For the 35th year, Florida Studio Theatre will bring its Write a Play program to schools across Florida, inspiring students to write their own original plays. This year, FST continues to expand its reach into Sarasota, Manatee and Broward County schools. Write a Play concludes with FST’s annual Young Playwrights Festival, bringing hundreds of students, educators, families and theater professionals from across the state and beyond. Festival winners experience the joy of seeing their words brought to life. Teachers and group leaders interested in bringing Write a Play into their classrooms should email WriteAPlay@FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9797.
School surprise Representatives from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation joined school district leaders to surprise five honorees, at five schools, with pop-up award ceremonies for the foundation’s Ripple Effect Teacher Award. The honorees are Joe Brunetti, an English language arts teacher at Suncoast Polytechnical High School; Allison Cohen, a math teacher and department chair at Booker Middle School; Olga Hernandez-Cardel, an ESOL liaison at Tuttle Elementary School; Khea Knight, college and career director at Booker High School; and David Verdoni, performing arts department chair and theory of knowledge teacher at Riverview High School.
$0.10
HIGH HOLY HORN
Ian Swaby
Courtesy image
Courtesy image
Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor, Booker High teacher Khea Knight and Booker High Principal Rachel Shelley
WEEK OF SEPT. 25, 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
“As I drive throughout the city throughout the day and I’m
in
these school zones, they’re driving like Miss Daisy.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. Read more on page 5
Sheriff wants feedback on 911 call service
to their customers, SCSO is now able to do the same.’’
Not all callers will receive post-call requests for feedback. In 2024, 911 operators handled 667,776 calls, according to an update posted earlier this year.
such efforts in the state.
“In today’s on-demand society, we understand how important it is to keep citizens informed,’’ said Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffmann in a prepared statement. “Much like private companies use tools to send automatic text message notifications, updates and satisfaction surveys
The text messages will be sent to the number that initially connected with authorities after predetermined incidents, asking citizens to take a survey about their experience during their call for service. It will also allow citizens to provide their own comments, feedback or take the
opportunity to thank a call taker.
The PowerEngage system allows people contacted to reply with STOP to end the process. Anyone not receiving a text can participate via the online form.
The 10-question survey contains yes-or-no questions in which a 1-10 rating is sought and an area in which respondents can write a longer-form answer.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the system is only for feedback and not a way to report a crime or emergency.
EMS now has mobile ultrasound devices
The Sarasota County Fire Department has employed a new life-saving tool, placing into service handheld point-of-care ultrasound devices. The technology uses probes connected to a tablet or smartphone to produce images that will further guide paramedics in caring for their patients.
The Butterfly iQ3 ultrasound system allows paramedics to conduct live telemedicine consults with the department’s EMS medical directors who can monitor the patient and ultrasound images in real time.
Paramedics underwent specialized training to conduct exams to help determine if a patient may have a collapsed lung, heart injury or is collecting blood in the abdomen because of traumatic injuries.
Ultrasound machines are strategically deployed in EMS captains’ vehicles in north, central and south county.
The ultrasounds, which were purchased with funds from a state of Florida grant, also complement SCFD’s whole blood program that has been deployed since February 2025.
Man dies in the Gulf off Siesta Beach
For the second time in 10 days, investigators from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office are looking into the circumstances that led to the death of a man pulled from the Gulf on Siesta Key.
At 2:21 p.m. Sunday, deputies and fire-rescue personnel were called to the 500 block of Beach Road after civilians pulled from the water an unresponsive swimmer. First responders were unable to revive the man, who was not immediately identified.
On Sept. 13, deputies were called at 9:53 a.m. to the 9000 block of Blind Pass Road, on the southern section of Siesta Key, where they encountered fire-rescue crews attempting to revive a man following the call of an apparent drowning. He was ultimately pronounced dead. Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call investigators at 941-861-4900.
Courtesy photo The Emergency Operations Center call center works in “pods,” each team working on a certain aspect, such as fire dispatch, law enforcement dispatch and call taking.
Patel to the metal
New Sarasota Public Works Director Nikesh Patel quickly moves up to speed in his first weeks on the job.
ANDREW WARFIELD
STAFF WRITER
REPLACING HIMSELF
As the new Public Works director for the city of Sarasota, Nikesh Patel finds himself in the somewhat unusual role of replacing himself. So what is he looking for in a new city engineer?
“Definitely looking for somebody who’s experienced technically, understands the scope of right of way and public engagement,” Patel said.
“I’m also looking for leadership aspects, too. It’s managing a big group of people. There’s a lot of interaction with a lot of different folks, and I’m looking for somebody who’s not only technically competent but also the leadership abilities to lead a program.
He is also seeking candidates who demonstrate flexibility and the mindset to handle changes on the fly.
“In this city, a lot of things come with curveballs and a lot of things get thrown at you,” Patel said. “I’m looking for somebody who has that kind of demeanor.”
During an 18-year career with the Florida Department of Transportation, Nikesh (Nik) Patel spent 14 of them living in and near Sarasota.
It is a city he describes as one of the most forward-thinking communities in the region, and when the opportunity arose to succeed the retiring City Engineer Alex Davis Shaw in 2021 after 31 years of service, he leaped at the chance.
Now, four years later and following a national search, he succeeds another three-decade city executive, Doug Jeffcoat, as Public Works director. Patel took the reins of the agency, which includes his former department, on Aug. 20. Jeffcoat, who stayed on for two weeks to help facilitate the leadership transition, officially concluded his city employment on Sept. 2.
“I am pleased that Nik was chosen for this important position in the city,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “He has shown leadership qualities from the start and a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done. In addition, he has the skills needed for the task.”
In his resume tailored for the job, Patel wrote he is “Prepared to lead as the city of Sarasota’s next public works director by uniting decisive leadership, strategic vision and operational excellence to drive inclusive growth, advance sustainability and foster meaningful community partnerships while honoring the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural character.”
Patel, 40, brings to the job 21 years of experience in engineering, operations and organizational transformation. A native of Zambia who moved to the U.S. in 1997, he holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and one in mechanical engineering, plus a Masters of Science in mechanical engineering, all from University of South Florida.
He parlayed that education into a career with the Florida Department of Transportation, where, for seven years, he worked on the project of widening I-75 from Manatee County to Alligator Alley. Once that project was completed, he led the construction of the diverging diamond interchange at I-75 and University Parkway.
“After I finished that project, I ended up getting promoted as the heartland operations engineer, where I worked in the rural counties,” Patel said of his experience managing a team of 67. “I oversaw state roads in six counties and three offices in Arcadia, LaBelle and Sebring and led that for three years.”
That opportunity also meant relocating from Sarasota, where he had lived since 2007, in 2018 to Myakka
“It was a big change for me. You really are engaging with the community here and with their concerns, and in my position being able to make a difference and seeing if I can help support the community’s best interests.”
Nikesh Patel
field and capability as a leader, but also a dedication to making our city smarter, safer and more resilient,” said Robinson. “Nik is an asset to our team and has my full confidence as he takes the reins of the Public Works department.”
Accomplishments Patel listed on his resume include:
■ Managed complex, multimillion-dollar capital programs
■ Secured more than $53 million in competitive grants
■ Demonstrated leadership in responding to emergency challenges including recovery and infrastructure stabilization following the 2024 hurricanes
■ Ensured continuity of service and accelerated long-term mitigation investments
■ Recognized for collaborative leadership, transparent communication and the ability to build highperforming teams
■ Known for forging impactful public-private partnerships, elevating service delivery, and modernizing critical assets
“All the way from planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance, and also the right of way management; that was the purview of the of the city engineering job,” Patel said. “Also, I oversaw all the engineering permits that go through the permitting for all the development that’s going on across the city.”
NIKESH PATEL PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
■ 3/2021-8/2025: City Engineer, city of Sarasota
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: 20032021
■ 3/2018-3/2021: Heartland operations engineer
■ 7/2020-9/2020: Interim district traffic operations engineer
■ 10/2013-03/2018: Resident engineer, interstate
■ 8/2010-10/2013: Interstate construction project management
■ 8/2006-8/2010: Professional engineering trainee
■ 5/2003-8/2006: Engineer co-op
to be closer to his territory. Now with a family of two young children, he sought work that required little to no travel.
That led him to City Hall and a shorter drive to the west.
“Alex Davis Shaw was retiring at that point. I was very interested in being closer to home and this was a great opportunity,” Patel said.
106 EMPLOYEES AND DOZENS OF ANIMALS
Patel still lives on a small farm in the Myakka area of Sarasota County with his wife of 12 years, Kinsey, and two children. There, they care for more than 30 animals including cows, goats, chickens, donkeys, cats, pigs and dogs.
“It’s one of the most rewarding, and often entertaining, parts of our daily life,” he said.
A new part of his daily life is leading a staff of 106 in multiple disciplines including capital projects, right of way maintenance, solid waste, engineering and permitting, maintaining a fleet of more than 600 vehicles — not including the police department — and more.
As city engineer, he managed a staff of 51 overseeing right of way from planning to implementation, transportation planning, was involved in aspects of private development where it interacts with the right of way, stormwater management and more. Along the way, he said he beneftted from the mentorship of Jeffcoat and Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson.
“In his time with the city, Nik has consistently performed above and beyond expectations and has not only demonstrated expertise in his
PUBLIC WORKS AREAS OF FUNCTION
Engineering Services and Permitting: Oversees plan reviews, right-of-way permits, and infrastructure compliance
Capital Projects and CIP Management: Manages design and construction of roads, drainage systems, seawalls and other public infrastructure through the city’s Capital Improvement Plan
Transportation Planning: Develops strategies for safe, efficient and multimodal transportation systems in coordination with regional partners
Streets and Highway Maintenance: Maintains roadways, sidewalks, curbs, traffic signs, pavement markings and marine signage
Solid Waste and Recycling: Provides comprehensive residential and commercial waste collection, yard waste, recycling and transfer station operations
Fleet Services: Procures, maintains and services all cityowned vehicles and equipment, and supporting operational readiness across departments
Infrastructure Maintenance: Includes potholes, public lighting, traffic signals and street sweeping
That experience, which often overlapped with other Public Works functions, provided Patel familiarity and expertise within other aspects of the department.
“Nik’s exceptional background with both state and local projects, professional licenses, and extensive local network made him the clear choice to lead our Public Works department,” Robinson said.
STATE VS. CITY GOVERNMENT
WORK
While working for the Florida Department of Transportation with the emphasis on regional and statewide issues, Patel was answerable to those above him. As a municipal employee, that accountability is largely to the city’s residents, one of the most significant adjustments he had to make when joining the city in 2018.
“One of the biggest challenges that I had moving from the state to the city is they operate very differently,” he said. “At the state, you’re thinking more statewide, you’re thinking more regional, you’re thinking more on the holistic side of things. Coming to the local level, you feel the heartbeat of the community.”
More than just the heart of the community, he also had its ear.
“At the state level, I had public information officers to help me communicate with the public because I focused on the engineering side of it and leading my staff,” he said. “Then I came to the city, and I remember calling Jan (Thornburg, the city’s
City Survey: Delivers surveying services to support city projects, property boundaries and right-of-way determinations
communications general manager) and asked, ‘What is your perspective on public information?’ She said, ‘Well, Nik, you’re it. You’re the one who’s going to communicate with the public and do all that.’
“It was a big change for me. You really are engaging with the community here and with their concerns, and in my position being able to make a difference and seeing if I can help support the community’s best interests,” he said.
In his new role, that list of best interests has expanded exponentially as he shifts his focus from engineering, and all that implies, to overseeing multiple departments largely involved in direct services to the residents.
The biggest challenges facing the city and his department, Patel said, are the rising costs of construction, materials and workforce and how to adapt to those changing conditions.
“Nik has the skills and ability to work with our neighborhoods and citizens, our state and local partners, our business community, and other department directors to produce exceptional outcomes for the city of Sarasota,” Robinson said. “He is the right person at the right time for this position.”
