Siesta Key Observer 12.9.21

SIESTA KEY

Siesta what he found.

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PAGE 24

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

VOLUME 52, NO. 22

YOUR TOWN

Commission says it’s the voters’ call

County leaders approve March ballot question seeking repeal of single-member districts. SEE PAGE 5

Courtesy photo

World of creativity

There’s a common idea that art can be found anywhere you look.

Laura Freedman, Temple Sinai’s director of early childhood education, definitely subscribes to the notion. When Temple Sinai decided to install spherical security bollards in front of the Gan school entrance, she felt they could do something with the structure to make it less imposing.

She studied it for a time, and although it first appeared to her as a large, nondescript, meatball-like object, inspiration finally struck her.

She turned to local artist and Temple Sinai member Skip Dyrda for a creative solution.

Dyrda transformed the bollard into a recreation of the planet Earth, complete with children holding hands that wrapped around the equator. She feels it’s a more welcoming introduction into the school.

DASHIN’ DOWN MAIN 25th annual downtown parade makes the season bright.

SEE PAGE 20 Harry Sayer

Marching down Main Street on Saturday, Abigail McNulty performs with the Future of Dance troupe.

File photo

A+E

Your take on art

We’re not sure it’s art, but we know a survey when we see one.

The city of Sarasota wants your take on public art and has posted an online survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/cospamp to gauge your favorite pieces already in town, where you’d like to see more and what kind you’d like to see installed around town.

According to the city, Sarasota’s “Public Art Program facilitates the creation and exhibition of a wide variety of publicly and privately initiated art works through commissions, acquisitions, donations and loans governed by zoning code requirements for new development applicable city wide.”

Weighing anchor City considers new rules regarding moored boats. SEE PAGE 10

Check out the Cheeks.

INSIDE

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Sarasota officials will encourage boaters to take advantage of waste disposal services offered at the mooring field near Marina Jack.

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W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

WEEK OF DEC. 9, 2021

SRQ lands 53rd destination

“We do have to have hard conversations. I’m sorry this is one of them. Part of our job.”

Allegiant’s newest destination from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ranks third alphabetically but 53rd on the region’s growing list of nonstop airline destinations.

Beginning March 11, the airline will begin twice a week service to Appleton, Wisconsin.

The new route, Allegiant’s first to Wisconsin, is intended as year-round service.

“These routes will connect our customers to premier destinations in Arizona and Florida just in time for spring break,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s senior vice president of revenue and planning. “Whether travelers are looking to explore the desert southwest or take in the beaches of Florida, we’ve got the flights for them – free from the hassle of stops and layovers – at a price they can afford.”

The announcement comes as the airport has a record year with 2.49 million passengers through the end of October.

City Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch, Read more on Page 12

BY THE NUMBERS 27

Years since the city built its first splash pad playground on the bayfront.

YOUROBSERVER.COM

45

Height in feet sought for buildings on St. Armands circle as proposed in a series of contemplated zoning changes for the commercial district.

PAGE 4

25TH

NAACP honors annual award winners

Edition of the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade, which took place Saturday.

PAGE 20

CALENDAR

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n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, Commission Chambers, Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County Commission annual retreat — 8:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board meeting — 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Building, 1960 Landings Blvd.

Mike Regnier was named chief of the Sarasota County fire department in 2015.

Sarasota fire chief heads to Longboat M ichael Regnier, the chief of the Sarasota County Fire Department, has accepted an offer to join the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department, the barrier island town said last week.

“The opportunity will allow me to spend more time with my family while continuing to serve the community,” Regnier said in a statement.

“I am grateful for the support of the Board of Sarasota County Commissioners, Sarasota County administration, Emergency Services and the fire department

during my time with SCFD. Town Manager Tom Harmer said the plan is for Regnier to begin working for the town Dec. 28 with a starting annual salary of $95,000.

“I had the pleasure of serving as the Sarasota County Administrator when Mike was appointed chief in 2015,” Town Manager Tom Harmer wrote in an email to commissioners. “He has an extensive amount of experience in all aspects of the fire service and will add great value to Chief (Paul) Dezzi’s command staff.”

Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi explained what separated Regnier from the other three candidates the town interviewed.

“I think his knowledge and his local workings with (Sarasota County) Emergency Operations during hurricanes and stuff like that, working with dispatch services, we both understand the system, how it works,” Dezzi said.

