Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 5.7.26

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Like, totally ’80s.

Observer

PAGE 4B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

VOLUME 27, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

It’s a no on Obsidian, again City Commission for the second time turns away developer’s tower plan. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy image

COMMUNITY GARDEN DIGS IN

A crowning achievement Annadele Ferguson Jackson, of Cornell University, has been an active member of Sarasota’s chapter of Tri Delta for more than 30 years.

Jackson recently received her Diamond Circle badge, recognizing 75 years of membership in the international collegiate sorority.

However, someone was present to make the moment even more special, as she had the chance to share the stage with guest speaker Delilah Wallenda Troffer, a member of the Flying Wallendas group of circus performers and the mother of Nik Wallenda.

That involved the opportunity for Jackson to try on Troffer’s feathered headdress.

Jackson served as president of the chapter from 1997 to 1999, among other offices.

Courtesy image Ian Swaby

Marching to the nationals After an extensive two-year assessment process, Sarasota Military Academy was selected to compete in the National High School Drill Team Championships, a first for the school.

At the competition held May 2-3 in Daytona Beach, SMA received notable rankings, with the color guard placing seventh, the 7th Armed Platoon led by Lillian Wallace placing 20th, and the dual exhibition placing 23rd.

SMA was one of eight Florida schools present.

In a statement provided by the school, drill Instructor Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Lee said, “In our first year competing at the Army Drill Nationals, we performed very well and represented SMA with pride.’’

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Teresa Stone painted a mural in the new garden in the Limelight District.

Patience pays off in the Limelight District as a vision sprouts from a vacant lot. SEE PAGE 2B

A+E

FST play lights a creative fire.

PAGE 15A

Paying for the dock on the bay Andrew Warfield

Damage to one of several portions of the seawall at Bayfront Park is due for repair.

City prepares to spend grant money for waterfront fixes and resilience improvements, but work has to move at full speed. SEE PAGE 14A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

WEEK OF MAY 7, 2026

“The departments were advised not to increase staffing as fiscal year 2027 is not a year in which the city plans to expand services.”

City Plan update workshop on May 11 Residents are invited to an open house to learn about and provide input into updates for the Sarasota City Plan at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, in the SRQ Media Studio in the City Hall Annex, 1565 First St. The city’s long‑term planning guide is updated periodically to ensure the city’s future and that it reflects current needs and priorities. City planning staff are revisiting three chapters of the Comprehensive Plan: Historic Preservation, Recreation and Open Space and Governmental Coordination.

If approved by a supermajority vote of the commission, the text will be forwarded to Tallahassee for review. Once the state-level assessment is finished, commissioners will hold more public hearings prior to official adoption.

Draft revisions are available for review at on the city’s website at SarasotaFL.gov.

Sarasota Finance Director Kelly Strickland. Read more on page 5A

BY THE NUMBERS 24/7

New paid parking enforcement hours in cityowned garages beginning June 1 PAGE 4A

$1.1 MILLION

Funding granted to the city of Sarasota to realign Circus Trail’s multiuse pathway to connect to 17th Street Park through Bobby Jones Golf Course property PAGE 12A

March tourism data shows visitor uptick

$5.57 MILLION

Cost for the approved seawall reconstruction at Bayfront Park PAGE 14A Photo courtesy of Ian Black Real Estate

This three-unit retail property at 28 S. Boulevard of the Presidents is fully leased.

CALENDAR n Sarasota Planning Board

regular meeting — 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, May 13, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

St. Armands building now fully leased A

Sarasota retail property extensively damaged during Hurricane Helene nearly two years ago has been renovated and is now fully leased.

The three-unit building is on St. Armands Circle at 28 S. Boulevard of the Presidents.

The final tenant is Chocolate Emporium, which took 1,446 square feet of space and is expected to open in June, according to a statement from Ian Black Real Estate.

The shop is the handcrafted chocolates and confections

retailer’s second spot and, like its Anna Maria Island location, will feature favorites such as saltwater taffy.

Chocolate Emporium joins Acadia Jewels Fine Jewelry & Design, which opened Jan. 1 in a 1,390-square-foot space in the building, and Le Shop, a coffee shop, wine bar and market, which opened in November in a 1,385-square-foot space.

Amy MacDougall of Ian Black Real Estate said the property was severely damaged by flooding and the owners have

replaced the drywall up to four feet and installed new electrical and HVAC systems.

The building, according to Sarasota County property records, is owned by a Hartsdale, New York LLC, which paid $3.42 million for it in 2017.

MacDougall and Ian Black colleague Holly Haber represented the property’s owner in the leasing of all three properties.

Terms of the lease were not disclosed but MacDougall says “they are for a good amount of time with options.”

Following years of post-pandemic tourism normalization resulting in monthly declines of visitors compared year over year, Visit Sarasota County has reported an uptick in visits in March.

Research firm Downs & St. Germain reported 158,500 visitors in March, up 1.7% from 155,800 in March 2025. With spring break, March marks a critical month on VSC’s tourism calendar.

While visitors increased, direct spending was slightly down by 0.1% at $234.3 million compared to March 2025.

Other March 2026 data points: ■ Lodging occupancy was 81.5% compared to 83.3% in 2025.

■ Lodging average room rate was $402 compared to $386 in 2025.

■ 365,800 room nights were sold compared to 373,000 in 2025.

■ Hotel room rates increased 11.4% year over year and hotel occupancy increased 1.2%.

■ Vacation rental room rates decreased 1.7% and occupancy decreased 5.2%.

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

3A

The location of the proposed 1260 North Palm Residences with Bay Plaza in the background.

For the second time, the City Commission sides with opponents of 1260 North Palm Residences as the developer weighs his options for further legal action.

Photos by Andrew Warfield

STANDARDS FOR REVIEW The Building, Zoning and Code Enforcement Department, Planning Board and City Commission shall use and be guided by the following criteria in the exercise of their discretion when evaluating a site plan submission:

1 Courtesy image

Bay Plaza residents who oppose 1260 North Palm Residences say the condo tower’s 325foot height is out of scale and incompatible with the surrounding area.

Condo controversy continues ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

J

ust 10 days shy of a year ago, the Sarasota City Commission by a 4-1 vote upheld an appeal of the administrative approval of 1260 North Palm Residences, and by doing so denied approval of the site plan for the condo tower formerly known as Obsidian.

During its May 4 meeting, the commission once again voted 4-1 — with Liz Alpert the dissenter as before — to reject a mediated settlement with developer Matt Kihnke.

It was a quasi-judicial hearing filled with ambiguity about where the legal tussle over the 18-story, 14-unit, 327-foot tower can go from here after commissioners debated what constitutes terminology such as “competent substantial evidence” and adherence to the city’s “standards of review” for developments in rendering its judgment.

What came before the commission was a recommended mediated settlement brokered by Special Magistrate Mark Bentley, a Tampa attorney who, in January, presided over a request for relief mediation filed by

Kihnke under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act. Bentley, who issued his recommended settlement on April 1, made an appearance before the commission at the start of the hearing.

“The options available today from a dispute resolution standpoint are: accept the recommended compromise, reject the compromise or modify the compromise,” Bentley said.

There were multiple modifications to the compromise made at the dais, some at the request of commissioners. Through his representatives, which included attorney Robert Lincoln and George Scarf of Hoyt Architects, Kihnke — who was not present due to a family emergency — offered last-minute changes, including providing additional street parking, additional landscape elements and right-of-first-refusal for tenants in a current one-story building on the site to lease in the new commercial space at 20% below market rate.

COMPATIBILITY VS. PRECEDENT

In making her motion to reject the recommended settlement, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch stood fast on her position that 1260 North

Bay Plaza supporters dressed in red to gather at the City Commission meeting.

WHAT IS COMPETENT SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE? The term “competent and substantial evidence” arises frequently in quasijudicial hearings held by governmental bodies such as city commissions, county commissions and planning boards.

According to the Florida Bar, the legal standard of competent substantial evidence requires that factual findings in judicial or quasi-judicial decisions be supported by relevant, admissible evidence that a reasonable mind could accept as adequate to support a conclusion short of and up to a full preponderance.

What constitutes a “reasonable mind,” though, is subjective.

Key aspects include:

Competent: The evidence must be admissible, reliable and relevant to the issue, often requiring it to be expert testimony or documentation rather than hearsay or speculation.

Substantial: The evidence must be material, as in having a bearing on the fact to be proven and enough to form a firm foundation of fact.

Context: This standard is highly deferential, meaning appellate courts or reviewing bodies will not reconsider evidence or judge witness credibility, but only ensure the finding was reasonable based on the record.

Special Magistrate Mark Bentley discusses his recommended settlement regarding 1260 North Palm Residences with the Sarasota City Commission.

Palm Residences conflicted with most of the city’s development code standards. Alpert maintained her position that the street-level adjustments requested for the project would be required for any redevelopment of the quarter-acre lot.

“Whether you like it or you don’t like it, that’s not our decision,” Alpert said. “The decision is, does it meet the city criteria? Putting the trash out on the sidewalk is how everybody else does it, but they offered to put it in an alley, and people didn’t like that. You requested a loading zone, so they came up with a loading zone.

Now you don’t like that. The criteria doesn’t say that they have to have all of these things, but they have made provisions for all of that under the code.”

In addition to procedures for trash collection, a reduction in street retail frontage and concerns over construction hazards, at 327 feet, height has been among Bay Plaza residents’ primary objections. Kihnke has been accused of adding unnecessary space between floors to artificially raise the building so most of the units will peer over Bay Plaza to gain views of Sarasota Bay. George Scarf of Hoyt Architects, which designed the building, said the planned Mira Mar residential towers are proposed at 301 feet from Palm Avenue to the top of an architectural belfry with space between floors of 3 feet 4 inches, and up to 9 feet 10 inches. The Waldorf Astoria at Five Points will be 355 feet high, he said, with space between floors from 3 feet 6 inches to 14 feet 6 inches.

“As you may recall, ours was a typical 2 feet, and then some of our areas were as much as 7 feet,” Scarf said.

Commissioner Kyle Battie, who hesitated for about a minute before casting his vote against the settlement, warned of precedents throughout downtown, most recently the redevelopment and preservation of the historic Mira Mar building a few blocks to the south.

“We went right down the street and did a whole comprehensive plan amendment, and then we talk about compatibility,” Battie said. “I don’t even know where the compatibility was with that. We did a whole comprehensive plan for that to save a building, and then we allow for two 18-story buildings (at Mira Mar).”

Such precedent could be part of the next phase of legal maneuvers,which for now is teed up to return to the special magistrate for another round of mediation. That mediation will not produce another recommendation, but rather a decision by Bentley on whether the commission’s decision was unreasonable or unfairly burdens Kihnke. If that is the magistrate’s determination and the commission maintains its position, the next step could be litigation in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

Or, Kihnke could just choose to go straight to court.

If the commission does change its posture on 1260 North Palm Residences, the Bay Plaza residents could choose litigation, as well.

Whether the proposed development, design and layout are in keeping with the intent and specific standards and criteria prescribed in pertinent sections of the land development regulations

2

Whether, on balance, the proposed development, design and layout are compatible with the Sarasota City Plan

3

Whether the required information has been furnished in sufficiently complete and understandable form to allow an accurate description of the proposed use(s) and structure(s) in terms of density, location, area, height, bulk, placement, setbacks, architectural design, performance characteristics, parking and traffic circulation

4

Whether there are ways in which the configuration of the development (location, intensity; density; scale; building size, mass, bulk, height and orientation; lot coverage; lot size/configuration; architecture; screening; buffers; setbacks; signage; lighting; traffic circulation patterns; loading area locations; operating hours; noise; odor; and other factors of compatibility) can be changed, which would mitigate or improve the effect of the development on adjoining and nearby properties and on the community

5

Whether the proposed development, design and layout has made adequate provisions for vehicular and pedestrian access, safety, and traffic circulation (both internal and external to the project), in addition to the requirements pertaining to concurrency certificates

6

Whether the proposed development, design and layout has made adequate provision for parking and loading and unloading areas

7

Whether the proposed development, design and layout has preserved the natural features and characteristics of the land including but not limited to the regard given to existing large trees, natural groves, watercourses and similar natural features that would add attractiveness to the property and environs if they were preserved, natural drainage systems, natural buffering and the use of other techniques for the preservation and enhancement of the physical environment

City Attorney Joe Polzak warned the commission the future is uncertain, and that hoping the next round of mediation results in changes acceptable by all parties is risky.

“There’s no guarantee what will happen from here,” said Polzak.

In the approval battle that began with the introduction of the project as Obsidian in 2023, it appears all but certain that something, indeed, will occur.

1260 NORTH PALM RESIDENCES TIMELINE FEB. 13, 2024 Developer Matt Kihnke submits the administrative site plan for 1260 North Palm Residences (formerly branded Obsidian) and administrative adjustment applications for review.

OCT. 2, 2024 The administrative site plan and administrative adjustment applications are approved.

OCT. 17, 2024 An appeal to the approved administrative site plan is filed on behalf of abutting property and affected party Bay Plaza Owners Association.

FEB. 12, 2025 A public hearing on the appeal application is held before the Planning Board, which votes 4-1 to deny the appeal and approve the site plan. Following the decision, Bay Plaza Owners Association files an appeal of the Planning Board’s decision.

MAY 13, 2025 Bay Plaza Owners Association appeal is heard by the City Commission, which votes 4-1 to grant the appeal and deny the approved site plan.

Matt Kihnke submits a request for relief under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act to have the special magistrate review the request and the city’s denial of the site plan.

JAN. 6 AND JAN. 23, 2026 Mediation hearings between the city and developer are held in front of a special magistrate.

APRIL 1, 2026 Special Magistrate Mark Bentley issues his recommendation on the mediated settlement agreement.

MAY 4, 2026 City Commission votes 4-1 to reject the special magistrate’s mediated settlement agreement.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Let’s Get Cracking!

