Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 7.16.26

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY Back to School 2026

Observer

INSIDE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

SARASO TA

Obser ver

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

VOLUME 22, NO. 49

YOUR TOWN

Fine mess over city parking Downtown businesses are objecting to Sarasota’s new paid parking policy. SEE PAGE 5

A SPLASH OF COLOR

Ian Swaby

Susie Chinn poses with the Bazaar’s Christmas tree.

Christmas comes early The sweltering heat in Sarasota didn’t stop the flavor of winter from appearing at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

The Christmas in July event offered special deals and offerings from vendors from July 9-11, as well as raffle entries for every $10 guests spent.

The indoor indie marketplace set out a Christmas tree at its front door, but instead of green, the tree was orange and wrapped with a green garland to match the colors of the Bazaar’s branding.

File photo

Closing a chapter

Executive Director Alisa Mitchell is credited by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County with leading the group to record-breaking successes in fundraising after she began her role in March 2020.

Now, after over six years, she is stepping down Sept. 1.

“Serving this organization has been one of the great privileges of my career, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this work,’’ Mitchell said in a prepared statement.

“Together with our dedicated board members, donors, staff and library partners, we’ve built a successful and sustainable organization that champions Sarasota County’s incredible public library system. As I look ahead to my next chapter, I do so with deep confidence in the strength, leadership and momentum of this organization.”

The Board of Directors has begun the process of identifying the next executive director and is accepting applications through Aug. 3.

Ian Swaby

Ginger Kreithen painted “The Legacy” alongside other artists during an art contest on Saturday.

Four artists recently competed in an art contest hosted by Epic Rockworks. Each artist crafted murals for the business’ wall at the intersection of North Tuttle Avenue and 61st Street. SEE PAGE 18

A+E

On the green

$0.10

Andrew Warfield

More than a nature preserve, Bobby Jones Nature Park is also a natural stormwater treatment facility that works in concert with the adjacent golf course.

Bobby Jones Nature Park just marked Phase 1’s completion. SEE PAGE 3

Rockin’ her lens at Selby.

PAGE 15

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

WEEK OF JULY 16, 2026

Sarasota County lifts outdoor burn ban

“We heard your message.”

Thanks to recent rains, Sarasota County’s burn ban recently ended.

The ban, issued by the Sarasota County Fire Department that prohibited nonpermitted open burns, lifted Sunday. That’s when the Keech Bryan Drought Index fell below 500 for seven consecutive days, indicating a reduced wildfire threat.

The KBDI scale ranges from 0 — which indicates no moisture deficit — to 800.

Fire department officials will continue to monitor conditions.

Sarasota Mayor Debbie Trice to business owner Ron Shugar about dissatisfaction with changes to paid downtown parking enforcement. Read more on page 5

BY THE NUMBERS 2,000

Max number of new trees planned for Bobby Jones Nature Park Phase 2 PAGE 3

County 2027 millage shows net decrease

54

Condominiums planned for the redevelopment of the corner of Ringling Boulevard and South Osprey Avenue PAGE 9

$5

The amount Sarasota parking citation fees were increased by on July 1 PAGE 5

CALENDAR

n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, July 20, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 21, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1960 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance). n Sarasota City Commission budget workshops — 9 a.m., Monday and Tuesday, July 27 and 28, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

Photo courtesy of Poff Media Group

The 1.34-acre property features 247 feet of western shoreline.

Lido Shores legacy home listed at $14.9M A

spacious waterfront estate in Lido Shores has hit the market for $14.9 million.

The house at 1157 Westway Drive spans more than 9,100 square feet. It has six bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths.

Water views are present throughout the home, which includes multiple terraces. The property overlooks the Gulf, with 247 feet of western-facing shoreline. It was designed by Sarasota architecture firm Seibert Architects.

The 1.34-acre property was publicly listed last week, the first time since it was built in 1974. In its more than 50-year history, it has had two owners, “both recognized for their enduring contributions to the Sarasota community,” according to Melodie Palmer, the Premier Sotheby’s International Realty agent representing the property.

Past owners were Joseph Penner and Ira Barsky.

“Joseph Penner made a lasting contribution to Sarasota

through his development work, including what was formerly known as the Penner Building, now One Sarasota Tower,” Palmer wrote in an email.

Barsky co-founded the Animal Rescue Coalition in Sarasota in 1999 after retiring from a career in business.

In June, a Lido Shores residence at 424 Bowdoin Circle sold for $13.37 million. Another Lido Shores home at 1436 John Ringling Parkway was listed for nearly $13 million this spring.

For fiscal year 2027, property owners in Sarasota County will see a net decrease in their overall millage rates.

At its July 7 meeting, the County Commission set its not-to-exceed millage rates paid by all county property owners. Although the general operating rate increased by 0.14% to 3.2317 mills, debt service decreased by 2.1% to 0.0653 mills, Legacy Trail debt service dipped 2.36% to 0.0373 and mosquito control is down 5.77% to 0.0490.

That nets out to an overall drop of 0.03% at 3.3833 mills.

Once set, the commission cannot adopt a millage rate that exceeds these figures.

CORRECTIONS

In the July 9 edition of the Observer: The story about Jing Herman should have said the Chinese word for America, Měiguó; means beautiful country, her father received a scholarship at the University of Texas at El Paso, her latest work is “Purple Mountain Majesties,” and her website is JingHerman.com.

The Your Town brief about The Exchange should have said 27 regionally based arts and cultural organizations received support.

464827-1

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

2

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

A good walk, unspoiled Sarasota city officials cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Bobby Jones Nature Park.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

arasota Mayor Debbie Trice recalls that, when very young,

Photos by Andrew Warfield

she would pass by a golf course

and marvel at the manicured and

From left, the Bobby Jones Nature Park ribbon cutting included Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle, Sarasota City Commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, Big Waters Land Trust President Christine Johnson, Mayor Debbie Trice, Commissioner Liz Alpert, Deputy City Manager Jennifer Jorgensen, Commissioner Kyle Battie and City Manager Karie Friling.

landscaped open space and ask if

FIRMLY PLANTED ROOTS

she could walk there.

“I was told no, you have to pay and play golf. You can’t just walk the course,” she told fellow city commissioners and supporters of the Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Park. The occasion was a Monday ribbon-cutting to officially mark the completion of the first phase of the nature park portion of the 307-acre complex.

“I did eventually learn how to play golf,” she added, “but I really wanted to not be hitting a ball in order to walk on the open space.”

It has been famously said golf “is a good walk spoiled.” If so, Bobby Jones Nature Park offers an unspoiled stroll through more than 100 acres of flora and fauna, serving the dual purpose of passive recreation and environmental protection.

To create the golf course/nature park complex, the formerly 36-hole golf course that occupied what was originally called Little Camp Sawgrass — the historical name for the marshy, low-lying area between Fruitville Road and 17th Street that was a natural catch basin for stormwater — was reduced to the original 18-hole Donald Ross layout during a restoration by golf course architect Richard Mandell of Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Mandell also oversaw the site work for the nature park, the two facilities functioning in harmony to prevent flooding and naturally purify stormwater that flows into the park from the north, before being discharged into a tributary of Philippi Creek and then into Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.

That work created new containment ponds and marshes where fairways and greens once lay that, nearly three years later, appear with already thriving habitats for birds, plants and other wildlife. Crushed‑shell and repurposed golf cart paths provide winding walking and bicycling trails throughout the newly created wetlands.

Parkgoers and trail walkers intermingle with golfers as the trail leads from Circus Boulevard through the golf course entrance, past the prac-

Thanks to Big Waters Land Trust, the Bobby Jones Nature Park is preserved in perpetuity, as is the included forestry project. With up to 2,000 more trees planned for Phase 2, here is what has been planted so far.

Images courtesy of Kimley-Horn

A boardwalk is among the planned features of Bobby Jones Nature Park Phase 2.

What the location of the future bird blind at Bobby Jones Nature Park looks like today.

18,000 shrubs featuring 12 species. They are: ■ Wild Coffee ■ Firebush ■ Saw Palmetto ■ Walter’s Viburnum ■ Giant Leather Fern ■ Pink Muhly Grass ■ Salt Meadow Cord Grass ■ Dwarf Fakahatchee ■ Elliot’s Love Grass ■ Dwarf Florida Gamagrass ■ Maidencane ■ Sand Cordgrass

A rendering of a bird blind planned for Bobby Jones Nature Park Phase 2.

tice range and into the 110-acre park adjacent to the Sarasota County’s 17th Street Regional Park, which is undergoing redevelopment as an outdoor athletic complex.

A GOLF HAVEN GIVEN NEW LIFE

The Bobby Jones Nature Park, which opened in 2023 before Phase 1 finished along with the restored golf course, was more than a decade in the making.

Spearheaded by a coalition of nearby neighbors of the golf course, including now Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, “We were relentless, and I’m sure the commissioners, (Parks and Recreation Director) Jerry Fogle and (former City Manager) Marlon Brown got really sick of us showing up at their doors asking what’s going on,” she said.

WHY NAMED BOBBY JONES? Sarasota Municipal Golf Course, designed by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, opened in 1926. At the time, legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones worked in real estate development in Sarasota while playing high-profile exhibition matches that helped promote the city.

200 trees, including eight species: ■ Florida Flame Red Maple ■ Dahoon Holly ■ Southern Magnolia ■ Sweetbay Magnolia ■ Slash Pine ■ Southern Live Oak ■ Bald Cypress ■ Cabbage Palm

To raise its profile, city leaders rebranded the course, dedicating the new name on Feb. 13, 1927, with an exhibition match featuring Jones teaming with Sarasota local Louis Lancaster against Watts Gunn and Jim Senter before more than 1,000 spectators.

After the golf course was shuttered in 2020, in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic but largely because the golf operations were no longer sustainable for the city, nature’s reclamation became clearly visible to passersby on Fruitville Road and 17th Street. Restoration work began in 2022 and the golf course opened to play in December 2023 along with trails providing access through the roughed-out nature park.

Capital for the golf course and nature park was funded by a $20 million bond, the debt thus far covered by golf course operations revenue.

Park refinements cost $1.67 million, funded by the city’s park impact fees. Big Waters Land Trust is currently undergoing a capital campaign to raise $3.5 million to augment the park, which it has preserved in perpetuity.

“We have a special, special partnership with Big Waters (which) holds a conservation easement over the entire Bobby Jones property,” Fogle said.

To enhance the park, part of Big Waters’ campaign will pay for up to 2,000 trees in Phase 2.

“We started talking about it in 2014 and doing something about it in 2017,” said Big Waters President Christine Johnson. “Now here we are in 2026. Not only is it protected forever, it is also a beautiful place for anyone to come regardless of whether they can pay, regardless of whether or not they are a citizen of the city, the county or the state.”

As an environmental organization, though, Big Waters’ primary motivation to accept it as a permanent conservation easement was the control and natural filtration of stormwater.

All of the stormwater from University Town Center flows through the area before going to Philippi Creek, and ultimately, the bay, Johnson said.

“By slowing it down on this property, by making nature actually pull out those nutrients instead of dumping them into the bay and Philippi Creek, we are taking this ecosystem back to what it was,” Johnson said.

Which is to say a swamp.

“We have a special, special partnership with Big Waters (which) holds a conservation easement over the entire Bobby Jones property.”

Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle at the Bobby Jones Nature Park ribbon cutting.

But a really nice one.

Phase 1 features upgraded walking trails, Florida-friendly trees and vegetation, wildlife viewing areas and more.

Phase 2 work is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, which will include a bird blind, boardwalk, overlooks and more trees and plants, among other features.

City Manager Karie Friling likened the Bobby Jones project to her previous work as executive director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Illinois.

“One of the things that we were charged was with protecting open lands and restoring it to its natural beauty that God intended, and we actually did a very similar project like this when I was up there,” she said.

“I truly believe that it’s our duty to protect open space for future generations, and I really have to applaud the foresight and leadership of the city of Sarasota at every level that you were able to do this.

“Now, it’s not just available for golfers, but it’s available for everyone to enjoy, and I can’t wait to be here for the next phase.”

— Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle

3

4

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026 Designer Screen Shades™ with Powerview® Automation

Burying power lines on barrier islands tops city commission agenda

37

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

463479-1

©2026 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.

All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

Andrew Warfield

or permeable pavement surfaces to allow the existing unimproved parking surface to remain.

In a subsequent hearing, Sarasota Youth Sailing is seeking site plan approval for a two-story, 4,230-square-foot building on a portion of 9.3 acres leased from the city.

And, in light of recent developments that raised questions about the difference between residential and hotel/motel uses, staff will also seek commission guidance regarding projects designed with individually owned condominium units that also propose centralized management, hotel amenities and the ability for units to be rented for periods of less than one week.

The projects are often referred to as “condo hotels” or “apartment hotels,” and may function as a hybrid of residential and transient lodging uses.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at City Hall, 1565 First St. It may also be streamed live on the city’s website, where the agenda may be viewed, at SarasotaFL.gov or on the city’s Facebook page.

Utility lines are strung along rear yards on some streets on Lido Key.

Back-to-School

Ba s h !

SARASOTA & SIESTA KEY

Observer 1970 Main St., Third Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236 PHONE: 941-366-3468 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 345.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

August 1st

Kids Under 12

Get in FREE!*

2 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE 1. NEWSPAPER APP

2. MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Newspaper app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper on your phone, tablet or laptop.

First-Class One year / $200 Six months / $160 Three months / $128

Subscribe at YourObserver.com/subscribe

Beat those back-to-school blues with more summer fun!

Up to 3 kids, aged 11 years old and younger, get in FREE with the purchase of a full-priced adult same-day admission.

Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160

Must buy online and use promo code: BTS26 *Restrictions apply.

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

AUDITOR INFORMATION Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com

FOLLOW US

LIKE US

FOLLOW US

WATCH US

@observergroup

@ObserverGroup

Sarasota's Favorite Family Attraction®

@YourObserverVideo

SarasotaJungleGardens.com • 941.355.5305

457318-1

@observergroup

465001-1

454842-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

he future of a venerable youth sailing organization, refining the definition of lodging in downtown and putting utilities on barrier islands underground are among a packed agenda for the Monday, July 20 meeting of the Sarasota City Commission.

A long-awaited project to bury overhead utility lines for resilience and aesthetics on St. Armands and Lido keys is poised to move forward as commissioners will consider a bid of $7.95 million by Utility Consultants of Florida to do so.

The bid includes $3.17 million for required services and $4.77 million for optional services for the project not to exceed $8 million.

The required services will allow the city to develop assessment methodologies, preliminary engineering, cost estimates, public outreach and financing information necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed assessment districts to fund the project. Afterward, the City Commission will determine whether to proceed with Phase 2 of the program, which is the optional services for final design, procurement, construction support and project implementation.

If the commission approves the special assessment district, revenues generated by property owners on the islands will be used to repay the nonrevolving credit.

Also on the agenda: Commissioners will consider a request for a major conditional use application for a new Sarasota Youth Sailing building at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway on City Island.

The organization is seeking a Government Zone waiver from a regulation requiring all off-street parking areas be surfaced with asphalt, bituminous or concrete material, clay brick or concrete paving units,

YourObserver.com

5

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Downtown business owners rail about revised paid-parking ordinance Only five days after it was implemented, two downtown business owners prompted commissioners to re-examine the overhauled paid parking program.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Andrew Warfield

And as Trice pointed out, one block in either direction of Main Street offers free parking, some of it limited to two hours, some three. There are also unlimited free parking spaces scattered around the downtown area.

Future discussions, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch said, should include an examination of the Parking Division for possible efficiencies.

“There are a lot of suggestions about residents getting parking permits, all kinds of great ideas, and I think we should be open to looking at those as a way of solving it and making this enterprise fund an actual enterprise fund,” she said.

Shugar told commissioners he is advocating a petition to be signed by all downtown commercial property owners and retail businesses to end paid parking downtown, maintain reasonable time limits and protect premium spaces for all-day employee parking.

Given the bond debt and ongoing maintenance costs — such as repairing and replacing elevators in the garages — that doesn’t appear a viable scenario.

Either way, Voelker assured commissioners they haven’t heard the end of the issue.

PARKING BY COMPARISON

Fee structures for parking in other Gulf coastal communities.

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG Downtown On-street: $1 per hour, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday City lots: $3 to $9.50 per day St. Pete Pier $2.50 per hour for the first three hours. $5 per hour for hour four with a four-hour limit, 24/7 CITY OF ST. PETE BEACH $5 per hour Monday-Thursday, $6 per hour Friday-Sunday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional $1 per hour Feb. 1 to April 30 CITY OF CLEARWATER Downtown On-street: $1 per hour, five-hour limit Garden Avenue Garage: 75 cents per hour, $7.50 per day MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Coachman Park/Harbor Marina: $2.25 per hour, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Clearwater Beach On-street: $4 per hour, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

City lots: $3.50 per hour, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

City residents receive 50% discount with park mobile app CITY OF VENICE $1.50 per hour in high-demand Venice Theatre and on East Venice Avenue; otherwise, free.