Regnier spent more than 33 years with the Sarasota County Fire Department.

The Sarasota County Branch of the NAACP honored several winners of its 2021 Freedom Award during its first virtual banquet presentation Dec. 3.

The 36th annual banquet pivoted to a virtual format this year and serves as a fundraising event recognizing organizations and individuals who work to fulfill the mission of the NAACP. The honorees — who were chosen for their service to the community and commitment to improving the lives of others — included Dr. Washington Hill, Children First CEO Philip Tavill, attorney Dan Danheisser, Multicultural Health Institute Founder Dr. Lisa Merritt, Booker High teacher Tracy Goodman and Judge Rochelle Taylor Curley.

The many recipients were recognized for their work supporting college education, community health, providing vaccinations to Newtown residents, volunteer work, mentorship programs, civil activism and more.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

Since The Mark opened in 2019, residents have raised concerns about noise associated with nearby downtown businesses — concerns that are amplified when the business would be in the same building as them.

MAKING LEMON

As the city reviews proposals for new businesses at The Mark and in Paul Thorpe Park, residents are concerned about how commercial activity might affect a central segment of downtown.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

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hen The Kolter Group announced plans for The Mark, a 12-story building on Pineapple Avenue, it was described as a mixed-use project with 157 residences and 50,000 square feet of commercial space.

However, with residents already moved in and some prospective tenants applying for permits to open up, some people living at The Mark are questioning how well those uses will mix in the real world.

On Dec. 1, the city held a community workshop regarding two proposed commercial operations in and adjacent to The Mark. One would be a 150-person event space called Sugar Reception Hall on the ground floor of the building, filling three spaces with addresses at 62 and 72 S. Lemon Ave. and 121 S. Pineapple Ave. The other is Le Petite Brasserie, a restaurant and bar proposed for an existing two-story building next to The Mark at 127 S. Pineapple Ave. Both businesses are seeking a major conditional use permit from the city to allow the use of a liquor license. Both businesses also drew outspoken concern from three dozen residents who participated in the virtual workshop.

Those in attendance raised questions that focused primarily on noise, hours of operation and the management of liquor sales. Although the commercial space was always built into the ground floor of the building in which they live, residents at The Mark expressed concern the reception hall would be disruptive to the condominiums above it.

“This is our home, and this is our space,” resident Richard Lynch said.

“We’re renting it out to the highest bidder, and we are going to really scrutinize this. There’s a jewelry store and a Pilates (studio) and the kinds of enterprises that serve the community. This serves whoever wants to throw a party. That troubles me, and it probably troubles a lot of the other residents.”

Asked how the prospective operator of the reception hall would prevent the operation from negatively affecting residents at The Mark, representatives for applicant Ronnie Shugar pledged the business would comply with all relevant regulations governing noise and business activity. Architect Mark Sultana noted the proprietor of the business would have a vested interest in ensuring the building and surrounding area was a well-maintained environment.

“It’ll be controlled like any other entertainment venue that has this type of facility,” Sultana said. “Just like Michael’s On East — it’s always clean there. They take care of it.”

Speakers at the community workshop expressed their belief that it was not sufficient to comply with city regulations, arguing the applicant should take additional measures to

File photos

As downtown residents organize in support of preserving Paul Thorpe Park as is, residents at the nearby Mark condos are wary of proposals for commercial space in their building.

ensure the businesses did not create issues for residents. Residents were critical of plans to operate both businesses as late as 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Although representatives for the applicant said the only plans for music at Le Petite Brasserie was an indoor piano, several questions focused on whether the business might eventually have alternative sources of music outdoors.

“Please, go find another place to start up your event hall. This is our home, and we don’t want all this music, traffic, garbage, smokers.”

— Lia Haleas, resident

Resident Lorrainne Lavet said she felt the business proposals were an important precedent-setting case for future downtown mixed-use buildings with residential components. She encouraged the applicant to pledge to never allow outdoor music even if city regulations permit it, arguing it was a necessary condition to coexist with neighboring condo-dwellers.

“Before feeling comfortable with

this, I agree there would need to be an agreement in writing that regardless of whether the city were to allow the noise to be outside that you would agree to not do that for the duration of your residency in that location,” Lavet said. “Or else I think there is a problem.”

