Siesta key observer 12 24 15

SIESTA KEY

Observer Formerly the Pelican Press

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 46, NO. 22

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Gifts and gaffes: Your holiday memories PAGE 6A

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Projects bring growing pains City leaders call for a discussion on how to mitigate the impacts of growth in Sarasota. PAGE 3A

EXCLUSIVE! SANTA

Courtesy photos

Santa Claus with Lexington

SECRETS

Meowy Christmas A special guest helped Cat Depot set a record for number of adoptions in a weekend Dec. 12 and Dec. 13: Santa Claus, who attended the “Home for the Holidays,” campaign. Santa spent the weekend surrounded by purring cats and kittens anxious to tell him about their holiday wishes for furrever homes. For 65 felines, that wish came true.

“Normally that’s how many we have in a month,” said Lynn Rasys, director of communications and development at Cat Depot.

“That’s almost half the floor.

We have typically 130 cats and kittens on the floor at a time.”

Does he know your Elf on the Shelf?

Just how do those reindeer fly?

Does Santa have to use the bathroom?

In an exclusive interview with the Sarasota Observer, Santa dishes on his favorite cookies, life in the North Pole and why he can’t bring you Justin Bieber as a Christmas present. PAGE 12A Amanda Sebastiano

A+E

Sailor Circus teaches lessons for life.

INSIDE

YOUR TOWN

Will new city tree protections take root?

A list of proposed changes to city tree regulations is growing in response to resident feedback. How is staff attempting to address citizen concerns? PAGE 4A

Mara and Gena Christiani

Whipping up success Laurel Oak Country Club’s Pastry chef, Mara Cristiani and her daughter-in-law, Gena, took home the $10,000 prize on the Dec. 10 episode of the Food Network show “Chopped.”

Teams of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law competed to create a three-course dinner from unusual ingredients. The duo watched the episode at a viewing party with Laurel Oak members.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

WEEK OF DECEMBER 24, 2015

BY THE NUMBERS

“It’s Santa magic, and I can’t share that secret.”

Santa Claus, on how reindeer fly. READ MORE ON PAGE 12A

870

If you think you need frosty temperatures and bulky sweaters to celebrate Christmas, think again.

You know you’re celebrating the holidays in Sarasota when…

3

Residential and hotel units a developer is entitled to build on the Sarasota Quay site.

SEE PAGE 3A

You took your Christmas card picture at the Crystal Classic.

Your relatives are jealous.

24 inches

Diameter a live oak tree trunk must be to receive maximum protection from the city zoning code.

SEE PAGE 4A

10 feet

1

Size of the alligator Jon Thaxton’s mother faced off against one lateDecember day.

SEE PAGE 6A

You build your snowman out of Siesta sand.

4

You make it snow on your own.

Who needs mother nature?

2

Your Christmas tree is a palm tree. Pine trees are so overrated.

5

You don’t have to go searching for festive light displays. They float right past you.

11

Cheerleaders on the Funtastic Force special athletes team.

SEE PAGE 17A

$85,000

Amount in college scholarships Dick Vitale has awarded Boys & Girls Club members in Sarasota County over the past 17 years.

SEE PAGE 4B

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Projects such as Vue Sarasota Bay have drawn concerns about their size and impact, and more large-scale projects are waiting in the pipeline.

David Conway

THE BIG PICTURE With major construction projects underway and a new zoning code nearing completion, residents and officials are ready to have a conversation about managing growth in Sarasota.

DAVID CONWAY NEWS EDITOR

W

hen Howard Shulman first started renting a home in the city, his friends on the east coast of Florida would ask: Why Sarasota?

“It’s just so much more user friendly,” Shulman said. “We’re home in 15 minutes after seeing a show. We have everything that we want here.”

Today, Shulman sees things shifting quickly in the city that bills itself as a place “where urban amenities meet small-town living.” He sent an email to the City Commission Dec. 9, admonishing the board for the “unfettered growth” he believes is tarnishing the city.

Now a full-time resident, Shulman is concerned by the effects of continued building on the quality of life in Sarasota, where a record number of building permits were issued over the past two years.

The first major post-recession construction projects wrapped up in 2015, and there’s no signs the building will slow down in the near future.

“I don’t mean to be a rabblerouser,” Shulman said. “It’s just an emotional thing — I’d hate to see a great town turn into a busy city.”

Shulman found a sympathetic ear in City Commissioner Susan Chapman, who passed along his message to city administration.

Chapman has frequently reported similar concerns from other residents; she says city staff tells her she’s the only one complaining.

Chapman rejects the notion that those concerned about this

topic are against all growth, or want to close the door to new residents and business. She wants to prioritize growth in moderation as a means to avoid issues such as increased traffic gridlock.

“I’m not opposed to development,” Chapman said. “The issue is maintaining the quality and character of our community.”

City staff said the process of approving new projects is fairly straightforward. Concurrency regulations exist to ensure city infrastructure can withstand any given development, but there’s not much wiggle room to pick and choose preferred proposals.

Chapman believes the city could be more stringent in its approval process, citing the city code’s repeated references to “compatibility” with neighboring projects as criteria for reviewing a proposed development. But city staff members disputed the idea that those passages offer increased flexibility.

“If a project satisfies (concurrency) thresholds, there’s an obligation on the city’s part to allow it to proceed,” said Gretchen Schneider, the city’s general manager of planning and development.

NEW RULES

In 2013, the city created the Urban Design Studio, hiring a team to write a new form-based zoning code for the entire city.

For those who share Chapman’s concerns, this might seem like an opportune time to clamp down on large-scale developments. But according to Urban Design Studio Director Karin Murphy, that moment passed a long time ago.

In the early 2000s, Murphy

worked on developing a new code specifically for downtown Sarasota. The group involved in that effort favored a smaller scale for the heart of the city, encouraging buildings around five stories. Once the core started to fill in, they would consider allowing increased heights.

However, officials could not take back property rights — such as the maximum allowed building height — already given to land owners. The new code removed bonuses allowing increased height, but a 10-story maximum in the downtown core remained.

“Before our time, back in the day, they zoned downtown to be, like, the size of Tokyo,” Murphy said. “If people want to be mad, they can be mad at 1970s folks.”

Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown affirmed that the challenge is decades in the making.

Residents have worried about the impact of Vue Sarasota Bay, a project with nearly 400 condo and hotel units near the busy intersection of Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41. Just more than a block to the north, a developer is entitled to build 870 residential and hotel units — along with nearly 230,000 square feet of commercial space — on the vacant 14.5-acre Sarasota Quay site.

“They had those rights before the downturn in the economy, and now that the economy is picking up, they’re using them,” Brown said. “Is this concerning

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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to us? Yes, it is.”

Developers monitor how growth will impact them, too, according to David Arent, project manager for Vue developer Kolter Urban. Arent believes larger projects benefit the city by providing economic stimulation, but there is an expectation that the city will ensure new projects can function with existing infrastructure.

“We rely on their traffic studies and city planners for the overall view, because they’ve got more of a global perspective,” Arent said.

Those who are fighting against allowing large, intense developments are waging a war that’s already been lost, Murphy believes. That’s not to say she doesn’t believe the concerns are valid; she just thinks a different strategy is necessary.

Murphy wants to encourage the creation of moderately sized buildings and discourage jarring transitions in scale from one neighborhood to another. The new code can’t take away the right to build up, but it can offer incentives for foregoing the maximum height.

If a density bonus allows a developer to build the same number of residential units in a fiveand 15-story building, that developer might opt for the former.

“People want that,” Murphy said. “It’s cheaper for the builders — those big towers are very expensive.”

Murphy also believes strengthening public transit and increasing the city’s walkability should be priorities. If it’s a given that Sarasota will grow, she says, then there’s only one way to avoid constantly widening roadways and increased congestion.

“You’re between the No. 1 thing people want to go to — the beach,” Murphy said. “They’re not stopping going to the beach. If you have no other way but a car for them to get there, the pressure will be constantly on the city to widen those roads and take away that quality of life.”

Murphy, Brown and Chapman all believe now is a critical moment for the city to examine the direction in which it will grow for decades to come. They see it as a broader conversation, involving Sarasota County and other neighboring working in tandem.

Brown, who suggested holding a commission retreat focused solely on this topic, highlighted the need for increased citizen input. How many residents are truly concerned about the growth? What about people that embrace the new developments?

Until those questions can be addressed, the city will be operating from a position of uncertainty as building continues.

“Will this taper off soon? I don’t know,” Brown said. “Will it need the intervention of the city to really sit back and say, ‘Wow, we need to fix this soon?’ I don’t know.”

“I don’t mean to be a rabble-rouser. It’s just an emotional thing — I’d hate to see a great town turn into a busy city.”

–Howard Shulman

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

A site to BEHOLD.

Will new city tree protections take root?

Hyper-local news and information everywhere you are.

DAVID CONWAY NEWS EDITOR

188702

If a tree is removed in Sarasota, city officials want to ensure neighboring residents have ample warning.

That’s the intent behind one of many changes proposed for the city’s tree protection ordinance.

On Dec. 15, staff met with residents to discuss tree regulations for the second time since November. The public workshops signal a new priority that manifested in 2015, the city’s reaction to a push from citizen activists to preserve the urban canopy.

In addition to better identifying trees that will be removed, the latest round of proposals are also designed to protect trees that will remain in the ground. New rules would outline the maximum size of vehicles traveling down treeheavy roads, allow for taller trees in certain areas and require stricter care for trees on construction sites.

City staff originally envisioned these workshops as a broad community conversation that would include developers and builders, as well as concerned citizens.

However, neighborhood representatives dominated the turnout

PROTECTED SPECIES Currently, the city zoning code offers maximum protection to trees classified as grand trees, defined as live oak trees with a trunk diameter greater than 24 inches at breast height. The city does not allow for the removal of these trees unless they are in an “advanced state of decline” or significantly obstructing essential elements of a development.

The city’s Urban Design Studio, which is developing a new zoning code for approval next year, has indicated an interest in creating a broader definition for grand trees.

for both meetings. As staff outlined proposals, speakers pushed for more stringent definitions and steeper fines with little resistance from any other members of the audience.

Tim Litchet, the city’s director of neighborhood and development services, said he thinks it’s

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

A NEW LEAF

In total, staff has developed a list of eight proposed changes to the city’s tree regulations:

1. Create a new $5 sur-

charge for removing residential trees and a $20 surcharge for removing nonresidential trees. This money would go toward the city’s urban forestry fund.

2. Dedicate $75,000 from the current tree replacement fund as seed money for the urban forestry fund, which would be used for a survey of the city’s trees and other tree preservation work.

3. If someone is seeking

David Conway

One proposed change would allow neighborhoods like Tahiti Park to seek a “canopy street” designation for certain residential roads. The regulation would be designed to avoid damage caused by large vehicles traveling down the tree-lined streets.

a positive sign that there hasn’t been a significant response from developers. Even if the meetings felt one-sided, it didn’t mean builders weren’t following the conversation.

He’s gotten some input from builders regarding the proposed changes, but there’s no indication the development community will stand in the way of new regulations. At this point, however, there’s also no guarantee certain provisions won’t raise the ire of developers.

“I’m surprised I haven’t heard back from them a lot on the sur-

charge portion of this,” Litchet said. “I’m not sure if we will or not yet. I’ve read a couple of comments, but I haven’t heard back that they’re organizing to fight it, for what that’s worth.”

Litchet expected one new proposal, designed to increase standards for protecting trees on building sites, could lead to greater developer pushback. Early next year, all of the proposed changes will go before the City Commission for consideration, offering another public forum for all sides to offer their thoughts on tree protection.

4. If someone is remov-

ing a grand tree, a permit must be placed in a visible location in front of the property for at least five working days before the tree is taken out. Any tree that is being removed should be identified with an orange plastic ribbon tied around the trunk. Violators will be fined $250.

Staff expects this will be just the first of several rounds of potential changes to the tree ordinance.

Next year, the city will consider more ambitious and potentially contentious regulations.

For now, however, Litchet and other staff members are focusing on simpler changes to strengthen tree protection — hopefully with little controversy.

“My message to the commission was, ‘Let’s get this process started; let’s get some quick successes,’” Litchet said. “Sometimes, I think that’s the best strategy.”

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a variance to the zoning code for the purpose of tree preservation, the standard applicant fee can be paid for via the urban forestry fund.

5. Unless a tree is obviously dead or diseased, removing a grand tree will require a city-approved arborist report verifying the deteriorating status

SERIOUS

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of the tree. If necessary, a city arborist can conduct additional tests if there is any suspicion the tree in question has been poisoned.

6. The City Commission

can designate certain local streets as “canopy streets” for tree protection. Trees on these streets may be taller than the maximum allowed height of 14.5 feet if no safety hazards exist. The city may post regulatory signage recommending the maximum size of vehicles traveling along those roads.

7. If a property owner

cannot mitigate the removal of a tree by placing a new tree on the same site, the mitigation tree can be placed on nearby public or private property.

To place it on private land, the property owner is responsible for providing a list of adjacent property owners who agree to accept the mitigation tree.

8. Before construction

begins on a development site, protective barricades must be built around all protected and grand trees. The barricades must be at least 10 feet from a protected tree and 20 feet from a grand tree, and the barricade material must meet approved city standards. This provision also contains more detailed guidelines regarding root pruning.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

HOLIDAY

GATOR COUNTRY “As children growing up in a largely undeveloped area of Sarasota County, my five siblings and I never gave much thought to swimming in lakes or creeks that had alligators in them; in fact, that’s all there was. We even had a 10foot gator that occupied the lake in our front yard. We swam with it for years without conflict.