Nikesh Patel (center) with Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson (left) and retiring Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat
Andrew Warfield
When Nikesh Patel isn’t at City Hall, he is at his small family farm near Myakka caring for a variety of animals. Courtesy image
New Fruitville Road hotel nears administrative approval
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Receiving partial sign-off and a reprieve from three adjustment requests, a new hotel planned for the south side of the 1500 block of Fruitville Road has only a few more details to address before consideration for administrative approval.
To be developed under the entity AV Florida Sarasota Hotel LLC, a subsidiary of AV Florida Holdings LLC with a principal address in Dunedin, Tempo Hotel is proposed to replace three one-story structures at 1524, 1534 and 1542 Fruitville Road.
Led by Benedikt Fritzsche and wife, Eliza Garcia Bello, the developer acquired the property from Donna and Lawrence Lerner in December 2024.
The developer had been pursuing two administrative adjustments to reduce the required depth of habitable space from 20 feet to 16.4 feet and to reduce the required recess from 12 feet to 9 feet, plus a Planning Board adjustment to allow parking on the second level. That, however, was under the assumption that Fruitville Road is likely to be designated as a primary street.
Because the application was submitted prior to an impeding City Commission vote to consider adding Fruitville Road to the roster of primary streets, which carries a
multitude of stricter street-level requirements, project consultant Joel Freedman advised the DRC the requests for all three adjustments will be withdrawn. The site is within the Downtown Core zone district, which is subject to only administrative approval.
The proposed project on the 0.45acre site will replace the existing 9,919 square feet of retail space with a 10-story building that includes 125 hotel rooms and an amenity floor. The hotel is planned as a Tempo by Hilton, but hotel flags are subject to change. Among the code conflicts referenced in the initial submission in December 2024 was language of rooftop outdoor bar, which requires a major conditional use permit. As it turns out, the space is only outdoor seating with no bar included.
“We’ve added to this just correcting the note to remove the bar language, since this will only be outdoor seating,” said Development Review Senior Planner Tom Sacharski.
“We’ve barred the office from ever using the word ‘bar’ again,” said Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects. Hotel construction, which has yet to be scheduled, will mean demolition of three connected buildings on the site, displacing tenants Antiques & Chatchkes, Summer Home and Garden and Todburn Antiques.
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A Tempo Hotel by Hilton is proposed to be built on Fruitville Road from the Downtown Hair Studio to the left through the end of the block.
Not so fast, my friend
SPD reports significant drop in citations because of a drop in speeders.
ideo enforcement of intersection safety and school zone speed limits in the city of Sarasota is resulting in significant reductions in violations.
During its 2024-2025 presentation to the Sarasota City Commission on Sept. 15, Chief of Police Rex Troche and representatives of the Sarasota Police Department Real-Time Operations Center reported an average 60% reduction in school speed zone violations from a five-day spring 2024 test period, and a 34% decline in traffic light violations throughout the city year over year. Data presented was culled from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
The speed zone monitoring system at Cardinal Mooney High School in particular, ROC Manager John Lake told commissioners, has prompted an average 80% reduction in speeding during the immediate before and after school hours along Fruitville
Road. The program covers six of the city’s most problematic school zones with a total of 22 cameras, including Alta Vista Elementary, Southside Elementary, Tuttle Elementary, Sarasota High School and Sarasota Military Academy, in addition to
RED LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Citations issued by Sarasota Police Department red light video and school zone speed cameras.
INTERSECTION CITATIONS
Issued: 25,861
Contested: 67
Upheld: 60
Dismissed: 3
Issued as uniform traffic citations: 3,689
Paid: 20,790
As of data collection year-end, 20,790 violations were paid, generating $1.72 million in revenue distributed to the state of Florida and $1.56 million to the city of Sarasota.
SCHOOL ZONE SPEED
CITATIONS
Issued: 23,459
Contested: 52
Upheld: 22
Dismissed: 6
Issued as uniform traffic citations: 3,041
Paid: 17,149
As of data collection yearend, 17,149 violations were paid, generating $394,266 in revenue distributed to the state of Florida and $742,534 to the city of Sarasota.
The variance between violations issued and paid reflects citations that remain pending for payment, active contests/ appeals or statutory timelines that extend beyond June 30, 2025.
Cardinal Mooney.
In all, there were 25,861 citations for red light violations during the 12-month period, and 23,459 for school zone speeding. Not all of those incidents had adjudication or payment yet, because the lag time between citation and settlement extended beyond the end of the study period.
A small number of those citations were contested before a magistrate, prompting Commissioner
Jen Ahearn-Koch to question why a driver would challenge a ticket for a violation captured on video and, by the same token, how the citations are upheld in court.
“Every red-light camera violation is recorded every 11 seconds,” Lake said. “It shows the light turning red, so it’s very hard to go to court and dispute when you’re looking at an 11-second video. A vast majority of these people don’t even know that there’s video that they can watch online before they go to court.”
A link to each violation video, Lake said, is clearly marked on the citation document sent via mail. Still, some either overlook the link or don’t view the video and still show up in court.
For either school zone or red light violations, the driver has 30 days to simply pay the $100 fine. In not meeting the deadline, the violation elevates to a uniform traffic citation, which increases the fine to $206. Ahearn-Koch asked, what about a seasonal resident who may be out of state for several months during which time a citation is delivered by mail and they miss the 30-day remittance deadline?
Lake cited a similar example, and the solution.
“He was a truck driver. He was on the road for two months, came back and then he saw the violation,” Lake said. “That person called in, and we brought it back to the $100 and dismissed the UTC.”
Following up on what she has heard from some residents, Mayor Liz Alpert questioned whether the school zone speed cameras are in operation throughout school hours and not only before and after.
Troche confirms that, per state statute, they are active throughout the school day and citing violators of the normal posted speed limit. Signs notifying drivers of the enforcement, he added, have had a chilling effect on speeds in the school zones regardless of time of day and even the day of the week.
“As I drive throughout the city throughout the day and I’m in these school zones, they’re driving like Miss Daisy,” Troche said, referencing a movie title. “Even on the weekends, people are still driving (slower) because they are in the habit of, as soon as they see school zone signs, they start to slow down.”
Photos by Andrew Warfield
The Sarasota Police Department will install speed detection cameras at six schools throughout the city.
GaleanoBush.
Back on school patrol
Tim Enos returns as police chief, aims to build on foundation.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
When Tim Enos last entered the Sarasota County Schools Police Department, becoming chief of police and executive director of safety and security in 2018, the school board had just voted to create the department earlier that year.
Now, as he returns to the role of chief of police following his Aug. 24 resignation from the school board, he is back in the department that he oversaw during its early days.
Enos called it “absolutely great” to be back in the role that he says is his true calling and passion.
At the time, he said he was focused on the evaluation process, working to understand what the department had implemented in his absence.
However, he said he also brings the benefits of his experience to the role, noting his personal relationships with the chiefs of local police departments, school principals, and others.
“I have all these personal relationships, and they trust me and I trust them, and that makes my job a lot easier,” he said.
Enos said the department’s core mission remains unchanged, although he hopes to enhance the work it is doing and ensure that it does its best not only in regard to state standards, but national standards as well.
between school resource officers and students.
“We’re fully staffed. Hopefully, we will continue to be as we move forward,” he said.
Enos says he also plans to exercise transparency.
“If anybody who asks any kind of a question, if I know the answer, I let them know,” he said. “If I don’t know the answer, then I always will try to find out that answer for them.”
Enos notes he graduated from Riverview High, along with his three children, and has now lived in the area for 46 years.
He said the department will “really pick up our game as it relates to training” to enhance what it is already doing, and that a major focus will be on mental health and community engagement, including events that can build relationships
“Protecting kids is something that I’ve done, including the board, for 25 years, and it’s just something that I am really good at, and that I have a lot of pride in taking care of kids, because I truly believe that kids can’t learn unless they’re safe, and I’ve got a lot invested in this community,” he said.
Ian Swaby
Sarasota County Schools Police Chief Tim Enos
Parents want solutions, not school’s closure
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Earlier this year, Wilkinson Elementary celebrated its obtaining of a national STEM certification.
Nonetheless, discussions have recently turned to the subject of the school possibly closing, with students dispersed as early as the 202627 school year, to the surrounding schools of Alta Vista, Brentwood and Gulf Gate elementaries.
Concerned parents, teachers and community members filled the seats of the school’s cafeteria on the evening of Sept. 18, as they voiced their concerns in a school district-led meeting.
Meredith Karp, whose daughter, Mia Karp, a third grader, said her first reaction when hearing of the potential closure was the fact the school is located just down the street.
“Tonight’s going to be really kind of the deciding factor on if there is anything we can do to save the school,” Karp said.
Her concerns have grown to encompass the significance of such an occurrence for the district as a whole.
“You don’t want to hear that the school that you get to walk your daughter to every day is closing, so it started off for selfish reasons, but as we started to dig, it’s just coming about that there’s many others who are at risk of closing,” she said.
Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor highlighted factors behind the possible closure, including declining enrollment in the district’s schools and the Schools of Hope program.
Schools of Hope allows charter schools to share public school facilities rent-free, where they will receive access to the cafeteria, gym and facilities and transportation at no cost to the charter.
Connor said legislation in June broadens the program’s reach, allowing the charters to occupy schools outside of the program’s designated opportunity zones when they cannot find ones within those zones.
With 391 students, Wilkinson operates at about 50% capacity.
Connor said the meeting offered a chance to provide context for what the district was facing, while allowing it to hear from the community.
“This school has been long standing in this area, and people have dedicated their careers here. Families have lived here for a long time, so this is an important opportunity
to hear from them,” he said.
Attendees split into three distinct groups involving Wilkinson parents, staff and concerned community members not from Wilkinson.
One recurring suggestion that emerged was the idea of making Wilkinson a K-8 school.
Meanwhile, of major concern to attendees was the school’s STEM certification and the continuity of the program. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
One suggestion of making Wilkinson a STEAM (with arts) learning center and magnet school, provided by the community group, drew applause from the crowd.
Attendees also suggested adding additional capacity for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, a state-funded early childhood program to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten.
Connor said the district currently doesn’t have the infrastructure or personnel for childcare, but he would be willing to partner with a reputable provider.
At the same time, attendees emphasized that what drew them to the school was its small size and family like status, with one attendee voicing concerns about the possibility of bullying in larger schools, stating it was not an issue at Wilkinson.
Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Rachael O’Dea said class size ratios are mandated by the state and consistent among elementary schools, so this aspect of the school would not change.
If the district does close Wilkinson, one further possibility is that it may also choose to sell its central office space at The Landings, repurposing Wilkinson as the offices.
The district will explore the solutions that were provided, examining their feasibility.
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INTENSE EDUCATION
Bird Key Yacht Club lends clubhouse for Sarasota Police explosive training.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Bird Key Yacht Club’s 65-yearold clubhouse is now sitting empty, but it is far from inactive. In fact, the soon-to-bedemolished facility recently provided a valuable training venue for first responders, who took the opportunity to turn the vacated building into the center of explosive training.
The club invited Sarasota Police Department demolition experts to use the space for explosive entry training on Sept. 5.
When a large-scale emergency happens, first responders may need to get officers inside a building when time is of the essence. In those instances, they may turn to explosives to get through the main doors.
Sgts. Dustin Luciano, team leader, and Aaron Stoll, lead breacher, led the demolition team that morning in conducting a series of controlled explosions, each larger than the last.
Stoll explained officers will typically default to mechanical means of entry, physically breaking through doors. However, they will tactically use explosives when they quickly need to get officers onto the scene.
Those measures can sound drastic, but after the team detonated the first charge attached to a set of glass French doors, Stoll showed the meticulously calibrated explosion opened the lock without even breaking the glass.
Luciano said it was valuable to test out their techniques in a unique environment with an atypical set of doors.
“On an in-swing door, we have different sizes of charges we may use,” he said. “What’s important to us is to be exposed to multiple entry points and types of doors so we have the statistics guiding us and we can successfully get in the doors during an operation.”
Experts need to strike a balance between using the least amount of explosive power possible in the interest of safety, while also having enough power to gain access in an emergency.
Luciano shared his appreciation for the Sarasota venues that have lent their space for such trainings, especially when it provides an opportunity to collaborate with fellow forces like the local fire departments.
