.
There will be performances by WBTT professionals and rising stars in the company’s Stage of Discovery program. Black-owned vendors will have food trucks and there will be workshops on health
and wellness with local community organizations and partners.
All members of the community are welcome.
Azara Ballet adds artistic director position
Azara Ballet has hired Joshua Stayton as artistic director. A native of Cincinnati, Stayton is a dancer, choreographer and teacher. He will join the company formed by Kate and Martin Flowers for its third season in December.
Founded in 2023, Azara Ballet is a professional contemporary ballet company dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of its dancers, their audiences and the community.
In addition to its mission of embracing body positivity, Azara reaches out to neurodivergent and underprivileged communities through curated dance classes.
Stayton began his training at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati before joining the Orlando Ballet School and Houston Ballet II. During his career, he has also performed with the Cincinnati Ballet, Sarasota Ballet and Tulsa Ballet.
Stayton’s international performances have taken him to Hungary, Italy, Finland, Spain and Switzerland.
As a choreographer, Stayton has had world premieres for Ballet 22,
Tulsa Ballet’s second company, DeLa Dance Company, Azara Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet’s second company and academy.
“I am looking forward to helping the dancers continue to find the light within them as artists,” Stayton said in a statement. “In most of my experience in company environments, dancers often forget why they started dancing in the first place. They get lost in achieving ‘perfection’ and should always remember that dance is an expression of the heart.”
Kate Flowers, Azara’s co-founder and CEO, grew up dancing with Stayton and counts him as a lifelong friend. She said that Azara has decided to hire an artistic director to allow her and her husband, Martin Roosaare Flowers, to focus on running the nonprofit.
“Incorporating Joshua’s experience and commitment to the company is a huge step for our young company,” she said in a statement.
“We will be able to concentrate on the continued effort in securing community support, overseeing operations as well as the fact that we love to dance and choreograph ourselves.”
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award
Arts Advocates recently presented Andy Sandberg, artistic director and CEO of the Hermitage Artist Retreat, with its Luminaire Award. This award is presented to individuals to celebrate outstanding contributions to the arts in Sarasota.
Arts Advocates Vice President Carol Darling said in a statement, “Andy has demonstrated the power of collaborating with arts and educational organizations in our community, from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to Booker High School. Under Andy’s leadership, the Hermitage Artist Retreat has developed local partnerships that benefit all parties.”
A Yale graduate, Sandberg joined the Hermitage in December 2019 after directing numerous offBroadway shows, including “Operation Epsilon,” “The Last Smoker
in America,” “Shida” and “Straight.” At Yale, he both performed and served as business manager for college performing arts troupes.
Based on a nine-acre campus on Manasota Key, the Hermitage offers artists multiweek residences to create new works of theater, music, visual art, literature and more. In exchange, artists must interact with the community through presentations that are free to the public with a $5 registration fee.
Each year, in collaboration with the Philadelphia-based Greenfield Foundation, the artistic incubator awards the Hermitage Greenfield Prize, which includes a six-week stay at the Hermitage and a $35,000 commission to create a new work of art. The prize rotates between the fields of theater, music and visual art.
Along with the Luminaire Award, Arts Advocates President William Rusling presented Sandberg with a $1,000 donation to the Hermitage Artist Retreat, which has been hard hit by hurricanes in recent years. Past Luminaire Award recipients include Florida Highwaymen artist Mary Ann Carol, Howard Millman (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Richard and Rebecca Hopkins (Florida Studio Theatre), Victor DeRenzi (Sarasota Opera) and Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri (Sarasota Ballet).
Courtesy images
Nate Jacobs (right) and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
Joshua Stayton has been hired as artistic director of Azara Ballet.
Andy Sandberg accepts Arts Advocates’ Luminaire Award.
Asolo Rep stages a stirring come-to-Jesus moment
Josh Rhodes’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ delivers a fast, punchy rendition of the greatest story ever told.
MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC
‘Jesus Christ Superstar” has risen on the Asolo Rep stage.
After a gestation as a 1970 concept album, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s powerchord passion play was first staged in 1971. It’s been resurrected so many times since then that it’s easy to forget the original concept.
Rice and Webber’s rock opera parallels the fanatical fans of contemporary rock stars with the cult of personality surrounding an itinerant Jewish preacher in Biblical times. In AD 33, Jesus is a hit with the Judean crowd, and the power structure hates it.
For different motives, the Pharisees and the Roman occupation forces decide to terminate him. With the help of one of Jesus’ displeased disciples, they arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
After that, he’s mocked, tortured, publicly humiliated and nailed to the cross. That’s Jesus’ fate. What happens next is a question of faith. The musical follows the New Testament timeline right up to the crucifixion.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a tightly written, fast-paced show. Rice and Webber’s songs reflect the AM radio airplay standards of 1970; they average from three to four minutes.
Josh Rhodes’ direction and choreography reflects that economy. His direction is focused and punchy. He gets in, gets it done and gets out. Each song unfolds in a scene. Each scene has a character, an emotion and a question.
Rhodes keeps you crystal clear on the decisions they face and what’s at stake. His choreography is never by the numbers. He keeps
IF YOU GO
‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’
When: Through June 28
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.
Tickets: $33-$95.
Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.
the ensemble moving, but their movement always serves the story.
One song might be angry and angular, another might be loose and sensual. The actors’ dance always flows organically from the nature of each song. It’s never tacked on.
A TRINITY WITH A VOLATILE CHEMISTRY
This revolutionary rock opera is complex, with a lot of moving parts. It’s a high level of difficulty. But the lead actors can all dance, act and sing at a Broadway level.
The trinity of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene has a volatile chemistry of faith, fear, love and desire. The actors make you feel that seething emotional power.
Jesse Nager’s Jesus has one sandaled foot in this world and the other in the next. His all-toohuman Messiah has doubts, fears, questions, outbursts of anger and boundary issues. Is Jesus drinking the Kool-Aid and buying the crowd’s message that he’s God in human form? Who does he think he is, anyway?
Heath Saunders’ Judas functions as a stand-in for modern audiences. The story’s told from his point of view. What’s his story? Don’t ask Judas. He’s confused about his own motives.