CITY OF FORT MYERS Downtown On-street: $1.50 per hour Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Garages: First 2 hours free, $3 for third hour, $1 each additional hour; daily maximum $10; $5 evening rate after 5 p.m.

FORT MYERS BEACH Lots and beach access: $5 per hour plus 25-cent transaction fee 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Senior living with peace of mind—

NO MATTER THE WEATHER. You can feel confident and secure at Emerson Lakes,℠ a premier senior living community coming soon to Lakewood Ranch and now accepting reservations!

• You don’t have to go it alone

• Freedom from worries

• Life doesn’t stop for the storm

Our quality construction means you and your loved ones can relax knowing you’ll be safe and comfortable during and after the storm.

Our dedicated employees and full-time maintenance team work around the clock in severe weather.

Every building on our campus will be connected so you’re just steps away from amenities like the fitness center, restaurants, medical center, and more.

“Our experience with Hurricane Ian was fantastic.

All the planning that the staff did kept us very informed. We could go down to the common areas, have meals, mingle with friends, and meet new friends.”

—Kathy F., Resident of an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community

Call 1-888-515-6435 or visit

EmersonLakesCommunity.com for your FREE brochure.

458077-1

Lakewood Ranch EmersonLakesCommunity.com 1462700

I

t took only a holiday weekend for downtown Sarasota business leaders to react, and not positively, to the recently implemented overhaul of the city’s paid parking program.

As an enterprise fund, the goal was to make the city’s Parking Division pay its own way rather than being subsidized by the general fund and the entire city’s tax base. But, at the onset of the July 6 meeting of the Sarasota City Commission, it was restaurateurs and commercial property owners Chris Voelker and Ron Shugar who commented businesses are already paying the price.

On July 1, the commissionapproved change in the parking program took effect, which extended hours of enforcement and modestly increased fines rather than hiking the fees to park along Main Street and South Palm Avenue, and in the city’s two downtown parking garages. The changes also applied to paid street parking and the parking garage at St. Armands Circle.

In addition to owning property and businesses in downtown, Voelker and Shugar are members of the Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors.

“I’m not here today to discuss the abstract parking theory. I sit here today to impart concerns from my numerous tenants, my customers and fellow business leaders that paid parking is having a real, long-lasting and negative impact on downtown commerce,” Shugar said. “People are choosing to go elsewhere and they are cutting their visits short.”

Shugar, who owns Sugar Champagne Bar and controls 20,000 square feet of commercial property, added CNN recently named Sarasota the best place to visit in the U.S. He cited downtown and Main Street as

key drivers in that assessment.

“We heard your message,” Mayor Debbie Trice told Shugar.

Voelker, owner of State Street Eating House + Cocktails, added “We should be upholding the economic driver of the city, not getting in its way.”

With the change, paid and timed free parking are now enforced from 8 a.m. to midnight for marked, onstreet parking spaces and 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday in city-owned parking garages. On Sundays, enforcement for both onstreet and garage parking begins at 1 p.m. Also, all parking citation fines were increased by $5.

The two business owners said customers are already eschewing downtown for “the beast in the east” — University Town Center — and other centers and towns where parking is free, costing downtown businesses revenue, customer curation and retention.

“Just to let everyone know how severe this is, I’m at the YMCA in the steam room, and I got accosted by somebody about this,” Commissioner Kyle Battie said.

The comments at the beginning of the meeting prompted commission discussion at the end, with the overarching sentiment being that the parking program be revisited.

“It looks like to me there’s an awful lot of people who were not aware that we were charging for parking downtown already, and are not aware that it’s only on two streets downtown,” Commissioner Liz Alpert said. “That being all said, it seems to be the extra hours that really are bothering people, so maybe we should revisit that and take a look at going back to the regular hours, but then raising the rate.”

Her point: Parking in downtown cannot be free because parking bonds were issued to pay for parking garages, which are seldom filled to capacity.

Palm Avenue is one of only two downtown streets that require paid parking.

The other is Main Street.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Sarasota County bans data center applications for one year County officials’ concerns range from size (too big) to water (too much) to energy (also too much).

ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER

S

arasota County commissioners, by a 5-0 vote, approved a one-year moratorium on the acceptance or review of data center applications.

Commissioners passed the 12-month ban at their July 8 meeting. The pause will enable county staff time to evaluate how these developments — massive structures designed to provide power to meet the AI-fueled increase in energy demand — fit into the jurisdiction’s zoning code. The discussion and vote happened even though the county has yet to receive any official data center applications.

“There’s a difference to me between saying whether you’re open for business or you’re not open for business,” Commissioner Teresa Mast said. “Saying that you’re not accepting applications, I think — that’s a very clear direction.”

In passing the yearlong freeze, the county joins several others around the state that have placed moratoriums on data center development.

Among them are Citrus, Nassau and Hernando counties, according to Sarasota County Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Michele Norton. Dozens of other jurisdictions across Florida have also been discussing the projects and a potential response.

While there have been no formal applications, “Sarasota County has recently been approached by a company expressing interest in property along Cattleman Road for a data center,” according to a planning and zoning staff report provided to commissioners.

Norton gave a presentation on hyperscale data centers during the commissioners meeting, explaining that the facilities — filled with servers, networking equipment, stor-

BOTTOM LINE Key takeaway: Sarasota County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on reviewing data center applications.

Core challenge: Data centers, in most forms, are considered by many to have a net-negative impact on the environment.

What’s next: County officials say they want time to evaluate how data centers fit into the jurisdiction’s zoning code, though some commissioners expressed an opinion to never allow data centers.

age systems, cooling systems and power infrastructure — can range from 100,000 to more than 1 million square feet.

“The large-scale data centers have an extreme continuous electrical load demand on our grid,” Norton said. A 50-megawatt center can consume the power equivalent to 35,000 to 50,000 homes, she noted, while one in Loudoun County, Virginia, used more than 4 gigawatts in 2024.

In addition to power, data centers use water for cooling purposes so equipment does not overheat.

Smaller facilities use about 52,000 gallons of water per day, Norton said, while larger AI data center campuses can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily. Sarasota County’s Carlton Water Treatment plant, one of several water sources the county relies on, provides 8 million gallons of treated drinking water a day.

As companies look to build new data centers, Norton noted several jurisdictions around the state have put data center moratoriums in place to allow time for review of codes and potential impacts.

“We do not believe that this (data centers) is a permitted use, but staff needs to perform what I would call a deeper dive into the comp plan and the rest of the code, just to make

Image courtesy of Sarasota County

This picture of a data center under development in Saline Township, Michigan, was part of the July 8 presentation by Sarasota County Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Michele Norton.

sure that this position holds,” Norton said. “We do have a data processing center (that) is allowed in our UDC (Unified Development Code) as under the office use.”

Commission Vice Chair Mark Smith encouraged staff to make clear the county’s position through its code.

“My idea would be to direct staff to figure out what we need to put in our codes to make sure they can’t apply,” Smith said, “so that anybody who’s thinking about it coming here need not enter.”

He said he did not think this was the right location for such facilities.

“They don’t belong in Sarasota County,” Smith said, noting “the hum of these things, the size of them.

They’re lit up like prisons because of security reasons at night.’

Commissioner Joe Neunder added that Sarasota County was not the right spot for data centers due to resource concerns.

“The large consumption of electricity and the draining of our power

“I don’t see this as ever being something, from one person’s perspective, that we would ever want in our community.”

— Commissioner Joe Neunder

grid” is a “huge red flag,” Neunder said, later adding water is another concern. “Not to mention the possibility of negative impacts to our very delicate ecosystem and environment.”

Regardless of the findings related to the zoning code, “Ultimately, at the end of the day, for me, it’s no, not now, never,” said Neunder, who is running for re-election, starting with the Republican primary next month against Jim DeNiro. “I don’t see this as ever being something, from one person’s perspective, that we would ever want in our community.”

455730-1

6

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

7

STUNNING VIEWS | A STORIED HISTORY | PREMIER LOCATION | SUPERIOR QUALITY | A LOCAL TEAM | OUTSTANDING SERVICES & AMENITIES

The Last Great Address on Palm Avenue PRICED FROM THE HIGH $3 MILLIONS

Discover Luxury Living in The Heart of Downtown Sarasota MIRAMARSARASOTA.COM

|

(941) 200 1772

|

1258 NORTH PALM AVENUE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

464123-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND NO OTHER STATE. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY THE CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN STATES WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION CANNOT BE MADE. PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

8

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

OPINION / MY VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Why the worst rise to top

MATT WALSH

“When the pot boils, the scum will rise.”

— James Otis Jr. American Revolutionary activist 1776

B

y comparison to other U.S. locales, we are so fortunate in Manatee and Sarasota counties and in Florida.

So fortunate that we do not have the scourge of the surge — the surge of the delusional, ignorant communists overtaking New York City and that state’s legislative and congressional seats and which is also spreading throughout the Democratic Party nationwide.

Surely you find chilling and stomach-turning the rants of the likes of New York City Mayor Zoran Momdani and Democratic Socialist candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier.

Valdez touts the “Medicare for all” slogans; federal funding for all abortions and transgender surgeries; abolish ICE; free federal funding for all college education, including living expenses; “unions for all;” “housing for all;” a federal jobs guarantee; and ensuring “everyone has a right to living wages and paid time off.”

Chevalier has said on X she wants to “seize the means of production;” abolish police, prisons and borders. Essentially, she mirrors and aligns with Valdez: eliminate entrepreneurial capitalism; convert to tyrannical collectivism; and hate all Jews and Israel.

It’s incomprehensible and tragic how completely ignorant and pathetic all of these Democratic Party communists and socialists are. Whom do they think will pay for all of this?

What’s more, do you think Mr. “Warmth of Collectivism” Momdani or any of his associates has a clue that when the Pilgrims tried collectivism on Plymouth Colony they nearly starved themselves out of existence? It was only after Gov. William Bradford converted the colonists to owning

private property and capitalism that the colonists produced surpluses of food and began to flourish.

Or do you think they have any idea that another infamous collectivist, Mao Zedong, was responsible over his three decade reign for the deaths of between 30 million and 45 million Chinese people? Deaths from starvation brought on by Zedong’s complete collectivization of “the means of production?”

Or what about that great Soviet, Joseph Stalin, who clocked in at 9 million deaths — 3 million from executions and imprisonments and another 6.5 million during the great famine in 1932 and 1933?

And yet, this communist utopia thinking has spread like COVID among so many “college educated” young Americans.

Mind boggling. And scary.

It feels somewhat like the previous scariest political time during the turmoil-ridden, antiVietnam era of the 1960s. The dope-smoking, acid-dropping, gun-toting radicals of the Students for a Democratic Society rocked the country with their antiestablishment, anti-capitalism bombings and killings. But back then, those reprobates did not try to infiltrate elected offices.

Electing and giving power to today’s idiots would be horrific.

Do not dismiss the possibility.

Indeed, to that end, it would be a worthwhile warning to all of us — here and everywhere in the U.S. — to heed and understand one of the most insightful essays of the late Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek. In his 1944 classic book, “A Road to Serfdom,” he devotes an entire chapter to: “Why the Worst Get on Top.” We are living it.

CONDITIONS FOR THE WORST

Hayek describes stages that result in the worst getting on top. You certainly can apply them to some of our elections today.

He first describes the conditions preceding “the suppression of democratic institutions and the creation of a totalitarian regime.”

“In this stage, it is the general demand for quick and determined government action that is the dominating element in the situation, dissatisfaction with the slow and cumbersome course of democratic procedure which makes action for action’s sake the goal.”

You can hear that in the rhetoric of so many candidates today no matter the party. They’re constantly spouting their disappointment in and the inaction of the incumbents.

“It’s time for change” the call goes.

You remember “Hope and change.”

They all chant promises of how they’re going to make our lives

better. Blah, blah, blah.

Hayek: “It is then the (candidate) or the party who seems strong and resolute enough ‘to get things done’ who exercises the greatest appeal.” Sound like Trump? In New York City, it was the flowery demagoguery of Momdani versus the washed-up Andrew Cuomo.

Hayek: “‘Strong’ in this sense means not merely a numerical majority — it is the ineffectiveness of parliamentary majorities with which people are dissatisfied.” He has that right — e.g. Congress, no matter the party.

Hayek: “What they will seek is somebody with such solid support as to inspire confidence that he can carry out whatever he wants.”

That somebody, Hayek says, must also do this: It “depends on the leader first collecting round him a group which is prepared voluntarily to submit to that totalitarian discipline which they are to impose by force upon the rest.”

What’s more, Hayek says, it doesn’t take a majority; it takes “the largest single group whose members agree sufficiently to make unified direction of all affairs … ” In forming this “fairly homogenous group,” Hayek says, there are three main reasons this group will come “from the worst elements of any society. … The principles on which such a group would be selected will be almost entirely negative.”

THREE NEGATIVE PRINCIPLES ■ Principle No. 1: “First, the higher

the education and intelligence of individuals become, the more their tastes and views are differentiated and the less likely they are to agree on a particular hierarchy of values.

“If we wish to find a high degree of uniformity in outlook, we have to descend to the regions of lower moral and intellectual standards where the more primitive and ‘common’ instincts and tastes prevail,” Hayek wrote.

“This does not mean that the majority of people have low moral standards; it merely means that the largest group of people whose values are very similar are the people with low standards.

“It is, as it were, the lowest common denominator which unites the largest number of people. … It will be those who form the ‘mass’ in the derogatory sense of the term, the least original and independent, who will be able to put the weight of their numbers behind their particular ideals.”

■ Principle No. 2: Because the first group will not be large enough “to give sufficient weight to the leader’s endeavors,” he will have to convert more people to his or her creed.

The candidate must gain “the support of the docile and gullible,

who have no strong convictions but are ready to accept a readymade system of values if it is only drummed into their ears sufficiently loudly and frequently.

“It will be those whose vague and imperfectly formed ideas are easily swayed and whose passions and emotions are readily aroused who will thus swell the ranks of the totalitarian party.”

■ Principle No. 3: Hayek says this one is the most important. “It is easier for people to agree on a negative program — on the hatred of an enemy, on the envy of those better off — than on any positive task.”

We hear it daily: hatred of Jews, Israel, billionaires, corporations and, locally, developers.

Ginning up this hatred and envy, Hayek wrote, is “always employed by those who seek … the unreserved allegiance of huge masses.”

BE AN INFORMED VOTER

How can we counter this?

It starts with education. In this 250th year of our nation’s founding, it’s a reminder that we must repeat and repeat with our family members — young and old — that nowhere else in the world is a nation rooted in the principles that “all men are created equal” and that we have “unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We are in charge of our own destiny.

Government is to be our servant.

Likewise, as the 2026 elections draw near, be an informed voter.

Remember that the Revolutionary War was about liberty, and the Constitution was about limiting government. Here’s a litmus test to pose to every candidate: What takes a higher precedence — individual liberty or the collective community?

When James Madison wrote in the Federalist papers, Madison envisioned those serving in office as “enlightened leaders” who “would demonstrate their wisdom and virtue more by what they did not do than by what they did,” wrote Isaac Kramnick in “James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay — The Federalist Papers.”

“They would not pass unjust laws that interfered with private rights. They would respect liberty, justice and property and run a limited government.” In Federalist 62, Madison warned that “excess of lawmaking” and “voluminous laws” would be the “diseases” most likely to occur.

And then there was John Adams.

He believed for our republic to succeed, Americans needed to be virtuous — to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.

So look for the virtuous candidates who embrace individual liberty over the collective mob — so the worst will not get on top.

“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.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Leah Schwarting, LSchwarting@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Jack Nelson, JNelson@ YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Digital News Analytics and Marketing Strategist / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Digital News Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Jenn Edwards, JEdwards@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Chief Revenue Officer / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Advertising Director / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Senior Sales Executive / Richeal McGuinness, RMcGuinness@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@ YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@ YourObserver.com; Marcus Ponce, MPonce@YourObserver.com; Anna Reich, Anna@YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Sydney Schunk, SSchunk@YourObserver. com Head of Sales Operations / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Account Managers / Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com; Caitlin Ellis, CEllis@YourObserver.com Advertising and Event Coordinator / Marisa Merlino, MMerlino@YourObserver. com Director of Strategic Growth / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Strategic Marketing Coordinator / Landyn Park, LPark@YourObserver.com Social Media and Content Manager / Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services and IT / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver. com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

The myopic commissioners, and why Neunder, Smith should go ere is one of many reasons why All one-sided information.

