Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 6.18.26

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Watching with the world.

PAGE 4B

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

VOLUME 22, NO. 45

YOUR TOWN

School candidates speak up Trio running to replace Ziegler use forum to pitch themselves to voters. SEE PAGE 6A

Courtesy image

Taking the lead

The Jazz Club of Sarasota was one of three organizations in Florida featured in the 2026 Great Jazz Venues Guide, a publication of DownBeat magazine established in 1934.

The club, founded in 1980, presents about 140 events annually, serving more than 1,000 active members. It also supports music education through a variety of programs.

The organization also is set to expand the Sarasota Jazz Festival from five to seven days, reintroduce Jazz in the Park at Phillippi Estate Park and launch monthly concerts.

“To be recognized by the magazine for the work we’ve been doing for more than four decades is both gratifying and humbling,” says Ed Linehan, club president. “It reflects the dedication of our members, volunteers, musicians, sponsors and audiences who have helped make this organization what it is today.”

CAMPERS COWBOY UP Kids get a chance to learn about ranching from men who live the life. SEE PAGE 7B

Courtesy image

The art of discovery Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill are best friends and co-founders of Creative Liberties.

They are also both fascinated with found objects and their stories, a subject they will explore in the exhibition “Lost and Found” on June 23-28 at Art Ovation Hotel.

Gerdeman’s series “Lost Soles” was born from the question of why there were so many single shoes by the side of the road. It will include photographs, with some of the shoes displayed alongside them, as well as stories by her husband, Neal Gerdeman, imagining how the shoes arrived there.

Throughout her life, Goodwill has collected items from nature and everyday life.

Admission to “Lost & Found” is free. The artists will be present each day from 4-8 p.m., with a public reception 5-8 p.m.

June 26.

Ian Swaby

Oliver Henry, 7, pets Slick during a YMCA summer camp presentation by a rancher.

A+E ‘Lady Disdain’ is rollicking fun.

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City charts a long course to deliver water taxi service

$0.10 Carlin Gillen

The dock at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar is proposed to be rebuilt to accommodate a future water taxi service, plus day dock capacity.

Two dock sites are set, but the maiden voyage between mainland and City Island is still likely years away. SEE PAGE 5A

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

WEEK OF JUNE 18, 2026

“My recommendations are for some of these larger initiatives we need to pause and see how this plays out.”

Architect wins AIA award for Selby work A firm that led the design work of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan Phase 1 has won the 2026 Committee on the Environment Top Ten Award by the American Institute of Architects.

Overland Partners of San Antonio, Texas, deployed a project team that included landscape architect, a solar power engineer and contractor; a structural, mechanical and electrical engineer; and general contractor Willis Smith Construction of Sarasota.

According to a news release, for 29 years the COTE award is widely regarded among the profession’s most prestigious honors for sustainable design. It annually recognizes 10 projects that integrate design excellence with high performance across 10 key areas.

Following the completion of Phase 1 in January 2024, the team’s work was put to an early test when it faced a series of historic storms and hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene in September, and Milton, that followed two weeks later. Selby’s new buildings succeeded in protecting its collections and recovering quickly.

Sarasota city manager on the possible impact of property tax reform. Read more on page 11A

BY THE NUMBERS 5-10

Years it could take to design, permit and construct a water taxi service across Sarasota Bay PAGE 5A

53

Meetings new City Manager Karie Friling said she had during her first week on the job PAGE 11A

19

Women who dressed as TV’s Mrs. Roper as part of a tongue-in-cheek pageant at the Bazaar at Apricot and Lime.

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CALENDAR n Sarasota City

Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, July 6, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota Planning Board

regular meeting — 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 8, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

Carlin Gillen

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Sarasota will be acquired as part of a three-property deal.

Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota changing ownership T

he Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is among three hotels a Dallas real estate investment trust is selling as it concludes a strategic-review process.

Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc., a publicly traded company listed as BHR on the NYSE, also plans to sell the Hotel Yountville and the Bardessono Hotel and Spa — both of which are in Yountville, California — in a $437.5 million cash deal, according to a June 10 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The buyers are BRDO Property LLC, YNTV Property LLC, 1776 Sarasota Associates and 1776 Sarasota Golf Associates, according to the filing.

All of the corporations are linked to KSL Capital Partners, a global investor in travel and leisure based in Colorado.

Braemar Hotel & Resorts Inc. acquired Ritz-Carlton Sarasota in 2018 through an affiliate for $171 million, according to the company. Built in 2001, the hotel has 276 guest rooms and 60,000 square feet of in-

door and outdoor event space.

In its first-quarter earnings report, Braemar reported that the revenue per available room at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was $565.92 for the three months that ended March 31, up 11.95% year over year.

Through its affiliates, Braemar entered into the agreement for the purchase and sale of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and the two California hotels on June 4, according to the SEC filing. The deal is expected to close in 20 to 35 days.

Restaurants extend Savor Sarasota deals The annual Savor Sarasota dining deal event has been extended through the end of June. Although it has officially ended, operators of 55 participating restaurants will continue to offer the $25 twocourse lunches and $45 threecourse (some even four-course) dinners through June 30.

“Savor Sarasota is one of my favorite times of the year, and honestly, I am never quite ready for it to end,” said Erin Duggan, president and CEO of Visit Sarasota Count in a news release. “Our chefs poured their hearts into these menus, and our community showed up in a big way. The fact that 55 restaurants are keeping their menus going says it all.”

For more information about Savor Sarasota and links to participating restaurants, visit VisitSarasota.com/Savor-Sarasota.

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W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

ARTS FOR ALL

Early life experiences shaped Tania Castroverde Moskalenko’s focus on expanding arts’ reach to the masses.

TAKING THE ARTS OUT OF THE BOX When Tania Castroverde Moskalenko returned to her childhood home city of Miami to lead the Miami City Ballet, she was tasked with leading a $55 million capital campaign to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health. That goal was exceeded by $10 million.

According to ballet board member Robert Friezo, though, seeds planted during her four years there are still bearing fruit.

Expanding audience accessibility to the arts is one thing, but her emphasis extended to accessibility for performers, as well.

“What she did was spearhead the building of our workforce housing and dorm project for the ballet, which just completed a few months ago,” said Friezo, whose company, Verity Partners, specializes in providing technology to nonprofits such as the ballet company. “That was her vision. She planted the seeds of it and it finally reaped years later. It took five years, but all that was from her early work.”

It took five years, in part because of setbacks resulting from the pandemic.

“Her tenure fell almost squarely in COVID, so she had to rally and coalesce donors, staff, facilities, constituents and patrons in a time where people are very distracted and not worried about ballerinas on stage,” Friezo said.

“She still managed to raise money, keep the operation afloat, keep staff gainfully employed and keep dancers employed.

All was accomplished, he said, by shifting performances outdoors.

Friezo was part of the tech team that helped build a theatrical-level performance venue that conformed to the protocols of the day. In December 2020, and again the following year, the ballet staged “The Nutcracker” for three weeks.

“It was magnificent, and largely due to her leadership,” he said. “By 2022, people were back in theaters again, but for those two years, you could see how thirsty people were for performance again, for getting out of the house.”

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

wo years had passed since Tania Castroverde Moskalenko was uprooted from her native Cuba when her family immigrated to Miami as political refugees and her parents bought their first home in their adopted country.

As the truck filled with new furniture for the three-bedroom, onebathroom ranch pulled up to the driveway on a Saturday morning, her excitement built as she anticipated what the first item off the truck might be.

Would it be a new bed? A dining room table? Perhaps a sofa?

“Instead, it was a piano,” Castroverde Moskalenko said.

“I hadn’t even remembered that my mother was a pianist. All the furniture was put in its place, and that evening, my mom sat down to play at the piano. As she started playing, she started crying. I was so taken aback by this, and I understood the power of music and the power that moment had for my mother. Through that art form, it captured everything she had been through — leaving her family behind, leaving her country behind.

I was just really touched by that moment.”

It was that experience — that moment — when the CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation recognized the power of the arts and the impact it can have on all walks of life. It was also the foundation on which she built a lifetime first as a performer and later an executive, all with an eye toward bridging socio-economic divides by bringing art and culture to everyone.

Accessibility to the arts is at the foundation of Castroverde Moskalenko’s administrative career, for her refugee family lacked the means to attend live performances of theater, music and dance. Inspired by her mother’s piano playing, she gravitated toward classical music.

Her youthful exposure to the genre was primarily via a radio program hosted by Carl Haas that she would listen to on her nightstand clock radio.

“That’s how I used to get my fix of classical music, orchestra and chamber music because I did not have the means to attend the theater,” she said. “That has been the impetus for me going to different communities when I have been invited to build on their arts programs, or just build the community through arts and culture.”

Beginning in 2005, such invitations led Castroverde Moskalenko to Germantown, Tennessee; Carmel, Indiana; and Chicago before returning to Miami. In February 2024, she was invited to Sarasota by the SPAF board to lead its quest to build an inclusive, accessible venue in the envisioned Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

DANCING INTO THE EXECUTIVE SUITE

Two years after experiencing the musical epiphany she wouldn’t fully

Courtesy images

realize at the time, Castroverde Moskalenko was introduced by a friend to ballet at age 10, attending one of her recitals.

“I was just mesmerized by all of it coming together — the music, the movement, the costumes, the lighting — and that’s how I fell in love with ballet and ended up training as a ballet dancer.”

By age 12, she was immersed in the performing arts, later graduating from University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis on theater and dance with a minor in music, combining all of her favorite disciplines. A career as a ballet dancer, however, can be fleeting, and lacking a formal education in arts administration, “I really just stumbled into it,” she said.

As her career advanced, she would later earn certifications at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, as well as a Master of Arts at Indiana University School of Philanthropy. Along the way, she found her passion on the administrative side.

“What I learned was that I really loved it, because it gave me the opportunity to reach out into communities that normally did not have access to the arts, did not have the means to attend the arts,” Castroverde Moskalenko said. “I realized that I could make a much more powerful difference in that position versus continuing to dance. And our bodies give out at some point.”

During her first administrative job in 2005 as executive director of Germantown Performing Arts Centre near Memphis, Castroverde Moskalenko said she recognized the lack of arts exposure opportunities for youngsters in the inner city. Taking the company into the schools for performances, she learned many children had never even seen the nearby Mississippi River.

“I’ve heard the same thing here in Sarasota, that there are kids who really don’t partake of the bay or of the water,” she said. “It’s a driver to ensure that this next iteration of infrastructure for the city of Sarasota is accessible to everyone in Sarasota.”

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

By the time Castroverde Moskalenko arrived here in late 2023, Renzo Piano Building workshop had already been selected to design the Sarasota Performing Arts Center. Not only tasked with leading the development effort, she also had to build a staff.

“When I started, we had six fulltime positions and two temps, and

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko with Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation board member Jim Travers (left) and Bay Park Conservancy Founding CEO AG Lafley.

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Tania Castroverde Moskalenko (center) has built a staff of 17, including these members of the team.

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko was named CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation in 2023.

today we have 17 full-time employees,” he said. “We have built our fundraising team and our marketing team. We have new executive team members, so we’ve strengthened our team to be ready for this campaign.”

The capital campaign, though, cannot begin until there is a building to sell.

The foundation and the city have yet to sign a years-delayed implementation agreement, which will advance the project from concept to the design stage.

That next step now appears on hold at least until after the November election, when the statewide referendum on property taxes is on the ballot.

If approved, its effect on the tax increment financing district surrounding The Bay park — which produces revenue for the public half of building the park and everything within its 53-acre boundary — will likely be significant.

“I think that that will have an impact on what happens, but the reality, I believe, is that we do need a new performing arts center,” Castroverde Moskalenko said.

Moving toward the implementation agreement has taken longer than expected, but the project has been revised, relocated within the park and, with needed public funding estimate at upwards of $88 million, funding it remains the final obstacle.

With the project cost estimated at $260 million to $290 million, Castroverde Moskalenko’s team is responsible for raising the balance after public funding’s contribution.

It currently has $50 million in commitments.

“I really have been fortunate in my career that I’ve always been called the places where I was needed,” she said.

“I haven’t necessarily taken over the easiest jobs. There have always been challenges.”

Challenges, she said, she is ready to face. “I come from a family that got on a plane with nothing and came to a new country without even knowing the language, so I would say that also informs the work that I do,” Castroverde Moskalenko said.

“It’s just the tenacity and resiliency of that experience.”

“We have built our fundraising team and our marketing team. We have new executive team members, so we’ve strengthened our team to be ready for this campaign.”

— Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation

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lans to create a new location for Shore Restaurant are moving forward, after a St. Armands landlord submitted a site plan to the city of Sarasota for a mixed-use project along North Boulevard of the Presidents.

Mindy Kauffman of Kauffman Shore Properties LLC is listed as the property owner of 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, according to the application. There, she is proposing a three-story building that would house retail, restaurant and residential space on 0.33 acres.

Kauffman Shore Properties purchased the two parcels on North Boulevard of the Presidents for $100 apiece from other entities linked to the Kauffman family on Jan. 6, according to Sarasota County property records. Dr. Mark Kauffman is a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; Mindy is his daughter.

The two addresses on North Boulevard of the Presidents have been vacant since the 2024 flooding, and Mindy Kauffman is proposing to revitalize this part of St. Armands with more than 17,000 square feet of redeveloped commercial space topped with a condo.

“The project includes the renovation of the existing Chase Bank building along with the removal and replacement of the adjacent former candy shop structure to create a unified mixed-use development,” Bill Waddill and Dominic Pardue, both of consulting firm Kimley-Horn, on behalf of Kauffman Shore Properties, wrote with the application.

“By replacing outdated and floodaffected structures with a coordinated three-story, mixed-use building, the project will enhance the continuity of the streetscape while supporting a high-quality destination for residents and visitors.”

The proposal consists of: ■ First floor: 7,023 square feet for retail and 1,820 square feet for a cafe ■ Second floor: Shore Restaurant will provide fine dining in an 8,463-square-foot space

Elizabeth King

■ Third floor: One condominium unit with a centralized pool Shore restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle location, but it closed in December 2024 after suffering flooding from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time that infrastructure issues on the circle “forced us to reevaluate our future here.”

The new building on North Boulevard of the Presidents would be constructed with resiliency in mind.

During a December preapplication meeting with Sarasota’s Development Review Committee, officials brought up that the project would need to comply with a FEMA rule that states if repairs or improvements to a building in a flood zone cost 50% or more of its pre-damage or pre-improvement value, then the entire structure must be brought up to current flood-resistant construction standards. That was not addressed in the development application recently submitted to the city.

Eleven parking spaces behind the property would be used for the project, and “coordination has been conducted with the city of Sarasota staff regarding the potential to purchase” eight additional spots, required per zoning code, from the St. Armands public parking garage.

The buildout date for the project is the fourth quarter of 2027.

The case is scheduled to appear before the Sarasota Development Review Committee on July 15.

Work was underway along Madison Drive at Boulevard of the Presidents in late May.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

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Want to take a water taxi across the bay?

You might be waiting awhile Design for water transit has reached the 30% stage as dock site selection at Bayfront and Ken Thompson parks defines terminal locations.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

I

t might take another decade before its first passengers float across Sarasota Bay, but the city of Sarasota has moved forward with a plan to develop a water-taxi service between Bayfront Park and Ken Thompson Park on City Island.

City Transportation Department

staff and representatives of marine and coastal engineering and consulting firm Cummins and Cederberg teamed up to present a progress report on the effort on June 11 at Bayfront Community Center. The presentation included updates that focused on conceptual designs of docks and adequate upland facilities to accommodate passengers and vessels alike.

Terminal locations are at the public dock at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar at Bayfront Park and the fishing pier area at Ken Thompson Park just east of New Pass. The latter was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season and has yet to be rebuilt.

Initial studies of the project in 2020 included a potential third dock

(Top) the proposed water taxi dock location and design at Ken Thompson and (bottom) at Bayfront Park next to O’Leary’s Tiki Bar, which would also be the overnight parking location for the vessels.

Jenna Phillips, of Cummins and Cederberg discusses proposed locations of docks for a future water taxi service across Sarasota Bay.

Andrew Warfield

location in the area of Little Ringling Bridge near St. Armands but has since been eliminated from consideration.

“One of the challenges with some of the sites that were mentioned in that earlier study was that they were in really shallow areas, which require a lot of dredging,” said Cummins and Cederberg Associate Principal Jenna Phillips. “When you go into dredging, a lot of times you have sea grasses, so the focus of this project is really to avoid and minimize any adverse impacts on those resources.”

Both the O’Leary’s and Ken Thompson Park sites have minimal to no seagrasses and, equally important, little presence of manatee activity.

“The good news in both of those sites we were able to confirm the water depths are sufficient to utilize a water taxi,” Phillips said.

At this stage, there is no consideration as to the type of vessels that would be used for the operations, nor are there any estimates on how much a ride would cost nor how high the demand.

The latter will eventually come in the form of market research. Phillips and Sarasota Chief Transportation Planner Corinne Arriaga said the vessel type, likely operated by a third-party vendor, would be dictated by the dock design.

The boats typically carry 40 passengers.

The priority for now is working toward applying for grants to advance the designs beyond the current 30%, navigating the permitting labyrinth that accompanies any marine construction project and getting construction under way.

