Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 5.8.25

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

Derby Doings

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

VOLUME 21, NO. 13

YOUR TOWN

Ian Swaby

Starting school with smiles

Early reports don’t favor Van Wezel Purple Ribbon members deem center ‘obsolete.’ SEE PAGE 5A

COLOR DE MAYO

For incoming kindergarten students on April 29, preparing for school wasn’t about pencils and paper — it was about music and dancing.

Sarasota County Schools hosted its Kickoff to K party at the Sarasota location of Suncoast Technical College on April 29.

“It was surprising because I didn’t know what to expect, and it actually ended up being a really enlightening experience,” said Davis Stephens, whose son, Theo Stephens, 5, is preparing to enter kindergarten.

The event is a partnership between the school district, the Suncoast Remake Learning Foundation and the Early Learning Coalition.

Ian Swaby

Sarasota friends Veronica Muñoz, Maria Veronica Guillen Vasquez and Benito Enriquez, who are from Mexico, and Maria Stephens, who is from Venezuela, dressed up to represent their home countries. “I love Mexicans, and I think they’re my brothers and my sisters,” Stephens said.

Courtesy image

Downtown Sarasota’s Cinco de Mayo celebration brings out bright, festive garb. SEE PAGE 2B

A giving community Known as a premier senior living community, The Glenridge at Palmer Ranch now marks 15 years of giving a helping hand to staff members as well.

This year, the community offered 30 scholarships of $4,000 each, totaling $120,000, to staff members, their children or their grandchildren accepted into a technical, associate or bachelor’s degree program.

The scholarships were presented during the Mary Nesbit Glenridge Academy Scholarship ceremony on April 23.

The late Mary Nesbit, former dean of The Glenridge Academy, founded the program, and The Glenridge Academy and The Kay Pezzillo Arts Fund provide the funds.

Affordable future

A+E

$0.10

Andrew Warfield

New Trail Plaza by Blue Sky Communities, with all 90 of its units priced as affordable and attainable, is under construction at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail.

More than 900 units planned as attainable. SEE PAGE 3A

Shared space, shared spirit.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

WEEK OF MAY 8, 2025

Obsidian appeal set for May 13

“This process seriously needs to be dismissed, dismantled and totally obliterated.”

The Sarasota City Commission will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, May 13, to consider an appeal brought by residents of a condo building adjacent to the planned Obsidian tower at 1260 N. Palm Ave Residents of Bay Plaza have appealed administrative approval and Planning Board adjustments for Obsidian, which, at 348 feet, is nearly 100 feet taller than any other downtown or bay front building. It will hold 14 residential units.

The appeal was first scheduled for the commission’s April 21 meeting, but was postponed because of a public notice technicality. The hearing, City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs told commissioners on April 21, is expected to last all day.

Sarasota City Commissioner Kyle Battie. Read more on page 9A

BY THE NUMBERS $10,285

Legal fees to be reimbursed to former City Commissioner Erik Arroyo for his defense against an ethics complaint PAGE 6A

Fire department, EMS win state recognition

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Candidates remaining in the pool for the position of Sarasota city manager, down from 51 PAGE 9A

525

Books donated by Felicia Donson’s organization, Mom’s Book Nook PAGE 1B

CALENDAR

n Sarasota City Commission special meeting (topic: city manager) — 1;30 p.m., Monday, May 12, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota City Commission special meeting (topic: Obsidian appeal) — 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

Elizabeth King

Peachey’s Baking Co. is at 4800 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. It is located in the Landings shopping center.

Peachey’s opens first shop at The Landings P

eachey’s Baking Co. is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in The Landings shopping center at 4800 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The owners, who have for years sold donuts and pretzels out of a food truck, will welcome customers at its grand opening on Saturday, May 10.

Brothers Nate and Sam Peachey have gained a cult following with their Peachey’s Baking Co. donut truck from November to April, selling large, made-from-scratch donuts and pretzels. The food truck also trav-

els to fairs around Florida, New York, Iowa, Minnesota and North Carolina.

“We’re planning on opening the local truck again in the fall,” the business says on Instagram, where it has more than 45,000 followers. It has 52,000 followers on Facebook, where it also shared the news of its upcoming opening in the Landings.

“We’ve been working hard getting everything ready to go and can’t wait to see people walk through our doors,” the company writes on Facebook.

The large fan base and new

store come after more than 10 years of selling donuts. Founder Nate Peachey first called it the Amish Baking Co., because he grew up Amish and uses Amish recipes.

He reportedly rebranded it as Peachey’s when his brother, Sam, joined the business in 2018.

Grand opening hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store’s regular hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays-Saturdays. The store is located near DogPerfect and Miss Jodi’s School of Dance in The Landings shopping center.

The Sarasota County Fire Department has earned PEDReady GoldTier status in the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program.

The program acknowledges EMS and fire/rescue agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to pediatric emergency care. The fire department was one of the first agencies in the state to designate a pre-hospital pediatric emergency care champion, who ensures pediatric clinical practice guidelines are followed, collaborates with local hospital colleagues and promotes pediatric training opportunities and family centered care.

In addition to pediatric care in emergencies, SCFD provides several community engagement programs for youth safety including: ■ Stay Vigilant Initiative, which focuses on drowning prevention.

■ Partnership with the Tidewell Foundation’s Blue Butterfly staff to provide teddy bears to pediatric patients ages 5-18 and offer grief support services to families.

■ Partnerships with Safe Kids Coalition, local pediatric emergency departments, trauma centers and hospitals.

■ Hands-only CPR education that reached 2,737 Sarasota County students and 347 residents in 2024.

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W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Affordable housing program taking root With more than 900 units in the pipeline, city’s efforts to address the housing crisis show signs of momentum.

UNIVERSITY PKWY.

ATTAINABLE HOUSING PROJECTS 1. Aspire on Tenth 1313 10th St. Attainable units: 10

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

301

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n the more than two years since

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the city began offering incen-

affordable housing units in new

2015-2063 FRUITVILLE

430 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL

E RD. FRUITVILL 351 N. RHODES AVE. 32 N. OSPREY AVE. PARK DISTRICT 2101 RINGLING BLVD.

town, and a year since extending it to commercial centers and corridors, Sarasota has more than 900

The City Commission approved incentives to developers to include affordable housing in their residential projects on Sept. 19, 2022. Then on April 4, 2024, it passed a similar ordinance for the commercial areas of the city.

Although 15 of the 22 projects are private developments where a smaller number of attainable units are mixed with market-rate units, Planning Director Steven Cover said the overall number of attainable housing apartments in the pipeline has exceeded his expectations.

“I never would have thought a year ago that we would have 22 projects in process right now,” Cover said.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES For both the downtown zone districts and the commercial centers and corridors programs, the city offers developers a break on certain fees and accelerated reviews and other development services. Most attractive, though, are density bonuses offered to projects providing no less than 15% of the bonus units reserved for attainable and affordable pricing for no fewer than 30 years.

DOWNTOWN ■ Downtown Neighborhood Edge Zone District: Existing density 18 dwelling units per acre; bonus density up to 72 dwelling units per acre.

■ Downtown Edge Zone District: Existing density 25 dwelling units per acre; bonus density up to 100 dwelling units per acre.

■ Downtown Core and Downtown Bayfront Zone Districts: Existing density 50 dwelling units per acre; bonus density up to 200 dwelling units per acre.

COMMERCIAL CENTERS AND CORRIDORS ■ Urban Mixed Use 1: Existing density 13 dwelling units per acre; bonus density up to 25 units per acre; existing three stories up to five stories bonus.

■ Urban Mixed Use 2: Existing density 25 dwelling units per acre: bonus density up to 75 units per acre; existing four stories up to five stories bonus.

■ Urban Mixed Use 3: Existing density 35 dwelling units per acre; bonus density up to 105 units per acre; existing four stories up to five stories bonus.

The bulk of these affordable units are being built through attainable housing-focused organizations and nonprofits.

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BAHIA VISTA ST.

4. Park District Bounded to the north by Fruitville Road, to the south

by Main Street, to the east

by Audubon Place and to the west by North Washington Boulevard.

Attainable units: 36 5. Bahia Vista Apartments 2750 Bahia Vista St. Attainable units: 35

75

6. Heroes’ Village 1529 25th St. Attainable units: 10

TUTTLE AVE.

planning and development.

1050 S. TUTTLE AVE.

7. The Icon 1000 N. Washington Blvd.

Attainable units: 3 8. Oakridge Expansion# 4900 N. Tamiami Trail Attainable units: 36

“That’s huge. It shows that the city’s attainable housing program is working. But in addition, I think we’ve created some momentum here where everybody’s looking into it now.

“Not every project is going to do it, but they’re at least looking into it and recognize the value of it, and it’s showing right now.”

For now, the bulk of the affordable attainable units planned are being built by organizations with workforce housing as their mission, such as One Stop Housing (Oakridge Expansion, Sarasota Station) and Tampa-based Blue Sky Communities (New Trail Plaza), and public organizations such as the Sarasota Housing Authority (Lofts on Lemon II, Amaryllis Park Place, Central Gardens).

And just last week, the partnership of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul CARES of St. Petersburg celebrated the completion of its new Heroes’ Village, which provides affordable housing to veterans.

Project planner Bill Waddill of Kimley-Horn, who represents two projects that plan to implement the affordable housing incentives — Saravela on North Tamiami Trail and a mixed-use project in the conceptual stage on Fruitville Road between Cocoanut Avenue and Tamiami Trail — said the city’s program is yielding results.

“The density is certainly a good incentive in that it’s got several in the market responding and using it,” Waddill said. “You never really know exactly how it’s going to be received by the market until you get it in place and adopted, and then you see how it gets utilized, if it gets utilized, and if so, how. Then you learn from how things might have done this differently. The biggest step is the first step to get something like this in place, and the fact that several people are using it is a really good sign.”

Private or nonprofit, Cover said the city’s incentive programs are contributing to momentum that stretches from just south of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport,

Courtesy image

The KSA Architecture rendering of Saravela shows two towers of varying heights.

9. New Trail Plaza 4644 N. Tamiami Trail Attainable units: 90

S

attainable units at varying stages of

3. Sarasota Station# 2211 Fruitville Road Attainable units: 202

17TH ST.

tives for developers to include

residential developments in down-

2. Bath and Racquet 2170 Robinhood St. Attainable units: 33

CKNEY POINT RD. I T

10. Kumquat II 420 Kumquat Court Attainable units: 1 11. Amaryllis Park Place III* 21st Street at Gillespie Avenue Attainable units: 108 (replacing 64) 12. Amaryllis Park Place IV* 21st Street at Gillespie Avenue Attainable units: 61

Andrew Warfield

along North Tamiami Trail, through the downtown area and on to South Tamiami Trail at Robinhood Street.

“For a city of this size to have 900 attainable housing units in process, that’s incredible,” Cover said. “That would be a good number for a major city, much less a city with a population of 58,000.

“We’re really excited about this.”

Cover knows something about housing programs in larger cities.

Prior to joining the city of Sarasota in 2017, he has helped lead planning in cities such as Atlanta; Madison, Wisconsin; and Arlington, Virginia.

“These units are not just coming from big projects. It’s all different sizes,” Cover said of the commercial developments, which range from one affordable unit at Kumquat II to 35 at Bahia Vista Apartments, the latter under construction at the corner of Bahia Vista Street and South Tuttle Avenue.

Across the street from the Bahia Vista project, a 275-unit apartment is undergoing city approval on property owned by Temple Beth, which includes 13 attainable units.

“We have some larger sites like the (former Southgate Mall) and there are other sites that are fairly substantial that we are hearing there is some interest in. We hope the momentum keeps going.”

Occupants of affordable and attainable housing units must have access to a common entrance, and affordable and attainable units must be spread equally throughout the structure. Developers must commit to maintaining the affordable units for no less than 30 years, and the price must be in equal tiers at: ■ One-third at 80% or below area median income ■ One-third at 81% to 100% of area median income ■ One-third at 101% to 120% of area median income In the event of fewer than three attainable units, the price must be in the lower tiers.

In 2023, the area median income per household in Sarasota County was $80,633, or $55,430 for an individual. Affordability is based on housing expenses including rent and utilities not exceeding 30% of income.

Planning Director Steven Cover speaks during the second Affordable Housing Town Hall.

The first set of text amendments will apply only to the downtown zoning districts, with recommendations for the city’s commercial corridors to follow.

13. Lofts on Lemon II* 750 Cohen Way Attainable units: 100 14. Artist Court 200 S. Washington Blvd.

Attainable units: 26 15. 711 & 717 N. Orange Ave. 711 N. Orange Ave. Attainable units: 2 16. Central Gardens* 1442 22nd St. Attainable units: 39 17. Bayside North 1250 10th St. Attainable units: 15 18. Rhodes and Aspinwall 351 N. Rhodes Ave. Attainable units: 17 19. The High Line 32 N. Osprey Ave. Attainable units: 16 20. Saravela 430 N. Tamiami Trail Attainable units: 30 21. 2101 Ringling Boulevard Redevelopment 2101 Ringling Blvd.

Attainable units: 2 22. Temple Beth 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Attainable units: 13 23. Fruitville Gateway 2015-2063 Fruitville Road Attainable units: 30 24. Midtown Plaza 1299 S. Tamiami Trail Attainable units: 28 Total: 916 * = Sarasota Housing Authority # = One Stop Housing

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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

Hyatt adjustment upheld

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The city affirmed its confirmation of the Planning Board approval of a driveway relocation for the Hyatt Regency redevelopment.

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uring its May 5 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission affirmed the Planning Board’s approval of an adjustment application by Kolter Urban to relocate the existing driveway to the Hyatt Regency to accommodate its plans to redevelop the site.

With no discussion on Monday, the commission reaffirmed its affirmation by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed.

At its Dec. 11, 2024, meeting, the Planning Board approved the adjustment to allow the current driveway access from Boulevard of the Arts to the Hyatt Regency hotel to be relocated approximately 68 feet to the east. Kolter Urban plans to demolish the 50-year-old Hyatt Regency and adjacent parking structure and, in their place, construct a two-tower development over a single podium building.

The first phase, dubbed 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, will include a 174room Hyatt-centric harborside hotel and 117 luxury condominiums.

The Planning Board’s adjustment approval was appealed to the City Commission by Quay 1 and 9 LLC, the owner of adjacent property it is developing in The Quay.

Consisting of Miami-based developer Property Markets Group and investor MoneyShow of Sarasota, Quay 1 and 9 voiced several objections to Kolter Urban’s plan. Besides the driveway relocation, it challenged the width of the driveway, which, at 33 feet, is nine feet wider than permitted by code; the validity of Kolter Urban’s traffic study; the plan to build above Kolter’s portion of a shared alleyway between the Hyatt site and Block 9 in The Quay.