At first, he tries to bring Jesus down to earth with practical advice — and always gets put down. What’s his beef with Jesus? Irrational jealousy? A rational fear of Roman reprisal? In the end, he betrays Jesus. Why? Judas accuses God of setting him up to be the bad guy who got Jesus crucified. Is
that the divine plan — or is Judas just shifting blame? Once again, Judas doesn’t know his own mind. If Judas is the prickly voice of common sense, Sarah Kay’s Mary Magdalene is a soothing balm to Jesus’ wounded soul. She’s mesmerizing in “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Everything’s Alright.” She’s a worldly woman who’s been transformed by Jesus’ out-of-this-world personality. What she feels is beyond romantic love. It scares the hell out of her. The supporting cast is also up to the Biblical task.
Ann Morrison’s King Herod steals the show with a shrill, malevolent glamour in “King Herod’s Song.” Instead of the typical campy character (a la Josh Mostel in the 1973 film adaptation), she leans into the song’s Roaring Twenties vibe. She sits on a gilded throne like the queen (or king) of all flappers, with a pile of louche admirers below. Her sneering character wants Jesus to perform like a dancing monkey. Prove to me that you’re no fool! Walk across my swimming pool! Morrison totally
sells it like some evil Betty Boop.
Tally Sessions’ Pontius Pilate is tough, but he’s more bureaucrat than bully. He’d rather not crucify Jesus, but he doesn’t want to lose his mid-level job. He washes his hands of the whole sad affair and gets on with it.
Jenny Kim-Godfrey’s music direction is up to the hairpin turns of the show’s songs. The band’s out of sight and always in your mind. Jonathan Godfrey plays a mean electric guitar on the rock opera’s iconic riffs.
The show looks as good as it sounds. The design is visually striking and original. Adam Koch’s rocky set evokes the stone-cold brutality of the Roman Empire and the arid, desert environment of Judea.
Alejo Vietti avoids the cliché costumes of past productions. No sword-and-sandals. No firstcentury hippies in tie-dye shirts and bellbottoms. He finds his own take — and colors outside the lines of what’s been done before.
Cory Pattak’s lighting alternates from noonday clarity to twilight chiaroscuro. Illumination is
Mary Magdalene (Sarah Kay) mediates a showdown between Judas (Heath Saunders) and Jesus (Jesse Nager) in Asolo Rep’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
instrumentation — a counterpoint to the rocking score. Nicely done. The greatest story ever told has been told in many ways. In 1971, telling it as a rock opera was a very new way. Rice did a brilliant job finding a through-line of story and character in the Biblical text — and retelling that story with a counterculture sensibility. The characters’ motives aren’t simplistic in his lyrics. And they’re bursting with questions throughout the show.
What’s the buzz? Tell me what’s happening!
What is truth? Is truth unchanging law?
Jesus Christ, Superstar. Do you think you’re what they say you are?
This messianic musical doesn’t hand you the answers.
It’s not a rocking revival trying to convert you. But it’s not rocktherapy to cure true believers from the “God delusion,” either. The show’s nuanced, ambiguous, multilayered and anything but dogmatic. It takes you to the crossroads ... Where you go from there is up to you.
Image courtesy of Adrian Van Stee
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Honor through rain and sunshine
Siesta Key resident performs flag ceremony, rain or shine, to honor military service members.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Memorial Day is a time to recognize the sacrifices of military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
However, for one Siesta Key resident, that is a responsibility that is never finished.
In April 2024, Wayne Bundy agreed to carry on a tradition of raising the American flag at Sunset Point in the morning and lowering it in the evening, in honor of current and past military service members.
It’s not a responsibility he takes lightly, or to which he makes exceptions lightly. When he says he’s present rain or shine, he truly means it; even a Category 2 hurricane hasn’t stood in the way of his responsibility.
“I do it out of love for my country and for my father,” he said of the daily event. “That’s why I do it, because I think it’s truly important.”
A LONG-HELD TRADITION
Since 2017, Sunset Point at Beach Access 2 has hosted the ceremony, but the tradition in Siesta Key is over “40 some odd years old,” according to Bundy. It began under Capt. Ralph Styles, a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, who retired from a long career in the Navy and moved to Siesta Key in the early 1960s.
Styles began holding the ceremony outside his home with a procession down the beach that would include musicians, and it continued until 2009, when Styles died at age 99. Styles’ daughter Anne Overbeck is a volunteer in the Patriots Pier at Sunset Point group, which oversees the ceremony, and to which Bundy belongs.
The ceremony moved to Sunset Point and was revived by Mike Cosentino, then a resident of Siesta
tary is a really good thing,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Key, in 2017.
Bundy says the United States Army Corps of Engineers built the pier on the site, which also features the flags of different branches of the United States Armed Forces.
He says at sunsets, the event typically draws 50 to 200 people.
Cosentino, who was a Sarasota County Commission candidate in 2022, purchased the property at the time he was leading a movement to return a nearby portion of Beach Road to control of the county.
Fearing the impacts of potential development in the area, he launched a legal complaint in 2016, claiming the county had violated its compre-
hensive plan by vacating its interest in the portion of roadway.
The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, but not before Cosentino purchased the adjacent property with the pier, which he said he did to increase his standing in the lawsuit and to ensure continued public access to the site, which he said was an important part of his childhood.
Cosentino added the flagpole and began holding the ceremony at the location, taking up the task of raising and lowering the flag each day before his retirement to the Florida Keys.
He said Bundy is doing a “tremendous job” in carrying on the tradition.
“I don’t see it as my ceremony,” Cosentino said. “I feel good that someone is still continuing Captain Styles’ ceremony.”
He said he thinks Bundy now knows what he knew for “such a long time” — that performing the task daily, rain or shine, morning and sunset, in bitter cold and pouring rain, is a genuine commitment.
Cosentino recalls, “When I start to feel like I might be proud of myself for the effort, I remember that I’m not in Iraq, and there’s nobody shooting at me, and I’m basically sitting down on the beach with a bunch of patriotic Americans.”
HONORING SERVICE MEMBERS
Bundy said he took up the job because he wanted the ceremony to continue.
“I couldn’t let the ceremony go away, and if I didn’t take it over, it would have gone away,” he said.
Bundy’s father, Cliff Bundy, served in the U.S. Navy during a time between the Korean and Vietnam wars. Although he had left the service by the time Wayne Bundy was born, Wayne Bundy was still impacted by his father’s patriotism and reverance for the flag.
He also says his grandfathers and uncles served in World War II and the Korean war, and he was “steeped in” the culture of military service.
“I believe supporting the mili -
“I have lots of friends that went into the military.”
As a manager at Circle K in Siesta Key, Bundy is in a location not far from the flag site. He raises the flag at about 6 a.m. before going on shift. The only time he doesn’t raise it is on Sundays, for this occurs during Patriots Pier’s Chapel on the Beach event during season.