H Sarasota County CommissionOf course, all five of the comers Mark Smith and Joe Neunder missioners took the bait. Smith should not be re-elected: Their myopic comments last week about data centers.

If you missed it, Sarasota County commissioners voted 5-0 to create a one-year moratorium on the acceptance or review of data center applications.

They did this to give the county planning staff time to evaluate how and whether large data centers fit in the county’s zoning codes.

To be sure, it is a smart move to be prepared. But the county, mind you, has not received any applications for data centers, although a company has expressed interest in property along Cattleman Road.

So, to throw gas and light the match against data centers — even though she said she did not intend to be hyperbolic, Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Michele Norton shared with the commissioners the accompanying photo of a 400-acre Meta Platforms Inc. data center in Mesa, Arizona. And then Norton did what everyone else who opposes data centers does — gave details on “the extraordinary consumption of electricity, land and water” to operate the facility.

and Neunder led the commission comments, while Commissioners Teresa Mast, Ron Cutsinger and Tom Knight all endorsed what the other two said.

Neunder was first to launch his opposition with his usual bombastic bloviating: “I have taken a significant dive into this particular topic. Ultimately, at the end of the day (his standard cliché), for me, it’s no, not now, never.

“Whatever we have to do from a policy perspective from this board and being married to a science teacher and really going down the rabbit hole here, I don’t see this as ever being something, from one person’s perspective, that we would ever want in our community … At the end of the day (There’s that cliché again.), this is a hard, hard no for me,” Neunder said.

Then Smith, always more docile, noted that he has attended numerous data center seminars at the state and national levels.

“Environmentally, I think it’s a disaster … The hum of these things, the size of them, they’re lit up like prisons because of security reasons at night. They don’t belong in Sara-

Observer Media Group Inc.

Photo courtesy of Sarasota County

Meta Platforms’ 400-acre, 2.5 million-square-foot data center in Mesa, Arizona.

By comparison, all of University Town Center is about 500 acres (plus traffic).

sota County … (W)e need to put in our codes to make sure they can’t apply. And so that anybody who’s thinking about coming here need not enter.”

No doubt, there are many readers who will cheer the commissioners’ votes. But if any of these five entrusted with leading the county tried living without horse blinders on and had the smarts to try to envision the future, they all should have said something to the effect of: “I understand people’s concerns about data centers. But do any of you think it would be worthwhile to hear the other side of the story?

“Before imposing moratoria or declaring forever opposition to any kind of data centers, do you think it would be worthwhile to know the consequences that have occurred in communities with data cen-

ters? What are the trade-offs, the benefits and the adverse effects on taxpayers, the economy and environment?”

But no. This is yet another instance of myopic people ignoring future infrastructure needs — just as Sarasota County commissions have done for 50 years.

Question: How many of you think the demand for more computing power, for better cellphone connections, for more and faster digital access is going to decline?

Likely no one. Wouldn’t it be wiser, then, to be open-minded to whatever innovations come in the future? Think ahead.

Come the Aug. 18 primary election, Sarasota County voters should do themselves a favor — send Smith and Neunder packing.

is locally owned.

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

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman / David Beliles (1995-2026) Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2026 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

New condo project moving forward

9

A rendering of the proposed condo building at the corner of Ringling Boulevard and Osprey Avenue.

The Sarasota City Commission approved an alley right of way vacation for a new condominium tower on Ringling Boulevard after several deal-sweetening concessions.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

N

ew multifamily development is continuing its eastward migration along Ringling Boulevard with the approval to integrate a 20-foot-wide alley into a 10-story, 54-unit development covering two lots at the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and South Osprey Avenue.

The development, which has no submitted site plan, would replace a low-rise commercial building and a row of townhome units on two parcels at the edge of Arlington Park.

The properties in question are at 1776 Ringling Boulevard and 222 S. Osprey Ave. They are separated by an alley that can be accessed from Osprey to the

Courtesy image

The terminus of Osprey Court ends at dumpsters overlooked by a neighboring condo building.

east and terminates at an adjoining condo building to the west.

The public-benefit merits of the 207-foot-long brick paver alley that dead-ends at a pair of trash bins was at the center of the nearly two-hourlong July 6 Sarasota City Commission legislative hearing where the development took another step forward. Representatives of the applicant brought a request to vacate the right of way for the alley, known as Osprey Court, so it could complete the design of its project under the name of Ringling & Osprey Condos.

The developer, PFI 721 Development LLC, made a number of streetscape enhancing offers to sweeten the deal.

The request set off the usual distress over whether a handful of offers in exchange for the city’s use of an alley — which in this case involves only garbage collection — is enough to offset loss of the perceived public benefit.

However, the commission determined it was enough by a 4-1 vote, with Mayor Debbie Trice opposed, and the sacrifice of 4,154 square feet of ground and air space was approved.

The developer’s offers included: ■ Four apartments affordable to residents whose wages are at 80% area median income or below, rather than the required two units to achieve the city’s bonus density.

■ A publicly accessible plaza with green space near the intersection of Ringling Boulevard and South Osprey Avenue.

■ A 10-foot setback of 172 feet in length covering 94% of the frontage.

■ A minimum 8-foot-wide sidewalk.

Image courtesy of DSDG Architects

■ A 14-foot, 3-inch setback of the building face above the second floor, ■ A 20-foot-wide public green space.

■ Constructing a bus shelter where one currently does not exist.

■ A 4-foot landscaped area approximately every 30 feet when not in conflict with utilities along Osprey Avenue.

■ Pedestrian canopy along the full length of the building.

“We are essentially giving back to the community about 3,625 square feet,” said Macaire King, an attorney for the developer. “That’s just about a 500-square-foot difference between what we’re seeking to vacate and what we’d be giving back to the community.”

Commissioners Jen Ahearn-Koch and Kathy Kelley Ohlrich were primarily concerned that offers made to sweeten the deal between a 4-1 Planning Board rebuke of the alley vacation and the July 6 meeting would remain in effect through the administrative approval process. Deputy City Attorney John Shamsey assured they would, providing they were part of the ordinance.

Commissioners Liz Alpert and Kyle Battie leaned more toward con-

cerns over what could be developed by-right on the parcels should the alley vacation be rejected.

In that case, all the offers could go away and two 10-story towers built instead or, even more intense, the site could be subject to Florida Live Local standards and go up to 18 stories providing the requisite number of affordable housing units were included.

“The last thing that I think anyone would want, and particularly anyone in that area would want, is the alternative,” Battie said. “These proffers that are being made for this project benefit us all. You don’t want the alternative, and they have every right to know to explore those possibilities if they so choose.”

The list of concessions was so appealing, the project even won the endorsement of the persistent watchdog Laurel Park Neighborhood Association, as board member Ron Kashden spoke in favor of the alley vacation.

Still, a sticking point was the loss of 12 affordably priced residences, which, under the design, will be replaced by one-fourth that number. King and development consultant Philip DiMaria of Kimley-

Horn reminded commissioners any remaining leases on those apartments will expire by the end of the year, none will be renewed and the building demolished by the developer regardless of the alley vacation outcome.

Meanwhile, the four attainable units offered by the developer will be affordable rentals for 30 years.

“There’s zero protection to those attainable units today,” DiMaria said of the substandard apartments, which are not part of the city’s affordable housing program.

“Those parcels could be renovated, they could be redeveloped where all attainable units are removed with zero protection and zero controls.

The discussion we’re having today is if the removal of the right of way occurs, there’s a net public benefit being given back.”

With the alley vacation approved, a site plan will be further developed prior to running an administrative gauntlet and, providing no adjustments or changes to proffers are requested, will go to the desk of the director of development services for final approval.

YOUR TRUSTED CONNECTION TO SARASOTA & ISLAND LIVING NE W

1280 HIDDEN HARBOR WAY | $8.5M

4205 HIGEL AVE | $7.5M

NE W

3939 HIGEL AVE | $3.675M

3129 FOUNDERS CLUB DR | $2.895M

622 TROPICAL CIR | $1.45M SO LD

IN

LD

ND

SO

PE G

21 Years as Siesta Key’s #1 Real Estate Agent Verified in the Top 1.5% of REALTORS ® in the USA Nearing $1 Billion in Career Sales*

BLIND PASS RD | $2.95M

PARADISE WAY | $2.25M

Preview Our Featured Listings homesofsarasota.com

1

No.

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING AGENT SINCE 2005

*Sales data source: Based on information from Stellar MLS, Zillow Premier Agent, and sourced by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty & RealTrends Verified for the period of January 1999 to July 2026.

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned & operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Judie Berger, P.A., REALTOR ® Ryan Evans, REALTOR ® judie.berger@premiersir.com 941.928.3424

456728-1

1500 CARIBBEAN DR | $4.25M

10

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

WE BUY CLASSIC CARS BRINGING YOU TOP DOLLAR

Vintage Motors of Sarasota

7519 Pennsylvania Ave, Unit 101, Sarasota, FL 34243 941.355.6500 | vintagemotorssarasota.com

We Can Print ANYTHING On A

Andrew Warfield

COOKIE

Sarasota’s first micromobility hub was installed on Ringling Boulevard near the Legacy Trail entrance.

• 35 Flavors of Hershey’s Ice Cream

1066 S Tamiami Trl Osprey, FL | 941-375-8937 | 1HOTCOOKIEANDICECREAM.COM

458024-1

15 Cookie Flavors Every Day! Catering & Delivery • Hot Cookie & Brownie Sundaes • Banana Splits Open Every Day 12-9pm • Milkshakes, Malts, Coffee & More!

City installing hubs for micromobility users ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction

Call today to schedule an appointment

465304-1

941.927.1882

of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

T

hanks to a $125,110 federal grant, five micromobility hubs are coming to strategic locations in the city of Sarasota.

The hubs are part of a pilot program to offer cycling amenities with a nod toward Sarasota’s historic fruit-inspired street names. The hubs will include a bike rack and bike repair kiosk with an air pump and QR code for accessing repair instructions. Fruit-themed designs will complement the amenities and recognize each location’s historic street name, such as Banana Avenue, which is now U.S. 41.

The first hub was installed at Ringling Boulevard and South School Avenue near the Legacy Trail. It features strawberries, as Ringling originally was platted as Strawberry Avenue.

“We did an analysis where we looked at different locations. We also looked at the Veo (scooter) activity, so we considered micromobility activity, some bicycle activity and also gaps where bicycle parking was available,” said Senior Transportation Planner Corinne Arriaga.

Grand Opening Celebration Cassia at Skye Ranch Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of four new models at Cassia at Skye Ranch!

Explore just-released single-family home designs, connect with our team, and enjoy light bites while you build your own bouquet with Posies Flower Truck.

Single-family homes now selling from the high $400s

Three other hub locations have been identified near intersections at: n Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Maple Avenue n Main Street and Orange Avenue n U.S. 41 and Bayfront Drive “Our goal is to expand choices and really create a multimodal network and provide infrastructure for that,” Arriaga said. “One way to do that is to really expand opportunities for people who choose to travel a different way and they have places where they can park and experience Sarasota.”

Because the program is funded by a federal grant, performance measures will be documented, prompting specific considerations for locating the hubs.

“We wanted to look at areas where it would be successful, so high-visibility areas where people can see them, and then also support our local businesses and provide opportunities for people who ride bicycles to be able to park nearby and patronize them,” Arriaga said.

The program is an outgrowth of the city’s transportation plan, Sarasota In Motion.

The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

When Saturday, July 25 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Where Cassia at Skye Ranch Sales Office 7895 Interstellar Avenue Sarasota, FL 34241

Driving Directions Scan to RSVP

Enter for a chance to win a $250 Visa® gift card!*

From I-75, Take Exit 205 East onto Clark Road. Go about 3.5 Miles - Cassia at Skye Ranch is on the right.

SkyeRanchTM.com | 941.269.5121 Complimentary food and refreshments available while supplies last; children must be accompanied by an adult. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE CHANCE OF WINNING. Eligible Entrants must register at the Cassia at Skye Ranch community sales gallery on 7/25/26 from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (“Promotion Period”) to be eligible to enter the drawing for a chance to win (each participant, an “Eligible Entrant”) one $250 Visa® gift card. Gift Card Merchant is not affiliated with or a sponsor of this event. Need not be present at time of drawing in order to win. The drawing is open to U.S. Legal Residents only who are at least 18 at time of entry. One winner will be randomly selected on or before 7/27/26 from those who registered during the Promotion Period. If not present, Potential Winner has forty-eight hours to respond to Sponsor’s voicemail or email notice or an alternative Winner will be randomly selected from all other Eligible Entrants. Odds of winning dependent on total number of entries. Not responsible for lost, stolen or expired card once issued, taxes or any purchases above the value of the cards. No cash equivalent or substitutions. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Any reference to amenities, attractions and services outside of the Community are provided for general informational purposes only without guarantee and represents a non-exhaustive summary of existing and/or planned neighborhood merchants, facilities and services that remain subject to change. Price(s) shown may not reflect lot premiums, upgrades and options depending on stage of construction. All homes are subject to prior sale. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. This is not an offer in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional state and community specific disclaimers, licensing information and other details (as applicable). © June 2026, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. CGC1529148 & CGC1537334. All rights reserved. 06/25/26 10453

464463-1

464959-1

Trading Classics/Exotics Since 1989 Local, Trusted, Passion Driven

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

11

From answering the call to joining the celebration

20k

10k

$2MM

veterans hired since 2015

more to be hired by 2031

donated in FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets

We’ve proudly been serving communities around the country for 240 years.

Here in Sarasota and Manatee, we have an ongoing commitment to the veterans who make us stronger — helping them access careers, transition programs, housing, and now unforgettable experiences like FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets.

What would you like the power to do? ®

Tickets provided through Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Availability is limited and subject to eligibility, registration, verification and Vet Tix/1st Tix terms. Bank of America is a promotional sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026™. Ticket figures are based on Bank of America’s June 3, 2026 announcement; military hiring figures are based on its September 17, 2025 announcement. Image is illustrative and has been digitally enhanced using artificial intelligence.

Equal employment opportunity for persons with disabilities and veterans. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

465307-1

Learn more at BofA.com/Celebrating250

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

1660 Ringling plan is all business for now ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

he historic neighborhood weighs in heavily, frequently in opposition, for any plan to construct a commercial or mixed-use development within or adjacent to Laurel Park just southeast of Sarasota’s central business district.

Its silence regarding Benderson Development’s intentions for the former Sarasota County Administration Center at 1660 Ringling Blvd. after three years of planning — which involved no small amount of neighborhood engagement — spoke volumes as the city’s Planning Board on July 8 unanimously endorsed both a site-specific amendment to the city plan and a rezone of the site.

Benderson acquired the 2.8-acre property from Sarasota County for $25 million in 2021 knowing the county was planning to relocate its headquarters to a site it owns off Apex Road east of Interstate 75 off Fruitville Road. The property includes the former office building with nearly 2 acres of parking to its east and south along South Osprey Avenue and Morrill Street.

But the property came with its challenges. For one, the 1-acre site of the building is split nearly down the center between the Downtown Core zone district along Ringling Boulevard and Downtown Edge adjacent to Laurel Park. And, as a result of sweeping 2005 zoning code changes, the building is now noncompliant with either. Under current zoning, that limits changes to the exterior of the building. The line even runs through the structure itself.

“This was a fully code compliant building when it was built up until 2005 when the city dramatically changed the zoning code,” said Philip DiMaria of planning consultant Kimley-Horn. “Suffice to say, if this was a privately owned property, there would likely have been some sort of settlement that occurred, like many other properties in this area, that reduced their entitlement due to the zoning code change.”

Benderson does have big plans, but currently only for 1 acre that includes the building and its adjacent parking lot. A developer whose business model is to develop and hold property, Benderson’s Director of Real Estate Investment Todd Mathes said the company intends to use the location to address the shrinking office space inventory because of the yearslong trend of redeveloping commercial buildings into condo towers.

To accomplish that, Benderson is requesting an amendment of the future land use map of the property from Urban Edge to Downtown Core

www.AnthonysAirConditioning.com 941-210-0993

$125 OFF

Limit 1 coupon per household. Restrictions may apply. Residential customers only. Coupon must be redeemed on day of purchase and/or upon signing of contract. Expires 7/31/26

PAIR And Share!

JULY 2026 | 11:00AM – CLOSE

Mix and match any two entrées listed below, served with complimentary dinner rolls! A perfect way to share and save. Drinks not included.