Paid parking hours and fines increase

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To achieve solvency in Sarasota’s Parking Division, the City Commission sidesteps rate hikes in favor of expanded enforcement.

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s an enterprise fund, the city of Sarasota’s Parking Division is intended to cover its own expenses. Efforts so far to raise revenue and reduce expenses such as adding paid street parking at Lido Beach and gateless entry and exit at city garages still left the fund short on the balance sheet, placing the financial burden on the citywide tax base rather than the users.

Resistant to an increase in parking fees, the Sarasota City Commission on May 4 unanimously approved extending parking enforcement hours in city-owned spaces and adding $5 to all current citation rates except ADA violations, which will remain at $250.

Effective June 1, 2026, city-owned parking garages and surface lots will extend parking enforcement 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Enforcement on paid on-street parking spaces will extend to 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

Parking will remain free over 10 holidays plus the day before Thanksgiving and the days before and after Christmas.

The holidays include: ■ New Year’s Day ■ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day ■ President’s Day ■ Memorial Day ■ Juneteenth ■ Independence Day ■ Labor Day ■ Veteran’s Day ■ Thanksgiving Day ■ Christmas Day Those changes, Parking Division

File image

General Manager Broxton Harvey told commissioners, will allow the department to operate in the black as early as fiscal year 2027.

This fiscal year, parking is projected at a net loss of approximately $270,000 with $6.5 million in expenses versus $6.2 million in revenue. The changes, Harvey said, will bring in $9.4 million against expenses of $8.8 million — the cost increase a result of capital expenses for equipment — for a projected net surplus of $674,797.

“And just to confirm, these expenditures do cover capital expenses such as the replacement of elevators, the replacement of meters on the street, and also a contingency for the Parking Division,” Harvey said.

The proposal also directs funds to the Bay Runner trolley, which is currently largely funded by the city’s Economic Development Fund at about $970,000 per year.

“This proposal proposes to take over those costs so that we can have some money, finally, in the Economic Development Fund to help our small businesses. This is a step toward that effort, correct?” asked Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, which Harvey confirmed.

The changes will also allow the Parking Division to pay down its borrowing from the city’s general fund “at a faster pace,” Harvey said.

Beginning June 1, 2026, parking fees will be enforced in all city parking decks, such as the St. Armands Circle garage, 24/7.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

City staff to hold budget steady for next fiscal year A fund balance shortfall of $4.3 million has prompted Sarasota officials to instruct departments to trim operating costs and suspend capital purchases. cal year 2027 budget cycle, the fund balance is at 10.8% of spending, far below best practices and the city’s own policy.

The fund balance is intended to supply at least three months’ operating revenue in the event of emergency.

To blame are escalating hurricane recovery expenses of tens of millions — including cleanup and debris removal — with no guarantee of FEMA reimbursement. That prompted then-Interim City Manager Dave Bullock to recommend a property tax millage rate increase from 3.0000 to 3.2730 mills as part of a three-year plan to replenish the fund balance.

Problem is, Strickland told commissioners, last fiscal year’s final numbers revealed the unassigned fund balance at $4.3 million less than expected. Not including the $7 million advance from FEMA for cleanup, the city has spent $14,913,308 to date with some $17.4 million waterfront park and other infrastructure repair and resilience projects remaining.

“That does create additional pressure on the reserve restoration plan,” she said.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

A

fter Director of Financial Administration Kelly Strickland dropped the news on the Sarasota City Commission that the city’s financial picture going into next fiscal year is more bleak than expected, Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich asked her, “Why did you feel compelled to bring this information to us now?”

“We are going into the fiscal year 2027 budget process, and I feel that you need to know,” Strickland said.

“You need to know where we ended up, how we’re doing this … so that you can see where we’re at.”

Where they are at, Strickland said during the commission’s April 21 meeting, is $4.3 million less than expected in the general fund unassigned fund balance, essentially the city’s rainy day fund. At $13.7 million, that is far less than the Government Finance Officers Association recommendation of a fund balance between 17% and 35% of the city’s annual operating budget, and significantly less than the $35.5 million in fiscal year 2022. Going into the fis-

GENERAL FUND VS. UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE

26.8%

32.8%

29.3%

2021

28.7%

2020

31.3%

35.3% 26.1%

32.4% 25.8%

30.4%

30.9% 23.9%

24.7%

28.0%

22.9%

20.0%

24.3%

15.0% 10.8%

10.0% 5.0% 2016

2017

2018

2019

Actual Unassigned %

2022

2023

2024

2025

Budget Budg eted ed Unassigned %

THE FUND BALANCE GAP

Estimated vs. actual fiscal year 2025 reserves FY2025 Estimated

FY2025 Actual

Difference

Revenue

$115,265,636

$114,681,890

-$583,746

Expenditures

$129,676,480

$127,211,055

$2,465,425

Unassigned Fund Balance

$18,057,873

$13,687,849

-$4,370,024

% Reserves to Expenditures

13.9%

10.8%

of available equipment replacement funds before requesting new capital dollars.

“Finally, the departments were advised not to increase staffing as fiscal year 2027 is not a year in which the city plans to expand services.”

To accomplish that, Strickland said department heads were provided with a worksheet and their operating budgets minus personnel costs along with a directive to shave 2% to 3% to offset salary increases.

-3.1%

“I would say that the departments tried their best,” Strickland said.

“With the cost of every product increasing, it was very difficult, but every department did very well in trying to cut their budgets in order to accommodate a potential increase.”

For next fiscal year, the city expects a 4% escalation in property tax value assessments, which would generate an additional $2.2 million in general fund revenue over the current budget year.

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0.0%

The 0.2730 millage increase for the current fiscal year was intended kickstart a plan to restore the unassigned fund balance to 20% of the total annual expenditures within three years. The actual numbers, barring another millage rate increase next year, will extend that restoration.

It also means city departments that are not self-sustaining — enterprise funds such as water, sanitation, Van Wezel, Bobby Jones Golf Club and others — may be instructed to further tighten their belts this budget season, as the city still considers cost-of-living-allowance increases in salary.

“Departments were instructed to maintain current service levels and reduce operating budget line items excluding personnel to help create capacity for potential COLA increases,” Strickland told commissioners. “The departments were also directed to postpone capital purchases where possible and make use

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25.0%

30.5%

30.0%

28.0%

35.0%

31.3%

40.0%

File photo

Shoreline damage at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is among the nearly $40 million in city recovery expenses left behind by the 2024 hurricane season.

6A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

BUSINESS OBSERVER

“Potential improvements could include picnic areas, shade structures, restrooms, canoe and kayak launches, 30 to 40 boat slips, fishing access and room for mobile vendors.”

— Shawn Yeager

Elizabeth King

The Stickney Point Road property contains commercial condominiums, 700 feet of bay frontage and 390 feet of canal/boat basin access.

Nearly $21M Stickney Point project moves forward Sarasota County commissioners authorized the acquisition and loan to finance the property purchase.

ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER

S

arasota County is moving forward with plans to acquire 2.04 acres on Stickney Point Road for a waterfront park project.

County commissioners vot-

ed 4-1, with Commissioner Tom Knight in opposition, to proceed with the purchase and authorize $20.77 million in financing during its meeting Tuesday. The loan will cover the purchase price, closing costs, part of the debt service and some of the startup costs. Closing on the property is projected to take place in July.

The approval came weeks after commissioners postponed the decision about financing at their April 21 meeting, citing the need for more information about plans for the project.

At 1500 Stickney Point Road near the south bridge to Siesta Key, the property consists of 21 parcels con-

taining colorful commercial condominiums.

The $18.1 million purchase price was negotiated with seller Big Main Street LLC (registered to Sarasota property investor and restaurant owner Chris Brown), following two appraisals, one for $14 million and another for $18.1 million.

“Acquisition of the property would provide opportunities to further enhance public water access,” interim Director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Shawn Yeager said at the Tuesday commission meeting.

In 2024, he noted, commissioners directed parks staff to evaluate waterfront properties the county

could purchase. If acquired, the site could provide open space as well as water access.

Potential improvements could include picnic areas, shade structures, restrooms, canoe and kayak launches, 30 to 40 boat slips, fishing access and room for mobile vendors, Yeager said.

“The buildings have been and are being evaluated for operational functionality,” Yeager said. “If they have no appropriate function or use, some or all may be demolished.”

Presenting a preliminary concept plan for the project, Yeager said the “iconic lighthouse” and potentially an operation support building next to it could remain on the site.

What would not be part of the plans are a full-scale restaurant, playground or motorized boat ramp, Yeager said.

Commissioners highlighted the water, the need for fair treatment and the county’s charter boat program as factors in their decisions to approve the acquisition.

“Water is our golden ticket here in Sarasota County,” Commission Chair Ron Cutsinger said.

On one hand, Cutsinger said, the $18.1 million purchase price for the property seemed steep. However, he said evaluating the site required a longer-term vision.

“This is one of those things that I think you buy looking out 10 or 15 or 20 years, because,” Cutsinger said, “when you look at the generational impact something like this has, that for me is part of the purchase price.”

While commissioners in April

empath

May Finds You’ll Love

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were hesitant to displace Siesta Key Watersports, which has been a tenant at the Stickney Point property known as the Boatyard for 20 years, they changed course at the May 5 meeting.

Commissioner Teresa Mast said the county had to be “fair and equitable to all.” She noted that when Sarasota County purchased the Camp Venice RV site adjacent to the county-owned Snook Haven Park for $14 million, it had to displace 13 tenants living there. And if it allowed one tenant to remain, the county would have to consider letting others stay, as well.

In voicing his support for the project, Commissioner Mark Smith said the Stickney Point site was needed for charter boat operators with six or fewer passengers who could not afford to pay for slips, which he said could cost up to $100,000 a year.

To regulate charter boat activity at county parks, commissioners approved a pilot charter boat and tour operators permit program in January.

“This is the perfect location for that charter boat operation,” Smith said, adding that he didn’t “see any reason to continue discussions with Siesta Key Watersports, because they’re not the target industry that we’re looking for at parks.”

On the other hand, the perception among captains who pay for boat slips “is we’re spending $20 million … to appease a certain group of people,” Knight said.

“I just don’t think it’s an appropriate purchase for the price,” said Knight, who previously shared concerns over unknown operating costs. “I can’t support it.”

The $20.77 million loan will be repaid by the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program/Neighborhood Parkland Program ad valorem tax.

Ongoing operating and maintenance costs will be funded by the Environmentally Sensitive Land fund and the general fund.

Due diligence on the property was completed April 26, according to Yeager. Closing is expected

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Verify age, but without data?

Legislators are passing laws to verify the age of social media users — but does it inadvertently require these sites to keep more data than necessary?

Friedrich Hayek

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

ADRIAN MOORE AND NICOLE SHEKHOVTSOVA

F

lorida is now enforcing its sweeping social media law, the Online Protections for Minors Act (House Bill 3), after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal stayed a lower-court injunction in November.

The law bars children younger than 14 from holding accounts on some social media platforms and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-yearolds. In response, some sites blocked Nicole Shekhovtsova Florida users entirely, rather than comply with a related age-verification requirement.

As Congress debates two federal children’s online safety bills, Floridians are getting a preview of what happens when lawmakers expand the legal standard for when a platform is responsible for knowing a user is a child.

THE FEDERAL STANDARD CONGRESS WANTS TO CHANGE

The federal children’s privacy law since 1998, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, uses an “actual knowledge” standard, meaning general-audience platforms are responsible only when they have been directly informed that a user is under 13. In its 2011 COPPA rule review, the FTC explained that Congress deliberately rejected a broader standard that would have made platforms liable for what they should have known from circumstantial evidence. The FTC again declined to adopt constructive knowledge in its most recent rulemaking and noted that only Congress could make that change.

In February 2026, the FTC announced it will not bring certain COPPA enforcement actions against general-audience and mixed-audience operators that collect personal information solely to determine a user’s age, so long as they use it only for that purpose, delete it promptly and do not repurpose it.

The practical effect is to make age data collection less legally risky while putting more weight on

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

carballo - stock.adobe.com

whether a company’s methods are accurate enough to survive scrutiny if enforcement comes later.

The Senate versions of COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act would replace that standard. Both bills say an operator should know a user is a minor when age is “fairly implied” based on what a “reasonable and prudent person” would understand. That is an open-ended standard, applied in hindsight, with no clear threshold for what counts.

Each bill also states that the law should not be read as a requirement to collect new data or build ageverification systems.

Taken together, these two provisions leave companies without a clear answer on how to comply.

If age-gating is not required but self-attestation, just asking users to enter their age or confirm that they are above a certain age, is not enough, the obvious question is: How much age-determination a platform must implement to avoid liability? KOSA points platforms toward signals they already have without explaining what would be sufficient, and it tells the Federal Trade Commission to issue guidance that the bill itself describes as nonbinding.

Florida is already further down this road. HB 3 imposes civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation for “knowing or reckless” failures, and it allows minors to recover up to $10,000 per claim through a private right of action. The implementing regulation defines “willful disregard” of a user’s age as the moment a platform “should reasonably have been aroused to question whether the person was a child and thereafter failed to perform reasonable age verification.” That is constructive knowledge in everything but name.

The Florida Digital Bill of Rights uses the same framing.

PLATFORMS ARE RESPONDING

Major platforms have already begun testing age-inference and age-estimation tools.

Meta uses artificial intelligence to place suspected teens into “teen account” settings even when those

users claim to be adults. YouTube uses an age-estimation model and escalates uncertain cases to government ID, credit card or selfie verification. Every platform will not make the same choices, but age inference and escalation to stronger verification have become part of the ordinary compliance landscape.