At times he goes on vacation, volunteers can take over for him.
He says continuing the task each day isn’t necessarily a challenge.
At times when it is raining, he’ll place the speaker he uses in the back of his car, with a reduced music playlist that includes reveille for assembly, and taps to lower the flag.
Although he will cancel the ceremony for a Category 3 hurricane or higher, when it comes to a 2 and below, he’s still outside at the flagpole.
One example is Hurricane Debby.
“We did the flag ceremony, and she was right out off of us,” he said. “So a little windy, a little rainy, but we got it done that night.”
He notes the pole was ultimately knocked down by the storm.
He says he’s been at the point during storms when waves were breaking at the road, running to the flagpole as the water retreated, before standing in the tide to perform the task.
One of the few weather events that will cancel the ceremony is lightning as he notes the task involves interacting with a pole serving as a large lightning rod.
“I watch it pretty close,” he said. “Most of the time we see the lightning to the south of us or to the north of us. In the peak summer, it will come in off the Gulf, and we’ll watch to see where it’s going.”
He said although it’s possible for lightning to come out of a clear sky, the likelihood of that happening is “pretty low.”
He said he seeks to inspire patriotism with his actions.
He hopes people watching the ceremony come away with “appreciation for our military, to be able to go up to one of those gentlemen or ladies that have their hats on and say thank you for your service, or the Vietnam vet, ‘Welcome home, you deserve your welcome home.’”
“That’s what I hope to inspire,” he said.
When veterans help to fold the flag, he said, that flag will usually be retired, given to them as a token of appreciation for their service.
“I do it out of love for my country and for my father. That’s why I do it, because I think it’s truly important.”
Mike Cosentino
View the flag ceremony early every morning and every sunset at 10 Beach Road, at Beach Access 2. Patriots Pier also hosts Chapel on the Beach (during season), every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Visit Facebook. com.
Wayne Bundy salutes the flag.
Wayne Bundy leads the ceremony.
Carolyn Watkins, Jeanette Ladina and Katie Marquard
The flag is folded by individuals including Wayne Bundy (center).
Photos by Ian Swaby
Taking steps for education
SAILING HOME
Get an early copy of Jan Solomon’s book, “Sailing Home,” by calling Key Sailing at 941346-7245, or sending a text or emailing siestakeysailing@ gmail.com
in a variety of directions, from fishing charters or other tourism businesses, to restaurants, to real estate.
“Many of us went to college and came home, or ran around the world like me and came home, and by the time you get to 50 years you’re just happy that you’re still here telling the story,” Jan said.
Although graduate Lois Kain took the boat charter to catch up with her old friends, she recalled having different feelings at the time of graduation.
“I didn’t buy a senior yearbook because I was bucking the system,” she said. “I thought I was cool and didn’t need a yearbook.”
However, she recently decided to buy one online, from a company that provides scanned versions of college yearbooks.
Reunion on the water
Key Sailing owners offers free sailing charters to fellow 1975 Sarasota High School graduates.
Among the elective courses offered at Sarasota High School during the 1970s were sailing classes, while the school’s mascot is Sailor Sam.
Jan and Tim Solomon learned to sail with the school, and after walking the aisle together during gradu-
ation in 1975, they’re still sailing today.
With their company Key Sailing, the couple invited some of their fellow graduates to enjoy time on the water as well, offering free charters, which Jan said totaled about $3,000 in value, to all members of the class of 1975 and their friends and families, on May 15 and 18.
The boat charters took place amid the 50th Class Reunion, held May 16 and 17 at the Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club in Palmer Ranch and Michael’s On East.
“We’re just kind of all there for each other, and those that we’ve lost track of,” Jan said. “This is the opportunity to say, ‘Wow, we’re so
excited you came to this reunion.”
SAILING AHEAD
Fifty years later, the anniversary is not the only notable occasion, as Jan and Tim’s grandson, Enrique “Rico” Coletti, also graduates this year from Sarasota.
His father, also named Enrique Coletti, was the junior varsity soccer coach at the school, before moving up to varsity.
The boat rides were a chance for graduates to catch up with one another, before the reunion ceremony where Jan gave the invocation for the food and she and Tim were voted “sweetest couple.”
Jan said other graduates have gone
Graduate Cynthia Frank called herself “grateful” to be out on Sarasota Bay; what surprised her are the changes in the landscape, despite living in the area.
She said what stood out to her from her time in high school were her experiences with teachers.
“For me, the teaching staff was extraordinary for the most part,” she said. “I mean, there were teachers that touched my life that I still walk out to the beach and go, ‘Oh yeah, I know what kind of mangrove that is, because of Mr. Stuart.’”
Michael Stuart was a locally renowned marine biology teacher at the school.
Jan and Tim remember the 1970s as a happy time of playing on the beach, unaffected by turbulence that was taking place in the world, and also look back fondly on their time in high school.
Jan recalls participating in activities that included the marching band, symphony, student council, honor society and Christian Fellow-
ship Club.
Tim arrived much later than Jan, in the middle of his senior year, but he remembers a welcoming environment.
Because his parents were missionaries, he was missing many school credits due to his time spent in other countries. However, he says no one made fun of him for sitting in on classes like a ninth grade English course or a 10th grade history course.
“I didn’t feel ostracized or like I didn’t belong,” he said. “That’s the one thing that I really, really liked.”
After they were married in 1977, Jan and Tim traveled the world as missionaries, working on every continent except Antarctica and traveling to every U.S. state except Alaska.
After a foiled kidnapping attempt that left Jan with physical pain due to chemical poisoning, they returned to Sarasota, where she found healing in 2022 in what she described as a sudden, miraculous event.
She’s glad to once again call Sarasota home.
“I really feel like we are still a welcoming town,” Jan said.
Jan says while at Sarasota, she was voted “most likely to write an international best-selling novel,” because of her work on two school plays.
She hopes the prediction will finally come true when she releases her autobiography titled “Sailing Home.”
Diego Chappa, 6, and his brother, Tadeo Chappa, 8, showcase their medals.
Ian Swaby
Tim Solomon, Jan Solomon, Lindy Hipsher, Cindy Peachey, Lois Kain and Cynthia Frank
Lois Kaine brought a bag from the 1970s.
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WILD FLORIDA
Connectivity key to healthy habitats
Wildlife corridors help maintain natural processes that support clean air, rich soil, and freshwater.
People cherish Myakka River State Park for its abundant flora and fauna.