Doing business as KT Sarasota Bay LLC, Kolter has also filed an application for administrative site plan approval to allow the redevelopment of the property, which provides the approved adjustment upheld by the commission be a component of the site plan and the time to appeal the approval of the adjustment to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court — should there be one — may not commence until the city has made a final decision to approve or deny the site plan.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Early reports suggest Van Wezel is ‘obsolete’ Purple Ribbon Committee members submitting their draft portions of the final report lean toward no reuse of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall if replaced by a new facility.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

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s the committee tasked to recommend adaptive reuse of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall enters the final two months of its work, members are beginning to submit drafts of their portions of the final report due by the end of June.

Members of the city’s Purple Ribbon Committee began receiving and reviewing reports during its last two meetings, the most recent on April 30. A common theme beginning to emerge is to conservatively maintain Van Wezel at a manageable level until the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center comes online.

Afterward, it should cease to function in its current form.

Chairman Charles Cosler — whose expertise lies in architecture, design of performing arts centers and reuse of large public structures and buildings — wrote the stage and administrative wing at 25 years of age and the auditorium and public spaces at 55 years, the building and multiple components are demonstrating obsolescence.

“The greater obsolescence is the location of the hall only 15 feet away from the Sarasota Bay,” Cosler wrote.

“The number and severity of storms is more than a threat — it makes continued use of the Van Wezel risky. Milton caused the loss of three months of booked shows and negatively affected local arts groups that rent the Van Wezel like the Sarasota Orchestra, Ballet and Concert Association.”

He also wrote the design of the auditorium fails to meet the standards for contemporary presentations from the low ceiling, steep seating area, wide fan shape and low ceiling, all inhibiting the patron experience and acoustic standards.

“The age and obsolescence of the

building, its location, systems and equipment would suggest that the building has served the community long and well despite its shortcomings,” wrote Cosler. “Further, the subsuming of its purpose and function by the new (performing arts center) will make the hall redundant.”

Much of that assumes the building of the new SPAC. Obstacles still remain there, including the frequently postponed implementation agreement between the city and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. At its March 17 meeting, the City Commission postponed a vote on that agreement. A special meeting was to take place prior to May 5, but has not occurred.

Robert Bunting, the committee’s climate expert, echoed Cosler’s point about proximity to the bay in the face of an increasing number of tropical weather systems, putting the Van Wezel at growing risk of flood and structural damage in both the near and long term.

“Although short-term patches can be made to improve short-term viability of the (Van Wezel), many of these risks can be lowered significantly with the opening of a new, better-located SPAC,” wrote Bunting in his draft report. “Any reuse of the (Van Wezel) needs to consider the extreme weather, storm characteristics and the negative impacts of the westernmost walls of the present building as major inputs to the decision making process.”

Presuming the SPAC continues to move forward, how much to invest in maintenance and capital improvements of the current hall will require careful consideration, Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel told the committee. Members agree in keeping the Van Wezel in operational order until replacing it with the SPAC. Basics such as air

Andrew Warfield

“The number and severity of storms is more than a threat — it makes continued use of the Van Wezel risky.”

— Chairman Charles Cosler

conditioning, plumbing, electrical systems and some level of waterproofing will be necessary to keep the building operational for the next five to seven years.

“Repurposing the Van Wezel is a complex issue, requiring careful consideration of its historical value, structural limitations and financial feasibility,” wrote member Melissa Gissinger. “While there is community support for preserving the building, there are significant challenges related to cost and functionality …

The continued financial sustainability and the building’s functionality and resiliency are the most pressing issues that have to be answered before emotional decisions about the building can be considered.”

Demand for use of the building appears to be a factor in those decisions. During the 18 months the committee has received input from the public and local performing arts

organizations, none of the latter have demonstrated the resources, audience and budget for short-term rentals of the facility, nor is it financially viable to keep a building the size of the Van Wezel operating while not used, according to Cosler.

In the interim, though, Cosler recommends immediate implementation of recommendations included in the 2025 Karins’ Engineering report to protect the building from future storms, which itself could cost millions. Then, after building the SPAC, turn the Van Wezel into an amphitheater.

“Because the building is not sustainable in its present location, and mostly because the building’s location, mass and parking lot is antithetical to the philosophy of The Bay park, we recommend the removal of the building and the parking lot,” wrote Cosler. “In its place, we suggest the erection of an open, much smaller roof structure that would provide shelter for a temporary stage.”

Whether that statement is the ultimate conclusion of the entire committee will be determined by the end of June.

The rear of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stands just feet away from Sarasota Bay.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2025

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Former Commissioner Erik Arroyo requested remittance of $10,285 for his defense against a 2024 ethics complaint.

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iting “bad law,” Sarasota Vice Mayor Debbie Trice was the lone dissenting vote at Monday’s City Commission meeting on a motion to approve paying $10,285 in legal fees incurred by former Commissioner Erik Arroyo in defense of an ethics complaint brought by three residents in 2024.

The matter stems from Arroyo introducing a presentation to the commission regarding a proposed public-private partnership with Ride Entertainment Sarasota to activate Ken Thompson Park at City Island.

The proposal called for the development of a park golf course, a zip line and an observation tower, as well as developing a marketing strategy to increase the patronage of the park.

The commission voted 3-2 to refer the proposal to the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Board for study.

Not known or disclosed at the time was Arroyo, an attorney, had previously agreed to act as a registered agent — effectively a mail drop and contact point — for the company.

Once reported in the news media, it set into motion the complaint filed to the Florida Commission on Ethics.

On March 12, 2025, the Commission on Ethics dismissed the complaints because of not being made based on the complainants’ personal knowledge, the cited media reports regarded as third-party information.

Because of Arroyo not being found guilty of wrongdoing, he requested reimbursement of attorney fees as entitled by Florida statute.

MAY 2025

Retired City Attorney Robert Fournier told commissioners it left them with no other choice but to approve. Fournier led the discussion because, at the time, he was serving as city attorney and possessed the most familiarity with the issue.

The Ken Thompson Park matter never came before the PREP Board, the principals of Ride Entertainment pulling the item from its agenda last year. No harm, no foul as it turned out, because had it come back before the City Commission, Arroyo would likely have been required to recuse himself from the proceedings.

Fournier explained the Commission on Ethics determined Arroyo did not misuse his public position because there was no evidence he would personally gain from introducing the agenda item.

“Even though the emeritus city attorney is saying the Florida statute requires us to reimburse, I consider that a bad law in this situation, and I’m not going to vote to reimburse,” Trice said.

Bad or not, the law is the law, explained Fournier.

“I think if you just look at the bigger picture, not the circumstances of this unfortunate situation, the reason for the general rule makes sense because people would really think more than twice about serving if they thought that they could have allegations made that ultimately are unfounded, but are personally on the hook for whatever the cost it took to defend,” Fournier said. “That’s the reason for the rule.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

OPINION

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

There’s no need for search The idea of enduring the City Commission’s search for a city manager could make you cringe. So why do it when the best and right candidate is already here?

MATT WALSH

Y

ou can say this about the five Sarasota city commissioners: To their credit, they are as earnest and dedicated as can be and want to do what is right and best for the city’s residents and taxpayers.

But God love them, sometimes when you watch their meetings, that old joke comes to mind: They couldn’t organize a one-car parade.

Ouch. Too harsh? Yes. But that’s not intended to be mean. It’s just that, unfortunately, they have been on a roll lately — with their wandering and discombobulated discussions about the Sarasota Performing Arts Center and how to hire a new city manager.

And yet, thank goodness, they have some self-awareness.

At Monday’s City Commission discussion on figuring out a process for hiring a city manager, the commissioners had the humility to recognize their April 11 meeting on the subject was a disaster.

Commissioner Kyle Battie said: “It was one of the first times since I’ve been on this commission that I walked out of here totally and completely, not only confused, but disgruntled. It left me with almost no confidence in the process.

“This process seriously needs to be dismissed, dismantled and totally obliterated,” Battie said.

Mayor Liz Alpert: “I left the April 11th meeting shocked at the dysfunction here in this room … I don’t disagree that the last meeting was horrendous. I don’t even drink, but I went home and I had this much wine. It was horrendous.”

So Monday morning, after a painstaking, hour-long discussion on whether to start the search process from scratch or to embrace and continue the detailed four-step process that city HR Manager Stacie Mason presented, commissioners decided to go back to start. The vote was 3-2, with Mayor Alpert and Vice Mayor Debbie Trice opting not to restart.

Actually, there are two extraordinarily simple solutions that can eliminate all of the angst, cost and hours upon hours that will be devoted over the next several months to a search and selection process that, ultimately and inevitably, will lead to a city manager who either will be a dud or fired after a short time.

To that point, this should tell you

something and perhaps alarm you: At one point in Monday’s discussion about the 44 candidates who have submitted applications for the job, Vice Mayor Trice noted that many of the applicants currently were unemployed.

Oh, great. So this would be like picking your team on the school playground. After the top players are quickly selected, to fill out your roster, you’re left with the losers.

One of the citizen speakers at Monday’s meeting, Sarasota resident John Mercer, also made these cogent points: “One of the real challenges today in trying to find a good city manager … is that the best city managers are usually well-regarded in the communities they’re already in.

And they’re usually in pretty stable situations, and any kind of move is risky.

“And so the best ones,” he said, “usually won’t want to move or certainly don’t want to throw their hat into the ring and then have it appear on a list in a newspaper someplace and then their own community finds out about it.”

At the same time, Mercer urged the commissioners not to “settle” for second best. “If you settle for somebody, you’re not confident in them, then you put them in a situation where they may be asked to leave in a couple of years. And at that point, you get a reputation as being a flaky commission, that it’s a risky place to go to.”

We all know how this goes when someone who has never lived here is hired. It’s always rocky the first year — at a minimum. Disruption reigns.

The new boss in town typically fires the existing managers and supervisors and wants to bring in his or her own team. Some or many long-time loyal employees also learn they don’t fit with the new manager’s style; they quit.

More new people who don’t know anything are hired and create more confusion and disruption.

City commissioners also must learn to adjust, as does the new city manager to them.

All that’s occurs inside the confines of City Hall.

Meantime, the new city manager is tasked with learning how the city works; maintaining relationships with other county and city officials; and learning to understand the nuances of the city’s neighborhoods and residents.

None of this is rocket science. But you never know. Hiring is always a gamble. As the saying goes, you never know until you put the player in the game.

Here’s another one: Often times it takes three tries to find the right one.

Imagine the cost: Lost time and money — at a time when the city is facing multiple crucial issues.

How can the commission and residents avoid all that?

The first answer is a good one, but impractical at the moment. It

File photo

Sarasota Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson

also has been suggested unsuccessfully three times in the past two decades: Convert the city governance to an elected CEO mayor, aka strong mayor.

That is what is really needed in the city of Sarasota. A leader who can win an election because of his or her vision for the city and who has the competence to execute.

As noted above: Impractical at this moment.

Which brings us to Martin Hyde, the ever-present Sarasota resident who serves at every City Commission meeting as a rational, amusing and insightful taxpayer watchdog.

Don’t roll your eyes. Hyde almost always makes good, common sense.

And in this case, he did it again.

On the subject of hiring a city manager Monday, Hyde told commissioners: “So what I wanted to talk about was the proverbial elephant in the room, and Mr. (Pat) Robinson (deputy city manager) will have to excuse me because I speak out of turn.

“I haven’t discussed any of this with him, but we do have an established deputy, to the best of my knowledge, whose hands have never been tainted by any scandal, YouTube videos or whatever else.

“As I understood it, again, anecdotally, his hands are tied by pension challenges in part.

“It’s logical to use the old phrase, ‘the devil you know,’ not asserting that Mr. Robinson is any kind of devil or demon.

“And frankly, any candidate by definition will take time to establish themselves. So why not try to find a way to make Pat city manager instead of this uncertainty, this injustice, keeping somebody from their retirement and think about a way that we can work through this pension thing? … As it stands at the moment, you’re blowing in the wind. Just an idea,” he said.

It’s a good idea, and it’s the right idea.

Pat Robinson, 47, is practically a native Sarasotan, having lived here 45 years. He’s about as local as you can get — graduating from Phillippi Shores Elementary, Brookside Middle and Riverview High. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of Holy Cross and a master’s in public safety leadership from St. Cloud State University.

When he came back to Sarasota, he graduated from the Sarasota Criminal Justice Academy in 2001

and served the next 21 years in the Sarasota Police Department. He rose from an officer on the street to detective to sergeant, captain and deputy chief of police. Along the way, he also graduated from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, the Southern Police Institute and the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston.

And when former City Manager Marlon Brown tapped Robinson in 2021 to be his deputy city manager, Brown assigned Robinson to oversee the police department. He still carries his badge and gun as an official police officer.

As deputy city manager, Robinson also oversees the city’s utilities and public works; homeless outreach; information and technology; parks and recreation; short- and long-term financial and strategic goals and as a liaison with the Coalition of City Neighborhood Association.

Also as head of the city’s emergency management, Robinson spearheaded the city’s cleanup after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

There is probably no one in the city of Sarasota who knows more about the city than Robinson. If you drive Sarasota’s neighborhoods, he points out places and people where he made arrests 20 years ago. He knows the city’s history and where all the criminals’ and politicians’ skeletons are buried. His knowledge of the city is invaluable on every level. No outsider will ever have the experience, roots and love for the city that Robinson does.

And to be sure, he has the respect of his fellow police officers, as well as law enforcement officers and city and county officials throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. He has proven himself a competent leader with integrity. And importantly, writing from our first-hand knowledge, he has little tolerance for inefficient bureaucrats and bureaucracy and wasteful spending.

After Brown retired, Robinson took himself out of the running for the city manager position to protect his police pension. If he had accepted the interim city manager job, the town charter would have required him to forfeit more than two years of pension earnings before reaching his 25-year service mark.

Hyde is right. Figure out a way to solve the pension problem. The best man for the job is sitting at City Hall and at each meeting in the City Commission chambers.

With Robinson, the city could move forward on all of the crucial issues that are piling up. No adjustments needed.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Mr. Robinson is married to my daughter, Emily Walsh, president of the Observer Media Group.

So you might conclude I’m biased. Probably. But also look at it this way: 1) He has passed the family test — a member in good standing. 2) Compared to other city managers I’ve seen over 50 years, I would hire him in a heartbeat. 3) I don’t want to risk my reputation, so I would not recommend a loser or someone unfit for the job.

“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.”

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Observer Media Group Inc.

Cut property taxes? Dream on Y

ou have to admit: When you first heard Gov. Ron DeSantis say Florida’s local property taxes should be eliminated, your initial reaction probably was “Heck yeah!”

But in your next thought, you also wondered: Replace it with what?

We all know any time a politician talks about taking away, reducing or eliminating government revenue, typically, there is a catch: It needs to be made up somewhere else.

Especially Florida’s property taxes. They are the primary funding source for the services county and municipal governments provide.

If the Legislature tried to eliminate property taxes without giving local governments another source at least equal to what property taxes generate, you could expect a major, ugly war in Tallahassee — the governor and state lawmakers versus county

and city commissioners; police, firefighter and EMT unions; and local government employees.