But that all changed one cool, late-December day when the gator decided to defend its sunning area by getting up on all fours and chasing my younger brother and father into our home (now Roessler’s Restaurant).

“My mother was not one to stand passively for this aggressive behavior.

She was an excellent shot who had retired many diamondback rattlesnakes and other unwelcome vermin through the years.

She went into the house, retrieved and loaded her Remington Savage, single-shot, 20-gauge shotgun and proceeded to meet the gator face to face. As she only had small game shot on hand, she had to get 15 to 20 feet away in order for the

GIFTS & GAFFES

Embarrassing and heart-warming stories from residents are the gifts that keep on giving.

shot to be effective. The first shot dropped the gator dead in his tracks. But just to be sure, Mom reloaded, walked to within just a few feet of the gator and fired again. She then calmly returned to the house to call the wildlife officers out to retrieve a nuisance alligator. After that, the rest of the holiday season seemed uneventful.”

VICTORY LAP “As a fourth-grader, I was hospitalized with pneumonia over the Christmas holiday. I spent my days enclosed in a clear, seethrough tent that surrounded my bed, allowed out for only trips to the bathroom. I had an IV in my arm the entire time, and as a 9-year-old, I was pretty bummed that my Christmas was spent in a hospital bed. On Christmas morning, my parents brought me a brand new bike to my hospital room, and I wanted to ride it so bad, but knew that I couldn’t. The nurses must have read my mind – they

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

AT THE TIME OF CHRIST’S BIRTH … For unto you is born this day …

MATT WALSH

C

hildren love to hear their grandparents and parents recount the details of whence their family came, the genealogy of who they are, how they came about and why they are. Indeed, our heritage, family values and principles depend on the continuous retelling of such important events.

This is why we take pleasure each year at this time recounting some of the lesser discussed details surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. We all know what happened on Christmas — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box). But having some of the context that led up to this holy, remarkable day adds to its richness.

In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews. And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses — Israel.

The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary, Joseph, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day. They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were indeed connected to royalty. Biblical scholars write they actually were cousins, both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel.

But at that time — which was around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel) were anything but a privileged, royal class. They were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under the unpredictability of the maniac, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who ruled over Jerusalem and Bethlehem as a client king for Caesar Augustus.

“Herod inflicted such outrages upon (the Jews) as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men,” wrote the biblical historian Josephus. What’s more, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, his wife’s father, her brother, three of his own sons and 300 of his military leaders.

Nonetheless, under Herod, the Jews managed to live with what biblical historian James Edward Talmadge called “some semblance of national autonomy.” They could practice their religion without much interference.

But there was no doubt the Jews did not relish their domination. The Jews kept to themselves and held particular dislike for the Samaritans, a racially mixed people. “The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria,” Talmadge wrote.

This is what Mary and Joseph would encounter after they received word of Caesar Augustus’ order for a census.

He demanded that everyone register in his hometown. For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea — an 80-mile journey.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

— St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible

That would have taken them right through Samaria. And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant.

In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip. The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful. But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep, constant heartburn, hemorrhoids. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan, with Mary riding much of the trip on a donkey. It was cold at night.

The trip would have taken about four days. On Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem. And at this point in the trip, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers were marks for bandits.

God was watching over Mary and Joseph, of course. We know they made it, but only to find out that Bethlehem, normally a sleepy little town, was bustling with Jews who had returned to register for the census.

There was no room at the inn.

Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards.

The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls; they were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay.

With nowhere else to go, Mary gave birth … under the stars, amid the manure and muck, among the sheep, cows, goats and chickens, no doctors present to administer an epidural, with Joseph, her carpenter husband,

assisting as best he could. Those who have witnessed birth know it’s difficult in a hospital bed. Imagine the scene in a smelly, dark, cold cave.

Yet, this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the Savior whom God sent for mankind, came into this world.

Contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod the Great, a regional celebrity, abusing his power over his small dominion in unspeakable ways. They were all about selfcentered status, power and ego.

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary.

God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned Mary that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son — the Son of the Highest who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother.

And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, he fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancée, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. The angel Gabriel gave comfort to Joseph, just as he did to Mary.

And with humility and obedience and far below the radar screen of celebrity status, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

This is our heritage.

Merry Christmas.

(Editor’s note: This originally appeared in the Dec. 23, 2010, edition.)

Caesar Augustus and Herod were all about self-centered status, power and ego …

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary …

SARASOTA & SIESTA KEY

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YourObserver.com

A WORM HOLIDAY

“I think that in coming here, the holidays are all about embracing the new, because you’re not going to re-create a Northeastern holiday season. So it’s on to something different.

Thanksgiving morning, I hit the beach and took a dip in the Gulf. It was absolutely great. These are my first tropical holidays, and I’m having a great time.

“Both of my boys Luke, 10, and Noah, 5, go to Southside Elementary School. I was able to bring Noah to the Southside Village Holiday Stroll, and there was nothing funnier to me than having a snow slide in Sarasota and that coupled with the fake snow. My son, Noah, went right down and had a blast.”

“Someone called our communications office and mentioned that folks were singing Christmas carols inside the aquarium. I headed down to check it out.

“When I got to the exhibit gallery, the singing was done, but the small group of carolers remained. They were Florida Master Naturalist candidates who were practicing their educational, interpretive skills beside one of our exhibits, and they were highlighting – you guessed it – the Christmas tree worms.

“Next came an even funnier surprise: One member of the group was my former high school *

Content development manager at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

“Even in my advancing years and being of the Jewish faith, I still have vivid memories of our parents pampering us with presents piled on the bottom of our beds to greet us when we woke up very early on Christmas mornings when we were very young. I can still recall my joy at dressing

up in my Roy Rogers outfit and shooting my gun with caps at my brother. My wife, who is also Jewish, remembers receiving her Dale Evans outfit on Christmas morning. Can’t see my daughter indulging our grandchildren in a similar manner. We are buying them iPod Shuffles.

How times have changed.”

“Fortunately for me, my sister cleaned the oven “When I first moved to because she was afraid Florida, I was a server, my mom would see it.” and some of my co“Now, my husband workers couldn’t go and I use a Table Top home for ThanksgivRotisserie and put it ing. So, my sister and outside to cook. My I went out and bought sister and her family a huge turkey. We get to are coming this year for checkout, and the cashier a turkey explodes in the asked if we were cooking Soft As Butter And Like Floating OnChristmas, A Cloud! and we’re sticking oven, it looks like shag it today.

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192185

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9A

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

GIFTS AND GAFFES

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189305

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

BURSTING THE BUBBLE LIGHTS “I was fascinated by bubble lights. We had them all over our tree. I was fiddling with them, and I broke one. The liquid leaked from the lights and shorted out everything.

“This was in the ’50s, and at the time, we had the breaker boxes with the fuses, and it blew out. There weren’t any hardware stores open at the time.

“I also grew up across the street from six boys, and back then, the tinsel was made out of some kind of lead, and it was really heavy...When you would take it and wad it up, it made the greatest balls of metal to hit each other with...We gathered all that stuff up and had a battle. We all got in trouble for that.”

LARRY KELLEHER Courtesy photos

A young Larry Kelleher in front of the family Christmas tree decorated with the tinsel that he used to love to roll into a ball and throw at friends.

Digital preservationist, Sarasota County Historical Resources

POTENT PUDDING “My mother, who came from Wales, would always make a plum pudding for Christmas dinner.

She could make it flame because she realized that lemon extract has a high alcohol content. She would soak sugar cubes in the lemon extract. It made a beautiful blue glow when the lights were on.”

PERMIT IN PLACE TIME TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE

AMY FERRELL Sarasota resident

STOCKING STUFFER “One of my recollections is my dad deciding that he was way too tired, and he wanted to sleep in (Christmas morning). There were four children in our family, and he decided to tie our doorknobs together.

The problem was that many children can’t wait that long to go to the bathroom when they wake up in the morning. So it did keep us in our rooms, but let’s just say there was more than coal in someone’s stocking. It wasn’t a prank; we were just trying to make do. I guess my

parents got to sleep in a little longer.

I don’t remember anyone being upset, but there was a lot of laughter. We didn’t feel bad; we just felt desperate. We all laugh about it now, and I even wrote a poem about it.”

CATHERINE LUCKNER Siesta Key resident

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. policy for achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Obtain the property report required by Federal law, if applicable, and read it before signing anything.

No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.

185186

10A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

GIFTS AND GAFFES

TOP DOG

“Years ago, I bought this tree topper. It’s glass and has Santa in a big globe.

(This year), our dog, Shelby, was wagging her tail. Of all the glass ornaments, her tail hit the tree topper, and it went flying and shattered into a million pieces. ...I was walking by a little flower shop, and I stopped in my tracks because I saw a tree topper that looks like the one that we had. I told (the woman in the store) I was looking for a tree topper because ours broke. She said there was a man just in here who said that he was looking for a tree topper and that his dog broke his. It was the same story.

She described him, and it was my husband. We both went there the same day looking for a tree topper.”

CLARE CARTER Sarasota resident

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

11A

Wishing & A HAPPy NEw yEAR

yOu A mERRy cHRISTmAS

To all of our clients, neighbors and supporters. we are thankful to you for helping us make this year a success. wishing you this Season and Always, Love, Peace, wisdom, Joy, Health, wealth, and the Time to Enjoy it All!

IMAGINE targeting real estate buyers globally

Shelby the dog stands guard in front of the Carter family’s Christmas tree. This year, Shelby accidentally shattered the tree topper with her tail.

MOUNTING GIFTS “My family escaped from Belarus in the midst of World War II just after I was born. My father didn’t know where we were going.

“When I started having memories of Christmas, we were already in the U.S. as ‘displaced peoples.’ On Christmas, we just used to go to church.

Presents weren’t part of the holiday in the beginning because my parents had no money. Even as things got better, each child – I had two sisters and one brother – got one present.

In 1967, I was dating Joe. He invited me to his family’s Christmas in Philadelphia. I stepped inside, and I saw a mountain

This photo shows about one-third of a typical Volpe family “mountain of gifts,” according to Lana Volpe.

of gifts.I was absolutely floored by this mountain of gifts, coming from a family where Christmas meant four kids, four gifts.

Joe proposed that Christmas, and I accepted.

Because Joe always had that kind of a Christmas, he wanted to follow the same tradition, and that’s what we’ve done.”

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

192200

Peter G. Laughlin, Broker Associate | 941.356.8428 peter.laughlin@sothebysrealty.com | peterglaughlin.com

192192

941-225-9256 • www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Peter G. Laughlin

12A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

YourObserver.com

SANTA: THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW During his many stops throughout Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, Santa Claus sat down with the Sarasota Observer to answer questions from local children.

AMANDA SEBASTIANO OBSERVER STAFF

How many elves does Santa have?– Sienna Dwizinski, fifth grade, B.D. Gullett Elementary “I have thousands, lots of elves.

A lot of people have Elves on the Shelves, but I have undercover elves who see who’s naughty and nice. That’s how Santa knows who’s naughty and nice. He has lots of helpers. Santa can’t do it all himself.”

Do you know my Elf on the Shelf, Bob? – Grace Vilasi, fourth grade, Robert E. Willis Elementary “Yes, I do. He’s one of my many thousands of elves, and he reports to me on Grace. I can’t remember everything at once, though. Santa has to keep records. He has a computer where he keeps information.

I had someone ask me what I brought him last year, and I can look it up on my computer.”

Which reindeer is your favorite? Why? – Carly Redman, third grade, Ashton Elementary “They’re all my favorites for different reasons. Vixen is the smallest of the reindeer, and he’s

really shy. Comet and Cupid are also a little shy, very gentle. They don’t like to be photographed very much. Donder is one of the larger, older leaders of the group — Donder and Blitzen really. Rudolph leads but Donder and Blitzen are much bigger. You don’t want to mess with them.”

Do you need to go to the bathroom while you’re out on the sleigh? – Heyden Kubelko, third grade, B.D. Gullett Elementary “I am on the sleigh 24 hours in the day. There’s no way I could do that and not have places to go.

I have stops where I can take care of my business, but I won’t use bathrooms in people’s houses.

But there’s no way I could go around the world in 24 hours and not use the bathroom.”

How did you become Santa? – Oliver Boyle, third grade, Ashton Elementary “I always loved Santa when I was a little boy. The guy who was Santa at the time noticed how much I loved Santa. He kept a special eye on me when I grew up. There came a point in time when he was ready to retire and he asked me if I would like to take over. I said, “Yeah, I’d love to.” He told me it was a big job,

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YourObserver.com

“I’ll get requests for boyfriends or girlfriends, Justin Bieber, things like that, and I can’t do that. I can’t kidnap people.

There are certain things Santa can’t do.”

— Santa Claus

and it would last a long time.

He said I could be Santa for 100 or 200 years. And I said, ‘Well, that’s fine with me. I can do that.’”

How do reindeer fly? – Uriah Long, pre-K, Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch “It’s Santa magic, and I can’t share that secret.”

Where in the North Pole do the elves live? – Natalia Simone, pre-K, Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch “We have a Pole house in a North Pole community. We all have our own houses, but it’s like a little community. We all work on toys, but our house isn’t where you can find us. They’ll never take a picture of the North Pole where Santa lives from space. We’re kind of hidden.”

How big is Santa’s toy bag?

– Lilyan Krzysiak, pre-K, Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch

Amanda Sebastiano

“It’s pretty big, but it’s also magical in how much it can hold. I just never run out of stuff in my bag. When I reach in my bag, I know to grab what toys are meant for that house.