Joel Freedman, a land use professional appearing on behalf of the applicant, noted the community workshop marked the beginning of the development review process and that the city would hold several public hearings before rendering a final decision on the major conditional use permit. Still, some of those in attendance Dec. 1 said they felt the reception hall concept was fundamentally incompatible with their homes located one block south of Main Street in the city’s core.

“Please, go find another place to start up your event hall,” resident Lia Haleas said. “This is our home, and we don’t want all this music, traffic, garbage, smokers.”

PARK PRESERVATION

In the midst of a lawsuit with the city over the ownership of land in and adjacent to Paul Thorpe Park, developer EDM-Sarasota proposed a settlement agreement that would allow the private company to construct a two-story food court on a portion of the parkland.

The City Commission was scheduled to discuss that settlement at a meeting Monday, but representa-

tives for EDM-Sarasota asked to postpone the conversation to give the developer more time to review public input related to the proposal.

Residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting were nearly unanimous in their message to the developer: We don’t want to give up any portion of the park.

The settlement proposal is tied to a dispute over land adjacent to Paul Thorpe Park that dates to 2016.

Although the city agreed to sell land next to the Northern Trust parking garage to a real estate firm in 2016, EDM-Sarasota challenged the city’s ownership of the land. Earlier this year, a judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court determined the city was the rightful owner of the land, a decision EDM-Sarasota appealed.

In the settlement offer, EDMSarasota proposes the city would sell not just the disputed land but also a segment of Paul Thorpe Park to the developer for $275,000. The company is also asking for the right to use a portion of the park for outdoor cafe seating.

Since the city’s 2016 consideration of selling the park-adjacent property, a group of residents have organized in opposition to the idea, arguing the land has functionally served as public open space in the most developed part of the city. On Monday, members of the public argued against the settlement agreement on similar grounds, stating the case for preserving the park had only gotten stronger after the city invested in improving the Lemon Avenue park in 2019. The development associated with the proposed settlement would encroach on amenities including seating, landscaping and a pergola, speakers said.

“The idea of taking, as I understand it, roughly half of an existing park, which was constructed at well over $1 million just three years ago, is just wrong and inappropriate,” said David Lough, the president of the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association. “So we ask for you to reaffirm the provision of open space downtown. Do not consider any reduction in size of this important park.”

The commission agreed to postpone the presentation from EDMSarasota until a future meeting.

Commissioner Hagen Brody said he wanted the public to know the settlement proposal came from the developer and that city staff played no role.

“It’s simply a proposal from one side to resolve the litigation,” he said.

“It is out of the ordinary, but there’s nothing surreptitious going on.”

City Attorney Robert Fournier said the judge’s ruling said the city met three standards that were sufficient for claiming ownership of the property, and an appellate judge would have to determine the court was incorrect on all three fronts.

“I would say the chances of the city prevailing on appeal are high,” Fournier said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

St. Armands zoning proposals stir controversy

We are there when you can’t be.

Although a resident group has raised alarm about proposed building rules on the Circle, property owners say some of the concern is rooted in misunderstanding.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

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t. Armands Circle property owners want to make a few things clear regarding their plans for new zoning regulations in the commercial district.

The St. Armands Business Improvement District said it wants to work in collaboration with residents and merchants as it advances proposed building rules that would allow for taller structures on the Circle. Ahead of a public hearing tentatively set for spring 2022, the BID is intent on holding a community workshop to allow stakeholders to discuss the changes — and get accurate information on what exactly is being proposed.

“We really want resident participation so they hear the facts and all the details,” BID Chairman Geoffrey Michel said at a meeting Wednesday.

Since 2020, the BID has been pursuing a suite of revisions to the landuse regulations governing the Circle.

Proposed changes include raising the maximum building height from 35 feet to 45 feet, increasing residential density and allowing for hotel projects.

On Dec. 2, St. Armands Residents Association President Chris Goglia sent an email to membership raising concerns about the proposed changes.

In particular, Goglia called attention to the proposed height increase, expressing fear the change was more significant than the BID made it out to be. The email posed a question to members of the residents association: “Is this what you want to see happen to St. Armands?”