Well aware of the craziness of the governor’s idea, Florida Speaker Daniel Perez instead offered a counter proposal: To cut the state’s sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%. Perez said that would make Florida more affordable for everyone and would be better than DeSantis’ other taxcut gimmick — sales-tax holidays for an assortment of special categories.

Going into the Legislature’s special session next week, it looks like lawmakers won’t do either DeSantis’ or Perez’s proposals.

Instead, while mocking the governor (“Unfortunately, as the weeks have gone by, the governor has not yet come forward with … a specific plan … ), Perez has created a special House committee to study how to

PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION IDEAS Florida Speaker Daniel Perez has given his Select Committee on Property Taxes five suggestions to begin discussions on reforming Florida’s property tax system: 1) Require every city, county and special district to hold a referendum on the elimination of homestead property taxes.

2) Create a new $500,000 homestead property tax exemption for nonschool property taxes; increase it to $1 million for homeowners over age 65 or who have had a homestead in Florida for more than 30 years.

3) Authorize Legislature to raise

reform Florida’s property tax system. He wants a specific proposal to put on the November 2026 state ballot.

Count on this: Lawmakers won’t

the amount of homestead exemptions by state statute instead of constitutional amendments.

4) Enhance Florida’s assessment limitation caps for homestead and nonhomestead properties. Consider changing the homestead assessment cap from 3% per year to 3% every three years. For nonhomestead assessments, adjust the cap from 10% per year to 15% every three years.

5) Prohibit government from foreclosing on a homestead property for unpaid taxes.

is locally owned.

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

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

really propose to cut taxes. They will do what they always do: Shift the burden and pick winners and losers.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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‘Back to square one’ Sarasota city manager search restarts after search firm removes itself from the process.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

N

ow that the firm retained by the city of Sarasota to help conduct the search for a new city manager has relinquished its lead role, the City Commission is no further along in the process than it was in October 2024 when Marlon Brown vacated the position.

On April 21, Daytona Beach Shores-based Colin Baenziger and Associates via email informed city officials it was curtailing its involvement, relinquishing to the city its list of candidates and all data collected on them to date, and offering its continued services in a supporting role going forward.

At Monday’s regular meeting, the Sarasota City Commission instead voted 3-2 — with Mayor Liz Alpert and Vice Mayor Debbie Trice opposed — to sever ties with the firm and, at its scheduled May 12 special meeting, determine where it goes from here. The motion also placed the charter offices of City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs and City Attorney Joe Polzak in charge of the process in cooperation with the city’s Human Relations Department.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch moved the city to restart the search effort and direct the two charter officials to engage in the process.

The motion also called for commissioners at a May 12 special meeting to “come prepared to have a discussion about candidate criteria with clear qualifications. We also have to come

prepared to talk about a process that we would have in mind, a budget, a timeline and some options to have a firm source candidates, possibly,” she said.

If a firm is engaged, it won’t be Colin Baenziger and Associates.

In its letter to the city, Baenziger wrote it had become apparent its methodology and the City Commission’s expectations were not in alignment, and it would be best for all parties involved for it to step back from taking the lead.

“We have had great success in the past with our approach and we expected to obtain the similar results for the city,” wrote Baenziger. “Had we known the commission expected something different, we could have altered our approach at the beginning so we would have been in alignment.”

Points of conflict in those differences in approach became apparent in the commission’s first meeting with a Baenziger executive on March 27, when it was to narrow a list of eight recommended candidates to a group of finalists. In that meeting, Ahearn-Koch led a resistance to the process, she said, and minimized the involvement of the elected officials tasked with hiring the city manager.

The commission was not only not involved in hiring the firm, AhearnKoch said, but left out of crafting the methodology, nor did it have the opportunity to review the entire pool of the then-51 candidates, a pool that has since shrunk to 44. Still, a morning workshop and afternoon special meeting was scheduled for April 11 in hopes of getting the process back on track with Baenziger providing the background research on all the candidates in the interim.

At those April 11 meetings, attended by Colin Baenziger himself, commissioners unanimously agreed to

Andrew Warfield

City Commissioner Kyle Battie says he is confused and disgruntled over the process to hire a new city manager.

schedule a meeting during which they would select provisional semifinalists for further consideration.

During the afternoon special meeting, Alpert said the commission appeared to be “floundering” and it was not a good look.

The discussion placed on Monday’s agenda revealed Baenziger’s willingness to accept a reduced role, if one at all, and prompted selfexamination of the entire matter

by Commissioner Kyle Battie, who said he left the April 11 meetings confused, disgruntled and not confident.

“We’re back here to square one,” Battie said. “This process seriously needs to be dismissed, dismantled and totally obliterated.”

Battie was not alone in his bewilderment.

“I left the April 11 meeting shocked at the dysfunction here in this room,” said Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich. “A lot has changed since April 11, when the City Commission

agreed to continue on the current path. We have a search firm that we had no part in hiring. That firm has resigned. Yet it hasn’t resigned. It’s not going to be the lead, but it will still be involved.”

In his letter, Baenziger wrote, in contrast to what he said on April 11, he believed the list of remaining candidates and all research generated about them to be property of the city as the firm received payment for that work. If there’s a need for any additional reports, the fee would be the cost to the firm plus 20%.

Former City Commission candidate and regular fixture and speaker Martin Hyde took a contrasting characterization of Baenziger’s departure from the search process.

“The recruitment firm didn’t step back. They fired you, and there’s a reason for that,” Hyde said. “You’re like passengers in a cab who get in there and tell the driver how to drive and the best way to get there.”

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Commissioners urge public to speak up on Phillippi Creek Local officials say public pressure will help keep the dredging project a priority.

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he first of what could be a succession of dredging projects in Phillippi Creek likely will begin this summer, but Sarasota County commissioners on Tuesday urged their constituents and county officials to reach out to federal authorities — namely U.S. Rep. Greg Steube — for help to move things along.

First on the list is a project to dredge high spots in the creek directly attributable to sediment flow from the last hurricane season. That project is considered an emergency and requires neither state nor local approval. But federal approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineerscould take 120 days via an expedited process, County Public Works Director Spencer Anderson said.

That’s where a little extra grease for a squeaky wheel might come in.

“I know you’re working with the federal government and Congressman Steube, and if there’s anything, you know, we’re in Tallahassee all the time with our Governmental Affairs, if you get bogged down, that’s what we’re here for, to make those phone calls,” Commissioner Tom Knight told Anderson. “The definition of emergency is what we make out of it. If we need to interpret emergency our way, it’s better to ask forgiveness.”

Spencer said the initial phase of dredging would “attack the high spots” in areas mainly between Bee Ridge Road and Beneva Road, with a few more south of Bee Ridge. He said that would consist of creating a uniform depth of about four feet across about 50 feet — staying away from docks and seawalls where needed.

“That is something we’re moving on as fast as we can,” Spencer said.

Secondly, a broader swath from Beneva to U.S. 41 would follow, though likely to require “a more for-

Jim DeLa

mal process with the Army Corps.”

On Tuesday, commissioners approved working with the West Coast Inland Navigation District to design on the county’s behalf that broader project. The commission approved about $241,000 for that work.

It also approved $3 million for WCIND to dredge a segment of the creek from the Intracoastal Waterway to U.S. 41 and requested the navigation district classify Phillippi Creek’s navigational channel a “public waterway” all the way to Beneva Road for continued maintenance with local tax dollars.

Catastrophic flooding during the 2024 hurricane season, beginning in August with Hurricane Debby’s torrential rains, plagued homes and businesses along Phillippi Creek.

The creek that originates near Fruitville Road and Lorraine Road drains stormwater from a large swath of northwestern Sarasota County into Sarasota Bay. But following 2022’s hurricane season with Ian — and beyond — portions have become clogged with sediment. Studies show a portion of the creek between Beneva Road and U.S. 41 is as shallow as two feet.

Even with local cooperation, though, commissioners were adamant that every bit of cajoling of federal authorities can’t hurt. At the government-to-government level and the grassroots level, as well.

Gov. Ron DeSantis made a quick stop at Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar this past summer after Hurricane Debby.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Sarasota Station remains on track

MAY 17

JUNE 7

Although nearly derailed by City Commission concerns, the affordable housing project wins two key approvals.

JUNE 18

ANDREW WARFIELD

JUNE 21

JUNE 28

STAFF WRITER

JULY 12

A

s a r a s o t a p a r a d i s e . u s / t i c ke t s P r e m i e r S p o r t s C a m p u s a t L a kewo o d R a n c h

decade after first conceptualized by the late Harvey Vengroff, Sarasota Station has taken its first official steps toward realization with two City Commission approvals related to the residential project in the Park East neighborhood.

During its May 5 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved two measures to pave the way for 69 market-rate for-sale townhomes next to where Vengroff’s legacy company, One Stop Housing, plans to build 202 affordable housing apartments.

In separate votes following combined public hearings, commissioners approved to vacate a right of way for street, drainage and utility purposes necessary for the development; to vacate a utility easement; and a subdivision plat plan for the townhomes, which is technically Phase 3 of a three-phase project but to be developed before Phase 1 and 2.

The sale of a 3.2 acres of the 7.8acre site of Sarasota Station property at Audubon Place just north of Fruitville Road to developer and owner SS Sasquatch LLC netted $10 million to help fund One Stop Housing’s affordable housing component, which remains in the planning stages as it addresses technical issues for use of $15 million in Resilient SRQ funds, a federal grant administered

by Sarasota County.

On the remainder of the site, One Stop Housing, now headed by

Harvey Vengroff’s son, Mark, will develop the affordable units. The project will include a relocation of the popular Bob’s Train diner within the property.

Much of the discussion among commissioners centered on the right of way vacation that is 15 feet wide and 215 feet long — that serves no public purpose and has been unused for decades — and a utility easement vacation measuring 100 feet and approximately 15 feet in width.

Vice Mayor Debbie Trice said she is concerned about the word “perpetual” in describing both a right of way and utility easement vacations, which suggests that should the project not go forward, any future use or ownership would benefit from the specific intent granted to SS Sasquatch.

“One of my concerns is that we don’t do a right of way vacation, per se, unless we have some sort of contingency that if the development doesn’t actually happen we can claw back that vacation,” Trice said. “Is that included anywhere in the ordinance, or do we have to add that at this time if we so choose?”

Merrill said there is already a provision in place for both vacations that requires the developer to construct and relocate the facilities prior to the vacations becoming effective.

“It doesn’t just require it in the administrative site plan. It also requires that construction and actual relocation of the facilities,” Merrill said. “These are actually going to be better than what you have now because they’re going to be in the locations where they should be for future development of whatever it is.”

Whatever it is, Merrill added confidently, will be the Sarasota Station plan years in the making. And even if not, he added, the right of way and easement vacations will be neces-

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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Andrew Warfield

Attorney Bill Merrill addresses the Sarasota Planning Board with developer SS Sasquatch principal Paxton Kinol during a hearing about Sarasota Station.

“Even though I don’t agree with adding the extra phrase, I want this to move forward, and I think it is going to move forward.

Hopefully, the city attorneys can get this done, so it can be for the May 19 meeting.”

— Mayor Liz Alpert

sary for will be there.

Unyielding her concern about perpetual vacations if Sarasota Station isn’t developed as planned, Deputy City Attorney John Shamsey suggested tying the vacation to the start of townhome construction. In case they never build it, Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich suggested an amendment to a motion to include a measure protecting the city.

All that requires collaboration between the attorneys — Merrill’s firm and the city attorney’s office — with proper legal notification per Sunshine Law standards prior to a second reading, at the time scheduled for May 19.

“We want to make sure we stay on

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our May 19 second reading, and staff has told us if we have any changes that they may take us off of that,” Merrill said. “This has already been delayed three times for multiple, multiple months. It’s an affordable housing project that we would hope be expedited, and we’ve only had delays.”

City Auditor and Clerk, and frequent point of order wrangler, Shayla Griggs said the agenda for the May 19 meeting must be published by May 8. “So I don’t know how fast this can happen as far as edits and changes,” she said.

Commissioners encouraged staff and the city attorney’s office to get it done in time.

Before the separate unanimous votes to approve the applications, Mayor Liz Alpert admonished her colleagues for overcomplicating the issue.

“Even though I don’t agree with adding the extra phrase, I want this to move forward, and I think it is going to move forward,” she said.

“Hopefully, the city attorneys can get this done, so it can be for the May 19 meeting.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Plan a WILD Day for Mom!

TOES IN THE SAND

MOTHER’S G DAY

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill reopens.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

reg Corvelle, regional director of food and beverage for O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, joked the restaurant should have sold tickets to the many patrons who gathered along the waterside of Sarasota Bay to see a boat wrecked on the dock by the monstrous winds of Hurricane Milton get hauled away.

By coincidence, removal day fell on O’Leary’s official reopening after the storms. The watering hole opened its doors at 11 a.m. on May 2, heralding a new chapter in its history since the first grand opening in the 1980s.

The bayside restaurant has idyllic views of Sarasota Bay from its sandy shore, and Lana Jackson, general manager for the past five years, shared how she focused on expanding and fortifying the restaurant for the future.

Builders made notable structural improvements. From the sealed glass walls designed to keep out floodwaters to the Tiki bar support beams cemented into place, the rebuilt restaurant isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

However, Jackson said she is glad they could still maintain the easygoing, breezy aesthetic of the establishment.

There are also some customerfacing improvements they made Jackson thinks visitors will enjoy, like the new on-tap beers, which replaced the restaurant’s ice cream offerings.

Permitting was a main factor in the timeline for the reopening, but Jackson said she is pleased with what they’ve been able to accomplish in the downtime.

“This has been a long time coming,” she said.

Corvelle said the restaurant didn’t even know for certain that it could go ahead with its planned opening until the day before. They needed the city

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to do one final check to make sure everything was ready to roll.

Among the opening day attendees were Sarasota residents Larry and Susan Siebl. While enjoying a rum runner and Mai Tai and the shade from the sunshine above, they welcomed back one of their favorite go-to spots in the city, especially for breakfast.

“We walk here quite a bit, so we’ve been monitoring it,” Susan Siebl said.

“We like it a lot because it’s a casual vibe with fun people.”

Corvelle said he looks forward to welcoming familiar and new faces, and if he could make a recommendation to anyone, it would be the “Rachel” sandwich with a side of mozzarella sticks. But he said it’s tough to go wrong when enjoying a meal at one of the best places on Sarasota’s coast.

Sarasota residents Larry and Susan Siebl were fans of O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill before Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and they were thrilled to join staff in celebrating the official reopening on Friday.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 24

MIDNIGHT CAT FIGHT 12:27 a.m., 1900 block of Dr. MLK Jr. Way Dispute: Responding to a reported stabbing, an officer found two women engaged in something of a bloodletting that fell far short of an assault with a sharp implement.

Upon arrival, an officer made contact with the alleged victim, who had a cut on her forehead with dried blood on her face. The woman was calm and advised she had been engaged in an argument with someone she claimed to be her cousin outside of a convenience market. The other woman was no longer at the scene.