Santa has an advanced GPS on his sleigh. So when I land on the roof, it tells me who lives there, if they’re awake or asleep, good

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

13A

or bad and what they want for Christmas. I don’t have to know that you went to Grandma’s house instead of being at home.

When I get to Grandma’s house, I’ll know you’re there.”

and I can’t do that. I’ll get requests for boyfriends or girlfriends, Justin Bieber, things like that, and I can’t do that. I can’t kidnap people. There are certain things Santa can’t do.”

Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen!’”

How old are you? – Amelia M., first grade, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus

How long does it take to get to the North Pole? – Madison Johnson, second grade, Robert E. Willis Elementary

“This year, I’ve gotten a lot of requests for Hoverboards. But there’s a problem with the batteries now, so I don’t know if we can fulfill all those requests.

American Girl, DS3, PS4, Xbox, are always popular. I get a lot of requests for puppies and live animals, too. It’s rare that I can do it, because it gets really cold in the sleigh. It’s a long ride, they get afraid and want to jump out, and they poop on the presents.

So I always encourage the kids to get a pet, and let Santa bring something for the pet.”

“Santa never tells his age. But there’s been more than one Santa through the years. The first St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, was born in the mid-200s and he died in 340 A.D. He was St. Nicholas before the Catholic church started celebrating Christmas. Other Santas have come along and we all serve a long time. I’m older than most folks, but I’m not as old as they might think. But I was probably Santa when your grandparents were kids, let’s say that.”

“It takes a lot less time than it would if you flew in an airplane.

The reindeer are fast, supersonic. That’s how Santa gets all the way around the world in one night. I’m not going to tell you how quick it is, but it’s fast.”

What did Santa use to fly his sleigh before he had reindeer?

– Max Morales, kindergarten, Robert E. Willis Elementary “In the very early days, Santa didn’t fly at all. He was just delivering to small areas. I’ve been using the reindeer for a long time, but before them, I couldn’t fly around the world.”

What is Santa’s favorite type of cookie? – Ty Patterson, preK, Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch “Homemade cookies are my favorite. If I got the same type of cookie at every house, it would get really old. Whatever your favorite homemade cookies is, make that.”

How does Santa make thousands of presents that fast?

– Jake Morales, third grade, Robert E. Willis Elementary “Santa doesn’t make all the toys alone. He also has to check on who’s naughty and nice. So the elves help with toy making.

Some presents we have to buy, like some of the electronic toys.

We can’t make money, either.

Some kids will ask me for money,

All the latest news and information delivered to your inbox.

How can Santa go around the world in one night? – Liam McKay, first grade, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus “I have supersonic reindeer and lots of helpers. I have lots of help from my elves. We also station presents around the world ahead of time. In some cases, some of Santa’s helpers might deliver some of the presents. But Santa has a good system for delivering all these presents in one night.”

What do you say to your reindeer before takeoff? – Sebastian Rosa, third grade, Ashton Elementary “‘Now Dasher, now Dancer, now

Is there any popular toy Santa gets for kids? – Connor Smith, third grade, Ashton Elementary

Do you really make all the toys or do you just buy everything?

– Rylee Krzywicki, third grade, Ashton Elementary “We make as many as we can, but the technology on some toys is just too difficult to re-create.

And there’s patents that we can’t violate.”

What does Santa do in his free time? – Shelby Brann, third grade, Ashton Elementary “Santa likes to go places and not be recognized, so he can tell who’s really naughty or nice.

Sometimes people recognize me when I’m out and about. But often when I’m out, people see me and don’t know who I am. I like to be incognito in the offseason. Santa is pretty famous, but sometimes it’s nice not to be noticed.”

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

COPS CORNER

14A

Food costs are up, but energy costs are down.

DEC. 15

HOT TEMPER 4:02 p.m. — 1900 block of Main Street Dispute: A man entered a café and ordered a hot chocolate and biscotti. The employee working the café recognized the man, who comes in frequently and always causes problems.

The man proceeded to spill his hot chocolate all over the counter, wall and his pants. The employee offered to replace the drink, but the man said he wasn’t in the mood and wanted a refund.

The employee said this normally isn’t the store’s policy, but she agreed to give him $3 back from his total bill of $3.58. The man began asking for a full refund, and the employee pointed out that $3 was more than the cost of the hot chocolate, because he had ordered a biscotti as well. The man continued to argue and refused to leave when asked.

The employee called the police, but the man left the area before officers arrived.

DEC. 13

UNFARE 1:10 a.m. — 1800 block of N. Tamiami Trail Theft: A taxi driver noticed a woman stumbling near the roadway. The driver, who assumed the woman was sick, picked her up and agreed to drop her off nearby. After the man dropped the woman off, he noticed his wallet was missing from the glove compartment. The man didn’t see the woman taking the wallet, but he assumed she took it while slumped over the dashboard. The wallet contained approximately $400 cash in addition to two debit cards and his driver license.

Officers were unable to locate the woman in the area.

DEC. 15

ROLLED OVER 8 a.m. — 2500 block of 12th Street Property damage: An employee at a roller rink reported that an unknown subject damaged a chain link fence on the corner of the property, causing approximately $200 in damage. The subject appeared to have pulled a corner post away from the building in an attempt to get to an aluminum boat trailer.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

THREE-PEAT!

2015 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

*

Non-daily, circulation from 10,001 to 22,500

Longboat Observer Also: 2012, 2013

Congratulations to our sister newspapers: 2015 Newspaper of the Year / Palm Coast Observer Third Place / Sarasota Observer Non-daily, circulation from 22,501 to 37,500

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191248

16A

DECEMBER 24, 2015

– Kait Brooks, cheerleading coach

HIGH

SPORTS

“It melts my heart and gives you a whole new perspective on life.

These kids have a smile on their face every single day. They love life.”

1

5

The St. Martha Catholic School boys basketball team won the Florida Gulf Coast League Championship Dec. 10.

2

Freshman Mariah Hochstetler scored a basket at the buzzer in overtime to propel the Sarasota Military Academy girls basketball team to a 56-55 victory versus Braden River Dec. 14.

3

Eunique Arnold and Tyrieke Blakeney combined for 41 points as the Booker High boys basketball improved to 8-0 with a 73-68 victory versus Venice Dec. 14.

Photos by Jen Blanco

Olivia Barresi is excited to work at stunting.

4

Jacqueline Kulle tallied 18 points in the Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team’s 53-33 victory versus Clearwater Central Catholic Dec. 11.

A special kind of

CHEER Riverview High senior creates cheerleading program for special needs children.

5

Jordan Litwiller and Brandon Bontrager, above, combined for 37 points as the Sarasota Christian boys basketball team rolled to a 60-36 victory versus Canterbury School of Florida Dec. 10.

SARASOTA BOYS BASKETBALL PAGE 18A

JEN BLANCO SPORTS EDITOR

M

ention cheerleading, and 15-year-old Navene Shehadeh’s eyes light up.

It’s the one sport where Shehadeh isn’t afraid to be herself. She can let her contagious smile shine bright and her competitive spirit reign supreme.

More importantly, she can have fun without worrying what others might think if her forward roll is slightly off balance or her jumps aren’t accented by perfectly pointed toes.

“You get to have fun, and all of the boys like cheerleaders,” a giggling Shehadeh said.

Three months ago, Shehadeh was able to fulfill her dream of being a cheerleader and being part of a team when the Funtastics Force launched a cheerleading program for children with

Logan Gardner and Navene Shehadeh have developed a special bond over the past two months.

special needs.

The special athletes team, which is composed of 11 cheerleaders, ranging in age from 8 to 19, practices Sunday mornings.

During each practice, cheerleaders stretch and review what they learned the previous week

before working on the next phase of their routine, which features stunts, motions and jumps, among other elements.

Getting all 11 cheerleaders to remain focused and remember their cues for the duration of the practice can be challenging at times, so structure, both in terms of the routine itself and the time allotted to each segment, has become key to the special athletes all finding success in working together.

In addition to working with their two coaches, all of the cheerleaders have been paired up with a volunteer buddy to help them throughout the season.

“My favorite part of cheerleading is Hope because she does backflips and cartwheels,” said Dennis Hernandez, 8, of his volunteer buddy, Hope Bumgarner, a sophomore at Sarasota High.

Working with Bumgarner, Hernandez has mastered his back handspring and his forward roll.

“We always have fun,” Bumgarner said. “Dennis loves to stunt and jump. He’s open to anything.”

Over the next three months, the squad will perfect its choreographed routine before taking it to competition in April.

Funtastics’ special athlete team will compete at the Jamfest Jam Bash April 2, in Kissimmee, and the National Cheerleaders Association Daytona Beach International Championships April 16.

“I’m going to be nervous, but I’m excited to go,” Shehadeh said.

The special athlete program is the brain child of Riverview High senior cheerleader Jamey Paul, who is entering her 10th season with the Funtastics Force and serves as head coach for the special athlete team.

Last May, Paul was at a cheerleading competition where she watched a group of special athlete teams perform for the first time.

Paul, who has volunteered for three years at Oak Park School, which serves children with special needs in Sarasota, quickly turned to her Force coaches and asked if they could start a special athlete team of their own.

“I thought those kids would be so good for cheerleading,” Paul said. “It would be a good experience for them to experience and love the sport that I love.”

With the help of fellow coach Kait Brooks, Paul began trying to get the word out about the new program. The coaches started brainstorming in August and started planning their first season in September.

Paul hoped to have between five and eight cheerleaders for the special athlete team’s first season. She had 15 people sign up and ultimately ended up with 11 for the season.

The special athletes team held its first practice Oct. 11 and will practice through April 10.

“It melts my heart and gives you a whole new perspective on life,” said Brooks, a former cheerleader herself and Hernandez’s nanny. “These kids have a smile on their face every single day.

They love life.”

Volunteer and Funtastics cheerleader Logan Gardner agreed.

“It’s very motivational,” Gardner said. “They love coming to practice. It changes the way you think about cheerleading. It makes you want to learn more.”

18A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Pirates gain edge on Sailors T he Braden River High boys basketball team posted a near double-digit lead in the first quarter and held on down the stretch to beat Sarasota 78-74 in Class 7A-District 11 action Dec. 15.

Deoni Cason scored 27 points and recorded five steals to lead the way for the Pirates. Jordan Curtis added 12 points and Curtis Cobb finished with 10 points and five assists. Jamal Owens had nine points. Brandon Dunbar contributed eight points and hauled in 15 boards.

Sarasota's Kaleb Fields scored 13 points and added three rebounds and four assists to lead the way for the Sailors.

Zacari Brent also had 13 points.

Jackson Carter finished with 12 points; and Darian Daniels added 11 points.

With the win, Braden River improves to 5-3 overall and 1-2 in the district while Sarasota falls to 3-7 overall and 0-3 in the district.

Above: Braden River’s Jordan Curtis attempts to maneuver around Sarasota's Adrian Langston.

Left: Braden River’s Tyler Dyson gets a hand on Sarasota’s Zach Rowden’s shot.

– JEN BLANCO

Photos by Jen Blanco

Right: Braden River junior guard Deoni Cason goes up for a layup.

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JUST THE STATS

Rams shoot past Bobcats and Hurricanes A.J. Caldwell scored 19 points and added five rebounds, three steals, three assists and three blocks to lead the Riverview High boys basketball team to a 79-51 victory versus North Port Dec. 14.

Brion Whitley added 17 points for the Rams. D.J. Bryant scored 14 points and added seven assists. Dominic Caldwell finished with 13 points.

With the win, Riverview improved to 8-1 overall and 4-1 in the district.

Riverview followed up its victory with an easy 73-34 district win versus Manatee Dec. 15.

Caldwell finished with 16 points to lead the way for the Rams.

Brion Whitley added 13 points, and Dominic Caldwell contributed nine points.

Points by which The Out-of-Door Academy girls basketball team edged past Fort Myers Canterbury School during its 47-44 victory Dec. 11.

4

Croquet wins Sarasota’s Peter and Judy Carlin posted Dec. 12, to win the doubles gold medal in 70-74 age group of the Florida Senior Games. Both Carlins also won singles gold medals in their respective age divisions.

5 26

The Sarasota High girls basketball team’s Class 7A ranking in the most recent Florida Association of Basketball Coaches/Source Hoops state rankings, released Dec. 14.

Sarasota holds on to top Booker

Boys basketball teams, including Riverview High, that competed in the 43rd Annual Culligan City of Palms Classic Dec. 18 through Dec. 23, at Bishop Verot High.

2

19A

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

SIDELINES

3

|

Josie LeBlanc scored 14 points as the Sarasota High girls basketball team edged past Booker 41-39 in non-district action Dec. 15.

Madison Pack added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Lady Sailors.

Cellexia Foster scored 12 points and had three steals to lead the way for Booker. Diamond Merced added 11 points and four assists. Arie Bass contributed nine points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, Sarasota improves to 11-2, while Booker falls to 7-5.

Area teams — Riverview and Sarasota — that participated in the eight-team Riverview Lady Ram Jam Holiday Basketball Tournament Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.

File photo

Ja’da Bennett and her Sarasota High teammates are ranked No. 5 in Class 7A in the most recent FABC/Source Hoops state rankings.

File photo

ODA’s Amad Brayboy is one of three players who scored in double figures during the Thunder’s 67-57 loss to Venice Dec. 15.

Riverview girls cruise to victory

Thunder falls in non-district contest

The Riverview High girls soccer team beat rival Sarasota 4-1 in Class 5A-District 8 action Dec. 15.