“We’re prioritizing those docks rather than focusing on the operation because we can’t have that operation without the infrastructure in place to support it,” Arriaga said. “So, our key focus right now is how do we build the docks, and additionally, how do people move around once they get dropped off?”

In 2003, the city changed the code of ordinances to allow for alternative transportation services such as water taxis and ferries. In 2020, the city executed the water-taxi feasibility study, the update of which was revealed last week.

Arriaga estimated the cost to build the docks at between $1.2 million and $1.5 million, and the city will pursue state and federal grants, most likely requiring a city match. Until then, no more significant progress can be expected. At the speed of government, grant request responses can take as long as a year, a construction contract agreement another year and construction two to three years after that … if all goes perfectly.

“So when will it be ready?” an attendee asked.

“Ten years. Five minimum,” Arriaga answered.

WATER TAXI TIMELINE Project history 2003: City updates its code of ordinance to plan for alternative transportation services and the development for water taxi/ferry services 2020: City launches water taxi feasibility study 2025: City partners with Cummins and Cederberg to assess two dock location sites identified in the 2020 water taxi feasibility study Next steps ■ Formal environmental resource survey ■ Refine conceptual design ■ Regulatory permitting ■ Grant funding applications ■ Final design and construction documents ■ Construction

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

School Board District 1 candidates share their plans Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover are contending for the District 1 seat currently held by Bridget Ziegler.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

field of candidates is campaigning to replace Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler.

On June 4, they had a chance to share their vision during a forum held by the Tiger Bay Club.

As Heidi Brandt, Teresa DeWitt and Jimmy Glover took the stage at Michael’s On East, they addressed a range of issues affecting the operation of the school district and the perceived politicization of the board.

CANDIDATES INTRODUCE THEIR VISIONS

Candidates began by emphasizing their support for public education.

Heidi Brandt, president of Southside Elementary’s parent-teacher council, positioned herself as the only candidate with children in the school district.

However, Glover has four children who graduated from Sarasota’s school district, with his daughter having just graduated Booker High School this year.

DeWitt has 9-year-old twins who attended Southside Elementary for a little over a year, after which, she said, she decided to homeschool them during COVID. She said she and her husband have been working for three years on a plan to transition her daughter back to Southside.

Brandt’s campaign emphasizes the topics of empowering parents, hiring high-quality teachers, improving safety and enhancing training.

Her website shows she is affiliated with the Republican party, but

she says she will keep her role free of politics.

“I would say I’m the voice of the parents, the teachers and the children in our community, and that’s what is motivating and driving me,” she said.

DeWitt has participated in the district’s Student Advisory Council and served on the Superintendent’s Committee. Her campaign site says she “performed community research for the Sarasota School Board, which resulted in a role in auditing a variety of academic programming.”

She has also participated in Moms for Liberty, a conservative organization that Ziegler co-founded.

While introducing herself, DeWitt led with a discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to paint a picture of four years ago,” she said. “Parents were locked out of campus. Masks were put on children’s faces, grandparents weren’t allowed to be on campus. We weren’t allowed to do graduation, and there was an illegal mandate made by board members ... and so, what we had to do as parents is, we had to show up, we had to push back, we had to speak up ... I am the candidate who has been there in the fight.”

DeWitt also positioned herself as favoring choice as well as fiscal responsibility. She said she was running on behalf of those who had left the district, as well as her children, who are nonverbal and have Exceptional Student Education and Individualized Education Plan needs.

Glover’s roles include the board president of Star Lab, a K-3 private school serving the Newtown area, vice chair of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board and a board member of the Friends of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library.

Glover said he was running because he believes citizens of Sarasota think there has been a lack of leadership on the school board.

Ian Swaby

Jimmy Glover, Teresa DeWitt and Heidi Brandt speak at the forum, beside moderator Kevin Cooper.

“When I’ve been going around, what I’ve heard is that they feel like they are not being listened to, and as a result, there has been a trust that’s been broken here in Sarasota,” he said.

TACKLING THE ISSUES

Among the most contentious issues in the school district today are financial difficulties surrounding the voucher system.

During April, the district announced that 136 teacher roles would be “unassigned,” while officials have cited vouchers as a major contributor to financial challenges.

Glover said he was looking to work within the system, stating the voucher system was originally intended to serve underserved students.

“We’ve always had choices here in Sarasota County,” he said. “The only time this has ever become a problem was once we took the income restriction off of the vouchers and people who are already sending their kids to private school started using the vouchers as a subsidy,” he said.

DeWitt emphasized her support for school choice.

“If you are truly for parental choice in terms of education, those dollars will follow the student, and you will

rejoice in that, because that will make the family and the students happier,” DeWitt said.

She said the lift on income limits was a state decision, and said that wherever they attend school, students should have the same opportunities.

She also said the district was still suffering from the impacts of the loss of COVID-19 funding. The district brought in $115 million in pandemic relief funding from 2020 to 2022.

“One of the things we need to acknowledge is that we are in a recovery mode,” DeWitt said. “All the school board members, even the ones that are here today, will admit that we received a huge influx of dollars in 2021 with COVID dollars.

Those sunset in 2024.”

Brandt praised the district’s initiatives, including its prevention of co-location by Schools of Hope and its rebranding of Brookside Middle School as Gulf Coast Academy at Brookside.

“Our board is reimagining our schools, and I want to be along for the ride, because I can see the marketing campaign, I can see what they’re doing, and it’s brilliant,” she said.

Another major issue in the district is that of grade-level reading. The

importance of students being able to read at or above grade level by the third grade has been widely noted.

Glover said there is a variety of reasons students may not read at grade level. He cited students being hungry, not coming from two-parent households and the trauma happening in underserved communities. He said eighth grade was an important benchmark for reading, as well.

Glover said these students need to be connected with tutors and to be “shown some sort of love, that they feel wanted.”

DeWitt said the district needed to bring in parent volunteers, recruiting them from the time kids return to school. She also said that in 2017, phonics was removed from the district before being reinstated.

Brandt emphasized the importance of phonics, noting she is a student reading partner at Southside.

“Our school has reading partners,” she said. “We can bring this back to every single elementary school. I’m going to work really hard to do that.”

Another question the candidates received was “How are you different from Bridget Ziegler?”

DeWitt and Brandt both said they would avoid emphasizing politics.

“What I will say is that board members who dedicate 10 years of their life and they work with Governor DeSantis and they create infrastructure that we’re all going to inherit, you may like her, you may not, but she’s worked really hard,” DeWitt said.

“I am my own person, my own candidate,” Brandt said. “I am running for the right reasons. I will not bring any political agenda into the school board. That’s how I differ. I am here for the kids, listening to you.

It won’t be about any politics.”

“That question right there represents what we’ve been enduring in the school board room for the last six years,” Glover said. “However, unlike my opponents here, neither one of them could say anything bad about Bridget Ziegler. I have no problem saying anything bad about Bridget Ziegler, because you know what? She’s one of the reasons why I’m running.”

Glover said that under Ziegler, the board had not only a lack of leadership, but a lack of compassion.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

OPINION / MY VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Another travesty of power Everyone knows we need more affordable housing.

But Sarasota County commissioners are more concerned about losing their home rule power.

MATT WALSH

F

or nearly 30 years, John and Jack Cox, father-son owners of the longtime Sarasota construction firm, Halfacre Construction Co., sat on 43 mostly undeveloped acres a mile north of Fruitville Road on the east side of Lorraine Road.

For about 20 of those 30 years, John and wife Cameron lived on 10 acres of their property in a 4,600-square-foot home with a barn and swimming pool. They had moved from Siesta Key to enjoy their retirement years on a farm. The elder Cox switched from building buildings to raising horses — about 20 Appaloosas at a time.

The Coxes always viewed their rural acreage as a long-term investment. They figured one day they likely would sell the property because they knew it would be in the path of Sarasota County’s northeastern growth. It didn’t take a genius to see the future.

And indeed, in February 2020 Neal Communities, the big West Coast Florida homebuilder, broke ground on its Windward development, what is to become 900 single-family homes and villas.

Windward, it just so happens, is directly across the street on Lorraine Road from the Cox family’s acreage.

Jack Cox decided it was time. His father had died in 2008, and with Neal’s development approved, Cox decided in October 2020 to develop the family property.

With Sarasota land-use attorney Bill Merrill, Cox filed a petition with Sarasota County to convert his and other neighboring properties to a conservation subdivision — a zoning category that already existed east of the Cox property.

The change would have allowed Cox to build two residential units per acre instead of the one per five acres under the property’s existing Open Use Estate zoning — up to 86 homes were envisioned.

But, alas, as these stories go in Sarasota County, that’s when Cox encountered the mighty, bureaucratic forces of Sarasota County’s planning staff and the populist politicians on the County Commission.

Over the past five and a half years, the county has rejected Cox’s lawful petitions three times. The latest — by far the most egregious — came this past April.

That did it. Cox had enough.

After all these years of writing checks to engineers and lawyers — a total exceeding $1 million of family money — Cox sued each of the county commissioners May 20.

“I can’t believe this is happening here,” Cox told us. “It’s beyond belief. This is something that happens in Palm Beach. This is a Carl Hiaasen type of story.

“I’m willing to go to the Supreme Court if we need to,” Cox said.

WORKFORCE HOUSING & POWER

For Cox, the most outrageous part of his long saga is what has occurred since December 2025 and so far this year. The details of the denials and what can be proven as duplicitous treatment from the county planning staff between 2020 and 2024 are an outrageous saga in themselves — that is, if you believe in property rights and equal treatment under the law.

But what has occurred since the end of 2025 and through May of this

year, we will show, is as Cox said: “beyond belief.”

This is the crux of the story: Affordable, workforce housing; a power struggle; an intransigent, manipulative bureaucrat; and a property owner who is punished even while following the rules.

The players: ■ You have the five county commissioners. They are chafing over the Legislature stripping them of home rule powers. They bristle over the Live Local Act, which has stripped away their power to control multifamily development.

They are so perturbed they voted to defy state laws — in spite of their attorney’s cautions of the costs.

These same commissioners will all say they want more affordable housing. “I don’t think any of us is against affordable housing,” said Commissioner Tom Knight at a March 24 commission meeting.

“I’m certainly not.”

But they all will say in the next breath, as Commissioner Mark Smith did at an April 7 commission meeting: “I would rather be on the side of our citizens than on the side of the development community on this to protect our neighborhoods and to protect our places out east.”

Or as Knight also said: “These are people’s livelihoods in their homes where most of their wealth is, and they’re worried about the compatibility of what’s going in near them. Our community looks at the five of us to protect them from the government.”

All of which is code for: The antidevelopment mobs take precedence over individual property rights.

They can have their homes, but you can’t have yours.

■ And then you have Matt Osterhoudt, the county’s director of the Planning and Development Services Department. He is legendary in Sarasota County for strangling developers with red tape and additional costs and stalling and thwarting projects to the point he is often regarded as Sarasota County’s sixth and most powerful commissioner.

■ And then finally, you have Jack Cox and the company that owns the 30 acres, SITC Inc. By all measures, SITC is entitled by state law to construct 500 units of multifamily, affordable, workforce housing in accordance with the state’s Live Local Act. But in early April, the county said his project is “ineligible” for Live Local status.

In other words, denied.

WE KNOW THE PROBLEM

You would have to have been living on Mars for the past decade not to know the lack of affordable, workforce housing is and has been the most pressing economic issue in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and indeed, in all of Florida.

State data show there is a deficit of 99,134 affordable apartment units in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The deficit in the Tampa MSA: 444,927.

Everybody knows the problem.

Solving it is another matter.

Dozens of economic development and chambers of commerce conferences in the region over the years have focused on the shortage. Advocates have made some progress, persuading local governments to adopt densitybonus incentives for apartment builders to include a percentage of below-market-rate units in their projects. But as the data show, this has done little to make a dent.

Friedrich Hayek

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Jack Cox’s family purchased and has owned 43 acres for nearly 30 years one mile north of Fruitville Road and on Lorraine Road. The family always viewed its investment as property that would be in the path of Sarasota’s growth.

NIMBYism continues to be pervasive.

Just read the news. Practically every week, some neighborhood group protests or a populist politician pontificates that development needs to be stopped, or they rant against the newest development project that surfaces.

The NIMBYs are effective. Two years ago at the Florida Housing Summit in St. Petersburg, M. Nolan Gray, research director of California YIMBY (Yes in My Back Yard), cautioned policy makers that Florida was well on its way to mirroring California’s horrible housing market. “You have already adopted all the same rules as California,” he said.

Indeed, cities and counties all over Florida — including here — have adopted impenetrable mazes of zoning regulations that constrict the supply and drive up the costs of housing. Adrian Moore, an Observer columnist, is vice president of the Reason Foundation, a think tank that specializes in housing policies nationwide. He has written repeatedly in the Observer how regulations are at the top of why housing is unaffordable.

And yet, Commissioners Knight and Smith call this “protecting our citizens” from the development community.

Which brings us to the increasingly controversial Live Local Act. UNEQUIVOCALLY FIT CRITERIA

In 2023, recognizing the housing

KEY PROVISIONS OF LIVE LOCAL ■ Counties and municipalities must allow a multifamily or mixed-use residential rental development in any area zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed-use, and in areas such as a planned unit development permitted for commercial, industrial or mixed use if at least 40% of the units will be affordable for at least 30 years and serve incomes up to 120% AMI. ■ Zoning, land-use change or a comprehensive plan amendment for the building height, zoning and densities authorized may not be required.

■ A county may not restrict

“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.”

density below the highest allowed density where residential development is allowed.

■ A county may not restrict the height of such development below the highest allowed height within one mile of the proposed development or three stories, whichever is higher.

■ An application for such development must be administratively approved and no further action is required.

■ Governments are required, upon request of an applicant, to reduce parking requirements by 15% percent if the development meets certain criteria.

affordability crisis and that local government zoning laws are chief impediments to increasing workforce housing, the Legislature essentially said: “Get out of the way. We’re now in charge.” It adopted the landmark Live Local Act. The act stripped local governments of their power over multifamily developments and expanded where these developments can be allowed without local government interference.

Since revised three times, Live Local requires counties and cities to allow multifamily and mixed-use developments in areas zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed use if at least 40% of the units are offered at affordable rates for 30 years minimum.

If a project meets the state’s requirements, it also allows the projects to skip the local planning and zoning approval process. The projects automatically must receive administrative approval — no public hearings required where NIMBY neighbors can pack planning board and commission meetings and skuttle developments. (See box for additional provisions.)

In late summer 2025, Cox began looking into whether he could develop under the Live Local Act. For two weeks, Merrill tested whether Cox’s properties would qualify. Conclusion: They were convinced, unequivocally, they fit every criterion.

In September, they met with the county planning staff for feedback.

Cox remembers the reaction: “You could feel that they didn’t want to do it, but they knew because of the state statute that they would have to do it.”

Three months later, on Dec. 4, 2025, Cox and Merrill submitted the application to develop 500 multifamily apartments on his 43 acres under the Live Local Act. Finally, after five and a half years of rejection and bureaucratic wrangling, they felt they had found a path forward. “[My project] is not lowincome housing,” Cox told us.

“It’s workforce housing. It’s for deputies, first responders, teachers, construction people. I have 65 employees at Halfacre, and most of

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SEE OPINION, PAGE 10A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Sarasota County asks EDC to refine changes to Business Park zoning

CHANGES TO THE CHANGES

Since submitting five change requests to the Unified Development Code Business Park zoning to staff, the Economic Development Corporation and the county finalized the suggested actions.

EXCLUDE DRIVE-THRU USES EDC request: Amend the Principal and Limited Uses and Structures section to exclude drive-thru, fast-food establishments within the Business Park designation.

Amended request: Require drive-thru uses to obtain approval through a special exception process. Drive-thru restaurants are currently allowed by right in the BP zone district, supporting the activities and employees within a business park.

Staff recommendation: None.

With most requested changes already modified, the Sarasota County Commission tells the EDC to further refine its requests for changes to the Business Park zoning district.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

F

or Sarasota County to attract new businesses and to provide opportunities for local companies to expand, it needs more, and a wider variety of, land on which to build commercial structures.

And with continually rising property and construction costs, it needs to offer greater flexibility in both parcel size and building height within the Business Park zone district.

Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk delivered that message to the County Commission on June 2 during a presentation of requested changes to the county’s Unified Development Code and Comprehensive Plan to expand opportunities for commercial development.

The BP zone district was created in April 2022, later refined in July 2022 by a new Business Park Corridor Resource Management Area that is linear, rather than geometric, in nature. That designation limited the BP Zone to areas along Fruitville Road, Bee Ridge Road, South River Road, and State Road 681, later expanded to include portions of Lorraine Road south of Clark Road.

The EDC’s original proposals were whittled to four with the EDC deciding to withdraw two regarding buffer requirements and warehouse onsite freight movement logistics. The most consequential of the remaining four are a request to reduce the minimum lot size for BP designation from

REDUCE MINIMUM LAND AREA REQUIREMENT EDC request: Reduce the minimum acreage required to rezone to Business Park from 10 acres to 2 acres to allow integrated campusstyle business park development. The BP zone district does not require a protective binding development concept plan, which would require a Comprehensive Plan text amendment and a UDC amendment to remedy.

Amended request: None Staff recommendation: Opposed.