The victim said the subject was waiting outside of the store for her and she was “called out” for “talking about her,” presumably not in complimentary fashion. She said the subject was blocking her path and yelling at her to “say it to my face!”

What she was being dared to say was not mentioned in the incident report.

That’s when the pushing and shoving match began as they wrestled their way to a brick wall on which the woman said she hit her head, causing the laceration.

The subject was found walking nearby and was detained for the investigation. She corroborated the pair tussled in the parking lot and broke up the scuffle on their own.

While both women stated they were cousins, neither could clearly describe to the officer the branches of the family tree. A review of video evidence confirmed both accounts of the incident and was classified as a mutual fight.

THAT’S THE TICKET! 2:44 p.m., Intersection of First Street and Central Avenue Disturbance: A city parking enforcement officer called for backup following an encounter with a driver who had only moments before been served with a parking violation citation. The parking officer said she had recently ticketed an improperly parked vehicle before continuing on her route.

When she returned to the scene of the violation, she said the owner of the vehicle, who wished to engage in a verbal confrontation, approached her. Dissatisfied with the outcome

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

TEEING OFF 6:32 p.m., 1800 block of Lincoln Drive Burglary of unoccupied structure: Two males were reported to be in the backyard of a home inexplicably hitting golf balls, not only into the Hudson Bayou but also at the back of the house, causing damage. As an officer arrived on the scene, one subject jumped a fence into a neighboring property and fled the area, leaving his companion to take the rap himself. The subject identified his fellow duffer as someone with the first name “Harry” — which may or may not have been accurate — who was not located.

Damage to the rear of the home — which appears as a potential teardown between two newer, considerably larger homes — included a broken sliding glass door, two or more broken vases and several tears in the back porch screen.

The subject stated they were hitting golf balls into the canal behind the home and into the house. They then entered the screen porch and hit rocks and balls at the glass door and, once broken, entered the home. Each of them grabbed a vase and smashing them on the porch floor.

This isn’t the first time the two had been at the property, but the damage, the subject said, was from this visit. The home is uninhabited and is currently up for sale. The officer was unable to contact the victim, listed as a limited liability corporation.

The subjects may have been juveniles as an adult man was called to take the offender, whose name was redacted, into his own custody.

The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further review.

of the dispute, the subject, according to the parking officer, threw the ticket into her vehicle, inadvertently touching her arm. Although the man denied tossing the ticket, it was retrieved at which time he took the citation and left the area. No further action was taken.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT MAY 8, 2025

YOUROBSERVER.COM

Towles Court Art Center is a hidden gem within walking distance from downtown.

Towles Court Art Center is located in a 1920s building just footsteps from downtown.

AN

ENCLAVE

Towles Court artist Erica Caswell specializes in jewelry, including a set of earrings (left) that incorporates dried flowers.

EMILY LEINFUSS CONTRIBUTOR

T

ucked into a quiet pocket of downtown Sarasota — just far enough from the buzz of Main Street to feel like a hidden gem — is the artful enclave known as the Towles Court Art Center. Today, it’s home to nine working artists, many with national gallery representation and loyal collectors.

The center occupies a historic 1920s building that’s reminiscent of a farmhouse, complete with an Old Florida-style wraparound porch used for pop-up events and live music.

There’s a restaurant around back.

Inside, the studios hum with creative energy as artists produce new work in mediums ranging from oil paint and metal clay to abstract mixed media.

Together, these artists carry on a tradition of creativity and collaboration that began when the larger Towles Court neighborhood was revitalized in the mid-1990s as an artists’ colony.

The neighborhood itself dates to the 1920s, once a thriving residential area for professionals and seasonal visitors. By the late 1970s, however, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1995, developer N.J. Olivieri began its revival, envisioning — with the help of a few founding artists — a vibrant arts district.

At its peak, Towles Court was home to more than 50 working artists and 25 galleries. Monthly Third Friday Art Walks drew hundreds of people, including this writer. They felt like block parties celebrating how art was so cool.

By 2020, however, the dissolution of the Towles Court Homeowners’ Association and the elimination of deed restrictions on the neighborhood’s historic buildings opened the door for redevelopment, effectively dismantling the artists’ colony.

But despite challenges, the Towles Court Art Center persists, with optimism and creative spirit intact. The storied Third Friday Art Walk continues, October through May from 4-7 p.m., drawing a smaller, but no less enthusiastic, crowd.

IF YOU GO

TOWLES COURT ART CENTER THIRD FRIDAY ART WALK When and Where: 4-7 p.m. on May 16.

Regular hours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1938 Adams Lane. Wednesday through Saturday, and by appointment with individual artists.

Info: Visit TowlesCourt.com for more information and to connect with resident artists.

More than just a cluster of studios, the center remains a creative community, a gathering place and a living testament to the resilience of Sarasota’s arts scene, even as the rest of the neighborhood undergoes construction and change.

Towles Court artist Anne Ireland divides her time between Sarasota and Maine.

A SHARED SPACE, A SHARED SPIRIT

Artist Peter Garon works on one of his paintings at Towles Court Art Center. His painting, “Jonquils,” is shown above.

Photos by Emily Leinfuss

“We all have very distinct styles. No two of us are alike. But the camaraderie is strong,” says painter Peter Garon. Originally from Massachusetts and a former architect and gallery owner in Washington, D.C., and Naples, Garon works primarily in oil, often painting “moods” rather than scenes.

His titles evoke emotion, like “Calm,” “Rapture” and “Silence.”

Garon explains his artistic process as beginning with a feeling that gradually evolves into a textured expression of color and form.

For Garon and the eight other artists there, the Towles Court Art Center provides more than just a place to work in concert with each other.

“When I first got to Sarasota and

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didn’t know where to source materials, everyone was incredibly helpful,” Garon says. Everybody pitches in on everything from event planning to advertising, he notes. “We talk it out and vote as a group.”

Jewelry artist Erica Caswell, whose business Serendipitous Satori began with pop-up events on the building’s porch, calls the center her creative home. Caswell’s work evolved from repurposing broken family jewelry into creating one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from eco-friendly and found materials.

“The artists in our studios are very dedicated, extremely talented and want to continue to provide an exceptional experience for customers and the community as a whole,” Caswell says.

Painter Anne Ireland agrees. “We have a very collaborative and friendly environment here,” she says.

Ireland splits her time between a saltwater farm in Maine and Sarasota, painting most of a piece in Florida before finishing it in her quieter, much larger northern studio, where she can mount and view all her new work as a whole. Still, when she’s gone, she misses the natural light and high ceilings of her Sarasota space.

A graduate of the Portland School of Art, Ireland appreciates the critiques and support she gets at Towles Court, which she doesn’t experience in her Maine studio. “It’s growth through osmosis,” Ireland explains, likening the experience — for herself and visitors alike — to how a museum visit changes minds and sensibilities through exposure to other artists’ visions.

VISITORS WELCOME

A visit to the Towles Court Art Center offers a rare treat: the chance to meet the artist behind the work and see where the magic happens.

“Being able to chat with an artist in person and ask them about their process is such a huge gift,” says Caswell. “It’s completely different from buying something online with no context or connection.”

For Garon, these connections often evolve into friendships. “I’ve had visitors come back weeks or years later to buy a piece. Some collectors have become close friends,” he says.

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

19A

A DYNAMIC AND DIVERSE GROUP

Towles Court resident artists Anne Ireland, Erica Caswell, Helen Rosenkranz and Susan Coyne take a moment to relax.

Guests may be treated to refreshments from local bakeries and breweries or even live music by Sarasota musicians.

“We hire local talent for our open studio nights,” Garon notes.

Pop-up events on the porch — like the one that first brought Caswell into the Art Center — range from yoga classes to antique sales hosted by lifelong collectors in their 90s, all adding to the eclectic, communitydriven atmosphere.

That deep connection — between artists and the community, the artists and their collectors and among the artists themselves — sets the Towles Court Art Center apart from museums and many other galleries.

“In a world where human interaction can feel superficial or transactional, this place fosters real relationships,” says Ireland.

Garon echoes the sentiment: “I’ve even imagined a gathering of my collectors. They don’t know each other, but I’m the thread that connects

them.”

“Some people stumble upon us by word of mouth or through a local art directory,” Ireland adds. “But when they do come, they feel the warmth and energy. It’s special.”

AN INVITATION TO SLOW DOWN AND CONNECT

The artists of the Towles Court Art Center are a determined bunch. Even during the challenges of COVID, they continued hosting events for the public. People wore masks and kept their distance, but the tradition of interaction with the community lived on. “These events are part of what make Towles Court Art Center special,” says Ireland. “They’re inclusive, welcoming and full of character.”

The artists of Towles Court aren’t just preserving tradition; they’re looking forward to a vibrant future.

Caswell recently commissioned muralist Annie Dong to create a custom work in her studio to make it a

fanciful gathering place. She plans to host jewelry workshops and social gatherings, building on recent successes like a porch yoga class led by local instructor Kristen Burnett.

While Towles Court Art Center has changed over the decades, its heart remains the same. The architecture, the porch, the people — it all works together to make the center a creative adventure for visitors and artists alike.

Garon says, “People often remark on the quality and level of accomplishment they see when they visit.

And when they do, they usually come back.”

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious browser or a tourist looking to kill time between social engagements, the Towles Court Art Center invites you to slow down, step inside and connect — maybe even to your own inner artist who’s waiting to emerge.

In addition to Peter Garon, Erica Caswell and Anne Ireland, the six other artists at Towles Court cover a wide range of styles and disciplines: n Susan Coyne paints serene coastal scenes that blend emotion, memory and minimalism. n Ellen Kantro uses found materials to build layered, textured pieces with an urban edge. n Terry Martin captures Florida’s natural beauty through watercolors and acrylics. n Phyllis Nathans produces vivid, detailrich watercolors inspired by the natural world. n Helen Rosenkranz paints abstract oil works that play with light, color, and emotion. n Jan Bullard, an interior designer, blends elegance and creativity in both spaces and furnishings.

Each artist brings something unique to the mélange.

“We have a variety of painting styles, eclectic jewelry, and each artist has a story,” says Caswell. “Visitors find connections with us as people as well as with our work.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Funnyman Will Leura shows a serious side in ‘Entangled’

Will Leura and Maria Schaedler-Leura are co-executive directors of Lifeline Productions.

The autobiographical show is the sophomore effort of Lifeline Productions.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Courtesy images

Lifeline Productions founder Joel Ehrenpreis is executive producer of Will Leura’s show “Entangled.”

based on Leura’s life, which begins in Chicago and moves to Boston. “My upbringing wasn’t exactly a storybook upbringing,” Leura says. “My parents had a very severe divorce when I was 8 years old. Later on, a couple of my close friends died by suicide, which is why I went to Boston.”

Although Leura is a skilled performer and administrator, he needed help fleshing out his show. “In the first couple versions of script, it was like a TED talk about improv, but then during rehearsals, stories were coming up. That’s when we decided to go to Jason,” he says.

The aforementioned Jason is director/playwright Jason Cannon. An FST veteran, Cannon wrote the script for “Clowns Like Me” after spending hours with Ehrenpreis, listening to stories about the actor’s lifetime battle with OCD, bipolar disorder, social anxiety and more.

Until Ehrenpreis bared his soul, most Sarasota theatergoers weren’t aware of his mental health journey, since his behavioral issues weren’t apparent in his performances. He was most recently on stage in Sarasota Jewish Theatre’s “Lost in Yonkers” and has appeared in such FST productions “The Lehman Trilogy” and “Network.”

Cannon is skilled at taking raw material and turning it into a finished script ready for the stage. According to Leura and Joel Ehrenpreis, Cannon was able to work the same magic as a creative consultant for “Entangled” that he did as a writer for “Clowns Like Me.” A ONE-MAN SHOW GETS A SECOND PLAYER

During the workshop process when he was polishing his script, Leura met with Cannon one or two times a week over several months. Cannon brought in different actors for Leura to play his ideas off of. Originally,

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Leura envisioned “Entangled” as a one-man show, but after working with Cannon, he decided to change direction.

“We added a second character,” Leura says. “Jason would describe the character as a wild man.”

Freud might call him Leura’s id, the aspect of his character that is kept in check by the practical ego and the superego, considered one’s conscience.

Reliving some of his most harrowing experience was healing, Leura says, but it wasn’t easy. “It was like going to therapy,” he says. “I was getting bombarded by questions by four different people. There were a lot of rehearsals where I was crying.”

It takes a lot of courage to remove one’s professional mask and reveal real-life trauma on stage, even within the artistic confines of a script and a stage. For producer Ehrenpreis, one of the attractions about Leura’s story is that it provided the opportunity to confront the stigma of mental health problems in the Latin American community.

It’s always dangerous to make sweeping generations about various ethnic groups, but the conventional wisdom is that the tradition of machismo in Latin cultures makes it hard for men to admit weakness and

let their loved ones know when they need help.

The key to making a play interesting to audiences of all backgrounds is to have a story “that resonates with everybody,” says Maria SchaedlerLeura, Will Leura’s wife. “A successful piece of art must be personal and universal at the same time.”

This is a message that the couple conveys constantly through Atomica Arts, the nonprofit they founded that offers workshops, bilingual programs and other initiatives to promote the arts and health.

But in an artistic world where taboos about addiction, sexuality, gender identity, neurodivergence are increasingly confronted on stage, what is the secret sauce that an identity-based play needs to connect with broader audiences?

As a producer who got an encore performance for “Clowns Like Me” in Sarasota as well as a New York run, Joel Ehrenpreis has a clear idea about the ingredients. Based on what he learned with “Clowns Like Me,” the producer says a production must be “entertaining, hopeful, humorous and gut-punching.”

“We think we’ve got that with ‘Entangled,’” he adds.

Now, it’s up to Sarasota audiences to decide.

IF YOU GO

‘ENTANGLED’ When: May 15-25 Where: the Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $30 Info: Visit LifelineProductionsInc.org.

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W

hen Sarasota theater patrons hear the name Will Leura, they’re likely to think of humor and improvisation.

Rightly so. For a decade, ending in December 2024, Leura was the director of improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, where he was in charge of programming and education for FST Improv as well as organizing the wildly successful Sarasota Improv Festival, which comes to town each July.

But one of Sarasota’s prominent funnymen is taking a serious turn for his show “Entangled,” which runs May 15-25 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The show is the second production of Lifeline Productions, which Leura and his wife, Maria Schaedler-Leura, recently joined as co-executive directors.

Best known for its debut production, “Clowns Like Me,” a one-man show starring Sarasota actor Scott Ehrenpreis dealing with his mental health struggles in a humorous fashion, Lifeline is dedicated to highlighting the healing benefits of the arts.

When Lifeline founder and executive producer Joel Ehrenpreis heard that Leura was leaving FST last year, he approached him about the possibility of doing a show on the mental health benefits of improv.

The two initially met about eight years ago, they said in a video interview, when Ehrenpreis took an improv class with Leura at FST. Ehrenpreis, a former marketing executive, formed a friendship with Leura based on discussions about how humor and improv can be used to improve interaction in the business world.