Alexandra Timmer scored a pair of goals to lead the way for the Lady Rams. Natalie Oliver and Jordan Evens each added a goal.

Gabrielle Levy and Lauren Noblitt each had an assist.

The Out-of-Door Academy boys basketball team had three players finish in double figures but ultimately came up short, falling to Venice 67-57 in non-district action Dec. 15.

Amad Brayboy, above, scored 14 points to lead the way for the Thunder. Nate Patrick added 13 points, and Kolbie Ward finished with 12 points.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

7052 Hawks Harbor Circle $1,875,000 | Web ID WERY121415IHE Louis Wery 941.232.3001

420 Golden Gate Point PH 800 $4,695,000 | Web ID A4105806 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674

602 South Casey Key Road $4,495,000 | Web ID A4128838 Charlotte Hedge & Tom Hedge Jr. 941.350.0100

457 Anchorage Drive $3,600,000 | Web ID N5901632 Andrea Beacom-Blackwell 941.786.8023

4632 Ocean Boulevard $2,995,000 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

5330 Siesta Cove Drive $1,999,000 | Web ID A4107453 Judie Berger & Paul Clark 941.928.3424

8218 Portlight Court $1,899,000 | Web ID A4128581 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

280 Golden Gate Point #3 $5,495,000 | Web ID A4111676 Cheryl Loeffler & Joel Schemmel 941.302.9674

44 South Washington Drive $1,600,000 | Web ID A4139595 Louis Wery 941.232.3001

1050 Gulf Winds Way $1,549,000 | Web ID A4116223 Valerie Dall’Acqua 941.445.7295

2300 Wason Road $1,295,000 | Web ID A4139197 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

4369 Boca Pointe Drive $1,200,000 | Web ID A4116104 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

LETTERS TO

SANTA

JACQUELINE BRICKER, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Do you know what I want for this holiday? It is a pet pig. I want the pig to be cute, chuby and small and fat. This gift would be awesome for me and realy nice for you.

To start with a pet pig would be well for me because I would have to take care of it so I would learn responsability of takeing care of a pet pig.

Second of all a grate reason for you to get me a pet pig is that a could train the pig and it could get things for you.

In conlusion a pet pig will learn responsabilaty it will also get you things for you.”

BY HUDSON TOALE, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

Sarasota students share their uncensored requests for Santa.

COMPILED BY AMANDA MORALES

SPENCER SCHURAWEL, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BY BRIAN TOBLER, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

ALEX BATES, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Imagine this I am opening a present and I look at it and I have a smile as big as a elaphant because I been asking for it and it is a brand new bike that is blue.

To begin with the bike it would be good for me because the bike that I have now is slow and uncomfortable and I look even smaller on the bike and I do not like that. If I get a new bike I can go faster and it would be comfortable and I would not look small… In conclusion a bike will be a good gift because I will be more comfortable and I could go faster and I will not look small.”

“‘Thank you! Thank you! Thank you’ I would yell huging the box in my arms.

For this Christmas I want a telascope because I want to see consalaceons up close and planets. And also I want a telascope that has a zoeming in thingey.

To begin with a telascope is a good gift because it can make you smarter and help you learn about planets and stars by just looking at them! And you can try to find Orion, Pegasuse, Hurcalece and the other consalasons. Also I don’t know my planets that well so a telascope can help me a lot.

Next of all a telascope is a great gift for you guys because you guys can watch TV while I look at the stars so I won’t bother you. And if you want I can let you have a look and I don’t really care if you want a look you just have to ask me!”

BY LANA KUHAR, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS SEE PAGE 2B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

LETTERS

COCOMI AELESE BRANSOME, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MOLLIE RAYMOND, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FROM PAGE 1B

BY BRADLEY YOUNGMAN, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

“Imagine this: I’m opening a box on Christmas morning and out jumps a puppy!!! That is what I want for Christmas: a golden retrever puppy with light and fluffy fur.

First, while walking the dog I could get exersize from walking around the whole block and back to the house.

Next, It would be good for you because I could teach him tricks and get things for you while you are working so you don’t have to get up to get what you need.

In conclusion, a dog would be good for me because I could get exersize while walking the dog and for you I could teach it tricks to help you get things.”

“Imagine this: your watching me open my first gift on Christmas morning.

You get me the gift that I have always wanted. I’m so happy I almost cry my happy tears. The gift that I want the most is an Iphone 6s. I want a silver Iphone 6s. And do you mind getting me a case to go with it? A pink shiny case. If I get the gift, It would be awesome for me and the best for you.

To begin with an Iphone would be awesome for me because I could learn by going on websites like IXL. I probably wouldn’t get a lot of edjication for math. If I don’t get edjication, I probably won’t be as smart for math. And I want to be smart. Expecily for math so I can master math skills…”

BY ANGEL MORGAN, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

ANDRE SANCHEZ, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ALIVIA LAAS, PHILLIPPI SHORES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “’Wow, thank you” I would scream Christmas morning if you got me this gift. I realy want a tablet. It would have games and it comes with a case and butterflies on the case.

A tablet would be good for me because I could download books and read them to learn more about animals. I love animals and if I have a tablet I can learn more about animals and my favorite animal, a dolphin.”

BY CHLOE TRUEWELL, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

Merry Christmas

“If you got me this gift I would weap with joy on Christmas morning. The gift I really want is a red bike that is a little bigger than the one I have. If I get this gift it will be awesome for me and great for you.

To begin with, a new bike would be awesome for me because it can give me exercise. My bike is to small for me.

Another great reason for you to get me a new bike is it will give us time to spend time together.

In conclution, a new bike will give exercise. It will also help you spend time with me.”

BY BRYONNA VAUGHN, BAY HAVEN SCHOOL OF BASICS PLUS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

3B

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Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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4B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

YOUR CALENDAR

Serving “Key” People Since 1949 6519 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key

941-349-1311

Full service bar & drive thru package window

(Located on south side of building).

Free hot dogs steamed in Sauerkraut ready at noon every Saturday!!!

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Open 7 days a week ~ 365 days a year 10:00 A.M. ~ 2:30 A.M. Weekly Sunday 11:00 A.M. ~ 2:30 P.M.

COMMUNITY

BEST BET

FRIDAY, DEC. 25

REINDEER GAMES Starts at 8:15 a.m. at Bobby Jones Golf Club, 1000 Circus Blvd. A noncompetitive shotgun start will start on the British course at 8:45 a.m. The rate for 18 holes with a riding cart is $28.

Players with a Reindeer Games receipt will receive a $3 discount on a $13 breakfast served by Mattison’s Grille on the Green. Call 954-4163.

PINECRAFT CHRISTMAS PARADE Starts at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Beneva Road and Bahia Vista Street. The annual event draws more than 1,000 spectators to Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite community. Admission is free.

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

BLUE + YOU MOVIE NIGHT The west field opens at 6 p.m. at the Sarasota Police Department, 2099 Adams Lane. The film “The Polar Express” will begin at 7 p.m.

Bring a blanket and chairs. Admission is free. Visit sarasotapd. org/blue-you.

ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY, DEC. 26 TO TUESDAY, DEC. 29

SAILOR CIRCUS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Times vary by performance at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Celebrate the holiday

THURSDAY, DEC. 31

PINEAPPLE DROP Starts at 1 p.m. in Downtown Sarasota on Lemon Avenue and Main Street. The annual Pineapple Drop celebrates New Year's Eve with a family carnival in the afternoon, live music and beer stations. The pineapple will drop at midnight. Admission is free.

Visit sarasotanewyearsparty.com.

season circus style with a performance featuring students ages 8 to 18. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for ages 12 and under. Call 366-0156.

THURSDAY, DEC. 31

STARLIGHT AND FIRE FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 337 N. Tamiami Trail. The family-friendly gathering will include snow falling on the white cottage, bonfires, marshmallows over the fire, hot chocolate and crafts for children.

Tickets are $8 for adult members; $4 for children members; $10 for nonmember adults; and $5 for nonmember children. Call 966-5214.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH WSLR Starts at 8 p.m. at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court.

Celebrate a family-friendly New Year's Eve with music, hat-making and performances by Renesito Avich and The Dram and other

acts that will be announced. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door; free for ages 16 and under.

Visit sarasotapeacenter.org.

FIREWORKS ON THE BAY CELEBRATION Starts at midnight at Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza. The fifth annual event includes live music, plus dinner and entertainment packages available for purchase.

This event benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. Cost is $149.95 per person. Call 3654232.

RELIGION THURSDAY, DEC. 24

CHRISTMAS AT SELBY FIVE POINTS PARK Starts at 6:30 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park. The Shore Church invites the community to a Christmas Eve service. There will be music, lights and the telling of the Christmas story. Admission is free. Visit theshorechurch.com.

SCHOOL BOARD Updates from schools throughout Sarasota County.

Dick Vitale awards Boys & Girls Club Scholarships 190272

Maribel Cedillo, Carlos Averal, Erik Bouck, Amber Headley and Mario Portillo received scholarships from ESPN analyst and author Dick Vitale Dec. 4, in front of hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County members.

Vitale and his family have awarded $85,000 in scholarships to Boys & Girls Clubs students over the past 17 years. Each year, he gives five $1,000 scholarships to college-bound club members.

Vitale told students his life story, describing times in his life when he didn't think he would succeed. Vitale explained the four D's that led to his personal success: discipline, determination, desire and dedication.

“To dream is something positive,” Vitale said. “Whatever you want to do make it happen.”

DATE

Time

Time

Time

Time

12/24 Thu 06:37 AM L 01:10 PM H 05:06 PM L 10:45 PM H 12/25 Fri 07:19 AM L 01:50 PM H 05:49 PM L 11:26 PM H 12/26 Sat 07:58 AM L 02:24 PM H 06:34 PM L

-

12/27 Sun 12:07 AM H 08:34 AM L 02:54 PM H 07:22 PM L 12/28 Mon 12:48 AM H 09:10 AM L 03:23 PM H 08:16 PM L 12/29 Tue 01:32 AM H 09:45 AM L 03:53 PM H 09:18 PM L

Amanda Morales

Dick Vitale addresses children at the Lee Wetherington branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County.

Education Foundation awards classroom grants More than 375 teachers, donors and volunteers celebrated the 26th annual Classroom Grant Awards Dec. 2, at Michael’s On East.

Jennifer Vigne, executive director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, announced grants totaling $243,459 for 256 projects developed by teachers

from 38 public schools in the district for the 2015-16 school year.

“Their creativity, innovativeness and ingenuity to design experiential projects as a means to unlock our students’ full potential is an effort we fully support,” Vigne said in a news release.

Argosy University sponsored the evening’s reception and presented the Argosy Principal’s Award of $500 to Booker Middle School’s LaShawn Houston Frost.

12/30 Wed 02:20 AM H 10:21 AM L 04:27 PM H 10:28 PM L SOURCE: NOAA Last Qtr.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

5B

Siesta Key condos shine during holiday decorating contest

M

Judges sit aboard the trolley beneath Anchorage’s six-story Christmas tree.

embers of the Siesta Key Condominium Council competed to outshine their neighbors with the best and brightest holiday decorations.

Judges evaluated displays from a trolley Thursday night, where the rivalry between Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce President-elect Mark Smith and Nancy Maio for best eggnog recipe continued.

“Mark Smith is going down,” Maio declared.

Smith said there would be a shortage after people tasted his, but there was no clear winner at the night’s end.

Judges considered 16 condos.

See results online at YourObserver.com.

Photos by Jack Short

The judges sit aboard the trolley, awaiting departure during the Siesta Key Condominium Council Holiday Spectacular.

Ornaments on Excelsior Beach to Bay’s lawn offer a preview of the subtle, lighted esplanade behind the gates.

— JACK SHORT

Beach Haven Villas’ decorations are placed prominently, with Frosty the Snowman and a flying pig greeting drivers on Ocean Boulevard.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

Siesta Dunes Beach condo unit sells for $1.1 million ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

condominium in Siesta Dunes Beach tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

James Riley Jr. and Jonathan Riley, trustees, of Mendota Heights, Minn., sold the Unit 402 condominium at 6208 Midnight Pass Road to Andrew and Catherine Staples, of West Sussex, United Kingdom, for $1.1 million. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,534 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $902,000 in 2013.

SARASOTA BAY HAVEN John Hermansen and Tom Hermansen sold their home at 2833 Bayshore Circle to Andrew McLellan, of Sarasota, for $865,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,974 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $599,000 in 2004.

PALMER Stuart and Patti Barger, trustees, of Espanola, N.M., sold the home at 2300 Hillview St. to Phoenix Properties of West Florida LLC for $825,000. Built

in 1952, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 3,267 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $27,000 in 1973.

OWEN BURNS Michael and Jeanne Dubi, trustees, sold the home at 516 Madison Court to Jeffrey Acker, of Sarasota, for $712,500. Built in 1925, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,739 square feet of living area.

SOUTH GATE Keith and Colleen Bein, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2125 Alpine Ave. to Arlene Kalotek, of Sarasota, for

5350 Saddle Oak Trail A4128519 $899,900 Ryndie Brusco

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-809-6913

2307 Bayshore Road A4116327 $875,000 Kim & Michael Ogilvie

Nokomis/North Venice 941-951-6660 941-376-1717

756 N Macewen Drive A4139554 $788,000 Richard Perlman

Osprey 941-383-7591 941-228-8580

450 E Macewen Drive A4132262 $765,000 Rosalie Phillips

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-544-4430

$355,000. Built in 1960, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,500 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $144,500 in 2001.