Andrew Warfield

County Commissioner Tom Knight told staff and the EDC President and CEO Erin Silk the county must avoid unintended consequences in requested changes to the Business Park zone district.

10 acres to 2 acres, and raise maximum building height from 35 feet to 45 feet, up to 65 feet with special exception.

“It certainly opens up more opportunity for the change in our clientele that has occurred since this was adopted in 2022,” Silk told commissioners. “Property prices have gone up dramatically by 85%, construction costs have gone up 35% and a lot of the companies that we’re working with are looking for much smaller footprints. They don’t want to take on 10 acres.”

On parcel size and height, commissioners generally expressed concerns about compatibility with surrounding properties along the BP corridors, particularly residential.

“I understand our goal as a partnership with you all is to have properties of a size that work in the marketplace to attract the businesses that we’re trying to attract,” said Commissioner Mark Smith. “But on

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the other hand, we have the compatibility issue with the folks that live around the properties.”

That, and as Commissioner Tom Knight explained, the hidden impacts of making land use changes.

“I’m always very aware of unintended consequences from the spirit of doing what’s right and realizing later we can’t take it back once we make these changes,” Knight said. “I know the public is very nervous right now about any rezones and comp plan amendments.”

No action was due on the proposals, rather additional guidance requested by the staff and the EDC. Chairman Ron Cutsinger recommended the requested revisions be brought back after additional analysis and stakeholder outreach by the EDC staff and board.

“Now you’ve heard us,” Cutsinger said. “You’ve heard the kind of concerns we have.”

GREENBELT AND PERIMETER BUFFER REQUIREMENTS EDC request: Review appropriate buffer widths and opacity requirements consistent with smaller sites.

The existing requirement for a 50-foot greenbelt or perimeter buffer with opacity requirements surrounding the entire BP parcel reduces usable land area and project feasibility.

Amended request: Withdrawn.

Staff recommendation: Opposed.

INCREASE MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT EDC request: Increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 65 feet to align with standards within nearby Major Employment Center and Industrial, Light Warehousing districts. Additional height enables vertical development on smaller sites, supports modern advanced manufacturing and logistics facilities and offsets rising land costs.

Amended request: Increase the maximum height from 35 feet to 45 feet by right with heights of up to 65 feet subject to approval by special exception. Staff has concerns regarding incompatibilities with neighboring properties. Staff does not support height by right, but could support review if considered by special exception with a binding development concept plan. That would require both a Comprehensive Plan text amendment and a UDC text amendment.

Staff recommendation: Opposed.

MODIFY WAREHOUSE AND FREIGHT MOVEMENT USES EDC request: Allow logistics users to include outdoor tractor-trailer storage operations as a permitted use. Many modern logistics and equipment related operations require limited outdoor tractor-trailer storage to function effectively.

Amended request: Withdrawn.

Staff recommendation: Opposed.

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Sarasota County that are in the OUE and RE-1 zoning categories are ineligible for the Live Local process.

Once again, the county squashed Cox’s development.

He wasn’t there to witness it.

He found out a day later. “We were floored,” Cox said. “It’s hard to believe it wasn’t noticed. They’re not following state statutes, and they’re willing to use taxpayers’ money to defend this. That’s just unbelievable.”

Not to Knight. The day after the vote, he posted on Facebook: “Despite the county attorney’s written opinion that these projects WOULD qualify under the law, I am happy to report that with the additional urging of Commissioner Neunder, our commission voted to exclude residential, rural and open use properties from qualification.”

OPINION, FROM PAGE 8A

1 0 Dog Kennel Road SITC INC. / COX FAMILY

D. ER AIN RR LO

Land Area: 10 acres

4 2000 Lorraine Road Land Area: 13 acres

SITC Project Boundaries

2

3

SINCLAIR DR.

1

SITC INC. / COX FAMILY

LORRAINE RD.

EVERYONE LOSES

PITTMAN RD.

The area outlined in red are the 43 acres SITC Inc. wants to develop for affordable, workforce housing. To the left of SITC’s property is Neal Communities’ 900-home development.

At the March 24 County Commission meeting, without prior public notice, Commissioner Knight proposed a convoluted motion to “direct the county attorney and county administrator collaboratively to provide a written opinion regarding the applicability of the Live Local Act to partial zone RE-1 and OUE, including whether those districts satisfy the statutory requirement that commercial, industrial, mixed-use development be allowed…”

Commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of getting the opinion from County Attorney Josh Moye. Cox was unaware of that vote for two weeks.

A week prior, the Legislature approved HB/SB 1389, which would exclude properties zoned OUE (including areas intended to be open space and farms) from Live Local, retroactive to 2024.

That bill was presented to the governor Monday for signing.

Although it would exclude properties zoned OUE from Live Local, the legislation still permits their application to be considered, or grandfathered in.

With that legislation, Cox says he understood why his project was being stalled.

WARNINGS IGNORED

Even with the passing of SB 1389, commissioners forged ahead.

On April 7, after having received Moye’s opinion, commissioners again discussed Live Local at the end of the regular meeting.

Knight led the discussion by telling commissioners other counties and cities around Florida were challenging Live Local, asking for declaratory judgments against the state law.

“There’s a lot of anxiety in our communities that we’re hearing from,” he told his fellow commissioners.

He lamented again not having power. “We’re not going to have

Florida’s road to hell

Y

3 Cameo Farm Lane

CAMEO FARM LN. WINWARD BY NEAL COMMUNITIES

FRUIT VILLE RD.

ou know the cliché: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

You can say that’s certainly the case in Florida. The state’s legislators and all of Florida’s county and city commissioners either are on or about drive onto the Live Local Expressway, aka Road to hell.

It’s going to be hell. For some, it is already. And it’s going to get worse.

If you pay any attention to state and local government news, you probably have heard of the Live Local Act. It came about three years ago when then-Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, spearheaded efforts to help alleviate Florida’s workforce housing crisis.

The impetus for the legislation were the state’s local governments.

They weren’t addressing the problem effectively. Rather, they were the problem, with their layers of regulations and caving in to neighborhood NIMBYs. Passidomo and her colleagues decided: If local governments won’t fix the problem, we will.

Among a multitude of funding programs, they crafted a package of incentives that, to be blunt, stripped local governments of their home rule powers to control multifamily development.

4

Land Area: 10 acres

Specifically, Live Local preempted counties and cities on zoning, density and height for multifamily rental developments in commercial, industrial and mixeduse areas. It required local governments to authorize such projects in those areas if at least 40% of the units will be affordable for at least 30 years and serve incomes up to 120% average median income.

Local governments also were required to approve the projects administratively — no public hearings or rezoning approvals required.

Hallelujah — a way to fast-track the construction of affordable, workforce housing.

But not much happened.

Over the next three sessions, the Legislature modified Live Local, relaxing additional local requirements. In the most recent session, the law became even more explicit on what qualifies. It listed specifics on what is considered commercial, industrial or mixed use — essentially casting a wider net for where Live Local projects could be developed.

The intent for every step all along has been to spur the development of workforce housing with attractive incentives and less government interference.

But as we also know, good inten-

input on as an elected board, and we’re not going to have the ability to represent our community on these type of developments.”

At the previous meeting, Knight stoked the fire when he said: “The way I’m reading it in my research, we could see dense fourstory apartments, complexes, go up on vacant properties anywhere, even in Cherokee Park, Oyster Bay, Westbrook Drive in Sarasota.

Anybody could have commercial businesses. They could have a tutoring company, piano lessons, attorneys working out of their homes in those neighborhoods.

“My research was also that even residential estates would be on Siesta Key, west of Midnight Pass, where you could put any type of commercial building business.”

At the April 7 meeting, Knight’s talk of lawsuits to stop Live Local stoked the commissioners again.

“I just wanted to make sure that we got the document there to show that communities are challenging the law, and they are going to [declaratory] actions, and they are prevailing in the best interest of the community.”

The drumbeat was increasing to outlaw Live Local in OUE and RE-1.

But wait. County Attorney Moye issued a caution.

“It was in our office memo 1901 that the property zones RE-1 and OUE have to be treated as qualifying districts under the Live Local Act definitions.”

But immediately after saying that, he added: “The board could adopt a good faith policy interpretation that RE-1 and OUE districts do not qualify for development under the Live Local Act, and then that would give the developer the opportunity or the applicant the opportunity to then do a [declaratory judgment] act against us, because you have to have somebody to sue to do a declaratory action.”

Moye then also added this crucial,

cautionary qualifier: “Just know that if the board does go down that policy interpretation, that RE-1 and OUE districts do not qualify, it is an uphill battle, because it does go against the strict language of the statute, and it does go against the legislative history, and the local act provides for attorney fee costs up to $250,000 to a prevailing party, which the county would be subject to each time it’s found to be in violation of the Live Local Act.” County Administrator Jonathan Lewis also cautioned commissioners that if they defied state statutes, they could lose its sovereign immunity in lawsuits.

Neither Moye nor Lewis’ warnings mattered.

Commissioner Neunder, like the charged-up rabble-rouser at a hanging, urged for a motion requiring the county not to wait to be sued, but to sue first.

“You file legal action immediately,” he urged. “Do not pass go. I mean, you pass go, do it, and make sure that you get a judge’s determination on a declaratory action for these zoning determinations on these products.”

Commissioner Smith, taking it all in, the proposed: “I’d like to make a motion to have a policy direction to staff that OUE and RE-1 not be qualifying districts under the Live Local Act. “I know there’s a certain amount of danger involved here,” Smith continued, “but I believe that I would rather be on the side of our citizens than on the side of the development community … to protect our neighborhoods and to protect our places out east. And so I’m wholeheartedly in favor of this … And we’ll see how it goes.

Without any prior public notice, and in spite of their lawyers’ cautions, the commissioners voted 5-0 to defy state law and declare a new policy that all properties in SINCLAIR DR.

Their confidence was short lived.

The application entered the fortress of bureaucratic processes — the Sarasota County Planning and Development Services Department.

Its director, Osterhoudt, is like the troll in the “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” Try to get your project across his bridge, and he’ll likely devour it in red tape.

Here’s one example: According to state statutes, each county is required to have a streamlined process for Live Local applications to get them to approval quickly — administratively approved without quasi-judicial or public hearings.

For standard development applications, it’s a two-step process: A developer submits a site development plan, and then, if approved, would obtain a building permit. Slam-bam.

But just before Cox submitted his Live Local application and weeks after he had already discussed his plans with the county staff, to his and Merrill’s surprise, the planning staff informed them the county changed its application rules.

The county now required a mandatory five-step process for Live Local projects — clearly lengthening and delaying approvals and contrary to the Legislature’s intent for quick administrative approvals.

They objected. The explanation for the change, according to Merrill: “Staff indicated that the process was continuing to evolve as they explored so-called ‘best practices.’”

“You could tell the tone was getting more difficult,” Cox recalls. “Matt started talking about commissioners were having a different view or a different understanding of the ordinance.

What we took from that meeting is they were going to try to change the legislation up in Tallahassee.”

Added Cox: “I was starting to feel like my clock was running out on Live Local, and they were trying to run the clock out.”

December flowed to January; January to February — no approval.

“We were constantly talking with them,” recalls Merrill, “and they were constantly throwing up delays.”

Finally, on March 13, four months after submitting their application, the county staff issued its Development Review Coordination comments on whether Cox’s proposal qualified for approval.

This was the third step in the process.

Still no approval.

The report said, among other things, the project needed more entrances and needed to address issues with water flow counts and utilities. Cox referred the requests to engineers the next week.

But during that week the real reasons for the delays, stalls and “slow-walking” came to light.

2 9800 Cameo Farm Lane

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Land Area: 10 acres

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them live in Charlotte County and have to commute up here. I mean the fuel cost is crazy.”

On May 20, Miami lawyer Chris Oprison, partner in the national law firm of DLA Piper LLC, filed a 66-page lawsuit against Sarasota County and each of the five county commissioners on behalf of Cox’s company, SITC Inc. The charges: Unlawful denial of SITC’s development application; unlawful moratorium for refusing to accept Live Local applications in OUE districts; and the commission violated Florida’s Sunshine Law requiring adequate public notice.

Cox chose the Miami law firm because it doesn’t have any ties to Sarasota commissioners, and it has appellate and Supreme Court lawyers.

And so it goes in Sarasota County.

As always, no good deed goes unpunished.

Cox wants to use his property and risk his family money to fill a critical social, economic and community need. But because county commissioners are in a snit with legislators over the loss of their power, they scotched the construction of 500 sorely needed workforce housing units.

Everyone loses here: ■ County commissioners for choosing to defy the Legislature instead of work to compromise with it; and for choosing to bring on lawsuits at taxpayer expense.

■ Taxpayers for having to fund commissioners’ legal defenses.

■ Cox and his family’s SITC Inc. for the grief and expense they have endured over five and a half years.

■ And 500 first responders, nurses, teachers, construction workers and others who won’t be able to live closer to work and will continue to drive from North Port and Charlotte County because the lack of affordable housing in north Sarasota County.

Editor’s note: A spokesman for the county (to include Commissioners Knight and Neunder and Planning Services Director Osterhoudt) said: “Sarasota County does not comment on pending or active litigation.” His response included a May 28, two-page memo from County Attorney Moye, which concluded: “Our office will defend the lawsuit.”

SARASOTA COUNTY’S LIVE LOCAL PROJECTS The six projects zoned OUE and RE-1 were recently notified they are ineligible to qualify under Live Local.

ADDRESS

CURRENT OWNER

421 Tatum Road New Pope Holdco III LLC 2000 Lorraine Road, Dog Kennel SITC Inc. Road; 9800 Cameo Farm Lane Yeshuas Love Biblical Fellowship 8893 Fruitville Road 215 Pine Ranch E. Rd. Nathan/Deborah Childers Bonnie Lee Peterson 2575 E. Venice Ave. Linda Martin Revocable Trust 5104/5110 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Donald Valk 0 E. Venice Ave. Gautier Fabrication Inc.

ACREAGE

UNITS

2,250 504

DENSITY

11/acre 11.6/acre

ZONING

23.7 9.55 10.8

352 238 112

14.9/acre 25/acre 11.1/acre

OUE OUE OUE-1

2.8 5

70 64

25/acre 13/acre

OPI OUE

206.5 43.42

RE-1 OUE

Source: Sarasota County

tions have unintended consequences.

County and city elected officials really, really dislike Live Local. Not only has the Sarasota County Commission thwarted the SITC Inc./ Jack Cox family Live Local development. After adopting a new policy in April to exempt the OUE and RE-1 zoning categories from Live Local, the county planning staff sent emails to the owners of five other Live Local projects stating they “were ineligible consistent with the Sarasota County Commission’s policy direction.” The county said they were not denied, just ineligible. Be real: denied.

Elsewhere, county and city governments in Pasco and Hillsborough counties and the city of

Hollywood, to name a few, also are challenging the law in the courts.

And in each case, commissioners chafe over the Legislature preempting their home rule.

Meanwhile, citizen groups have organized to fight the law as well. stayTru, a registered not-for-profit in Sarasota, has amassed 1,000 members over the past year to stop New Pope Holdco III LLC from turning the 206-acre Tatum Ridge Golf Links in northeast Sarasota County into a multifamily development with 2,250 apartments. stayTru hired lawyers from Tampa.

President Matt Procaccini, a resident of the Legends in Tatum Ridge, said stayTru formed originally to protect the open space of the golf course. But over the past

year, “We’ve attracted folks who are also fighting Live Local attempts in other parts of Sarasota,” he said.

“I’ve also been contacted by other communities that have been hit with this Live Local stuff,” Procaccini said. “They’re looking to us for guidance.

“I don’t know where we’ll go over the long term, but one thing the board of stayTru has agreed on: The notion that the state and its attack on home rule is a very important conversation.”

Live Local + the property tax amendment. State rule versus home rule. Welcome, elected officials, onto Florida’s road to hell.

— MW

YourObserver.com

11A

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

“I came in here with the goal of getting to know everyone, and getting my feet firmly planted and to begin working on some of these very large, generational impact projects.”

— Karie Friling, Sarasota city manager

Image courtesy of the city of Sarasota

Sarasota City Manager Karie Friling says the speed with which ballot language for a tax overhaul was OK’d surprised her.

One week, 53 meetings Four days into her new role as Sarasota city manager, potential property tax changes forced Friling to begin planning for possible general fund gap.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

uring the three months between her selection as Sarasota city manager and her first day on the job, Karie Friling focused largely on learning about the city’s long-term projects and initiatives that will influence how the city evolves for generations to come.

She wanted to “hit the ground running” with full knowledge of the current state of The Bay park, the city’s affordable housing plans for its First

Street property, the downtown master plan update, a reimagined Main Street and the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, among others.

Then came June 2 when, just four days into her tenure, the Florida Legislature upended those plans with its approval of placing a referendum on statewide property tax changes on the November ballot. She was aware of the effort to significantly increase the homestead exemption was a possibility, but it still came as something of a shock.

“When I got here, it seemed like

the state was most focused on getting the budget approved. I think what happened caught us all a little bit by surprise because it moved so quickly,” Friling said as she met with media members to recap her first seven days on the job. “They called the special session, and then it was literally done within 48 hours. I came in here with the goal of getting to know everyone, and getting my feet firmly planted and to begin working on some of these very large, generational impact projects.”