The training even extended to the SPD K-9 unit, with Officer Adam Bearden taking the chance to get K-9 Officer Butch familiar with a detonation scene. His barks could be heard throughout the empty halls with the final countdown.
Bird Key Yacht Club General Manager Tammy Hackney said she was glad to offer the space for training ahead of the demolition slated for the end of September.
Hackney said she initially spoke with SPD officer Helios Blanco, who suggested the collaboration.
“Pretty soon after, I got a call from Sgt. Luciano, and we set everything up,” she said. “We were delighted to do so, because there is no better way to give this building back to the community.”
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Matt Walsh will be on leave until mid-October.
The demolition team at the Sarasota Police Department, including Sgt. Aaron Stoll, makes final preparations for the explosion training at Bird Key Yacht Club on Sept. 5.
Photos by Dana Kampa
Sarasota Police Department Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos surveys the scene a final time before the demolitions team sets off a controlled explosion as part of its entry training.
After the Sarasota Police Department demolition team set off the first charge attached to a set of glass French doors, the meticulously calibrated explosion opened the lock without even breaking the glass.
The charge didn’t break the glass of a set of French doors the Sarasota Police Department practiced opening with explosives, but the energy did transfer to the ceiling, as Sgt. Aaron Stoll shows.
Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Dustin Luciano, team leader at a Sept. 5 explosives exercise at Bird Key Yacht Club, listens in ahead of the final countdown.
Officers took care in marking off the boundary around Bird Key Yacht Club’s clubhouse for a detonation team training on Sept. 5. The building is slated for demolition this fall to make way for a new facility.
Bird Key Yacht Club General Manager Tammy Hackney checks out the aftermath of an explosive entry training at the old clubhouse with Sarasota Police Department Sgt. Aaron Stoll.
Sarasota Police Department Officer Kyle Carter makes preparations for an explosives training hosted by Bird Key Yacht Club at its soon-to-be-demolished clubhouse on Sept. 5.
Two for the money
SHA breaks ground on two affordable housing projects with 208 units at $53.1 million.
As
residential projects flipped ceremonial soil in dual groundbreaking ceremonies on Sept. 17.
The first photo op came amid the concrete block construction forming the shape of Cypress Square 2 (formerly Amaryllis Park Place III) on 21st Street near Orange Avenue, before boarding trolleys bound for nearby Lofts on Lemon II at Ninth Street and Lemon Avenue for a second dig, that project in an earlier site clearing stage.
Before all that, though, in the Cypress Square community room, SHA President and CEO William Russell introduced the project’s development and funding partners, and described the process of taking an affordable housing project from concept to completion.
When ready for occupancy, the combined 208 apartments will be 100% priced affordable. Of the 108 units in Cypress Square II, 33 will be open to Section 8 vouchers and the
remainder will be priced to match one-third of the monthly household income, whatever that may be, up to 80% area median income. Of the 100 units at Lofts on Lemon II, 25 will be available to Section 8 voucher holders and, like Cypress Square II, the remainder subject to the 30% household income rent.
“But the whole development cannot average more than 60% of the area median income,” Russell said. “It truly is an affordable community.”
Cypress Square II will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. It is being built by Fortis Development of Delray Beach.
Lofts on Lemon II will offer 100 one-bedroom apartment homes with occupancy expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. It is being built by JP Wiseman Construction of Lakewood Ranch and Charleston, West Virginia.
“We don’t get to a day like today without a whole lot of people involved who are helping in whatever way they can,” Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert said of the collaborative effort between local city and county government and private entities. “It just takes us one step closer to trying to provide the affordable housing that we desperately need in our community. We’ll never be able to create all that we need, but each time we create some, we’re helping some families afford to live here.”
expense to new Cypress Square I, which opened in June 2024, or to other SHA residences. Although the site has been cleared, Cypress Square III is not yet in the planning stage.
Residents also receive a
credit calculated by bedroom count, income and other factors designed to maintain
and
Lofts on Lemon II will add 100 units to the SHA inventory and Cypress Square II will have 69 new units. The second and third phases of Cypress Square — phase 3 will bring 61 more apartments — will stand on the former site of The Courts, a community of 100 single-story duplexes. Displaced residents of those demolished units were moved at SHA
“I’m extremely humbled to be here today on behalf of the county,” said Sarasota County Commissioner Teresa Mast. “I look forward to doing many, many, many more of these.”
COMPLICATED CAPITAL STACKS
During his remarks, Russell told the groundbreaking audience it took some two years to assemble the financing to fund the projects and to work them through the city’s approval process.
Construction is already well underway on Sarasota Housing Authority’s Cypress Square II as it surrounds the ceremonial groundbreaking site.
“It’s super complicated to get these deals financed, and so many different sources of capital have to go into it,” he said.
The glue that holds the funding together are federal tax credits allocated to the states on a per-capita basis, which results in, Russell said, intense competition for those credits at the state level.
“Once our development team gets awarded credits from the State Housing Finance Agency, then we have to find an investor to purchase those credits,” he said.
In this case, the credits were purchased by Raymond James and Bank of America.
CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE
The leader of the development company building Lofts on Lemon II knows what it’s like for families in desperate need of safe, affordable housing to scrape by and the opportunities affordable housing can provide.
During the groundbreaking comments for the second phases of Cypress Square and Lofts on Lemon, CEO John Wiseman of JP Wiseman Construction said, following the divorce of his parents at age 10, he spent part of his childhood living in an apartment that cost $45 per month.
That was all his mother, who was working as a waitress, could afford.
“Today that’s $300,” said Wiseman. “That was our rent, but we had a place. It was safe, we could say our prayers, we could eat, we could do our homework and we could live safely.”
His point was a decent shelter at any price can help a child grow up to, say, be the founder and leader of a national building contractor co-headquartered in Lakewood Ranch and Charleston, West Virginia.
“I know you can come from that and make something of yourself,” Wiseman said. “Every one of these homes creates an opportunity for a family.”
In all, the funding sources for the projects are: ■ Cypress Square 2, 1672 21st St.: Florida Housing Finance Corp., Raymond James, JP Morgan Chase, City of Sarasota, Lee County Housing Finance Agency and Freddie Mac via Walker Dunlop. Construction cost is $24,846,212 ■ Lofts on Lemon 2, 851 N. Lemon Ave.: Florida Housing Finance Corp., Bank of America, Sarasota County, Lee County Housing Finance Agency, Raymond James and Fannie Mae via Walker Dunlop. Construction cost is $28,276,400.
Photos by Andrew Warfield
Sarasota Housing Authority President and CEO William Russell speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony for Cypress Square II and Lofts on Lemon II.
It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast homeowners – discolored,
and
of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.
and
Flowing florals
The newest addition to the shopping scene on St. Armands Circle blends flowery linens and sleek leather goods under a South Carolina-based brand.
Spartina 449 opened a new boutique at 331 John Ringling Blvd. this month, making it the company’s 19th store. A 20th is scheduled to open later this year in Naples.
Managers shared their excitement for playing a role in helping rebuild the St. Armands Circle community, which is still recovering from last year’s hurricanes.
Some of the most recent reopening celebrations include Lilly Pulitzer’s in April and The Beaufort Bonnet Company’s in May.
Others are still pending, like the recently announced reopening plans for the Tommy Bahama on the Circle. The new space is set to include retail shopping on the ground floor and restaurant space on the second floor.
Spartina 449’s new home is located between Everything But Water and the Daiquiri Deck.
Store manager Jodi Faaborg said, “I have lived here for 37 years, and it has always been my favorite place to shop.”
CEO Kay Stanley founded the company in 2009, drawing inspiration from Daufuskie Island’s character and natural beauty.
The island, located on the southernmost border of South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean, is home to white sand beaches, ancient oaks and historical landmarks.
IF YOU GO
SPARTINA 449
Where: 331 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Info: Call 941-414-1530 or visit Spartina449.com.
Stanley was living in a seaside cottage on the island when she started her brand. According to the website, she works to honor “the island’s unique heritage, boasting colorful patterns and timeless stories.”
Spartina 449’s collections of women’s clothing include floorlength dresses, blouses, jackets, pajamas, handbags and more.
The new St. Armands shop aims to feature lines from the brand that also fit Longboat Key’s breezy yet sophisticated aesthetic. The new shop even includes luggage and travel bags.
“Our Sarasota store is meant to inspire a Lowcountry destination akin to the soul of our business,” the website states.
Other Florida locations include The Villages, Dunedin and St. Augustine.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
A Century Old Story
A story that began over 100 years ago and is still being written today. Once a beloved landmark, now an enduring icon reborn. Mira Mar is the future of luxury living in Sarasota, grounded in the grandeur of its past, and offering an unparalleled residential experience in the heart of downtown.
One of Sarasota’s few remaining flagships of the great Florida Land Boom of the 1920’s, it is with great pride that we restore the Mira Mar to it’s rightful place as a gleaming icon of Sarasota.
Rising elegantly above South Palm Avenue, the revived and resplendent Mira Mar presents a limited collection of 70 estate-style residences across two 18-story towers. Each home is designed to the highest standards, with sweeping views, refined interiors, and private access to best-in-class amenities.
Mira Mar is more than a residence — it’s a return to grace.
SUNDAY, AUG. 24
OLD YELLER
2:38 a.m., Main Street at Lemon Avenue
Disturbance: While on routine patrol, officers witnessed what turned out to be a 50-year-old male walking across the street yelling obscenities to nobody in particular. The subject approached them, he continued to expel expletives at a high volume and, according to the incident report, was clearly under the influence of alcohol based on aroma and incoherence.
He was told numerous times to cease yelling. However he continued screaming racial epithets before walking away. As he matriculated down the street, he took a glass beer bottle from a table outside a restaurant and smashed it into the ground, directing this action toward the officers.
While being placed in a patrol vehicle, he resisted to the extent it required three officers to safely escort him into the rear seat. He was placed under the Baker Act and transported to a behavioral health facility. He was also charged on counts of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence.
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
... BUT YOU CAN’T STAY HERE
12:47 a.m. 1400 block of Main Street
Disturbance: An officer was dispatched to a downtown establishment because a man was causing a disturbance with other patrons.
A bouncer explained to the officer that the man claimed a bag that belonged to him was absconded by someone. However, the security guard advised he did not arrive with such a vessel in tow.
A manager said he wished to have the subject removed from the bar but did not want to issue a trespassing warning.
The subject advised he was in the bar because he had recently been released from jail after five weeks and, during that time, he was evicted from his residence.
As a result, he had nowhere else to go and did not wish to leave.
The officer said there are other options on Main Street where he can pass the time and that he should contact SPD’s Homeless Outreach Team for further assistance. He then left the bar without further incident, free to return on another day should he so choose.
BEACHFRONT FLASHER
6:37 p.m., 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive Lewd and lascivious act:
A man apparently so audacious about his privates that he felt he must share it with everyone had exposed himself to several people at Lido Beach be-
fore an officer arrived at the scene.
Although he didn’t witness the act himself, the complainant told the officer his family had informed him of a man who was providing an unwelcome demonstration to his family. He also stated he had witnessed the subject pacing throughout the pavilion, shower area and the boardwalk leading to the beach.
Members of the witness’ family described their experience with the seaside flasher. An adult woman said as the family was gathered around a table in the pavilion she saw the subject sitting and facing the family before he switched positions to straddle the bench. He then pulled up his shorts to expose himself. She said he then picked up his phone and pointed it at his peep show and then toward the family as if to record their reaction.
Interviewing other witnesses to the act found accounts of the incident to be consistent. Photographs and video captured images of the man were also shared with police.
While on patrol the next morning, two officers spotted the subject on the beach and he was subsequently arrested on charges of lewd or lascivious exhibition for intentionally exposing himself in the presence of a victim who is younger than 16, and unlawful exposure of sexual organs as he intended the exposure to be in a vulgar, indecent, lewd or lascivious manner.
The closure of Wilkinson Elementary could have an impact on the city’s economy that could lead to falling home values and local businesses losing customers.
School closures threaten Sarasota’s economy
The Sarasota County School District is considering a plan that could affect the local economy and property values. Superintendent Connor proposed closing Wilkinson Elementary and redistributing its students, citing “underutilization” as the justification.