Areas adjacent to and surrounding the park are largely designated as rural, agricultural, or conservation lands. Importantly, this provides a buffer between the park and progressively urbanized areas in the region.
These buffers help protect the park’s important ecosystems from impacts of development or other harmful neighboring land use.
Unfortunately, human activities and development have fragmented the ecological connectivity of conserved lands such as Myakka, to the detriment of these natural communities.
Of special note, as connectivity decreases, populations of imperiled species such as gopher tortoises and Florida scrub jays become smaller and more isolated. Already at risk because of habitat loss and degradation, they’re at threat of becoming locally extinct because of lack of connectivity between remaining small patches of suitable habitat. Indeed, scrub jays were last seen in the park in 2005. To increase the likelihood they return — if there is a population in the area — Myakka’s team maintains the park’s small area of scrubby flatwoods the species depends upon in close to optimal conditions through prescribed fire. Ecological corridors offer a solution to fragmented habitats.These areas of undeveloped land connect previously isolated habitats, allowing for ecosystem and genetic connectivity for plants and animals.
Designed to help animals safely cross roadways and other humanmade barriers, wildlife crossings enhance such corridors. Also, removing dams that hinder passage and disconnect floodplains improves aquatic connectivity.
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But the health of Myakka’s ecosystems is also dependent on a functional network of connected habitats beyond the park. Such ecological connectivity supports biodiversity by allowing wildlife to move freely to access food, water, shelter, and breeding habitat. For example, connectivity allows fish, reptiles and manatees to traverse a free-flowing Myakka River, facilitates seasonal migration of butterflies and birds and can allow imperiled megafauna with a wide roaming range such as Florida panthers safely move through the park. It also supports shifts in the ranges of natural communities in response to environmental and climate change, which increases their resilience. By increasing genetic diversity, connectivity is also critical for flora and fauna population stability.
Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver
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Ecological connectivity is critical for imperiled native species such as Florida scrub jays, who were last observed at Myakka in 2005.
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Behind the scenes of saving lives
The fire department open house at Station 4 on Old Bradenton Road followed its receipt of international recognition for its cardiac care.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
he Sarasota County Fire Department’s monthly open houses are a chance for the public to gain firsthand experiences at local fire stations. Yet for 12-year-old Jackson Foscolos, it wasn’t the first visit to Station 4 on Old Bradenton Road in Sarasota. Each year, when possible, his family celebrates what one of his teachers coined his “rebirth day,” April 6, at the station.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Jackson Foscolos, 12, poses with his mother Jennifer Foscolos, brother Mason Foscolos, 9, and grandparents Hans and Leslie Rode.
Firefighter/EMT Eduardo Torres demonstrates CPR.
For Jackson’s family, the open house event was a meaningful experience.
“It means a lot knowing that a lot of these people saved me,” said Jackson.
At age 4, Station 4, as well as Station 1 rescued Jackson after he slipped and fell into the backyard pool while wearing jeans and sneakers and was found unresponsive.
The family administered CPR before the fire department staff, which included Jackson’s grandfather Hans Rode, who was with Station 4 for 23 years and was also present at the open house.
“Because it is Station 4, and they mean so much to our family, both from the history of Grandpa working here and for their involvement in Jackson’s survival, we had to come out and be part of this event,” said Jackson’s mother and Hans’ daughter Jennifer Foscolos.
After the incident, Jackson was flown to All Children’s Hospital, which he walked out of two weeks later.
“We celebrate the miracle that he is... We celebrate with the fire stations when we are able to on (April 6), because you just can’t ever put into words, what it means to thank somebody for saving your child’s life,” Jennifer said.
Held each month at a different station, the open house events offer the public a chance to meet local
firefighters, see the firehouse, apparatus and equipment, meet community partners like Humane Society of Sarasota County and Suncoast Blood Bank, and receive free bike helmet fittings and car seat inspections.
This month’s open house followed the department’s receipt of international recognition with the Heart Safe Community award, which is issued by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and recognizes excellence in addressing cardiac emergencies.
The department’s risk reduction program includes outreach like hands-only CPR training with an automated external defibrillator at public high schools, local businesses and homeowner associations.
Dakota Haberland, Charlie Reeder and Christina Newport (back) sing “Happy Birthday” to Mia Isabella Urquiza, 4, held by her mother Catherine Sarmiento.
Brisa the dalmatian.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Weight-loss drugs require lifestyle changes
MIRABAI HOLLAND CONTRIBUTOR
Semaglutide is a prescription drug injection that was developed under the brand name Ozempic to help people with Type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, or GLP-1s. Besides helping the pancreas make insulin, it alters your metabolism and curbs your appetite. People on it lost a significant amount of weight. So weight management doctors started prescribing it for weight loss. Soon, other brand names arrived. They include Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. Wegovy is semaglutide like Ozempic. It’s made by the same company. But Wegovy contains a higher GLP-1 dosage and specifically approved for weight loss. Ozempic is only approved for people with Type 2 diabetes. Zepbound and Mounjaro are Tirzepatide drugs. Tirzepatide adds another ingredient that targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It offers improved blood sugar control and appears to be better for weight loss. Currently, Mounjaro is not approved for weight loss, but Zepbound is. Your doctor will determine whether your body mass index and other health factors qualify you to be on this type of drug. They can be expensive when not covered by insurance. All these drugs are very effective and they’ve become a game changer for people who need to lose weight. Get on the drug, eat less, lose weight. It’s that simple. Except it’s not. Possible side effects associated with these new drugs range from vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and dehydration to face droop, bone loss, muscle loss, hair loss, intestinal blockage issues and some studies have shown an increased risk for thyroid tumors and cancer. Milder side effects may show up soon after you start and more serious ones may come later if there is an increase in dosage. Your doctor is likely to keep you on that higher dosage until achieving the desired weight loss. To maintain your weight, you’re expected to stay on GLP-1s long-term or maybe forever at a lower dosage. So patients who do experience side effects often quit the drug and gain the weight back. This of course, begs the question: what, if anything, can I do to avoid these side effects and stay on the drug relatively safely? There’s no total safety guarantee, but the best answer we have is take them under a doctor’s care, and LIFESTYLE. Lifestyle is just as important as the drug, both for weight loss and healthy weight management. Quite a few of my health coaching clients are on GLP-1s and they tell me the bottom line for them is these drugs work, but they need to be in combination with a closely monitored lifestyle program.
This is actually good timing because losing weight puts you in the mindset to make healthy lifestyle changes anyway. And a healthy lifestyle starts with food.