459016-1

Drain IV System ony T ’ l i L

2 FOR

$28

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY *Dine-in only

465419-1

Meal Choices: 2pc White Chicken Dinner with choice of two sides 2pc Dark Chicken Dinner with choice of two sides Liver & Onions with choice of two sides Chef Salad Ham, turkey, chicken, or roast beef Breakfast Combo 2 eggs, ham, bacon or sausage, hash browns, toast, and fresh fruit Roast Beef, Pork, Turkey, and Meatloaf Manhattan *Manhattans served with mashed potatoes only, no additional sides

464249-1

12

File image

and to rezone the eastern portion of the built parcel to Downtown Core.

With no site plan submitted, Mathes said it will “re-skin” the building to render a modern elevation, add three stories, significantly replace monolithic walls with windows, expand its footprint and rebuild the interior to attract Class A office users.

The street level will include retail and restaurant space as redevelopment continues to soften the formerly spartan character of the western portion of Ringling Boulevard.

Benderson sees the building as a candidate to add height up to 10 stories as permitted in Downtown Core and expand the footprint southward into what is now the lesser-intensive Urban Edge.

So far, Benderson has only proclaimed its intention to keep the current parking lots that buffer the building from the surrounding neighborhood at their current use.

Future use of the remainder of the site could include some residential development and a parking structure to serve the office building, a concept that emerged from a threeplanning charrette hosted by Benderson in October 2023.

In December 2025, Mathes revealed a refined site concept to Laurel Park residents during a community meeting.

But, as a long-term holder of projects it develops, Mathes said Benderson will keep open its options for the remaining 1.8 acres.

“If we can provide the parking resource to support the office tenant in a structured situation, depending on what that demand is over time, then we could see redevelopment of that surface lot,” he said. “Class A office users use less parking and have larger office space than other types of users. They also are in the office less than five days a week, so we’re adapting to the reality of the future.”

Benderson’s application will now go before the Sarasota City Commission for final consideration.

Benderson Development wants to redevelop the former site of the Sarasota County Administration Center at 1660 Ringling Blvd.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

13

463616-1

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.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Deli closes Sarasota location, plans new concept at UTC

MONDAY, JUNE 8

THE PEEK OF CURIOSITY 8:45 p.m., 1600 block of 21st Street Suspicious person: A K-9 unit and two other Sarasota police officers responded to a suspected prowling incident in which a caller described a man creeping about the multifamily property peering into vehicle windows and looking over a fence surrounding an adjacent construction site.

The woman said he was last seen walking south on Gregg Street, where officers made contact. The man said he was walking to a friend’s residence and acknowledged he was in the parking lot in question, further explaining his friend asked him to look for a black Honda belonging to a woman he suspected was cheating on him.

He denied looking into any vehicles, but did concede looking over the fence into the construction area. While being interviewed, he often rambled about unrelated topics and events, according to the incident report. He did not consent to a search of his person but said he was in possession of a phone that belonged to his friend and it was in his back pocket.

There was no evidence the man attempted to enter a vehicle, but the complainant did request the subject be placed on a trespassing notice from the apartment community.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

GAS SPLASH 9:18 p.m., 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail Dispute: Because of an alleged fuel dispensing nozzle malfunction, a woman entered the convenience store to report she couldn’t stop the pump from operating and “it began spraying fuel everywhere,” according to the incident report. She said after she advised a store clerk about the matter she was disregarded and told the store was busy.

A verbal argument ensued before staff eventually stopped the pump and the Sarasota County Fire Department responded to clean the gasoline spill.

The driver was then handed a receipt, which included all of the gas that was inadvertently dispensed, and the officer advised the woman regarding how to dispute the payment. Staff advised they would review security footage to determine if the incident was indeed a malfunction or operator error. No further action was taken.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

WHEN YOU GOTTA GO ...

9:10 p.m., 1400 block of Main Street Larceny: The owner of a restaurant contacted dispatch regarding a dineand-dash incident. An officer met with the caller, who advised the subject was in the restaurant the prior week when commerce as usual was conducted. On this night, however, the man walked toward the back of

The Original Wolfie’s has shuttered its eatery in Sarasota’s Rosemary District.

ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER

A

deli that had two locations in Sarasota County has closed its downtown Sarasota spot and announced plans to open a new concept in the UTC area. The Original Wolfie’s and Rascal House shut its restaurant July 3 in the Rosemary District on Boulevard of the Arts. The eatery opened in November 2023 to long lines and crowds that required the owners to close briefly to hire more staff.

“There was not one specific reason for the closure of this location,” Wolfie’s Director of Operations Jason Starkman says in a July 10 email responding to questions from the Business Observer.

The Original Wolfie’s continues to serve patrons in Lakewood Ranch from its bakery and takeaway location at 5318 Paylor Lane.

It has been offering takeout, delivery and catering services there since 2024.

the restaurant as if to visit the restroom, but instead, continued out the back door, disappearing into the darkness of the back alley.

Video footage provided a clear description of the man and a still image was uploaded into an evidence database, although his identity could not be determined.

The restaurateur did not wish to press charges, but said he wanted to have the man trespassed should he return and to have the incident documented for now.

Images via The Original Wolfie’s & Rascal House / Facebook

The Original Wolfie’s and Rascal House closed at 1420 Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota in early July.

The Original Wolfie’s menu includes sandwiches like Reuben, pastrami, corned beef and chicken salad, among others, plus bagels, breads, soups, salads and desserts.

“We make everything in-house, from our salads and soups to our dessert and fresh-baked breads,” Starkman says.

Next, the company is planning to open a new concept in the UTC area called Wolfie’s Hand Cut. “This is more than a new restaurant — it’s the next evolution of the Wolfie’s brand,” Starkman says in a statement. “We’ve been working behind the scenes to create something special, and we’re excited to share it with our loyal guests and a new generation of customers.”

Wolfie’s Hand Cut will serve classic menu items alongside some new offerings, according to Starkman.

Among the staples will be the specialty meats and desserts. New items will include “breads, sauces, savory and tasty sides and some new and exciting sweet treats, all made at our bakery/commissary in Lakewood Ranch,” Starkman says.

Wolfie’s has already signed the lease at UTC in the shopping center near Total Wine, according to Starkman.

The brand is planning a fastcasual restaurant there with indoor and outdoor seating where patrons can also order takeout and delivery.

It plans to open before the end of 2026.

Celebrate

Outstanding Leadership Awards

The 2026

HONOREES FIONA FARRELL IMPACT IN ACTION AWARD

KARI QUEEN

LEADERSHIP SARASOTA DEDICATION AWARD

A PROGRAM OF:

LUCY NICANDRI LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP AWARD

DAVID VERINDER

HEATHER TODD

*NEW AWARD*

*NEW AWARD*

COMMUNITY CATALYST AWARD

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

CIVIC CHAMPION AWARD

PRESENTED BY:

MICHAEL'S ON EAST RESTAURANT & CATERING 465224-1

COPS CORNER

14

JULY 16, 2026

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

ROCK ’N’

R

SES

Lynn Goldsmith’s photos celebrate nature and her collaboration with Selby Artist-In-Residence Patti Smith.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

IF YOU GO

‘SHARED LIGHT: LYNN GOLDSMITH’ When: Through Sept. 8 Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: $28 Info: Visit Selby.org.

Images courtesy of Matthew Holler

Lynn Goldsmith’s photography exhibition, “Shared Light,” is on display indoors and outside at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens through Sept. 13.

A+E EDITOR

A

visitor exploring the oversized photos indoors and outside at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens could assume that the exhibition, “Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith,” is about flowers. But according to Goldsmith, the show is about friendship.

Unless you’re an aficionado of photography or rock ’n’ roll, you might not immediately recognize Goldsmith’s name. But her images of artists such as The Rolling Stones, Grand Funk Railroad and Bruce Springsteen are in books, private collections and museums.

Her long creative collaboration with punk rocker and poet Patti Smith, Selby’s inaugural artist in residence, is the thread that runs through “Shared Light.”

On a recent morning tour, it’s immediately apparent that Goldsmith is the cool kid in the group. The blue jeans she’s wearing are embellished with pockets, straps and rings.

When someone asks her when she bought the distinctive denim, she steers them toward the website of Tripp NYC. “The designer is a friend of mine,” Goldsmith says.

The brief exchange underscores the importance of friendship to Goldsmith, something she mentions several times during the course of an hour.

Asked when she and Smith met, Goldsmith says neither of them can remember exactly, but that it was in the mid-1970s, around the time Smith’s debut studio album, “Horses,” was released.

Goldsmith recalls that she got a phone call from Smith, who said, “So-and-so says this about you.

Therefore, I think you must be great!” The two have been friends ever since.

In 1977, Goldsmith photographed Smith for the cover of her album, “Easter.” The photo ultimately chosen shows Smith with her hands tugging on her hair. The album symbolized a resurrection of sorts for Smith, who had broken her neck and was regaining movement in her arms.

During the tour at Selby Gardens,

Monica Roman Gagnier

Lynn Goldsmith

Goldsmith recalled how she was inspired to photograph Smith using flowers that she had left over from another assignment.

“Shared Light” contains a photo tribute to Goldsmith’s friendship with Smith, through a series of photographs in the Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany and the Arts. In the gallery that Goldsmith referred to as the “purple room,” there are photos of Smith taken in the mid-1970s.

“The reason why they’re chosen is because it establishes that timeline of a friendship. For me, friendship goes through many of the same changes as the life of a flower,” says Goldsmith.

The two longtime friends recently collaborated on a luxe coffee table book published by Taschen, called “Before Easter After” ($1,000) that includes hundreds of unseen photos taken by Goldsmith and previously private texts by Smith. There is also a more affordable edition published

by Rizzoli ($65).

An interior view of “Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith” at Selby Gardens.

A STONES FAN FROM THE START

Goldsmith got her start as a rock ’n’ roll photographer early. She was living with her mother and stepfather in Miami when she had the opportunity to shoot The Beatles in the lobby of a hotel. Goldsmith, who was 16 at the time, was not impressed by the Fab Four; she was a Rolling Stones fan. At the time, “you had to choose between the two,” she told the U of M alumni magazine.

Goldsmith’s creative, sometimes unconventional, approach was evident even then. She chose to photograph little more than the Beatles’ boots.

A native of Detroit, Goldsmith is the daughter of an engineer and an interior decorator. When she was studying English and psychology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Smith became friends with a fellow student named James Osterberg whom the world would later know as the rock star Iggy Pop. Goldsmith’s trajectory in the music business began when she was hired as director of publicity, marketing and advertising at Elektra Records in 1969. That led to a celebrated career photographing and managing rock stars.

Though it may seem tame by today’s standards, Goldsmith’s cover for Grand Funk Railroad’s album, “We’re An American Band,” was controversial at the time. It showed the band members in the nude among bales of hay.

Although the huge photos at Selby Gardens appear to be taken in the wild, that’s not the case.

Smith used to rise early and go to the Chelsea Flower Market in New York City, where restaurants, hotels and decorators procure fresh flowers each morning. There she would roam, taking close-ups of flowers using a Nikon camera with a single 50-millimeter lens.

“New York is oftentimes not the easiest place to live, but when you get up and go to the flower market, it’s well worth it,” Goldsmith says.

“You’d think people wouldn’t be happy at 5 a.m., but they are. The

flower market is a place where people are so kind to each other — really nice — and everything smells good.”

These solitary expeditions with a single camera and available light were a marked contrast to Goldsmith’s life as a studio photographer of boldface names.

“Portraiture involves having assistants and makeup people, the stylist, the publicist, the manager. It’s like a lot of people. I usually have a tray in the studio with different cameras on it,” she says.

Goldsmith may have a low-key, boho vibe, but she isn’t someone with whom you want to tangle.

In addition to being a trailblazer as a rock ’n’ roll manager and photographer, she isn’t afraid to stand up for her intellectual property.

When Andy Warhol (or perhaps one of his assistants) used her 1981 photos of the musician Prince to make a series of silkscreens, Goldsmith took her case all the way to the Supreme Court and won.

After the justices ruled 7-2 in Goldsmith’s favor, a settlement was reached in May 2024.

The Andy Warhol Foundation agreed to drop its claims, pay her legal fees and compensate her for using her images.

When she and Smith were working on the book “Before Easter After,” they decided they needed to take a photo of Smith’s shoes her mother had donated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Cleveland-based museum was reluctant to part with the foot-

wear, even for a photo shoot. “So we both got on the phone and I was like, ‘I’ll never loan you anything again,” Goldsmith says. “So they brought the shoes, but they would only bring them to Patti’s house.”

Although she now lives in Nashville, Goldsmith considers herself an honorary Floridian because she went to high school in Miami. “Back then, the only air conditioning was in the library, so I read a lot,” she says.

Despite her Florida roots, Goldsmith has never photographed orchids in the wild.

She noted that in her world travels, she was impressed by the landscape of Argentina.

Goldsmith chose the photos to exhibit outside and decided where to place them using video sent to her

by David Berry, Selby’s chief curator.

“Dave generously walked it (the path) for me on video, so that I could get a feel of where the path was taking you and what you were seeing along the path,” Goldsmith says.

“These banyan trees are just extraordinary. The only thing that seemed to be (missing) was color.”

As she took visitors on a tour of her work that spans roughly five decades, Goldsmith waxed philosophical.

Through her recent book with Smith and the “Shared Light” exhibition, she has been “able to bring forward the kind of fragility and endurance that flowers and friendships have in common.”

Whether it’s the beauty of nature or a long creative partnership, Goldsmith takes nothing for granted.

A close-up of a dahlia was photographed by Lynn Goldsmith.

These solitary expeditions with a single camera and available light were a marked contrast to Goldsmith’s life as a studio photographer of boldface names.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

THURSDAY

Sarasota Contemporary Dance presents an In-The-Round performance at its home studio on Friday, July 17.

‘DOG MOM’ 7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $25-$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

A New Play National Rolling Network premiere by playwright Tate Elizabeth Hanyok, “Dog Mom” is being produced by regional theaters in Portland, Oregon; Sunnyvale, California; Sacramento, California, and Sarasota’s Florida Studio Theatre. Directed by Nancy Rominger, “Dog Mom” follows a hardnosed New Yorker whose heart begins to melt after she fosters a stray dog. Runs through Aug. 2.

FLIP SCHULTZ 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

There are few places in the world that Flip Schultz’ multifaceted comedy hasn’t taken him. He’s appeared on TV’s “Last Comic Standing,” has performed overseas for the military on several tours and is a popular comedian on cruise lines. In addition to telling his own jokes, doing improv and acting out the antics of his various alter egos, Schultz writes jokes and songs. You may know “The Lox Song” from “The Dr. Demento Show.” Runs through July 19.

‘LEAVING ON A JET PLANE’ 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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 26.

‘MARVIN: A MARVIN GAYE REVUE’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $54 adults; $24 students, and active military Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

SATURDAY

THIS WEEK Image courtesy of Adrian Van Stee

Ellie Papataros stars as the Wicked Witch in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s youth edition of “The Wizard of Oz.”

This is a sneak peek of the show Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is taking to the 2026 International Black Theatre Festival in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Sheldon Rhoden, who has played Marvin Gaye in four runs of “Prince of Soul,” returns for the musical revue, along with other WBTT artists. Like the man he plays, Rhoden attracts a legion of besotted, mostly female fans. Runs through July 24.

FRIDAY

SCD’S IN-THE-ROUND 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

‘COMEDY LOTTERY’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

DON’T MISS ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION’ Asolo Repertory Theatre continues its summer tradition of staging a family-oriented musical with “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.” Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion on the yellow brick road to family entertainment.

The hourlong show runs through Aug. 8.

IF YOU GO When: 4 p.m. Thursday, July 16 Where: Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $15-$19 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s In-The-Round gives upcoming choreographers from across the country the chance to develop and present a work in progress during SCD’s Summer Intensive.

Choreographers receive audience feedback following the performance in a process facilitated by SCD Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott.

Florida Studio Theatre’s own improv troupe takes over Bowne’s Lab with “Comedy Lottery,” giving the audience a chance to select the night’s games. If FST Improv isn’t on your radar, it’s time for a new machine. Runs through July 25.

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 for the show, which runs through Sept. 27. Don’t miss the massive Hockney on loan from Stanton Storer, “Inside It Opens Up As Well.”

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.

OUR PICK

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 jugglers, roller skaters, hand balancers and a clown she happens to be married to: Davis Vassallo.

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.

IF YOU GO When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Thursday, July 16 Where: the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $15-$20 Info: 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 have a permanent home in Gallery 12 after a decadelong project.

462264-1

16

YourObserver.com

Fogartyville gets a face-lift

ISLAND VIBES. OCEAN BITES. GOOD TIMES.