Closing Wilkinson could set a dangerous precedent. Twelve other county schools have been labeled underutilized, and board members acknowledged that future “utilization” conversions will be needed. If Wilkinson is first to close, others will likely follow. The closure of a neighborhood school destabilizes the community. Home values fall, families are less likely to move in, and local businesses lose customers. One closure weakens a neighborhood; repeated closures would reshape Sarasota’s economy. There are other fiscally respon-
sible options. Instead of closing schools, the district could decentralize its offices across underutilized campuses. Leaders have already discussed moving offices into Wilkinson temporarily while selling their Landings property. If that’s workable in the short term, it could be adapted into a long-term strategy to preserve schools, avoid land purchases, and strengthen ties between district offices and school communities. Our tax dollars should go toward innovative solutions that protect property values and preserve our investments.
FRANCESCA SCOTESE SARASOTA
SEND LETTERS
Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@YourObserver.com.
Courtesy image
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KING FIT FOR A
Key Chorale kicks off its 41st season with Mozart’s Coronation Mass.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Nearly 250 years after a ragtag band of colonists threw off the yoke of their imperial masters and declared the right to rule for and by the people, the trappings of royalty still gleam brightly.
Perhaps the idea that the crown is bestowed by divine right is comforting in a world that threatens to spin off its axis. Or maybe the long-running Netflix series “The Crown” has inspired a longing for pageantry and palaces. In any event, music composed for regal occasions continues to draw appreciative audiences.
There’s no disputing that popes, kings and a few wealthy merchants were responsible for the creation of many of the world’s great works of art and music. Why? Because they could afford to pay artists.
In the 20th century, industrialists and government helped foot the bill. As the old order is upended, who will underwrite the arts? Time will tell, but in the meantime popular appeal is more important than ever.
With this in mind, Key Chorale Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins is leaning into majestic programs this season for the symphonic chorus. He’s taking his cues from last season, the group’s 40th anniversary.
“We programmed a lot of big works for our Ruby Anniversary,” Caulkins says. “The orchestral masterworks attracted the biggest audiences. There seems to be an appetite for these pieces. We’re blessed to be in a community that appreciates great art, whatever the facet.”
In February, the pews were packed at Church of the Palms for Key Chorale’s concert of Verdi’s Requiem. Maestro Caulkins led 150 performers, including four opera soloists, in the composition for a Catholic mass often called an opera in disguise.
Key Chorale will kick off its 41st season on Sept. 27 with a concert called “Coronation: Music Inspired by Royalty.”
The program features the Key Chorale Chamber Singers performing Handel’s “The King Shall Rejoice.” The composition has been played at every investiture of Britain’s monarch from King George II in 1727 to King Charles III in 2023.
The centerpiece of the program is Mozart’s Coronation Mass, a 30-minute piece featuring festive brass, timpani and a memorable soprano aria.
On hand to sing it will be Mary Wilson, a visiting soloist who will join the 100 voices of Key Chorale and a professional orchestra. Look at the musicians closely and you’ll see some familiar faces from the Sarasota Orchestra.
An acclaimed classical vocalist, Wilson is a professor of voice at the University of Memphis. Her soprano voice will be accompanied by tenor John Grau, mezzo-soprano Amy Jo Connours and baritone Jesse Martin.
MIXING THE CLASSICS WITH NETFLIX MUSIC
Followers of Britain’s royal family will no doubt recognize John Tavener’s “Song for Athene.” It became Tavener’s most celebrated choral work after it was sung at the Westminster Abbey funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.
KEY CHORALE’S 41ST SEASON AT A GLANCE
Sept. 27 Coronation: Music Inspired by Royalty
Nov. 30 Joy & Wonder featuring The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company
Dec. 18-21 Sounds of the Season with Venice Symphony
Jan. 23 Opus 1700: Handel — The Rest of the Story
Jan. 24 Opus 1700: Bach — Mass in B Minor
Feb. 7 Mendelssohn’s Elijah
March 2 Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight, Student Scholar Soirée
March 13-15 Cirque des Voix
March 29 GenSRQ: A Youth Celebration
April 18 Radiance: A Concert by Candlelight
May 3 One Light, Many Voices
Key Chorale’s regal program moves into popular culture with Hans Zimmer’s theme from “The Crown” and music from the 2010 Oscar-winning film “The King’s Speech,” which will feature Key Chorale principal keyboardist Glenn Priest.
In addition to audience appeal, another reason that Caulkins is leaning into masterworks such as Mendelssohn’s Elijah (Feb. 7, 2026) in the current season is that he believes Key Chorale has the artistic chops to do so. “The ensemble is at the height of its abilities in the 18 years that I’ve been here,” he says.
Of the dozen events Caulkins has programmed for the latest season, eight will include all 100 singers from Key Chorale and a full orchestra. In some cases, the orchestra performing is Venice Symphony, from Sarasota’s neighbor to the south.
Since his arrival at Key Chorale in 2007, Caulkins has made collaboration with other arts groups a hallmark of his organization. Over the years some of these co-productions have become cherished traditions.
The 2025-26 season will see the return of Key Chorale’s annual holiday celebration featuring Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company with a Nov. 30 program called “Joy & Wonder” as well as the yuletide concert featuring the Venice Symphony, “Sounds of the Season,” from Dec. 18-21.
One of the most anticipated events of season is the annual Cirque des Voix, a collaboration with both the Circus Arts Conservatory and Venice Symphony. You haven’t seen circus until you’ve seen acrobats, aerialists and other circus performers accompanied by a symphony chorus and a full orchestra.
Caulkins and his Cirque des Voix partner, CAC co-founder and pro-
duction and artistry strategist Pedro Reis, are masters at blending highand low-brow culture. It’s a tradition that dates back to circus magnate John Ringling, who once had elephants in tutus perform a ballet choreographed by George Balanchine to the music of Stravinsky.
There are no animals at the Cirque des Voix (Circus of Voices), but there are pop culture hooks, such as music from comic book-inspired franchises that have become Hollywood staples. The theme of this year’s Cirque des Voix (March 13-15) will be “Super Heroes vs. Super Villains.”
“We’ll start with the Superman March,” Caulkins says. “The music will be powerful and dramatic. We’ll be celebrating athleticism with the circus artists. When you add the chorus, it becomes not just a concert, but an experience.”
Last year’s Cirque des Voix celebrated music found in science fiction films and other media and attendees of all ages were invited to dress as their favorite sci-fi character for a costume contest. This season’s event will once again encourage cosplay. One can imagine the audience as a sea of Supermans, Batmans and Fantastic Four members as well as their enemies, Lex Luthor, the Joker and Dr. Doom.
In 2026, Key Chorale will once again team up with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe for its annual student scholar soirée at WBTT’s Donelly Theatre on March 2.
NO OCTOBER EVENTS THIS YEAR
After being forced to cancel last year’s
IF YOU GO
CORONATION: MUSIC INSPIRED BY ROYALTY
When: 4 p.m. on Sept. 27
Where: Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road Tickets: $45 Info: Visit KeyChorale.org.
because of Hurricane Milton,
says he’s
Baroquetoberfest
Caulkins
Joseph Caulkins is Key Chorale’s maestro.
Joy & Wonder, Key Chorale’s annual holiday collaboration with Sarasota Ballet Studio Co., takes place Nov. 30 at Sarasota Opera House.
Soprano Mary Wilson will be the soloist at Key Chorale’s “Coronation” concert on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Church of the Palms.
Key Chorale will follow up last season’s acclaimed concert of Verdi’s Requiem at Church of the Palms with Mozart’s Coronation Mass on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles
Courtesy images
Sept.
steering clear of October events this year. (Evidently, September isn’t as frightening, even though that’s when Hurricane Helene hit.)
This season, Caulkins and his October musical co-conspirator Sam Nelson are turning their attention to the month of January.
That’s when they will present twin Opus 1700 concerts featuring the works of Handel and Bach. Nelson is organist and choirmaster at Church of the Redeemer, where both events will be held Jan. 23-24, 2026.
The first Opus 1700 concert is called “Handel — The Rest of the Story” because it features Parts 2 and 3 of the Messiah, which are heard less frequently than Part 1, a holiday staple at churches and music groups. Nelson will conduct the Handel concert and Caulkins takes the baton the next day for Bach’s Mass in B Minor.
With his track record of innovative collaborations, Caulkins has established a strong presence for Key Chorale in Sarasota’s arts scene.
He is only the second artistic director in the history of the group. Key Chorale was founded in 1985 by Ann Stephenson-Moe, organist and choirmaster of the Church of the Redeemer, and Don B. Ryno, minister of music at St. Boniface Church. Its first artistic director was Daniel Moe, who served for 21 years.
Earlier this year, Caulkins received a vote of confidence when Key Chorale extended his contract by 10 years. In addition to collaborating with other arts groups, Caulkins has increased Key Chorale’s community presence through outreach programs aimed at youth and seniors.
In addition to its traditional student scholar soirée, Key Chorale is adding a new youth program inspired by the wildly successful closing event at Sarasota’s inaugural Living Arts Festival in 2024. Key Chorale’s concert, “GenSRQ: Celebrating Our Youth,” will take place March 29 at the Sailor Circus Arena.
Caulkins and Reis gave Living Arts Festival founder Jeffery Kin crucial support last year in staging the Celebration of Youth program, which took place in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
Another addition to Key Chorale’s schedule is a candlelight concert called “Radiance,” to be held at the First Congregational Church on April 18. Mark your calendar because the concert is free for students 18 and under, and just $10 at the door for college students. For adults, it’s $47. Hundreds of candles will light up the room as chamber singers perform what is billed as “some of the most sublime, divine and heavenly music ever written.” Let’s hope the audience understands that there are no cellphones in heaven.
KEY CHORALE, FROM PAGE 13
Courtesy image Cirque des Voix, the collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale, is one of season’s most anticipated events.
EATING WITH EMMA
Celebrate National Breakfast Month with these
egg-cellent dishes
These five eateries in Sarasota and Bradenton form my own personal Breakfast Club.
in town, with September being National Breakfast Month and all.
As we all inhaled our breakfast sandwiches, just about everyone agreed the first meal of the day was the best meal of the day. And really, what’s not to love? There’s the simplicity of the ingredients and the fact that we poor millennials can always afford to fry an egg and toast a slice of bread, whether it’s pay week or not. Then there’s the nostalgia that bacon brings as it sizzles.
In a world where the headlines can make your stomach hurt, there’s something comforting about a stack of pancakes, a crispy strip of bacon or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
me thinking that I need to give a little culinary love to some other egg-cellent local breakfast dishes
That’s the magic of National Breakfast Month. It’s an excuse to lean into the comfort of morning glory. It almost makes you wish every month was dedicated to breakfast — and that every facet of life could be this egg-cellent.
Here’s where you can find me ignoring the world around me and partaking in my own breakfast club.
BAGELS & BREWS CAFE
6970 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota; 941-993-1577; BagelsAndBrewsCafe.com.
Rise and Dine: If you’re new here, you’ll learn quickly that I’m a sucker for a bagel after living in Connecticut for 25 years. It was impossible to find anything that resembles a Tri-state (New York/ New Jersey/Connecticut) bagel in our area until Bagels & Brews came along. They have the classics, but after you bite into an everythingcheddar, you won’t remember the staples. Pair it with their freshly made veggie cream cheese ($4.25) and you’ll thank me later.
Breakfast Club Bliss: Two words: pork roll ($8.99). With one hard egg, American cheese, Taylor ham on a sesame bagel — you will be fueled for the morning. This is a breakfast column, but the café has an extended lunch menu that should not be skipped.
MAMA G’S GERMAN BAKERY
4413 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-926-2692; 8431 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-355-9236; MamaGsBakery.com.
Rise and Dine: Right after college, I lived in Germany for nearly a year teaching English. Every Friday, as I was recovering from a Thursday night expat meetup, I’d grab a roll with hard-boiled eggs at a deli across the street from school and shove it into my mouth as my first students walked in for the day. So when I saw that Mama G’s served Fruhstuck ($8.95), it had to make my list. This traditional German breakfast comes with two slices of ham and Swiss cheese, hard-boiled egg, apricot and strawberry preserves, butter and two rolls. The budget-minded may save half of
this meal for a lunch or an afternoon snack.