Since digestion is slower on GLP-1s, you eat less and sometimes
even forget to eat. So it’s important to make everything you eat count toward nutrition. Cut out junk and most fast foods completely. Get your calories from fresh, unprocessed foods. Eat lean meats and poultry, fresh veggies and whole grains. Avoid processed carbs like white bread, white rice, and breakfast cereals. The Mediterranean-style diet is a perfect fit. It’s easy to stay on because it offers a variety of delicious natural foods that are readily available. Personal tweaking is essential to an effective weight management program. Eating more protein, getting more fiber and drinking more water is a good starting point. Protein builds and maintains muscle, so make it a priority. 20 to 40 grams at each meal is ideal.
Dehydration is an issue when on GlP-1s. Drink at least 64 ounces of water, seltzer, juice, coffee, tea and such a day.
Get into the habit of planning your daily meals in advance. This helps you track your calories and make sure you have the foods you’re planning to make in the house. Try eating smaller meals more frequently.
If you’re not on one already, get on a program of cardio exercise, weight training and stretching. If your doctor clears you to exercise, start with a short walk. Once you’re moving on a regular basis, build up to 30 minutes of cardio, five days a week. Start with light weights and slowly increase the weight, exercising your major muscle groups every other day. Build up to two to three sets of eight to 12 reps. Stretch the muscles you worked right after weight training. Lastly, if you’re on or about to get on one of the new weight loss drugs, walk the walk and be patient. It took you quite a while to gain the weight. These drugs work quickly but not instantaneously. You should see results in four to 12 weeks.
Mirabai Holland is CEO of NuVue LLC, a health education and video production company. She is a certified health coach, exercise physiologist and wellness consultant for Manatee County government employees and has a private practice. Her wellness programs are implemented in hospitals, MD practices, fitness facilities, resorts and corporations worldwide. She is also an artist who believes creativity enhances health. Visit http://wwwmirabaiholland.com Contact her at AskMirabai@movingfree.com
Courtesy image
Artistic flair
Florida artist embraces digital medium.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Hyperrealism artist Stephen Harlan said this weekend’s showcase of his work was his first time seeing Wyland Gallery Sarasota since its redesign, and he appreciated the open spaces and brightly lit showcases for the art it houses.
Harlan has shown his work at the gallery for more than a decade, and from May 16 to 18, he demonstrated his creative process for visitors.
That process is extensive, as assistant gallery director Christopher Cotty noted. Creating each piece can take about 600 hours.
“He has a unique talent,” he said. “It can be hard for a digital artist to make it to this level of gallery, but his attention to detail, and his striking color, and the balance in his pieces speak for themselves.”
Harlan has been working in digital art for the past 35 years. He often unites his water-forward nature landscapes with intricate transportation subjects, like motorcycles or boats lined up in a harbor.
Though he draws inspiration from his Floridian surroundings, he said he uses only his imagination for his ultra-detailed artworks, rather than operating off of reference photos or a particular real-world scene. The only exception is when dealing with the machinery minutiae of particular car parts, for example.
The artist builds up a scene layer by layer through his proprietary digital process, gradually folding in cyan and magenta highlights.
“It’s typically a five-step process, where I start with a simple sketch,” he said. “I’ll start writing notes to myself about the treatment of light sources and things like that as I get a feel for the piece. I’ll start blocking out the colors more, and it goes from there.”
Harlan was born in Minnesota but spent much of his childhood in Fort Myers.
Water features prominently in many of his works, and Harlan said he spent plenty of days sailing out on the ocean while growing up in southern Florida.
“I love working with reflections, and being that they’re not real, I don’t have too many rules to follow beyond making it look believable,” he said.
Harlan said he is entirely selftaught and forever grateful for the success he has enjoyed in his career.
He is currently on a two-week crosscountry tour of the 16 galleries showing his works, with one stop planned for his home base of Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
Digital art comes with its own challenges, but one thing Harlan said he appreciates about it is its malleability.
The creation of each piece comes with its own timeline. Sometimes, a piece needs a little more time in the workshop. Sometimes, it reaches a point where it will likely never become a finished piece. But every one of his pieces in the gallery on St. Armands Circle eventually reached the tipping point of becoming fully realized.
“They take on a life of their own, which is always exciting,” he said.
While many of his works center on bold colors, Harlan does like to challenge himself to break out and try new styles and techniques.
Another of his recent releases, titled “Fog,” captures the ephemeral waves of grey fog rolling across the ocean’s surface, with only a lone white rowboat and suggestion of solid ground peeping through the mist.
Visit HarlanArt.com to learn more about Harlan’s works.
Dana Kampa
Artist Stephen Harlan offers a glimpse into his creative process at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.
Upland home on Siesta Drive
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ronald William Chapman and Susan Irene Chapman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1400 Siesta Drive to Guy Salani, of Sarasota, for $3.6 million. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,660 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.15 million in 2017.
SAPPHIRE SHORES
Paul Marshall and Linda Cahn, trustees, of Morristown, New York, sold the home at 300 S. Shore Drive to Bill and Dima Antar, of Cape Coral, for $3.5 million. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.84 million in 2019.
MARK SARASOTA
Kinga Krisztina Huse and David Forway, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 607 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Steven and Deborah Greenberg, of Boston, for $1.72 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $969,900 in 2020.
HANSEN
HB Land Holdings LLC sold the home at 3934 Sunshine Ave. to Kaia Clark-Toth, of Sarasota, for $1.6 million. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,648 square feet of living area.
ONE HUNDRED CENTRAL
Renate Budreau, trustee, of Venice, sold the Unit F912 condominium at 100 Central Ave. to R. Scott and Mary Ann Lilly, of Sarasota, for $1,225,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,532 square feet of living area. It sold for $970,700 in 2022.
ONE WATERGATE
Halina Panek, trustee, of Bethesda, Maryland, sold the Unit 14C condominium at 1111 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Brett and Julie Gruss, of Sarasota, for $1.14 million. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,736 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2017.
FLORENCE
David Haenel, trustee, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 5900 Driftwood Ave. to Mark Dewar, of Wyoming, Ohio, for $1,078,500. The first property was built in 1952 and has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,739 square feet of living area. The second was built in 1952 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,636 square feet of living area. They sold for $507,500 in 2020.
TAHITI PARK
Alan Maibach and Suzette Jones, of E. Jordan, Michigan, sold their home at 1188 Tahiti Parkway to 5LJ Investments LLC for $1 million. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms,
three baths, a pool and 2,305 square feet of living area.