At Wednesday’s BID meeting,

File rendering

members of the group said those concerns were rooted in part in an inaccurate characterization of the proposed changes. The email asserted the maximum building height would change from 35 feet above ground level to 45 feet above the established FEMA elevation, which would entitle builders on the Circle to additional height that was not being accounted for. But Dan Lear, a planning consultant working with the BID on zoning changes, said the city already calculates maximum building height in the Circle based on FEMA elevation.

BID members indicated a desire to produce informational documents that clarified how the zoning changes would affect St. Armands.

Rachel Burns, the executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association merchants group, agreed there was a need for material that more clearly explained the BID’s proposal.

“I don’t think there’s as much opposition as there is confusion,” Burns said.

Michel indicated that the BID was working to hold a community workshop on the zoning changes in January.

“We’re trying to work with the stakeholders and have agreement, but I think it’s important that facts are distributed, not misinformation,” Michel said.

Members of the St. Armands Business Improvement District said allowing taller buildings on the Circle would encourage new construction, which they hope would attract quality tenants and increase activity.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

5

Commission places single-member district repeal on ballot In March, voters will decide whether to maintain the electoral system approved in 2018 or return to countywide races for all five commission positions.

DAVID CONWAY

WHAT IT SAYS

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

As presented by staff with input from the County Commission, the text of the question associated with the referendum will read as the following: Shall each member of the Board of County Commissioners be elected county-wide, thereby allowing voters to vote for all five County Commissioners as each office comes up for election, rather than voters only being able to elect a single County Commissioner from the district in which the voter resides as presently exists in Article II, Section 2.1A of the Sarasota County Charter?

county survey showed only 26% of respondents felt negatively about single-member districts.

“The people voted,” resident Susan Hicks said. “The vote was taken. I don’t understand why we’re here.”

Proponents of single-member districts reiterated their reasons for supporting the system, stating their belief that limiting county elections to the residents of a single district created stronger incentives for representatives to be responsive to their constituents. Although county commissioners argued that single-member districts restricted the electoral power of residents by only allowing them to vote in one race, some speakers rejected that argument, stating they preferred to cast a single vote for a district representative than to cast five votes for five countywide seats.

“I’m in north county, and I’m not really feeling the loss of being able

File photo

Despite vocal public opposition to the repeal of single-member districts at recent meetings, the County Commission is moving forward with a March 8 referendum seeking to overhaul the county electoral process.

to figure out who’s running in North Port,” resident Margaret Smith said.

At previous meetings, some commissioners characterized the push for single-member districts as politically motivated. The 2018 charter amendment drew support from the Sarasota County Democratic Party, which said the system would improve the odds of electing a Democrat to the County Commission for the first time since 1966. Speakers at Tuesday’s meeting accused the all-Republican County Commission of acting politically, moving to repeal single-member districts out of a desire to protect incumbents and maintain Republican dominance of the board.

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger, elected in 2020 following the adoption of single-member districts, pushed back against accusations that officials were acting disingenuously in their effort to change the county’s electoral process.

Cutsinger said the commission legitimately believed single-member districts was a flawed system and that a change would be in the best interests of the county. He also said the commission was not acting unilaterally to discard single-member districts, noting voters still had the power to preserve the current system by voting again in support of the measure.

“I don’t see it here we’re overturning this,” Cutsinger said. “We’re simply giving our county the chance to confirm or change their mind if they wish by voting for or against this.”

Commissioner Mike Moran, a vocal critic of single-member districts, reiterated his desire to continue pushing for the elimination of the system until he succeeded in his efforts.

“I’ll do whatever I can with the power I have that all residents will be able to vote for all commissioners at every election,” Moran said

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L

ess than four years after nearly 60% of voters supported a change to a single-member district system for Sarasota County Commission races, county-elected officials want to see if the public has changed its mind.

The County Commission voted 5-0 on Tuesday to authorize a special election in March seeking to repeal single-member districts. The referendum would eliminate the voting process for county elections, in which each of the five commission districts elects a single representative to the board. Instead, voters countywide would be allowed to participate in all five commission elections, the system that was in place prior to the 2018 adoption of single-member districts.

The measure would appear on the March 8 ballot alongside a referendum on the continuation of the 1-mill property tax for the Sarasota County School District. If approved, the changes would take place before the 2022 general election, ensuring 2020 was the only year in which the county held single-member district elections.