But when Ehrenpreis and Leura sat down to talk about a one-man show, the improv expert revealed lots of serious, challenging episodes from his past. “As we started the process of developing our next show, Will reflected on traumatic stories,” Ehrenpreis says. “I said, ‘Time out.

This is about you and your story.’ I was intrigued. So we ended up shifting gears, like you do in improv.”

Without revealing too much of the story of “Entangled,” the show is

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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Studio Theatre Improv Troupe.

A team of four experienced improvisers deliver a mix of short form, long form and musical improv in a mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May 30.

MONDAY ‘CONJURING THE SPIRIT WORLD: ART, MAGIC AND MEDIUMS’ 10 a.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with $25 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

JAZZ THURSDAY AT SAM 5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $25 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Darcie Allen and the Five Points Quintet perform on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum in a program sponsored by Jazz Club of Sarasota. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, bistro and museum shop.

BERMUDA MAVERICKS 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26 Visit McCurdysComedyTheatre.com.

It’s not so often that McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre co-founder Les McCurdy takes the stage. This time, he’s half of the Bermuda Mavericks.

The other half is Ken Sons. Together these brothers from different mothers deliver the right amount of stand-up comedy and improv. Runs through May 10.

‘EVITA’ 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $37 Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter. com.

Don’t cry for the Manatee Players!

They’ve enjoyed the talents of Rick Kerby as their producing artistic director for more than two decades.

For their last production of the season, the community theater presents the musical “Evita,” about the former first lady of Argentina.

Runs through May 11.

‘BAD JEWS’ 7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30-$42 Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.

Written by Joshua Harmon, this often-humorous drama follows three adult cousins as they compete to own an heirloom hidden by their grandfather during the Holocaust.

Runs through May 11.

‘SYNCOPATED AVENUE’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $22-$52 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

With “Syncopated Avenue,” created, adapted and directed by WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, the company is producing its first tap musical, which explores the history of the art form. Runs through May 25.

‘JERSEY BOYS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $49-$69 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Winner of both the Tony and Olivier awards, “Jersey Boys” tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in the Garden State to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This isn’t a musical revue; it’s a full-fledged musical directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through May 25.

FRIDAY PINKY’S PLAYERS 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W. $26 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

In its 75th season, Venice Theatre once again demonstrates its commitment to keeping community theater accessible. This year’s production by Pinky’s Players, the theater’s program featuring adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is “(Welcome to) Hotel Pink Flamingo.” Runs through May 11.

SATURDAY TREE FORT PRODUCTIONS CLUBHOUSE CONCERT 2 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $25 Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects. com.

The gang’s sure to all be here

Florida Studio Theatre’s production of “Jersey Boys” runs through May 25 at FST’s Gompertz Theatre.

Courtesy images

for this clubhouse concert from Katherine Michelle Tanner’s Tree Fort Productions. In this program, members of Tree Fort’s Advanced Acting Class will demonstrate their stage chops with monologues, a play reading and Broadway songs.

13TH ANNUAL STUDENT TENMINUTE PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts $30 Visit TheatreOdyssey.org.

Theatre Odyssey’s Thirteenth Annual Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival presents the eight plays selected by professional readers and written by area high school students from grades nine through 12 (or homeschooled equivalent). The winner of the best play award will receive the Verna Safran Prize — a $1,000 cash scholarship. Author of the runnerup play will receive a $500 cash scholarship, and the remaining authors will receive $100 cash scholarships. Continues May 11.

VIC & CARO 7:30 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $25 nonmembers; $20 members; $13 students Visit WSLR.org.

Go on the trail of things that go bump in the night with this fascinating interactive exhibition, which follows the growth of Spiritualism in the mid-19th century from its roots in dining room seances to traveling shows featuring magicians and mediums.

‘JAGDEN UND FORMEN’ 7:30 p.m. May 12 at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30 Visit ENSRQ.org.

George Nickson and Samantha Bennett’s contemporary classical music group ensembleNew SRQ closes its ninth season with Wolfgang Rihm’s “Jagden und Formen,” an ambitious work for 25 musicians. At a post-concert reception in the Opera House courtyard, concertgoers can meet the musicians and learn about the 10th anniversary lineup.

AN EVENING WITH JAMES T. LANE 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $37 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe. org.

James T. Lane, who has just come from Broadway to star in Westcoast Black TheatreTroupe’s world premiere tap musical, “Syncopated Avenue,” will discuss his creative journey. Known as a “triple threat” because of his talents as a singer, dancer and actor, Lane will talk about his roots in Philadelphia, where he began studying tap at the age of 6, and the twists and turns of a career path that took him to the Great White Way.

Hear what the voice of young country sounds like when Nashville twentysomethings Victor Futardo and Carolina Schott return to Sarasota and take the stage at Fogartyville, the funky listening room in the Rosemary District.

Their duo, Vic & Caro, brings together Furtado’s prize-winning clawhammer banjo with Schott’s singer/songwriter talents.

COMEDY ROULETTE 8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Looking to have fun on a Saturday night in Sarasota without breaking the bank?

Look no further than Florida

Joseph Caulkins

DON’T MISS ‘ODE TO JOY’ Led by Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale closes its ruby 40th anniversary season with a gift to young people who love music.

This all-Beethoven performance by the symphonic chorus is free for students under 18 and only $10 for college students. The program features the finale to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, his Choral Fantasy and the rarely performed “Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage.” The concert will be followed by a Joyful Jubilee party to mark its anniversary.

Tickets for that event are $125.

IF YOU GO When: 4 p.m. Saturday May 10 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $20-$55; free for students under 18; $10 for college students Info: Visit KeyChorale. org.

OUR PICK

SONGS FROM THE SAND: AN EVENING OF HERMITAGE MUSIC Hermitage Artist Retreat Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg will host an evening of songs featuring music from Hermitage Fellows who have gone on to become Tony Award-winning Broadway musical writers like Jeanine Tesori, Michael R. Jackson and Doug Wright, as well artists and composers evolving the form, such as Adam Gwon, Zoe Sarnak, Rona Siddiqui and more.

IF YOU GO When: 6 p.m. Monday, May 12 Where: Waterside Place Pavilion, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch Tickets: Free with $5 registration fee Info: Visit HermitageArtistRetreat. org.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Sports Center anchor and gala emcee Kevin Negandhi, UF basketball coach Todd Golden, Dick Vitale, ESPN’s Hannah Storm, former WNBA player Nancy Lieberman, UConn head coach Dan Hurley and V Foundation CEO Shane Jacobson

Peter and Andraya Ticola’s son was honored at the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala. Lucas, age 6, is part of Dick’s AllCourageous Team and a student at Southside Elementary School. He is battling DIPG, a rare, aggressive, fast-growing brain tumor.

DICK VITALE GALA

Amber and Tito Ortiz

Friday, May 2, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund Sarasota’s own Tricia Ward with her husband, former professional basketball player Jerod Ward

Photos by Janet Combs

Lorraine Vitale is photographed with Arkansas head basketball coach John Calipari.

UConn’s women’s basketball guards Azzi Fudd and Caroline Ducharne (right) are introduced to sports anchor Steven Hieneman and former Gators star N’Jhari Jackson at the VIP event held before dinner.

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

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Artist’s Rendering

INTRODUCING 29 PRESTIGIOUS CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES

AT THE OWEN GOLDEN GATE POINT, SARASOTA

The gated, mid-rise boutique building will include 29 luxurious residences on ten floors over two levels of parking and eight residential levels above.

Prices for The Owen Golden Gate Point residences start at $2.64 million.

Sarasota’s 22-acre peninsula of land called Golden Gate Point has become a coveted slice of paradise for those longing to live luxuriously near the water.

Residents love the quick access by car or leisurely stroll over the John Ringling Causeway leading to the beaches, cafes, shops and special events around St. Armands Circle. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the best of this award-winning City, with easy access to the cultural and dining options located a few minutes away around downtown’s Main Street.

a study. Ten-foot high ceilings, designer flooring, 8” sold core doors, impact glass and Sub-Zero/Wolfe/Bosch appliances are just some of the great standard features of each residence.

Designed by MHK Architects and Planning, and built by Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, the building’s contemporary design will feature partial bay and marina views.

The Naples-based Ronto Group created The Owen Golden Gate Point to provide an opportunity for residents to savor Sarasota from the privacy of their own home in the heart of the city.

AWARD-WINNING INTERIOR DESIGNER Interior designer Carrie Riley is the owner of the award-winning Riley Interior Design firm in Sarasota and loves showcasing Golden Gate Point. She has over 30 years of experience with high end design concentrating on residential single-family homes and condominiums. “I was excited to attend the topping off ceremony, and applaud the amazing team and crew dedicated to bringing The Owen Golden Gate Point to life.”

THE RONTO GROUP

The Owen Golden Gate Point is ideally situated on the southern tip of the Point and the Sarasota community gave a hearty welcome when the new building broke ground in June 2024.

The Ronto Group announced the “topping off” celebration for The Owen Golden Gate Point luxurious new condominium on April 21, 2025. “The gated, mid-rise boutique building will include 29 luxurious residences on ten floors over two levels of parking and eight residential levels above,” commented Vice President of Sales Van Osborne from The Ronto Group.

“Prices for The Owen Golden Gate Point residences start at $2.64 million.”

The project is slated for completion by the second quarter of 2026. “We are getting closer to completing our Ronto Group’s vision, in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, for those looking for a world-class address to match a desire for a casual Florida lifestyle. Residents will find a stunning new condominium overlooking Sarasota Bay, the marina, and the John Ringling Causeway bridge,” Osborne commented.

Artist’s Rendering

The owners’ lobby/amenity level will feature a club room with a bar. A fitness center will offer state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, a massage suite, stretching/yoga area, steam and sauna rooms and locker rooms.

Social seating and an indoor/outdoor bar will be featured in a game room with an assortment of table and arcade games.

AMENITIES THAT RIVAL RESORT HOTELS The owners’ lobby/amenity level will feature a club room with a bar, kitchen area, and a combination of casual and table seating areas. A fitness center will offer state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, a massage suite, stretching/yoga area, steam and sauna rooms and locker rooms. Social seating and an indoor/outdoor bar will be featured in a game room with an assortment of table and arcade games.

Secure parking with two spaces per residence, one of which will be pre-wired for a 4-amp power outlet electric vehicle charging, and climate-controlled resident storage rooms are included. Guest parking is also available.

Residents will enjoy the privacy and safety of a gated community and embrace the amenities offered from a fenced dog park with a drinking fountain rinse station to a saltwater pool with infinity edge.

In April, Ronto Realty sales associate Julie Guirguis, Broker Associate Jama Wyatt, VP of Sales Van Osborne and sales associate Brittany Clemen joined in to celebrate the “Topping Off’ of The Owen Golden Gate Point, located in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

Since 1967, The Naples-based Ronto Group has been building a solid reputation for imaginative vision, steadfast integrity and reliable performance. Ronto’s expertise in land development and luxury high-rise construction has been recognized internationally for communities that are lasting examples of thoughtful planning, dedicated craftsmanship, and exemplary of the luxury lifestyle.

The Ronto Group expanded to Tampa Bay in 2019 with Altura Bayshore, to Sarasota in 2016 with 624 Palm and in 2021, offered Rosewood Residences Lido Key, and in February launched AMARA on Sarasota Bay. Visit www.Ronto.com to see their portfolio of projects over the past 50 years.

Artist’s Rendering

Sarasota’s 22-acre peninsula of land called Golden Gate Point has become a coveted slice of paradise for those longing to live luxuriously near the water. The Owen Golden Gate Point is ideal for those looking for a world-class address to match a desire for a casual Florida lifestyle.

325 Golden Gate Point (site address) Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.owengoldengate.com

THE OWEN GOLDEN GATE POINT Artist’s Rendering

Designed by MHK Architects and Planning, and built by Connor & Gaskins Unlimited, The Owen Golden Gate Point’s contemporary design will feature partial bay and marina views.

Represented by Ronto Realty, LLC 437102-1

Situated on a desirable 1.8-acre site, the building’s three bedroom, three and a half bath open concept spacious floor plans range from 2,263 to 3,065 square feet under air plus a glass-railed balcony with a stainless-steel gas grill and hood. Two of the floor plans also include

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Sotheby’s International Realty® leads

the Florida luxury real estate market in sales volume and units sold.

IN A WORLD OF OPTIONS, THERE IS ONLY ONE LIKE US —THE ONE FOR RESULTS.

PremierSIR.com Based on Internal Data Compilation for calendar year 2024 for Florida, covering approximately 90% of MLSs. Data set includes all properties valued at $1 million and above, across all property types. © 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 438424-1

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MAY 8, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS Felicia Donson and her dog, Jasper, sit surrounded by donated books.

“They said they couldn’t believe somebody would want to give them books, and how they just loved to be able to read ... It touched my heart how they just loved the book experience.”

— Felicia Donson

Literacy legacy

Courtesy images

In honor of her mother, daughter founds organization to provide children with books.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

F

elicia Donson saw her mother, Elaine Rothberg, every day.

She ate breakfast with her and volunteered in the community with her, and they both lived about five minutes from one another.

Yet, after the loss of Rothberg to cancer in February, this year marks Donson’s first Mother’s Day without Rothberg.

Donson said while looking for somewhere positive to direct her sadness, she came up with an initiative, Mom’s Book Nook, which she founded this year.

“It truly was the best thing being able to see her every day ... so there’s nothing to replace that, but I wanted to turn it into something happy and positive that I knew she would be all in for,” she said.

She said although she hadn’t intended to launch the organization close to Mother’s Day, she hopes the occasion will be an opportunity for her to drive donations of books, which she provides to benefit children in the local community.

SHARING A STORY

The initiative has its roots in a project that involved Donson and Rothberg helping to stock a classroom library.

Thus far, it has offered hundreds of books, Donson said, and continues to grow with support from the community.

She has been partnering with schools, nonprofits and local pro-

Felicia Donson and Elaine Rothberg

A member of Girls Inc. picks up a book.

grams to create reading spaces for kids, where children can either read on-site or take the books home.

When she volunteered with her mother, much of the work was through Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where Rothberg had served as a nurse before her retirement.

“We were best friends,” Donson said. “We did everything, so we volunteered together.”

Donson said from there, they branched out and began helping multiple organizations, including Mayors Feed the Hungry and initiatives for kids.

Rothberg had a love for children, according to Donson.

After that, they volunteered with a close friend of Donson’s, Jeanette

FOR MORE INFORMATION Individuals and businesses can contribute through Amazon. com, by sponsoring reading spaces, or by recommending organizations. Visit MomsBookNook.net.

Schwead, who taught at Fruitville Elementary.

Schwead was in need of books for her classroom, so the mother and daughter helped establish a library.

Afterward, Schwead had the kids write notes of appreciation.

Donson said the responses impacted her.

“They said they couldn’t believe

somebody would want to give them books, and how they just loved to be able to read ... ” she said. “It touched my heart how they just loved the book experience.”