THE VILLAS AT EAGLES POINT
Sue and Harvey Camins, of Glenview, Illinois, sold their Unit 1701 condominium at 1701 Starling Drive to Virginia Gifford and Nicole Tracy Gifford, of Venice, for $819,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,003 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,000 in 2014.
OYSTER BAY EAST
Wesley and Kimberly McDonald, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1906 Hillsdale Place to Darla Katherine Reed, of Sarasota, for $795,000. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,126 square feet of living area. It sold for $618,000 in 2019.
SAN MARCO
Carolyn and Paul St. Hilaire, trustees, of University Park, sold the Unit 203 condominium at 1188 N. Tamiami Trail to Gabrielle and Jason Shirdon, of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, for $600,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,093 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2019.
GULF GATE WOODS
Eric and Kari Buege, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, sold their home at 7520 Curtiss Ave. to Justyna Olszewski, of Algonquin, Illinois, for $575,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2020.
SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS
Matilda Krabbe, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4820 Remington Drive to Cory Clark and Bo Winegard, of Lewes, Delaware, for $550,000. Built in 1955, it has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,424 square feet of living area. It sold for $146,000 in 2013.
GULF GATE
Linda Frost, trustee, of Towson, Maryland, sold the home at 2476 Breakwater Circle to Mark Pynes and Carolina Leiva, of Sarasota, for $539,900. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $171,900 in 2008.
BONITA MANOR
John and Dorothy Stolzfus, of New Holland, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 2957 Michigan St. to Ver-
non Beiler, of E. Earl, Pennsylvania, for $505,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,211 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 2024.
SIESTA KEY
GULF AND BAY CLUB
Christopher and Melissa Tomasso, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 609 condominium at 5780 Midnight Pass Road to Kevin and Elizabeth Tuttle, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, for $1,225,000. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,361 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,315,000 in 2023.
ONLINE
See more transactions at YourObserver.com
Other top sales by area
SIESTA KEY: $1,375,000
Siesta Beach
Raoul Philippe Paul Farcot and Kimberly Idona Farcot, trustees, of Fairfax, Virginia, sold the home at 702 Treasure Boat Way to 702 Treasure Boat Way LLC for $1,375,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,299 square feet of living area. It sold for $805,000 in 2015.
PALMER RANCH: $1,205,000
Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch
Mark and Patricia Bonavia, of Nokomis, sold their home at 6267 Anise Drive to Kris Cox, trustee, of Jefferson, Ohio, for $1,205,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,100 in 2014.
OSPREY: $1.4 MILLION
Oaks II
Donald Swan, trustee, of Sarasota, sold his home at 378 Mac Ewen Drive to Marc Salzman and Jaclyn Marie Culver Salzman, of Osprey, for $1.4 million. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,094 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2009.
NOKOMIS: $2.5 MILLION
Casey Key Jennifer Wilde, trustee, of The Villages, sold the home at 2812 Casey Key Road to Kirby and Julie Dasinger, of Billings, Montana, for $2.5 million. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,181 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.7 million in 2022.
Photo courtesy of realtor Roger Pettingell
The home at 1400 Siesta Drive was built in 1978 and has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,660 square feet of living area.
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!
YOUR CALENDAR
SATURDAY,
8 a.m. at 199 Bayfront Drive. $40 donation, Children under 12 free. This annual hike honors the fallen heroes and raises funds to support SRQ Vets and their volunteer-run efforts to help local veterans and their families. The hike will start at J.D. Hamel Park, and head over the John Ringling Causeway and back, concluding with activities including a cookout, live music and inflatables. Admission comes with one event t-shirt, one lunch ticket and one beverage ticket (non-alcoholic for those under 21.) Visit SRQVets.org.
JACOB WINGE PRESENTS: FLORIDA SHIPWRECKS
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. With more than 2,000 documented shipwrecks, Florida ranks second in the U.S., surpassed only by Michigan. Jacob Winge presents a look at 30 shipwrecks that have influenced Florida history. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
FAMILY ART DAY
9:30 a.m. to noon. Free. This free event offers an intergenerational opportunity for families to create an art piece together, led by a professional artist. All supplies are included and projects are intended to be enjoyed by all age groups and skill levels. Visit CreativeLiberties.net.
DOGGY MEET-UP AT THE BAZAAR
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Free. Dogs and their families are invited to meet up at this event featuring adoptable dogs from Satchel’s Last Resort, an off-leash area and shopping. Visit HamletsEatery.com.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
SUNDAYS AT THE BAY FEATURING THE 301 TRAVELERS
6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts. Free. In this version of the free concert series, enjoy an outdoor performance by The 301 Travelers, a country rock band based in Southwest Florida and known for high-energy, patriotic performances. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
PHILIPPI FARMHOUSE MARKET
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Phillippi Es-
BEST BET
MONDAY, MAY 26
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
10 a.m. to noon at Main Street and Osprey Ave. Free. Honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States during the annual Memorial Day Parade. The event features marching bands, veterans groups, ROTC units, scouts, first responders and community organizations. The parade concludes near J.D. Hamel Park, where it is followed by a ceremony. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
tate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail. Free. This weekly farmer’s market benefits the restoration of the 1916 historic Keith Farmhouse at Phillippi Estate Park and features food trucks, arts and crafts, live music and local produce from dozens of vendors. Dogs are welcome. A free, docent-led tour of Edson Keith Mansion begins at 10 a.m. Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
TUESDAY, MAY 27
“HAVING FUN, WISH YOU WERE HERE! A HISTORY OF THE POSTCARD IN FLORIDA”
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Avenue. Free. Learn how postcards, initially restricted by size, color, and other regulations, blossomed in the late 1800s and early 1900s as an easy form of communication, making possible the hobby of deltiology, the collecting of postcards. Sarasota editor and publisher Liz Coursen presents this discussion.Visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.
We are retiring.
In 1974, with $10,000 we had saved in the Marine Corps, we opened our store in Venice. Susan was experienced in retailing, and I was a pretty good jet pilot. Now in our 51st year, we have decided it’s time to retire. We will miss it, but it’s time to travel and play with the grandchildren.
During this journey, we have grown up with the town of Venice. We have met and become friends with thousands of customers along the way. So now we move on and close a chapter in our lives that began 50 years ago.