Now, all of that may be put on

hold as her priority shifted to how to address at least a $5.5 million annual reduction in property tax revenue by fiscal year 2029, money the city uses for operational expenses via the general fund.

The property tax change is not a certainty as a state constitutional amendment requires 60% voter approval. Prudence dictates, however, that fiscal planning for the possibility begin now.

“I have immediately pivoted, and my top priority right now is how we’re going to deal with this because we have a significant impact to our budget if this is approved in November,” Friling said. “Right now we’re really going through what does this mean, reading the language, talking to our attorneys, talking to our lobbyists who were in the room at the time, and trying to get to what our playbook is going to be as we move forward.”

The general fund budget for the current fiscal year is $108.3 million. Of that, property tax revenue is $57.3 million, or just less than 53%.

At a potential $3.18 million revenue reduction resulting from the firstyear $150,000 exemption, that’s 3% of the general fund and 5.5% of property tax revenue. At $5.5 million minimum reduction at $250,000 exemption in year 2, it’s just more than 5% of the fund balance and 9.6% of revenue.

MEET AND GREET BECOMES A STRATEGY SESSION

During her first week, Friling was invited to a breakfast to meet and mingle with the other city managers in the county, Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and

others. It happened to be the morning after the referendum joint resolution was passed.

“It wasn’t about Karie anymore. It was about what are we all going to do and how does this impact us,” Friling said.

That impact extends beyond the city’s anticipated $5.5 million gap.

City residents are also residents of, and taxpayers to, Sarasota County government.

“We are not the only ones that have a gap. The county will have a tens of millions of dollars’ gap that they have to figure out,” Friling said.

“That happens to trickle down to the communities within the county as well in reduction in services and fees going up. All those things impact our residents. It will take us a while to figure that out, but right now the number is $5.5 million. That number will grow.”

Included among the 53 meetings Friling said she had in her first week was huddling with senior staff and individually with city commissioners. The finance team and department heads have been instructed to begin identifying what must be funded versus what would be nice to afford. Those details will be shared with the commissioners for eventual official action during upcoming budget sessions.

“As the policymakers, they make those decisions,” she said.

Local governments are required to approve their next fiscal year budgets by the end of September, about five weeks before the Nov. 3 general election.

Although the fiscal impacts wouldn’t begin until FY 2028, “We have to prepare now, and the best way to do that is to look at our current budget under development and then plan out for those next two cycles after that,” Friling said.

That preparatory belt-tightening may halt, until the referendum outcome is known, many favored projects.

“My recommendations are for some of these larger initiatives, we need to pause and see how this plays out,” Friling said. “If it doesn’t get passed, then we can regroup after that, but that’s the most responsible thing that we can do right now. I’m sure every community in the state is doing that very same thing.”

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YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

COPS CORNER

TRIBUTES Sam Michael Sciturro 1933-2026 Sam Michael Sciturro was born January 31, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, during the height of the Great Depression, the experience which shaped his entire life.

His parents, Michael Sciturro (dec) and Rose Soranno Sciturro (dec) had immigrated from Sicily and maintained the strict, hard working ethics with which they were raised holding all seven of their boys to that standard. Sam worked with his father and brothers peddling fruit, selling newspapers, shoveling snow and doing whatever he could to bring money home for his family Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was sent to Germany as occupation troops which he often described as 48 of the best years of his life. Once he returned to Detroit, he purchased his first business going on to expand into manufacturing and commercial real estate in the Detroit area and then bringing his talents to Florida, achieving great success in both of these fields in and around Sarasota.

He began his love for tennis and golf in his 40’s and belonged to clubs in Michigan as well as Prestancia, the Oaks Club and Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club in Florida. He especial-

FRIDAY, MAY 15

SELFIE SCOPOPHILIAC 11:30 p.m., Zero block of Central Avenue Disturbance: In the interest of alliteration, the Cops Corner team chose scopophiliac for the headline, which in layman’s parlance is a peeper.

While on routine patrol, an officer observed a man at Five Points Park taking videos on his phone of young females who were engaging in that most on-trend of modern pastimes — taking photos of themselves, likely posing and puckering for no particular reason.

The man also appeared to be making himself at home for the night.

Being the man had no reasonable explanation for his actions, though, and his activity was unlawful in the park after hours, he was issued a summons to appear in community care court. He was also trespassed from the park for 365 days.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

ly loved playing golf but he loved the people he played with more. He truly cherished his golf buddies!

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Paricia Ann Summerlee-Sciturro, his daughter, Lita Ann Sciturro-Smith and husband Arthur Bruce Smith (dec), his granddaughter Stephanie Rose Palmer, his stepson Dr. Robert James Summerlee, his wife Melissa Simao, granddaughters Marin Simone and Keira Marie, his stepdaughter Elizabeth Ann Summerlee, her husband Matthew Thomas Waldstein and grandson Knox William.

His grandchildren were the

BREACH OF BATHROOM ETIQUETTE 12:33 a.m., 1400 block of Main Street Trespassing: A staff member of a downtown nightclub advised officers a man was “acting strange inside the men’s restroom.”

The subject explained to officers that the bathroom was crowded and he was not doing anything wrong. He added he fled from security when he was approached because he felt he was being escorted off the property and did not understand why. He was released by officers.

Whatever his behavior was, though, it was enough to prompt the club to have the man trespassed from the establishment for a period of one year.

light of his life! He is also survived by many sistersin-law, nephews, nieces and dear, dear friends.

Sam died peacefully at home, as he had wished, on June 7, 2026, leaving a hole in our hearts but we know he is finally at peace.

JUST AROUND THE CORNER 4:58 a.m., MLK Jr. Way at North Washington Boulevard Robbery: Officers responded to a report of a robbery and that the suspects may still be on the scene, according to dispatch. An officer located the victim, who was walking toward the corner of Pershing Avenue and MLK Jr. Way but, after trying to get his attention, he continued to walk away.

Others in the area, for some reason before 5 a.m., were yelling that

SERVICE: A memorial mass was held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Empath Tidewell Hospice, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.

464185-1

SATURDAY, MAY 23

A YOUTHFUL INDISCRETION 5:06 p.m., 4700 block of North Tamiami Trail Property damage: The tenant of a commercial building reported several juveniles threw a rock through a window on the north side of the building, causing it to break. The complainant was informed by a co-worker who witnessed six people running away from the building, estimating their age to be between 10 and 12.

The owner of the property was looped in via phone call, who said he would review surveillance footage from the area and contact the officer once it becomes available. The status of the case was closed pending further investigation. his bike was “right there,” which, as it turned out, was around the corner.

The officer asked the man, who was sweating and appeared to have been in an altercation, if he wished to report a robbery or an assault.

Because he retrieved his bike, he declined to pursue charges.

MONDAY, MAY 25

PHONE FIGHT 12:06 a.m., 1700 block of Ringling Boulevard Disturbance: Responding to a call about a disturbance, upon arrival officers heard the loud voices of a male and female arguing outside of a dwelling. After being separated, officers learned this had been going on for about 45 minutes.

The man advised that his girlfriend arrived home intoxicated and began yelling at him and hiding his belongings in the bathroom. He said the altercation was not physical and that he believed she would stop arguing with him once the officers left.

The woman concurred, although she was intoxicated and uncooperative with law enforcement. She did say the argument was over his cell phone, although the incident report did not specify the reason.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

13A

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JUNE 18, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Image courtesy of Bryan Derballa

Lauren Gunderson is the playwright of “Lady Disdain.”

Most of Asolo Rep’s “Lady Disdain” takes place in a studio where audiobooks are produced.

Asolo Rep stages a rolling world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s ‘Lady Disdain.’

All’s fair in romantasy MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

M

ost people don’t need Google to name the most produced playwright of all time. Four centuries after his death, William Shakespeare’s plays and modern adaptations are on stages around the world.

Right now, you can see a bilingual version of “Romeo and Juliet” in New York’s Shakespeare in the Park set on the Mexican-American border.

Closer to home, grad students at FSU/Asolo Conservatory recently presented a magical version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with fairies gamboling on circus silks.

There’s no arguing that the Bard has very long “legs,” even if his identity is in dispute. In 2024, Urbanite Theatre produced Katie Bender’s “Judith,” which floated the idea that Shakespeare’s plays were actually written by a sister.

Speaking of female playwrights, do you know who topped American Theatre Magazine’s rankings for most produced plays in 2025? (The ranking is for all American playwrights, not just women.) Hint: She also held the No. 1 spot in 2017, 2019 and 2023.

The playwright in question, Lauren Gunderson, was in Sarasota the week of June 8, fine-tuning her new play, “Lady Disdain.”

If you’re a Shakespeare fan, you’ll suspect there’s much ado about something at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

Gunderson’s rolling world premiere is an original play, not an adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing.” But its lead characters are descendants of Benedick and Beatrice, who are tricked by their friends into falling in love in “Much Ado.” Directed by Florida Studio Theatre veteran Sean Daniels, “Lady Disdain” is rollicking fun best categorized as “worlds collide.”

Most of the action takes place at a producer of audiobooks, where former lovers Ben and Beatrice are voicing the characters in a steamy romantasy novel.

Ben (Casey Murphy) had moved on to the big screen as the villain in a superhero series. But he’s back in

new eyes after he saves the day for a wronged colleague.

Lest gentle readers think “Lady Disdain” is a contrived effort to make Shakespeare relevant, think again.

Gunderson’s play is its own frisky animal. It moves at breakneck pace, with the stage going dark to usher in new scenes.

The milieu is very much of the moment, when nude pictures (real or fake) of celebrities and civilians alike blow up on social media, destroying or elevating reputations overnight.

The characters in “Lady Disdain” are familiar in today’s internet-driven world, where one’s brand is marketed to strangers. There are “smash the patriarchy” feminists, young people sharing their recovery journey and ruthless business owners willing to jettison employees whose stock has fallen on social media.

Even if we don’t know these folks personally, we know their ilk. Think dueling lawsuits between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, the warring stars of “It Ends With Us.” BRINGING AUDIENCES INTO THE EQUATION

Images courtesy of Adrian Van Stee

Things get steamy between Ben (Casey Murphy) and Beatrice (Veronika Duerr) in “Lady Disdain.”

the audiobook world after his caped character got canned. His unexpected arrival irks his former paramour, Beatrice (Veronika Duerr). Her barbs are so caustic that she is dubbed “Lady Disdain” in the original Shakespeare play and she keeps the tradition going here.

Mirroring “Much Ado About Nothing,” the supporting characters in “Lady Disdain” engage in what was called “gulling” in olden days.

They tell Ben that Beatrice suggested him for her sparring partner, while Beatrice is led to believe that Ben lobbied to work with her.

Underscoring the Shakespeare connection is a neon sign on stage reading, “Man is a giddy thing.”

Unless you’re familiar with the Bard, you may not recognize the quote from “Much Ado.” Today, the word “giddy” is used to describe overwhelming happiness. Back in Shakespeare’s day, it meant “fickle” or “frivolous.”

It’s often said that it’s a “women’s prerogative to change her mind,” but it’s Benedick who has a change of heart in “Much Ado.” In “Lady Disdain,” Beatrice sees Ben through

The version of “Lady Disdain” that audiences saw on opening night June 12 was refined in previews as Gunderson and Director Sean Daniels watched how scenes were landing. If something wasn’t working, Gunderson would tweak the script and have actors deliver different lines in the next performance.

“Lauren has a real love of audiences. She loves to research and she’s very fast,” Daniels says.

Sarasota theater fans will remember Daniels from his time at Florida Studio Theatre, which he joined as associate director in 2023. One of his plays, “The White Chip,” a semiautobiographical show about a theater director who gets sober, went on to play in New York, Tokyo and London.

What Sarasota theatergoers might not know is that Daniels went to high school with Gunderson in Atlanta and that she is an alum of Dad’s Garage, the successful theatrical troupe that Daniels co-founded in 1995. Dad’s Garage has come to Sarasota for the FST Improv Festival.

“Lauren is an old friend of ours,” Daniels said in an interview. “She married my wife and I.”

Even with a playwright as widely acclaimed as Gunderson (“Silent Sky,” “The Book of Will,” “I and You”) getting from script to stage doesn’t happen overnight. Daniels says he knew Gunderson was working on an update of “Much Ado” and reached out to Peter Rothstein about directing it not long after Rothstein was hired as producing artistic director of Asolo Rep in 2023.

Fast forward. After a stop in Madison, Wisconsin, “Lady Disdain” is making its second world premiere in Sarasota, in a production turbocharged by scenic design, lighting design, sound design and original music from Asolo Rep’s creatives.

“What’s really cool is that this play is eventually going to be seen everywhere and that Sarasota audiences get to see it first,” Daniels says. (Well, almost first.)

“Lady Disdain” is propelled by sexy voices bringing the innuendoladen dialogue of bodice-rippers to the airwaves. Even the customary warning to silence your cellphones before the curtain rises is delivered in a swoon-worthy fashion by Murphy.

If you want to see the antithesis of Dad bod, keep your eyes peeled toward the end of the show. Like everything else in “Lady Disdain,” it happens in the blink of an eye.

Reading the credits, you’ll see that Urbanite Theatre Artistic Director Summer Dawn Wallace serves as intimacy coordinator, so presumably, there will be no sexual harassment and defamation lawsuits, à la LivelyBaldoni, from the on-stage coupling.

Wallace is also friends with Gunderson. In September 2025, Gunderson delivered the keynote speech at Urbanite Theatre’s annual Modern Works Festival celebrating female playwrights.

Attendees got to learn about Gunderson’s creative process, which has yielded honors such as the Lanford Wilson Award from the Dramatists Guild of America and the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, not once but twice.

Even among Sarasota’s colorfully dressed theater patrons, it was hard to miss Gunderson on opening night of “Lady Disdain.” She wore an eye-catching hot pink silk shirt, red sequined pencil skirt, silver stiletto heels and oversized glasses.

With classic lines enlivened by outrageous color, Gunderson’s attire suggested a desire to upend convention.

She looked like a woman with the sensibility to give the Bard a glowup.

A giddy thing indeed.

IF YOU GO

‘LADY DISDAIN’ When: Through June 27 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $31-$77 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

Romantasy author Alice (Brett Ashley Robinson) gives encouragement to Claudio (Ben Clark), who’s struggling to stay sober, in Asolo Rep’s “Lady Disdain.”

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

15A

A Girl Scout grows up and conquers her demons MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

A

ddictions come in many forms — drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, social media, porn, shopping and awards. Yes, you read that last one right. It’s one of the most all-American forms of addiction. Though applauded by all and ostensibly a positive pastime, going for the gold over and over can mask emotional deficiencies, the socalled hole in the soul.

People are caught off guard when former professional athletes and child actors end up in the news for drug or alcohol-related offenses.

But it’s really not a big surprise.

Those whose moment of glory has passed are trying to replace the high that comes from winning and being adored by audiences.

But it’s not just celebrities who can never get enough love. It can be anyone checking their phone to see how many “likes” their Instagram Courtesy image

Cristela Carrizales is the star of Lifeline Productions’ “Begin Again Badge,” which runs through June 21 at the Cook Theatre.

or Facebook post got. As more than one self-help book has pointed out, we’re all dopamine junkies now.

Not everyone wants to see a show about someone who hit bottom, even if their life is on an upswing.

Many people go to the theater to escape their problems, not to hear about somebody else’s.

But who can resist a show called “Begin Again Badge?” Who among us did not spend their childhood racking up badges as a Girl Scout, a Boy Scout and for the ultra-ambitious, Eagle Scout?

Cristela Carrizales’ premise to get audiences to join her on her twisting journey to self-acceptance is genius.

Why? Because everyone can relate.

Carrizales is a Latina raised by a single mom with abusive boyfriends.

She’s an ex-military wife who has lost more than 150 pounds (about half her body weight) and has been sober for about three years. She and her former husband spent about a decade trying to conceive to no avail. In short, “Begin Again Badge” checks all the boxes for the confessional one-woman show.

But beyond Carrizales’ outsized talent and knockout humor, what makes “Begin Again Badge” so appealing is that its theme of looking for love in all the wrong places and learning to find it in the mirror rings true regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or even socioeconomic class.

Over breakfast at the Toasted Mango Cafe, Carrizales talked about the journey that brought her to the stage of the Cook Theatre. She ordered waffles topped with fresh mango and whipped cream along with a side of bacon. Most of it ended up in a takeout box, because Carrizales can only eat small amount of food at one time after undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss.

In both her show and the interview, what comes across is Carrizales’ zeal for life and her no-holds-barred honesty.

Whether it’s joking about her late-in-life alcoholism that took three trips to rehab to get in check (“Chocolate cake is

my true love, not booze”) or being ghosted on dating apps, Carrizales is not afraid to laugh at herself. She wants you to laugh along.

During her childhood, Carrizales was surrounded by music because her grandmother was a fan of Broadway musicals. Asked to name her musical influences, she says without hesitation, “Babs, (shorthand for Barbra Streisand) and of course, Linda Ronstadt.”

Carrizales became even more of a Ronstadt fan after the folk rock superstar embraced her Mexican heritage by recording mariachi classics on “Canciones de mi padre” (“Songs of My Father”).

Carrizales is proud of her Hispanic roots, but explains that her family has been in Texas longer than it’s been a state. Still, when she was growing up in Dallas, assimilation was the order of the day. “We weren’t allowed to speak Spanish. We were kind of invisible,” she recalls.