The commission’s vote came after more than an hour of public testimony that was nearly unanimously in support of single-member districts.

Speakers highlighted the support the initiative received in the 2018 general election, when 59.8% of voters approved a charter amendment creating single-member districts.

Members of the public questioned why the County Commission was interested in repealing a system that recently won an endorsement from such a broad segment of the electorate, particularly considering a 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

HOLIDAY GREE TINGS from

File photo

Organizers of the Fresh Friday event series said they’ve gotten positive feedback from those who have attended, but merchants have questioned whether that will translate to increased business.

Downtown group mulls Fresh Friday changes The first Fresh Friday event of 2022 could get an earlier start in hopes of steering more visitors into downtown shops.

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DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

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fter two installments of the city’s Fresh Friday downtown event series, organizers are enthused about the turnout, but some merchants and residents remain critical of the nighttime hours of operation.

On Tuesday, members of the

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

“Quite frankly, I don’t think we got the engagement from merchants we would have liked to have had.”

— Joe Grano, the president of marketing company Next-Mark

munities in the region, and organizers expressed hope that the program would be an attraction for residents while encouraging visitors to patronize downtown businesses. But at Tuesday’s DID meeting, the reported feedback from merchants indicated the November and December events hadn’t delivered the desired effect for some store owners.

“We have seen no benefit to us or additional business,” said Harmoni Krusing Bens, the owner of Lotus Boutique and vice president of the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association.

The reason for the absence of increased sales was a subject of dispute among those in attendance at the DID meeting. Event organizers said they felt the inaugural Fresh Friday was not a good representation of the event’s potential impact because of inclement weather during the evening. The December event, however, was designed in part to highlight downtown businesses. Themed “Shop, Stroll, Sing,” the goal was to encourage visitors to pop into stores before arriving at the centralized event location on Lemon Avenue.

The DID hired Joe Grano, the president of marketing company Next-Mark, to lead the planning of Fresh Fridays. Grano said he made efforts to engage with merchants, including distributing informational material at stores and holding a pair of kickoff meetings prior to the first Fresh Friday to get input from businesses. Despite the outreach, Grano said he believed shop owners weren’t taking steps to capitalize on the crowds attending Fresh Fridays, which he estimated exceeded 1,500 people in December.

“Quite frankly, I don’t think we got the engagement from merchants we would have liked to have had,” Grano said.

DID board member Chris Voelker

agreed with Grano and expressed frustration about what she saw as a failure to support a burgeoning opportunity to benefit downtown as a whole.

“It felt like there was an effort to undermine this,” Voelker said.

Ron Soto, a DID board member and president of the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, questioned whether Grano’s outreach efforts were as effective as he believed them to be, stating some merchants indicated they hadn’t gotten enough information about the program.

“I haven’t gotten any communication from you,” Soto said.

Bens, who said she was invited to but did not attend the kickoff meetings, targeted the event’s hours of operation as one reason merchants weren’t benefiting from Fresh Fridays. At the direction of the City Commission, Fresh Fridays run from 8-11 p.m. Although Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch cited merchant input in her push for an earlier start time, a majority of the City Commission said it believed beginning at 8 p.m. would allow the events to serve both younger and older residents.

Bens, however, said merchants were not interested in staying open until 8 p.m. in hopes of attracting customers visiting for Fresh Fridays.

Both Bens and Soto said the prospect of staying open for at least two or three more hours was not appealing for stores that typically close at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., and they suggested merchants might be more amenable to engaging with Fresh Fridays if the events started earlier.

Although there was some discussion about whether 7-10 p.m. might work best as a compromise, the DID board ultimately voted unanimously to approach the city about holding January’s Fresh Friday — themed “Dance the Night Away” — from 6-9 p.m. Voelker noted the DID is not the lone party involved in organizing the events and that the city was responsible for establishing the original hours. Still, DID board members said they thought it was reasonable to evaluate whether Fresh Fridays are more warmly received with an earlier start.

“If 6-9 p.m. would satisfy the merchants and satisfy the residents, it seems ridiculous not to try,” DID board member Mark Kauffman said.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

Florida can lead the way on restorative justice The state should consider creating an advisory council to establish standards for restorative justice programs and help the agencies that would be involved learn best practices from each other.

File photo

Studies show a lower rate of recidivism with those involved in restorative justice.