– Ken and Susan Heitel
Ian Swaby
SPORTS
FAST BREAK
Anyone itching for high school football can get their fix this week as some local prep programs play in spring games. Sarasota Riverview will open the Coach Mark Cristiani era with a home game against the Largo Packers on May 22 at 7 p.m. The Packers (7-5) finished their season in the Class 6ARegion 3 semifinals this past fall.
... The Cardinal Mooney football team will give fans a sneak peek at their 2025 team in a spring jamboree against Clearwater and Mitchell at Clearwater on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Clearwater (7-4) ended its season in the 4A Region-3 quarterfinals last year. Mitchell (11-1) made it as far as the 6ARegion 3 semifinals in 2024.
... The Sarasota football team will play its spring game at St. Petersburg Gibbs on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Sailors defeated Gibbs (1-9) 34-6 on Sept 13 of last season.
... The Sarasota softball team will play the Wellington Wolverines in the 7A state semifinal on May 23 at 2 p.m. at BoombahSoldiers Creek Park in Longwood. If the Sailors win, they will advance to the 7A state championship game against the winner of Oviedo Hagerty vs. Davie Western on May 24 at 5 p.m.
... Former Riverview High pitcher Karson Ligon has had an up-and-down season at Mississippi State this spring, but has turned in some good performances lately. Ligon has allowed three earned runs over his last three starts (13 innings) while allowing just seven hits and striking out 18 batters for the 34-20 Bulldogs.
... Former Sarasota catcher and outfielder Owen Ayers is off to a strong start in his second season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Single A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Ayers has 19 hits (eight for extra bases) in 22 games with a .379 on-base percentage and 18 RBIs.
Second-chance Sailors advance to state final four
VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER
The Sarasota High softball team had to fall apart before it could become a champion.
Sarasota hit rock bottom in a 7-4 loss to Venice in the Class 7A-District 12 semifinals on April 29. At that point, the Sailors were unsure if their regular season record was enough to send them on to the regional tournament.
Arguments and finger-pointing ensued, but when Sarasota found out it had made the 7A-Region 3 tournament via an at-large bid, the Sailors received new life and a fresh perspective.
Playing with nothing to lose, Sarasota overpowered its opposition in regionals.
The Sailors defeated Venice in a 7-6 quarterfinal win. Then, Sarasota went up to Clermont East Ridge and defeated the top-seeded Knights 8-7.
They completed that regional run — and advanced to the final four for the first time since 2015 — with an 8-3 win over Riverview Sumner at Sarasota High School on May 15.
Next up for Sarasota is a 7A state semifinal game against top-seeded Wellington at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood on May 23 at 2 p.m.
“We were absolutely broken after the loss to Venice,” Sarasota softball coach Heather Mushrush said.
“That was probably the worst thing we’ve ever experienced, honestly. It was like intersquad kind of turmoil. When we had another chance, we sat down in the room over here, and thought, ‘You know what, this is our second chance. This is our chance to do something,’ and every one of these 14 girls have been locked in.”
‘BACK ON THE MAP’
The Sarasota softball program has been regarded as one of the area’s best for years, but it has taken steps back for some stretches.
The Sailors won their first and only state championship in 1999 and made the regional playoffs in 2000 and 2001, but didn’t return to the regional playoffs again until 2010.
That year started a streak in which the Sailors made it to the regional playoffs in seven of the next eight years, including a 2015 season in which it made it to the 7A state championship game before losing to Tate (Cantonment).
That served as the high point for
Sarasota softball for several years.
Though the Sailors returned to the regional playoffs in 2016 and 2017, they exited in one game both of those years.
After another four-year hiatus from the postseason, Sarasota made it to the regional playoffs from 202123, but advanced to the regional final just once (2021) in that span.
As a result, the Sailors have been knocked down the totem poll of area softball over the past decade.
Lakewood Ranch softball won back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022, Parrish Community is currently seeking its third straight state championship and Venice has ended Sarasota’s season in two of the past four years.
Now, Sarasota has reaffirmed that it’s still one of the top teams in southwest Florida.
“Hopefully it put us back on the map a little bit,” Mushrush said of the regional championship, her first with Sarasota since she was hired in 2019. “I mean, it’s always been hard with districts always changing. With all of the new housing being built out in the Parrish and Lakewood Ranch area, it’s hard, you know, where things are expensive (here).”
TO LOSE
NOTHING
The Sailors have been building toward this playoff run for the past three-plus years.
Sarasota’s seniors have never experienced a losing season, but haven’t had much to show for it in the way of playoff success. That’s why adversity hit so hard when the Sailors were eliminated in their first district tournament game.
Those years of hard losses are also why the Sailors were able to come back together with a fresh perspective.
“I think that loss was our lowest point of the year,” senior centerfielder Sommer Speers said. “Everything kind of just fell apart. Once we found out we got a bid to regionals, it kind of slowly started to come back together, and then our first game back we were in go mode.”
Losing to Venice might have been exactly what Sarasota needed.
Now, Musrush said the Sailors are playing “loose and having fun,” and it’s hard to not have fun with the way they’ve been hitting.
Sarasota has averaged 9.57 runs per game this season and scored seven or more runs in each regional playoff win.
Sarasota softball has returned to the final four for the first time since 2015.
The lineup opens with left-handed hitters Gianna Williams (.488 onbase percentage) and Speers (.579 on-base percentage) to set up RBImachine Ashlan Guengerich, who has knocked in 51 runs in 28 games.
If Guengerich doesn’t get the job done, seniors Carley Ramsden (.390 batting average and four home runs) and Mady Pint (.373 batting average and five home runs) are up next.
But even though the Sailors are posting some eye-popping stats this season, they’ve learned by now that worrying about hits, runs and RBIs isn’t going to lead to playing championship-level softball.
“We want to make sure we all play for each other instead of for ourselves,” Geungerich said.
“It’s not all about the stats. It’s about having fun and staying with each other. That’s what our biggest thing was, espe cially in the loss to Venice. Nobody had fun, and that’s not what we want. Going up there and beating them was a huge moment for us and we want to keep that momentum.”
“Recently my pitching coach, coach Aly (Bermudez), passed away from ovarian cancer ... In my first at-bat from her passing, I hit a home run.”
— Ashlan Guengerich, Sarasota junior third baseman SEE PAGE 17B
Vinnie Portell
Riverview first-year head coach Mark Cristiani prides himself on holding his players accountable.
Sarasota
Sumner on
Photos by Vinnie Portell Sarasota junior Ashlan Guengerich takes a deep breath between pitches in the 7A Region-3 championship against Riverview Sumner on May 15. Sarasota senior Mady Pint smiles after
Booker senior becomes first flag football signee in Sarasota County
The Booker High flag football team won just one game in its debut season this spring, but it’s already changed at least one life.