CURSED WITH A CLOAK OF INVISIBILITY

One of the most heart-wrenching vignettes in “Begin Again Badge” is how Carrizales was always called Lisa by the nuns at her Catholic elementary school. Because there was another chubby Latina girl named Lisa, Carrizales assumed the sisters couldn’t tell them apart. But years later, when she asked Lisa whether she was ever called Cristela, the answer was no. “My identity was literally erased,” she tells the audience.

Although Carrizales lost a highly coveted role in a communion ceremony to the other Lisa, she won recognition by earning badges as a Girl Scout and by performing in choir and theater performances in junior and senior high and college.

When her life went off the rails after her marriage ended, she found solace on the stage again. In Oklahoma City, she honed her talents in cabaret and improv. Her ability to dramatically shift her persona, raise her voice and suddenly burst into song drive the narrative of “Begin Again Badge.” Throughout the show, Carrizales earns a series of badges as

she reaches milestones in her life.

In the improv world, Carrizales crossed paths several times with Will Luera, the longtime head of Florida Studio Theatre Improv who is now artistic director of Sarasota’s Lifeline Productions. “People in Sarasota may not realize it, but in the national improv world, Will Luera is famous,” she says.

A nonprofit theater company, Lifeline was founded three years ago

by Joel Ehrenpreis to shine a light on mental health. Its first production was “Clowns Like Me,” a oneman show starring Joel’s son, Scott Ehrenpreis, who has been diagnosed with OCD, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

Lifeline followed up “Clowns Like Me,” which played Off Broadway in New York, with Luera’s one-man show, “Entangled,” which explored mental health through a humorous lens.

When Carrizales pitched “Begin Again Badge” to Luera, he presented it to Ehrenpreis. “Joel and I brought Cristela’s show in because it felt like a strong fit for the kind of work we want to support at Lifeline: personal, honest and rooted in a clear point of view,” Luera says.

Adds Ehrenpreis: “The moment I met Cristela, I knew we had found our next piece — a raw, gut-punching and brilliantly humorous story of hope and healing.”

When it was time to drive from Oklahoma, to Sarasota, Carrizales gave herself five days for the trip. “I stopped whenever I wanted to. I ate whatever I wanted to. Oh my God, the nature I saw. What I realized is that I’m happier on a back road doing 65 miles an hour than I am on the interstate doing 95,” she says.

Carrizales asked a friend to create an inspirational playlist of 20 songs for her trip, which she saved for the last day.

“When I arrived in Sarasota, I was centered, focused and peaceful. I really savored the solitude. It was the first time being alone felt good,” Carrizales says.

It was time to add the Solo Road Trip badge to her sash.

IF YOU GO

‘BEGIN AGAIN BADGE’ When: Through June 21 Where: The Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $37.25 Info: Visit LifelineProductionsInc.org.

Cristela Carrizales’ premise to get audiences to join her on her twisting journey to selfacceptance is genius. Why? Because everyone can relate.

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Lifeline Productions presents Cristela Carrizales’ ‘Begin Again Badge.’

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SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Carlos Pagán solidified jazz in Sarasota The Bronx native served on the board of the Jazz Club of Sarasota and was a programmer at WSLR. MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

I

n the world of radio, it’s an open secret that people with beautiful voices don’t always have pretty faces. But WSLR disc jockey Carlos Pagán was blessed with both, noted fellow deejay Louise Coogan during a June 11 radio tribute to the Jazz Club of Sarasota board member.

Pagán, a Bronx native who moved to Sarasota with his wife, Wendy, in 2015, died June 7. He was 78.

“He was tall, handsome and sophisticated with a beautiful voice.

But he was just a radio geek like the rest of us,” Coogan said. “He understood the responsibility that comes when someone puts a microphone in front of you.”

Pagán hosted a weekly Metropics jazz and world music radio show, but on June 11, his colleagues turned the show into a tribute. During the decade he lived in Sarasota, Pagán was a major force in bringing jazz to local audiences.

Pagán was also known for directing the documentary, “All There Is — A Circus Story,” which had its world premiere at the 2019 Sarasota Film Festival and continues to screen periodically on the Tampa/ Sarasota PBS TV station WEDU. The film featured local circus performers reflecting on the legacy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Pagán’s multimedia career spanned radio, TV and film and included on-air host and producing jobs in LaCrosse and Madison, Wisconsin, as well as Miami. He won nine regional Emmy awards.

A graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and the University of Wisconsin, he founded the Sarasota-based internet radio station Metropics in 2016 and served as its programmer and host.

He met his wife in 2002 at a Hal-

Carlos Pagán, a fixture of the Sarasota jazz scene, moved to Sarasota with his wife, Wendy, in 2015. He died June 7.

loween party in the Cocoanut Grove neighborhood of Miami. After being introduced by friends, they learned they had both lived in New York City and had attended the University of Wisconsin. They married in 2004 and honeymooned in China, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Carlos Pagán promoted jazz and world music through his Metropics internet radio station and his weekly WSLR program of the same name.

In an email, Wendy said, “Many readers may have never heard of Carlos Pagán. What was unique and one man’s legacy is that he consciously strived to think, act and live higher than his solitary life circumstances of growing up a kid in the turbulent South Bronx. He believed strongly in deep and open conversation that provided critical listening to one’s opponent — or adversary — to find common ground and solutions for a better planet.”

During the WSLR 96.5 community-radio tribute, Coogan and other past and present colleagues praised Pagán for his professionalism and his generosity in sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of music and radio with others.

When Jesse Coleman became station manager at WSLR and its affiliated listening room, Fogartyville, in April 2024, Pagán was the first programmer that he sat in with. “He

was precise, planned and methodical about the way he approached every track,” Coleman said.

When trumpet player Mark Gruder retired to Sarasota in 2018, he was looking for a part-time volunteer job and heard about the opportunity to host a radio show on WSLR. “Even though Carlos’ parents were Puerto Rican and my grandparents were Jewish émigrés, we bonded over our Bronx origins,” Gruder said.

With Pagán’s help, Gruder developed his radio show, “The Blue Groove,” a world music/jazz show on WSLR. Among his fellow programmers, Pagán was known for his ability to quietly arrive at the last minute and deliver a perfect broadcast. “He set the standard for being a professional on a public radio station,” Coleman said.

A playlist of Pagán’s favorite songs put together by Wendy kicked off with Jackson Browne’s “Alive in the World.” Its lyrics, “I want to live in the world/I want to stand and be counted/With the hopeful and the willing/With the open and the strong” epitomized Pagán’s approach to life.

LEVERAGING MIAMI JAZZ CONTACTS TO HELP SARASOTA

When he arrived in Sarasota, Pagán brought his contacts that he had built as part of Miami’s Latin jazz scene. Those ties helped bring top performers like percussionist Sammy Figueroa to the Sarasota Jazz Festival, presented annually by the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

“When I met Carlos, I saw instantly that he had an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz artists and recording,” said Jazz Club President Ed Linehan. “He had lived in Miami, where he and Wendy were involved in the jazz community and had relationships with some of the bigger names. Beyond that, he was a gentle, kind, thoughtful person and a good friend.”

He added: “It’s hard to be a jazz fan right now because so many are leaving us.” When Linehan was caring for his wife, jazz vocalist Synia Carroll,

Courtesy images

Pagán took the reins of the March 2025 Sarasota Jazz Festival. (Carroll died later that year.)

At the time, Pagán quipped to a reporter, “Don’t leave the accent mark off my name because I don’t want people to think I’m a pagan.”

Family and friends say he was deeply spiritual, but found his sustenance in the teachings of several religions.

Pagán was proud of his Puerto Rican heritage and was dedicated to reaching out to underserved audiences and protecting the earth.

But underpinning it all was the belief in the power of the arts. “He believed in the healing power of music and the visual arts and their ability to connect us globally when everything else is in chaos,” Gruder said.

In addition to Wendy, Pagán is survived by his mother-in-law, Martha Nwaobia, brothers-in-law Tracy Anderson (Mary), Bethel Nwaobia (Justine), sister-in-law Lori Christianson, and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Carlos Pagán promoted jazz and world music through his Metropics internet radio station and his weekly WSLR program of the same name.

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Created by Aaron Gundy, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” features an acoustic trio who take you on a flight to the feel-good era of folk music in the late 1960s and 1970s. Among the singer/songwriters whose works are featured in this upbeat show are Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Lovin’ Spoonful. Runs through July 19.

‘HONKY TONK ANGELS’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25-$59 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Follow three Dolly Parton wannabes on a road trip to Nashville who forge lasting bonds of friendship along the way. This tale gives its performers the chance to belt out country favorites like Parton’s “9 to 5” and Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” among others. Runs through June 21.

OUR PICK

JUNETEENTH TALENT SHOWCASE This year’s Juneteenth festival spans two days at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The festivities begin with a talent showcase on Friday night and continue on Saturday with an arts festival that begins at 11 a.m. and includes live performances, short films by Ringling College students, food trucks and other vendors.

The capstone of the Saturday festival is “Enigma,” at 7:30 featuring WBTT artist Brian L. Boyd.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 19 Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Tickets: Free Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe.org.

You may know singer Eartha Kitt as the sultry siren who sang “Santa Baby,” a 1950s holiday ditty that lives forever on the internet.

Or maybe you remember her as Catwoman from the 1960s TV series “Batman.” One thing is sure: You’ve never seen the glamorous entertainer backstage as Eartha Mae, a country girl from South Carolina who became a citizen of the world. Jade Wheeler created and stars in this show with spirited piano accompaniment by Catherine Stornetta. Runs through June 21.

FRIDAY ‘ROMEO AND JULIET’ 7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail $15 and up Visit DingbatTheatreProject.org.

You may have seen “Romeo and Juliet,” but you haven’t seen Dingbat Theatre Project’s version of the Bard’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

The adults-only production features burlesque and drag performances interwoven with club music. This adaptation is created and directed

by Dingbat founder Luke Manual and features choreography by Yasha Wilson. Runs weekends through June 28.

SATURDAY AC/DUCE/C — AC/DC TRIBUTE 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30.90-$72.10 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

During the off season, Sarasota Opera uses its 100-year-old Opera House to screen films and host concerts, like this one honoring AC/DC. AC/DUCE/C comes to Sarasota courtesy of Vintage Vinyl Productions, known for such tribute bands as Fleetwood Mach and Almost Eagles. Get ready to rock on in an opera house.

DON’T MISS

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR The Ringling and the Circus Arts Conservatory join forces for their annual Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theater. Ringmaster Ashley Vargas, a veteran of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and circuses around the world, presides over a showcase of circus artists in a program designed for all generations. Among the circus arts represented are clowning, juggling, hand balancing, aerial arts and duo roller skating. For $5 more, make it a circus day and tour The Ringling’s Historic Circus Galleries and Tibbals Learning Center, which contains a miniature circus of 42,000 pieces built by Howard Tibbals.

Runs through Aug. 8.

THIS WEEK

IF YOU GO

When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18 Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $15-$20 Info: Visit Ringling.org.

have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

SCRIPT & SONG WITH SAM BEAM AND LINDSEY FERRENTINO 6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5 with registration Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

The Summer Circus Spectacular runs through Aug. 8 at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater.

Image courtesy of Ann-Kathrin Brocks

COMEDY LOTTERY 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS 6 p.m. at The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts Free Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

Florida Studio Theatre’s own improv troupe takes over Bowne’s Lab with “Comedy Lottery,” giving the audience the chance to select the night’s games. If FST Improv isn’t on your radar, it’s time for a new machine. Runs through June 27.

Known for his 2024 album “Brick

by Brick,” JP Soars is a Florida blues rock singer and multiinstrumentalist. He’s backed by the Red Hots, including drummer Chris Peet and bassist Cleveland Frederick. So if Dad has a hankering for the blues, bring him down to The Bay.

SUNDAY ‘SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW’ 11 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

“Something Borrowed, Something New” features major modern artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, David Hockney, Yoko Ono, Kara Walker and Ai Weiwei. Their works have been loaned by private collectors in Southwest Florida to SAM for the show, which runs through Sept. 27.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs will host free Juneteenth celebrations at the theater on June 19-20.

17A

Courtesy image

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

In 1928, circus magnate John Ringling moved beyond collecting Baroque paintings with a major acquisition of more than 2,000 pieces of Cypriot art at the Anderson Galleries in New York, where the Metropolitan Museum was selling parts of its ancient art collection. For the first time, Ringling’s treasures

The folks at Hermitage Artist Retreat are celebrating because Hermitage Fellow Bess Wohl just won the Tony Award for Best Play for “Liberation.” As part of their Hermitage fellowships, visiting artists share their latest works-inprogress with the community. Come see what Grammy Award nominee Sam Beam (also known as Iron & Wine) and celebrated Broadway playwright Lindsey Ferrentino are up to in this sunset performance on Hermitage Beach.

MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ WITH FRED JOHNSON 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Theatre, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Jazz Club of Sarasota keeps the music playing in the off season with its Monday night jazz series at Florida Studio Theatre. This week’s featured performer is Fred Johnson, with a tribute to Duke Ellington.

Backing Johnson on vocals is a band consisting of LaRue Nickelson on guitar, Michael Ross on bass and Billy E. Peterson on drums.

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‘WHO IS EARTHA MAE?’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $5-$44 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

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Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 9B Sports 11B Weather 14B

JUNE 18, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS Floral art, Florida style Volunteers work together to create the first floral carpet by a Sarasota team.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

W

hen artist Sam Conable bicycles down the

Legacy Trail in the morning on his way to create art alongside artist

Photos by Ian Swaby

Beck Lane in Burns Square, he calls

Denise Kowal and Bill Baranowski work on the infiorata.

it a chance to get away from screens and into the community.

He enjoys conversing with people he meets along the way, and he says the community appreciates seeing the local color the artists bring.

The Sarasota Int’l Chalk Festival organization, in which he has long participated, also has its eye set on the local landscape.

Over three nights leading up to the night of June 14, volunteers turned out to help prepare materials, from dried leaves to flowers, for what festival founder and Chair Denise Kowal says is a first.

The infiorata flower carpet outside the Burns Square Hotel was the first one created by an entirely Sarasota team, she says.

The community had a chance to become acquainted with infiorata, a tradition that comes from Italy, during the 2024 festival.

That event brought in the country’s first delegation of international floral carpet artists.

Although the festival is not taking place this year, Kowal says the project, which took place with limited promotion, was a shout out to friends abroad.

It took place during the month of the Feast of Corpus Christi, a time when many European towns host infiorata events.

As participants worked throughout the night of June 14, she says a steady stream of community members came by, exactly what she hoped would happen.

However, an infiorata designed for Sarasota’s community had to have a fittingly Sarasota theme.

Conable says in creating the centerpiece image, the goal was to integrate Sarasota’s history with its natural beauty.

The painting featured Barbara Bowers of the Sun-Debs, a group of young women assembled in 1949, who posed in photographs to promote the city as a tourism destination.

The display, which also incorporated artwork by Lane and artist Lorenda Fore, included features such as flamingos with palm frond legs, paintbrushes with bristles of pine needles and handles of bamboo, and a section of shells that also serves as an Italian motif for pilgrimage.

“This is a beautiful thing,” Conable said. “Also, to bring people together for real, instead of staring at screens and social media. With the advent of AI, it’s driving me crazy because it’s changing the landscape for artists who are working artists. It’s taken a lot of work away from me personally, through people using AI. So things are changing rapidly, and it’s hard, so this kind of really organic, natural community event, to me, is a beautiful way to kind of offset that.”

Some materials were provided by

Morgan Wilkins-Plumley, 14, Chance Lett, 16, and Alexa Villegas, 15, work on the materials for the infiorata.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Stocking Savvy Environmental Consulting, while about 1,300 carnations were purchased.

Kowal says they learned a lot about what materials are available and in bloom.

“I think that when we do it again, we’ll be able to use just locally sourced materials,” she said.

Denise Kowal holds a box of flower petals.

GROUP EFFORT

Helping fill out the display was a turnout of close to 20 volunteers each night, who broke down as well as placed materials.

Alexa Villegas, 15, who volunteered for three nights, said even though activities like crushing up dried leaves could be tedious and took awhile, it was “just great” to meet everyone else who was volunteering.

On June 14, she got the chance to sort flowers and take apart the petals.

She called this “one of the main reasons why I came here” and said it was fulfilling work because it was fun to work with all the different colors.

“I hope this will help spur a lot more art projects throughout here,” she said. “Even though this is very ephemeral, because it’s going to be gone in a day, it’s just great. I hope it spurs a lot more connections to the history of Sarasota and infioratas, and just art history altogether.”

The infiorata was an all-night effort, Kowal says. She and her partner, Bill Baranowski, the Chalk Festival’s chief operating officer, did not sleep until 6:30 the following morning.

Yet, there was more to do even that day, as the project was refreshed with new materials before it was eventually dismantled on June 16.

“We’ll start planning times throughout the year where maybe there will be several made throughout the city, and people can walk and see the different ones,” Kowal said.

Courtesy photo

The completed infiorata was visible the following day in Burns Square.

Bill Baranowski places some leaves on the walkway.

Scarletta Pirkle, 7, helps to place flower petals on the paint pad.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

One name is company

Monica Young takes things beyond the usual wardrobe.