ADRIAN MOORE CONTRIBUTOR

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN FLORIDA FOR YOUTH

I

recently listened to a young Florida man in prison for killing his fiance talk about what he can do to pay for his crime. He said something that really struck me. Being locked up in prison achieved the goal of punishing him, but he said it did not pay his debt to society. He movingly explained that the only way he feels he can repay his debt to society is by finding ways to make up for what his crime cost his fiance’s family, his family, their friends and their community.

In his case, that attitude is partially the outcome of something called the restorative justice process. Restorative justice is a set of policies and practices in which offenders, their victims and their families engage with one another in an attempt to create better outcomes from the justice process for all of those involved.

“The objective is to as much as possible repair harm caused by a crime, hold offenders accountable to individual persons harmed instead of merely to the justice system, involve those stakeholders in the process and ultimately reduce the potential for future harm and restore offenders to society,” a recent report from the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability] said. “Main focal points of the restorative justice approach include

Courtesy of an OPPAGA presentation

remaining victim-centered and requiring offenders to have direct confrontation with those harmed by their actions, including their own loved ones.”

In examining whether Florida should consider restorative justice programs, OPPAGA looked at 21 organizations across 15 states and reviewed the research literature on the effects of restorative justice.

The agency found that the victims of crime who participate in restorative justice programs consistently

view the criminal justice system and process as more fair to their families, have better attitudes about offenders, feel less need for revenge and suffer from fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms.

And when people convicted of crimes go through the restorative justice process, OPPAGA found, “The overall trend is reduced recidivism rates among offenders who participate in restorative justice programs compared to those who do not. Of restorative justice par-

ticipants who later reoffend, their offenses tend to be less severe.”

Florida’s use of these programs is currently limited to programs within the juvenile justice system that are practiced by a few local governments. The state’s Department of Corrections has participated in a pilot program and has a working group to create guidelines but has not yet fully embraced restorative justice. Some Floridians are trying to change that.

The nonprofit Florida Restorative Justice Association, a group of stakeholders that includes judges, law enforcement officers, lawyers, educators and activists; the Restorative Practices Interagency Workgroup, which was created by the Department of Children and Families to “promote education, awareness and capacity building of restorative practices in Florida government agencies”; and State Sen. Jeff Brandes, who has consistently worked for criminal justice reforms in the legislature, are all pushing the state to expand its use of restorative justice.

Based on its review of other states, OPPAGA recommends that Florida consider creating an advisory council to establish standards for restorative justice programs and help the agencies that would be involved learn best practices from each other.

Additionally, because Florida law currently only defines restorative justice for juveniles, it would need to expand that definition to include adults. And, ultimately, state and local governments would need to fund restorative justice programs and counselors. With programs in place, both victims and defendants would need to be informed about restorative justice options as part of the justice process and allowed to choose them if they want.

Those are all significant steps, but any approach that leads to more victims of crime feeling they’ve received justice and more offenders thinking about how they can pay their debt to victims and to society — and not just do their time — is one that will make us all safer and happier.

Adrian Moore is vice president of Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota.

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Deputy Managing Editor / David Conway, DConway@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, SJohnson@YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@yourobserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Farewell, David. Your reporting made a difference.

Our deputy managing editor, whose last day at the Observer is Friday, touched all areas of the city with his coverage.

ERIC GARWOOD AND KAT HUGHES OBSERVER STAFF

S

arasota Observer Deputy Managing Editor David Conway never dropped a dime in a pay phone after a City Commission meeting.

He never wore a fedora with a “PRESS” card stuck in the band, and he never barked the words “Save me 12 inches above the fold!” across a clattering, golden-age-ofthe-industry newsroom, its fixtures (and many of its employees) stained from too many years of filterless cigarettes.

Although David works in the here-and-now of laptops, cellphones and web stories, he easily could have thrived in the thereand-then of Royal typewriters, suspenders and Speed Graphic cameras.

David is that kind of throwback journalist, a guy who knows the phone numbers of everyone, the stories behind pretty much every issue in town and how to tell them

File photo

David Conway has covered the city of Sarasota for the Sarasota Observer for more than eight years.

in a factual, fair and, dare we say it, sometimes fun way.

David, who’s been covering the city of Sarasota for the Observer since June 2013, is heading back to his hometown of Chicago, where he will be a spokesperson for the city of Chicago’s Planning and Development Department.