Breakfast Club Bliss: Looking for something a tad simpler? The plethora of German pastries, offered in both savory and sweet options, are too long to list here, but a few of my favorites are the cheese danish ($3.95), almond croissant ($3.95) and the kale and goat cheese pocket ($5).
Rise and Dine: The caffeinefocused morning crowd will be pleased with the options for that morning cup of jolt at Project Coffee’s locations in Burns Court and the Rosemary District. Whether you choose the simple yet delicious cortado ($4.75), a double shot in steamed oat milk, or an elevated strawberry milk supermatcha ($6.50), you’ll leave feeling ready to take on the day.
Breakfast Club Bliss: Don’t skip on the eats, my latte-loving pals. Depending on the location, the menu may change, but the pastries
baked in house are not to be missed — nor is “the world’s greatest avocado toast” ($12.75) made with Brad Bandits sourdough, radish, Brick Street Farms microgreens and extra virgin olive oil. (Add a soft scramble for $4.)
THE BREAKFAST COMPANY
4832 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-706-4225; 7246 55th Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-201-6002; 411 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; 941-3648767; 8491 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton; 941-210-4760; TheBreakfastCompanyFl.com. Rise and Dine: Prepare to be inundated with delicious, mind-boggling choices. From a Parisian bowl ($17.95) with two eggs, braised short rib, fontina cheese, baby spinach, mushroom, caramelized onion and diced chive to Boston cream pie pancakes ($13.95) with vanilla custard and chocolate ganache drizzle to southern eggs Benedict ($16.95) with crispy chicken, crackedpepper gravy, scrambled eggs on a grilled biscuit. This isn’t an ordinary breakfast, it’s egg-traordinary! Breakfast Club Bliss: On your birthday, you are treated with a mini-cinnamon roll that is to die for. Pair it with the pomegranate mimosa ($8.95), or an orange, cranberry or pineapple-ginger one. Or make it a screwdriver!
GUERRERO’S BAKERY & MEXICAN RESTAURANT 3557 Webber St.,941-9234459;OrderGuerrerosBakery.com. Rise and Dine: My grandfather, regardless of where we went for breakfast, always ordered the huevos rancheros, even if it wasn’t on the menu. I can’t tell you how many times in the early ’90s we had to bury our heads under the table as he walked back to talk to the chef if a waiter told him that the fried eggs and tortilla duo wasn’t an option. Well Poppy, if you were here, I’d bring you to Guerrero’s for huevos rancheros ($12.99), served eggs over medium with three fried corn tortillas, topped with red sauce. Breakfast Club Bliss: Huevos con chorizo ($12.99) is calling my name next time I head to Guerrero’s. These portions are generous, so be sure to come hungry first thing in the morning!
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The Breakfast Company has four locations, two in Sarasota and two in Bradenton.
Emma Burke Jolly Bagels & Brew’s pork roll ($8.99) comes with one egg over hard with American cheese and Taylor Ham on a choice of bagel, soft roll or croissant.
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
‘FEELING GOOD’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
“Daniel Ortega and Those Yom Kippur Blues” Arthur Kleinman is having a crisis of faith. When he wanders into a Latino saloon, the bartender and a hooker with a heart of gold each offer to solve his problems. What will Arthur do? based on a play by Celeste Raspanti
and their
The latest musical revue created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins, “Feeling Good” pays tribute to singers some call contemporary crooners, artists like Michael Bublé and Bette Midler. A dynamic trio — Haley K. Clay, Andrew Leggieri and Russell Mernagh — makes its Florida Studio Theatre debut. By performing swingin’ hits like “Come Fly With Me,” “It Had to Be You” and “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Feeling Good” reminds us that seduction works best with a little savoir faire. With musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, the singers are joined by Christian “CC” Allen on drums and Prosser on piano. Runs through Feb. 8.
‘A BAND CALLED HONALEE’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 Palm Ave. $39 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The subtitle of this Florida Studio Theatre cabaret show is “A Tribute to Peter, Paul Mary … and Friends,” but any self-respecting folk rock fan can spot the play on words in the name
“A Band Called Honalee.” ICYMI, it refers to the mythical land made famous by the children’s song “Puff the Magic Dragon.” The incarnation of Band Called Honalee appearing in Sarasota includes Brian Ott, a veteran of FST’s Simon and Garfunkel inspired show,“59th Street Bridge.” He is joined by Michael Grieve, Geoffrey Neuman and Sigrid Wise. Runs through Oct. 26.
FRIDAY
‘NUNSENSE’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$40 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Join Mother Superior Sister MaryRegina and the rest of the nuns as they stage a madcap variety show to help defray the cost of funerals after a culinary disaster. “Nunsense” began as a line of greeting cards before becoming an Off-Broadway musical in 1985 that has since morphed into a global comedy phenomenon. Murray Chase directs Venice Theatre’s production. Runs through Oct. 5.
SATURDAY
SARASOTA OPERA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
1 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $75 in advance; $85 at the door; $150 VIP Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
DON’T MISS FAMILY FEST
Inspired by its popular Friday Fests (currently on hiatus), the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts its first Family Fest with “Alice in Wonderland” as the theme. Two performances of Asolo Rep on Tour’s production of “Alice in Wonderland” will take place, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. During the Family Fest, which ends at 2 p.m., attendees can participate in themed activities with local community groups, purchase snacks from food trucks and shop at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Teaching artist Mr. Stevey leads interactive mindfulness and literacy activities.
IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit VanWezel.org.
Courtesy image Sarasota Contemporary Dance presents MaKayla Lane’s work, “It Takes Nothing to Have Something,” on Saturday, Sept. 27.
Support the Sarasota Opera Youth Opera with an afternoon of food, music and dancing. Local restaurants, wineries and artisans will help deliver a festive fall experience. Among the local restaurants represented are Fork and Hen, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, Michael’s on East, Rose & Ivy, Selva Grill and Tzeva at Art Ovation. Libations will be provided by 99 Bottles, Beauty Booze, Gold Coast Eagle Distributors and more.
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY
DANCE IN-STUDIO: MAKAYLA LANE
3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
$20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.
Company member MaKayla Lane has expanded her work “It Takes Nothing to Have Something,” first presented in 2024, into an fulllength piece as part of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s commitment to highlighting voices from within its ranks. Continues Sept. 29.
SUNDAY
HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE:
VERDI’S ‘OTELLO’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$20 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Jonas Kaufman, Marco Vratagno and Maria Agresta star in the Royal Opera’s 2017 production of Verdi’s “Otello,” based on the Shakespeare play about the titular military officer who begins to suspect his wife, Desdemona, of being unfaithful at the cruel suggestion of his ensign Iago. Verdi’s final tragedy, “Otello” was an overnight sensation at its 1887 premiere and has been a standard of international opera repertory ever since.
YOUNG ARTISTS SHOWCASE:
ASTRID VICTORIA
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$27 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Astrid Victoria is one of the young artists who has grown up on the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe stage. She starred in her first Young Artist Showcase in 2021, when she was just out of high school and ready to attend college. Now that she has earned her degree in commercial music from Southern University in Lakeland, she returns to the WBTT stage full of gratitude for all that has taken place in her life and anticipation for the journey ahead.
OUR PICK CHAMBER SOIRÉES: SERENADES AND SYMPHONY
Sarasota Orchestra members kick off the season with a concert featuring a full chamber orchestra without conductor. The program begins with Richard Strauss’ “Serenade for Winds” and moves along to Dvorak’s “Serenade for Strings.” The entire chamber orchestra comes together to play Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.
IF YOU GO
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28
Where: Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: $48 and up
Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra. org.
MONDAY
‘ANCESTRAL EDGE’
10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bayshore Road Free with $30 admission; Mondays free Visit Ringling.org.
Aficionados of Native American art often have to travel to places such as Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Santa Fe to see contemporary work. The Ringling has recently been bringing more visibility to contemporary Native American art, first with its 2023 show, “Reclaiming Home,” showcasing members of Florida tribes, and now with “Ancestral Edge” featuring nine female artists from across the U.S.
TUESDAY
‘ART DECO: THE GOLDEN AGE OF ILLUSTRATION’ 10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Free for museum members; $20 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
The Sarasota Art Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the exposition that kicked off the Art Deco movement. More than 100 eyecatching posters from the Crouse Collection, as well as industrial furniture, home furnishings and other objects loaned by the WilsonianFlorida International University are on display. In addition to consumer products, there are posters for automobiles, train and ocean travel, as well as sports competitions, reflecting a growing love of speed and luxury in spite of the Great Depression. Through March 29, 2026.
The Arts Advocates Gallery inside the Crossings at Siesta Key mall is open every Saturday from 2-4 pm featuring the works of Sarasota Colony artists, the Florida Highwaymen, and changing monthly exhibits.
Talkback Tuesday
Carrie Seidman - Voices That Shape Sarasota: Journalism, Justice, and Local Truths
October 7, 4-6 pm
Arts Advocates Gallery
Carrie hosts WSLR’s Talk of the Town, a live weekly roundtable featuring politicians, activists, journalists, and scholars discussing local issues. She is a seasoned journalist who has been a staff writer for The New York Times and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, among others.
Luncheon
How Theater Artistic Directors are Navigating Cultural and Funding Challenges
October 16, 11 am-1 pm Sarasota Yacht Club
Jay Handelman moderates a panel of leading artistic directors – Richard Hopkins, Nate Jacobs, Carole Kleinberg, Peter Rothstein, and Summer Wallace – in a discussion of how they are meeting the challenge of providing funds for their organizations.
SCOUT’S HONOR
Local Boy Scout honored for rescuing couple during family vacation.
Nathan Patel, 12, has earned merit badges in areas from climbing to archery during his time in Boy Scouts Troop 14 in Sarasota.
One opportunity he didn’t expect, however, was the chance to put his skills to practice saving two lives.
During a June family vacation in Thailand, Patel was met with an unexpected chance to act, which he quickly recognized, tossing out a ring buoy to a couple who were struggling in a resort pool.
At a troop Court of Honor on Sept. 9, Patel was presented with the Medal of Merit, an award given to a select few Scouts and recognizing “an act of meritorious service above and beyond what is normally expected.”
A FAMILY OF SCOUTS
Patel’s interest in Boy Scouts was sparked in the first grade, when he attended some of the campouts of his brother Nikhil Patel, who is now 14 and an Eagle Scout.
“I like how you learn skills like camping, cooking, and how it’s like a social group and we all work together,” Nathan said.
Prior to last summer, Nathan received the rank of First Class Scout, and after the summer, he was elected as a patrol leader.
Beyond Nathan and Nikhil, how-
ever, the whole family is involved with Scouts. Nathan’s younger brother, Nolan Patel, 5, recently started in Cub Scouts, and their parents, Shuchi and Neal Patel, are both assistant Scoutmasters.
It was just two months prior to the vacation that Nathan had learned the skills that would prove to be lifesaving.
At Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center in Lithia, Scoutmaster Ed Wilson had taught the troop about line rescues. The Scouts would take turns tossing out a ring buoy to pull another Scout from the river.
Some of the skills they learned included making sure the rope wasn’t bound up and how to coil it properly, and how to plan for the other person’s movement in the current when throwing the device.
Although the situation in the resort pool was a bit different, Nathan still thought back to what he had learned in Boy Scouts.
THE RESCUE
As Nathan was sitting by what his family describes as a “huge” pool at the Thailand resort, the family saw the couple.
They were struggling to walk toward the deep end of the pool, and it was apparent they didn’t know how to swim, said Shuchi.
The pool was deceptively deep, she explained; just before that moment, Neal had come in from the far end, remarking how quickly the slope changed.
As the family yelled, no one else noticed what was happening.
“At first my dad was like, ‘Oh, they look like they need help.’ Because their expression on their face, it was like, ‘Oh no,’” recounted Nathan.