CDM I LLC sold the home at 3124 Webber St. to Sandra Merchant, of Sarasota, for $209,800. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,350 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $108,000 in September.

WORRINGTON STREET Dean Hewitt, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1712 Worrington St. to D.R. Horton Inc. for $340,000. Built in 1959, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,265 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $148,000 in 2012.

VERSAILLES Michele Mannino, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 2C condominium at 605 S. Gulfstream Ave. to DRH Investment and Advisory Inc. for $310,400. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,444 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $240,000 in 2004.

ORANGE PARK Virginia Behr, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2454 Webber St. to Mi Hui Heinen, of Sarasota,

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 7 - DEC. 11

Other top sales by area SARASOTA

OSPREY

Lewis Combs Joshua and Danielle Lizotte, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 1605 Orange Ave. to David Nau, of Sarasota, for $927,500.

The first property was built in 1918 and has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,619 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1939 and has two bedrooms, two baths and 540 square feet of living area. They last sold for $512,500 in 2010.

Oaks Richard Heise and Altanette Autry, of Sarasota, sold their home at 77 Osprey Point Drive to Robert and Shirley Rush, of Venice, for $524,000.

Built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,232 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $575,000 in 2000.

PALMER RANCH Isles of Sarasota Joseph and Lori Soldi, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6144 Abaco Drive to Derek Langone, of Danvers, Mass., for $517,000.

Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $435,000 in 2013.

for $307,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,682 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $66,700 in 1990.

3260 E Forest Lake Drive A4139687 $800,000 Linda Driggs

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-374-2920

432 Walls Way A4139612 $790,000 Karen Landis

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-400-6049

165 Whittier Drive A4138854 $4,495,000 Stephanie Church

644 Norsota Way A4119055 $695,000 Ellen Wells

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-544-4849

6416 Clark Road A4115355 $639,000 Drew Russell

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-993-3739

2200 Ixora Avenue A4138981 $595,000 Donald Geikie

NOKOMIS Mission Estates David and Caitlin Joyner, of Nokomis, sold their home at 2213 Sonoma Drive to William and Kimberly Buck, of Charlottesville, Va., for $335,000.

Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,996 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $184,600 in 2000.

THE LANDINGS SOUTH Stacy Jones, trustee, of Loves Park, Ill., sold the Unit 202 condominium at 5260 Heron Way to Roger and Mary Rod-

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-724-5448

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-356-8457

210 Saint James Park A4118630 $539,000 Nicole Dovgopolyi

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-356-5849

O

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LOCAL LEGACY. GLOBAL VISION. 4800 Sunday Court A4138099 $499,000 Camille Schwabe

112 Osprey Point Drive A4137860 $4,449,000 Sania Allen

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-894-4771

611 Lakescene Drive N5906259 $497,500 Michelle Hupp

®

®

Venice 941-485-5421 941-773-5464

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-266-7829

7936 Hampton Court A4139297 $465,000 Susan Matteoli PA

University Park 941-951-6660 941-356-1335

500 Park Boulevard S 110 A4134491 $389,000 Joseph Brown

Venice 941-349-3444 941-587-6185

2405 Valentine Street A4135060 $374,900 Kristina Talkie & Judy Arreola

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-266-8658

1900 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 2 A3996204 $365,000 Kathleen Griffin

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-302-3979

4439 Opal Court A4139198 $349,900 Robert Moffatt & Peggy Wellman

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-374-0811

1602 Stickney Point Rd 2-308 Sarasota A4132631 $349,000 941-349-3444 Jane Ebury & Brian Loebker 941-726-9360 & 941-735-4393

4491 Deer Trail Boulevard A4139261 $369,000 Janet Montgomery

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-544-7031

8710 Midnight Pass Rd 102 A4138647 $349,000 Marlene & George Marshall

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-539-8850

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

7B

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Dec. 7 through Dec. 11, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA ADDRESS

PERMIT

APPLICANT

AMOUNT

1380 Harbor Drive

Seawall

Philip Callanen

$80,000

494 Sapphire Drive

Additions

John Danza

$58,500

770 S. Palm Ave.

Remodel

Victoria Newman, trustee $48,000

1863 Alta Vista St.

Pool/spa

Clifford Scholz

$30,000

2020 Oriole Drive

Demolition

Jeffrey Swartz

$14,500

226 Golden Gate Point

Windows

Patricia Kelly

$13,991

2332 McClellan Parkway

Re-roof

Marvin Gross

$12,300

2921 Browning St.

Re-roof

M. Starr Maus

$10,760

800 N. Tamiami Trail

Remodel

David Payne

$10,405

2495 Novus St.

Windows/doors

Martine Stinchcomb

$10,000

7832 Sanderling Road $4,900,000

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-544-4849

SA R A S O TA CO U N T Y A4117741 Ellen Wells ADDRESS

PERMIT APPLICANT AMOUNT

1055 W. Peppertree Drive

Alterations

Muhamedin Kastrati

9414 Hawksmoor Lane

Photovoltaic

Ivo Cyprian Pogonowski

8776 Midnight Pass Road

Remodel

George Cotsonas

$43,000

8183 Gabanna Drive

Pool/spa/deck

Katherine Farrugia

$40,917

6772 Sarasea Circle

Alterations

Gary Kompothecras

$40,000

8491 Cypress Hollow Drive Re-roof

Leslie Gardier

$35,370

5338 Siesta Cove Drive

Alterations

Claymore Lorne

$34,000

448 Park Trace Blvd.

Photovoltaic

Sharon Bonanno, trustee

$33,961

1700 Baywood Drive

Doors

Jonathan Capriola

$32,853

4809 Featherbed Lane

Alterations

Alberto Guadagnini

$30,000

erick, of Edwardsville, Ill., for $305,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,775 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $245,000 in 2008.

5816 Fairwoods Circle A4137022 $325,000 Stuart Lawrence

2855 Post Road A4131189 $289,000 Sara Ferguson

195 Jennifer Drive D5908887 $249,900 Michelle Eberley

1124 N Lake Shore Drive A4122942 $5,995,000 Linda Dickinson & Kim Ogilvie

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-894-4001

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-320-2709

Rotonda West 941-473-7750 941-830-3728

607 Crossfield Circle 27 N5906024 $299,000 Bambi Utton

166 Tiziano Way A4120495 $279,900 Daniel Carrozzo

2127 Roselawn Street A4139354 $219,000 Judy Nimz

$45,125

1401 Westbrook Drive A4139537 $3,000,000 Tara Lamb & Judy Greene

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-266-4873

4415 Mangrove Place A4137514 $2,975,000 Karen Cash Greco

Siesta Key 941-966-8000 941-504-6927

1409 S Lake Shore Drive A4125553 $2,750,000 Kelly Quigley & Linda Dickinson

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-356-9954

211 Tremont Lane A4128008 $2,575,000 The Collier Group

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-313-1212

217 Casey Key Road A4121001 $2,245,000 Kaitlin Kuhn

Casey Key 941-349-3444 941-400-7861

300 S Pineapple Avenue 201 A4136333 $2,199,000 Jonathan Abrams

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-232-2868

540 N Washington Drive A4133452 $1,999,000 Kim & Michael Ogilvie

St. Armands Key 941-951-6660 941-376-1717

5167 Dewey Place A4139414 $1,795,000 Dan Freed

Siesta Key 941-966-8000 941-735-0770

7165 Proctor Road A4139534 $1,695,000 Jaime Carrion

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-928-8892

385 N Point Road 1002 A4132454 $1,675,000 Rosalie Phillips

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-544-4430

5966 Midnight Pass Road G-67 A4138770 $1,395,000 Debra Pitell-Hauge

Siesta Key 941-951-6660 941-356-0437

Source: Sarasota County; city of Sarasota

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Venice 941-493-2500 941-228-4881

Nokomis/North Venice 941-349-3444 941-400-8462

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-374-0196

5950 Midnight Pass Road 104 A4133174 $297,000 Ethel Lovelace Group

1838 Flametree Lane N5906286 Robin Sullivan

8 Yardarm Drive D5909045 $196,000 Brian Faro

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-586-7390

Venice $260,000 941-485-5421

Placida 941-473-7750 941-270-2220

212 Bird Key Drive A4133139 $1,849,000 Brian Loebker & Jonathan Abrams

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-735-4393 & 941-232-2868

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-350-3304

Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Main Street 951.6660 Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444 • Venice 485.5421 • Englewood 473.7750

179157

$80,000

8B

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

THREE THINGS

1

Personal

ART AND LIFE 227 DELMAR AVE.

This is without a doubt the most historically important home in Sarasota, built — or rather renovated — by Chick Austin back in 1946. He was the first director of the Ringling Museum and a key figure in American art. Everybody from Bette Davis to Prince Rainier dropped by to visit (the prince was his way to California to woo a certain movie star), and they were royally entertained in the 40-foot-long ballroom and its adjoining Chippendale-style porch. The current owner has added landscaping both classical and whimsical, plus a three-story tree house. It’s an artful, elegant piece of history.

best ROBERT PLUNKET CONTRIBUTING WRITER

W

riting a column like this requires constant perusal of local real estate listings, which can be fun but a little labor intensive.

People often ask me which houses are my favorites. Which ones would I like to own? Which have grabbed my imagination in that peculiar, emotional way that only the most unique homes can do? As 2015 draws to a close, let’s take a look at my personal favorites currently on the market.

2

FANTASY ISLAND 4011 SHELL ROAD

RETRO HEAVEN

At first glance, this home on Siesta Key could be mistaken for another overscaled McMansion from the boom period. But wander around awhile, and the magic takes over. Never have I seen a house in Sarasota where the outdoor living area works so well. The irregularly shaped pool suggests something from a villa in the north of Italy, with all sorts of balconies and terraces overlooking the waterfall, the perfect landscaping and the Gulf beyond. The home itself is an operatic fantasy of dramatic spaces, and there’s even a tiny private beach.

2125-2127 ROSELAWN ST.

I liked this house so much I bought it. It’s a duplex near Southgate that is quintessential Sarasota circa 1960. I kept all the features everybody told me to get rid of, like the pink bathrooms and flagstone walls in the living rooms. I’m glad I did. Now, it radiates a kind of bright and sunny nostalgia that’s impossible to find these days. I lived there for several years but lately have rented it out to a fascinating cross section of Sarasota life — everybody from cops to fashion models. It’s time for a new owner, but I’m sure going to miss it.

The home at 4011 Shell Road is priced at $7.99 million.

Call Joel Schemmel, of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, at 587-4894.

The duplex at 2125-2127 Roselawn St. is priced at $219,000.

Call Judy Nimz, of Michael Saunders & Co., at 374-0196.

Courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The home at 227 Delmar Ave. is priced at $869,000. Call Dyrk Dahl, of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, at 320-7373.

3

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Courtesy of Michael Saunders & Co.

1st FOUR lessons

Sunday SCHEDULE

Play in a game your first day!

Modern bridge the easy way in just a few weeks!

WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00 CHAPELKIDZ 10:00 ADULT BIBLE STUDY 9:00

FRESH NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD MARKET

Gift Certificates Available TUES - SAT 11-6, SUN 11-4 CLOSED MONDAY

FREE!

LIVE Maine Lobster (Take ‘em live or we’ll steam for you!)

Tuna, Cod, Haddock, Salmon, Sword, Steamers, Mussels, Hard Clams, Scallops, Chowders and Crabcakes.

CLASSES BEGIN:

(Next to Sky King Fireworks, just south of Sarasota Square Mall)

190840

Florida’s Fresh Catch - Grouper, Snapper, Stone Crabs & Shrimp!

941-918-2529 • 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238 www.lotsalobstersarasota.com

EASYBRIDGE IS HERE!!

Thursday, Jan. 14 • 9-11:30am Call Michelle Golden

941-365-7875

Town & Country Plaza NW Corner Fruitville & Beneva Unit 612 ♦ Inside Courtyard ♦ Sarasota, FL

190650

SieSta Key Chapel preSbyterian

USa

Coffee fellowship on deck Nursery open for 10:00 service The Rev. Dr. Kathleen Wiggins

941.349.1166 | www.siestakeychapel.org 4615 GLEASON AVE | 1 MILE NORTH OF SIESTA KEY VILLAGE OFF OCEAN BLVD

LV9532

der NOW Place your or idays for the Hol

2016

189445

Open Christmas Eve 11 - 8 Open Christmas Day 2 - 5 Open New Year’s Eve 11 - 8

178362

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Play Bridge!! Beginner Lessons

Learn to

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Longboards roll through Siesta Key Village

Photos by Amanda Morales

Children get a dashing start on the one-mile fun run.

D

ozens of skateboarders rolled through Southside Village Dec. 12, for the CaliFlorida Longboard Extravaganza.

The 8.8-mile route took skaters on two laps around the north end of Siesta Key starting in the Village. The route started north on Ocean Boulevard and connected to Midnight Pass Road before turning onto Beach Road. The 4.4-mile route took racers on the same roads but only one lap. A 2.6-mile route took children along back roads near CaliFlorida.

– AMANDA MORALES

9B

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

|

Sandy Claws runners dash through Siesta

D

Photos by Amanda Morales

ashing through the snowy sands of Siesta Key, runners raced to the finish line Dec. 12, at the 39th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run. Participants donned Santa hats, antlers and even tinsel for the 5K route and one-mile fun run. After crossing the finish line, they decorated holiday cookies and posed for photos with Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Sandy Claws.

Meredith Zamora, Audrey Loihle and Isabelle Zamora

– AMANDA MORALES

RACE RESULTS Overall winner/first place male: Tony Wachira First place woman: Hannah Lemke

Participants prepare to start the 8.8-mile course.