We’ve heard from folks around City Hall who said they’ll really miss him. One official there said he was “heartbroken” by the news and said he considered David the fairest reporter in town. We have to agree.

In the eight-plus years he has been here, he has covered it all:

the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan approval, the change in ownership and vision for The Quay, the yearslong process to start transforming the Sarasota bayfront into The Bay, the development of The Vue and the controversy over its sidewalks, and countless other notable development and construction projects. If the title weren’t already bestowed to the late Paul Thorpe, we could easily call David “Mr. Downtown.”

Aside from the depth and context he lent to big issues, we think what really set David’s coverage apart were the small stories. The stories about the kayak launch in Hudson Bayou or a 64-year-old wide receiver playing for the local semipro football team or stories about saving trees and sprucing up parks — the things that those who live around them care about most and things that, honestly, would never be covered by anyone else.

In the newsroom, we’ll miss him terribly because David not only tended to his business of covering the city but also shepherded and influenced his co-workers in ways large and small.

His telephone-interviewing style in the newsroom was mandatory listening for newcomers, and his wrap-up question, “Is there anything else you feel our readers should know?” now spouts from several generations of Observer journalists.

And editors know that when you ask David if you can change a headline or a sentence in one of his articles, you’re going to get an education on why his precise language was the most accurate way to convey the facts of the story.

Although he’s always understated, his dedication runs deep to his sources, the facts and our readers.

Throughout the years, he has filled in working other beats whenever we had a vacancy. He covered Sarasota County Commission and school board meetings without even being asked — he just didn’t want Observer readers to miss anything they needed to know.

When we found out about his new position, we even tried to find another job in journalism for him in Chicago because we think losing him from the industry is even sadder than losing him from the Observer.

Yes, we’ll miss his to-the-point coverage of city issues, but we’ll also miss those surprises, such as the time in 2018 when he wrote about a farewell party for an ailing dog named Dora whom people called “The Mayor of Palm Avenue.”

In that piece, David quoted a woman speaking about Dora and the people who gathered to bid her farewell: “It seemed so fitting for the people who looked forward to seeing her every day. We’re so sad about the fact we’re going to lose her.”

Yeah, we get it.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

SCARED SILLY 7:51 a.m., 3300 block of Melody Lane Suspicion: A man reported that someone shot Silly String into the tree in his front yard. The man said there were only a few strands of the Silly String.

There was also a piece of toilet paper lying across the top of his fence. The man was concerned the debris might be an act of vandalism, with more to come in the future. The man had no idea who might have been responsible for the damage.

COPS CORNER

DEC. 5

PUMP OUT 8:30 p.m., 2700 block of Fruitville Road Property damage: The owner of a gas station said a customer drove off with the pump nozzle still attached to her truck, which caused $150 in damage to the hose and nozzle. An officer made contact with the owner of the truck, who said his daughter was driving. The owner of the truck agreed to contact the gas station owner and said he would pay for the repairs.

DEC. 4

PAW PATROL 1:43 a.m., 2200 block of Ringling Boulevard Dispute: A man said the upstairs neighbors in his apartment were being extremely loud. The man said it sounded like the neighbors were moving furniture. An officer made contact with one of the upstairs neighbors, who said he had a friend who came into town and brought dogs. The neighbor said the dogs were responsible for the disturbance and that he would try to keep the noise down.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

9

RANTS & RAVES

Courtesy photo

DEC. 3

|

I would like to both rave and rant about the Observer newspapers. I have been a longtime loyal reader.

I appreciate your local community focus and how you cover the many events and activities around here.

However, I am appalled by the politics expressed, especially by Matt Walsh. His almost full-page editorial against vaccinating children from COVID was incredibly irresponsible. He is entitled to his opinion, but he should not be given that space to incorrectly influence parents and caregivers. There is too much disinformation and ignorance in the world, and his piece contributed to that.

According to the sign at the St. Armands garage, you can park TWO HOURS for ONE PENNY. Not a bad deal!

nnn There are three things that would improve the 41/Gulfstream roundabout under construction: One, for traffic heading south on U.S. 41 and exiting to the islands, put a yield sign just before vehicles go onto the Ringling bridge; three lanes of exiting traffic are merging onto the bridge’s two lanes, and

without a yield sign, there have been accidents.