Grants allow the listening room to add a built-in bar, more restrooms and flexible seating options.

LIVE MUSIC EVERYDAY!

We’re #1 on the Key for a reason!

Get the Island vibes flowing with fresh oysters, seafood, mouthwatering burgers, and crispy chicken wings. Stop by, chill out, and enjoy the good times!

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

T

CH 9AM-11:30AM

SUNDAY BRUN

Siesta Key Oyster Bar 5238 Ocean Blvd Sarasota, FL 34242 463555-1

941.346.5443 www.SKOB.com

Monica Gagnier

SIGN UP FOR HOME DELIVERED MEALS.

Fogartyville General Manager Jesse Coleman and Director Ariel Aparicio-Jerro pose outside the repainted exterior of Fogartyville in the Rosemary District.

421 N Lime Ave • Sarasota FL 34237 (941) 366-6693 • MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1971

463263-1

and operated for five years in Bradenton. In 2013, the community nightclub moved to 525 Kumquat Court in 2013 and obtained a license for WSLR, a low-watt radio station at 96.5 on the FM dial.

In 2024, Sweeting and Beaton moved to Michigan and passed the reins to Coleman, and Ariel Aparicio-Jerro, director of Fogartyville, who handles booking at the nightclub, which bills itself as “Sarasota’s favorite listening room.”

“Our founders, Dave and Arlene, did an amazing job of building community and we’ve been able to build on that,” Coleman notes. “Fogartyville/WSLR is a place where volunteers can get involved and feel a sense of ownership.”

Coleman says that WSLR/Fogartyville is remaining true to its mission of promoting community engagement and supporting social justice.

Although most Fogartyville patrons drive to concerts, art openings and other events, Coleman says the listening room is seeing a lot more pedestrian traffic in the Rosemary District due to new condos and apartments going up in the neighborhood.

Earlier this year, Fogartyville painted its exterior and added new signage. A mural painted by New Orleans street artist Brandan Odums in September 2014 was removed because it was in such poor condition. Coleman says a formal call for mural art by local artists will be issued later this year.

Further improvements to Fogartyville’s physical plant are on the way. The June upgrade was Phase One of a three-phase process, which will be completed in time for Fogartyville/WSLR’s annual fall open house, Coleman says.

HURRY! 10+ SHOWS SOLD OUT THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING PRESENT

S P E C TA C U L A

R

2026

WHERE LAUGHTER & THRILLS

COLLIDE!

NOW – SAT AUGUST 8 HISTORIC ASOLO THEATER AT THE RINGLING

15

$

CHILD

20

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM 12 & UNDER

941.360 .7399

TUE – FRI SAT

ADULT

ringling.org

The Ringling • Historic Asolo Theater 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

454193-1

SELBY.ORG 465204-1

he next time you attend a concert at Fogartyville Community Center in the Rosemary District, you’ll be able to belly up to a well-appointed bar and order a draft beer. That wasn’t possible until the listening room’s recent renovation.

Beer and wine were sold from a cart without a tap to dispense beverages.

The addition of a dishwasher allows the bar to serve beverages in glasses instead of the plastic cups Fogartyville previously used.

The new bar is part of a renovation that opened to the public with the July 12 appearance of indie folk artist Remi Goode.

Fogartyville closed for the month of June to add the bar, increase the number of bathrooms and take delivery of stackable tables and chairs for the club’s interior, as well as new patio furniture.

In addition to providing a better experience for its patrons, Fogartyville is renting out its upgraded space for private parties and nonprofit mixers. It recently hired Susan Lojacono as its new event sales manager.

The new furniture allows Fogartyville to seat 120 patrons inside, up from 106 seats, and to clear the room entirely because the tables and chairs can be stacked on trolleys and stored in a shed outside.

Seating on the patio has been improved with the addition of brightly colored red and aqua chairs, but capacity remains the same at 90 seats.

Jesse Coleman, general manager of Fogartyville and its affiliated public radio station, WSLR 96.5, says Fogartyville’s facilities provide an alternative to some of “the bland meeting spaces available at local hotels.”

Nonprofits who now book the space will find improved tech capabilities for presentations, he says.

The recent Fogartyville upgrades are part of a $250,000 renovation project funded with assistance from Impact 100 SRQ, a group of women who collectively award what are termed “transformational” grants of at least $100,000, the Selby Foundation and individual benefactors, including those who donated a total of $74,822 during the Community Foundation of Sarasota’s Giving Challenge in April.

Fogartyville was founded in 2002

by Arlene Sweeting and Dave Beaton

17

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Classifieds 29 Games 28 Real Estate 23 Sports 25 Weather 28

JULY 16, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS Mural Ginger Kreithen works on “The Legacy,” amid other artists at the wall.

support

Artists create large-scale works for a contest held by a Sarasota business.

LEARN MORE

Visit the Epic Rockworks page on Facebook.com to find out the winners.

IAN SWABY | STAFF WRITER

A

rtist Serena Phillips loves to create canvas paintings, and she has been working towards

murals.

When she found out about a mural contest held by Epic Rockworks, a local custom rock and waterfall grotto builder, she was “immediately in,” she recounted.

As one of the artists selected through a popular vote, based on a proposal they submitted on provided themes, she was at work on the wall Saturday morning.

As the sun moved higher into the sky, a fortress was taking shape on Phillips’ portion of the wall, rising from rock and producing fire while encircling water.

Epic Rockworks owner Anthony Gimenez decided to host the event following a conversation with Sarasota County’s code enforcement.

He received a code violation for an Epic Rockworks banner on the wall of his property, located at the intersection of North Tuttle Avenue and 61st Street. He agreed to take it down, but was interested to learn the same rules did not apply to paint.

Five artists were selected, with four ultimately turning out.

The vote to determine the winner will involve three Sarasota judges: Christina Baril, curator and director of exhibitions at Art Center Sarasota; Robyn Holl, cultural curator of Art

Ovation Hotel and Clifford McDonald, founder of Art4Change Inc. The general public could also vote on Facebook.

The contest is offering a $500 first prize, $250 second prize and $100 third prize. The results are planned to be announced Thursday at noon, with voting closing Wednesday at midnight.

“I’m interested in art, and when I saw on Facebook he was doing murals and stuff, I was interested in painting a mural,” said Patricia MacLean, who painted “Spring Origin.”

Artist Marisa Lara called it interesting that someone wanted to offer noncommercial artists the opportunity to work on the wall. Lara last produced a mural in 2016, in her father’s wife’s salon in Quito, Ecuador, and was eager to paint one again.

“The format of having it on such a large scale and the process of taking a sketch in your sketchbook and reproducing it on a wall and having everybody enjoy it is really gratifying for an artist,” she said.

Her piece, “The Grotto,” featured a waterfall of hands, tying the concept of civilization to water.

She had some helping hands from her family, so to speak, with cutouts of family members’ hands to use as stencils, as well as the help of her husband, Mitchell Lara, also an artist; who filled in parts of the mural.

Marisa Lara’s husband, Mitchell Lara, helps with “The Grotto.”

Photos by Ian Swaby

Ginger Kreithen, another artist and a recent graduate of Pine View School, is now on her seventh mural, with her first at Sugar Boba and Pho in Nokomis.

Kreithen has her own art business and paints pet portraits, custom commissions and murals, and also recently started her own club for painting nails. She plans to major in business at the University of Florida in the fall, using her degree toward her art.

Drawing from a picture of a northern spring in Florida, she added rocks and a heron, saying she loves painting Florida nature and wildlife.

“It’s an incredible opportunity, especially because these murals are on Tuttle, and even if they’re not going to be there for long, still it’s, like, insane,” she said. “For example, the first mural that I painted, I put my phone number on it, and three weeks later, somebody already texted me and said, ‘Hey, will you come paint a giant fish at my house?’ So even having somewhere as small as that can give you so many different opportunities, so just bringing that to a larger scale on a big road is going to be amazing.”

As Phillips worked that morning, she said she felt she was making progress. She used AI to generate the

image, which she then sketched in a small version.

She said while she calculated incorrectly, making the painting wider than she intended, and while there were many aspects she thought she could be doing differently, she was glad to be painting.

“We’ll see what happens,” she said. “It may be great. It may just be OK, and it doesn’t matter because I get to paint, and as long as I’m painting, I’m happy. And I get to bring my boyfriend along with me and have him support me along the way.”

The murals are intended to be temporary, and Gimenez plans to add additional rock texture to the wall covering that area. However, he said that after seeing the results of the competition, he was considering finding a way to build the texture around the paintings.

“I’m in awe, a bit emotional, because I can’t believe that they could turn such a plain wall into something that is not just visually appealing — it’s emotionally drawing,” he said. “It evokes emotion and feeling. I’m honored that they took the time to express themselves on the wall. I’m even excited that they have the opportunity to get this kind of exposure, even though it is temporary.”

Marisa Lara’s painting “The Grotto” is shown in a completed state.

EVERENCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Join us for our

Youth Savings Celebration August 3-5, 2026 Youth Savings Celebration is a family-focused event centered on building strong financial habits. During the event, we will give $5 to kids and teens who deposit at least $15 to their new or existing youth savings accounts.1

Current rates 5.00% APY

0.15% APY

up to $1,000

over $1,000

2

2

1 Limit of one $5 bonus per youth account (one per tax ID). Bonus deposited at time of deposit for in-branch; electronic transactions may take up to five days for bonus to post. 25.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) applies to first $1,000 on deposit; 0.15% APY applies to remaining balance above $1,000. APYs accurate as of 06/01/26 and may change without notice.

Fees may reduce earnings.

Everence Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

457060-1

Learn more about becoming a credit union member in Sarasota by calling 941-953-4859, stopping by 3407 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239-7425 or visiting everence.com/youth-savings-celebration.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

19

Bringing the community up to speed Daytona International Speedway president visits Sarasota Rotary Club.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

T

he Daytona International Speedway may be across the state, but the speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said the area of Sarasota, St. Pete and Tampa is the No. 2 area of ticket account holders for the track.

Kelleher took the opportunity to speak with the Rotary Club of Sarasota during its July 8 meeting, sharing his personal story, the speedway’s offerings and answering questions.

“There’s just so many great synergies over here in the area that we like to get over here as often as we can and do events like this with Rotaries and the business community, and just check in,” he told the Observer.

The Daytona International Speedway is home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR, as well as the 24-hour endurance race Rolex 24 at Daytona.

It also hosts other events, including races of the Automobile Racing Club of America, the Sports Car Club of America and the AMA Supercross Championship.

The speedway, built in 1959 by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., was

Frank Kelleher stands with former Rotary Club of Sarasota President Lee-En Chung and President Bob Stobaugh.

originally operated as a separate company, but was purchased by NASCAR in 2019 at a cost of $2 billion.

Kelleher, 46, is a two-time national champion with the World Karting Association. One championship was actually at the speedway. He said that having grown up as a race fan, he sees the sport through another lens, but he didn’t expect to hold the reins he currently does.

Originally, he told attendees, he was undecided on whether he wanted to take an internship opportunity he was offered in 2002 in the corporate partnership marketing and sales department of what was then the International Speedway Corporation.

Growing up, he was devoted to his family’s automotive business in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“I get asked the key to success, and it’s like, ‘I don’t know. Grow up having to work; grow up having to make sacrifices in your community,’” he said. “But really, looking back, I have such a great appreciation for my childhood and my upbringing, and I learned more behind that counter and changing tires than I did in any college course, and I’m grateful for that experience.”

Ultimately, he took the internship and spent 23 years as an employee and the last five years as president.

Kelleher took the opportunity on July 8 to answer questions from Rotary Club members, including whether NASCAR ever plans to become publicly traded.

“Currently, I think being private is the right move, as we can make some bold and dynamic decisions with changing up our racing schedule of where we’re racing, being able to invest back in properties ... ” he said. “Candidly, the street course in Chicago did not make money, and if we needed to pitch that to a board, it never would have happened, but the overall cascading effects kind of outweigh that.”

He offered a word on a potential followup to the 1990 film “Days of Thunder,” starring Tom Cruise, for which the Daytona International Speedway served as a filming loca-

Photos by Ian Swaby

Frank Kelleher discusses his racing roots with the Rotary Club of Sarasota.

tion and setting.

Kelleher said producer Jerry Bruckheimer was present during the Rolex 24 and the filming of the film “F1.” According to Kelleher, Bruckheimer was “all in,” though the logistical challenges of bringing together the different components of a film remained.

“There definitely is interest from Tom Cruise and from the cast to do a reboot of it, which I think would be awesome,” he said.

Kelleher also responded to a question on the death of NASCAR racer Kyle Busch in May. He said the company will honor him during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 29.

“No one will ever fill that void or fill his racing shoes,” he said.

Club President Bob Stobaugh says Kelleher’s visit is part of a goal for the club to invite high-profile guests.

He called the visit a fortunate opportunity for him, as he served as the best man at the wedding of Lesa

“Bringing Helpful To Your Home” SCHEDULE A CRAFTSMAN

941.280.0223

•Honey Do Lists •Drywall Repair •Mount Tv’s •Cabinet Install •Doors & Trim •Finish Carpentry

•Shelving Installation •Furniture Assembly •Hardware & Fixtures •Tile Backsplash •And More, Just Ask!

NO JOB IS TOO SMALL

“But really, looking back, I have such a great appreciation for my childhood and my upbringing, and I learned more behind that counter and changing tires than I did in any college course, and I’m grateful for that experience.”

— Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway president

France Kennedy and Bruce Kennedy.

The France family founded NASCAR and remain its owners.

Lesa France Kennedy currently serves as executive vice chair of the company, while Bruce Kennedy died in 2007.

“As a result of that serendipitous and wonderful opportunity in my life, I had a chance to really get close with the founding family of NASCAR, and to have Frank here, who knew my friend Bruce, is just a wonderful opportunity,” he said.

Summer in Style.

Licensed & Insured. Lic# CBC1267572.

637 N. Tamiami Trl, Nokomis, FL 34275 | 941.280.0223 | AceHandymanServices.com

CHATEAU DENTAL A Family-Owned Chateau

Fresh Styles for Summer Have Arrived!

Save up to 70% OFF all in-stock Patio Sets.

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

Comprehensive dental care with comfort and ease!

PATIO FURNITURE, IN-POOL LOUNGERS, UMBRELLAS, RUGS, PILLOWS, TABLETOP ACCESSORIES, AND PROTECTIVE COVERS.

Welcoming New Patients!

ChateauDentalSarasota.com

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES

941-217-6547

80 S. Tuttle Ave. Suite 100 Sarasota FL 34237

FOLLOW US

TOUR THE STORE

ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41)

464504-1

CONVENIENT LOCATION 459598-1

FRUITVILLE RD

S TUTTLE AVE

941-373-1616

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

COMMUNITY FRIDAY, JULY 17

PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH- BACKYARD GAMES AT PAYNE PARK 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Payne Park Amphitheater, 2010 Adams Lane.

Free. In celebration of Parks and Recreation Professionals Day, spend the day filled with fun activities for all ages. Activities include inflatable backyard games, Jenga, Connect Four and Tetris. There will also be food trucks. Celebrate not only the parks but also the people who work to make them great. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

LEARN MY HISTORY SUMMER SLAM Noon to 4 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St. Free. Enjoy a day filled with food, music, ice cream, face painting, games and more. Make family memories and learn how the “Learning My History” program is making a difference in the youth of the community. Community vendors are needed. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

PARK AT DARK: AFTER HOURS MOTHING 8-10 p.m. at Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Ave. Celebrate National Moth Week and observe moths during the Park at Dark event. The team at Urfer Park will use a certain set up to attract moths so guests can view and identify the species. Guests and on-hand team members will be using the iNaturalist and Seek apps to aid in their findings. Become a “scientist” for a few hours and learn more about why moths are so important. Visit SarasotaCountyParks. com.

SUNDAY, JULY 19

FINAL WATCH PARTY AT THE BAY 3-6 p.m. at The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free, come and go event.

Bring team colors and lawn chairs and enjoy the final watch party of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at The Bay. The Nest Café will serve food and drinks. Experience the excitement of the final FIFA World Cup with stadium-size large screens under the shade of a massive tent and cooling

Alex Walker, 6, and Max Walker, 8, work on paintings at the America250 Celebration at Selby Library.

BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 18

CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC 8:30-9:45 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road.

Must be 8 years old or older; anyone under the age of 16 must be present with an adult. Experience Fleetwood Mac in a completely different way and sound. Candlelight concerts are a multisensory musical experience that features live strings in the glow of the candlelight. Enjoy a tribute performance to one of the most well-known rock bands in history. Visit VisitSarasota.com for more information and tickets.