Right: Gavin Clayton focuses before the race.

Marker 4 Restaurant Marker 4 Restaurant

We’re Back!

POKI

JOE’S

Waterfront DiningDining Waterfront

Old Florida Charm, STONE CRAB NIGHT OldFlavor Florida Charm, New Florida

December 30 • 5pm-9pm New Florida Flavor Fall Hours Monday-Sunday Fresh Stone Crab with a creative• twist!

11am-9pm • Happy Hour

Check us out on Facebook or Pokijoes.com for Specials

Fall Hours Monday-Sunday • Happy Hour• 3-6pm Every Day 3-6pm Every Day 11am-9pm • Live Entertainment

6614 Superior Avenue • Gulf Gate Village • 941-922-5915

• Live Entertainment • Happy Hour 3-6pm Every Day

Located at Fisherman’s• Wharf Marina Live Entertainment 509 N Tamiami Trail Located at Venice, FL 34285 Located at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina Fisherman’s Wharf Marina (Next to the US-41 Bridge)

509 TamiamiTrail Trail 509 N Tamiami

941 786 3291 marker4.com Venice, FL FL 34285 Venice, 34285

(Next the US-41 US-41 Bridge) Bridge) (Next to the

941 786 3291 marker4.com

191799

941.786.3291 | Marker4.com

THE

BEST

OF

DINING NO COVER | POWERED BY REDBULL

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BALL DROP COUNTDOWN CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT SIESTA KEY | ST ARMANDS CIRCLE | ISLAND OF VENICE

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 31ST

190990

191011

Eclectic Dinner Menu

Take a trip down memory lane Watch & Listen to Music & Videos from the 50’s, 60’s, and Motown.

Free Glass of wine with this ad

Visitors from the North Pole include Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, Santa Claus, Jabari Williams as Sandy Claws with Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown.

y’s Sonhthae priekr

Lunch & Dinner

Served from 11:30 am

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

7 DAYS A WEEK 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice (1.4 miles south of Venice Ave.) 941-488-1456 or visit us on the web at sharkysonthepier.com

BRINGING ITALY TO SIESTA KEY Sun.-Thu:4-10pm Fri-Sat: 4-11pm Happy Hour: 4-6pm daily.

Reservations Recommended • 5104 Ocean Blvd.

941-349-1423 • www.cafegabbiano.com NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD AT ITS BEST! Mon.-Thurs. 11:30-9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:30-9:30 pm Open Sundays 11:30-9pm • 5157 Ocean Blvd.

941-349-2323 • www.sarasotalobsterpot.com SIESTA KEY’S MOST AFFORDABLE KID FRIENDLY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT! Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner • 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd. 941-349-3885 • www.captaincurts.com

VENICE’S WATERFRONT LANDMARK SINCE 1976.

Boat or Car • Lunch & Dinner • Open Daily 1st Floor Tavern • 1968 Tarpon Center Dr. 941-484-9551 • www.crowsnest-venice.com

188737

10B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

|

New Listing! West of the Trail in Grenada - Move in Ready! ent Key g A #1 iesta ars! e S 4 ye in the for 2 c Offi

   



4 bedrooms, 3 full Baths & 1 half bath Built in 2006, 3,100 sq. ft. interior New brick pave drive & walkway Tropically landscaped, solar heated, salt water pool with waterfall feature Spacious lanai with ample seating areas 3811 Camino Real Sarasota, FL 34239

    

West of Trail in Grenada neighborhood Red Rock Park only 1 block away Close to Downtown Sarasota Short drive to Siesta beaches & Village Within the Southside school district

Betsy

de MANIO Realtor®, GRI

  



IMMEDIATE

Voted Sarasota Magazine’s Five Star Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” 11 Years in a Row Coldwell Banker - International President’s Premier Agent Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 5145 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

Enjoy the convenience of living in Downtown Sarasota...

Condo on the Bay, 988 Blvd. of the Arts #1715

Sharon Gould IMMEDIATE

SALE Offered at $875,000

MLS A4139094

cell: 941-914-5540 office: 941-349-2922 betsy@betsydemanio.com

Master suite retreat with private balcony Flex room for guests, playroom or office Spacious kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, subzero & wine fridge Elegant & open floor plan, volume ceilings

Realtor®

cell: 941-323-9357 office: 941-349-2922 Sharon.Gould@floridamoves.com

SAL

Exquisite Gated Estate on Sarasota Bay

Direct bayfront views overlooking Sarasota Bay/ Inter coastal Waterway and Longboat Key. Spacious open floor plan, totally remodeled RENOIR model with split 2BR/ 2 BA, & 1,555 sf L.A. Open Lanai. Amenities include garage, tennis courts, concierge services, heated pools, recreation room, boat docks, 24 hour security and planned activities.

You are just minutes away from Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Lido Beach, St. Armands restaurants and The Arts.

Seeing is believing !! Priced to sell $789,000

Present your BEST OFFER

1726 Qu

This exquisite gated estate, positio area’s most beautiful beach at Siesta a resort lifestyle.

For a limited time, this extraordin immediate sale.

The property will be

Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1 and F

The owner will consid

Present your offer to Klaus Lan A deposit is required. Selle Closing

For more information on this ex private tour, plea

There are place for all others c

Klaus L

1726 Questar Lane

Present your BEST OFFER

941.3

KlausLang@m www.kl

This exquisite gated estate, positioned on Sarasota Bay and close to the area’s most beautiful beach on Siesta Key, offers all the glorious amenities for a resort lifestyle.

MLSA4110045 $5,900,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. | Long michaels

1726 Questar Lane KLAUS LANG, CIPS There are places money can’t buy, This exquisite gated estate, positioned on Sarasota Bay and close to the area’s most beautiful beach at Siesta Key, offers all the glorious amenities for KlausLang@michaelsaunders.com a resort lifestyle.

941.320.1223

Ron Stahl

941.374.1671

Ron Stahl Realty rstahlrlty@aol.com

for all others contact Klaus Lang

Visit also: www.sarasotahomesnearringling.com For a limited time, this

extraordinary Bayfront residence is available for

immediate sale.

Ogilvie

Kim & Michael

Sarasota’s Top Producing Team The property will be available for preview on:

Quiet resolve. Remarkable results.

Saturday, January 31 and February 7, 2015, 1pm-4pm

• Precise target marketing • Unrivaled market knowledge Strategic exposure Sunday,•February 1 andinternational February 8, 2015, 1pm-4 pm The owner will consider any reasonable offer.

Present your offer to Klaus Lang, or through your real estate agent.

A deposit is required. Seller will respond within 24 hours.

Closing after 30 days.

For more information on this exclusive property, or to arrange your private tour, please contact Klaus Lang.

There are places money can’t buy, for all others contact Klaus Lang.

941.376.1717 • www.SarasotaFineHomes.com • KimOgilvie@michaelsaunders.com 1801 Main Street • Sarasota, Florida 34236

941.376.1717

www.SarasotaFineHomes.com

KimOgilvie@michaelsaunders.com 1801 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34236

SIESTA BAY FRONT SOPHISTICATION

You must see this 7,000 sq. foot home with bay-side living room, banquet sized dining, 5 bedrooms, executive style office, elevator - every amenity imaginable.

The ultimate home for entertaining. Resort style pool in 3 story cage, enormous master suite, dock and great boating water. Deeded beach access. $2,795,000

OYSTER BAY

Situated on more than half an acre, this ranch style home is warm and inviting Lang, CIPS with 4 bedrooms, lots of living area, Klaus grand outdoor spaces, an office and just 941.320.1223 steps to the bay. Fabulous finishes, artsy styling, amazing mature landscaping, KlausLang@michaelsaunders.com Rutenberg built, a must see! $899,900 www.klauslang.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. | Longboat Key, FL 34228 | 941.383.7591 michaelsaunders.com

Stephanie Church Stephanie Church 941.724.5448 941.724.5448

7445 ROAD, SARASOTA 7445SANDERLING Sanderling Road, Sarasota

StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com

535 ST., HOLMES BEACH 142570TH Westway Road, Sarasota

Nestled behind the gates of the exclusive Sanderling Club, the Discover an exclusive waterfront lifestyle, beautifully poised on Siesta only gated Gulf-front community in Sarasota, this unique home Key within the only gated Gulf front community in Sarasota. This oversized site a coveted between the Gulf of Mexico and lotenjoys rests between the Gulfposition of Mexico and tranquil Heron Lagoon tranquil Heron Lagoon. the best of bothenjoy the beach and with 89 feet of water frontage.Offering The Sanderling Club residents boating this expansive waterfront lotof invites the deeded lifestyle, beach access, private cabanas hugging the shores the Gulf, a vision of15 those who dream of atennis private hideaway thecalendar. shore. slip bayside marina, three courts and a vibrantby social

www.StephanieChurch.com www.StephanieChurch.com

Delight in dazzling Bay, Marina and golf course views from Positioned on Westway Drive, arguably the most prestigious address in this magnificent waterfront parcel, perfectly positioned on Sarasota, this expansive level grassed lot features an impressive 96 feet 202 feet of protected Bimini frontage.

Theand exclusive of water frontage, with sweeping views Bay over the Gulf of Mexico New cul-de-sac location with aand relaxed Pass. In addition to the newinfuses seawall, aprecious boat dock isprivacy already permitted island ambiance, creating the ideal backdrop fordeeded tropical living. can be customized to meet your watercraft needs, while private beach access invites you to relax on the pristine sands of Lido Beach.

MLS# A3993117 $2,800,000 MLS#A4136911 $1,275,000

192208

MLS# A3986618 $2,000,000 MLS#A4131341 $1,999,900

www.facebook.com/srqrealestateagent www.facebook.com/srqrealestateagent

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Trust

$2,100,000

430 Givens Street

19 Whispering Sands #1001

UNDER CONTRACT - 24 days

UNDER CONTRACT

4034 Roberts Point Rd

$1,695,000

LP $2,995,000 9122 Midnight Pass Road #23 LP $825,000

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

11B

THE REALTOR WITH PROVEN RESULTS NEW LISTING

3423 La Paloma Ave

|

RECENTLY SOLD

$725,000

SOLD

1069 Mallard Marsh Dr

778 Siesta Drive 5827 Riegels Harbor Road 13211 Palmers Creek Terrace 3147 Founders Club 851 North Shore Drive 8325 Midnight Pass Road 7251 Plovers Way 8015 Midnight Pass Road 449 Canal Road 3445 Anglin Drive 5353 Cape Leyte Drive 4568 Woodside Road 5300 Ocean Boulevard #604 1258 Riegels Landing Drive 5348 Shadow Lawn Drive 662 Fernwalk Lane 7724 Alister Mackenzie Drive 5303 Cape Leyte Drive 10 Lands End Lane 5273 Cape Leyte Way 103 Sand Dollar Lane

LP $449,000

941.928.3424

Judie.Berger@sothebysrealty.com

Homesofsarasota.com Cinema Tour: siestaKeytour.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Premier Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

Open House, Sunday Dec. 27, 1-4 pm 7233 Midnight Pass Rd.

Andree Huffine Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist

941.232.4053

Old Florida Style Waterfront Home in Sanderling Club

Larry Brzostek,CRS CLHMS 941.993.3125

Email: Larry@LBrzostek.com

4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, Pool 96’ on Sailboat Water MLS#A4120213 $1,675,000

Web: LarrySellsSarasota.com 5140 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota,FL 34242

Expansive Views on the Gulf side of The Pierre !

Andree@YourSarasotaRealEstate.com www.YourSarasotaRealEstate.com

Waterfront Luxury LONGBOAT KEY • 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. #311

455 Longboat Club Road, #405, Longboat Key, FL 34228

    

3 Bedrooms, 4½ Baths, 2880 sq. ft.  Vistas of sand, sea and sky from all rooms All bedrooms with views & terrace access  Never miss a single sunset Master suite has His & Her Baths  3 open terraces totaling 759 sq. ft.

Bed #3 with Murphy beds doubles as den  Open and bright interiors originally designed by Anne Folsom Smith Spacious kitchen with pantry & built-in desk  Floor-to-ceiling windows with huge views Breakfast area with 180 degree beach views  Full service, first class amenities  24-hour concierge, on-site management  Gulfside heated pool and spa  Private beach with walkout & shower  2 Har-Tru tennis courts, fitness center  2 Hospitality suites, club & conference rooms

Betsy

de MANIO Realtor®, GRI

MLS A4133997

Offered at $1,625,000

cell: 941-914-5540 office: 941-349-2922 betsy@betsydemanio.com

Andrea

Smith

Realtor®, GRI

cell: 941-320-7020 office: 941-349-2922 AndreaSmith101@Gmail.com

Voted Sarasota Magazine’s Five Star Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” 11 Years in a Row Coldwell Banker - International President’s Premier Agent Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 5145 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, FL Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

Exceptional corner unit. Upgraded in a contemporary style, featuring an extended wraparound balcony with panoramic golf course and downtown skyline views, chef’s kitchen, and custom built-ins throughout.

$1,740,000

www.GrandBay311.com

St. Armands: 470 N. Washington Drive 4 BR waterfront home.

Open great room plan has 2 master suites, large patio area overlooking pool. New dock and seawall.

Within walking distance of St Armands Circle and the beach.