T

here was no mistaking the guest of honor at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime on June 13.

It was Helen Roper from the 1970s to 1980s sitcom “Three’s Company,” and its spinoff, “The Ropers.” Or to be precise, multiple versions of her.

Members of the community braved the heat for Mrs. Roper’s Romp, presented by the venue and

by Project Pride SRQ, with 19 women participating in a Mrs. Roper beauty pageant.

The landlady played by Audra Lindley has recently reemerged in popularity through Mrs. Roper’s Romp events, which grew out of a parade during a 2013 New Orleans Pride event.

“She was the first feminist on TV,” said Tammy Hauser. “She was funny because she didn’t let her husband control her at all. She was in charge; she wanted to have a good time. She was more open about all the stuff going on with Jack and Chrissy and Janet ... just that he wasn’t gay, and that there were three young people living together, and she was supportive of it, just open about it, spunky and fun.”

The event also gave the concept a chance to gain new attention.

“Actually, when I first saw it on Facebook, I thought, ‘That seems stupid,’” said Jolanta Bremer, who ended up winning. “And here I am after purchasing the outfit on Amazon, and it was really fun. I got to swap these glasses with my good friend’s, and I think it made all the difference,” she said.

— IAN SWABY

Photos by Ian Swaby

Ariel Lardiere and Jake Nozek offer live music.

Kim Sutton and Tracey Gonzalez take the stage in a double effort.

Sara Osten takes to the stage as Mrs. Roper with a drink.

Jolanta Bremer was crowned the 2026 Queen Helen.

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E XC LU S IVE LY F E AT U R E D I N : FO R B ES YAH O O BU S I N ESS I N S I D E R S RQ 3 5 U N D E R 3 5 N E W YO R K W E E KLY PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN REVISKY

WA L L ST R E E T T I M ES

THE NEW STANDARD OF SARASOTA LUXURY

PROVEN RESULTS

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

With career sales approaching $1 billion, Adnan Dedic remains

leads. Recently ranked among the top 500 brokers nationwide, Dedic has built a

the first choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking discretion

reputation on three pillars: technological innovation, fearless negotiation, and a

and results. His command of Sarasota’s most coveted address-

work ethic forged in a remarkable personal history.

es — from the shores of Siesta Key to the glittering waterfront corridors of Sarasota — is unmatched. Dedic consistently rep-

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE

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

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

listings in the region — a testament to the trust that ultra-high-

conflict in Bosnia. This early exposure to upheaval instilled a “grit-first” mentality

net-worth clients place in his hands.

million waterfront estate that stands among the highest-priced

that would come to define every chapter of his career. It is this same resilience — the ability to rebuild, adapt, and thrive under pressure — that caught the attention

What sets Dedic apart is the standard of service he delivers.

of both Forbes and SRQ Magazine’s “35 Under 35,” two of the most competitive

In a world where timing can mean millions, he operates with a

recognitions in business and real estate. Selectors pointed to a rare convergence of

24/7 commitment, providing the urgency and care demanded

qualities: an immigrant’s hunger, an entrepreneur’s instinct, and a producer’s results.

by his clients’ most consequential financial decisions. Whether navigating a discreet off-market acquisition or a high-profile

Dedic converted the drive to outperform into tangible results, becoming one of

waterfront sale, his clients benefit from a partner who under-

the region’s youngest agents to cross the $100 million threshold in annual sales

stands that true luxury is an experience defined by unmatched

— a milestone reached by fewer than 1% of realtors nationwide. His success has

quality, absolute availability, and a total investment in their

since earned him a feature on Yahoo Finance, placing him among an elite tier of

outcome.

professionals whose impact extends into the national business conversation.

What further separates Dedic is his background as a tech venture founder. In a market moving at the speed of data, he leverages proprietary tools and advanced analytics to give clients a measurable competitive advantage. He treats every listing like a high-stakes launch, blending Silicon Valley strategy with the high-touch service expected in the multi-million dollar waterfront sector. Recognized not simply

Adnan Dedic Luxury Real Estate Advisor 941.726.2917 adnan.dedic@compass.com

for what he has sold, but for how he sells — with precision, purpose, and a personal resilient entrepreneur who never forgot where he started.

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

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story that resonates — Dedic represents a new archetype in luxury real estate: the

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Timon Sofka, 4, his mother, Veronika Sofka, and his brother, Maxim Sofka, 6, enjoy an afternoon of soccer.

Samad Meskini takes to the green.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Declan Watters, center back for Sarasota Paradise, signs shoes and a soccer ball for Roman Brenner, 7, and Berlin Fronczak, 7.

A winning turnout T

he was offered the role last year.

“It took about two seconds. I said ‘Get me involved.’ And I’ve been here ever since,” he said.

He called World Cup “huge” and said it brought back a lot of memories of the time he competed in the event while playing for England in 2002.

“I’d rather be there competing than here, but the next best thing is being involved in coaching,” he said.

He said the event was an opportunity for Sarasota Paradise to get into the community and build its fanbase.

He also praised the experience of “being here and being part of this event, and watching the World Cup play out in front of our eyes with a load of fans that love the game of soccer, which has become a global game now, one of the fastest rising sports in the world.”

he FIFA World Cup is regarded as the most widely viewed sporting event in the world.

Despite the heat on June 14, hundreds of fans gathered at The Bay to watch the event on the park’s stadium-style screen at the Watch Party Kickoff Festival.

The broadcast featured the matches Germany vs. Curacao and Netherlands vs. Japan. Meanwhile, attendees could enjoy other activities including a 3v3 Round Robin Community Tournament by RIDA’S FINEST Sarasota Paradise, and the chance SHOWROOM to meet players and coaches from the organization.

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

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

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

Learn from the pros on Friday, Saturday & Sunday

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance

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

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located www.theplumbingplace.com “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom Steel.

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FREE seminars presented by the area’s top fishing experts & captains

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June

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June 26, 27, 28 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am -5pm

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NER LEDGE. SERVICE. | SARASOTA, FL 34232 Both materials offer excellent salt

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Tampa Bay's Largest Boat Show and Sale is back!

The Tampa Bay Boat Show will be overflowing with watercraft and exhibits for the boating enthusiast. .

The Expo Halls and Grounds are packed with displays.

FREE ADMISSION!

JOHN SMITHMAN, OWNER

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YourObserver.com

5B

HURRICANES HAPPEN

PREPAREDNESS

BE BE READY READY HURRICANES HAPPEN

Whether you need to prepare or repair, these businesses are here to help...

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RICH BRIANDI

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COMPUTER REPAIR, SALES & SERVICE New & Refurbished Computers Servicing PC & MAC on Site or In Shop

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To receive discount, offer must be presented at time of in store purchase. See store for complete details.

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HURRICANE SEASON

IS HERE! DON’T WAIT. SELECT POWER is Sarasota’s trusted GENERAC POWERPRO PREMIER dealer.

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HURRICANE

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

727-488-8182

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Call now for a FREE consultation.

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BEFORE THE STORM HITS… KNOW WHO TO CALL. Hurricane season is here. By the time a storm reveals your roof’s weak spots, it’s already too late to prepare.

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Ask us how to be a member and financing options.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.

Sandy fun runs return

JULY 3, 2026

Tuesday night Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

S

PRESENTED BY

ara Floyd attended the Kids Summer Beach Runs as a child growing up in Sarasota.

Now, she’s back on the sand, ready to race with her kids Jacob, 9, and Brody and Benjamin, 6.

The annual runs have become somewhat of a community tradition, and many families returned to Siesta Key Beach as the runs kicked off June 2.

The runs will be every Tuesday until July 29, and also will take place at North Brohard Beach in Venice.

The event is presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, New Balance Sarasota and New Balance University, as well as organized by the Manasota Track Club.

“This is a wonderful way for kids to stay active and build healthy habits in a fun, community setting,” said Destiny Gonzalez, the county’s events and programming supervisor, in a media release.

She said that last year, the runs had a turnout of more than 650 individuals.

“This is great; this is awesome,” said attendee Jake Stoltzfus. “Get the exercise in; get the kids out.”

“My kid looks forward to it every year,” said attendee Cassie Thoresen.

“I think it’s great to do it, it’s a great way to get the kids out and moving instead of in front of a screen.”

★ LIVE MUSIC BY SUGAR VIBE

FROM 5-8PM

★ PATRIOTIC CONCERT FROM

POPS ORCHESTRA 8-9:30PM

★ FIREWORKS SHOW AT 9:15PM ★ FOOD TRUCKS

★ MOTE SEA KIDS ZONE

★ APPLE PIE EATING CONTEST,

Photos by Ian Swaby

Jake Stoltzfus carries his son, Koa Stoltzfus, 3, along the route.

IF YOU GO Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. and runs begin at 6:30 p.m., at Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road.

All participants receive a finisher ribbon. Kids who complete four runs receive a free T-shirt, a Gecko’s Grill & Pub kid’s meal coupon and a New Balance kids’ shoe coupon. Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

COURTESY OF DER DUTCHMAN

FireworksOnTheLake.com SPONSORED BY

Kids who complete four runs on the beach receive a free T-shirt. The June 2 run was the first of the summer series, which runs through July.

Mason Boyle, 10, and Kaia Vihrachoff, 9, race to the finish line.

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6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

7B

Antonella Rojas, 9, pets Slick.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses a lasso.

LEARNING THE ROPES

T

he lesson wasn’t about tossing a lasso perfectly at the Sarasota City YMCA’s summer camp on June 3.

Instead, local farmer and rancher Robbie Martin wanted to open kids’ eyes to the work involved in agriculture.

He noted its importance to the food supply, and that today’s kids will be future policymakers and legislators.

Martin, a deputy with the Agricultural Unit of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, as well as president of the Sarasota County Farm Bureau, explained rope tricks to kids before allowing them to try their hand at lassoing a dummy calf.

He was accompanied by his son, Chase Martin, who rode a horse, Slick, and brought a trailer with

W O N

a recently born Brahman calf for which campers had the chance to suggest names.

Pamela Peters, membership coordinator for the Sarasota City YMCA, said with many campers this year from Title I schools serving under-resourced areas, the organization wanted to step up its offerings to give students experiences they would otherwise not receive.

“Farming may look easy, but it’s not,” Robbie Martin said. “It has its challenges. Roping can look easy if the right person is doing it, but when they get behind it, it’s like, ‘Man, this is more difficult than I thought,’ so it’s the same concept of having an appreciation for something somebody does.”

Clark Mast, 6, tries tossing a lasso.

Chase Martin demonstrates how to toss a lasso.

Parker Mast, 9, Clark Mast, 6, Antonella Rojas, 9, Daniel Bitter, 7, Leo Barnes 5, Peter Calnan, 6, and Brody Jenkins, 10, prepare to try the lasso.

— IAN SWABY

N E P O

The Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion

Sarasota Memorial’s latest addition to the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute is redefining modern oncology and creating a world-class destination for advanced treatment and patient-centered care — right here in Sarasota.

The 7-story, 200,000-square-foot pavilion houses a full array of outpatient cancer services supporting the entire continuum of cancer care — from prevention, screening and diagnosis to treatment, clinical trials, survivorship care and lifetime support – all under one roof and directly integrated with Sarasota Memorial’s inpatient Oncology Tower.

smhcancer.com

463891-1

It’s more than a new building. It’s a beacon of hope.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

SIESTA KEY 8501 Midnight Pass Road 6 Beds 7/3 Baths 12,000 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4692839 $29,995,000

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

SIESTA KEY 3210 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,884 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4676047 $11,950,000

HARBOR ACRES 1340 Harbor Drive 4 Beds 5/2 Baths 5,157 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404.822.9264 A4680096 $10,995,000

SIESTA KEY 1249 S Basin Lane 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 10,642 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4690355 $8,950,000

BAY ISLAND 3820 Flamingo Avenue 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 4,775 Sq. Ft. Fred Sassen & Barbara May 404.408.5956 A4673215 $8,395,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I-75) 3950 Red Rock Way 5 Beds 5/4 Baths 6,850 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4669105 $7,999,999

MUSEUM AREA 4511 Bay Shore Road 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 5,812 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941.809.1700 A4678538 $7,995,000

HARBOR ACRES 1394 Harbor Drive 4 Beds 6 Baths 5,913 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4682309 $7,750,000

HIDDEN HARBOR 5179 Hidden Harbor Road 6 Beds 6/3 Baths 4,900 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4669099 $7,500,000

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 1390 Main Street #1505 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,428 Sq. Ft. Joseph Richardson & Lori Valvano 941.900.3111 A4685949 $6,895,000

POINT OF ROCKS 7152 Point Of Rocks Circle 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,561 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Lynn Morris 941.376.1717 A4676052 $6,750,000

LIDO SHORES 1212 Center Place 5 Beds 6 Baths 4,807 Sq. Ft. Steven Moore 401.767.7180 A4676921 $5,695,000

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 401 S Palm Avenue #1102 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,385 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941.356.9642 A4689269 $5,675,000

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

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 1479 Bay Point Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,783 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Linehan 941.266.7555 A4647998 $5,495,000

LIDO SHORES 1235 Center Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,774 Sq. Ft. Lisa Rooks Morris 941.544.3332 A4674992 $5,195,000

SIESTA KEY 1035 Seaside Drive #603 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,303 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Sophia Dudon 941.234.3991 A4672418 $4,600,000

SIESTA ISLES 5569 Cape Leyte Drive 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,654 Sq. Ft. Steven Hagan 941.900.4126 A4685577 $4,495,000

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

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA 1931 High Point Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,712 Sq. Ft. Fred Sassen & Barbara May 404.408.5956 A4690458 $1,495,000

SIESTA KEY 1260 Dolphin Bay Way #404 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson & Ethel Lovelace 941.404.9347 A4673762 $1,395,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT 350 Golden Gate Point #51 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,760 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil 941.961.4023 A4689328 $1,350,000

SOMERSET COVE / HAMILTON CLUB 3942 Hamilton Club Circle #13 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,691 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941.350.3743 A4696120 $1,349,000

SOUTH LIDO KEY 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive #B308 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,700 Sq. Ft. Ann Martin & Joanna Benante 941.356.7717 A4689391 $1,300,000

POINT OF ROCKS 7324 Point Of Rocks Road 5 Beds 5 Baths 5,524 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941.544.4919 A4643281 $16,000,000

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

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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8B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

JUNE 1-5

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

E

lizabeth GibsonWakeman, of South Bristol, Maine, sold her home at 1908 S. Orange Ave. to Patrick and Kim Nettles, of Islesboro, Maine, for $4.75 million.

Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,686 square feet of living area. It sold for $599,000 in 2010.

SIESTA KEY: $1.51 MILLION

Siesta’s Bayside Gayle Wright, trustee, of Dayton, Ohio, sold the home at 749 Tropical Circle to James Fowkes II and Mary Jane Fowkes, of Frederick, Maryland, for $1.51 million. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2025.

PALMER RANCH: $1,245,000

SARASOTA

BAY PLAZA R. Jack and Victoria Chapman, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1501 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Linda Cahn and Paul Marshall, trustees, of Sarasota, for $3,475,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,981 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1.17 million in 2017.

SOUTH GATE Ellis Consulting Group Inc. sold the home at 2534 Grove St. to MESA54 LLC for $2,327,000. Built in 2025, it has seven bedrooms, seven baths, a pool and 4,570 square feet of living area.

Courtesy of Realtor Judie Berger

Island, sold their home at 389 Gowdy Road to Robert Cichielo, of Bethlehem Township, New Jersey, for $970,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,445 square feet of living area. It sold for $652,400 in 2020.

HUNTINGTON POINTE Paul and Lynda Schuepp, trustees, sold the home at 4170 Hearthstone Drive to Stephanie Sacha, of Sarasota, for $715,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,120 square feet of living area. It sold for $665,000 in 2021.

Jacquelyn Mancini, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2329 Siesta Drive to Georgios and Maria Makkas, of Sarasota, for $680,000. Built in 1956, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,415 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2022.

Andrea and Byron Hoogwerf, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8972 Huntington Pointe Drive to Juan Luis Curiel and Susana Samaniego, of Sarasota, for $525,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,827 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2016.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL Peter and Katherine Daley, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1600 condominium at 1350 Main St. to Michael Muth, trustee, of Lincolnshire, Illinois, for $1,775,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths and 2,165 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2014.

PALMERS Geraldine Skinner, of Bricktownship, New Jersey, sold her home at 2463 Hillview St. to Gary’s Roofing LLC and Highlander Strategic Investments LLC for $650,000.

Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,837 square feet of living area. It sold for $185,000 in 2008.

SARASOTA BAY CLUB Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 923 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Dorothy Garner, of Sarasota, for $1.75 million. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,790 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2012.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA Kane Management Group Ltd. sold the Unit A502 condominium at 1709 N. Tamiami Trail to Min Pu and Litao Shen, of Sarasota, for $560,000. Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, two baths and 950 square feet of living area. It sold for $456,300 in 2022.

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 524 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Doris Botshon, of Sarasota, for $1.5 million. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.4 million in 2025.

BAYVIEW KD Clari Florida West Coast LLC sold the home at 1739 Siesta Drive to Miodrag Antonijevic, of Des Plaines, Illinois, for $1.1 million.

Built in 1960, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 2,446 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,035,000 in 2023.