Photos by Ian Swaby

fans. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

Turning the page on 250

MONDAY, JULY 20

READY, SET WOOF! EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS 6-7:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. First come, first seated.

As hurricane season approaches it’s important for people to be prepared in all way, including their furry friends. The Florida State Animal Response Coalition will show the proper ways to prepare pets for hurricanes, floods, wildfires and many other emergencies. This includes building a pet emergency kit and creating an evacuation and shelterin-place plan. Prepare the important supplies, records and many other evacuation considerations in order to keep furry family members safe.

Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.

A

s the country’s 250th anniversary approached, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources staff wanted to offer something both national and local, said Sarasota County History Center Manager Josh Goodman.

That was how they settled on the idea of a comparative timeline.

The timeline, over 30 feet long with all of its panels placed side by side, drew “practically all” of its Sarasota images from the history center, says Programs and Outreach Specialist Meg Lepak.

The timeline was on view during the America250 Celebration at Selby Library on July 11, an event which also included live music, presentations by author Doug Alderson and a community art project.

“For an event like this, it was really an awesome opportunity to use a big national event and say, ‘How do we take this and understand it from a local position?’”

Lepak said.

Goodman said he doesn’t know how many hours he spent on research for the timeline, but it was “definitely a big focus for a couple of months.”

The history center has over 400 manuscript collections and online collections available through its website, and is responsible for historic preservations ef-

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

STELLIFEROUS LAUNCH TO LEGACY: APOLLO 7-8 p.m. at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W. Register online, tickets up to $15.

The planetarium at the Bishop will showcase a one-hour live presentation of the legacy of NASA’s Apollo program. Learn about Apollo’s historic moon landings, incredible expeditions and how they shifted humanity’s perspective on the grand cosmic landscape. Visit BishopScience.org.

EFFORTLESS COMFORT. ELEVATED LIVING.

forts locally, Lepak said that, with a background in ancient history, the event was a chance for her to learn something new.

Goodman said the library system’s celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary is year-round.

He notes the fall theme of its Florida History Lecture Series is also America250.

The timeline will also go to other county libraries.

— IAN SWABY

Programs and Outreach Specialist Meg Lepak organized the event, while Sarasota County History Center Manager Josh Goodman researched the timeline.

2026 SUMMER SERIES

JULY 25, 2026 7:00PM

CLASSIC MOVIES at the OPERA HOUSE Friday Evenings at 7 pm • TICKETS $12

Dead Again (1991) July 10 Gigi (1958) July 31 The Truman Show (1998) August 14

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) August 21 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) August 28

The Princess Bride (1987) September 4 Pretty Woman (1990) October 2

HD at the OPERA HOUSE

Performing Arts Films from Around the World Sunday Matinees at 1:30 pm • TICKETS $20 Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake

(The Royal Ballet)

July 12

The Edit 50 S Palm Ave 941-899-3565 Tue.-Sat. 10-6

(The Royal Opera)

Offenbach: The Tales of Hoffmann (The Royal Opera)

August 16 Minkus: Don Quixote Verdi: Rigoletto (The Royal Ballet)

September 20

August 23

(The Royal Opera)

October 4

(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG 465272-1

7211 S Tamiami Trl 941-923-2569 Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5 Copenhagen-imports.com

Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah

Sarasota Opera House | 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL

462512-1

20

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

21

ADVERTISEMENT

Adnan Dedic: Sarasota’s Go-To Power Real Estate Advisor for Luxury Real Estate

BY COMPASS MARKETING

Dedic-ated to Sell

BY NAME. BY REPUTATION. BY RESULTS

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

$1 BILLION CLOS I N G I N O N TOTAL SO L D T R AN SACT I O N S

We were extremely impressed

by Adnan’s professionalism and dedication. He stayed in constant contact, answered all our concerns quickly, and made sure every part of the transaction was handled smoothly and efficiently.

- ELAINE C.

From the first meeting, Adnan impressed us with his professionalism and expertise. He made the complex process of buying a home feel simple and straightforward. Highly recommend him to anyone.

PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN REVISKY

- JUAN G.

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.

462385-1

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

COMING SOON

SARASOTA’S GULF COAST AN EXTRAORDINARY VIEW DESERVES AN EXTRAORDINARY HOME

162 EMERSON DRIVE

“The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.”

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Rich Polese LUXURY REAL ESTATE ADVISOR FOUNDING AGENT | COMPASS SARASOTA

941.914.7115 Rich@FlHomes.com FLHomes.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for Informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

465097-1

22

YourObserver.com

23

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

ADAM HUGHES

J

ames and Susan Davis, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 17PHD condominium at 50 Central Ave. to Francis O’Donnell Jr., of Sarasota, for $2.65 million.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 4,095 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.6 million in 2023.

SIESTA KEY: $1.4 MILLION

Siesta Key Eich Group of Bedford LLC sold the home at 324 Siesta Drive to Humaira Syed and Dillan Patel, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million.

Built in 1950, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,510 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2012.

PALMER RANCH: $1,035,000 Ian Swaby

OYSTER BAY ESTATES Albert George Joerger, of Sarasota, sold his home at 1705 Field Road to Christopher Michael Gordon, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, for $2,125,000. Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, three-and-twohalf baths and 2,409 square feet of living area. It sold for $960,000 in 2022.

DESOTA PARK William and Madison Lucas, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 1841 Datura St. to Diana and Arkady Selenow, of Sleepy Hollow, New York, for $1,825,000. The first property was built in 1961 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,797 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2014 and has one bath and 352 square feet of living area. They sold for $899,900 in 2019.

BAYSO SARASOTA Darcy Thomas, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 1703 condominium at 301 Quay Commons to Charles Bokar and Laura Bokar, trustees, of Naperville, Illinois, for $1.6 million.

Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,811 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,363,400 in 2023.

PINE BAY HB Land Holdings LLC sold the home at 1436 Pine Bay Drive to Legacy Trust Co., trustee, for $1.55 million. Built in 1968, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,408 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.3 million in January.

SARABANDE George and Zahava Schillinger sold their Unit 32 condominium at 340 S. Palm Ave. to Ronald and Marilyn Shapo, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million.

Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,836 square feet of living area. It sold for $887,500 in 2014.

SOUTH GATE David and Katie Marie Hughes, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2806 Satsuma Drive to Daniel and Jessica Pitkowsky, of Wyckoff, New Jersey, for $995,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,919 square feet of living area.

It sold for $117,500 in 1984.

FLORA-VILLA Vito and Salvatore Amato, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 4301 S. Lockwood Ridge Road to Catherine and Cameron

JUNE 29-JULY 3

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

SARASOTA

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

REAL ESTATE

Plaza at Five Points Residences condominium sells for $2.65 million

The Unit 17PHD condominium at 50 Central Ave. was built in 2005 and has three bedrooms, four baths and 4,095 square feet of living area.

Cabrera, of Pine, Colorado, for $795,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,406 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2020.

CONDOMINIUMS OF ORANGE CLUB Sean Bagan, of Sarasota, and Andrea Bagan, of Long Lake, Minnesota, sold their Unit 301 condominium at 635 S. Orange Ave. to Joshua Briggs, of Sarasota, for $765,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,013 square feet of living area. It sold for $749,000 in 2023.

CORWOOD SLK Acquisitions LLC sold the home at 590 45th St. to Alexis Ann Romano, of Sarasota, for $665,000.

Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,783 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2025.

SIESTA KEY

WHISPERING SANDS Douglas and Cathy Vaughn, trustees, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sold the Unit 1102 condominium at 20 Whispering Sands Drive to Roger Dean Veile and Nancy Palmer Veile, of Lady Lake, for $1.34 million.

Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,282 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,300,100 in 2022.

Silver Oak Bonnie and Huan Wang, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8930 Bloomfield Blvd. to Brett and Samantha Brazen, of Sarasota, for $1,035,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,924 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2014.

OSPREY: $845,000

Willowbend Arlene Ranney and Joan Hastreiter, trustees, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, sold the home at 664 Crane Prairie Way to David and Margarita Korus, trustees, of Osprey, for $845,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,870 square feet of living area.

NOKOMIS: $1.04 MILLION

ONLINE

JOHNSON ESTATES Peter Wilson Ferrer and Amanda Ferrer, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1632 Worrington St. to Jack and Cheryl Sewell, of Sarasota, for $630,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,547 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,000 in 2012.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

Mission Valley Estates Cindy Watson, of Howell, Michigan, sold her home at 500 Suffolk Circle to Ylli and Vjollca Begiri, of Nokomis, for $1.04 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,117 square feet of living area. It sold for $359,000 in 2002.

SARASOTA’S FINEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER

•

HUNTINGTON POINTE Laurie Dent O’Hara, trustee, and Brian O’Hara, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4146 Hearthstone Drive to Natasha Lewicki, of Sarasota, for $565,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $370,000 in 2019.

CASTEL DEL MARE Kimberly Strang, Karla Elliott and Kristina Powell, trustees, of La Porte City, Iowa, sold the Unit 1608-403 condominium at 1608 Stickney Point Road to Scott Hermann, trustee, of Bean, Minnesota, for $563,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,016 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2015.

THE ISLANDER

NOW AVAILABLE

Siesta Key - Waterfront

$4,485,000 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,176 SQ FT

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA William Leon Siff, of Sarasota, sold his Unit B507 condominium at 1703 N. Tamiami Trail to Tom Anastasios Halkidis and Amber Halkidis, of Bradenton, for $510,000. Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, two baths and 858 square feet of living area. It sold for $318,600 in 2022.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

THE WINDEMERE II

MODEL OPEN - NOW AVAILABLE

THE ROYAL PALM

COMING SOON

$5,980,000 5 BD | 7 BA | 4,866 SQ FT

West of Trail - Lakefront 1/2 Acre

These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of June 29-July 3 in order of dollar amounts.

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

1430 Harbor Drive

Vinyl Panels

Blake Snider, trustee

$112,000

2966 Wood St.

Repairs

Justin Gibson

$62,000

3347 Old Oak Drive

Enclosure

Adam Flanders

$61,676

226 Garden Lane

Solar System

Ronnie Tudin

$42,400

1595 Bay Point Drive

Fence/Gate

Daniel Hagan

$33,000

99 Sunset Drive #PH1

Windows/Door

David Barnhart

$25,971

800 S. Shade Ave.

Pool Cage

Douglas Conroy

$24,034

707 S. Gulfstream Ave. #1007 Alterations

Nola Hietbrink

$24,000

3333 Higel Ave.

Dock

Stephanie Arnall, trustee

$22,000

612 Indian Beach Lane

Mechanical

Richard Clark

$21,850

Harbor Acres - West of Trail

2024 · 2025 · 2026 PARADE OF HOMES BEST OVERALL WINNER

(941) 328-8272

heritagebuilderswfl.com info@heritagebuilderswfl.com CBC1259307

Source: City of Sarasota

$5,590,000 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,166 SQ FT

465437-1

Address

24

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Seeking adopters Sarasota County Animal Services is nearing capacity.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

V

olunteer Foster Coordinator Kristen Little says each summer, the shelter for Animal Services at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office sees an increase in the animals it must take into its care.

Now, to help ease that increase, Animal Services is urging people to adopt.

While many people know about Animal Services’ numerous rescue partners, including Cat Depot, the Humane Society of Sarasota County and St. Francis Animal Rescue, there are fewer people who are aware of Animal Services, Little said.

Animal Services is the source of many animals that are ultimately adopted from its community partners.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we’re out here at the end of Bee Ridge Road,” she said. “We’re not really a central location, and so I feel like sometimes people think, ‘Oh, that’s just animal control,’ but we have adoptions, too.”

Animal Services only takes ani-

Volunteer Foster Coordinator Kristen Little plays with Jubilee.

MORE INFORMATION Animal Services is at 8451 Bee Ridge Road. Visit SarasotaSheriff.org to volunteer, foster or adopt.

Satchel’s Last Resort is at 8101 Coash Road, Sarasota.

Visit SatchelsLastResort.org to become involved.

mals from inside Sarasota County, and Little believes adoptions can relieve capacity for rescue partners as well, giving them further opportunity to serve a wider area if doing so is among their goals.

The shelter’s animal population has been hovering around 140 this month and last, according to information provided by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.

The adoption kennel holds 19 dogs and utilizes an overflow space when necessary, and is holding 26 dogs with more entering the facility daily.

It also has 16 kittens and 11 cats available for adoption, with 21 in foster care, and some that have been placed, with more adoptions pending.

Waddle is one of the cats in the care of Sarasota County Animal Services.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Little says one reason for the summer increase is many feral cats that are not spayed or neutered are producing litters.

“It usually starts in March,” Little said.

“This year, we really got a good pop in about May, so a little bit later than we were expecting, and so that’s why it’s really important to have foster parents on hand to be able to take in those kittens.”

Foster parents care for kittens too small to be served at the shelter, which will take them back once they have reached a sufficient weight.

Little doesn’t know the reason for the increase in dogs, although she thinks one reason may be because of people heading north.

“A lot of times in July, (adoptions) seem to go down just across the board for us, for our rescue partners,” she also said. “I don’t know if that’s because of the July 4 holiday.

People are traveling, going on vacation, summer’s out ... But those are my theories.”

In addition to being on what is a dead-end street, outside of a central location, she thinks another reason people may skip over Animal Services is that, while they are referred to by that name, people may think of them as “animal control.”

“It sounds intimidating, and especially when it’s run by the sheriff’s office, it can be intimidating for people to come out, and what are they going to find? What are they going to see?” she said. “I think we do a good job of really, everything’s clean, bright, happy, kept up. So I think that helps.”

Pets come spayed or neutered, with first shots, negative heartworm tests if they are a dog, and negative FIV/FeLV tests if they are a cat.

The shelter has three staff members dedicated exclusively to its dogs, as well as volunteer dog walkers who exercise them, play with them and provide enrichment, including through the facility’s pool.

Volunteers for the cats feed them, clean their litter boxes and play with

kittens. (Older cats tend to be more solitary.)

They’re not the only ones seeing an increase in numbers right now, though.

Satchel’s Last Resort, a local nokill shelter, is one of Animal Services’ community partners.

Muffy Lavens, director of development and community engagement at Satchel’s, wrote that the shelter has seen an increase in people looking to surrender their pets.

It has a lengthy waitlist, which currently includes 68 animals, with spaces being filled “almost immediately” once a dog or cat is adopted.

She wrote that because the shelter was seeing “such an increase in animals entering the shelter environment,” it is in the midst of a capital campaign to expand its shelter and nearly double its capacity.

“We see a real need for what we do in Sarasota County and the surrounding areas, so the time is now to build a larger kennel and cat room,” she wrote.

WHEN CRAFT MATTERS...Inspiration Inspiration Starts Here!

GOING ON NOW!

*LIMITED TIME ONLY

Look for the Red Ribbon to unlock flash sale savings on floor samples and backup inventory! ◊ Living Room ◊ Dining Room ◊ Bedroom ◊ Outdoor ◊ And So Much More!

WINNER OF OVER 500 AWARDS FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE INCLUDING BEST SHOWROOM IN THE USA!

■ SAR ASOTA, F L S H OW R O O M 3 0 5 5 FR U I T V I LLE CO M M O N S . | 9 4 1.9 0 0. H O M E ( 4 6 6 3 ) M O N DAY- SAT U R DAY: 1 0 A M - 6 PM S U N DAY: 1 2 - 5 P M CLIVEDANIEL .COM

PREMIER LUXURY DESTINATION FOR RESIDENTIAL,COMMERCIAL AND HOSPITALITY DESIGN SERVICES.

462654-1

Financing Available.

JULY 16, 2026

SPORTS The Sarasota Lions, a minor-league professional basketball team, encompass a group of athletes hoping to jump-start or continue their hoop dreams.

Deven Womack played two seasons for Braden River High boys basketball from 2023-25.

HUMBLE HOOPS JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

T

here are no stands in this arena.

Spectator seating is restricted to court-level folding chairs numbering no more than 50, loosely arranged on three sides of the gym.

In lieu of a jumbotron, wallmounted scoreboards sit behind the hoops on opposite ends. The shot clock runs on a widescreen monitor placed next to the scorer’s table.

Concessions are available at a kitchen window, and, at a glance, hanging pots and pans are seen. Even the restrooms are in plain sight, and a short walk from the entrance.

GraceLife Sarasota offers a basketball court absent of glitz and glam.

The Sarasota Lions call it home at this time of year — “The Lion’s Den.” The minor-league professional basketball team is 1-2 this season in the Sunbelt Basketball Association following a 73-66 loss to the Southwest Florida Blazers on Sunday. After tryouts and preseason, they’re still learning how to compete together.

“With semi-pro, people come and go. That’s the biggest (challenge),” said coach Kobe Johnson. “The most important part is getting pieces that work together, and that’s what we’re working out right now.”