When penalties are high and the standard is vague, companies focus on protecting themselves rather than on preserving privacy. Pornhub did so by leaving Florida. Other platforms will respond by collecting more data on every user, not just suspected minors, because that is the easiest path to defend if regulators push later.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Florida lawmakers are not done expanding this approach. In the 2026 session, Sen. Tom Leek’s Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights (SB 482) and a parallel House bill (HB 659) would have extended age verification and parental consent rules to AI companion chatbots. Both died in the House. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled he wants them revived in a special session.

Before Florida or Congress goes further, the FTC should evaluate the age-determination tools American companies are already deploying: how accurate they are, what data they collect, how they handle errors and whether they create new privacy risks.

Lawmakers need that record before they decide whether broadening the actual knowledge standard is necessary.

As it stands, abandoning “actual knowledge” in favor of vague notions of what age is “fairly implied” only pushes companies toward invading every user’s privacy to reduce their own liability.

Nicole Shekhovtsova is a policy analyst, and Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation.

As laws are passed requiring companies to verify users’ ages, it complicates how they do so without violating data policies.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

County reverses stance My oath to the law and the taxpayers of Sarasota County on Tax Collector’s fee MY VIEW

MIKE MORAN SARASOTA TAX COLLECTOR

A

s your tax collector, when I took the oath of office, I made a solemn commitment to faithfully execute the duties of my office and to uphold the laws of the state of Florida. My oath of office isn’t a suggestion, it is a binding promise to every taxpayer that I will follow Florida law, even when it is politically inconvenient.

It does not bend to convenience, public pressure or political disagreement. It is a promise to the taxpayers I serve and one I intend to keep.

There is a current dispute regarding the state-mandated commission charged by the Tax Collector’s Office to the School Board. Let me be clear: This is not a new fee, and it is required by law. Unfortunately, much of the public narrative has suggested otherwise, which has only fueled misunderstanding.

For nearly 24 years, the Sarasota County government has been paying the School Board’s portion of this fee. This practice originated under a prior tax collector who served for nearly half a century.

However, after consulting with highly respected CPAs and legal counsel, it became evident that this arrangement did not align with state law, unless the County Commission voluntarily offered to pay the School Board’s share. In a recent County Commission meeting, the board voted unanimously to stop

paying the School Board’s portion.

Again, this is not a new fee to the Tax Collector’s office, we simply started charging the fee to the School Board instead of the county.

This is not a matter of opinion or preference; it is a matter of legal obligation.

I fully recognize that there is a difference of opinion on this issue.

The Sarasota County School Board believes the county should continue absorbing this cost. I respect their position, even as I disagree with it. In fact, in an effort to avoid unnecessary conflict and expense, I respectfully asked the school district’s superintendent, in person and in writing, to pause any legal action until the Florida attorney general issues an opinion on a nearly identical situation in neighboring Manatee County.

Waiting for the attorney general’s guidance could have provided clarity for all parties and potentially saved Sarasota County taxpayers the cost of litigation. Unfortunately, the school district chose not to wait and took the “lawyer-up” approach that will waste taxpayer money.

That is their right, but I will not break the law or ignore my oath just to avoid disagreement.

I will continue to follow the law as it is written and if the Florida attorney general or courts ultimately determine a different course of action, I will abide by that decision fully and without hesitation.

This situation could have been resolved more collaboratively and at far less cost. I strongly feel my invitation to pause and wait for the attorney general’s response was a reasonable request. We are now in a position of expensive litigation that is not in the public’s interest.

Until then, I remain committed to one guiding principle: the rule of law.

It is not always easy. It is not always popular. But it is always the right thing to do.

Sarasota leaders vote 3-2, opening the door to reassuming responsibility for paying commission on school tax.

ERIC GARWOOD DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR

V

oicing concern about potential involvement in a lawsuit between Sarasota County’s school district and its tax collector over $2 million in fees, County commissioners on Tuesday got the ball rolling on reassuming financial responsibility for paying what commissioners believed to be a $589,000 annual tab.

While not final, because the discussion sprung up organically without agenda notice, the reversal of county commissioners’ August 2025 decision would essentially return the county to a role it’s held for more than 20 years.

“In my background, I’ve made decisions that I regret, and I feel like I regret a decision I made in the past, and so I wanted to get the rest of the board’s thoughts on this,” said Commissioner Tom Knight near the end of a seven-hour meeting in Venice, kicking off the discussion.

The vote to reconsider passed 3-2, with Teresa Mast and Ron Cutsinger in opposition.

Tax Collector Mike Moran charges a 2% commission on revenue collected through Sarasota County Schools’ optional 1-mill property tax, which historically receives overwhelming voter support when it’s up for renewal, as it has for the last 23 years.

And, until August, coinciding with the first budget with Moran as tax collector, the burden of paying that commission on that tax has fallen to Sarasota County. The August vote to move the fee to the School District was swift and unanimous, 5-0. At the time, Mast said, referencing Moran’s presented $589,556 cost of the school board fee: “I’m not interested in con-

tinuing to pick up the tab. This needs to be passed on to the school board.

They can find the money. It’s time to turn that over after 23 years.”

On April 24, the school district filed a lawsuit over the shift, saying the responsibility of paying the commission annually would take money away from educational needs. In its court filing, the school district argued that commission on the tax through March has diverted $2,055,798.65 to Moran’s office.

While the vote to reconsider who pays for the commission was approved, Knight questioned the appropriateness of the fee itself, something Moran described in an op-ed piece published this week as a “legal obligation” of his office (see story, left).

Not only is the lawsuit between the school board and Moran’s office an open issue, one County Commissioners said they wanted no part of, so too is an anticipated legal opinion from the state’s attorney general on the charging of commissions, resolution of which could shift the landscape one way or the other.

“Fair is fair and we have a responsibility, I believe, to make it right, not for the government bodies, but for the voters who vote on the school referendum,” Knight said. “This appears to me to be a discretionary action that is not required by law.

The tax collector may be entitled and believe he is entitled to the commission, but it is not illegal to not charge commission for the service.”

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis reminded commissioners that similar commissions on optional, voter-approved levies are not uncommon and pointed to a similar fee on the collection of revenue derived from the county’s own Legacy Trail millage line item.

File photo

“In my background, I’ve made decisions that I regret, and I feel like I regret a decision I made in the past and so I wanted to get the rest of the board’s thoughts on this.”

— Commissioner Tom Knight

“Any time there is a millage, there’s a lawful process, and I don’t care how you guys handle this, just understand that any millage, anything that is voted, you’re going to pay a commission to the property appraiser and tax collector,” he said.

The issue between the school board and tax collector’s office largely came to a head on April 12, when Superintendent Terry Connor presented a State of Education address at a Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

“I’m one person here, but I’m not in any way, shape or form in favor of removing taxpayer dollars in the form of a referendum from Sarasota County school district,” Commission Chair Joe Neunder said.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

COPS CORNER

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FRIDAY, APRIL 3

CAUGHT IN THE MATRIX 4:59 p.m., 1200 block of 32nd Street Harassment: A woman told an officer an unknown person has been sending her text messages extorting her with the threat of releasing nude photos of her, which the subject provided. She advised the images were edited to place her face on the nude bodies.

Although she deleted the messages that included the images, the complainant did have many other messages from the subject, but none of a threatening manner. She did admit to giving the subject bank information, which resulted in a $30 withdrawal from her husband’s account, that money already refunded by her financial institution.

The subject was someone she said she met on social media more than a year ago, realizing only recently she had been scammed because she thought she was communicating with actor Keanu Reeves. The phone number includes the country code of Nigeria. Why she would think a wealthy, famous actor would need her bank account information, or why she would comply with such a request, was not included in the incident report.

Back to the alleged nude images, she said the threats about releasing the photos began three days earlier.

The officer advised the woman against giving any personal information to a stranger online — even if they really were famous. She was provided with a link to upload future communications from the subject.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM ...

4:37 p.m., 1400 block of Main Street Lewd and lascivious act: A woman working at an ice cream shop reported a man apparently becoming overly excited about the milkshake she was making for him. The complainant stated that while she was scooping the ice cream, she looked toward the male subject and observed he had exposed himself, describing him as engaging in a bizarre form of self-gratification.

Maintaining her composure, she said she looked away and avoided making eye contact while completing the order.

She handed him the beverage and he left — no longer exposing himself — without further incident. She told officers the man made no comments nor threats toward her, apparently only enthusiastic about the frosty beverage he was soon to enjoy.

The shop owner, who was not on the scene at the time, agreed to provide security photos and video of the incident.

The footage revealed a man, possibly in his 60s, near the cash register speaking with the complainant. When she walked away, he unzipped his pants, exposing himself before placing “it” on the counter in a back and forth motion while his shake was being made.

Based on the name of the credit card that was used, officers have a possible identification of the subject, who had mentioned during conversation with the complainant that he was from Toronto, Canada. The complainant said she did not wish to press charges, but she was provided with a victim’s brochure and the procedure for trespassing was explained should he return.

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BEACH BLANKET ‘BOOM-BOOM’ 5:07 p.m., 2800 block of Bayshore Road Lewd and lascivious act: A woman told responding officers that she was new to the area and was sitting on the beach when her peaceful communing with the bay was disrupted by two people “on top of each other doing the boom-boom,” according to the incident report.

When asked if she witnessed any indecent exposure, she said she had not. She explained the pair were beneath a tree on the beach, positioned in such a manner that rendered “doing the boom-boom” a logical conclusion.

An officer spoke to the subjects, who remained on the scene, who denied engaging in any boomboom-like activity, the man saying the couple were merely making out, perhaps romantically overcome by the peaceful serenity of the Sarasota Bay shoreline. The pair then left the area without incident.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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SARASOTA’S DEFINING ADDRESS A curated collection of 86 private residences in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

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ur• Bath Furniture & Accessories It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast For over 30 years The Plumbing Place has worked hard to earn the trust of our

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

150 years of combined experience, our

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City works to connect Circus Trail

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The goal is to realign the trail to run from Fruitville Road to the 17th Street Regional Park.

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Exterior Door schemes Hardware existing color including rich patinas of That’s where the paved pathway It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast crosses Circus Boulevard from east homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished classic bronze, contemporary polished or exterior door hardware caused by our harsh to west, continues past the Gillespie itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs salt-rich air. par 3-golf course before crossing matte nickel, and black. oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime back to the east. From there it conof maintenance r & Cabinet Hardware KNOWLEDGE. • Mirrors & Cabinets brass” really means a lifetime TRUST. SERVICE. tinues to the Bobby Jones complex and repair. There is a practical solution to this frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast problem – Bronze or Stainless • Bath Furniture & Accessories It’s acommon entrance.

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The project is currently funded by the city to the 30% design stage, which is expected to be completed this fall, according to Corales.

“And then design (completion) would soon start right after,” Corales said. “We’re looking at about one year to one-and-a-half years to get that completed.”

From there construction would take place in the 2028 FDOT fiscal year.

The trail will enter Bobby Jones at the main access point off Circus Boulevard, continue past the clubhouse, the practice area and through the nature park.

“It would end before the 17th Street Park, because the idea is that once it’s built, we can partner with Sarasota County,” Corales said. “Then Sarasota County can help us determine where they want the crossing, and we can get into an agreement with them to move the project forward to the next stage.”

Sarasota County has recently completed an extension of Legacy Trail from its crossing at South Beneva Road northward to Fruitville Road, where it connects with Circus Trail.

The Circus Trail project is part of the city’s multimodal network. It will expand connectivity by linking the Legacy Trail at Beneva Road to Bobby Jones Golf Club, 17th Street Regional Park, and ultimately to Nathan Benderson Park.

Circus Trail runs along the east side of Circus Boulevard before crossing the road to the east and then back again.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

13A

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Where Prestige Meets Performance Redefining Real Estate Excellence

BY ADNAN DEDIC

TOP 1% RE AL ESTAT E AG E N T IN T H E CO U N T RY

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In Sarasota’s hyper-competitive market, Adnan Dedic doesn’t just participate—he

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resents the area’s most significant properties, including a $30

Before closing $100 million in annual sales, Dedic was a child refugee fleeing

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

What does summer hunger feel like?

Andrew Warfield

Work will soon begin on replacing and raising 1,500 linear feet of seawall at the Bayfront Park marina.

Bayfront Park marina seawall to be rebuilt The Sarasota City Commission has approved a nearly $5.6 million contract to replace and raise 1,500 feet of bulkhead.

For thousands of local children, summer is like an emptiness they can’t escape.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

You can help. Give now. allfaithsfoodbank.org Thank you to our lead investors:

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ork is expected to soon begin in demolishing and replacing the seawall along the marina portion of Bayfront Park.

During its the May 4 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission approved via consent agenda a contract with Earth Tech Enterprises to replace and raise to 4 feet above sea level approximately 1,500 feet of bulkhead. The goal of the project is to implement citywide resilience measures at Bayfront Park through a bulkhead replacement that raises the elevation of the bulkhead cap and surrounding upland areas.

Work includes, but is not limited to the bulkhead, bay walk sidewalk, potable water services, landscaping and irrigation and electrical systems services. The total cost of the project

is $5.57 million, none of which is paid for with city tax dollars.

The city has received a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resilient Florida grant of $3.59 million and a West Coastal Inland Navigation District grant of $500,000 to apply toward the resilience initiatives.

Time, however, is of the essence.

The WCIND grant deadline is Sept.

30, and must be applied to construction work invoices. The FDEP Resilient Florida Grant deadline for completion of the work is June 30, and requires an as-built survey to demonstrate the project is complete to be submitted prior to the FDEP prior to the deadline. Federal authorization for the seawall scope of work expires on July 27.

Hours of construction are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays.

Earth Tech Enterprises was the lowest bidder among eight contractors in two rounds of bids. Formal sealed bids were opened on Feb. 26, with Earth Tech Enterprises submitting the lowest bid of $6.02 million.

After paring the project, Earth Tech remained the lowest bid.