PAYNE PARK VILLAGE Christopher Michael Byrnes and Vivian Byrnes, of Greenwich, Rhode

REAL ESTATE

Harbor Acres home sells for $4.75 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

9B

square feet of living area. It sold for $840,000 in 2021.

WHISPERING SANDS Gerald and Kay Paquette, trustees, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, sold the Unit 1104 condominium at 19 Whispering Sands Drive to Douglas and Lynn Eaby, of Siesta Key, for $965,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,282 square feet of living area. It sold for $472,000 in 2001.

The Siesta Key home at 749 Tropical Circle was built in 1984 and has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,598 square feet of living area.

PRESTANCIA John Lyth, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4255 Boca Pointe Drive to Elena Murasheva and Richard Munn, trustees, of Village of Pelham, New York, for $1,245,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,312 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.3 million in 2024.

OSPREY: $2.5 MILLION

MERIDIAN AT THE OAKS PRESERVE JWJ Trust Properties LLC sold the Unit 1001 condominium at 409 N. Point Road to Douglas Kondziolka, trustee, of New York City, for $2.5 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,029 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,365,000 in 2020.

NOKOMIS: $705,000

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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SIESTA KEY THE PLACE 450 KWB Holdings LLC sold the Unit 3 condominium at 450 Beach Road to Shawn Hittman, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, for $1.22 million. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,386 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2021.

REVISED SIESTA Pamela Ann Singer and Robert Joseph Singer, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 157 Garden Lane to Julie Fadel, of La Grange, Kentucky, for $1.05 million.

Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,146

CALUSA LAKES Darryl and Jane Sjoberg, trustees, of Venice, sold the home at 2187 Muskogee Trail to David and Suzanne Lingard, of Nokomis, for $705,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,501 square feet of living area.

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TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of June 1-5, in order of dollar amounts.

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

1851 Oleander St.

Re-roof

Beth Daniel

$104,000

647 Norsota Way

Pool resurfacing

Eric Baird, trustee

$93,450

2236 Datura St.

Pool

Andrew Beardow

$76,000

941.951.6650

2159 Hawthorne St.

Alterations

Mathew Helme

$75,000

MSCDeveloperServices.com

878 Freeling Drive

Re-roof

Michael Griffith, trutsee

$73,090

1233 N. Gulfstream Ave. #803 Alterations

Alvin Neumann

$70,000

850 S. Tamiami Trail #301

Renovations

Megan Calley

$52,845

2220 Bahia Vista St.

Windows/Doors

Judith Tribble

$48,233

1347 Harbor Drive

Re-roof

Lindsay Ann Davenport,

$35,400

trustee Prices as of January 2025

Source: City of Sarasota

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YOUR CALENDAR

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

* for full details.

BEST BET

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

FATHER’S DAY AT THE BAY: JP SOARS & THE RED HOTS 6-7:30 p.m. at The Oval, The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free, but be sure to reserve a spot. End the Father’s Day celebration by listening to live blues from JP Soars & The Red Hots outdoors. Have a chance to win a free gift certificate for mini golf from PopStroke, as well as a free gift card for a boat tour. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

Courtesy image

JP Soars & The Red Hots will be performing at The Bay’s Father’s Day celebration June 21.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

of the Arts. Free. The best way to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Sarasota is to experience it at The Bay. Enjoy Argentina vs. Austria on large broadcasting screens, get food and drink from Nakos Takos and The Nest Cafe. In partnership with Sarasota Paradise, you can meet the players and get autographs. Bring lawn chairs and you team’s colors.

No reservations required. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

JAZZ JAM SRQ 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Selby Library, Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St., Sarasota. Listen or play at the jazz open mic jam sessions. No need to worry if you’re a beginner, bring your instrument and sign up upon arrival. No registration required. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

SUMMER LEARNING: WILD ABOUT ANIMALS WITH JUNGLE GARDENS: SOFT, SMOOTH, SLITHERY 2-3 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. For all ages. Learn about and get up close with amazing creatures, taught by the Jungle Gardens animal ambassadors. Visit SCGovLibrary.

LibraryMarket.com.

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*Restrictions apply. See server

CHATEAU DENTAL

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 1-6 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. between Links Avenue and Perishing Avenue. Free and for all ages. Celebrate Juneteenth as a community with food, vendors and live music. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

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FLORIDA CRACKER CATTLE: A WALK THROUGH TIME 9-11 a.m. at Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Ave. Take a walk through time and learn all about the “cracker” cattle of Urfer Family Park. These Floridian cattle arrived alongside Spanish explorers in the 1500s and learned to adapt to the Florida environment. Learn why this type of cattle has such an important connection to Florida history. Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

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

MONDAY, JUNE 22

WATCH PARTY AT THE BAY WITH SARASOTA PARADISE, ARGENTINA VS. AUSTRIA 1-4 p.m. at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard

Comprehensive dental care with comfort and ease!

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

DEMONSTRATION GARDEN TOUR: VISITOR CENTER AT OSPREY JUNCTION TRAILHEAD 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Osprey Junction Trailhead, 939 E. Bay St., Osprey.

Free. Tour the demonstration gardens and learn all about Floridafriendly landscaping techniques that can be used at home. The monthly tour is led by Master Gardener volunteers, and only requires registration. Visit UFSarasotaExt.EventBrite. com.

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JUNE 18, 2026

SPORTS

“My coach (Evan Olson), who was an Olympian, used to say that all we needed to do was ‘Break one of them ... ’” — Elliott Mathes, Sarasota Crew SEE PAGE 13B

Football in the family

Guided by father-coach Aaron McRae, rising sophomore Amarian McRae of Cardinal Mooney has put himself on the map — and quickly.

FAST

BREAK

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

A

aron McRae could never get too comfortable on the couch. More often than not, his presence was requested outside the house not long after he sat down.

That’s because his son, Amarian McRae, needed someone to throw him the football. It started with one request — before he set foot on a football field — and more followed.

“We always talk about this video.

We have the footage of it,” said Aaron McRae. “One day, he came up to me with the football in his hands. He had his little gloves on, his little cleats ...

He said, ‘Come on Daddy. Let’s go train.’”

Father and son became mentor and mentee. The former passed down what knowledge he could and the latter absorbed it, learning the game throughout his childhood.

Amarian McRae, now with Cardinal Mooney football, has run with the teachings of his built-in training partner.

The rising sophomore defensive back/wide receiver’s future has already begun to take shape. As of June 15, he’s collected four offers from NCAA Division I/FBS programs in this month alone — UCLA, Notre Dame, Georgia and Florida.

Toledo, Maryland, North Carolina, East Carolina, Louisville and Wake Forest have also extended offers. His list is now 10 deep, with three more years in his high school career to impress even more college coaches around the country.

“One of the things I was blessed with is size, and then the ability to use my size — to play within my frame,” McRae said. “I’m very athletic. There’s a lot of things I can do that most people can’t do.”

Year one with the Cougars was wildly successful. It ended on the highest note of all, resulting in a championship ring on McRae’s finger.

Cardinal Mooney won the FHSAA Class 2A state title, helped by the 6-foot-1, 175-pound talent who contributed 35 tackles, 19 pass breakups and two interceptions. The defensive unit allowed just over 13 points per game with him in the fold.

When he wasn’t hunting passcatchers, he looked to the secondary’s elder statesmen for guidance.

Safety Jayden Burnett, safety/wide receiver Laron Foye and wide receiv-

Images courtesy of Aaron McRae

As a freshman, Amarian McRae (center) was often featured in the secondary for Cardinal Mooney. The Cougars held six opponents to 10 or fewer points or in their first season with him on the roster.

Jay Heater

Sarasota Crew didn’t claim ultimate hardware at this year’s USRowing Youth National Championships, but did have multiple representatives in the finals June 14 at Nathan Benderson Park.

T Jack Nelson

er/cornerback Rymen Mosley were the first names that came to his mind as since-graduated role models.

“It was a great introduction ... to really feel what it’s like to be part of a winning team (and) to know what it takes from everybody,” McRae said.

“They left an imprint on me. Now, I’m trying to bring our guys up to that standard, and I’m trying to do some of the things they taught me.”

Spring football has been over since May 21. For the last few weeks, McRae has spent his summer traveling to college camps, taking his skills on tour.

Hundreds of high school athletes flock to these camps looking to put their names on the map. They hope to impress college coaches enough to earn an offer, but only a select few actually do.

Camps at Florida, Georgia and Notre Dame are among the largest and most in-demand. McRae competed at all of them on June 1, 4 and 5, respectively.

After each and every one, he received an offer. And that’s just how Aaron McRae drew it up when he devised his son’s summer schedule.

“I threw him in the fire (because I know) exactly who he is and what kind of competitor he is,” McRae said.

“I knew once he got around that caliber of guys, that his level of play would rise. When he got there, he did just that.”

He still coaches his son today.

Nearly a decade has passed since Amarian McRae began tackle football at 7 years old, and they’ve remained side by side on the gridiron.

Aaron McRae serves as a defensive assistant for the Cougars, working with the defensive backs. This fall will be his third season coaching in the program.

Back in his playing days, he donned the purple and gold for Booker High, also playing defensive back. He was a freshman on the only team in program history to reach a state title game.

Booker lost to St. Augustine 31-15 in the 2005 FHSAA Class 3A state championship, but 20 years later, McRae watched his then-freshman son become a state champion.

He chooses not to be as hands-on when coaching his son these days, instead trusting the work they’ve put in together over the years.

“I’ve been coaching him all his life, so we’ve gotten to the point where I don’t have to say much,” said Aaron McRae. “There is a lot of work to be done, still, but he’s far beyond where he should be at this age.”

There’s still plenty of summer left before Cardinal Mooney unofficially begins its season Aug. 14 against reigning 5A state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in the kickoff classic.

Amarian McRae’s definition of success this summer, though, isn’t about the quantity or quality of college offers he receives. He said it’s how prepared he feels when fall arrives.

“Maybe it’s in the weight room or on the field. Maybe it’s getting faster or stronger,” McRae said.

“I just want to make sure I set myself up this summer to have a great fall.”

He’ll continue fine-tuning his craft with his father by his side.

McRae has grown, but little has changed since those childhood days of working on the route tree and running defensive back drills.

“That’s the same stuff we’re doing right now,” said Aaron McRae. “He’ll still come and get me off the couch saying, ‘Come on Dad. Throw me the ball.’”

Aaron McRae (left) and Amarian McRae are proud members of a football family. All of Amarian McRae’s uncles and cousins played the sport, he said, and Aaron McRae played for Booker High from 2005-08.

CARDINAL MOONEY’S 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Week 1: Aug. 21 vs. Berkeley Prep, 7 p.m.

Week 2: Aug. 28 vs. Cardinal Newman, 7 p.m.

Week 3: Sept. 4 at True North Classical Academy, time TBD Week 4: Sept. 10 vs. Wellen Park, time TBD Week 5: BYE Week 6: Sept. 25 vs.

Braden River, 7 p.m.

Week 7: Oct. 2 vs.

Clearwater Central Catholic, 7 p.m.

Week 8: Oct. 9 vs. Bayshore, 7 p.m.

Week 9: Oct. 16 at Southeast, 7 p.m.

Week 10: Oct. 23 at Booker, 7:30 p.m.

Week 11: Oct. 30 vs. SmartEn Sports Academy, time TBD

In addition to his athleticism, Amarian McRae said his “next-play” mindset and ability to stay positive in negative situations distinguish him from other players at the high school level.

hree boats from Sarasota Crew reached the finals of their respective divisions at the USRowing Youth National Championships, held from June 11-14 at Nathan Benderson Park. The U16 Men’s Eight boat of Sichen Deng, Jackson Lizotte, Miles Cuff, Platon Shramko, Elliott Mathes, Everett Chappell, Caiden Moskowitz, Jan Stachovec and coxswain James Woods won bronze.

In the U17 Men’s Eight, Iouri Marcel, Meyer Sachs, Parker Morrison, Enzo Francisco, Jordan Grose, Jacob Mains, Will Lindell, Victor Kozlovsky and coxswain Olivia Twarowski finished in seventh place. In the U17 Women’s Eight, Aubree DeCraene, Audrey Reuter, Maya Jewell, Gabrielle Davis, Isabella De Liz, Sydney Soboleski, Shai Mitzafon, Rose Ottaviano and coxswain Lillian Teague placed eighth. ... Rising senior defensive end/tight end Miles Przekwas of Riverview High football committed to Navy on June 10. He held 17 other offers from NCAA Division I programs such as Army, Air Force, Cornell, Dartmouth and Yale. In 2025, Przekwas recorded 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss — both teamhigh marks. The Rams finished 9-2-1 and reached the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 semifinals. ... Dan Konczak was named the Cardinal Mooney girls volleyball coach June 12. He previously served as an assistant for Bradenton Christian. Last season, the Cougars finished 15-11 and reached the 3A-3 regional quarterfinals under assistantturned-interim coach Leah Mihm. Allan Knight stepped down in the middle of the 2025 season. Cardinal Mooney won the 3A state title in 2019, but has not returned to the title match since. ... Cardinal Mooney named Matt Middaugh its beach volleyball coach June 15. Middaugh served as an assistant under Rick Fisher this season as the Cougars went 11-7 en route to the 1A-3 regional semifinals.

Cardinal Mooney is still in search of its first state title in beach volleyball, but won state titles in both 2022 and 2023 while playing in the then-Sunshine State Athletic Conference.

SUMMER HEAT PAGE 12B

12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

NELSON’S NOGGIN

JACK NELSON

Hoop Vibe Summer League fills void The inaugural league, hosted at Braden River High, offers boys basketball players the valuable opportunity to compete in June. ketball in Florida. Its ultimate goal is to create visibility for players who might not get attention otherwise.

This summer league — its latest creation — fills a void in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. During June, local programs hold conditioning and informal practices, but actual games against other teams are few and far between.

Any opportunity to compete, as coaches would agree, is valuable. At this time of year, it can be a useful leg up on future opponents who don’t have that opportunity.

Jeff Harris, who’s entering his third year as the Riverview boys basketball coach, has been through summers before. He sees the Hoop Vibe Summer League as a welcomed addition to the calendar.

“There’s a lot of team camps out there where you can travel,” Harris said. “But I like the idea of play-

Trevon Evans is a rising junior forward for Riverview. He appeared in six games last season, averaging 2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 0.2 assists per contest, and can begin making his case this summer for more playing time.

Photos by Jack Nelson

Carter Evans (left), a rising senior forward with Riverview boys basketball, drives toward the rim. The Hoop Vibe Summer League is an opportunity for him to workshop his skills in a real-game setting.

ing two games spaced out during the week versus going on the weekend and playing five or six games over three days. That’s a toll on these kids’ bodies.”

Each of the league’s eight sessions entail six, one-hour games. Those games have four 10-minute quarters with one-minute breaks between the first and second quarters, as well as the third and fourth quarters.

Halftime is five minutes long.

The format is similar to what the FHSAA runs, but the quality of play varies. Wins and losses don’t matter. That makes for a raw, uneven brand of basketball.

Coaches roll out all sorts of lineups — big, small, fast, slow and just about anything in-between. Junior varsity players compete alongside varsity players.

Anyone who sits in the stands of Braden River’s gym will see as many airballs as 3-pointers. Depending on the teams in action, they might even see more of the former.

“It’s live practice for the season,” Knott said. “You’re going to look how you look in November. If you don’t work in June, it’s going to be a whole lot different, so it’s good to get the ugly out of the way early.”

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

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S

neakers squeak with every player who drives to the rim or darts downcourt to defend. The steady thud of leather hitting hardwood is occasionally interrupted by cries for fouls.

These are the sounds of high school basketball games in action, filling up gyms across the state between the months of November and March.

Now, they’re also being heard at a time of year when they typically aren’t heard at all.

That’s because the inaugural Hoop Vibe Summer League is underway at Braden River High School through June 25. Every Tuesday and Thursday, boys basketball teams compete from 3:309:30 p.m. with one simple goal — to get better.

Sixteen squads are involved, including players who, during the school year, represent high schools such as Riverview, Booker, Lakewood Ranch, Braden River and The Out-of-Door Academy. The league offers an avenue for all of them to test their talents in a real-game setting before official team practices begin.

“Last year was my first summer here, and we were looking for some leagues, but there was nothing locally,” said Kaden Knott, the Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball coach. “Knowing Hoop Vibe and their presence in Southwest Florida, if they could bring this to a gym that’s 10 minutes down the road from us, that makes it a nobrainer.”

The Hoop Vibe, founded in 2022, provides scouting, recruiting and event services for high school bas-

That being said, no coach expects to be firing on all cylinders at this time of year. They expect their players to stay in shape — not for their collective game to be a cohesive, polished product.

There’s a certain grittiness about the league. That’s the beauty of it.

Nothing about it is fancy, and it doesn’t pretend to be.

For athletes who are competitors to their core, this is a haven.

They’re more than happy to sweat it out while developing their skills without a trophy or medal on the line.

Officials are present, and games are generally well-officiated, but those individuals aren’t whistlehappy. Physicality is plentiful because they let players play.

“We’re not worried about X’s and O’s and stuff like that,” Harris said.

“It’s really like, ‘How does this team forge (its) identity? Where are some areas we might need to improve or what’s that thing we can (hang) our hat on?’”

This area needed this league. As evidenced by the 16 different teams it attracted — from as far as Specially Fit Academy in Dover — there was demand.