A church gym serves as a humble backdrop to what some Lions hope will become their path to the pros.

It’s a place where they can, as the SBA’s motto claims, “elevate their game.”

The league was founded in 2023 and is headquartered in Sarasota. It comprises seven teams across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Indiana, operating at a level below the G League.

Sarasota jumped ship from The Basketball League after four seasons as the Gulf Coast Lions to become a member of the SBA for its inaugural season. In 2024, the Lions won the league title, but fell to the Memphis Blues in last year’s championship.

Their organization is all about awarding competitive chances to aspiring pros, or second chances to those who fell short on their first run at professional basketball.

For those players getting older or whose skills are fading, it may very well be their last chance.

“It’s a good opportunity for them

to understand,” Johnson said. “Half of these guys, with the NBA, that window is closing. For most guys, it’s closed.”

The Lions’ roster has never looked the same from year to year. Even from the beginning of this season to the end — late June to early August — there will be changes in personnel.

Players don’t always stick around and neither do coaches. This is Johnson’s first season in the driver’s seat after playing for the team two years ago.

Jason Jackson, a 6-foot-3 guard, is new in every sense of the word. Sunday was his first game with Sarasota thanks to his brother, Willie Jackson, who persuaded him to join.

He grew up in Sarasota. From 2019-23, he played for Riverview High boys basketball, averaging a team-high 20.2 points per game as a senior. He even reached the NCAA Division I level by playing for Georgia State in 2024-25 as a freshman.

For this past season, Jason Jackson transferred to Howard College — a junior college in Big Spring, Texas — and wound up winning the NJCAA Division I national championship.

The rising junior played alongside Terry Copeland, the NJCAA Division I National Player of the Year.

Sunday was his first taste of the Lions and how the SBA runs the show. He soon learned referees’ whistles are not so frequently blown.

“Physicality is close to the same,” Jackson said. “But it’s just a different

“I’m hoping to maybe get to districts, leave a good legacy for myself at the school and really bond with my teammates for my last year.”

— Elijah George, Sarasota Christian football SEE PAGE 27

FAST

BREAK

Courtesy image

Photos by Jack Nelson

Ruslan Pateev (left) was born in Moscow, but attended Montverde Academy for high school basketball. He played for Arizona State from 2009-13.

mental stage when you’re not getting certain calls and you want certain calls. It’s mainly about not getting frustrated and keeping cool.”

The SBA uses rules outlined by FIBA, the governing body for international basketball. Those differ from the NBA rulebook, which most players in the U.S. are accustomed to using.

Quarters are 10 minutes long instead of 12. Players are disqualified on their fifth personal foul instead of their sixth.

Court dimensions are 91.86 by 49.21 feet, but in the NBA, they’re 94 by 50 feet. The 3-point line, too, is different — 22.15 feet from the center of the basket instead of 23.75 feet.

“It’s more aggressive than regular basketball,” Johnson said. “Half the stuff that people (are) getting away with, you wouldn’t get away with in NBA rules. So it’s more so them adjusting to that international ‘ball.”

That adjustment helps prepare the Lions for what the game will be like should they go overseas. Four or five of them, Johnson said, have aspirations to compete internationally.

Ruslan Pateev has actually done it.

The 7-foot center played professionally from 2013-22, and most recently as team captain for BC Khimki in Moscow.

He was born there, but came to Florida to play high school basketball for Montverde Academy. That launched him into a Division I collegiate career with Arizona State from 2009-13.

These days, the 36-year-old coaches in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, with the Lions providing an outlet for him to still play the game he built his career around.

Younger counterparts like 2025 Braden River High graduate Deven Womack and 2023 Southeast High graduate Aaron Barton — a pair of guards — make for a team of guys at different points in their respective careers.

“It’s usually a pretty fun team,” Johnson said. “You see a lot of highlights as far as a lot of dunks. We’ve got a lot of people that can actually jump.”

Each of them gets to play organized, semi-professional basketball with the Lions. Playing in the SBA, they hope, will jump-start their journey to the pros.

GraceLife Sarasota isn’t the most glamorous backdrop, but it’s where these pro hopefuls can hoop.

AN UNUSUAL FINISH In Sunday’s game between the Sarasota Lions and Southwest Florida Blazers, the SBA applied the Elam Ending in lieu of a 10-minute fourth quarter.

Named after Nick Elam, an associate professor at Ball State University, the format uses a target score to determine a winner with the clock turned off.

The target score was set at 73 for this occasion, and since the Blazers got there first, victory was theirs.

“It makes people lock in. We can’t let them get (there), but we’ve also got to get there,” Jason Jackson said. “It’s unique. I’ve never done it.”

The Sarasota Lions, playing

by FIBA rules in the Sunbelt Basketball Association, offer competitive opportunities to players like Willie Jackson (right).

Former Sarasota Christian softball player McKenzie Clark now plays for the Carolina Blaze of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.

M

cKenzie Clark, who played for Sarasota Christian softball from 2016-18, is now a 24-year-old outfielder for the Carolina Blaze of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.

The Blaze are 8-10, as of July 10, and in fourth place of the six-team league ahead of the July 23 start to the postseason.

Clark played for Clemson from 2021-24 and became a true pioneer for the Tigers, who held their first season in 2020.

All-time, her 198 runs scored are the most in program history, while her 240 hits and 46 stolen bases are both second most.

Her .345 career batting average ranks third best and her 226 games played are fourth most. Clark, now in her third season as a pro softball player, has appeared in 10 games for the Blaze and posted a .222 on-base percentage through 14 at-bats. ... P.J. Labriola, a 2019 Cardinal Mooney graduate, now plays for the Greenville Drive — High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The 25-year-old lefthander owns a 5-3 record and 10.91 ERA across 31.1 innings pitched this season. It’s his second season in the minors following a college baseball career with North Carolina State (2023-24) and Clemson (2020-22). As a senior with the Wolfpack, he threw only 7.2 innings and surrendered 15 earned runs against 12 strikeouts. Labriola went undrafted in the 2024 MLB draft. His most recent appearance for the Drive was in a 16-3 loss July 8 to the Greensboro Grasshoppers, when he allowed eight earned runs on six hits in one inning of work. Greenville is 34-48, as of July 10, and in fifth place of the South Atlantic League’s South Division. ... The Prospect Wire National Championship is from July 18-22 at various MLB spring training facilities across Sarasota County, including Buck O’Neil Complex and Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. The travel baseball tournament — now in its seventh year — will feature more than 80 teams, looking to connect athletes with college recruiters and MLB scouts.

Divisions of competition include 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U and 17/18U with games running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

ECG LAW NOW IN EFFECT. PAGE 26

26

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

NELSON’S NOGGIN

JACK NELSON

Second Chance Act takes effect in Sarasota

S

udden cardiac arrest is a medical crisis Mark Sobolewski is familiar with — perhaps, more than he’d like.

When he was 11, he knew someone who suffered such a tragedy.

Sobolewski played in then-12th Street Little League while growing up in Sarasota. He was only a few years older than someone who collapsed and died while running laps at the league.

The Riverview High baseball coach is connected to their family still today. He thinks of them when weighing the importance of Florida Senate Bill 1070.

SB 1070, the “Second Chance Act,” went into effect July 1 for all high schools in Florida after being signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 25, 2025. It requires all incoming freshmen and first-time athletes to undergo an ECG screening before participating in high school athletics.

Chance Gainer, a former wide receiver/defensive back for Port St. Joe High football, was 18 years old when he collapsed during a Sept.

6, 2024, game and died that night.

This bill was named in his memory — introduced by the state senate nearly six months later.

But it’s not just Gainer who provided inspiration. There are 23,000 youth annually in the U.S. who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, per Who We Play For, and sudden cardiac arrest is the leading medical cause of death among high school athletes.

By putting SB 1070 into action, Florida has implemented a preventative measure, seeking to stop tragedies before they can even occur.

“As a coach, I think it’s a great thing, and more importantly, as a parent with a 5-year-old boy and a 4-month-old boy,” Sobolewski said. “If there’s something that can be detected that gives us a heads-up and prevents a tragedy, we want to be on top of that.”

It’s a timely piece of legislation.

This is the day and age of high school athletes pushing their bodies more than they ever have before.

Many of them are working out, practicing or competing yearround. That cycle only intensifies for those who want to reach NCAA Division I athletics.

Screening for heart conditions or cardiovascular risks of any sort before these athletes put serious strain on their bodies seems essential. Somehow, Florida is the first state to set such a mandate.

“You have a lot of kids that are working hard, and sometimes, that means lifting hard or running hard or playing hard,” Sobolewski said.

“The last thing you ever want is for somebody to be put in a bad situation and you had no earthly idea there was an issue.”

One could argue the Second Chance Act is ambitious by writing into law what no other state has.

One could also argue it’s not ambitious enough.

It only applies to incoming freshmen and anyone planning to participate in high school athletics for the first time — at least, for now. Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who have participated before are not required to comply.

Jacob Spenn, Sarasota Christian athletics director and football coach, said that should make it easier for athletic departments to adopt the new mandate. His school needs ECG paperwork from about 50 students ahead of the 202627 academic year instead of what would be about 200.

But he also understands the drawback of not including all high school athletes in the bill. He’s the father of rising senior Noah Spenn and rising junior Selah Spenn — both in athletics, but neither of whom are affected.

“There’s part of me that says, ‘Just make it everyone.’ The thought is that this is phasing it in,” Spenn said. “You’re going to get every

freshman, and you’re not going to put a huge burden on athletic departments.”

The resting ECG is painless and noninvasive, lasting about 10 minutes. It involves 12 electrodes with adhesive pads placed on the chest, arms and legs to measure the heart’s electrical activity.

Athletes who fall under the new mandate need to obtain an ECG before the start of their respective sport’s season. ECGs completed within a two-year period before July 1 can be used.

If a screening produces abnormal results, written medical clearance is required before an athlete can participate. Parents can also object to the screening for religious reasons.

Sarasota Christian is comfortably ahead of the curve when it comes to SB 1070. Over the last three years, the school worked with Who You Play For, offering free screenings to its athletes.

Moving forward, parents will have to pay $20 for their studentathlete to get the screening, though Spenn hasn’t had much backlash, if any.

“There’s been some of the, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve got to do another thing?’ kind of stuff,” Spenn said.

“But there hasn’t been resistance.”

Riverview was plenty prepared, too, for this bill to go into effect.

It has already provided multiple opportunities for local prospective high school athletes to complete their ECG. May 13, the school — also partnering with Who We Play For — opened its doors to all students in Sarasota County who needed a screening, at a cost of $20 per person. The Rams offered screenings July 14, as well, with the July 27 start to the 2026-27 athletic year fast-approaching.

Sobolewski hopes that, no matter where his players fall as it pertains to the bill, each and every one of them lined up to get their ECG. “You never know,” Sobolewski

Luxury Villas

File image

said. “You could feel fine, you could have no history of anything, but we don’t want to mess around with anything — much less your heart.”

The number of youth athletes who experience sudden cardiac arrest is much, much smaller than those who don’t, but he’s too familiar with that minority to ignore it.

Mark Sobolewski enters his second season as the Riverview High baseball coach in 2027. If any freshmen or first-time players hope to join his program, they’ll have to complete an electrocardiogram screening first.

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

Incentives Available

Discover luxury villas with serious style and modern layouts with extra deep garages,

impact windows, and well-appointed interiors. Shellstone is a lifestyle-driven community

with two amenity centers offering spaces to get active, socialize or recharge, while an onsite lifestyle director coordinates community happenings year-round.

792 Blue Shell Loop Sarasota, FL 34240

Shellstone@homesbytowne.com 941-361-2536

461943-1

This is modern living in Shellstone...and it’s yours for under $500k!

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

to never quit and keep working hard.

Which quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

Our school uses Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

What have you been up to this summer to prepare for the fall?

I’ve been training at our football workouts — they do it for all athletics. I’ve also been doing seven-onseven (football). We do practices and games against other schools, and those have helped a lot. And I’ve done some training on my own.

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

I enjoy listening to reggae music. I really like “Let’s Do It Again” by J Boog.

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Jayden Daniels. I’m a big Commanders fan. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, and I can kind of relate myself, but he doesn’t quit. He really works hard for his team, and you can tell.

What goals do you have for your senior season?

I’m hoping to maybe get to districts, leave a good legacy for myself at the school and really bond with my teammates for my last year.

* *Restrictions apply. See server

UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR FAMILY

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

Japan. It’s really cool over there and futuristic. They’ve got a lot of stuff over there that’s pretty cool, like heated toilets.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing in freshman year. I had never really had a passion for a sport until I started playing football, and so I knew I was going to love it more than any other sport.

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

There’s actually a pizza place called Mellow Mushroom, and they have my favorite pizza. I like the “Mighty Meaty” pie.

How have you improved since the beginning of junior year?

I’ve developed myself to be a more versatile running back. I’ve taught myself how to block and catch instead of just being able to run the RIDA’S FINEST ball, which is also a key to being a SHOWROOM running back.

for full details.

463528-1

The Blazers will be a different team this fall. Of their 50 players, 10 graduated, including their four-year starting quarterback. Elijah George offers continuity for Sarasota Christian football. The rising senior running back/linebacker registered 367 yards on 77 carries in 2025, averaging 36.7 rushing yards per game in a pass-heavy scheme. Ahead of the July 27 start to fall practice, George is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

LUNCH SPECIALS STARTING AT

7

$ .55 Monday - Friday 12-3PM * NO HOLIDAYS

What have you really focused on as of late?

My catching. It could use some work, but it’s getting there.

ORDER ONLINE NOW

NOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

sport over time?

My parents (Jacob and Joette George), because there have been ur times where I’ve wanted to quit and itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs give up. But they really pushed me er

Beautiful AND Durable Exterior Door Hardware

Sunday - Thursday 12-5PM & 8:30-10PM

1 / 2 2 O F F DOMESTIC DRAFT APPETISERS Tuesday All Day

ce

HOUR

$

BEER

M THE PLUMBING PLACE Why have you stuck with this

HAPPY

Wednesday All Day Dine In Only

8389 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota | 941-265-6888 | mmcseafood.com

oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

463142-1

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Elijah George

27

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets

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

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

150 years of combined experience, our

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh

rs customers and contractors. And with over friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers exceptional customer care.

salt-rich air.

Dr. Kansara

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

of items,There friendly staff…” and selection repair. is a practical solution to this - RANDA Z.

RIDA’S FINEST SHOWROOM

at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:

common problem – Bronze or Stainless Steel.

• Glaucoma Management & Surgery • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures • Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery • Routine Eye Care

LEDGE. SERVICE. Both materials offer excellent salt tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

M THE PLUMBINGstyles PLACE Straightforward Name. and finishes provide a perfect match to Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN, 5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Convenient Location.

Beautiful AND Durable

Exterior Door schemes Hardware existing color including rich patinas of

Beautiful AND Durable Outstanding Showroom.

Exterior matte nickel, andDoor black. Hardware It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

classic bronze, contemporary polished or homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs

oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast Beautifully craftedlocated bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished has worked hard to earn the trust of our fittings and accessories from leading designers.

“Everything about the place is beautiful, we should customers and contractors. And with over inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom door hardware caused by our harsh and style showcased Masterpieces of functionality 150 call yearsitofthe combined experience, our pluming boutique, soexterior clean, organized, big friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for accessories from leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality in an astounding showroom.

- RANDA Z. air. selection of items, friendly staff…” salt-rich exceptional customer care. and style showcased in an astounding showroom. your home that are well suited for our and repair. There is a practical solution to this

• Bath Furniture & Accessories

common problem – Bronze or Stainless

For over 30 years The Plumbing Place

Steel.

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

His patient-centric approach ensures personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique eye health needs.

styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of

Whether you’re seeking preventative care or battling an eye demanding environment, and will create the condition, Dr. Kansara’s expertise and compassionate care can guide We eventually learn that the Road teaseorof “lifetime 5678 Fruitville •call Sarasota • Florida 34232 Visit our showroom to arrange an appointment. first impression your front door deserves.

941.378.5678 Fruitville Road • Sarasota • Florida 34232 • 941.378.5678 you towards improved vision and a healthier lifestyle. He is dedicated brass” really5678 means a lifetime of maintenance to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, offering and repair. There is a practical solution to this the latest treatments and technologies to deliver the best possible t. Showroom for the common problem – Bronze or Stainless outcomes for his patients.

Showroom for the ve Collection Anywhere. classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located

inside The Plumbing Place, displays many

lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our

demanding environment, and will create the

“Everything about the place is beautiful, we should

first impression your front door deserves.

call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big selection of items, friendly staff…” - RANDA Z.