She said a waiting list grew for the books, and the two began to purchase more.

During the holidays, as well as at the end of the school year, kids would receive a book to keep or to exchange with another kid.

One year, they also offered blankets with the books.

“They would just curl up with their blanket and read, and when things are hard at home, they had a book so they could get lost in the story,” Donson said.

She said the loss of Rothberg in February impacted her “very hard,” and she knew right away she wanted to do something.

She ended up returning to the idea of books, since that was where she saw a need.

“There’s so many kids who have no access to books, or in the summer, they have no reading materials, but they may want to read ... and it just seemed like the perfect fit,” she said.

Donson gets her books from donations that include gift cards and direct donations, as well as from purchases she makes, which she tries to perform through organizations that donate the profits to charitable causes.

She performs research on what books she needs, taking input from Schwead, who offers her perspective as a former educator.

For her first donation, Donson reached out to childhood friend Helene Lotman, president and CEO of Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast.

She dropped off 250 books and donated chairs and blankets for a reading space.

By April 22, she had donated 525 books.

Yet, the mission continued, with her also giving to other organizations like Forty Carrots Family Center, Girls Inc., and SPARCC. She hopes with each organization she visits, she’ll be able to make a lasting impact, continually offering the books most needed and allowing a full choice of items.

She says so far, the community has been receptive to her work.

“They said my mom would really be smiling down, that this is something she’d be thrilled with,” she said.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Gallery gallop

R

obyn Holl, Cultural Curator at Art Ovation Hotel, said the public looks forward to coming back to Derby Day each year.

Now in its third year, the event, held May 3, offers a chance for the community to gather to watch the Kentucky Derby amid the atmosphere of the 1920s, with a jazz band and many participants bringing elegant hats.

The event featured live music by Eddie Kinder & the 151 Band, with a “dressed to impress contest” for the best hats or fascinators, and special menu items on offer, including mint juleps.

The race played on multiple screens in the hotel lounge.

Holl said although the fascinator workshop wasn’t held, she’s looking forward to bringing it back next year.

“Art Ovation’s signature is art and creativity, and good vibes, and the community, so we really wanted to bring Derby Day into the hotel as a kind of artful, sporting event,” Holl said.

Johnny Hammer and Laura Harper

Street fiesta

S

kyler Wildrick said she was glad she and her group of friends and co-workers chose El Melvin as the location to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5.

“The outside vendors are definitely a hit,” she said.

From May 3 to 5, the restaurant offered its Cinco de Mayo Block Party.

The evening of May 5 featured a smaller event without street closures.

However, the event still included offerings such as an elevated VIP deck, drinks by the Patrón Spirits Co., costume entertainment, and live music by Bri Rivera and her band.

— IAN SWABY

Photos by Ian Swaby

Clara Keyvani, Emily Schneider and Maddie Scholten, of The Patrón Spirits Co., offer tequila at the event.

Karen Hall and her partner, Paul Voloshen, watch a musical performance.

— IAN SWABY

Randy Bordon performs with Bri Rivera’s band.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Mara MacKenzie won the award for the “most creatively elegant” hat.

Andy and Sue Ridings were on vacation from the U.K., visiting friends in Sarasota, and decided to dress up.

Lynn Rinehart and Patricia Albertin enjoy spending time together.

Rayray Banks, Susanne Reisinger and Pia Simonson gather together at a table.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Hungarian heritage and cultural connection

I

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stván Csicsek eagerly embraces his Hungarian heritage.

Although he was born in Sarasota, he was married in Hungary, his wife is Hungarian and his kids speak fluent Hungarian.

As part of the archery team at Sarasota’s 18th annual Hungarian Festival, he noted the thorough attention to authenticity in the materials.

“Everything we own is from Hungary,” Csicsek said. “All our bows are from Hungary; all our clothes are from Hungary.

Our boots are from Hungary, everything.

And we try to just keep that tradition.”

Held May 3 and 4 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, the event featured offerings including archery and falconry shows, live music and dance, Hungarian food, various vendors, and activities for kids including rock climbing and camel rides.

Put on by the Global Friendship Foundation in partnership with the local Kossuth and Petőfi clubs, the event celebrates Hungarian culture for people of all nationalities, said organizer Erika Klatyik.

She said attendees will discover Hungary’s history is “very long” and “full of victories and defeats,” noting its occupation by the Ottoman Empire and later the Soviet Union.

Celebrate NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ 40th Anniversary

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Photos by Ian Swaby

Jeff Hernandez and his girlfriend, Antonia Saras, who is from Hungary, attended the festival. “It feels like back home,” Saras said.

Aniko Gulyas, of Kürtős Chimney Cakes on Main Street, wraps one of the cakes.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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obin Eisenberg and her husband, Richard Eisenberg, enjoyed looking up at the colorful displays of ocean scenes that surrounded them in the tent of artist Chris Gug. “We love this. It’s very cool stuff,” she said.

Gug was one vendor at the Fifth Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair held at Selby Five Points Park by Howard Alan Events on May 3-4.

The event brought together artisans selling items such as jewelry, ceramics, photography, painting and clothing, as well as a green market with plants, including exotic flora and orchids.

Gug said thanks to shows such as this one he’s been successful enough to live in other

Artist April Davis puts finishing touches on a painting.

Photos by Ian Swaby

countries, where he takes many of his photos. He is now preparing to leave for Indonesia.

“I get a lot of interest,” he said. “There’s a mix from scuba divers to people who just don’t believe this is real, but were drawn into the booth because those colors match the color of the pillows on the couch.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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8B

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025 Provenance® Woven Woods Shades Operating Systems PowerView® Automation

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Heritage heroes Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation hosts Heritage Awards.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

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David Baber presents an award to Dorothy Korwek.

2025 AWARDEES GREGORY A. AND ELEANA NAJMY HALL ADAPTIVE USE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS ■ Douglas and Susan Moore, rehabilitation of Van Wezel Estate, Lido Key ■ Denise Kowal, restoration and preservation of Herald Square Building, Sarasota ■ Susan and Jim Davis, three-year adaptive reuse project in Burns Court Historic District LILLIAN BURNS INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT ■ Linda Holland, revitalization, preservation, and community-building efforts in the Gillespie Park Neighborhood, Sarasota ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVANCY ■ Sherry Robinson Svekis, excavation, preservation and public education of Sarasota and Manatee County’s archaeological heritage ■ Dorothy Korwek, lifelong commitment to history and preservation HISTORICAL RESEARCH ■ Janet Snyder Matthews, documentation, preservation, and interpretation of Sarasota’s history.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE ■ Clifford Smith, historic preservation, community engagement, and cultural conservation For more information, visit HistoricPreservationSarasota.com.

Kowal said in renovating the Herald Square Building, a lot of work had to be done by her and her partner Bill Baranowski, in addition to the work of contractors.

“Not only is sourcing hard, it’s hard to find the skilled laborers that know how to do it,” she said.

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W

hen Denise Kowal purchased the Herald Square Building in 1986, Burns Court and downtown Sarasota weren’t the same as they are today, she said.

“It didn’t have one tree around it,” she said of the structure. “There was no park in front of it. It was pretty different.”

Her restoration work was among the efforts recognized by the 2025 Sarasota County Heritage Awards, hosted by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation.

The awards honored those who have made “outstanding contributions to the preservation and understanding of Sarasota County’s prehistorical and historical resources.”

The other two projects honored were the rehabilitation of the Van Wezel Estate in Lido Key by Douglas and Susan Moore, and an adaptive re-use project by Susan and Jim Davis, which returned three structures in Burns Court from a restaurant, to their original use as bungalows.

The awards also highlighted the efforts of individuals in various domains, including Clifford Smith, who died in 2024 and was the senior planner and historic preservationist with the city of Sarasota.

Board member Ron Kashden told attendees, “The very buildings and spaces that give our city its character, its soul, are being erased at an alarming pace.”

He also commended the work of the awardees.

“Their work inspires us, and their investments benefit us in the community,” Kashden said. “Let their dedication be our call to action, because Sarasota’s history is not just worth remembering, it’s worth fighting for.”

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

9B

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YOU ’ RE I N VI TED TO A FE STI VE OPEN HOUSE Join us at our new Sales Gallery featuring Amara and The Owen, two stunning condominium residences soon to sparkle the Sarasota skyline.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

What does summer hunger feel like?

FRIDAY, MAY 9

ARTS & CRAFTS | DECORATIVE BIRDS HOUSES AND PINECONE FLOWERS 2-4 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Decorate birdhouses and make pinecone flowers in this activity that includes painting. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

SIESTA CON 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Admission $10. This comic con event locally operated by The Dark Side features activities, trading card tournaments, cosplaying and costume contests, comic book artists, Q&A panels, vendor booths and food trucks, the Batmobile and other vehicles.

This year’s celebrity guests include Walter E. Jones, the original Black Power Ranger and Michele Knotz, the voice of Misty, May, Nurse Joy and Jessie in the Pokémon franchise, in addition to numerous Pokémon creatures. Visit SiestaCon.com.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MAY 10

BE FABULOUS MUSIC & ARTS PRIDE FEST 3-10 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave. Free. The Fabulous Arts Foundation celebrates 15 years as a nonprofit organization fostering the arts while advocating for the LGBTQ+ community with uplifting art and music. This year’s band lineup includes headliners Berra and GeeXella, with MeteorEYES, Hovercar, Ending Apathy, Merge Eleven and Diversity: Voices of Sarasota. Visit FabAF.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE BAY FEATURING FUTURE URBAN ZOO 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a free Mother’s Day performance

by Future Urban Zoo. The first few hundred moms will get a free rose.

Future Urban Zoo is a rock, funk and roll band from Sarasota, comprised of T Bone Rhodes, Gary Lidge, Ralph Atkins, Nick Spagnuolo and Rex Bruce. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

For more than 40,000 local children, summer is like an emptiness they can’t escape.

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

Your Observer is a proud supporter of All Faiths Food Bank

Ian Swaby

Shannon Fortner, executive director and founder of Fabulous Arts Foundation, plays with the band MeteorEYES.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Curtiss Ave. Free. Children are invited to share a story with certified therapy dogs in a judgment-free area. Space is limited. First-come, first-seated. Visit SCGovLibrary.

LibraryMarket.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

BIG CAT HABITAT PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTER PHOTO SHOOT 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Big Cat Habitat, 7101 Palmer Blvd. $89. Join Big Cat Habitat for this photography lesson with a private animal encounter beginning at 10 a.m. and offering an interactive experience with two to three animals, which may include a lemur, a fox, a wolf, a caracal or a wallaby. After the encounter, students can photograph the other animals at the sanctuary. This class is provided by Adults & Community Enrichment at Suncoast Technical College. Visit Go.Evvnt.com.

TRAVELOGUES WITH JANE MAHLER | AUSTRALIA, PART 1 2-3:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Join world traveler Jane Mahler for the first part of her trip to Australia, covering Melbourne and the Red Centre.

Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, known for its arts and architecture, while the Red Centre is a landscape of deserts, mountain ranges and gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

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READ WITH THE DOGS 4-5 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

11B

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

SARASOTA 111 Golden Gate Point 802 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,308 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger & Kim Ogilvie 941-404-2722 A4649700 $6,650,000

OSPREY 49 Osprey Point Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,953 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4642364 $2,795,000

SIESTA KEY 100 Columbus Boulevard C2 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,959 Sq. Ft. Mark McCann 941-685-7624 A4617179 $2,290,000

SARASOTA 7864 Grande Shores Drive 5 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,413 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4648593 $2,145,000

SARASOTA 1713 North Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,227 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei 941-685-3198 A4584795 $2,100,000

SIESTA KEY 614 Tropical Circle 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,362 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4642014 $1,395,000

SARASOTA 8838 Bloomfield Boulevard 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,218 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4650233 $1,250,000

VENICE 692 Egret Walk Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,252 Sq. Ft. Helen Moore 941-724-2030 N6137803 $929,000

VENICE 5442 Kent Road 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,050 Sq. Ft. Sheryl Vanduren 720-384-4884 A4645984 $925,000

SARASOTA 5663 Novara Place 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,521 Sq. Ft. Mary Jo Violett 941-928-8474 A4641696 $849,000

SARASOTA 1493 Landings Lake Drive 32 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,176 Sq. Ft. Tara Lamb 941-266-4873 A4647867 $845,000

SIESTA KEY 6204 Midnight Pass Road 102 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,370 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4649316 $835,000

SARASOTA 8718 Grey Oaks Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,345 Sq. Ft. Debbie Daviadoff 770-331-9805 A4648114 $775,000

SARASOTA 6422 Beechwood Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,183 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941-266-7555 A4649880 $745,000

SARASOTA 2907 Marshall Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,138 Sq. Ft. Nicole Mei 941-400-0540 A4622680 $675,000

SARASOTA 4173 Hearthstone Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,453 Sq. Ft. Josie Cline 941-266-6661 A4642444 $630,000

VENICE 21208 Sandal Foot Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,176 Sq. Ft. Janet Oberholtzer 484-798-7824 N6136070 $595,000

SARASOTA 2425 Calamonga Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,885 Sq. Ft. Lana Moriece 941-667-5262 A4649759 $560,000

SARASOTA 4814 Lake Breeze Terrace 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,166 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4649810 $559,000

SARASOTA 3623 Square West Lane 5 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,086 Sq. Ft. Robert Moffatt & Peggy Wellman 941-374-0811 A4649141 $499,900

SARASOTA 2536 Carlisle Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,909 Sq. Ft. Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4648563 $495,000

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SIESTA KEY 7314 Point Of Rocks Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,977 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4637135 $4,400,000

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12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

APRIL 21-25

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

R

ichard Saba, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1344 Harbor Drive to Paul and Skye Mata, of Sarasota, for $4.4 million. Built in 1949, it has five bedrooms, fourand-two-half baths, a pool and 6,322 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,275,000 in 2018.

SIESTA KEY

Siesta’s Bayside Steven and Sherri Becker, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 601 Lotus Lane to J. Brian Stone, of Sarasota, for $3.1 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,533 square feet of living area.

PALMER RANCH

LaVista John and Sunny Gaudiano sold their home at 7503 Calle Facil to Mary Ellen McHugh Bello, trustee, of Sarasota, for $920,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,783 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,000 in 2015.

SARASOTA

SARASOTA BAY CLUB Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 228 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Larry and Catherine Grizzle, of Sarasota, for $2.35 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,206 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,002,000 in 2003.

BUNGALOW HILL Harry and Helga Williamson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1005 S. Orange Ave. to Sheila Anne Owens and Richard Edward Smart, of Chicago, for $1.25 million.

Built in 1948, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,315 square feet of living area. It sold for $629,000 in 2009.

MARK SARASOTA Toby Anne Kaulkin, of Potomac, Maryland, sold the Unit 1004 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Rohit and Joy Kirpalani, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,513 square feet of living area. It sold for $942,000 in 2020.

THE DEMARCAY Stephen McKenna, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 704 condominium at 33 S. Palm Ave. to AFX Investments LLC for $875,000. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,122 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2024.