Senior Jewel Kerr became the first student in Sarasota County School District history to sign a scholarship to play flag football on the afternoon of May 14 at Booker.
Kerr will play at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school that added the sport in the 2022-23 school year.
For those who know her best, it isn’t surprising that Kerr became a pioneer in flag football.
Kerr has never been someone to back down from a challenge, whether playing backyard football with the boys in her neighborhood or dancing on two sprained feet when she was 12.
Committing to play flag football at Bethel isn’t something Kerr, a 5-foot-4 wide receiver, even considered until recently.
That’s because Booker didn’t have a flag football program until this season, and Kerr didn’t have any experience in the sport beyond the pickup variety.
Playing the sport at the next level was so off her radar that she had already paid her enrollment fee to Clark Atlanta University before she received her scholarship offer.
However, when offered a full-ride scholarship offer to Bethel, Kerr had to reconsider.
“It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime, first-time opportunity, and I thought about it a lot, prayed about it a lot, and I just decided I didn’t want to pass it up,” she said.
Kerr may have never been noticed if not for a little assistance.
The Tornadoes (1-4) started their season three weeks late and won just one game, a 6-0 victory over Lakewood Ranch Academy Prep.
That’s where James Ward came in. Ward, a longtime coach in the
area and the former athletic director at Riverview High and Booker Middle, played football at Bethel and currently serves on the school’s board of directors.
“I went to a practice at Bethel and I let the coach know, ‘Hey kids from Booker High School do have a program,’ so I gave all of the information to the coach and let them relate,” Ward said.
Though Kerr isn’t as experienced in her sport as most athletes who sign scholarship offers, she has all the fundamentals of a collegiatelevel athlete.
Booker flag football assistant coach Carlos Woods lauded her work ethic and leadership at Kerr’s
signing ceremony.
“Jewel was one of our team captains,” Woods said. “She never missed a day of practice. She was with us every single day. She gave us 100% in practice and games, and we’re excited about the opportunity that she has at Bethel College with coach (Felicia) Teeter and her staff.”
Kerr shouldn’t face too much competition for playing time at Bethel.
The Threshers rostered just 12 players this season, including 10 freshmen, and went 0-11. The program has gone 1-24 since it debuted in 2023, but this opportunity is about more than wins and losses for Kerr.
Kerr plans on majoring in forensic science with the goal of becoming a crime scene investigator one day, and said her scholarship at Bethel will help “a lot” financially.
In the meantime, Kerr will continue to work at Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a valet driver until she heads up to Bethel College on August 14 to start a new chapter of her life she never saw coming.
“Know what you want and once you figure it out, go get it,” Kerr said when asked about advice to other girls with aspirations to play flag football in college. “Nobody’s in charge of your life but you. So whatever you want, make it happen.”
Vinnie Portell is the sports reporter for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at VPortell@ YourObserver.com.
TIMELINE
OF WOMEN’S FLAG
FOOTBALL
May 2020: The NFL, Reigning Champs Experience and NAIA announce a partnership to make women’s flag football an NAIA varsity sport for 2021.
May 2021: Ottawa University (Kansas) defeats Keiser University (Florida) 7-6 in the first NAIA Flag Football Championship. February 2022: The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics recommends that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add flag football as an emerging sport, with 65 NCAA schools already sponsoring the sport at the club or varsity level. July 2028: Flag football will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
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Jewel Kerr smiles as she signs her letter of intent to play flag football at Bethel College in Newtown, Kansas.
Photos by Vinnie Portell
Jewel Kerr (middle) was supported at her signing day by her brother, Amir Kyles, mother Jacqueline Pearson, sister Kasi Pearson, grandmother Wanda Pearson and coach Carlos Woods.
Ashlan Guengerich
The Sarasota High softball team heads to the Class 7A final four because of a lineup that has averaged over nine runs per game this season.
Junior third baseman Ashlan Guengerich has been at the center of the run-producing.
Geungerich is batting .459 with 23 runs and 51 RBIs — sixth in Florida — across 28 games, including some crucial hits in last week’s regional playoff wins.
Guengerich went 3-for-4 with a double, a run and two RBIs in an 8-7 win over top-seeded Clermont East Ridge on May 14 and followed that up with a 2-for-4 night with a double, one run and three RBIs in an 8-3 regional final win over Riverview Sumner on May 15.
When and why did you start playing softball?
I actually started playing baseball first when I was around 6 or 7, and then I transitioned to softball at about 8 or 9. My mom told me, ‘You’re not going to play baseball for a long time with the boys,’ and she always played softball, so I was like, ‘Why not?’ So I started playing softball and then it got more serious over time, and I was like, ‘I really like this.’
What’s been the most memorable moment for you this season?
Recently my pitching coach, coach Aly (Bermudez), passed away from ovarian cancer, and it’s been really hard for me to adjust ever since she’s been gone. In my first at-bat from her passing, I hit a home run. Out of all of the home runs I’ve hit, that one was the most memorable.
What’s gone right for this team this season?
Honestly, a lot has gone right for us. I mean, people kind of underestimated us as a team. Last season we obviously lost to Venice in the first round and that was heartbreaking. We really wanted to turn this season around from the beginning. So we
If you would like to make a recommendation for the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Vinnie Portell at VPortell@ YourObserver.com.
said from the get-go, ‘We’re not going to take any crap. This is our team and this is going to be our time.’ We hit a few road bumps, but it’s been us working together and building this team back up from what it was last year.
What’s been your most humbling moment in softball?
As someone who’s looking to play in college, I don’t really necessarily get as many looks as other girls do. Recruiting-wise, I’m on a really good travel team. My coach is amazing. But I often feel like I’m overlooked and I feel like that has humbled me into being the person who is going to go home, work hard and one day it’ll be the right fit for me. Trying to stay humble within that has really helped me push myself to work harder.
What’s your favorite meal?
I love tacos. I like them with chicken, lettuce, some queso and jalapenos. We cook a lot at home so we love making tacos at home.
What’s your favorite TV show or movie?
My favorite movie of all time is “Top Gun.” I love both of them. I just love seeing all of the planes and action. It’s so crazy and it kind of translates onto the field too, like thinking on the fly.
ATHLETE
Andrew L. Clark, Esq.
M. Michelle Robles, Esq. Emily M. Flinchpaugh, Esq.
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
SIGN LANGUAGE by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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