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MAY 7, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

A woman for all

SEASONS In ‘Birthday Candles,’ Rachel Moulton ages 90 years as she bakes a cosmic confection.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

B

efore Rachel Moulton started performing in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles,” she took a trip to Texas in March to celebrate her grandmother’s 93rd birthday with other members of her family.

Moulton used the occasion for a trial run of baking a cake, which she does onstage during Noah Haidle’s play.

As Ernestine Ashworth, Moulton ages from 17 to 107 in “Birthday Candles.” But she does it in a series of snapshots, each of which takes place on her birthday. It’s a day she honors by baking a cake from scratch and recording her height on the kitchen wall. Both traditions are imparted to Ernestine by her mother, Alice.

Ernestine’s birthday cake contains the standard ingredients of butter, flour, eggs and sugar, but it also calls for some unusual elements. According to Alice, the recipe includes “stardust, the machinery of the cosmos” and “atoms left over from creation.” These cosmic ingredients underscore the thread of finding wonder in the quotidian that runs throughout the play .

In a recent interview, Moulton said she wasn’t nervous about aging 90 years during a 90-minute play. After 14 years on the FST stage, Moulton is a veteran shapeshifter. She’s played a variety of leading ladies of various ages and temperaments. Moulton also credits the teamwork among her “Birthday Candles” cast members with helping her pull off her accelerated character development.

What did concern Moulton about playing Ernestine was the logistics of baking the cake that emerges from the oven near the end of the play.

(You can even smell it in the back rows of the theater.)

Experienced bakers know it takes more to bake a cake than mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl unless you’re using a cake mix.

Moulton got the baking lesson she needed in Texas. She and her family also were able to collectively mourn the recent death of her younger sister. As fate would have it, grief is one of the ingredients Moulton uses for her performance in “Birthday Candles.”

Ernestine loses several loved ones during the course of her long life.

Not all of them die; some move away

Images courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Rachel Moulton leads an ensemble cast in Florida Studio Theatre’s “Birthday Candles.”

At the end of her life, Rachel Moulton is sometimes confused but still wants to bake a cake on her birthday.

from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the play takes place, while others are lost to mental illness or dementia.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels,” she says. “I can’t tell you the last time, or if ever, I have worked with such a generous, fierce group of people. I think we all have a sense of theater magic with this piece. A lot of that has to do with the space that our director (Kate Alexander) curated.”

In “Birthday Candles,” while Moulton ages, most of the other actors play multiple roles, displaying their own versatility in the process. Susan Haefner is a standout as Ernestine’s mother, daughter and great-granddaughter.

Other actors deftly juggling multiple roles are Peter Kendall, Freddie Lee Bennett and Sarah Elizabeth Colt. We won’t list all their characters, lest we have to include a family tree the way Russian novels do.

The only other character besides Ernestine who remains constant is Kenneth, a nerdy boy next door played by Rod Brogan. Kenneth’s ardor for Ernestine never dims over the years, despite numerous rebuffs.

They start with a cool reception for a goldfish named Atman (Hindu for “the divinity within”) that he gives Ernestine on her 17th birthday.

Rod Brogan plays Kenneth, a nerdy next-door neighbor who pines for Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) and presents her with a goldfish for her 17th birthday.

IF YOU GO

On her 17th birthday, Ernestine (Rachel Moulton) bakes a cake with her mother (Susan Haefner) in what becomes a lifelong tradition.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’ When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love.”

— Rachel Moulton

Atman’s successors remain on the kitchen table during an unspecified period of time that appears to run from the 1920s to the 2020s.

With her fresh-faced, ingenue demeanor, Moulton can pull off playing a rebellious teenager who vows to “wage war with the everyday” and “surprise God.” She admirably demonstrates her stagecraft by persuading the audience that she’s aging as the play skips ahead to her 18th, 41st, 70th and 107th birthdays, with just minor tweaks to her costume and hair.

How does she do it? “Subtly” is the answer.

“Every year, she measures herself and writes the number on the wall.

When she measures herself at 70, she says, ‘Oh, the decline has begun’ because she’s getting shorter. So I just thought how slowly my body would get smaller and also a little bit more stiff. My center of gravity changes. Identifying those physical markers and experiencing them in rehearsals was the most helpful for me,” Moulton says.

Over the years, Ernestine’s voice becomes more muted. As she ages, she speaks more slowly and with more breath between her words.

That’s something Moulton says she and Brogan worked on together as

they rehearsed scenes.

When a theater such as FST licenses a play for production, the script comes with a summary of each character’s background, motivation and personality. But Moulton also did her own research on Ernestine.

Moulton is the daughter of two professors whose work took them to colleges in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. They passed their love of research down to her.

“I was wondering why the playwright picked the name ‘Ernestine.’

When I looked up what the name means, one of the first definitions is ‘battle to the death,’ which I love,” she says.

Ernestine “has this grit and gusto, and I would say, this radical determination. As she moves through the river of life, she’s always fighting for something — herself, her children, her grandchildren,” Moulton says.

“Even though her journey does not take her where she envisioned it would, she never gives up.”

AN ACTRESS THAT CAN’T BE TYPECAST

Given the odds of succeeding in a competitive profession, actors are usually quite enthusiastic when they are interviewed about their current job. Why? Because they are working!

Occasionally, you hear a complaint about being typecast. Fortunately for the chameleon-like Moulton, it’s not a problem she has ever confronted.

In her tenure at FST, she has been cast in a wide range of roles. In FST’s 2025 production of “The Cancellation of Lauren Fine” she drew on her SEE CANDLES PAGE 16A

‘BIRTHDAY CANDLES’ When: Through May 17 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $46 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“You know, after losing my sister, in a weird way, it’s like I was given this company of angels.”

— Rachel Moulton

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Leadership changes coming to Florida Studio Theatre With the new McGillicuddy Arts Plaza under construction, longtime FST leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are moving upstairs and looking to fill two executive positions.

OBSERVER STAFF

F

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

CANDLES FROM PAGE 15A

parents’ academic background to portray a professor who gets caught up in campus politics.

In FST’s 2023 Depression-era production “Black Pearl Sings!”

Moulton played a musicologist trying to persuade a Black woman to record African American standards that have been orally passed down.

That role was challenging for two reasons, Moulton says. First, it required her to learn how to play the autoharp. Second, there wasn’t a lot of information about her character, whose music preservation efforts mirror those of real-life “songhunters” Alan and John Lomax during the 1930s.

Moulton’s favorite roles have been in FST’s edgy, Stage III series. They include “Ugly Lies the Bone” (2024), in which she played a veteran who bears both physical and emotional scars from serving three tours in Afghanistan, and “Grounded” (2017), about a female fighter pilot assigned to oversee drone sorties when she becomes pregnant.

“Grounded” left an impression on audience members too. “I was walking with one of my castmates this past weekend on Main Street

and some people recognized us. I’ve had that happen before, with people who saw ‘Grounded.’ That’s when I go, ‘Wow.’ If someone can remember a performance nine years later, they were definitely shaken.”

Being recognized on the street is likely to happen more often since Moulton recently moved here. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Moulton headed to New York City after earning her bachelor of fine arts from Syracuse University. Brooklyn remained home even after she became a regular actor at FST and later joined its fulltime staff as an associate artist and development associate.

After adding the role of director of education in 2024, it made less sense to be “a millennial snowbird,” Moulton says, since her expanded position regularly takes her into schools and elsewhere in the community.

It’s a role she relishes. “This is truly my dream job,” she says. “I never thought it would be possible to work as an actor playing such incredible roles at a theater that truly believes in my artistry. To be able to grow as a teacher and as a theater administrator, I feel really grateful and lucky.”

Rachel Moulton and Luke Brodersen starred in Florida Studio Theatre’s “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein.”

lorida Studio Theatre has restructured its leadership as the organization prepares for the addition of the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, which is under construction next to FST’s current facilities on First Street.

As part of the transition, longtime leaders Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins will assume new executive roles while continuing to guide the theater. Meanwhile, a national search for additional leadership to support FST’s continued growth is underway.

Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins will assume the title of executive producer, and Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins has a new title of executive director. The changes reflect the expanding scope and complexity of the organization, according to a news release.

Since joining FST in 1980, Richard Hopkins has led the theater’s growth from a small touring company into a regional theater serving more than 230,000 patrons annually. Under his leadership, FST has expanded to five venues and developed a broad portfolio of programming.

In her nearly three decades with FST, Rebecca Hopkins has helped shape the theater’s creative identity and operational strength. She founded FST Improv and the Sarasota Improv Festival, and has led the development of more than 25 original cabarets. She oversees the organization’s administration, marketing and development.

“This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity for Florida Studio Theatre,” said Rebecca Hopkins in the release. “The McGillicuddy Arts Plaza represents not just growth in size, but growth in our ability to serve artists, audiences and our community.”

Image courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre

Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are producing artistic director and managing director, respectively, of Florida Studio Theatre.

Florida Studio Theatre has initiated a national search for both an artistic director and a managing director.

Management Consultants for the Arts, a nationally recognized organization specializing in nonprofit arts leadership, has been engaged to guide the search, which will begin this summer. Both executives are expected to join the organization ahead of the 2027-28 season.

“This is not a sudden change. It is a carefully planned investment in the future,” said Richard Hopkins in the news release. “We are building the structure needed to support the level of work our community is asking of us. By adding leadership capacity now, we are ensuring continued artistic excellence for years to come.”

The eight-story McGillicuddy Arts Plaza will include housing for visiting artists and workforce housing for members of Sarasota’s creative community. The residential phase is scheduled for occupancy in fall 2027, followed by the phased opening of additional performance spaces and public venues.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

artist Alexander Calder and his abstract moving sculptures, dubbed “mobiles.” Runs through May 31.

GREAT ESCAPES 6: ‘STARRY NIGHT’ 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $48 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

DON’T MISS Dan Bradica

Hank Willis Thomas’ “Silver Lining A (No Flash)” and “Silver Lining B (Flash)” are on display at Sarasota Art Museum’s “Something Borrowed, Something New.”

THURSDAY ‘ASSASSINS’ 7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $35; $15 students Visit ThePlayers.org.

Scott Keys directs “Assassins,” Stephen Sondheim and James Weidman’s tragicomic musical about the dark side of the American dream. If you’ve ever wanted to learn who Leon Czolgosz was, here’s your chance. Runs through May 10.

‘TUCK EVERLASTING’ 7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25-$35 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

When young Winnie Foster’s life becomes entangled with the mysterious Tuck family, she’s faced with an existential decision: Live forever or make every minute count.

Runs through May 17.

‘FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$99 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Director Peter Rothstein breathes new life into “Fiddler on the Roof” by casting actor/musicians in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production.

Set in 1906 Russia, “Fiddler” follows the milkman Tevye’s efforts to find husbands for his daughters. Runs through May 24.

‘LIES, SPELLS & OLD WIVES’ TALES’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.

WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs teams up with his brother, Michael Jacobs, for a musical that plays off stories passed down through the years. Runs through May 17.

‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ Private collectors in Southwest Florida loaned the works of major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei, for this groundbreaking show curated

by Rangsook Yoon. Runs through Sept. 27.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. Friday, May 8 Where: Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $20 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

FRIDAY ALEXANDER CALDER: THE NATURE OF MOVEMENT 10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $28 Visit Selby.org.

In this year’s Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is showcasing

IN-STUDIO: VOICES OF SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE 7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $15-$30 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance shines a light on new choreographers with this initiative conceived by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños-Wilmot. Runs through May 9.

SATURDAY HERBIE HANCOCK 7 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $61-$126 Visit VanWezel.org.

Now in his seventh decade in show business, Herbie Hancock continues to push the envelope in culture, technology and music. The winner of 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “River: The Joni Letters,” Hancock continues his bold explorations, bringing audiences with him like a jazz Pied Piper.

SUNDAY BAROQUE TREASURES 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St. $50 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

OUR PICK

‘MARIE AND ROSETTA’ Students of popular music know that Sister Rosetta Tharpe earned the nickname “the godmother of rock ’n’ roll” for transforming gospel music with her spirited guitar playing.

She also influenced the music of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix.

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s new production captures the first rehearsal between Tharpe (Maiesha McQueen) and her acolyte, Marie Knight (Alexis J. Roston), as they prepare for a world tour. Directed by E. Faye Butler. Runs through May 31.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $65-$71 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

Concerts program, “Baroque Treasures.” The concert kicks off with harpsichordist Paulo Bordignon performing music by Barch and Couperin. Several Sarasota Orchestra musicians will also perform.

MONDAY ANCIENT ART FROM CYPRUS AND THE MEDITERRANEAN 10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $30 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.

In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York. For the first time, Ringling’s treasures have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

Enjoy a musical interlude on Mother’s Day with the Artist Series

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THIS WEEK

“Starry Night” features guest conductor Christopher Confessore, who leads the Sarasota Orchestra in such celestial selections as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Stardust” and Joseph Straus’ “Music of the Spheres.” Runs through May 9.

17A

18A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Rex Jensen with Leigh and Bob Simons.

ESPN’s Mike Soltys, V Foundation President Brandi Broome and the V Foundation founder’s daughter, Jamie Valvano.

A beaming Dick Vitale with his All-Courageous Kids at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Dick Vitale Gala Friday, May 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting V Foundation for Cancer Research

Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo has brought his team to eight Final Four appearances.

Kerry Rohrssen and Sally Muehlenkamp grab a selfie.

Photos by Janet Combs

Jason Hughes with Monica Negandhi

Former professional basketball player Jerod Ward meets University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson.

Journalist, documentary filmmaker, mom, wife and ardent cancer advocate Katie Couric is the first nonsports figure to be honored at Dick Vitale’s gala.

EARLY

MEMORIAL DAY

“COMMANDING, AND

DEADLINES

FUNNY

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ARRESTING, 941.351.8000

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TRIUMPH” Observer Media Group offices will be closed on Monday, May 25.