$2,450,000

192201



SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

WEATHER

12B

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, DEC. 24 High: 84 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 High: 86 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 10%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 24

7:17a

5:42p

Friday, Dec. 25

7:17a

5:42p

Saturday, Dec. 26

7:18a

5:43p

Sunday, Dec. 27

7:18a

5:43p

Monday, Dec. 28

7:19a

5:44p

Tuesday, Dec. 29

7:19a

5:45p

Wednesday, Dec. 30

7:19a

5:45p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 26 High: 84 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 20% Mary Tygh Parks submitted this photo she titles “Sun and Earth,” taken on Siesta Key.

Dec. 25 Full

High: 82 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 20%

*Grand prize winner must own a home in Sarasota or Manatee counties.

ONLINE

See winning photos at YourObserver.com/weather

and www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

Jan. 16 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

Visit YourObserver.com to submit your local weather or nature-related photos. One grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 flooring makeover.* In addition, $1 will be donated to Project Traverse for every photo submitted — up to $2,500. Read more about Project Traverse at Facebook.com/ProjectTraverse.

Jan. 9 New

Jan. 1 Last

Monday, Dec. 14

0.00

Tuesday, Dec. 15

0.00

Wednesday, Dec. 16

0.00

Thursday, Dec. 17

0.00

Friday, Dec. 18

0.44

Saturday, Dec. 19

0.00

Sunday, Dec. 20

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2015 39.57 in.

2015

2014 49.30 in.

2014 0.02 in.

1.22 in.

a reflection of nature’s beauty

4551 N. Washington Blvd.,Sarasota • 941.355.8437 2510 1st Street W., Bradenton • 941.748.4679 1734 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice • 941.493.7441

CROSSWORD

Awarded 2014 National MOHAWK Dealer of the Year!

P.R. WORK by Della C. Cole 104 Carpentry joint 105 “... with a banjo on my ___” 106 Go up against 107 Deep anger 108 Abrasive substance on a board 109 Witnessed

DOWN

©2015 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Valentine word 5 Harbor haulers 10 Component of some pipes 13 Easel, for one 19 Related 20 Synagogue scroll 21 Pastoral setting 22 End of a rugby game 23 Manager’s request 26 Poet’s trio of lines 27 Hewlett-Packard headquarters 28 Rural retreat 29 British fashion house 30 Some shaggy rugs

www.manasotaonline.com

188644

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

31 Slips past 32 Film winds up on it 33 High point 36 Dinnertime prayer 37 Holes for shoelaces 40 Planted 41 Speedy baseball sub 44 Fish eggs 45 Grasped 46 Large bodies of water 47 Gymgoer’s pride 48 Plant with a frond 49 Unplanned 53 Airtight tower 54 Schmeling, to Louis 58 Recoverable sea goods 59 Lens-care solution

61 Error in reasoning 62 Musk maker 63 Acquires a liking for 64 Some cooked chickens 65 Knights-in-training 66 TV money-raiser 67 Run ___ (go wild) 68 Many an early aviator 70 Teamwork inhibitors 71 Hairy zoo attraction 72 Emulates Eminem 73 Socks and stockings 77 Last word of the Golden Rule 78 Source of illegal audio broadcasts

83 Brunch fruit 84 Involves 86 Traveler’s lodging 87 Chafing-dish dish 88 Fictional Finn 89 Old Mercury 91 Gooey gruel 92 ___ Major (Big Dipper locale) 93 It goes through 37-Across 94 Nobel Prize winner, e.g.

98 Certain photo finish 100 Million-selling album 102 Cut with a scalpel 103 Soak, as flax

1 Arctic Circle inhabitant 2 Cajun cooking pod 3 Baroque chamber instrument 4 Swallowed greedily 5 Commemorative stone markers 6 Is priced at 7 “... ___ I’m told” 8 Two-player card game 9 Beat badly 10 Laborious pedestrian 11 Brink 12 Phoebe of “Gremlins” 13 Explosive letters 14 Agile ruminant 15 1948 creation 16 Hot dog topper, sometimes 17 Emotional poems 18 LAPD title 24 Like the sun in a child’s drawing 25 Marsupial’s pocket 31 Surrealist artist Max 32 “A pocket full of ___” 33 Volcanic fallout 34 “The Tell-Tale Heart” teller 35 Archimedes in “The Sword in the Stone” 36 Gulliver in Lilliput, e.g.

37 Opposite of starts 38 Lake Ontario port 39 1/100 of 99-Down 41 Indiana’s state flower 42 Depth charge target of WWII 43 Adjective follower 46 Blueprint data 48 Boneless beef 49 Biting sarcasm

50 Put in rows 51 Church parts 52 Cast out 53 Falconer’s trainee 54 Switch position 55 Shining example 56 Landing place for the Pilgrims 57 Dinner spreads 59 Merchant’s business 60 Very, very long time 62 Insertion symbol 63 Metronome measurement 65 Husband of mama 66 Path through the woods 68 They may be parallel or uneven 69 It’s given to a waiter 70 Seeing ___ dog 73 Acts like a nag 74 Form of English 75 Without a ___ (broke) 76 112.5 degrees away from S 78 “Blue Period” artist 79 Breed 80 Use as a role model 81 Big name in reference books 82 One day ___ 83 “A Visit from St. Nicholas” poet 85 “G’day!” sayer 87 Bit of winter weather 89 Another old Mercury 90 Lewd looker 91 Nintendo fan 92 Arm bone 94 Pear-shaped, fretted instrument 95 “... in ___-horse open sleigh” 96 Pine or spruce 97 Adam lived there 98 “Scram, varmint!”

99 Longing for Japanese money?

101 Game with matchsticks

CRYPTOQUIZ

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a prominent physician. Using the hints E=A and W=S, decipher the clues to name the physician.

1. W A G V J E D K S Z E 2. W G K L U K I 3. V K E M W B N E M V 4. D S N Y W V E K 5. T U M A K L E D V This physician was known as the “Doctor of Hearts”:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

12-24-15

CLASSIFIEDS

Thursday, December 24, 2015

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

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230 BIRD BATH, $20. Pet yard, $25. Swing, $10.

Extension ladder, $40. 924-0511.

CONN ORGAN: Model 380, 3 keyboards, good condition. FREE to individual or church.

941-351-2416.

Condos/Apts. For Rent

Homes For Sale

SIESTA KEY. Starting at $775 for 1-4 bedroom units. Weekly, Monthly Resort Rentals.

Call Siesta Key Realty, 941-349-8900 or visit siestakeyrealtyrentals.com 2BR/2BA ACROSS FROM SARASOTA YACHT CLUB overlooking Sarasota Bay. Upper level.

Beautiful water and city views. Walk to St. Armand’s Circle or to downtown. Pool/ clubhouse. Over 55 community. Unfurnished.

No pets. Non−smoking. Cable included.

Available FEBRUARY 1 with ANNUAL LEASE. Boat slip and kayak storage based upon availability. Rent $1800/mo. 508−801−1940.

2BR/2BA SARASOTA High floor luxury water front condo for rent overlooking Sarasota bay. Available 12/1 One year minimum lease. $3000/mo.

(315) 440−1611

Autos Wanted

2BR/2BA SARASOTA Yacht CLub Condo overlooking Sarasota Bay. Upper level with beautiful water and city views. Walk to St. Armands Circle or downtown. Over 55 community. Unfurnished. No pets or smokers.

Cable, Pool/ clubhouse. Available FEBRUARY 1 with ANNUAL lease. Boat slip and kayak storage based upon availability. Rent $1800/mo. Call 508−801−1940.

WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Condos For Sale

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale

LONGBOAT KEY CLUB. Newly remodeled club suite, 650/sq.ft. Turnkey. Tennis/ golf course view. $62K+ gross revenue. REDUCED $299,950. Info on Zillo. 708-267-6704.

Antiques/Collectibles PURCHASING EAMES, Knoll, Danish, Dunbar, Evans, Laverne, Nakashima, Parzinger furniture, glass, pottery and designer clothing. Tommy McDonnell 772-643-3209.

BOAT SLIP: Longboat Key, Boat House.

Unit-2124. $249/mo. 6 month minimum. $24,900.

708-267-6704.

Medical Supplies/Equipment PRIDE SCOOTER ELECTRIC: Victory 9 series.

I’m red. I’m shiny. I’m in perfect condition. My brand new two batteries really chug along at 5 mph for 25 miles! I can be your new BFF. New $1750.

Now $750 or a little less if you are older or semihandicapped or a former Marine. Come and get me! 941-227-3149, Sarasota.

Merchandise Wanted CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280.

COINS, STAMPS, GOLD & SILVER WANTED. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Suncoast Stamp Company, 8520 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

941-921-9761. Open Monday thru Friday 10-5.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, December 27th, 1–4pm and January 3rd, 1-4pm Windward Bay 4900 GOM Dr. B 303 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Condo, completely remodeled, 2BR/2BA. Every room has unobscured panoramic view of Sarasota Bay. Marina with boat slips available. Deeded access to beaches on the Gulf. For Info call 812-499-2215. Must See!!

Homes For Rent GILLESPIE PARK. 3BR/3BA with guest w/kitchen house.

Furnished or unfurnished.

Call 941-894-7121.

Homes For Sale

Announcements

1% RELOCATION REBATE INCENTIVE on Resale or New Construction*

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of the Covenant, 7950 South Tamiami, Clothes Closet open Thurs-Sat 10-noon for shopping and donations.

50% Off if you bring this ad!

West of Trail. Deep water yacht basin. 3BR/2.5BA, pool. $1,500,000.

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

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

Business Opportunities JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+.

Call 941-907-8141.

Help Wanted DRIVERS: MULTI-PASSENGER vehicles. Full or part-time, Venice area. $25/hr. 941-346-3115.

SENIOR HOME Companions, Nurse Registry, is looking to add Senior Homemaker/Companions (earning $11.50/hr.) and CNA’s or HHA’s (earning $14.50/hr.). If interested please call 941/924-0494.

Longboat Key House on Canal. Davits/ Dock. $495,000.

Equestrian, 5 acres, pole barns, 8 stalls.

3BR/2.5BA, pool. $499,000.

10 Acres, 8 stalls. 3BR/2.5BA, pool. $550,000.

Luxury Downtown $399,000.

Sarasota

Condo,

LV9433

INFO & RATES: 941-955-4888 • Fax: 941-362-4808 • EMAIL: classified@yourobserver.com • ONLINE: classifieds.yourobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon • Service Directory - Friday at 3pm • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

2BR.

2BR/2BA + Loft Townhouse. Water view, boat docks. $237,900. *Call for Details. Brooke O’Malley, CLUB REALTY 941-726-2677 PHILANTHROPISTS, PURCHASING a Home or Condo? Brooke O'Malley gives closing rebates from CLUB REALTY to make a Donation from $2,000.00 - $50,000.00, to the charity of your choice. Call to interview 941-726-2677.

DISTRESS SALE HOMES Sarasota and Siesta Key Bank Foreclosures.

Receive a free list w/pics of foreclosure properties

www.SarasotaDistressList.com Free recorded message

888-991-0250

RE/MAX Platinum Realty

WATERFRONT HOMES BEST BUY LIST Luxury homes, affordable financing, premium locations.

Receive a Free list w/pics.

10 Best Waterfront Buys Free recorded message

888-602-0210 www.DailyHotList.com Re/Max Platinum Realty

Mobile Homes OSPREY: GREAT BUY, only $12,000. Double wide, 1983 Palm, 20/ft.x40/ft., 2BR/1BA, full carport, storage shed, wheelchair ramp, near Bay and shopping. 214-802-9582.

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady. Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential. Commercial.

New Construction. 941-400-2866.

CLEANING: 15 years experience. Licensed and Insured. References available. 941-223-0411.

ND SPARKLE. We are a family business experienced in both home and office cleaning great rates. Call for a quote. 941-330-4466. Email: ndsparklecleaning@gmail.com

Computer Services OWN A MAC/iPHONE/iPAD? MacTutor has 21+ years experience teaching Apple products.

I speak English, not “Geek”! (941) 323-2363 www.FLMacTutor.com

Home Improvement/ Remodeling MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning. Total Home Improvements, Repairs. Small and large! 941-284-8488.

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates.

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Place Your Ad Online

24/7

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals FEBRUARY RENTAL: 2BR/2BA, upstairs unit, Gulf view, Peppertree Bay, Call 941-374-9133.

classifieds.yourobserver.com

GILLESPIE PARK: 3BR/3BA, separate guest house w/kitchen, furnished, walk to shops, downtown. Call for appt. 941-894-7121.

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) South Africa, 2) Surgery, 3) Transplant, 4) Film Star, 5) Xenograft

Adult Care Services CERTIFIED CAREGIVER. Background check.

Insured and fingerprinted. Many years experience.

Excellent area references. Prefer afternoons, overnights or weekends. Call 941-592-7363.

Christiaan Barnard

This week’s Sudoku answers

Complete Customized Individual In-Home Care.

Offering Non-Medical & Medical Services.

Including: Servicing Individual needs, Homemaking, Transportation, Errands, Meal Preparation w/Special Dietary Needs & Medication Supervision. Staffing available 24/7.

Call 377-4465 for more details or visit our mobile on-line website at: www.ElderCareSarasota.com or E-mail us at: ElderCareSRQ@aol.com.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Lic#30211372 PARKINSON’S LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT is a program based on exercise to help manage the disease. I have an MS degree in Exercise Science and certified in Parkinsons Community Exercise from Ohio health hospitals. 941-685-1144.

Excellent References.

WE ARE CAREGIVERS, COMPANIONS, HOMEMAKERS. Our rates start at $16/hr. Call Perfect Solutions For Seniors. 941-378-5553.