EAGLES POINT AT THE LANDINGS Hans Ralf Salheiser and Lynette Velez, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 301 condominium at 5450 Eagles Point Circle to John and Esther Northman, of Sarasota, for $820,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,843 square feet of living area.

It sold for $700,000 in 2015.

FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES Laurie Blakeman, trustee, of Long Beach, California, sold the home at 2118 Tanglewood Drive to Dale and LeNora Chupp, of Shipshewana, Indiana, for $812,500. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,257 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2015.

TAHITI PARK Stanford and Rona Ross, trustees, sold the home at 1155 Hampton Road to William Siff, of Sarasota, for $755,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,899

REAL ESTATE

A home on Harbor Drive sells for $4.4 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

13B

Photo courtesy of realtor Roger Pettingell

The home at 1344 Harbor Drive was built in 1949 and has five bedrooms, fourand-two-half baths, a pool and 6,322 square feet of living area.

OSPREY square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2012.

SAN MARCO John Fernstrom, trustee, of Tucson, Arizona, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 1188 N. Tamiami Trail to Ronald and Rochelle Simon, of Sarasota, for $735,600. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,452 square feet of living area. It sold for $756,000 in 2006.

CORAL COVE John Gordon Myers and Melissa Holmes Myers, of Brevard, North Carolina, sold their home at 1854 Cockleshell Drive to Jaymie Fey and Devin Spies, of Sarasota, for $660,000. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,432 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,000 in 2010.

South Creek Darrell Whitehurst and Lucille Mayton, trustees, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, sold the home at 1862 Island Way to Mariene Faria and Romulo Gomes, of Sarasota, for $2 million.

Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $717,000 in 2000.

it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2024.

PETER HANSEN ESTATES Denise and Jeffrey Strickland, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3950 Red Rock Way to TDI Coastal Homes LLC for $1.6 million. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,743 square feet of living area.

NOKOMIS

Casey Key Michael Kimball, of Sarasota, sold his home at 2410 Casey Key Road to Lynn Kodrick, trustee, of Joliet, Illinois, for $2.8 million. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,186 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.8 million in 2021.

ONLINE

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY Sally Katz, trustee, of Alan Katz, of Akron, Ohio, sold the home at 8279 Varenna Drive to Hans Ralf Salheiser and Lynette Velez, trustees, of Sarasota, for $615,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2020.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

MOVE-IN SUMMER 2025

SOUTH GATE Cathy O’Neil and Christopher Salerno, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3709 S. Lockwood Ridge Road to Grethel Landin, of Sarasota, for $560,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. It sold for $146,000 in 2010.

SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS Stephen Gillum, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4956 Stevens Drive to Elizabeth Messina, trustee, of Woodsville, New Hampshire, for $525,000. Built in 1957, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,326 square feet of living area. It sold for $32,000 in 1976.

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Windows

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SPORTS

“I really like going to all the meets. I get to see all of my friends and be sociable before I jump. That’s my favorite part of pole vaulting.”

— Alex Bates, Riverview junior SEE PAGE 16B

FAST

BREAK

Vinnie Portell

Anthony Miller winds up before unleashing a javelin throw of 58.1 meters at the Ram Invite at Riverview High School on March 13.

T

he Riverview girls track and field team placed ninth at the Class 4ARegion 3 meet and the boys team placed 11th on May 3 at Plant City High. The following athletes are advancing to the 4A state championships on May 9 and 10 at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville: Madison Muller in the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run, Ava Fanchi in 100-meter hurdles and long jump, Kate St. Onge in high jump, Evelyn Saxton in high jump, Ava Sims in shot put, Alex Bates in pole vault and Anthony Miller in javelin. ... The Sarasota girls track and field team placed eighth at the 4A-Region 3 meet. It will send these athletes to the 4A state championships: Indy Grajalez in the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run, and the 4x800 relay team of Marley Bowen, Alexa Daverio, Anabella Cicilioni and Grajalez. ... The Booker boys track and field team placed fifth and the girls team placed 12th at the 2A-Region 3 meet on May 2 at Lakeland George Jenkins High School. The Tornadoes will send these athletes to the 2A state championships: Chauncey Kennon in the 200-meter sprint, Jacobey Mobley in the 400-meter sprint, Ibre Edwards in 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles, the boys 4x100 relay team of Turi Bell, Imani Estrada, Kennon and Mobley, Treyvion Timmons in triple jump and Maleek Lee in shot put and discus. ... The Cardinal Mooney girls track and field team placed fourth and the boys team placed 12th at the 2A-Region 3 meet. The Cougars will send these athletes to the 2A state championships: Conneil Jackson in the 100-meter sprint, the boys 4x100 relay team of Connail Jackon, Mason Jordan, Bo O’Daniel and Jackson, Grace Hroncich in pole vault, Zoe Kirby in shot put, discus and javelin and Riley Greene in shot put.

FORMAT CHANGE PAGE 15B

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Riverview football players said their spirits are higher this season, with no more rumors of players transferring, unlike 2024.

Riverview football

The Rams are feeling renewed after a season filled with personnel turnover.

embraces new start VINNIE PORTELL STAFF WRITER

T

he Riverview football team’s season faced a challenge before it had a chance to play any games this past season.

The Rams lost two senior leaders, linebacker Landon Marsters and offensive lineman Al Oliver, to Venice before the season began, and lost starting running back DJ Johnson to Booker midway through the year.

Despite that, the Rams (4-6) still won convincingly over Riverview High School in Riverview, Booker, Lehigh and Sarasota.

When the season was over, head coach Josh Smithers announced he was resigning from his position to devote more of his time to his family.

That left Riverview in a position to reset, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s facing a full-on rebuild.

“Last year, we had like no chemistry with our team,” rising senior defensive end Jamaun Thompson said. “The team was offsetting. No one was clicking out here. This year, we have better leadership and more connection with each other.”

New head coach Mark Cristiani, the Rams’ former strength and defensive line coach, has two former head coaches heading his offense and defense.

Smithers has stayed on as the team’s defensive coordinator and Brody Wiseman, former head coach at Sarasota, is back as the offensive coordinator.

Better yet, Cristiani said he has lost no players to transfer this offseason, and plans to keep it that way.

“I don’t believe that we’re immune to transfers, but I know what the reality of the situation is,” Cristiani said.

“Sometimes, there’s other opportunities, and to be honest with you, things are going to be a lot easier at other schools. There’s schools where it’s easier to be a high school football player than it is at Riverview, but all of these young men have accepted the challenge I put in front of them, and not one of them has transferred yet. I want volunteers, not hostages.”

Cristiani played high school football at Venice and was a two-time First Team Ohio Valley Conference

The Rams run practice in a militant style under first-year head coach Mark Cristiani, a former Army Ranger.

Riverview first-year head coach Mark Cristiani prides himself on holding his players accountable.

player at Eastern Kentucky as a defensive tackle before becoming an Army Ranger.

The discipline and work ethic he learned at each of those phases of life is something he tries to impart to the Rams daily, and players are already taking notice.

“Nobody is above the law,” rising senior offensive lineman Luke Chappell said. “No one can come in and have all of this talent and be above what coach C has to say. He treats every player the same.”

The spring season started less than two weeks ago, but Cristiani is already emphasizing the finer details.

During warmups for a spring practice on May 2, he stopped several players during stretches, demanding that they prepare the correct way, and didn’t mind letting a player know when they made a mistake during drills.

Riverview returns playmakers at several key positions.

Quarterbacks Anthony Miller and Logan Carrillo are back, along with running back Isaiah Belt.

Three of the team’s top receiving options — Yashua Edwards, Jaden Wheeler and Jaden Key — are graduating, but Cristiani said the team isn’t starting over at the position.

Top receiver Toryeon James is back, along with some unproven players like Titus Roughton, Matthew Baker, Ashton Clough and tight end Miles Przekwas. Trenton and Caden Huffman, who transferred in from Lakewood Ranch will also aid that group.

Riverview has fewer holes to fill on its defense.

The Rams return several of their top tacklers, including safety/outside linebackers Andon Clough and Muembo Roughton, edge rusher Jamaun Thompson and defensive tackle Kyvon Love, as well as most of its top ball hawks like safety/cornerback Micah Hayes and up-andcomer Pinot Parks.

Most importantly, though, Riverview has renewed optimism following a year of player and coaching turnover.

“I think our spirits are a little higher,” Chappell said. “Coming into last year, there were rumors that a lot of players weren’t going to be here in the fall. Our morale was pretty low.”

RIVERVIEW FOOTBALL 2025 SCHEDULE* May 22: Spring game vs.

Largo at home, 7 p.m.

August 15: Kickoff Classic at Port Charlotte August 22: vs. Naples August 29: at Riverview in Riverview September 5: vs. Palmetto September 12: at Moore Haven September 19: vs. North Port September 26: vs. Sarasota October 3: vs. IMG Academy White October 10: at Venice October 17: Bye week October 24: at Lehigh October 31: at Manatee *All games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted

YourObserver.com

VINNIE PORTELL

New high school baseball playoff format isn’t worth the effort.

High school baseball playoffs have lost some luster

T

he high school baseball season has a unique twist this year.

The Florida High School Athletic Association made a switch to a best-of-three series for its regional round of postseason competition, and it has more layers to it than meets the eye at first glance.

I’ve asked some area coaches about their thoughts on the new format, and most I’ve talked to are in favor of it.

However, I hold a different opinion.

Before we get into my perspective, it’s worth pointing out the merits of a three-game series format.

LEVELING THE PITCHING

For years, teams with a dominant ace pitcher could use him nearly

15A

every step of the way throughout the postseason.

That’s no longer an option with a three-game series, and it brings in an intriguing level of strategy as to when coaches use which pitchers.

“It forces you to have depth in your pitching staff with starters and relievers,” Sarasota baseball coach Greg Mulhollen said. “Like when we were up at George Jenkins, we were fortunate to win Game 1, but in our Game 2, we had to make decisions of this guy or that guy in certain matchups with the possibility of a Game 3 to be played. There’s a lot of strategy and chess pieces to be moved to get through a high school series. We really enjoyed it.”

Another element of the strategy is when teams use their ace. A team could start their ace in Game 1 or

Photos by Vinnie Portell

Sarasota baseball coach Greg Mulhollen and the Sailors faced an uphill battle in regionals with the new best-of-three format.

save him for what could become a must-win Game 2.

Baseball is about more than one pitcher, and a best-of-three series ensures one player isn’t deciding the fate of an entire team.

There’s also the fact of the matter that even the best teams in the state can have an off day, and this new format makes it more likely the most talented teams will be playing for state championships.

But is that for the best?

GOLIATH GAINS ARMOR

March Madness is one of the most beloved tournaments in all of sports because underdogs have a chance to dethrone the blue blood programs.

That’s been the case in high school baseball until this year.

Take the case of Sarasota, for instance. The Sailors are a storied program winning eight state championships, but they faced a brutally difficult path this year.

Venice, the No. 4 overall team in Florida, is in Sarasota’s region.

If the Sailors were to advance past regionals, they would have to face the Indians twice at their home field and beat them twice.

While that’s not an impossible task, it makes for a less intriguing postseason for many regions featuring top-ranked teams.

“You may get lucky in one of those three games, but you still would have to beat them again, and some of these regions have absolute powerhouses,” Cardinal Mooney coach Mike Mercurio said. “It doesn’t allow for the wow factor of an underdog team to have a really good game and show they can compete with anyone.”

Not only does this make for less interesting regional playoff outcomes but also individual games.

Every game in the series matters,

Wyatt Hossenlopp pitched for Cardinal Mooney to close out a Game 1 win over The Out-of-Door Academy on April 21 in the regional quarterfinals.

but the first game does not decide either team’s season.

Mercurio said he noticed some of the regional games he coached in weren’t as well attended as past years.

“There were some people who would come to Game 1 and then wouldn’t come to Game 2 or vice versa because they weren’t clinching games,” he said. “I don’t think the attendance was there.”

To top it off, the state semifinal and state championship rounds are still single-game elimination.

That’s because adding that many games at a neutral site — Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers this year — would be a logistical nightmare, but it makes for an unusual path to a state title.

Despite my gripe against the new regional playoffs, the change hasn’t tipped the scales of power much

this year.

As of the start of the regional final round of competition, 21 of the 28 No. 1 seeds from Classes 1A-7A are still playing compared to 19 last year, and there are 22 teams seeded third or lower still alive compared to 24 last year.

Only time will tell if this format results in fewer state championships for less heralded schools, but it’s not going to make it any easier for them.

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

440282-1

VINNIE’S VIEW

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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Riverview junior Alex Bates took up pole vaulting after growing up as a gymnast and has since become one of the best in the state.

He pole vaulted 4.20 meters at the Class 4A-Region 3 meet at Plant City Highon on May 3 to win his region and earn a spot at the 4A state championships on May 9-10 at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

I jump. That’s my favorite part of pole vaulting.

When and why did you start pole vaulting?

I started it my freshman year of high school. Before that, I was a gymnast for around five years, and I wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore, so I ended up quitting that. I still wanted to do something, and my mom was a gymnast in college and my dad was a runner in college, so it’s kind of a mix of the two. My mom also knew a bunch of pole vaulters who were ex-gymnasts who ended up turning out really good, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

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What’s your go-to warm-up song?

Anything by Nicki Minaj. She is the queen of rap and she has opened so many doors for so many people. I believe she is a very good symbol of women empowerment.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Simone Biles. I’ve met her a few times. We used to train together.

She’s the best gymnastics has ever had, and it’s such an inspiration looking up to her. When the Larry Nassar scandal happened, they shut down the girls national training camp, so they ended up coming to EVO Gymnastics by the airport during the summer to train.

What’s your favorite all-time memory in pole vaulting?

I really like going to all the meets. I get to see all of my friends and be sociable before

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A good steak cooked medium-rare and I love chimichurri on top of it.

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What does your ideal weekend look like?

Saturdays, I like to go over to my friend’s house and hang out with them. I usually have work every Sunday at Oasis Cafe, a little breakfast place at Siesta and Osprey, so that’s reserved for that. Then I relax after.

What’s gone right for you this year?

This year I’ve been focusing more on the technical stuff and trying to perfect my arms and my run, and I feel like that’s helped a lot.

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What’s been the most memorable moment this season?

Saturday, when I won regionals.

Last year, I didn’t even make it to regionals because I no-heighted at districts. This was my first year at regionals.

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WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

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FRIDAY, MAY 9 High: 85 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 16%

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8:07p

Friday, May 9

6:44a

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Saturday, May 10

6:44a

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Sunday, May 11

6:43a

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Monday, May 12

6:43a

8:09p

Tuesday, May 13

6:42a

8:10p

Wednesday, May 14

6:41a

8:11p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 10 High: 83 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 24%

May 12 Full

May 20 Last

May 26 New

June 2 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MAY 11 High: 84 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 32% Jaime Coppola-Natale took this photo of an illuminated sky pre-hurricane Helene off of Siesta Key.