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Photos by Adrian Van Stee

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- Family Beautiful

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

TIE

MUSIC FOR NEW BODIES EXPERIENCE THE VISIONARY POWER OF MATT AUCOIN AND PETER SELLARS’ NEWEST WORK: A ONE-ACT OPERATIC SYMPHONY EXPLORING HUMANITY’S EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP WITH NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY.

FRIDAY, MAY 22 7:30PM SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE Co-Presented by Artist Series Concerts

SCAN FOR TICKETS

Keynote speaker Ian Prosser with Nicole Kaney

tickets and info at www.enSRQ.org

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Wednesday, April 22, at Selby Gardens’ downtown campus Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

BLACK

Lunch in the Gardens

19A

Photos by Lori Sax

Event co-Chairs Nikki Sedacca and Montana Taplinger

Lisa Holcomb, Jill Obrochta and Lisa Brakefield

Falicia FracassiPovich, Dona Scott, Rosa Stanfield and Janet Miles

ALEXANDER

462141-1

CALDER OLLI at Ringling College Summer Semester: May 18-July 10 Join us for more than 40 classes, lectures, and events.

Mission Green — The Importance of Both Local and Global Forests with Margaret “Meg” Lowman, Ph.D.

Using AI on Your Smartphone with Deshjuana “Desh” Bagley Thursday, June 18 11 am-12:30 pm

Thursday, May 21 10-11:20 am

Origins: Sarasota Artist Colony, 1945-1965 Tim Jaeger and Bill Hartman Thursday, June 4 10-11:30 am

• Wellness Trends 2026: Good, Bad, and Questionable • The Lady of Larkspur Lotion by Tennessee Williams • ChatGPT— Your Brainstorming and Reflection Partner

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• History of Musical Theater

CALDER

• Newtown’s Women of the Movement: Stories of Strength and Sacrifice • Genius Women Erased from History • Gardens That Give Back: Designing for Pollinators in Florida • The Best Mel Brooks Films • Can You Tell When a Financial Panic is Coming?

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-309-5111 www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

SELBY.ORG 450722-1

• Steve Arvey Presents: The Sounds of Cigar Box Guitars

ALEXANDER

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

The Undisputed

Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate company in the world

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20A

MAY 7, 2026

Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 7B Sports 10B Weather 14B

YOUR NEIGHBORS Starting

small

Alta Vista Elementary program helps students at the elementary school level think about a career path.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

T

o most students at the elementary school level, college or career goals might

feel distant.

But one program at Alta Vista Elementary has been working to show students that the decisions they make along the way can shape their academic trajectories.

When Sarasota’s school district adopted College and Career Readiness as one of its strategic pillars, Kelly McWilliams, then an intervention coach at Alta Vista Elementary School, began thinking about how to implement that goal at the elementary level.

In about 2017, McWilliams, who is now principal of Wilkinson Elementary, and her team launched a program based on the idea that students’ knowledge of life skills and their goals would affect their pathway through middle school, then high school.

The school’s Students with Amazing Goals program serves fourth and fifth grade students with a focus on helping them prepare for middle and high school and eventually college.

With the school’s transformation into a K-8, beginning with the addition of sixth grade next year, it’s also a program that will have the chance to facilitate the transition into middle school.

“I see them really maturing,” said instructor Tammy King. “Because School Resource Officer Michael Clarkson speaks to a fifth grade class.

Photos by Ian Swaby

when they first come, they just seem so young. They’re just getting out of third grade, and it’s just like they have no idea. They’re gaining new skills and holding themselves accountable for their what their future is. By the time they’re in fifth grade, they’re like, ‘Wow, it’s really up to me.’”

Tammy King talks with fourth graders Dylan AmadorGuerra and Knox Smith about their journals.

A LOOK AHEAD

Meredith McArthur, principal of Alta Vista, said the program started with her own child nearing the end of elementary school.

That led her to visit other middle schools to learn about offerings, such as the HAWKS Academy for Gifted and Advanced Students at McIntosh Middle School.

“I did a little bit of research, and I was shocked, as someone who worked in the county for years, I did not know what’s available to my child,” she said.

While it’s a chance to help students prepare for what lies ahead, it’s particularly relevant due to Alta Vista Elementary’s status as a Title I school, which means that at least 40% of students receive free or reduced lunch.

As students gather in the classroom, and sometimes their SWAG Center modeled after a College and Career Center, there is talk of goals of a wide variety, both immediate and long-term.

During an April visit to the class, many students were planning for a high score on their upcoming Florida Assessment of Student Thinking computer-based standardized tests.

But that isn’t to say they weren’t also enjoying the experience of the class along the way.

“This is probably my favorite class,” said Clarissa Moreno, a fourth grader who wants to go into cosmetology through Suncoast Technical College. She said King “teaches us confidence.”

“Miss King is so much fun,” said Faith Bright, a fourth grader. She wants to go to the University of Florida to become a fourth grade teacher.

“I love it. I absolutely love it,” King said of the class. “It’s like a passion that our kids really need to have, to be able to see their futures and be able to become good, successful

Fourth grader Yaretzi Gomez listens as Tammy King leads the class.

“They’re gaining new skills and holding themselves accountable for their what their future is. By the time they’re in fifth grade, they’re like, ‘Wow, it’s really up to me.’”

— Tammy King

adults when they finally get there.”

Although part of the program is about the journey toward college and careers, another aspect of it is life skills and other topics.

“Don’t be asking Mom to wake you up,” King said. “You need to get your alarm, and you need to wake up on your own.”

In addition to getting themselves up, King encourages them to make sure that their backpack is filled and they’re prepared each day for school.

The course is based around the concept of the “Four A’s”, which are attendance, accountability, achievement and attitude, and which King says provide students with the basics of what they need to be successful.

Other aspects include guest speakers and field trips to locations such as Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Ringling College of Art and Design, with all programrelated events covered by grants.

Students close out the year with one project that takes a while: a vision board, a composite that involves cutting out or printing pictures and assembling them on a board with a vision of their future life.

The year also ends with a parade, and a senior symposium in the cafeteria, where fifth graders can ask high school seniors questions about their journeys toward college.

EARLY AMBITIONS

Fifth graders Deja Bright and Jonathan GarciaAguilar shop in the school’s store, where they are able to redeem Eagle Bucks they earn in class.

King says that when helping students decide on a career, there are a lot of considerations involved, including when it comes to ensuring their goals are realistic.

She says many students are more likely to find a trade than attend college, and thus she encourages Suncoast Technical College.

“If I see somebody that’s really good with hair or something, I’ll go, ‘You know what? Cosmetology

is really good,’” she said. “Or ‘STC has plumbing over here, or air conditioning and refrigeration. That’s a really good job, and you can make really great money.’”

If students have a goal that isn’t realistic, she’ll help them find a backup goal.

For example, one student knows a lot about football statistics, she says, so she told them they would be an excellent football analyst, and thus could still be part of the NFL in the communications realm, even if they aren’t able to play for the organization.

Amanie Tomlinson, a Booker High School sophomore who is currently on a pre-med track, has been involved in many initiatives over the course of her time in school.

She attended SWAG starting in the fourth grade, then a similar program at Booker Middle School called College for Every Student, and now at Booker High School is ambassador in the Booker High College and Career Readiness program.

Her role involves helping seniors apply for colleges or enter career fields and create a goal for themselves.

She credits SWAG with helping inspire her current involvement.

Tomlinson plans on attending a four-year university, targeting Florida State University with a premed track or biology major, and later plans to apply to medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatrician specializing in oncology.

Her interest in the field was sparked by her mother’s nursing career, as well as her love of kids.

However, she said the healthcare field is broad, and the class helped her narrow her path.

She says she remembers learning about different types of nurses and their respective salary differences.

She also remembers activities like outlining articles about the medical field and learning information about the medical profession.

“I think that it’s great that they have that program starting with students young, because that gives them kind of a head start and gets them thinking about the different careers and professions,” she said.

“And it’s not like a super serious program, where they have to make a decision on what they want to do right then and there. It just lets them know that they have so many different options out there.”

2B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

A growing space Limelight Community Garden hosts its grand opening with big plans.

IAN SWABY

Susan Morris, Maggie Smith and Sandy Slaminko, copresident of the Sarasota County Butterfly Club, watch as Kim Livengood gives a speech.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Limelight Community Garden, 730 Apricot Ave. Visit LimelightCommunityGarden. com.

STAFF WRITER

G

rowing plants isn’t a speedy process, and neither is growing a garden.

Volunteer Tracie Troxler insisted the Limelight Community Garden start with a foundation for healthy soil.

As multiple layers of mulch were placed in the ground, amid waiting periods for free mulch deliveries from ChipDrop, property co-owner Kim Livengood says she found herself asking, “Can’t we just start?”

“She is more patient than me, and I think that’s part of the love for gardening,” Livengood said. “It takes time to grow something, so that’s what I’ve been enjoying the process of, learning to be patient.”

Attendees viewed the results of patience as the Limelight Community Garden hosted its grand opening on April 29, with supporters gathering for champagne and a look at the space’s progress.

Attendees could stroll the space to

Vegetables are among the plants growing in the Limelight District garden..

find sunflowers and vegetable-producing plants, although there was plenty of ground that remains to be covered.

Livengood said with the $1,900 raised in this year’s Giving Challenge, there are now enough funds to purchase flower beds for all who would like to use them in the garden.

The garden, described as a nonprofit effort, is entirely volunteerrun and allows membership, which includes a plot and a key to the space, for $40 a year.

Livengood said the hope with that project is that it would create a space to add to the vision of the Limelight District, an evolving neighborhood with an emphasis on small businesses and artists.

She also said it would revitalize a space she says originally contained discarded materials, including tires and roofing debris.

After leasing the property for the garden, Livengood and her mother, Judy Alexander, pursued the chance to purchase it, which they did in 2023 for $400,000.

However, when the project began, the site had not yet received city zoning approval for use as a community garden, Livengood said, which meant they faced fines.

She credited commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, the latter of whom attended the opening, with spearheading the effort that led to an approval by the City Commission.

A portion of the 12,750-squarefoot space serves as additional parking for The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, the business across the street which Livengood and Alexander also co-own.

Livengood said that as a stake-

Photos by Ian Swaby

For $40, community members can farm their own garden plots.

holder in the community of Sarasota’s Limelight District, the garden was a natural addition.

“It’s an extension of just the overall vision, and it makes us a little different,” she said. “It sets us apart. I mean, we’re never going to be downtown Sarasota. We’re downtown edge.”

The garden has drawn a team of volunteers, one of whom is Teresa Stone, an artist who is a vendor at The Bazaar. Stone created a mural on a fence at the edge of the property, after approval was received from the owner.

Stone said she wanted to bring

a sense of green to the space, even before it fully takes shape as a garden.

“I don’t like the word whimsical, but I’m a whimsical artist. I love almost like a fairyland feeling,” she said. “(The garden) is not always going to be full of beautiful green life, because it’s working, it’s building, and it’s growing, so that was kind of like an inspiration, like, I wanted a lot of color there, and lushness.”

Meanwhile, in April, the Sarasota County Butterfly Club contributed the first $500 grant it has offered through its Butterfly Garden Grants Program, which provides free plants

that attract butterflies.

Volunteer Tracie Troxler, founder and executive director of Sunshine Community Compost, has also been instrumental to the effort.

She has helped lead the work, which just in the last two months finally came to involve the addition of plants.

Troxler had previously been involved with two other local gardens, and she says she wants to figure out how to bring more gardening spaces to the city.

She said the space will serve as a “little oasis” where people can bring in ecology, make soil, grow food, and compost.

She also says people will hopefully have the opportunity to learn about local ecology, gardening and local food.

She says when it comes to gardening, there is “a never-ending body of wisdom to tap into.”

“There’s always more to learn and know and share, but we’re just going to take it one step at a time,” she said. “We’re going to work together.

I feel like those that have less gardening knowledge, we want to give more gardening knowledge. They will have more gardening knowledge they can invest that into the community, because everybody’s knowledge ripples out.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

3B

The Ar t of Waterfront Living at Wild Blue 13 LUXURY DESIGNER-DECORATED MODELS NOW OPEN NEW HOMESITES AVAILABLE

Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, now under construction and opening this fall. Designed as the heart of the community, it’s where neighbors gather around resort-style pools, enjoy shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and take a swing on the premier putting course.

With a golf simulator, state-of-the-art fitness center, private cinema, and newly opened model homes showcasing stunning waterfront designs by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community stands apart for those who value connection as much as luxury.

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

4B

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

EXPERT FOOT CARE IS JUST A STEP AWAY.

FOOT & ANKLE CARE  Non-surgical and Surgical  Wound Care  Heel and Arch Pain  Bunions

 Hammertoes  Ingrown Nails  Sports Injuries  Diabetic Foot Care

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Joseph Barak, DPM Freddie Sourbeck and Karli Klar perform with Careless Whisper.

Neon and nostalgia

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Robyn Holl, the cultural curator at Art Ovation Hotel, vibes alongside artist Picardo Erick, who is exhibiting at the hotel.

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

Comprehensive dental care with comfort and ease!

he Fresh Fridays series of block parties in Downtown Sarasota have included themes like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. However, one known for drawing a large crowd is the Back to the ’80s block party, which was held May 1.

Attendees, some of them in dressed in theme, filled South Palm Avenue to enjoy offerings like a DeLorean on display and music by the ’80s tribute band Careless Whisper, which performed some of the decade’s iconic hits.

Attendee Gina Anabtawi called the event “very important,” something that brings different generations together and lets people leave behind current worries about the world.

“It brings everyone together, and everyone’s happy, and I look at other people when I’m dancing, and we’re all laughing because music is what brings everyone together,” she said.