This week’s Crossword answers

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Carpentry RON VOIT CONSTRUCTION L.L.C. Comm/Res. Room Additions. Interior Renovations. Kitchen and Bath Remodeling. Door and Window Replacement.

Rotted Wood Repairs. Crown Molding and Trim.

Call Ron 941-228-7601. State Lic. CBC1259788.

Cleaning BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812.

Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

2015

Explore the

CLASSIFIEDS for great deals.

Visit classifieds.yourobserver.com

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

ACCOUNTING

CLEANING

Affordable

FREE

WINDOW CARE

Taxes, Accounting, New Business Advice Space is Limited

• Small Business Accounting & Taxes • Payroll Processing • Individual Income Tax Returns • IRS Help/Problem Resolution Specializing in helping small business owners. Reasonable fees.

2801 Fruitville Road, Ste. 135

YODER’S STEAM CLEANING, INC.

190211

190099

Carpet & Upholstery • Tile & Grout Spot Dying • Water Removal

(Corner of Fruitville & Tuttle in the Penn West OfďŹ ce Park) www.patriottaxandaccounting.com

941-321-2323 .

NC ACTORS I

YOUR VINTAGE HOME SPECIALIST Wolfgang Rodeheaver, Owner

arkcontractors@comcast.net State CertiďŹ ed General Contractor - #CG-CO58924

With This Ad

CUSTOM WOODWORKING

DON’T LET YOUR

CALL NOW (941)404-8829

Commercial

he S tor

Custom Professional Building Services

For New Customers

Commercial & Residential • IICRC CertiďŹ ed

ill Weather T

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AIR CONDITIONING

DRYER START A FIRE!

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Call Paradise Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

190274

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u od

20 Years Local Service Specializing In Residential Cleaning Glass, Screens, Tracks, & Sills Call Now! For Holiday Special | FREE ESTIMATES (941) 320-0439

189389

Every Thursday 3:00-4:00 p.m.

W That cts

!

Michael L. Bassin, CPA

Residential

ms

“Ask the Accountant Forum�

941-556-9090

CONTRACTOR

YOUR SAFETY IS PRICELESS! 941. 979. 2707

Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure ďŹ res LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED reported to U.S. ďŹ re departments in 2006-2010.

Mercy’s Cleaning Service

Replacement System Savings Up to $2140

Call Liz for the Best Price

• One Time, Weekly, Monthly • Res./Comm. • Move Ins/Outs • Carpet Cleaning • References • Free Est. ★ Very Affordable Rates ★

Ph. 376-4228 singleturtle@aol.com

Honesty • Integrity • Quality • Value

CHALMERS DRYWALL

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm • Weekends by appointment

ESTABLISHED 1975!

190104 189742

15505 Lemon Fish Dr. Dustin Yoder Bradenton, FL 34202 yoderaluminum@gmail.com OfďŹ ce 941-650-9790

189286

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc. Driveways • Sidewalks

WILLS, TRUSTS, PROBATE, ELDER LAW Law OfďŹ ce of

Reasonable Prices

941-504-0903

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999

Also Laying Stone

Licensed & Insured

918-8587

Free Estimates

West Coast Pavers and Concrete

552-5766

State Lic. CR CO25291

190282

941-716-0872 SMC-44

LACIVITA CONCRETE

190105

Residential Concrete Specialist 3680493-01

922-3157

BOAT SERVICES

Custom Surfaces Inc.

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

189189

DECORATIVE SURFACES FOR: PATIOS, POOL DECKS, DRIVEWAYS, ENTRYWAYS

Licensed • Insured Lic. #25393

3675768-01

• POLY-PEBBLE / EPOXY • TEXTURED CONCRETE • RESEAL & REPAIRS • INTERLOCKING BRICK PAVERS Free Serving Sarasota 355-1148 Estimates Since 1979 SARASOTA • BRADENTON • VENICE

STEVE PANEBIANCO 24/7 SERVICE

966-5094 Cell #809-7311

FREE

ESTIMATES!

) Carpentry ) Indoors ) Remodeling ) Ceramic Tile ) Water & Fire Damage ) Kitchen/Baths

Since 1967

Patios - Driveways - Sidewalks

HANDYMAN HOME REPAIR SERVICE • NO JOB TOO SMALL • SCREEN REPAIRS • PAINTING/DRY WALL • TILE REPAIRS • & MUCH MORE!

Driveways, Walkways, Pool Decks, Lanais WE ARE THE ONLY ONE Commercial Grade Materials. FINANCING AVAILABLE - LIC./INS. TO CALL FOR PAVERS

Sharon M. Guy, P.A.

191017

FURNITURE REPAIR

CONCRETE

“No Job Too Small�

377-2272

Lic. #ER0013984

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

ATTORNEY

CERTIFIED & INSURED

LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRIC Franklin Kenny • Electrical Contractor

941-929-9095

SMS Mobile Marine Service GPS/Fishfinder Installation • Outboards I/O’s • Inboards Call for appointment • 941-232-3523

ELECTRIC

NEW LOCATION: 6968 Beneva Rd.

Yoder Aluminum Inc.

189757

of Sarasota

(Just around the corner Next to Beneva Flowers)

Sharon M. Guy

780-3788 • 822-0436

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

Insured

OfďŹ ce in Palmer Ranch 8586 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238

Licensed/Insured • Free Estimates

New & Refurbished Computers Servicing PC & MAC on Site or In Shop Virus Removal We Make Windows 8 User-Friendly!

ALUMINUM

Yoderaluminum.com

• Repair • Remodel • New Construction

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

Allow me to do my very best for you!

“Specializing in 6� Seamless Gutters�

DRYWALL

COMPUTER

In shop free estimates Pick up and delivery services available

941• 925 • 2447

3687954-01

190212 38056

Home Furnishing Restoration and Upholstery Specialist!

Team Up Today With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

Licensed Lic. #38333 References

“OUR ESTIMATES & ADVICE ARE FREE�

957-4762 (cell #) 504-3168

189759

Frank Beck Upholstery

190218

ADDY’S CLEANING SERVICE

ALTERATIONS/UPHOLSTERY

Gulf Gate Village 6568 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

190287

Serving Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties since 1946

/LF

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE�

3690387-01

&TUJNBUFT OE 0QJOJPO

Move Ins/Move Outs

+RXVH &RQGR 2IÂżFH &OHDQLQJ &DUSHW )ORRU &DUH )5(( (67,0$7(6

HOME SERVICES Watching your home when you’re away

A Private Company Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 190227

a $139 value,

188945

FREE

Sliding Glass Door Repair

191898

must present coupon at time of service

724-1395

Licensed • Free Estimates

191899

must present coupon at time of service

Cell (941)

189755

$49.95 5VOF VQ

We Use Organic Products

191016

FREE 4FSWJDF $BMM

DOORS

Commercial and Residential Best Prices in Town

191900

r (VBSBOUFF XJUI 4FSWJDF 5PEBZ PS JU JT 'SFF r &NFSHFODZ 4FSWJDF XJUI /P 0WFSUJNF 'FFT r 'JOBODJOH "WBJMBCMF

LIC. #CAC057147

FPL Rebate: Up to $660 Recycling Credit: Up to $250 Additional Discounts Up to $1,230

191015

We service all manufacturers

191787

www.paradisedryervent.com

with repair - a $79 value,

189756

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Pr

14B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ROOFING

LAWN CARE

CURT’s Lawn Service

DIRTY ROOF?

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

373-9299

724-2945

Lic. & Ins.

Safe No Pressure Cleaning

190288

3687676-01

Sarasota Gate & Access

Barrel Tiles - Shingles

MOVERS

941-697-1749 941-587-5007

189761

Oz the Wizard of Moving

For $85 per hour you get: A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

BensonsSoftRoofWash.com

make your moving day a pleasure.

FAST SAME-DAY SERVICE

OZ - 941-313-4538

GULF GATE ROOFING INC. 38 Years Experience

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs 190228

941-228-9850

Joe Murray, Owner 190261 190275

190225

PET SERVICES

TREES

Melanie

Licensed & Insured

10 Years Experience

941-232-1192 191013

• Over 24 years experience • Excellent references

(941) 966-2960 PLUMBING

LAWN CARE

LAWN TOPDRESSING A healthy turf starts with a healthy soil

Only organic and sterile material used

General Plumbing Services Inc. Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial No Overtime, No Trip Charge No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL!

Family Owned & Operated • Third Generation Master Plumber All Major Credit Cards Accepted www.GeneralPlumbingSarasota.com

941-923-8140

941-705-0106

joey@floridatopdressing.com•www.floridatopdressing.com

189746

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Disposal Special

23900 Installed

$

Fast Quality Service at Reasonable Rates Ins./Lic. #RF0048866

WHATTHE THE WHAT CLASSIFIEDSHOLD HOLD CLASSIFIEDS

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

࠮ )LZ[ 7YPJL VU 7HST ;YPTTPUN Call Bob ࠮ :[VYT 7YLWHYH[PVU /H\SPUN 4\SJOPUN ࠮ 3HUKZJHWL +LZPNU 0UZ[HSSH[PVU 780-2267 ࠮ 4VU[OS` :OY\I 7Y\UPUN Licensed Landscape ANY OUTDOOR PROJECT & Insured

All Tree Work

Residential & Commercial

Renovations

WINDOWS

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Re-piping Houses & Slab Leaks • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs

• Repairs • Remodels • Installs • • Drains & Sewers • Cleaning • Repiping •

Joey McKinney

David Hall is the one to call!!!

Licensed and Insured

190293

by

941-993-9976

HallAmericanScreening@Gmail.com HallAmericanScreening.com

• Dog Walking

954-1878

• Topdressing is adding a compost/topsoil mix to rejuvenate your soil structure • Plant and weed problems can often be attributed to poor soils • Helps suppress disease-causing bacteria and fungus • Helps lawn retain moisture and nutrients longer making it less susceptible to drought

Specializing in Lanai Screening and Panel Replacements David Hall

• Pet Sitting

191018

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

HALL AMERICAN SCREENING LLC

Advertise your business in The Observer Business Directory Call 386-447-9723 to advertise

Pet Care

GLENN KROECKER

• Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Screw Replacement • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction Guarantee Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

Reg. Price 27900 Installed

$20.00 OFF

ANY SERVICE W/THIS COUPON

$

379-9070

24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE

190289

Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su and Pressure Cleaning g

Res./Com.

Environmentally Friendly

“Leave Your Dirty Windows To Us”

941-447-0127 • 941-284-5880 “UP TO 25 STANDARD WINDOWS • $109.00” SPECIAL

10%

Free Estimates

5.00

OFF + Additional $

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

2 Bath Mirrors • 2 Fans • Tracks • Screens

190263

THE GRAB BAR GUY

941-237-7049

Rob Smith

190278

Licensed Bonded Ř Insured Ř Certified Residential & Commercial

OUT THERE!

190107

AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT.

NOT VAILID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.

Ř

FREE ESTIMATES

941-345-5264

GET YOUR NAME

189763

WITH FREE INSTALLATION

Try our new ShurGrip grab bars with a special nonslip coating.

Exclusively offered

by Dr. Grab Bar.

Painting & Pressure Cleaning

Free Estimate 941-922-3996

SHURGRIP

LV10376

FREE

Licensed & Insured

tropicalpainting15.com

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

GET EXTRA SECURITY WITH

190259

BUY 1 GRAB BAR GET 1

Professional | Honest | Affordable | Reliable Robert Baker 941-204-7444

Faulkner’s

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

Rescreening • Pool Enclosures Pressure Cleaning & Pool Cage Painting Serving All of Lakewood Ranch

Get More For Less

190100

100

$

941-888-2988 FREE ESTIMATES rainscapefl.com

(941) 966-0333

of SARASOTA

%

189776

CALL TODAY & SAVE 10

189762

OFF repair over

SIESTA SCREENING

Tropical Painting

rain sensors

YOUR BATHROOM SAFETY SPECIALIST ALAN IS ALWAYS REACHABLE AT

SCREENING

PAINTING

Maintenance - Repair -Installation

20 any irrigation

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

A FULL SERVICE IRRIGATION COMPANY

$

190291

All Work Guaranteed

IRRIGATION

15% OFF

LEAKY ROOF?

Licensed and insured #IM2186

Installation • Maintenance

941-349-4455

15B

191902

HOME SERVICES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

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TOADVERTISE ADVERTISETODAY TODAY TO CALL941-955-4888 941-955-4888 CALL ORVISIT VISIT OR CLASSIFIEDS.YOUROBSERVER.COM CLASSIFIEDS.YOUROBSERVER.COM

16B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015

SPG

Schemmel Property Group

REPRESENTING

Most Amazing Properties ONLY 2 REMAINING RESIDENCES

Phillippi Creek | 2300 Wason Road | $1,295,000

Orchid Trace | 6590 Wild Orchid Lane | $1,099,000

AQUA | 280 Golden Gate Point | Priced from $3,195,000

West of Trail | 1410 Lasula Court | $897,000

Casey Key | 3807 Casey Key Road | $2,100,000

Prestancia | 3788 Boca Pointe Drive | $755,000

Joel Schemmel, J.D. 941.587.4894 joel.schemmel@sothebysrealty.com Sharon Chiodi 941.809.0380 sharon.chiodi@sothebysrealty.com

SchemmelPropertyGroup.com

192187

facebook.com/schemmelpropertygroup

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

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate and neither suggests nor infers that Sotheby’s International Realty participated as either the listing or cooperating agent or broker in the sale or purchase of the properties depicted.

Indian Beach | 3315 Bay Shore Road | $8,700,000