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

JOHN SMITHMAN, OWNER

5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232

Steel. e Collection Anywhere.

941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive compassionate and personalized eye care.

mSARASOTA, for the FL 34232

MBINGPLACE.COM BINGPLACE.COM

n Anywhere.

COM

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

• TUBS • VANITIES FAUCETS SINKS •• • TUBS • VANITIES • SHOWERS styles and finishes provide a perfect match to FAUCETS SINKS

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN, 5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232

• MIRRORS • STEAM SHOWERS MIRRORS STEAM ROOMS SAUNAS WHIRLPOOLS Exterior Door Hardware existing color schemes including rich patinas of ROOMS • BIDETS • HARDWARE • LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES TOILETS • • SAUNAS TOILETS BIDETS classic bronze, contemporary polished or DOOR AND CABINET HARDWARE matte nickel, and black.

LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES www.theplumbingplace.com

941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Beautiful AND Durable

•

•

•

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

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

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.

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

460992-1

L 34232

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

lines of door hardware infrom beautiful styles for accessories leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality and style showcased in an astounding showroom. styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of Z. selection of items, friendly staff…” - RANDA classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Dr. Kansara looks forward to helping you see the world more clearly.

6310 Health Pkwy., Ste. 340 • Lakewood Ranch 217 Manatee Ave. E. • Bradenton 111 S. Pineapple Ave., Ste 301 • Sarasota

CoastalEye.com • 941-748-1818 • Most Insurance Plans Welcomed

465198-1

WNER

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

28

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 16

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 21%

FRIDAY, JULY 17 High: 88 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 84%

Thursday, July 16

6:45a

8:26p

Friday, July 17

6:45a

8:26p

Saturday, July 18

6:46a

8:25p

Sunday, July 19

6:46a

8:25p

Monday, July 20

6:47a

8:25p

Tuesday, July 21

6:48a

8:24p

Wednesday, July 22

6:48a

8:24p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 18 High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 60%

July 21 First

July 29 Full

Aug. 5 Last

Aug. 12 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JULY 19 High: 86 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 76% Ken Kamlet took this photo of a roseate spoonbill in a tree in Pinecraft Park in Sarasota.

Monday, July 6

0.5

Tuesday, July 7

0

Wednesday, July 8

0

Thursday, July 9

0

Friday, July 10

0

Saturday, July 11

0

Sunday, July 12

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 15.42 in.

2025 23.88 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 1.21 in.

2026 2025 1.68 in.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

By Luis Campos

33 ___-mo 34 Analogous (to) 1 Word after “photo” or 36 High point “special” 38 Georgia airport code 4 Powder applied after 39 Nourish bathing 8 Biblical boat boarded by 40 On fire ... or, like, totally fire beasts 41 Fighting Tigers of the 11 Musical symbol NCAA 15 Little lie 44 Word before “Vegas” or 18 Letter before chi “Culturistas” 19 Love, in Lima 45 Enjoy a haiku 20 Delivery vehicle 47 Stomach muscles 21 Figure skater’s jump 48 Villainous characters 22 “I think,” in a text in white coats, or a hint to 23 Vase on a mantel 24 Bittersweet feelings, e.g., 15-Down 52 Pint glass drink or a hint to 3-Down 53 Clothed like a judge 27 Careless 55 Alternatives to corks 28 Drooped 56 Is sporting 30 Sound unit 58 Prods 31 Conventionally proper

59 Misfortunes 60 Heavily promote 61 Some golf tournaments 62 Creole vegetable 63 Name that’s an anagram of “Bert” 64 Breezes through, like a test 65 Indigenous people of Canada 66 Nine-digit ID 69 Battle over a Wikipedia page 71 Bud 73 Language in Sarajevo 77 More crafty 78 Certain boss 82 Emotionally rattles 84 Called the shots 85 Attractive 86 Lasting mark

87 Shoe brand named after the Latin word for “bird” 89 Prop for Dr. Facilier or Mr. Monopoly 90 Like long odds 91 With it, in old jazz slang 92 Household like the one in “The Brady Bunch,” or a hint to 75-Down 97 Arid 98 Calendar square 100 Old West bars 101 _nited _ress _nternational 103 Snake 107 Soccer great Lionel 108 Push down, like a button 112 Become threadbare 113 Major time span 115 U.S. soldiers 116 Legume in a pod

“RN NIYZIMZ EWI QXRKZU TQ AIQ RMU CZRXXK ORCZU RLITA WZC OCRHA, S CZRXXK ERMAZU AI XZRCM AI LZ R FIRX NOICZC.”

YSR WRYY

“JIP ZKYBZ S MHZ MASJSYB DPXHEP ...

JIPAHGR WKA EP. S MKLUN ... PCGAPZZ HUU KW ER WPPUSYBZ JIAKLBI JIPZP ZKYBZ.”

DPYZKY DKKYP

“P’I CGGE BL HVAYGZ. YG RVC V UFFZ BVE, VEI P RVATYGI YPB IF VCAFEPCYPEO AYPEOC ... YG EGXGZ QFCA YPC IPOEPAL.” CPIEGL UFPAPGZ Puzzle Three Clue: V equals A

©2026 Universal Uclick

117 “Yikes!”

46 Crowded 118 “Cogito, ___ sum” 48 OB-GYNs, e.g.

119 Safari sights, or a hint to 49 Sets of beliefs 79-Down 50 Plaything with wheels 122 Indian bread 51 HBO rival, for short 123 Creature in a pride 54 He played Santa in “Elf” 124 Departing 57 Hard HS course 125 Sibling such as Mr. 67 Paul McCartney’s title Benedict 68 Like warships 126 Eye part 70 20-20 score, e.g.

127 Bias 71 Discussion group 128 Rip to bits 72 “Go on ...?”

73 Blackberry plant 129 Nothing but 74 First word in a fairy tale or “The Raven” DOWN 75 Flower named after a leg1 Big work of art endary beast (grandpa, son) 2 Travel guide with greet76 “Scream” star Campbell ings 78 ___-pedi 3 Where you might meet your match? (anger, bliss) 79 “Cactus Flower” actress (dingo, whale) 4 Domesticate 5 “Star Wars” queen Padme 80 Arab bigwig 81 “Ratatouille” rat 6 “Nova” salmon 83 Breaks religious com7 Financial rating mandments 8 Opposite of “sans” 9 Malek who played Freddie 85 Black Forest meats 88 “Big Daddy” actor Mercury Sandler 10 Door opener 89 “Pretty please?”

11 Pedicurist’s tool 92 “Ciao!”

12 Kitchenware brand 93 Chic 13 Most tightly wound 94 Giving medicine to 14 Besides that 95 Dig discoveries 15 Movie promo (Fermi, 96 “Uh-huh” Tesla) 99 Kitchen garments 16 “No company for me” 102 “Now!” 17 Cube-shaped 103 “Neato!”

25 Cubby hole?

104 Like a journey through 26 Oolong or Darjeeling the catacombs at night 29 Pantheon member 105 “Red-spotted” sala32 Body part you might manders “lend” 35 Children’s programming 106 Courtroom event block that moved to The CW 108 Dig (into) 109 Alleviated 37 Throngs 110 Slimy, creeping creature 39 North Dakota’s largest 111 Jazz musician Rollins city 41 “Stay motionless for your 114 ___-Seltzer 116 Surname hidden in MRI” “MPAA rating” 42 Do some darning 43 Defrosted, with or with- 120 Cacophony 121 Ho-hum out its first two letters

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: S equals I

DANCING PARTNERS by Paul Coulter, edited by Jared Goudsmit

ACROSS

celebrity cipher

Puzzle Two Clue: M equals N

crossword

Flooring Made for Your Family

457539-1

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

07-16-26

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

RED PAGES redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

Homes for Sale

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

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.

Merchandise Wanted

SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Between Houses or Condos Houses or Condos Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

Reservations 941-383-5577 Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC Visa/MC

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

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

Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m.

- 5p.m.

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 FL 34228 Longboat Key, Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F

Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Ask about our special Wagner Realty rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com www.rentalsonlongboat.com

jobs TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. seeks Field Engineer in Sarasota, FL to perform plan drafting using CAD software.

Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref#79407.

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

2007 JAGUAR XK convertible.

Baby blue 43467 Mileage. $18500 (941)350-6544

DEEP PURPLE Barrel Chair that rocks, like new $50 Call Pat (941)228-9467 KARCHER ELECTRIC pressure washer. Works, 2 wands, hose, 1800psi. $30.00 (941)966-6816

Antiques/ Collectibles

ANTIQUES WANTED

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

Al Tomlinson 40+ years in Sarasota

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

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

941-400-8811

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Honest Evaluations NO ONE PAYS MORE!

Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000 Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

Land for Sale BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE Valued $18,000, asking $9,000.

Palms Memorial Park Sarasota Garden of Shalom.

Email Ron: news711@aol.com

Open House

Autos for Sale

DAD’S ROOT BEER Mugs 3/$10.

Coke, 7-Up, Pepsi, 12 oz. pedestal glasses. All 3, $5.

941-741-9727

WANTED

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million

FLOAT YOUR BOAT in Sarasota Bay from your beautiful Marina Suite, one of 20 waterfront units at Condo on the Bay (888 Blvd of the Arts) adjacent to The Bay Park and downtown Sarasota.

3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3 balconies, 24/hr security, 2 pools, tennis and fitness rooms. Large boat dock included. Annual $7,500/mo plus utilities. NP, NS. Immediate availability pending COTB application approval.

Call 847-331-6961 THREE BEDROOM CONDO Unit 1701 available for monthly rental in Copperleaf the Brooks.

Contact donnamariecos5@icloud.com

Manufactured Home Community 55+ Active Lifestyle Open House 1st Saturday of the month 10am-2pm

home services

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

Help Wanted

real estate

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

View our listings online: www.bahiavistafl.com To schedule a tour, call 844-552-4574

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word .......50¢

15% DISCOUNT

FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/ RedPages

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

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

Cleaning

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

TOTAL HOME SERVICES CLEANING Residential/Commercial, Vacation Rentals, Real Estate, Clubhouse/Amenities.

Power Washing (Soft Wash), Construction, Window washing/DI Window Cleaning









(941)756-4570 (941)782-8018 totalhomeservicecleaning @ymail.com

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

SEARCH the RED PAGES for GREAT DEALS To place an ad

Call 941-955-4888

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

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES Handyman Services

CALL TODAY

MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, 941-955-4888 Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

Painting

Auto Transport

3901 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota

Paint the town RED! RED! Paint the Paint town theRED! town

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888



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.

SARASOTA PAINTING & DESIGN INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured, Full Service.

We work with the most beautiful properties in the Sarasota and surrounding areas!

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398 28 Years Experience

Personal Services EXPERT PILATES coaching for women in a private studio (941) 228-5276 https://suespilatesfitness.com/ PERSONAL TRAINING at your location Over 25 years of fitness coaching experience (941) 228-8341 https://ironcave1-harxv.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Handyman

Home Watch Carpentry • Painting Pressure Washing

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Accepting Credit Cards

941.302.5850

SERVING SIESTA KEY & SARASOTA COUNTY

STEVE PANEBIANCO

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

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

YoderAluminum.com24/7 SERVICE

Auto Service

Shell Work & Landscape Stone Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

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

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616 Lic./ Insured

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

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

Home Services

6968 Beneva Road

364556 463515

Landscaping & Lawn

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

464813

463925

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

Movers

Wizard Moving SRQ For $149 per hour you get:

465133

INJECT-AFLOOR SYSTEM

453820

MAKE YOUR

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

GROUT LOOK LIKE

NEW AGAIN

DON DI STEFANO (941) 893.8475

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

CREATE BUZZ! Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

Pegatronics.com

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

463931

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

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

Pet Services

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

Dog Sitting (sm/md) Dog Walking (sm/md) Cat sitting & Cat/Kitten Introductions Administering medication

Call 941-955-4888

30+ years Exp. & Excellent References

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Doors

DON’T let your

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

FREE

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM Call us today!

941-203-1604 www.ezslider.com

peekers’ place

You’re only cheating yourself.

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

STUFF found here.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

(941) 966-2960

This week’s Crossword answers

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

465134

941-735-3362

464810

464809

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

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Computer

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

249 235

* $ $235

$

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

941-929-9095

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

5-Star Rated

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

WE COME TO YOU

HoHoBuysCars.com

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

FAST • EASY • SAFE

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999 Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Health

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

FREE (941) 809-7311 ESTIMATES!

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “As someone who played up top and really cared about her craft, I really wanted to learn to be a goal scorer.”

Mia Hamm Puzzle Two Solution: “The songs I was writing became ... therapy for me. I would ... express all of my feelings through these songs.”

Benson Boone Puzzle Three Solution: “I’d seen my father. He was a poor man, and I watched him do astonishing things ... He never lost his dignity.”

Sidney Poitier

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2026 NEA, Inc.

464808

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

Dave and Connie Grundy

©2026 Universal Uclick

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Home RepaiR SeRvice • No JoB Too SmaLL • ScReeN RepaiRS • paiNTiNG/DRY WaLL • TiLe RepaiRS • & mUcH moRe!

465128

Dustin Yoder

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away 463930

C.T. MALLETT

464972

Aluminum

463929

30

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Rescreening & Repairs

Screening

Eldridge Re-Screen

SCREEN MACHINE

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

RE-SCREENING

941-879-3136

Transportation

464420

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

941 - 248 - 4734 465130

Roofing

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

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

ON TARGET

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad

Building & Roofing Contractor

UP TO

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

OBSERVER RED PAGES

SPECIAL 00

Trees

5

$ 463932

465129

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Screening

Pool Enclosure Specialists

Tree Removal Tree Trimming Lawn Maintenance and More!

20 years local experience Licensed & Insured

Established in 1989 Serving Our Area for Over 35 Years • Pool Enclosures • Front Entry Screens • Lanais • Concrete & Pavers

464190

Call Today: (941) 925-3200 info@bishopsaluminum.com SCC131150987

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

160

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise as low as $85 per week.

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

465131

• Pet Screen • 20/20 No-See-Um Screening • We Paint Pool Cages

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

464811

Screen Repair | Per Panel Pricing Building | Under Truss | Lanais | Entryways Prompt Estimates (usually no visit necessary)

“No Job Too Small” Insured

941-270-1561

Windows

410036

Licensed

31

32

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

Not just Luxury. Statement-making. Legacy-worthy.

Always next level. Real estate elevated, Above All. THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15410 Derna Terrace Stacy Rumbaugh

$1,520,000 941.592.6002

VENICE VILLAS 908 Villas Drive #45 Jody Callan

STAR FARMS $1,100,000 941.525.8707

4202 Butte Trail Melodie Palmer

$3,100,000 941.539.4046

SIESTA KEY

PROMENADE ESTATES

7219 Pine Needle Road Judie Berger & Ryan Evans

HUDSON LANDINGS

BAY SHORE ACRES 330 West Bay Drive Mark Coon

$2,299,000 941.685.6895

SARASOTA 4004 Penshurst Park Fernando Viteri

$749,000 941.400.7676

1007 Gulf Drive North #208 Nathan Mathers & Shellie Young

$615,000 941.320.0049

4322 Manfield Drive Megan George

862 Hudson Avenue #862 Roberta Tengerdy & Carolyn Collins

12635 Night View Drive Andrew Tanner

$725,000 941.720.0408

216 Osprey Point Drive Judie Berger & Ryan Evans

$549,000 941.726.1998

632 Park Drive Jeffrey Aranjo

WOODMERE LAKES

$995,000 941.539.0998

BEACHWALK BY MANASOTA KEY $899,900 941.321.2292

10109 Beachwalk Drive David Liberatore

THE OAKS BAYSIDE

SUMMER SANDS

MOTE RANCH 6209 Cypress Bend Court Jackie Kleppinger & Marci Carter

$1,100,000 941.928.3424

$789,000 941.900.9995

SARASOTA $695,000 941.928.3424

7418 Monte Verde Jaci Krawtschenko

$512,000 908.447.8220

5194 Marsh Field Lane #96 Robyn Sadlo

HARBOR HILLS

$625,000 941.284.3789

HERONMERE II $310,000 941.812.4219

78 Grand Bayfront Residences from $4.1 Million 475 Quay Commons, Sarasota Reserved Parking Across from Ocean Prime 941.499.8704 | TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com

Delivery This Year

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. The renderings, terms, conditions, and statements contained in these materials are proposed only, and the Developer reserves the right to modify, or withdraw any or all of same in its sole discretion and without prior notice. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Artist’s Rendering

Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliate company in the world BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT | MORTGAGE | TITLE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®

457760-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000