— IAN SWABY

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Photos by Ian Swaby

Daniele Saint-Cyr, Serge Gauthier and Sonia Gauthier pay a visit to the DeLorean.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

SIESTA KEY 3440 Gulfmead Drive 5 Beds 4/2 Baths 6,596 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941.266.7555 A4679384 $13,950,000

SIESTA KEY 6536 Peacock Road 7 Beds 7/2 Baths 4,697 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Brian Loebker 941.234.3991 A4688703 $5,650,000

OYSTER BAY 1815 S Lake Shore Drive 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,177 Sq. Ft. Mary Pat Radford & Georgina Clamage 941.587.9905 A4690123 $4,500,000

SIESTA KEY 7233 Pine Needle Road 3 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,294 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Allison Werner 941.234.3991 A4688394 $4,300,000

SIESTA KEY 329 Beach Road #A 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 4,563 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Brian Loebker 941.234.3991 A4688489 $3,895,000

SIESTA KEY 4938 Commonwealth Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,169 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941.238.8119 A4683758 $2,900,000

SIESTA KEY 8504 Heron Lagoon Circle 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 2,675 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Steven Moore 941.376.1717 A4681098 $2,800,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 2424 Ashton Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,872 Sq. Ft. Pat Rodriguez 941.685.5805 A4691268 $2,642,500

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard #E7 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,277 Sq. Ft. Stacey King 646.734.5014 A4665893 $2,350,000

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE 41 S Adams Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 3,913 Sq. Ft. Jenifer Schwell 941.780.0968 A4672116 $2,050,000

OYSTER BAY 1514 S Lake Shore Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,430 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays 941.376.1826 A4684167 $1,975,000

THE LANDINGS 4891 Peregrine Point E 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,843 Sq. Ft. Mickey Kiernan 941.402.9115 A4688143 $1,650,000

THE LANDINGS 4937 Landings Court 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,504 Sq. Ft. Mary Pat Radford & Georgina Clamage 941.587.9905 A4689027 $1,625,000

SIESTA COVE 5231 Siesta Cove Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,557 Sq. Ft. Natalie Gutwein & Madison J Brown 941.993.2660 A4686013 $1,600,000

SIESTA KEY 3360 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,006 Sq. Ft. Natalie Gutwein & Madison J Brown 941.993.2660 A4682008 $1,549,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 5618 Britannia Drive 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,163 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei & Nicole Mei 941.685.3198 A4688782 $1,500,000

SIESTA KEY 6300 Midnight Pass Road #708 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,271 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4684587 $1,350,000

SIESTA KEY 8764 Midnight Pass Road #A306 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,883 Sq. Ft. Marlene Marshall & George Marshall 941.539.8850 A4679889 $1,300,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 2492 Waterview Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,017 Sq. Ft. Tori Beckham 941.544.6734 A4691223 $1,095,000

SIESTA KEY 6312 Midnight Pass Road #305S 2 Beds 2 Baths 894 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941.809.6913 A4684866 $775,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 1703 Starling Drive #1703 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,172 Sq. Ft. Tracy LeClair 941.209.0549 A4668895 $749,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 5591 Cannes Circle #502 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,720 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941.232.2868 A4689571 $670,000

SIESTA KEY 6154 Midnight Pass Road #A-05 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 836 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4687809 $625,000

THE LANDINGS 5226 Landings Boulevard #102 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,644 Sq. Ft. Mary Pat Radford & Georgina Clamage 941.587.9905 A4686518 $477,000

SIESTA KEY 1300 N Portofino Drive #S206 2 Beds 2 Baths 929 Sq. Ft. David Anthony 941.786.4282 A4680023 $410,000

CHEROKEE PARK 3000 Southwest Drive 5 Beds 4/3 Baths 8,125 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4672971 $13,250,000

SIESTA KEY 3750 Bayou Louise Lane 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 5,273 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941.809.1700 A4686535 $12,900,000

SOUTH LIDO KEY 361 S Boulevard Of The Presidents 6 Beds 5/3 Baths 7,037 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4689343 $12,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

C

ynthia Wallace, of Sarasota, sold her home at 843 Norsta Way to CR Tampa LLC for $4.9 million. Built in 1963, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,467 square feet of living area.

It sold for $2.55 million in 2017.

SIESTA KEY: $4.32 MILLION

Siesta’s Bayside Nicholas Loglisci Jr. and Lisa Hanson Loglisci, of Highlands, North Carolina, sold their home at 750 Siesta Key Circle to TNC Siesta LLC for $4,325,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 5,220 square feet. It sold for $2.26 million in 2019.

SARASOTA

JOHNSON ESTATES Larry Ford, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4009 Red Rock Lane to Louis John Kousouris Jr. and Patricia Kousouris, of Sparks Glencoe, Maryland, for $3,795,000.

Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,820 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,297,200 in 2020.

WESTBROOK Sean and Jill Martin, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1429 Westbrook Drive to Anjan Jayantilal Patel and Trusha Govindji Patel, of Sarasota, for $3.75 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,591 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,855,000 in 2023.

TESSERA Edward and Harriet Safran, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 31 condominium at 500 S. Palm Ave. to Ralph Basile and Karen MacDonald Basile, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2014.

TOWLES Morrill Street Properties LLC sold three properties at 1901, 1905, 1909 Morrill St. to Costanza-Sarasota RE Holdings LLC for $2.1 million. The property at 1901 was built in 1949 and has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 2,220 square feet of living area. The property at 1905 was built in 1949 and has one bedroom, one bath and 806 square feet of living area. The property at 1909 was built in 1957 and it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,032 square feet of living area.

HARTSDALE TVC Funding IV Reo LLC sold the home at 1826 Boyce St. to Grant Clark McGowan and Nicole Diane Springer, of Sarasota, for $1,875,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2023.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL Thomas Esposito, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 1701 condominium at 1350 Main St. to Pamela and Randall Arvidson, of Sarasota, for $1.7 million. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. It sold for $965,000 in 2019.

APRIL 20-24

REAL ESTATE

Siesta Key home tops the week’s sales at $4.9 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

7B

Ian Swaby

The home at 843 Norsta Way was built in 1963 and has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,467 square feet of living area.

BUCCANEER BAY Kenneth and Danielle Jacobson, of Key West, sold their home at 1887 Buccaneer Circle to Donald Charles Maxwell and Aleta Yoder Maxwell, of Sarasota, for $1.65 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $690,000 in 2010.

AVONDALE Daniel McDowell and Laurie Cooke, trustees, of Youngsville, North Carolina, sold the home at 1827 Alta Vista St. to Altavista Property LLC for $1.15 million. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,320 square feet of living area. It sold for $60,000 in 1985.

and Laurie Summers Coleman, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2014.

NICHOLS Roslyn Ross, trustee, of Jupiter, sold the home at 1702 Hillview St. to Rosefinch Properties LLC for $730,000. Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 768 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2023.

ONLINE

Ronald and Mollie Cadamone, trustees, sold the home at 1116 Yale Ave. to Scott and Kathleen Greig, of Ontario, Canada, for $900,000.

Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,770 square feet of living area.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

PALMER RANCH: $1.75 MILLION

Legacy Estates on Palmer Ranch John and Jennifer McClearn, trustees, sold the home at 5356 Greenbrook Drive to Eleonora and Ross Fishman, of Sarasota, for $1.75 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,639 square feet. It sold for $958,400 in 2017.

OSPREY: $3.75 MILLION

Shumard Estates Casey Key Johnson LLC sold the home at 1128 N. Casey Key Road to Bryan and Deborah Klugh, of Osprey, for $3.75 million. Built in 1989, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 4,965 square feet.

NOKOMIS: $4,401,100

Casey Key Vijay and Neena Kanwar, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 1304 Casey Key Road to Robert Pusheck, trustee, of Townville, South Carolina, for $4,401,100. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, eight-and-a-half baths, a pool and 6,041 square feet. It sold for $4.1 million in 2012.

RED ROCK TERRACE Julie Miller and Sali Petri, of Gulfport, sold their home at 3970 Red Rock Lane to 3970 RR LLC for $1.1 million. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,513 square feet of living area. It sold for $24,000 in 1967.

SHORELAND WOODS Laurel Baldwin, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1672 Shoreland Drive to Kirk Mitchell, of Sykesville, Maryland, for $950,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,266 square feet of living area. It sold for $133,000 in 1988.

HOMECROFT Marcus and Joleen Marner sold two properties at 3484 Gardenia St. to Kenneth and Annie Stoll, Dustin Stoll, Kinsey Weisman and Keshia Hawa, of Montgomery, Indiana, for $925,000. The first property was built in 1963 and has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,245 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2010 and has two bedrooms, one bath and 674 square feet of living area. They sold for $800,000 in 2024.

WHIT-ACRES Margaret Loomis, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1713 Fiesta Drive to Thomas Parker Jones Jr.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

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Let’s build something extraordinary together.

These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of April 20-24 in order of dollar amounts.

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

1549 Gulfview Drive

Pool

Brian Cornell, trustee

$83,299

2283 Arling St.

Remodel/Spa

Gerald Horst

$56,525

800 N. Tamiami Trail #1415

Remodel

John Beyer

$50,000

1912 High Point Drive

Alterations

John Devine

$45,000

5136 Sun Circle

Re-roof

Joan Lerner, trustee

$40,000

3527 Palonia Court

Re-roof

Sean Ernest, trustee

$30,670

1389 Harbor Drive

Demolition

Thomas Harris

$29,377

915 Indian Beach Drive

Remodel

Ellen Florin, trustee

$27,500

3730 Bayou Louise Lane

Wall

John Bradley, trustee

$25,000

2147 S. Jefferson Ave.

Windows

Jacqueline Baumann

$20,727 Source: City of Sarasota

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

941.951.6650 MSCDeveloperServices.com

Prices as of January 2025

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

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Address

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

462191-1

YOUR CALENDAR

8B

FRIDAY, MAY 8

MUSIC | LOVE & BOSSA NOVA PERFORMED BY DANIELA SOLEDADE AND NATE NAJAR 2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Daniela Soledade and Nate Najar, whose Bossa Nova performances have included Paris and London, offer a romantic sound celebrating Brazilian tradition. First come, first seated. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

POP-UP LIBRARY AND STORYTIME AT THE BAY 10 a.m. to noon at The Oval Parking Lot, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free.

The Sarasota County Mobile Library Van is returning to The Bay with a variety of books for different ages and interests. Learn about library services and get your own library card. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Designed for dancers ages 8-12 eager to grow both technically and artistically, offering a dynamic and engaging summer experience.

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE BAY FEATURING BIG NIGHT OUT 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a Mother’s Day performance by Big Night Out, a seven-piece band including horns and conga which has been performing its renditions of Latin, tropical and R&B tunes in Sarasota for more than 23 years.

The first few hundred moms will get a free rose. Registration requested.

Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

One or two week options available.

MONDAY, MAY 11

June 8 -19

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941.487.8763 | SarasotaBallet.org

SATURDAY, MAY 9

BE FABULOUS MUSIC AND ARTS PRIDE FEST 3-10 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave. Free. Bands from across the country will bring their sound to Selby Five Points Park, while artists and artisans showcase their work. The event is presented by Fabulous Arts Foundation, which has existed for 16 years in Sarasota’s community as a nonprofit focused on arts and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

SIESTA CON 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. General admission $15; VIP admission $50. Add-on tickets for tournaments available.

Enjoy celebrity guests, comic artists, trading card tournaments, cosplay, activities, custom vehicles and other offerings in this locally run comic con event. Visit SiestaCon.com.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5883 Hummingbird Ave. $40 for ages 13 and older; $15 for ages 3-12; free for kids younger than 3. Enjoy a buffet-style brunch at the Edson Keith Mansion at Philippi Estate Park, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, broasted chicken, roast beef, vegan options, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, vegetables, fresh fruit, a cheese platter, assorted desserts and other offerings. Coffee, iced tea and lemonade are included.

Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Children can enjoy crafts, photo opportunities and lawn games. A giveaway for moms will also take place. Registration required. VisitSarasotaCountyParks. com.

6

BEST BET

LECTURE: ‘UP FROM SLAVERY TO TEA WITH THE QUEEN: THE AMAZING LIFE OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON’ 2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. This lecture by au-

Ian Swaby

Jen Emm and Chelsea Noble

thor and editor Liz Coursen explores the life of Booker T. Washington, the most prominent African American educator and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born a slave, Washington rose to a position of political power and social influence as the principal of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, serving as the primary leader of the African American community. First come, first seated. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

DANCE AT THE BAY: ZUMBA WITH YAËL CAMPBELL 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Nest, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Join Yaël Campbell for a session of Zumba as you dance and meet other Zumba participants. Visit TheBaySarasota. org.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

CINEMA AT THE BAY: ‘HAMILTON’ 7:30-10:15 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Broadway musical “Hamilton” being nominated for 16 Tony Awards.

Watch the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton unfold in this recording (PG-13) of the Broadway production. Visit TheBaySarasota. org.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

9B

Luxuriously Fresh Perspectives INSIDE AND OUT.

R E SI DE NCE SL I DOK EY.COM

Welcoming Owners 2026 • Schedule Your Tour • From the $7 Millions • 941-888-3131 Visit Our Sales Gallery: 540 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236 ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

455330-1

This project has been fi led in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rosewood Residences Lido Key is owned and being developed, offered and sold by WSR—Lido Beach, LLC (“Developer”). The project is not owned, developed or sold by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C. or any of its affi liates (“Rosewood”). Developer uses the Rosewood marks pursuant to a license agreement with Rosewood, which may be terminated under certain conditions. Rosewood does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the condominium. © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. The Ronto Group®. Rosewood Hotels and Resorts®.

MAY 7, 2026

SPORTS

“... it’s just about trusting yourself and trusting your teammates that they’ll get their jobs done.”

— Noelle Tenaglia, Riverview High relay team SEE PAGE 12B

FAST

BREAK

Change of heart

Jack Nelson

Senior third baseman/pitcher Ashlan Guengerich went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI in Sarasota softball’s district title game victory over Venice.

T

he Sailors have secured a high school softball district championship.