“You have that moment where you’re like, surely somebody’s responsible for helping, and we’re yelling, and there’s no lifeguard, and the waiters are all busy, and the people in the pool are busy,” Shuchi said. “Everybody’s so busy, and no one’s noticing what we’re noticing.”
As Neal considered jumping in to rescue the couple, Nathan dissuaded him, telling him what he had learned in Boy Scouts: that with two
“I’m proud of myself for being that keen-eyed, being in the moment, being ready, knowing those skills, being prepared.”
Nathan Patel
other people in the water, he would be pulled under.
Meanwhile, another man was looking into the pool as if he planned to attempt a rescue.
It was Nathan who finally saw what to do.
“He was going to jump in, but that’s something we learned you’re not supposed to do, so when I saw that, I knew I had to quickly do something to save his life too,” Nathan said.
Nathan saw an untethered ring buoy,and tossed it across a long distance, in the couple’s direction, just after the man entered the water.
It landed perfectly in the couple’s location, Shuchi says, and the couple grabbed on, using it to kick back to shore.
“He was the one who figured it out at 12 years old, which was crazy, because you think that there should be somebody trained, and everybody always thinks somebody else is going to be there, and then you end up realizing it’s you,” Shuchi said.
After a few minutes, the family checked in on the couple.
“We gave them a minute, because they were terrified,” Shuchi said.
“They were like, thank you so much,” Nathan said. “It was like, ‘I didn’t really know what was going to happen if you didn’t do that.’”
Nathan said at the time he felt “happy, like proud that I did something.”
“I’m proud of myself for being that keen-eyed, being in the moment, being ready, knowing those skills, being prepared,” he said.
Scoutmaster Ed Wilson says Nathan “did a great job in practice, and did a great job in reality, too.”
“I was shocked,” he said. “I was really proud of him, so it’s a kind of emotional thing. We teach a lot of stuff in Scouts, and a lot of useful things. However, you don’t always think that something like this is the thing that they will learn and need to use. We do a lot of other practical knowledge skills, but truly saving someone’s life is just absolutely amazing.”
Nathan says seeing the difference his skills were able to make in the real world has made him more motivated and more excited about Scouts.
“I’m probably never going to use all these skills, but now I realize it’s really handy,” he said.
On Sept. 9, he was presented with the Medal of Merit by District Commissioner Christopher Corteville, which Wilson describes as a high honor given to select few Scouts.
“It feels really honoring, like I did something really big,” Nathan said.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Photos by Ian Swaby
Nathan Patel
Courtesy image
District Commissioner Christopher Corteville, Nathan Patel and Scoutmaster Ed Wilson
Nolan, Neal, Nathan, Shuchi and Nikhil Patel
Melissa Allen and her son Asher Allen, 7, participate in the
First Physicians Group Welcomes Daniel Lang, DO
First Physicians Group is proud to introduce Daniel Lang, DO, who is accepting new patients at FPG’s Waldemere Medical Internal Medicine practice on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Sarasota Campus. As a specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Lang provides patient-centered, comprehensive care for adults that ranges from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions and treating acute concerns. He provides yearly physicals, regular screenings and counseling on health, wellness and disease prevention.
Shana Tova in the sunshine
Temple Emanu-El Religious School
began hosting its celebration of Rosh Hashanah outdoors during the pandemic, and the practice has continued.
On Sept. 21, students, many of them accompanied by family members, headed to Phillippi Estate Park to celebrate the holiday, which marks the start of the Jewish New Year.
“We love being here, like it’s such a nice place, and so it calls us to experience the world and the beauty,” said Rabbi Michael Shefrin. “And as Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world as we understand it, it’s nice to celebrate the birthday of the world not inside a building.”
The event featured four activity stations, including a demonstration of beekeeping by local beekeeper Lauren Hofing. Students also had the chance to enjoy the traditional dish of apples and honey.
Shefrin noted, “This is about creating a space, not just with our kids, but with some of the families who come and hang out, and for our teachers to get them outside, to appreciate the nature and to really just take a deep breath as we prepare for the New Year to enter on Monday night.”
Specialty : Internal Medicine
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL
Residency: Florida State University –Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota, FL
First Physicians Group Internal Medicine 1921 Waldemere Street, Ste. 605, Sarasota, FL 34239 firstphysiciansgroup com
Here, life is lived in full color—with sparkling blue waters at the resort-style pool, golden Sarasota sunsets shared with friends, and vibrant experiences curated by a full-time Lifestyle Director. From pickleball matches to wine tastings, every detail is designed to bring wellness, connection, and joy to your every day. And when adventure calls, you’re just minutes from downtown Sarasota’s dining, arts, and culture, as well as the area’s award-winning beaches.
Pair that lifestyle with Privada Homes’ coastalinspired residences—sophisticated designs that balance comfort and luxury. Gracewater: The Vibrant Side of Sarasota
Photos by Ian Swaby Eden Roy, 5, and her aunt, Lindi Dierna, look at one of the frames from Lauren Hofing’s beehive equipment.
opening music together.
It’s not a race
A group at The Bay starts new run and walk club.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Christine Williams moved to Sarasota full time in August 2022, just before the opening of The Bay park that October, and participated in the park’s inaugural fun run.
When she began to slow down at one point, someone behind her yelled, “Don’t stop!”
It was a person she describes as a “beautiful, tall blonde woman” who was using Williams to pace herself.
Her name was Lea Myers, and after she and Williams sat down afterward at The Nest Café in the park, they ended up becoming best friends.
Both of them supporters of the park, they have also attended its new Run & Walk Club for All, which was launched on Sept. 6.
When coach Elisha DeMassa met Diana Shaheen, director of park guest experience at the time (currently chief operating officer), she was convinced Shaheen shared her vision for a community run club.
“It’s something that she’s always wanted to do, and I’ve always wanted to do it,” she said. “It’s been a dream of mine.”
So far, the club walks and runs, which take place at 7:30 on Saturday mornings, have drawn a relatively small group of attendees each weekend.
The club features two routes, the 5K Bay-to-Bridge-and-Back Route, which takes attendees over the John Ringling Causeway and back, and the 1.6-mile Stay at The Bay Route.
DeMassa says she wanted to create a supportive running group like the one she had when she first started running 14 or 15 years ago, after she had her third child.
“We all just kind of encouraged each other, and I just fell in love with it,” she said. “Not only did I fall in love with running, I fell in love with the community of running.” DeMassa is certified as both a run-
IF YOU GO
What: Run & Walk Club for All
When: Every Saturday from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Where: The Nest, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. The event is followed by Bootcamp Fitness from 8-8:45 a.m., while The Nest Café is also open for breakfast.
Event: Free Info: Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
ning coach and personal trainer.
DeMassa notes the running routes offered by the club is safe for the community, avoiding busy intersections, and keeps to the same side of North Tamiami Trail as it stretches from the park, across the bridge and back.
So far, the community is in the process of discovering the club. Among those who found it on Sept. 13 were Charlie Cavallaro, 11, and his mother, Jessica Cavallaro.
Charlie Cavallaro plays sports, including baseball and tennis and is going to try out for track this year. Jessica Cavallaro said the family was looking to get him running in between sports.
“We saw an advertisement for it and thought it would be a great way to spend a Saturday, out on The Bay in Sarasota, getting some exercise,” she said. She said they will now be at the club every weekend, along with their other family members who are sleeping in.
Ian Swaby
Elisha
DeMassa’s husband, Michael DeMassa, Janine Lebano and Sue McGregor
Vibrant Senior Living Coming Soon to Lakewood Ranch!
Emerson Lakes Is Now Accepting Reservations.
The first phase of construction is now underway. This includes the beautiful Coral Ridge Clubhouse and three residence buildings: Sandhill Point, anticipated to open in the fall of 2026, followed by Laguna Springs and Mangrove Run, opening in the first half of 2027.
Everyday Resort Living
Here are just a few resort-style amenities you can expect:
• Multiple dining venues
• Outdoor pool with a walk-up bar
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Pickleball and bocce ball courts
• Outdoor fitness center with meditation garden
• Firepits
Predictable Costs, Exceptional Value
Our community’s smart financial structure will provide peace of mind and security by streamlining most bills into a simple monthly payment. Your Monthly Service Package covers:
• Utilities, maintenance, and property taxes
• Cable TV, internet, and landline phone
A Community You Can Trust
• Use of fitness center, pool, and dozens of other amenities
Emerson Lakes℠ is a part of Erickson Senior Living,® one of the largest senior living providers in the nation. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free, independent lifestyle backed by over 40 years of trusted experience.
Don’t wait! Call 1-888-515-6435 to learn more about this exciting new community!
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary In celebration of our 50th Anniversary in providing quality Cardiovascular Care in
National Cardio Sarasota Congress on CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION CME accredited program by the Florida Medical Association
The 26th Annual National CardioSarasota Congress on CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION & TREATMENT Hosted by 26 Renowned Professors of Cardiology CME Accredited by Florida Medical Association
YOUR CALENDAR
FRIDAY, SEPT. 26
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ‘PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH’
7:30-9:15 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a free, outdoor family-friendly movie under the stars, with “Puss in Boots: the Last Wish” (PG). Puss in Boots of the “Shrek” franchise undertakes a journey to the fallen Wishing Star to restore eight of his nine lives. This event is part of Hispanic Heritage Month at The Bay, held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
JACOB WINGE LECTURE: CALUSA
3-4 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Learn about Calusa people that inhabited the coast of Southwest Florida, and how the society they created, based around estuarine fisheries, provides an exception to the idea that human civilizations must be based on agriculture. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
SUNDAYS AT THE BAY
FEATURING MATT WALDEN
6-7 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. This week’s performer in this weekly concert series is one-man show Matt Walden, who aims to create a concert-like experience with a loop pedal, some instruments and a mic. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
MONDAY, SEPT. 29
LECTURE | ROBERT FROST (YES, ‘THAT’ ROBERT FROST!) IN FLORIDA
2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Learn about poet Robert Frost’s surprising ties to Florida. Author and scholar Liz Coursen tells the story. Visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 GREEN LIVING | CREATING YOUR EDIBLE GARDEN
2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Learn how to create your own veggie garden, including how to find the perfect spot for it, with a focus on creating a garden in a shared community space. Some information will be applicable to home gardeners. No registration required. First come, first seated. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
BEST BET
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1
SALSA & SUNSETS COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Nest, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. This Latino-inspired sunset dance party will feature Grammy Award-winning singer and Latin percussionist Millie Puente, the niece of renowned musician Tito Puente. All skill levels are welcome. This event is part of Hispanic Heritage Month at The Bay, held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
MOMMY & ME AT THE BAY: CORE & CRADLE PILATES
9-10 a.m. at Sarasota Garden Club, 1130 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. The Mommy & Me pilates class is created by STOTT-certified Pilates instructor and new mom Somer Menozzi, and provides a nonjudgmental zone for moms to connect. TheBaySarasota.org.
CREATION STATION: TEEN LAB — HAND-SEWN PUMPKINS
4-5:45 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Using a piece of fabric, rope, and stuffing, create your own “forever pumpkin.” Registration required. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
Haares Mirzan, MD
Specialty: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
First Physicians Group is proud to introduce two new critical care pulmonologists: Dr. Haares Mirzan and Dr. Evan Wasserman.
Fellowship trained in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Mirzan and Dr. Wasserman specialize in diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and airways. They both treat a wide range of respiratory issues including asthma, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary vascular disease, pleural effusion and sarcoidosis.
Pulmonology
Medical School: B oston University School of Medicine & College of Arts and Sciences in Boston, MA
Residency & Fellowship: Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education in Jacksonville, FL
Evan Wasserman, DO
Specialty: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Residency: University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
Fellowship: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Courtesy image
Healing with hope
Film based on model’s breast cancer journey to screen in Sarasota.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
One Christmas Eve, Karen MacDonald thought of a gift she could offer her mother, Theresa MacDonald, who was in the hospital due to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and nearing the end of her life.
She created a makeshift wrap to go over her mother’s patient gown and provided blush and lipstick.
“I saw the difference it made, that she kind of came to life again, and for a couple of hours, just felt like the rest of us,” she said.