It doesn’t offer the most thrilling or entertaining basketball, but in the summer, it doesn’t need to. Filling a void with organized competition in June is enough.

“I want my kids to learn what hard work means,” Knott said.

“That’s truthfully what it is.

This league is a great way to see your progression from hard work throughout four weeks.”

YourObserver.com

How would you describe your passion for this sport?

Just being with friends that I’ve made along the way. It’s great to work hard with them. They also work hard, and it’s inspiring.

What quote or piece of advice has always stuck with you?

My coach (Evan Olson), who was an Olympian, used to say that all we needed to do was “Break one of them. It’s eight guys versus one, and you just need to break one. That’s all you’ve got to do.”

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

Italy. We went last summer, and it was amazing.

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If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you eat and why?

Steak. I just love it so much. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved red meat.

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If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Unlimited endurance.

What music do you listen to during practice or before a regatta to get in the zone?

Not any, honestly. Most of my teammates (listen to music), but I don’t.

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Finish this sentence.

Elliott Mathes is ...

Hard-working.

Through this whole year, I feel like I’ve had to work very hard to get through school as well as rowing.

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What role did your older brother, Will Mathes, play for you in rowing?

He kind of was an influence for me to start in third grade and to start rowing with Sarasota Crew. (Will Mathes is a rising junior with Columbia men’s rowing).

Do you have any fun summer plans?

(My family) is going to New York this summer. We’re going to the Finger Lakes.

Sophia Dudon 614.800.3301

Pe nd i

When and why did you start rowing?

I started with the elementary program. I liked it, then went to middle school and now, I’m in the novice program. Next year, I’ll do varsity.

I’ve gone through it all and it’s been great. I’ve just loved it the whole way.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

At this point, it’s honestly my coach.

For our states boat, we were not doing very well, and he brought us up.

He got us there — to win states.

Rudy Dudon 941.234.3991

N

How would you reflect on your boat’s performance at the USRowing Youth National Championships?

It went pretty well. We executed how we wanted to, and we had a great time overall. For most of us, it was our first time at nationals, so it was just a great experience.

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

Re du

There were 16 entries for Sarasota Crew at the USRowing Youth National Championships. Elliott Mathes was part of the only one of those entries to make the podium. The rising freshman at Pine View School sat in the sixth seat of the U16 Men’s Eight, which took bronze with a 6:32.84 finish June 14 at Nathan Benderson Park. His boat narrowly finished behind Los Gatos Rowing Club of California, which crossed the finish line at 6:32.34. Mathes is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

13B

Two Generations. One standard of excellence.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Elliott Mathes

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

www.AnthonysAirConditioning.com 941-210-0993

150 F o

IN YOUR ATTIC

IS MAKING YOUR AC WORK OVERTIME.

Publishing:

July 16, 2026

Back to School highlights local schools, students, educators and community resources. Reach nearly 75,000 Sarasota and Manatee County households with school-age children during the peak back-

Save Up to 20% on Owens Corning BLOW-IN ony INSULATION Lil ’ T

Be featured in this year’s annual edition!

Deadline to Advertise:

June 23, 2026

941.366.3468 | advertise@yourobserver.com

463195-1

Ask us about advertising in Back to School

459014-1

to-school shopping season

Limit 1 coupon per household. Restrictions may apply. Residential customers only. Coupon must be redeemed on day of purchase. Expires 6/30/26

14B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 18

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 93 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 21%

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 High: 92 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 23%

Thursday, June 18

6:35a

8:27p

Friday, June 19

6:35a

8:27p

Saturday, June 20

6:35a

8:27p

Sunday, June 21

6:35a

8:27p

Monday, June 22

6:35a

8:28p

Tuesday, June 23

6:35a

8:27p

Wednesday, June 24

6:36a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 16%

June 21 First

June 29 Full

July 7 Last

July 14 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 31% Matthew Press took this photo of a Florida scrub jay perching on a fence at Oscar Scherer State Park.

Monday, June 8

0

Tuesday, June 9

0

Wednesday, June 10

0

Thursday, June 11

0.01

Friday, June 12

0

Saturday, June 13

0

Sunday, June 14

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2026 12.32 in.

2025 17.42 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 0.01 in.

2026 8.75 in.

2025

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

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

GETTING A BIG BREAK by Jared Goudsmit, edited by Jared Goudsmit 118 Do penance 119 Did some modeling 120 “See what I ___?”

121 Anatomical pouches 122 Job benefits

©2026 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Radio toggle 5 Shift, Tab, etc.

9 Avocado dip, for short 13 Janitors’ tools 17 “The Harlequin’s Carnival” painter Joan 18 Defeat decisively 19 Jacob’s biblical twin 20 Activist Tiphagne 21 Weather warning, e.g.

24 Slept in nature 25 Teeter-totter 26 Beer barrel 27 Place to see “Aida” or “Akhnaten” 29 Cut off 31 ___-on sentence 33 Doctors’ org.

34 Hi-___ image

Geronimo Stilton 54 Infomercial knife brand 55 Ctrl+V 57 Glum 58 Like an intense love affair 59 In a smooth-talking way DOWN 63 Won social approval 1 Iowa college town 2 Performer in an “invisible 64 Nail a test 65 Golden-brown pears box” 66 Suffix for “lock” or 3 Person who defies “word” convention 67 Like many foods in Jew4 Tasty bits of food 5 Mardi Gras parade group ish cuisine 68 “Arrived!”

6 Very long time 69 Puts a cold pack on 7 “Ugh, that smells hor70 Trio + five rible!”

71 St. Louis Blues’ org.

8 Eyelid woe 72 Annoying commenter 9 Hair goop 75 “Pass a cold one over 10 Apply to 11 Seniors’ advocacy group here!”

12 Like baby penguins and 76 Crowdfunded flick, e.g.

78 What cats are said to teddy bears have 13 Office note 79 Get up 14 Not accidentally 15 Period before opening 82 Little taste of lassi 86 “Be honest!” day 87 Fail to mention 16 Dodges a tough ques89 Abu Dhabi leader tion 93 Like the novel “Heated 20 “LMAO” 35 Honeycrisp fruit 56 “So, so frequently ...”

90 Villain’s foe Rivalry” 22 Chairperson’s mallet 37 Color of honey 60 Bungee cables, etc.

91 “Let ‘er ___!”

23 “I feel the same way!” 96 “Road work ___? Uh, 40 Teeming (with) 61 “You’re ___ of a kind” 92 Ration (out) 24 Glenn Close’s appear- yeah, I sure hope it does!”

42 Squabble 62 “The Sunshine Makers” 94 Combine 97 Oklahoma city whose ance in “Hook,” e.g.

43 Spanish nickname for drug 95 Give a new moniker to flag features an Osage 28 Rides the rapids Puerto Rico 63 Chitchat 97 Work hard shield 30 Commercial on the 46 Tube attached to a 66 Slalom athlete 99 Softball stat 98 Mary-Kate or Ashley airwaves sprinkler 69 Tax Day org.

101 Produce-regulating org. 32 Hot chocolate dis100 Certain sculptures 47 Goof up 70 “I got this” 104 Bestselling John Green penser 102 Gulped down lassi 48 Submitted, like a tax 72 Food item “al pastor” novel, or a hint to spotting 35 Ye olde beers 103 Real jerks return 73 Parent honored in May the six-letter word spelled 36 Amusement ___ 105 Soothing balm 49 Leaky tire sound 74 Judo belt out in the gaps dividing 106 Nothin’ 38 Cantaloupes, etc.

50 “The Mischievous Dog” 77 Fruity, sugary cereal each set of circled letters 39 Makeup-applying verb 107 “It’s a ___!” (“Easy!”) fable writer balls 109 Dad’s bro 108 NPR bag 40 Elevate 51 Alternative to 2% or 80 “Kinda” 112 Societal troubles 41 App with photo dumps, 109 MLB official whole milk 81 Dojo teacher 113 Giant tubs that a super- for short 110 Prefix for “liberal” or villain might fill with acid 53 Betty Boop or Bugs 83 “___ be fun!” “realist” 42 Luster Bunny 84 Type of chemical bond 114 They explode in space 44 “Repeat ___ me ...”

111 Burnable music 115 Mainstream ___ 54 “Get the ___?” (“General 85 “We made a choice, purchases 45 Doorbell sound idea makes sense, yeah?”) there’s no reversing it now” 116 Get checkmated, e.g.

50 Bone-dry 55 Primps 88 “Absolutely, it’s a plan!” 117 Adjust, like an article 52 Rodents such as

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.

“CR HLB’K JL WB TLQ YSUT VRSGIQRG ...

KYRQR SQR BL FLVAQLVWGRG. WT W KYLIJYK S GLBJ CSGB’K EIWKR QWJYK, W’H HWGFSQH WK.” TQRHHWR VRQFIQN

“N QONBA QOX RNBDXJR QOKQ LX KZZ JXRVHBM QH ... XIHAX K RQHJU ... NQ’R BHQ TFRQ KSHFQ ZNRQXBNBD QH IHWKZ DUYBKRQNWR.”

XYNZU SZFBQ

“QU WLO VIIH PO ZBO BOZXQJA XION JIW PZHO KN, ZN PQWL Z UQNW LZGGOBQJA IJ IKB NHKTT, PLC WLOJ XI PO BOZX QW?” UBZJF HZUHZ Puzzle Three Clue: J equals N

crossword

Puzzle Two Clue: K equals A

457538-1

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

Come Shop our Showrooms!

Puzzle Two Clue: S equals A

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

sudoku

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

©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-18-26

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

RED PAGES redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon 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.

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 4 RUFF RACING Black Aluminum 18” Mags.

Brand new. $200 or best offer (941)914-8318 PUMA MENS size 7, 2 pairs like new $50. Patio chairs, resin weave, excellent condition, 2 for $60 Call (941)321-2694

Antiques/ Collectibles

ANTIQUES WANTED

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

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

941-400-8811 BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Jun 19th - Jun 20th #’s Out at 8:00am 9:00 am - 5:00pm House full of furniture including a dining room suite with buffet, king-size bedroom suite, sofa and occasional chairs, curio cabinets, patio furniture, occasional tables, lamps, and area rugs. Antiques, artwork, men's clothing, electronics, plants and decorative pottery planters, and garage items.

Lots of Brice-a-Braca!

Call Ken for more information (941) 356-3318 Or Visit: AntiquesandChatchkes.com Estate Sales Conducted by: Antiques & Chatchkes GARAGE/ESTATE SALE HENREDON CONTEMPORARY display wall unit 9’ 3” (Nutmeg).

Centerpiece of any room/hallway.

Collectables: LLadro, Royal Doulton, Swarovski, Lalique, Art, China, and Golf Clubs.

auto

2220 Doud St., Sarasota, Fl 34231

Autos Wanted 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.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

4505 Atwood Cay Circ.

Sarasota

Land for Sale

POSITION NEEDED Accountant/Bookkeeper needed part-time for a small HVAC Company in Bradenton. Please send resume'/inquiry to Sales@ckphvac.com. or Rae@ckphvac.com (330) 413-2740 Rae@ckphvac.com

CEMETERY PLOT Sarasota Memorial Cemetery on Fruitvale Road.1 Single Plot, with Marker.

Open House

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

Contact donnamariecos5@icloud.com

Homes for Sale JUST LISTED! Stunning home in Siesta Isles 813 Idlewild Way109' on Grand Canal, 1 bridge, 4BR/3BA, 4,161 SF, .31 acre, pool/spa, metal roof, generator, impact windows/doors, extensive renovations, 10,000-lb boat lift + double Jet Ski lift. $3,795,000.00

Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle Open House 1st Saturday of the month 10am-2pm 3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com To schedule a tour, call 844-552-4574

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals August 29th -September 5th Spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath, full kitchen, top rated resort, sleeps six, Pool/Barbecue. Steps to Crescent Beach and walk to shops. $2,100 (941)349-7484 WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 6/21, 12:00 pm - 3:00pm.

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Lori Madden, Mangrove Realty (941) 780-8443 https://sarasotahomepro.com/properties/813idlewild-way-sarasota-fl-us-3424 2-mfra4694937

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Visa/MC

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

Saturday June 20th: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Ask about our special rates!

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Merchandise Wanted 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

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Auto Transport 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. Instagram: Braziliancleaningsrq

101

Friday June 19th: 9:00am - 2:00pm

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Going Price $9,900 Asking Price $7,900 or best offer (941)228-6100

Condos/Apts. for Rent

First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word .......50¢

Longboat Key, FL 34228 M-F Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

jobs

stuff

Deluxe Estate Sale

Positions Wanted

real estate

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

RED PAGES AD RATES

home services

Made for where you live. Here!

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

Help Wanted Vacation Rental Operations Manager in Sarasota, FL. Req. Bach’s in Bus Admin., or Hosp. & Tourism Mngt., Alternatively, Assoc. degree in Bus Admin., Hosp. & Tourism Mngt.,or foreign equiv. will be accp’d.

Mail resumes to: Sarasota Vacation Rentals, LLC., dba.

Itrip Sarasota & Venice, 5774 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000

CALL 941-955-4888

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS To place an ad

Call 941-955-4888

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

Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

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

Where Clean Meets Care Delivering reliable, top-quality cleaning for homes and businesses.

Contact: (407) 528-6401

MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

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

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

Honest & reliable.

For Free estimates call CARL 941-448-8468 35+ years experience.

Professional Services AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR Edited and Published HighCottonPublishing.com 941-706-2463

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Home Services

Handyman

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Accepting Credit Cards

941.302.5850

SERVING SIESTA KEY & SARASOTA COUNTY

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

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS 941.650.9790 • DRYWALL • PAINT • TRIM • DOORS 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com • TILE • FLOORING • SHOWER YoderAluminum.com TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

Home RepaiR SeRvice • No JoB Too SmaLL • ScReeN RepaiRS • paiNTiNG/DRY WaLL • TiLe RepaiRS • & mUcH moRe!

FAST • EASY • SAFE

24/7 SERVICE

WE COME TO YOU 463068

5-Star Rated

Computer

(941) 809-7311 ESTIMATES!

Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

249 235

* $ $235

$

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

941.966.0333

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

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

Landscaping & Lawn

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

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

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Doors

Shell Work & Landscape Stone

463458

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616 Lic./ Insured

Movers

Wizard Moving SRQ For $149 per hour you get:

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

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

FREE

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM Call us today!

941-203-1604 463454

www.ezslider.com

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

This week’s Crossword answers

YOUR HOME found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “We don’t go in for half measures ... There are no compromises. If I thought a song wasn’t quite right, I’d discard it.”

Freddie Mercury Puzzle Two Solution: “I think the singers that we all respond to ... evoke a story ... It’s not just about listening to vocal gymnastics.”

Emily Blunt Puzzle Three Solution: “If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skull, why then do we read it?”

Franz Kafka

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2026 NEA, Inc.

DON’T let your

463073

463499

6968 Beneva Road

364556 463061

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

941-929-9095

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

NEED HELP?

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

To advertise: 941-955-4888

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

463453

FREE

DON DI STEFANO (941) 893.8475

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

Health

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

NEW AGAIN

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

Home Watch

STEVE PANEBIANCO

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

LOOK LIKE

©2026 Universal Uclick

Auto Service

GROUT

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES 463455

463452

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

MAKE YOUR

463071

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

INJECT-AFLOOR SYSTEM

453817

Carpentry • Painting Pressure Washing

463436

C.T. MALLETT

463072

Aluminum

463493

16B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Pet Services

Screening

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

Pool Enclosure Specialists

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

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

Dog Walking (sm/md) Cat sitting & Cat/Kitten Introductions Administering medication

(941) 966-2960

Call Today: (941) 925-3200 info@bishopsaluminum.com 463498

463500

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

SCC131150987

UP TO

SCREEN MACHINE

Rescreening & Repairs

941-879-3136

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

• Pet Screen • 20/20 No-See-Um Screening • We Paint Pool Cages

5

$

941 - 248 - 4734

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

Roofing

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

410036

463495

463062

941-270-1561

SPECIAL 00

Transportation

Insured

160

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

463456

Screen Repair | Per Panel Pricing Building | Under Truss | Lanais | Entryways Prompt Estimates (usually no visit necessary)

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

RE-SCREENING

Eldridge Re-Screen “No Job Too Small”

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Established in 1989 Serving Our Area for Over 35 Years

Dog Sitting (sm/md)

Licensed

Windows

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

Trees

463496

Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

17B

Window Cleaning

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. 463074

Building & Roofing Contractor

463494

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

FREE ESTIMATES, CALL TODAY!

(941) 544.5663 | luislopezlanwservice@gmail.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

WINDOW CLEANING, PRESSURE WASHING, & GUTTERS CLEANING! CALL JUAN & CINDY LICENSED & INSURED 239-203-5913 l 407-902-7845 jccpcleaning@aol.com | jccpwindowcleaning.net

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

463450

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

20 years local experience Licensed & Insured

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

RED PAGES

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Quality Education.

Exceptional Value.

Endless Possibilities.

• Associate Degrees • Bachelor’s Degrees • Workforce Certificates • Personal Enrichment • Professional Development

Fall Semester Starts - August 17

APPLY TODAY! 941-752-5050 SCF.edu/LetsGo State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to Equal Opportunity Officer, 941-752-5599, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

463613-1

18B