Defeating Venice 7-4 on April 30, Sarasota lifted the FHSAA Class 7A-District 12 trophy, avenging last season’s loss to the Indians in the district semifinals. The Sailors carried a six-run lead into the sixth inning and weathered a four-run outburst from the Indians, advancing to 20-5 on the season.

Sarasota — seeded No. 2 — will host No. 7 seed Sumner (9-13) at 7 p.m. May 7 in the 7A-3 regional quarterfinals. ... Cardinal Mooney junior Conneil Jackson won the 2A-3 regional title for the 100-meter dash (10.87) May 1 at King High School in Tampa. Riverview senior Anthony Miller won the 4A-3 regional title for javelin (55.46 meters) a day later at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda. The 2A and 4A state championships are scheduled for 1 p.m. May 7 and 9, respectively, in Jacksonville. ... In girls lacrosse, No. 3 seed Cardinal Mooney (15-4) fell to No. 2 seed Bradenton Christian, 14-10, in the 1A-3 regional semifinals April 29, bringing an end to its season. The Cougars trailed by one goal after the first half, but were outscored 5-2 in the second. They claimed the first district title in program history earlier this season. ... Riverview beach volleyball — seeded No. 2 — was swept out of the 3A-3 regional semifinals April 30 by No. 3 seed Winter Haven 3-0. The Rams wrap their season at 9-4 and as champions of district 3A-12.

Cardinal Mooney, meanwhile, failed to make it out of the 1A-3 regional semifinals as the No. 3 seed, losing 4-1 to No. 2 seed Calvary Christian. The Cougars end their season at 11-7 overall. ... Sarasota Christian boys volleyball traveled to Jacksonville for the 1A-1 regional quarterfinals April 30, but lost 3-0 to Global Outreach Charter Academy. The Blazers, seeded No. 6, dropped the three sets 25-14, 25-10 and 25-11. Their season ends at 14-6 — the most wins in program history since its 2024 inception.

NOT JUST A PARTY PAGE 11B

Ben Milliken is the alltime leading passer in program history for Sarasota Christian football.

Now, he’s the first Blazer headed to an NCAA Division I program.

Photos by Jack Nelson

FAMILIAR SYSTEM Coach Jacob Spenn has known for the past year that Furman was Ben Milliken’s top choice. Whenever they talked, Milliken always reaffirmed his heavy interest in the program.

After the quarterback announced his commitment, Spenn visited the Paladins’ website and watched some highlights.

It didn’t take long for him to recognize similarities to Sarasota Christian’s offense.

“There’s a lot of four-wide. There’s a lot of RPO read, but not a whole lot of quarterback run,” Spenn said.

“What I was hoping for is eventually there would be (a program) that plays football the way he plays football.”

As a senior, Ben Milliken passed for 2,306 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Blazers finished 5-6 and reached the first round of the SSAA 3A state tournament.

Sarasota Christian quarterback caps his legacy with a big decision.

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

P

en hit paper March 2 in the gymnasium at Sarasota Christian School. Ben Milliken, sitting before a crowd of family and friends, signed in ink.

His college destination had been decided, and with it, his recruitment came to a close — or so he thought.

Certainties are few and far between in today’s college football landscape.

“Official” is a loose term, no longer carrying the meaning it once did.

The senior quarterback flipped his commitment to Furman two months later, altering the outlook of his football future. Previously having signed with Southeastern University — an NAIA program — he’s now headed to the NCAA Division I FCS level.

“When they called me and said, ‘Hey, we have a spot we’d like to offer you,’ it was just something I couldn’t turn down,” Milliken said. “It was always a place I wanted to be.”

He set his sights on the Greenville, South Carolina, university two years ago, making four visits. That interest continued through conversations with offensive coordinator Justin Roper and passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Drew Dudzik.

But March rolled around, and he still didn’t hold an offer from the Paladins. There was another Division I FCS offer from William & Mary on the table, though not a committable offer, since he hadn’t been

accepted to the school at that point.

Southeastern University seemed the best fit to Milliken. He felt convinced to sign.

One phone call from the program he held out hope for was enough to erase that.

“Things change, and it’s the everchanging scope of college football,” Milliken said. “Southeastern was very understanding about it — I appreciated it — but it’s a business decision. You’ve got to do what’s best for you.”

With that move, the 6-foot-1 signal-caller became the first player in program history to take his talents to the Division I level.

NEW GROUND

There was no history of football at Sarasota Christian before he arrived.

The Blazers laid a foundation in 2022, playing their first season in Class AA of the then-Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s eightman division. Freshmen and eighthgraders comprised their roster as they sought to build something from nothing.

Few people outside the program thought the team would win much.

Sarasota Christian earned a 7-5 record that season and reached the SSAC AA 8-man state championship, while Milliken threw for 3,303 yards and 41 touchdowns as a freshman.

“He was good from the get-go,” said coach and athletic director Jacob Spenn. “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, this guy could be a good quarterback.’ He was a good quarterback from day one.”

That was the year Milliken played his first snap of tackle football. Never before had he suffered a sack in the pocket or shed tackles to gain extra yardage on the run.

He didn’t need to do either — his parents put him in noncontact alternatives up through middle school after he picked up the game at 4 years old. Seven-on-seven football and Under Armour flag football were the settings in which he developed his skills.

During those days, he threw to now-Cardinal Mooney senior wide receivers Mason Jordan and Bo O’Daniel, who have signed with Florida and Wagner, respectively.

Milliken carries gratitude for noncontact football, and recommends that route to any aspiring quarterback seeking the best means of development.

“The advantage of that was I had to pass every single play,” Milliken said. “If you watch a youth football game, they’re going to run the ball 20, 30 times a game because their arms aren’t developed. But that — there was no option — you’ve got to

“I thought about leaving a legacy and starting something new here.”

— Ben Milliken

sit there and pass.”

Riverview High School was his preferred destination for a while.

Unlike the Blazers, the Rams boasted an established football program competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association, having just reached the then-Class 8A regional semifinals in 2021.

Milliken, who grew up a “basketball-first kid,” was also interested in learning under the tutelage of Riverview boys basketball coach Rudy Fraraccio. But when Fraraccio stepped down after the 2021-22 season, Sarasota Christian boys basketball coach Kevin Bruinsma captured Milliken’s attention.

The then-rising freshman caught wind of news that Spenn was building the Blazers’ first football team, and all of a sudden, Riverview wasn’t so appealing anymore.

“I thought about leaving a legacy and starting something new here,” Milliken said. “There was something to be said for staying home and being local and being loyal to someone. That speaks a lot to somebody’s character.”

He now stands alone as the first and only starting quarterback Sarasota Christian has ever known. Every one of the school’s passing records belong to him.

The Blazers transitioned to 11-man football for 2024, and in the two seasons since, Milliken threw for a combined 4,650 yards and 59 touchdowns against 24 interceptions.

His high school career ended with 9,032 passing yards on 225.8 yards per game en route to 113 touchdowns.

Plain and simple, he was who the team counted on to win, Spenn said.

“There’s a lot of highly recruited quarterbacks that have never won a football game. They’ve been on the winning side,” Spenn said. “It’s a little bit different when you’re going to drop back 45 times in this game and everybody knows you’re going to throw the ball and everybody’s coming for you. That develops a different kind of player.”

That’s who Furman has gained.

That’s who will step into Paladin Stadium, working to make a name for himself in the ever-crowded ranks of Division I football.

Milliken will always have his legacy at Sarasota Christian — a trailblazer, in every sense of the word.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

NELSON’S NOGGIN

11B

JACK NELSON

Pediatric cancer research still matters

W

hite cards hung on the backs of 15 chairs. On each of them, printed in a bold, black font was the name of a pediatric cancer survivor, indicating seat assignments.

Those triumphant individuals filled the front two rows for the news conference at this year’s Dick Vitale Gala, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

It felt intentional — arranged so Vitale and his fellow speakers could see his All-Courageous Team, without having to strain their necks to search the crowded corridor.

Those 15 survivors are the “why.”

Each and every one of them represent living, breathing proof that pediatric cancer research is a lifesaving cause.

Behind them, and in support of Vitale amid his fifth cancer battle, hundreds of people rallied at the 21st annual gala May 1. They raised $21 million for pediatric cancer research, benefiting the V Foundation, by the time the evening ended.

This year’s effort far surpassed last year’s $12 million and approached the all-time record of $24.8 million set in 2024. That wildly successful night included a $12 million donation from Mark and

Photos by Janet Combs

Kevin Negandhi has become Vitale’s go-to emcee for his annual gala.

Negandhi has roots in Sarasota as a former sports director at WWSB-TV (2004-2006) and sports anchor/reporter for the station (1999-2002).

Cindy Pentecost, who had pledged to match the total funds raised.

Fundraising isn’t always what it’s made out to be. Sometimes, a good portion of donations don’t end up directly flowing to a cause.

But this event — Vitale’s national championship — has always been as advertised. It’s authentic, just like the legendary college basketball broadcaster whose name it so proudly bears.

“No matter what he is dealing with, first and foremost, the conversation is about how we continue to raise dollars for one single purpose,” said Kevin Negandhi, an anchor for ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“That is pediatric cancer research.”

Whether it be sadness for the children lost or anger toward the disease that carves such a destructive path, it was impossible not to feel something.

Tears were encouraged just as much as cheers. Emotions flowed freely when research grants were presented in memory of Luke Ticola and Aubrien Jimenez, who died from brain cancer and esthesioneuroblastoma, respectively.

Another tug on the heartstrings was when Vitale opened up about his melanoma diagnosis. He poured out his soul on stage for everyone to see — a scene not dissimilar from the speech of his late, beloved friend Jim Valvano at the 1993 ESPY Awards.

He’s leveraged the success achieved over a hall-of-fame, 46-year career with ESPN into something much, much bigger than any basketball game he’s called.

“When it happens to people really young ... when you see 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds (battling cancer),” said Geno Auriemma, the Connecticut women’s basketball coach, “it makes winning and losing less meaningful.”

Vitale’s All-Courageous Team was the ultimate honoree of the night — more so than any of Auriemma, Tom Izzo, Kelvin Samp-

Katie Couric (left), Tatum Parker (top right) and Dick Vitale exchange some smiles.

Parker, who beat pediatric cancer twice, now runs the “Tatum Parker Project,” which gives backpacks of toys to pediatric cancer patients throughout Indiana.

son, Katie Couric or Jamie Valvano, who were all formally honored and gave acceptance speeches.

They’re the reminders not only that pediatric cancer research genuinely makes a difference, but also that continued investment in the cause is paramount.

It’s staggering how little government-allocated cancer research funding is put toward pediatric cancer. That number is a miniscule 4%, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The roughly 9,680 U.S. children ages 0-14 expected to be diagnosed with cancer by the end of this year, per the American Cancer Society, are a statistical needle in the haystack of the 3.6 million babies born here in 2025, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But we don’t act on statistics alone, do we? These kids are more than numbers on a spreadsheet in some government office.

“There’s a real brain drain in this country,” Couric said. “As a community, it’s incredibly important that we band together and keep our

eye on the prize and make sure that we support science.”

Here’s another statistic: An estimated 9,680 pediatric cancer patients this year translates to 26 or so families per day being told, “Your child has cancer.”

The five-year survival rate for children with cancer is 85%, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s a considerable improvement relative to the average of 58% in the mid-1970s.

Proof of progress isn’t a reason to withdraw funding. Rather, it should encourage even more, creating trust between the V Foundation and its donors that money is, in fact, being put toward all the right places.

More than a few people believe in this cause. Look no further than the over $126 million raised since the gala was first held in 2005.

“Hope — that’s an important word, isn’t it?” said Sampson, the Houston men’s basketball coach.

“If somebody was to sit down and say, ‘What’s the most important word in the Bible?’ I would think it’s hope, because without hope, what

do we have? That is what (the gala) is about.”

Research grants funded by the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund helped give those 15 members of Vitale’s AllCourageous Team hope.

Even in their darkest days, when they felt like cancer might defeat them, they had an advantage children before them didn’t — more advanced treatment.

That was the power of May 1 in Sarasota.

“People are living that didn’t get a chance to live before,” said Izzo, the Michigan State men’s basketball coach. “That means we’ve really done a hell of a job, and we have a lot more work to do.”

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

t ncoas u S

thank you!

Event Hosts and Suncoast Remake Learning Days Partners

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Prese

On behalf of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and The Patterson Foundation, we’re grateful to the passionaries who bring this 15-day festival to life—adding sparkle through free, hands-on learning experiences for families across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/beyond-the-blog @suncoastcglr @suncoastcampaign facebook.com/SuncoastCampaignForGradeLevelReading

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Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog Podcast

12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

WATER TREATMENT

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Does your water taste funny?

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459011-1

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

basketball freshman year, and then I joined track just to condition for basketball. My sprint coach (David Catalfino) was like, “You need to join cross country.” So I started cross country that fall, fell in love with it immediately, stopped doing basketball and went full-time running.

After all these years, why have you stuck with this sport?

Staying in shape. I like that feeling of knowing your times, knowing your specific stats and knowing, “This is what I can do, this is what I want to do, this is what I need to do.” I’m a very numbers-driven person, and I like that running is a lot about that, because numbers don’t lie. It’s really a sport where the work you put in matches the reward. You can see the progress.

What’s a fun fact about you not many people know?

I can somewhat juggle. My brother is a much better juggler, but my family does a lot of juggling. My aunt was a pro juggler, so she taught us.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Parker Valby, because she’s super ironic. Every time she’s interviewed, you never know what to expect from her. She’s always got this thing where she’s like, “I don’t drink water; I only drink kombucha.” Like why do you do that? She’s very unique and unexpected, and I think that’s funny.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

The Swiss Alps. I’ve always been a big Roger Federer fan — he’s from Switzerland — I like Swiss chocolate and the mountains are obviously beautiful.

Finish this sentence. Noelle Tenaglia is ...