Monday, April 28

0

Tuesday, April 29

0

Wednesday, April 30

0

Thursday, May 1

0

Friday, May 2

0

Saturday, May 3

0

Sunday, May 4

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 5.93 in.

2025 9.67 in.

2024

MONTH TO DATE: 0.06 in.

2025 0 in.

2024

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

TICKTOCK by Jessica Bloom-Foster & Larry Snyder, edited by Jared Goudsmit 126 Not imaginary 127 Acid 128 Craft kit letters 129 Winter hrs. in Times Square 130 Folk-rocker Brickell

DOWN 1 Cold, hard ___ 2 March Madness org.

3 Championship ___ (wrestling prize) 4 Like a cockatoo 5 “Yeesh!”

6 Stages, like a historical battle 7 Ran, like colors 8 Reuters rival 9 “Is a hot dog a ___?”

10 “We’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the ___” 11 Projecting window 12 Opposes 13 “Chances ___ ...”

14 Beetle-shaped artifact 15 Access a web account 16 Solo 17 Garnished earnings ©2025 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 “Closing Bell” airer 5 Sphere 8 Utilize 11 Hereditary strands 14 Fish taco topping 18 Taiwanese tech giant 19 Where an air ambulance may land 21 Propeller that might be a decoration in a seafood restaurant 22 RC drink 23 Closing time?

25 Toast option 26 Awestruck 27 Places to store fedoras 28 Considers to be 30 Pickled pigs’ feet liquid 31 Fish aka maguro

32 Kitten sound

63 Not written in any musi-

93 Last letter, in the U.K.

34 Vehicles that land on the cal key water 65 The ___ (Philly stadium 36 Felt yesterday’s workout nickname)

94 Pampering acronym 96 Thick slice 98 “I loaf bread jokes,” e.g.

39 Reaction time?

42 Laundry amount

67 Absorb, like info 69 It’s about time!

99 Rude person 100 Crunch time?

43 Bake sale org.

44 SoCal school that received the most applica-

73 Brace (oneself) 74 Feathery accessories 75 “Nine ___ dancing ...”

103 Stock scooper 104 D.C. legislator 107 Off-roader (Abbr.)

tions of any U.S. college in 2024

(Christmas carol lyric) 77 City east of Verona

108 Cambodia neighbor 110 “I’ll do no such ___!”

45 Jiffy 46 “I’m so relaxed!”

49 Hosp. area

80 “FBI” actress Ward 82 “The Office” character who said, “I feel God in this

111 Polite denial 113 Lifeless 118 Press (down)

50 “I ___ born yesterday” 52 “Star Wars” ice planet

Chili’s tonight” 84 Dormant

119 Seize 120 Spare time?

54 With hands on hips 56 Throat part 58 Soul automaker

86 Go by 88 Soothe 90 New Orleans food on

122 Actor Idris 123 Drink such as Smooth Hoperator, briefly

60 Withdraw gradually French bread 62 Camera aperture setting 92 Chinese “way”

124 Scarfs down 125 Not far

20 “I’m behind the door!”

24 Word before “muffin” or “poker” 29 Extensive property 30 Buying time?

33 Outback bird 35 “Guilty,” e.g.

36 Landed 37 ___ Puffs (brown cereal brand) 38 “Old” hangouts 40 MLB great Aaron 41 Sarcastic applause 43 Queen’s residence 46 Qty. 47 “Succession” channel 48 Bunny’s bounce 50 Flight time?

51 Cash register part 53 Guard’s “Stop!”

57 Absorbs with bread 59 Complete misses, in hoops 61 Actor ___ Patrick Harris 64 “It’s all slander!”

66 Lead-in to “noir” 68 “The Mists of ___” (fantasy novel) 70 Social justice advocate Karakatsanis 71 “Now!” 72 Hurled, in slang 76 Traffic tangle 77 Dispensable candy 78 Red or brown brew 79 Word before “joke” or “bod” 81 Sci-fi weapons 83 Tools similar to brooms 85 Puff on a pipe 87 “___ Enchanted” (Anne Hathaway film) 89 Plate lunch pasta 91 Road parts often painted red 95 Short sleeps 97 Deli order initials 99 Disney princess with a pet tiger 100 Letter-writing buddy 101 “That’s a bummer” 102 Spain’s “Town of Stones and Saints” 103 Pork cut 104 Complete and total 105 Oil source rock

437912-1

celebrity cipher

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“NZSPNOOC K’F NYYKZSBY SX MZKBWZB VKZSKXW. OBS FB FNLB FC YKZSKXW ZOBNJ – K OXAB MZK-VK.” RXUW JUCM-YNAKBM

“CUNOA JPLZ P IPXVEPS BUCZN. GJZK EPR ZVGJZN WNVRX GJZ XNZPGZAG JPBBVRZAA UN GJZ OZZBZAG OZABPVN.”

AVXITRO HNZTO

“TSVSR BMSWCE TI TNKKIE DSP NHVSPB. ... NHVJKF JB NCC NTSWV IRYPIBBJSK; XMZ XSWCE ZSW XNKV VS JPSK SWV N DPSXK?”

PNHMIC XIJBGY

Puzzle Three Clue: R equals X

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: X equals G

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

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

Puzzle One Clue: Y equals D

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2025 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

106 Lion who sings “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” 109 Teenage dread 112 Footnote abbr.

114 Aswan Dam river 115 Cave-___ cheese 116 Pad kee mao cuisine 117 Raison d’___ 119 Zilch 121 “I Know ___ the Caged Bird Sings” (Maya Angelou autobiography)

55 “True, right?” ©2025 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-8-25

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Homes for Sale

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

WEEKLY MONTHLY

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

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

Deadline Thursday, May 22nd, 12:00pm Sarasota/Siesta Key: Deadline Friday, May 23rd 12:00 pm The

Observer

will

be

CLOSED Monday, May 26th for the Memorial Day Holiday.

We will reopen Tuesday, May

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

28th for normal business hours.

Call 941-955-4888

auto

stuff 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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

PLASTIC MAILBOXES. 5, w/posts. Single/double door. $25$45. In Nokomis. (941) 966-6816 PORTABLE AM/FM stereo w/ dual cassette recorder & 2-way detachable speakers. $50. 941-906-1142 VIOLIN - size 1/8th, New! includes bow & case. Good sound $199 941-358-8511

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

2 BD/2 BA HOME FOR RENT in Camelot Lake. 55+ gated community w/ 2 pools, gym, clubhouse, many more ammenities. Your choice turnkey or unfurnished. Pets allowed.

Call Glenn for details 954-336-9341 2BR/1.5BA NOKOMIS Unfurnished Guest House for rent. 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths.

Pool and water access. Walking distance to Nokomis Beach. A yearly contract is required.

Contact Mike Urban.

(219) 313-6401

BROKE??

Your new income stream is here!

See the short 7 step videos at

rbsuncoast.com.

Reservations 941-383-5577

Starting in the low $100s

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Brand New Model Homes starting in the low $200s

Visa/MC

NOW offering HOMES FOR RENT from $2,500/monthly *On select homes

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228

1BR/1BA LONGBOAT KEY Walk to Whitney Beach and many restaurants from this quiet, idyllic setting. Only steps away from Sarasota bay and public dock and boat launch. Pet friendly and wonderful outdoor patio. $2,500 (516) 641-8063

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

M-F

1st Saturday of the Month 10AM-2PM

Ask about our special rates!

For home listings and tee times visit us online To schedule a tour, please call 877-211-5337

Since 1939

Advertise your business Observer or service inyour the business Advertise or service in the Observer

Wagner Realty www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Auto Transport LUCKY FINDS...

HERE!

www.yourobserver.com/redpages

Homes for Sale

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.7 million Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed $650,000 Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000 House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000 Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

RED PAGES RED PAGES CALL TODAY CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 941-955-4888

Business Hours MON-SAT 8AM-5PM SUN 10AM-4PM 2550 Pier Drive, Ruskin, FL 35570 www.riversideclubFL.com

Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Business Opportunities

Houses or Condos

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

941-955-4888

jobs

KITCHEN TABLE, glass top $50 TV pull on wheels, $25 New wheelchair, $70 941-358-9262

Between

OPEN HOUSE

Autos Wanted

1930S CHEIN & Co. tin wind-up walking Santa. 6” tall. $60 941-504-0165 GAS GRILL Weber spirit 2 Red excellent shape, clean. $189 941-921-6614

HOMES FOR SALE

Homes for Rent

To Place Your Ad

Items Under $200

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

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

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

Cleaning BETTY’S HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, high quality cleaning. Reasonable rates. Lic./Insured.

Free Estimates!

Call 941-650-6180 BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Polish Woman. Excellent References.

Cleaning, laundry, ironing, shopping, light cooking. Very good with animals. 941-302-7248

Handyman Services JAMES BOTTORFF HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL. MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

Adult Care Services

TILE REPAIR, cracked tile removed & replaced. 20 yrs exp.

941-545-6816

Painting

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

This week’s Crossword answers

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Actually I’m addicted to science fiction. Let me make my diction clear – I love sci-fi.”

John Rhys-Davies Puzzle Two Solution: “Words have a magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair.”

Sigmund Freud Puzzle Three Solution: “Botox should be banned for actors. ... Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?”

Rachel Weisz

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2025 Universal Uclick

East County/ LBK:

SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In

home services

CLASSIFIED ADS

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

Free House Calls.

Confidential & Honest. Call David 813-439-2694

real estate

for May 29th edition

You’re only cheating yourself.

EARLY DEADLINES

Merchandise Wanted

peekers’ place

MEMORIAL DAY

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

©2025 NEA, Inc.

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

Paintthe thetown townRED! RED! Paint

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Aluminum

Doors

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

DON’T let your

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

445156

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Divorce without Lawyers

WASHED SHELL, LIMESTONE RIVER GRAVEL, GRAYSTONE BOULDERS, BRICK PAVERS

YARDS INSTALLED DRIVEWAYS

(941) 228-6479

Call us today!

DAVID

941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

GG1 Lawn Care & Landscaping Services

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

Pruning, Weed Maintenance, Tree Care Call Today for FREE Estimate

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

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

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

445162

Shell Work & Landscape Stone

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

(941) 809-7311 ESTIMATES! Health

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

941-809-4333

www.tendingtohisgarden.com

Cleaning

& Caregiving Services LLC

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

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

Home Watch

941-955-4888

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

Computer

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

444877

Dave and Connie Grundy

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH!

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

249 235

$ $235

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

ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad

Pet Services

Pet Care by Melanie Gates Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

Cat sitting & Cat/Kitten Introductions Administering medication

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

*

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

Dog Walking (sm/md)

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

$

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

Dog Sitting (sm/md)

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

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

(941) 966-2960 Plumbing

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

364556 445155

444887

6968 Beneva Road

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

Painting

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call to reserve your ad space

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

Licensed and insured #IMT708

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

WITH THE RED PAGES

941-929-9095

make your moving day a pleasure.

444264

445160

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

I don’t just work in your home, I care for it!

Licensed • FREE Estimates • Call Corina

For $149 per hour you get:

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Corina’s House Cleaning

941-374-4751

Wizard Moving SRQ

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 444875

HoHoBuysCars.com

Movers

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

5-Star Rated

expires 4/30/25

445095

WE COME TO YOU

$500 OFF any job $3000 or more

444888

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FAST • EASY • SAFE

444268

5 Reviews on Google Personal Touch & Budget Conscious

445405

24/7 SERVICE

Design & Installation

445403

445093

FREE

SELL YOUR CAR! GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

941-735-3362

Landscape

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

Auto Service

Pegatronics.com

Lic./ Insured

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

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

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

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616

444532

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

William J. Leininger, JD

444272

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

941.270.4400

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE SARASOTA NATIVE

444889

444267

ROCK & SHELL LANDSCAPING

FREE

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

Landscaping & Lawn

445522

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

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

Call John 941.377.2940

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial Serving the area since 1993 No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL! Veteran Owned & Operated • Third Generation Master Plumber All Major Credit Cards Accepted Generalplumbingsarasota.com

941-923-8140

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

444890

20B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers 442679

You Pay NO Realtor Commissions or Fees!

We Pay All Closing Costs!

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

Closer is better.

• Any Situation, Any Price Range • Water Damaged Houses are OK • Fair Cash Offers • Close When You Want • We Also Buy Land and Condos

WE ALWAYS PAY CASH Call us FIRST at

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

30+YEARS LOCAL EXPERIENCE.

Cut Your Energy Bill by Tinting Your Home or Business!

Tax benefits! FPL rebates!

affordablewindowcare.com affordablewindowcare@gmail.com

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Trees

445096

www.SarasotaCashHomeBuyers.com

TRUSTED SECURITY FILM INSTALLER

CALL (941) 955.4607 (941) 321.1304

941-955-4888

941-202-6957 Sarasota Cash Home Buyers Your Local Home Buyers

Residential specialist for window cleaning & tinting

heroes found here.

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

SOLD

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

410036

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

Your Local Home Buyers

• No More Uncertainty

AFFORDABLE WINDOW CARE

by John Larson

941 - 248 - 4734

Sarasota Cash Home Buyers

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

Windows

444886

Real Estate

21B

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

Remodeling/Home Improvement 445406

CUSTOM HOME CONSTRUCTION REMODELING • CONDO RENOVATIONS

UP TO

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

444879

DCCoastalLLC@gmail.com www.DCCoastalLLC.com

Roofing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

444880

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

20 years local expe-

Made for where you live. Here!

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

RED PAGES

(941) 544.5663

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

luislopeztreeandlawnservices.com

TREASURES

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

444266

CBC1265487

senior citizen discount.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

444883

941-544-1152

22B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

1199 Westway Drive | Sarasota

2333 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 1A2 | Longboat Key

$10,000,000 | LAND | Web# A4587932

$5,499,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 1 HALF BA | Web# A4646994

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Gigi Silverberg: M 941.993.3695

524 Schooner Lane | Longboat Key

149 McKinley Drive | Sarasota

$4,725,000 | 4 BR, 4 BA, 1 HALF BA | Web# A4648699

$4,295,000 | 9 BR, 8 BA, 1 HALF BA | Web# A4610225

Cathy Palmer: M 678.524.1104 | Rex Glasson: M 941.587.6135

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

9452 Swaying Branch Road | Sarasota

301 Quay Commons, 1610 | Sarasota

$4,200,000 | 7 BR, 7 BA, 2 HALF BA | Web# A4627026

$2,649,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4647965

Inbal August: M 917.957.8111

Lisa Otte: M 941.281.5472

6821 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key

1331 Quail Drive | Sarasota

$2,475,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 HALF BA | Web# A4637172

$2,181,685 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4628896

Amy Drake: M 941.376.9346

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

3491 Byron Lane | Longboat Key

4951 Oyster Pearl Street | Lakewood Ranch

$1,750,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4638796

$995,000 | 6 BR, 4 BA, 1 HALF BA | Web# A4649134

Gigi Silverberg: M 941.993.3695

Monica LeSuer: M 941.525.7278

441511-1

1350 MAIN ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2025 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

elliman.com