That was how MacDonald realized she wanted to found a clothing line that could bring other cancer patients that same dignity, and about 10 years ago, she established Wrapped in Love.
Now a part-time Siesta Key resident, MacDonald is also involved with the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, to which she recently brought forward an idea: to screen a new film that tells the story of someone she had long admired.
On Oct. 1, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the foundation will host the Sarasota premiere of “Hello Beautiful,” which is based on the 2016 book “Walk Beside Me” by former Victoria’s Secret model and breast cancer survivor Christine Handy.
The film tells the story of a model named Willow whose world is shattered when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, although she ultimately survives.
“When I was going through breast cancer, I watched movies over and over and over again that I felt like gave me hope,” explains Handy, who serves as a producer and began seeking the chance to turn the book into a film eight years ago.
Handy said she wanted to offer a story of survival, as many of the films she saw only made her more afraid.
“I kind of had righteous anger about that,” she said. “I thought that was an injustice, and I was surprised that nobody had changed that narrative, because, obviously, the survival rates have gone up so much, and I just feel like maybe that hasn’t caught up in media.”
Once production began, with director Ziad Hamzeh on board, the team had to weather events like COVID-19, the Writer’s Guild of America strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike.
“It went through tremendous
IF YOU GO
‘HELLO BEAUTIFUL’ PREMIERE
1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. at CMX
CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail. Visit SMHF.org.
hurdles,” Handy said. “I feel like it’s just this incredible project that if, let’s say we had filmed it in 2020, it wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Handy says the film is also a lesson in what not to do; the film portrays the life she lived prior to her diagnosis, which she describes as focused on materialism, with a constant focus on finding the next modeling opportunity.
“Ultimately, everything that I had built my life on, or built my selfesteem on, it was like quicksand for me,” she said.
When Handy had to depend on others to take care of her, she lost her pride and ego. Her battle with cancer would involve 15 months of chemotherapy, mastectomies, implants and reconstructive surgeries.
“I just knew in those dark moments that I had to rebuild my life on a more solid ground, and it couldn’t be anything else outside of me. It had to be who I was inside,” she said.
Handy decided to return to modeling work, with the goal of showcasing the beauty of women with concave chests. That included returning to Victoria’s Secret, and walking the Miami Swim Week swimwear event.
When MacDonald learned the book was being made into a film, she decided to reach out to Handy.
“I just admired her so much,” MacDonald said. “I think she’s giving other people their dignity by going out there and talking about what she’s been through and how it’s actually made her a stronger person.”
DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW YOUR INVESTMENTS ARE PERFORMING?
What your financial statements might not be telling you and how to finally get clarity.
The headlines are enough to make anyone uneasy: volatile markets, rising interest rates, international conflict, and new tariffs on the horizon. In a climate like this, even experienced investors are left asking, “Am I still on track?”
Then the quarterly statement arrives. You flip through pages of numbers, charts, and unfamiliar terms and still walk away without clear answers. What did you actually earn last quarter? Were any fees taken out? How does this compare to the market? And maybe most importantly: Is my retirement plan still on track? If you’ve ever felt uncertain or even overwhelmed by your investment statements, you’re not alone.
“Far too often, investors receive complex, jargon-filled statements that don’t tell them what they really want to know: Am I growing my wealth? What did this cost me? And is someone actually looking out for me?” said Ryan Thompson, Vice President at JL Bainbridge.
Located in the heart of Sarasota for over 40 years, JL Bainbridge is offering a confidential free financial review, no cost and no obligation, to help individuals and families better understand their current investments and overall financial health.
HIDDEN FEES & MURKY REPORTING
Many investors don’t realize how fees quietly eat into their returns. Some are buried in fund expense ratios, others are tacked on as advisory fees or trading costs. Without full transparency, it’s easy to think you’re earning more than you actually are.
“You could be paying thousands in hidden fees every year and not know it,” Thompson warns. “Our goal is to help you clearly see what it’s costing, and whether or not it’s aligned with your goals.”
A SECOND SET OF EYESFOR FREE
Whether you already work with an adviser or have been managing things
on your own, JLB’s free financial review offers a second opinion. Their fiduciary team walks through your current portfolio, explains how to read performance data, and identifies any red flags from overpriced funds to overly risky allocations. And they do it in plain English, not financial jargon so you can fully understand how your investments are performing - without feeling embarrassed or confused.
WHO SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE?
If any of the following apply to you, a review might be well worth your time:
• You’re unsure what your current investment performance actually is You want to know if your fees are fair or excessive
• You haven’t reviewed your retirement timeline in a while
• You want a confidential second opinion on how your portfolio is structured
You want more clarity, more confidence, and less confusion
Whether you’re just getting started or have a healthy portfolio, JL Bainbridge believes every investor deserves clarity because after all, it’s your money and you deserve to understand it.
Courtesy image
Main actress Tricia Helfer, Ziad Hamzeh, director, and Christine Handy, producer
A Harbor Acres home
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
W. Pearson Clack and Vivian Farrar Clack, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1348 Harbor Drive to JP 1348 LLC for $3,837,500. Built in 1957, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 6,946 square feet of living area. It sold for $98,500 in 1976.
SARASOTA
PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS
Ted and Sandra Stuckey, of Cadwell, Georgia, sold their Unit 15F condominium at 50 Central Ave. to Thomas Kruse and Cynthia Kruse, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.8 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,356 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2024.
VUE
Michael Gerard Zeglinski and Georgina Alicia Gutierrez, trustees, of Huntington Beach, California, sold the Unit 406 condominium at 1155 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Billy and Sally Whalen, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,701 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,375,000 in 2021.
LONG MEADOW
RJJM LLC sold the home at 2246 Webber St. to Louis Joseph Rizzo and Barbara Bea Rizzo, of Sarasota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,221 square feet of living area. It sold for $523,000 in 2022.
LAWRENCE POINTE
Michael and Patricia Devine, of Clifton, Virginia, sold their Unit 102 condominium at 99 Sunset Drive to Thomas Charles Grubish and Janet Preiser Grubish, of Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,474 square feet of living area. It sold for $980,000 in 2021.
THE LANDINGS
Edward McIlhatten Hedges and Silke Nicole Thompson, of Los Angeles, sold their home at 4852 Peregrine Point Circle N. to Robert and Emily Hamel, of Longboat Key, for $1,165,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,250 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.15 million in 2022.
ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY
Robert and Linda Kuck, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2397 Vaccaro Drive to William Gerald Wagner and Janice Sue Wagner, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $547,800 in 2014.
RIVER’S EDGE
Lorayne Walsh, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4621 Riverwood Ave.
to Lakewood Harmony II LLC for $515,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,353 square feet of living area. It sold for $207,500 in 1986.
SIESTA KEY
HARMONY
Hamed and Laila Abouzeid sold their home at 4831 Primrose Path to Edward Miersch and Molly Christine Miersch, of Sarasota, for $1.64 million. Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,197 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2022.
E.S. BOYD’S Karl Jasinski and Jose Manuel Jr., of Venice, sold two properties at 4408 Midnight Pass Road to Marcos and Elizabeth Ann Varela, of Littleton, Colorado, for $1.52 million. The first property was built in 1951 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,803 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1951 and has two bedrooms, one bath and 808 square feet of living area. They sold for $487,800 in 2020.
SIESTA’S BAYSIDE
Dockside Homes LLC sold the home at 616 Mangrove Point Road to Joseph Volk and Margaret Volk, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1,437,100. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2024.
BAY ISLAND
John Voorhees, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 624 Norsota Way to EB 624 Norsota LLC for $1.1 million. The first property was built in 1925 and has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1925 and has one bedroom, one bath and 440 square feet of living area. They sold for $80,000 in 2000.
PALMER RANCH
TURTLE ROCK
Anthony and Diane Spinella, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4831 Sweetmeadow Circle to Frank Del Greco and Susan Del Greco, trustees, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built
in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,546 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2019.
Lisa Vitek, of Lemont, Illinois, sold her home at 5063 Timber Chase Way to Shane and Holly Farrell, of Sarasota, for $742,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,558 square feet of living area. It sold for $790,000 in 2024.
Other top sales by area
SIESTA KEY: $1.65 MILLION
Bayou Louise — 28
Barry Weisblatt and Caroline Villela, of Sarasota, sold their home at 110 Faubel St. to Forrest Duane Betts and Lisa Marie Hadley, of Sarasota, for $1.65 million. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,207 square feet of living area. It sold for $980,000 in 2019.
PALMER RANCH: $1,785,000
Legacy Estates on Palmer Ranch
Kevin Harron and Kimberlee Brown, trustees, of Gloucester, Massachusetts, sold the home at 5313 Greenbrook Drive to Edward and Lucinda Smith, of Sarasota, for $1,785,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,279 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,675,000 in 2023.
OSPREY: $527,500
Blackburn Point Marina Village
Robert and Amy Norton, of Nokomis, sold their Unit 19 condominium at 1164 Beachcomber Court to Paul and Robin Mahaney, of Okemos, Michigan, for $527,500. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and 1,952 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2022.
NOKOMIS: $530,000
Sorrento East
Mark Edward Kleeb and Hillarey Rachel Kleeb, of Bradenton, sold their home at 227 Monte Drive to John Raymond Oliver and Cherel Roudero Oliver, trustees, of Nokomis, for $530,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,998 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2019.
Ian Swaby
SPORTS
Brushing aside setbacks
Cardinal Mooney senior quarterback has pushed onward all the way to Stanford, despite injuries.
JACK
NELSON SPORTS REPORTER
The past year has pushed Devin Mignery to his limits. His belief has been questioned. His commitment, contested. His trust, tried.
Challenges as never before have entered the senior quarterback’s life. And none of them have to do with solving an opposing defense.
“I actually think it’s been a very big blessing,” Mignery said.
Cardinal Mooney football’s star under center played the 2024 Class 2A state semifinal without an MCL in his right knee. Last spring, he tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder, and wasn’t able to use his right arm for three months.
Mignery has been out of the starting role through Week 5 of this season. Since the fourth game of his sophomore campaign, he had only known the spotlight, leading the Cougars to the 1S state title in 2023.
He’s largely watched from the sidelines as the offense has operated with his backup in the backfield. But as of Sept. 22, he’s available to play, per coach Jared Clark.
“It definitely gives you a lot of perspective,” Mignery said. “If you go from being the guy who everything runs through you, and now you get to watch some of it ... it’s been a rough year.”
Over on the West Coast — one day after Cardinal Mooney moved to 3-1 behind junior Davin Davidson — Sept. 13 proved to be a day for celebration. Mignery committed to Stanford, accepting an offer on the spot from general manager Andrew Luck during a game-day visit. His decision required no complex calculus. As soon as he stepped on the Palo Alto campus, Mignery was blown away by what surrounded him. The academics. The aesthetics.
And the opportunity to play Division I football in the Atlantic Coast Conference — home to Florida State and Miami, among other prestigious programs.
“(My visit) was fantastic. Obviously, it’s Stanford University first, so it’s the best education in the world, which you can’t pass up,” Mignery said. “And then it’s a football program that’s up and coming. Andrew Luck has got it going in the right direction, and I think they’re going to do some special things there.”
The Lakewood Ranch resident’s sample size as a senior is small at 109 rushing yards, one touchdown and two pass attempts, but as a junior, he was one of the premier quarterbacks in Florida.
A dual-threat quarterback, Mign ery racked up 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns through the air, as well as 1,199 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. Cardinal Mooney went 12-0 until falling in the Final Four against eventual 2A state champion Cocoa.
That career-best campaign earned him an All-State First Team selection from Florida HS Football.
“He just does all the little things that you want a leader to do. He’s also one of the most competitive guys I’ve been around,” Clark said.
“We’ve got — luckily — a bunch of competitive guys on this team, but Devin is one of those guys that when the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands.”
A dramatic turnaround has transpired for the Cougars since Mignery entered the equation.
Back in 2022, the squad went 4-7 and failed to record a victory in the 1S state tournament. He com pleted four passes and four carries for 61 yards combined across limited varsity action as a freshman.
The following year proved to be something else. En route to the sec ond state championship appearance in program history, Mignery passed for 1,303 yards and 12 touchdowns to complement 896 and 10, respec tively, in the run game.