Motivated.

340+

ony Lil ’ T

What does it mean to be a regional champion?

It means a lot. This is something I’ve been a part of for a while now — this relay team, specifically. This has been a grand year, honestly. We have Kenna, who’s new, she just moved here from Winter Haven. Ella, who I’ve been working with for two years now, and Maddie, who’s obviously renowned for all she does. It’s just really nice to see how all our disciplines came together.

When and why did you start running?

I used to play basketball, so I played

Clean Look Tile Preservation

Owned and Operated by the Yoder’s

Only one Riverview High relay team — boys or girls — claimed gold at this year’s regional track and field meet. That would be senior Noelle Tenaglia, sophomore Ella Dabringhaus, sophomore Kenna Borras and sophomore Madison Muller. At the FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 championship, they crossed the finish line at 9:42.90 in the 3,200-meter relay, beating out second-place Sarasota High by nearly 10 seconds May 2 in Punta Gorda. Tenaglia, who is the “leader of the group” per coach David Catalfino, is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

From your perspective, what makes a great relay team?

There’s a lot of things, but definitely trusting one another. If you don’t have that trust in your teammates and you don’t have that trust in what each person’s leg is doing, then you’ll fall apart. A lot of different relays that I’ve worked with, we’ve tried people in different positions, and really, it’s just about trusting yourself and trusting your teammates that they’ll get their jobs done.

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

CALL TODAY!

Noelle Tenaglia

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

13B

May is Better Hearing Month

Join us for month-long savings Hearing connects us. It makes us feel a part of our world. Hearing is so much more than a simple sense. It is simply part of who you are.

At AudioNova, we want to restore your sense of hearing so that you can get back what you've been missing.

Book a FREE HEARING SCREENING

941-398-9956 2807 University Pkwy., Sarasota 836 Pinebrook Rd., Ste D-5, Venice

• 14800 Tamiami Trail, North Port • 1720 S. McCall Rd., Ste H, Englewood

Trial Bonus

Finance Offer

HEARING AIDS AS LOW AS RISK-FREE TRIAL¹

²

HURRY! OFFERS EXPIRE 5/15/26 Patient will receive $100 gift card upon completion of hearing instrument trial. Certain types of hearing loss may require a hearing instrument model that is not appropriate for the trial. Hearing evaluation required. See clinic for details. Open to adults 18+ years and older. One gift card per customer, per year.

Not valid with managed care or state insurance plans. No cash alternative. Must provide a valid email address for gift card redemption. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery of the gift card.

2With $260 payment to start, a total of $2930 will be financed at 19.90% APR on approved credit for 48-months. Additional upgrades and other financing options are available. Terms are subject to change without notice and other restrictions may apply. Please see office for details. Offers expire 5/15/26.

SL-AT0416105527

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1

14B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAY 7

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 85 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 13%

FRIDAY, MAY 8 High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 21%

Thursday, May 7

6:46a

8:07p

Friday, May 8

6:45a

8:07p

Saturday, May 9

6:45a

8:08p

Sunday, May 10

6:44a

8:08p

Monday, May 11

6:43a

8:09p

Tuesday, May 12

6:43a

8:09p

Wednesday, May 13

6:42a

8:10p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 9 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 8%

May 9 Last

May 16 New

May 23 First

May 31 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MAY 10 High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 7% Manjesh Lingamurthy captured this photo of a willet with a shell running along Siesta Key Beach.

Monday, April 27

0

Tuesday, April 28

0.05

Wednesday, April 29

0

Thursday, April 30

0

Friday, May 1

0

Saturday, May 2

0

Sunday, May 3

1.59

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2026-27 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2027, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 8.83 in.

2026 5.93 in.

2025

MONTH TO DATE: 1.59 in.

2026 0.06 in.

2025

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

MEETING PLACES by Kareem Ayas, edited by Jared Goudsmit console) 124 Compares (to) 125 Mothers who bleat 126 “Tragically ...”

127 W-2 ID 128 Word aptly spelled out in the four intersections of

57 “Waterloo” band 59 Went down a snowy hill 60 Big cat such as Rajah 61 Tizzies 63 French “Yes!” 65 Anniversary for a pet adoption 66 “Laughing” mammal circled words 67 Flip out 68 High hairstyles DOWN 1 Unspoken yet understood 69 Place to go when you gotta bounce 2 Make amends 71 Scaloppine meat 3 Three-card ___ (scam) 72 Name hidden in “whole 4 Gold bar milk” 5 Texter’s “Ha!” 74 Tony winner Hagen 6 College students earn 77 A long time ___ them, for short 79 “The Juice That Starts It 7 His and ___ (words on All” brand some towels) 80 Lead-in to “mall” or 8 “ur almost here, right?”

“Millions” 9 Femme ___ 83 Muesli grain 10 Silk Road desert 85 Meetings 11 Tiebreakers, for short 12 “Common Sense” writer 87 Sicilian peak 90 Animal on many an ice 13 Assembly line “limb” cream carton 14 Gifts 91 Yalie 15 Humility 17 Conversations in board- 93 Soak (up) 97 NBC sketch show on rooms, e.g. ©2026 Universal Uclick which Adam Driver played 19 Enthusiasm an oil baron 20 Ye olde poet arts school 34 Beverages that may have 62 Bout enders, for short ACROSS 99 Dudes on boats 23 Southern nana 92 Tarbooshes, fedoras, etc.

64 Cry loudly 1 Language that “catama- foam art 100 Chore to “run” 25 Brain ___ (online slop) 94 Seer’s “skill,” for short 35 Beaver’s barrier 65 Small pickle ran” comes from 102 Light bulb units 29 Mayo-and-garlic sauce 95 Perched on 36 Seized auto 67 ___ feeling (instinct) 6 Pro in a toque 104 Mini-golf strokes 32 Altar promise 96 Nacho topping 37 Director Anderson 70 Fort Collins sch.

10 Understood 105 New York canal 33 Corn chips in a Tex-Mex 98 Front part of an airplane 38 “Carpenter” insect 71 Chinchilla doc 13 Engine speed stat 107 “Pop ___” (singing show “pie” 101 “Screech” bird 39 Fruity drink sometimes 73 It bobs in the sea 16 Many, many with an “American” spinoff) 34 Jumped 103 Baby ___ (cloths) served with lamb korma 75 Model Hadid 18 Stick a new label on 108 Mathematical group37 “Stop pouring, please” 20 Not just one or the other 45 Festive welcoming event 76 ___ Daily (magazine once 106 Not yet potty-trained ings 39 Parent to whom a tattoo 109 ___ Lama in Hawaii called O) 21 Gold, in Spanish 109 “Bro!” might be dedicated 111 Nobelist Marie 78 Romantic couple 22 Certain big corporation 48 Stench 110 Once more 40 Small bit of gel 113 Young chap 80 Dull finish 24 Took in, like information 49 California city with a 112 Unpopular slices of 41 Filmmaker Ephron 114 “You ___ my fire / The number in its name 81 Hurl, in slang 26 Call ___ question bread 42 Nana one desire” 82 “___ for Strings” (slow 27 Merlot and other wines 51 Shaken instrument 116 Biological strands hid43 Pre-finals round 115 Country club? ... or a 53 Sounded like a 90-Down Samuel Barber composi28 Game company that den backward in this clue 44 Brat tion) hint to this puzzle’s inter54 Up to made Swordquest 117 Zero, in soccer 46 Burden 84 Bold poker action secting circled words 55 Trite 30 Antlered animal on 118 Parent’s boy 47 Reaction to pollen, e.g.

86 Facial breakout 119 Place for a poser?

56 “Gee, what a swell Maine’s flag 120 Poet Scott-Heron 50 Bread ingredient 88 OR workers 122 Mar, like a car party!”

31 When to start driving?

121 Alias letters 52 Expose, like a fibber 89 Claremont (Calif.) liberal 123 ___ Switch (game 58 Robins’ homes 33 Gender-___

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“K EIIP JH BSKJI ... KJ OIINT QI JLKEOKER. K’Q GWSGKP JLGJ KW K TJHN BSKJKER K’MM TJHN JLKEOKER GEP TJGSJ WIIMKER.”

FGSSKI WKTLIS

“RCUH VQX BUK ZUQZDU KQ ZIFKETEZIKU EH HQHOEQDUHK ITKEQH ... ZUQZDU PUU VQX, ZUQZDU IFU DUIFHEHB YFQA KCIK ITKEQH.” NQDQFUP CXUFKI

“KX GUK EWIZHLWZHE KX BGITTI DGF EZ OT G STLTYJ GYJ DUY GF KGYX EUESTF GF U BZHSJ ... EWGE DGF DWGE KZEUPGETJ KT.” HFGUY OZSE Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals N

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals I

457538-1

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

Come Shop our Showrooms!

Puzzle Two Clue: T equals S

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

05-07-26

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Condos/Apts. for Rent

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

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

Contact donnamariecos5@icloud.com

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

Homes for Sale

Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle

3BR/3BA SARASOTA Beautiful 2 garage(s) heated salt water pool home in a gated community with upgrades that are incredible: solar system with 22KWH gas back up generator; storm shutters, high impact sliders and doors and a fully appointed outdoor kitchen. $850,000 (941) 302-2376 https://www.

Ridgeway.realtor/

Open House 1st Saturday of the month 10am-2pm

HUGE GARAGE SALE May 8th and 9th 243 Freeport Drive, Sarasota

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ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Antiques/ Collectibles

ANTIQUES WANTED

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

Al Tomlinson 40+ years in Sarasota Honest Evaluations NO ONE PAYS MORE!

941-400-8811

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Help Wanted MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS TECHNICIAN The Out-of-Door Academy seeks a qualified individual to join our Facilities team. Apply today for FT or PT opportunities. www.oda.edu About Us/Careers at ODA

To schedule a tour, call 844-552-4574

Adult Care Services Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000 Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

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Handyman Services

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Personal Services HOUSEHOLD MANAGER Thirty years of experience (locally) References Furnished Upon Request (941)650-1197

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This week’s Crossword answers

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos

Autos Wanted

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

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WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

WANTED

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View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com

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Visa/MC

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M-F Ask about our special rates!

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GARAGE SALE As low as $17.50 per week!

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Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

©2026 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

VELVET UNDERGROUND Matrix 8 lp Vinny Box Set Sealed LE 43 Track San Francisco 1969 $195 Pick Up Only Text Please (941)313-4199

House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000

3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota

peekers’ place

LEVI JEANS 505 (2) Like new, 34x 29 $70. Puma Sneakers (2) like new size 7, $70 Call (941)321-2694

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

real estate

2 4X6 Persian rugs, excellent value will sell $75 each (617)366-7557

Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

COMPANION/ CAREGIVER Available After 7 years of caring for a client I am now available. Duties included complete and total care including transporting to all appts, personal hygiene and entertainment. 20 years of references available.

(561) 201-8552

auto

Items Under $200

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million

jobs

stuff

8:00am- 3:00pm

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

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

JAMES BOTTORFF EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL.

home services

The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

Open House

Auto Transport

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I need to write ... It keeps me thinking.

I’m afraid that if I stop writing I’ll stop thinking and start feeling.” Carrie Fisher

Puzzle Two Solution: “When you get people to participate in nonviolent action ... people see you, people are learning from that action.”

Dolores Huerta Puzzle Three Solution: “My aim throughout my career was to be a legend and win as many titles as I could ... That was what motivated me.”

Usain Bolt

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2026 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

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STUFF

found here.

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RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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5-Star Rated

461714

461709

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

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462550

Dustin Yoder

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453816

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

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462554

Aluminum

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462560

16B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

Pet Services

Screening

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

Pool Enclosure Specialists

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Cat sitting & Cat/Kitten Introductions Administering medication

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461724

461722

(941) 966-2960

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

SCC131150987

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461712

941-879-3136

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

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Roofing

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senior citizen discount.

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PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

462551

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

160

25 $

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941 - 248 - 4734

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UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

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Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

461720

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

941-270-1561

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20 years local experience Licensed & Insured

• Pool Enclosures • Front Entry Screens • Lanais • Concrete & Pavers

Dog Walking (sm/md)

Licensed

Trees

Established in 1989 Serving Our Area for Over 35 Years

Dog Sitting (sm/md)

17B

18B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026

OPEN HOUSES

See all William Raveis open houses in Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS & ON-SITE SALES

Manasota Key | Englewood

Bath + Racquet Residences & Club | Sarasota

7159 Manasota Key Road | $11,900,000 Matt Vander Wyden | 941.483.0977 Brian Giacomello | 239.281.5269

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom New Construction Starting at $499,000 Cari Miller 203.722.4509 | Bill Creekbaum 941.302.5735

Visit our portfolio of exclusive new developments and luxury on-site sales.

Bird Key | Sarasota

Englewood Gardens | Englewood

Sleepy Lagoon | Longboat Key

440 Meadow Lark Drive | $11,300,000 Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

1819 Chadwick Road | $3,850,000 Bill Cantrell | 941.586.8301

501 Norton Road | $2,995,000 Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Hamilton Club | Siesta Key

North End | Siesta Key

Grove Lawn | Sarasota

3941 Hamilton Club Circle, #9 | $2,290,000 Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790 Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

3508 La Paloma Avenue | $2,250,000 Bob Ruiz | 941.544.3299

2135 Datura Street | $1,800,000 Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

EXPLORE OUR WORLD OF LUXURY LIVING

Redding, CT

Chatham, MA

East Hampton, NY

229 Umpawaug Road | $7,495,000 Greenwich Office | 203.869.9263

238 Cranberry Lane | $6,800,000 Chatham Office l 508.945.7777

1 Judson Lane | $5,995,000 Bridgehampton Office l 631.537.3200

#1 Independent Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida, South Carolina and the Northeast 140+ Offices | 4,500+ Agents | 8 States

454739-1

Sarasota 941.867.3901 • Siesta Key 941.894.1255