As a first-year starter, he helped
“I just started running because my mom really liked it — she did it when she was a kid. So she inspired me to start running, as well.”
STANFORD ATHLETICS
NCAA titles: 137 Conference: ACC (formerly of the Pac-12) Nickname: Cardinal Alumni: Tiger Woods, Katie Ledecky, John McEnroe, Andrew Luck Football record: 1-3 through Week 4
Cardinal Mooney secure its first ring in 51 years.
“We’ve completely flipped it around and now have some of the best athletes in the country at every position, so I think that in itself has been huge,” Mignery said. “I get to go out and practice and work with not only my best friends, but the best players in the country every single day, which makes me a better player.”
If that trophy-lifting triumph was a high, these injury-riddled months have been a low. The time he yearns to spend on the turf has been taken away by not one, but two, rehab processes.
But the prolonged struggle has also allowed Mignery to shine in a different light, not as a performer, but as a supporter. He’s embraced whatever the Cougars’ staff has asked of him.
Clark has seen his share of injuryprompted dilemmas. In his eyes, it took two unique guys to prevent this quarterback change from cascading into something negative.
“I don’t know many 18-year-olds that could handle a situation like this the way Devin has. Him and Davin are great young men,” Clark said. “They’re friends, and they’re great teammates, and they root each other on. If the two of them didn’t handle it the right way, it could be something that could be the destruction of the team.”
Regardless of how 2025 plays out for Mignery, there are accomplishments to his name that several of his predecessors never even touched.
Last year’s undefeated regular season — under his guidance — was the program’s first since 1976. That state title run he too played a part in was only the second in Cougar history.
He’ll head to Stanford next fall carrying a winning legacy.
“Fifteen years from now, when we’re back-to-back-to-back state champions, they can look back and say, ‘Devin and those guys got this thing rolling’,” Mignery said.
of
Jordyn Byrd is home. The redshirt sophomore outside hitter — formerly of Texas volleyball — is now playing her first season with Florida. That transfer decision has paid dividends, as Byrd currently leads the Gators with 129 total kills and 3.91 kills per set through nine matches played. She was a two-time Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year at Cardinal Mooney in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Florida (5-4) begins conference play at home against Mississippi State (10-0) at 7 p.m. on Friday, staged at the Exactech Arena.
... Philadelphia Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering has put in 6.1 innings of work this month, striking out nine against three earned runs and seven hits. As of Sept. 21, the South Florida graduate and son of Sarasota Emergency Manager Todd Kerkering has made 66 appearances in 2025, posting a 3.28 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. The Phillies have already clinched the NL East, and with Kerkering being a regular out of the bullpen, he’s likely to make the postseason roster. ... Riverview football (4-0-1) has yet to experience defeat, and North Port became the latest casualty. The Rams’ 50-6 drubbing of the Bobcats last Friday marked both their most points scored and least points allowed in any contest. They only needed two quarters from senior quarterback Parker Nippert, who threw for 174 yards and two touchdowns on 12-for13 passing. Senior Isaiah Belt and junior Toryeon James have been a one-two punch in the backfield, while seniors Noah Chieffo and Anthony Miller have spearheaded the effort out wide.
... Making a two-hour journey south, Booker football (4-1) earned its fourth victory in a row, with this latest one coming against Lely by a 28-14 score. Senior wide receiver/safety Tyren Wortham totaled 148 yards on four receptions — good for a team-high 37 yards per catch. Then there was three-star recruit Joel Morris, a senior quarterback who stretched the field with 346 passing yards on just 14 completions. Bayshore is next, set to visit Booker at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Milliken, Sarasota
File image Jordyn Byrd said winning a beach volleyball state title with the Cougars is one
her favorite memories.
Devin Mignery receives the snap during practice. As a sophomore, he led the Cougars to their first state title in 51 years.
Photos courtesy of Caroline Melby
Devin Mignery goes through his pregame routine. Though he’s bound for the West Coast, he’ll return to Florida in the coming years should Stanford visit Florida State or Miami.
The Fantastic Four
Football fever is rampant in Sarasota at this time of year. The sport has reached full swing, giving locals something to root for wherever their fandom lies.
Every now and then, one or two high school teams capture their attention, reaching the upper echelon of competition in the state. Four are on fire.
The programs of Riverview, Booker, Cardinal Mooney and Sarasota are a combined 14-3-1 —no team has more than one loss — entering Week 6 of the season.
With the FHSAA released its first 2025 football rankings Tuesday, the time is right to dissect early successes across the county.
RIVERVIEW (4-0-1, NO. 6 IN 7A)
The Rams are miles ahead of where they stood this time last year.
Already having matched their 2024 win total, they seem on pace for one of the greatest season-toseason turnarounds in program history.
All of it is happening under firstyear coach Mark Cristiani. His first big decision was to hand senior Parker Nippert the keys to the offense after a prolonged quarterback battle in training camp.
Nippert hasn’t disappointed, posting 857 passing yards and seven touchdowns on a 72.7% completion rate. He’s joined in the backfield by a two-headed dragon in the form of senior Isaiah Belt and junior Toryeon James, accounting for 944 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns combined.
Out wide, senior Noah Chieffo (337 receiving yards), senior Anthony Miller (332) and junior Trenton Huffman (246) each average at least 17.5 yards per catch.
“It’s a group that’s led by a bunch of seniors who really care a lot. So I would say the resiliency is probably the most impressive thing,” Cristiani said. “We’ve had some
blowouts, stayed ahead of people and kind of been able to keep our foot on the gas.”
Riverview isn’t just rolling — it’s getting better. The squad enters Friday’s rivalry bout with Sarasota on the heels of its most points scored and least points allowed all season. That 4-6 finish and first-round postseason exit are comfortably behind them now.
BOOKER (4-1, NO. 2 IN 3A)
Carlos Woods knew well before spring ball that something special was in store. He saw it with his own eyes when Booker lost to Raines by one score in the 2024 Class 3A state semifinals.
Thus far in 2025, the first-year coach and former defensive coordinator has seen his vision come to life.
“We’re extremely hard on those guys. It’s just because we want them to succeed in all phases and in everything they do,” Woods said. “They’ve done it. They’ve taken it and tried. Ever since we got back from Alabama, they’ve just been really, really focused in on the task at hand.”
The Tornadoes have remained in the win column following their season-opening defeat up north. They haven’t pummeled opponents like with last season’s nine victories by 30-plus points, but they’ve played winning football regardless.
Senior wide receiver/safety Tyren Wortham is a game-breaker. The Michigan State commit has racked up 502 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 27 receptions this season, allowing Booker to get whatever it wants in the passing game.
Joel Morris, though, has stormed onto the scene.
After sitting behind Cornell’s Ryan Downes as a junior, Morris — a three-star recruit — has become a true architect under center as a senior. Thriving in Woods’ quarter-
back-friendly scheme, he’s tallied 1,226 passing yards and 13 touchdowns without a pick to his name.
He was instrumental in Booker’s statement shutout of defending 4A state semifinalist Naples, a victory that turned some heads.
Chances are some more will turn before the playoffs roll around.
CARDINAL MOONEY (3-1, NO. 5 IN 2A)
Rarely is there rebuilding for these Cougars. They just know how to reload.
That wasn’t hard after last season with a plethora of Division I talent returning on both sides of the ball. They’re right back in the fold as a premier title contender in Class 2A.
Only three years ago, the Cougars went 4-7 and failed to notch a postseason win. Coach Jared Clark hasn’t forgotten that.
“It’s turned into a program that a lot of people want to come be a part of,” Clark said. “The program is growing. There’s more people in our program than ever before. We’re talented at every level now.”
In 2025, defensive end Elijah Golden and safety/cornerback Macaiden Brown — bound for Notre Dame and Liberty, respectively — are a pair of senior anchors. Golden boasts a team-high 10 TFLs midway through the campaign, while Brown’s 18 solo tackles are the most of any Cougar.
That unit has tightened up as of late, allowing 13 points across Weeks 3 and 4 compared to 38
through the two weeks prior, trusting the guidance of defensive coordinator Jon Haskins.
There’s also been a changing of the guard. Junior quarterback Davin Davidson has taken up the mantle from Stanford commit Devin Mignery after an injury-riddled offseason for the latter.
As a three-star recruit in his own right, Davidson has completed 66.7% of his passes for 668 yards and seven scores. He’s got senior wide receiver Kymistrii Young — a Purdue commit — and junior running back Connail Jackson to work with.
Cardinal Mooney has more talent than most, and so far, has shown it knows how to apply it.
SARASOTA (3-1, NO. 18 IN 7A)
Bad memories will enter Sailors’ minds as the calendar nears October. It was around this time last year when things went very wrong, very fast.
Five consecutive losses wiped their 3-2 start out to end the season, abruptly halting playoff aspirations. That spurred a tough learning lesson for coach Anthony Campbell and crew.
“(It starts) in the weight room, finishing lifts throughout the season, where we keep our strength,” Campbell said. “Being able to create mismatches and make sure our kids understand the overall structure of what we’re trying to accomplish, but also too, know your opponent. Now, I think our kids are a little bit
better in doing their homework.”
This season’s early success — and upcoming effort to avoid a late slide — begins with sophomore sensation Hudson West. The quarterback received six Division I offers after his freshman campaign.
He’s played elite-level, error-free football, and sans one Bayshore touchdown, would have Sarasota undefeated entering Week 6. West has 945 passing yards and 11 scores to his name, all without surrendering an interception.
Sophomore Evan Larrick (320 yards on 18 catches) and junior Jayden Rivers (289 yards on 22 catches) have become his favorite targets, establishing a core composed entirely of non seniors.
Four Sailors have registered 30 or more total tackles. Senior linebacker Kyle Burggraff leads the bunch with 37 alone, and is followed by junior middle/outside linebacker Cooper Buck (36), junior safety/ wide receiver Chase Fritz (32) and senior linebacker/safety Danny Perry (31).
This doesn’t appear to be the Sarasota of yesteryear.
Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.
Sarasota football’s offense lines up during the first quarter against Braden River. The Sailors would eventually win their home opener 27-7 on Aug. 29.
Jack Nelson
Gabe Milliken
Fresh blood can sometimes have an immediate impact.
That much was true when Sarasota Christian cross-country welcomed Gabe Milliken into the fold as a freshman last season.
He assembled three top-five finishes, and as part of his introductory campaign, earned 11th place at the SSAA championships and 10th at the FHSAA Class 1A District 6 tournament.
Following Saturday’s eighth-place finish at the SSAA championships — by way of a course personal record 18:09.97 — Milliken is the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week.
When and why did you start running?
I started running when I was 6 years old. I was just running on beaches and running with my mom. That was really nice. I just started running because my mom really liked it — she did it when she was a kid. So she inspired me to start running, as well.
What do you enjoy most about cross-country?
I just love the experience and meeting new people that are nice. And it’s just really good exercise.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Winning the (Sarasota Military Academy) race two years in a row and also making it to (the FHSAA regional tournament) last year. As for my freshman year — that was also really good.
What are your goals for your sophomore season with Sarasota Christian?
I’m hoping to achieve qualifying for states. I haven’t seen (past) results, but (I’m) trying not to get last in that.
What’s been your focus during recent practices to better prepare for competition?
Long runs, getting my endurance up and my mindset ready for big races. Doing a little sprint toward the end.
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.
What’s one quote, if any, that you live your life by?
“It’s a great day to have a great day.”
If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?
I want to meet Cristiano Ronaldo, because he’s the best player in soccer, and that’d be really cool.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
I would go to Greece, because it looks really nice and fancy. I haven’t been out of the country.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item, what would you bring and why?
I would probably bring a bag full of food, just to survive on that.
What’s your favorite movie?
I really like “Happy Gilmore 2.”
What’s your favorite meal? Chicken Parmesan.
What’s your go-to, pre-meet hype music? I listen to a couple (artists), but I don’t have a favorite. Bounce Back (by Big Sean). FE!N by Travis Scott.
Finish this sentence. Gabe Milliken is ... Athletic.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
“END OF DISCUSSION” by Sala Wanetick, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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