Two, I was sitting in a long line of cars from U.S. 41 North exiting onto the islands. An ambulance approached from the rear for an accident at the start of the Ringling bridge (see #1 above). The cars in front of the ambulance had nowhere to go to let the ambulance pass because of concrete barriers on both sides of the exit lanes. So, the ambulance finally turned off its siren and lights, sat in the line of traffic for more than five minutes and finally could reach the accident scene.

Perhaps the traffic signals could be programmed so fire and police can temporarily operate the signals from their vehicles to keep traffic moving when necessary. I’ve seen this technology used elsewhere.

Three, finally, for traffic headed northbound to exit onto the islands, there’s a huge electronic sign at the Ringling Drive intersection that says “WRONG WAY DO NOT ENTER.” This warns northbound motorists to not enter the old U.S. 41 North lanes and instead jog left onto the new exit lanes. But the sign is pointed directly at these drivers, so most hesitate thinking they can’t really take the exit. There are already barriers up preventing drivers from going onto the old lanes, so the sign is probably not necessary, particularly if they’d add some blinking yellow lights at the existing barriers.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Life is full of gems — and boulders — that we experience every day. And in the Observer’s new column, Rants & Raves, we want to hear about both. But we need your help.

This column will be an open, anonymous community hub for comments where you can share what’s going great and also what you think is not so great. Want to give someone a shoutout for helping you change a tire in the rain? That would be a rave. Unhappy about the new traffic pattern to accommodate a roundabout in progress? That would be a rant — and probably a popular one, at that.

There are two ways to submit your rant or rave: Leave a message with whatever you want to say on our voicemail at 366-3468, ext. 798, or email us at RantsAndRaves@YourObserver.com.

We can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

nnn I believe we are all seeing the results of the County Commission’s approval of Siesta Promenade.

Traffic was backed up in all directions this weekend. Will they never listen?!?

nnn Please, remove your editorials.

There’s way too much editorializing in general, and we don’t need any more in the local paper. Make your paper more user friendly for EVERYONE.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

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City takes aim at regulating improperly anchored boats

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New rules are designed to ensure boaters maintain their vessels and use proper facilities for getting rid of sewage and other waste.

DAVID CONWAY

Pirate ships are wreaking havoc on Sarasota’s waters.

Or, at least what some residents are referring to as a “pirate mooring field” — boats that are improperly docked in Sarasota Bay near Marina Jack.

“We have derelict, abandoned, unregistered boats,” resident George Parker said. “These unregistered boats are three or four registrations, three or four owners behind what anybody knows about.”

The problem isn’t limited to the downtown bayfront area. Mike Sullivan, a resident of Harbor Acres, said drifting boats damaged docks and seawalls on the neighborhood’s waterfront because they weren’t moored correctly. Robert Biallas said he regularly saw boats anchor indefinitely near Harbor Acres, creating navigational hazards and never moving to dispose of their sewage.

“We cringe when we watch tourists walking on the sandbar ankledeep, knee-deep, jet skiing, paddleboarding in our backyard,” Biallas said. “I’m sure they’re not aware of the pollution in the water.”

On Monday, the City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance designed to improve the regulation of boats moored in local waters. The ordinance prohibits the anchoring of “live-aboard vessels, floating structures or commercial vessels” within city limits unless the boat is docked in a properly permitted mooring field.

The ordinance includes an exception for commercial fishing vessels.

During Monday’s meeting, offi-

File photo

cers with the Sarasota Police Department’s marine patrol unit affirmed the problems that residents detailed in their testimony to the commission. Officers said boats dumping raw sewage produced levels of fecal bacteria in water quality tests that were 30 times higher than random samples from elsewhere in the bay.

Commissioners questioned staff about the enforcement of any regulations related to problematic boats.

Commissioner Hagen Brody said he had some hesitations about making noncompliance a misdemeanor.

“If they don’t show up [to court) or take it seriously, then they have a warrant out for their arrest,” Brody said. “That’s a lot.”

Officer Mike Skinner said the police department would seek to educate boat owners prior to enforcing the regulations.

Mayor Erik Arroyo expressed hope the rules would make a difference.

“Make sure there’s follow-through and it’s not just another one of those ordinances that we don’t enforce,” he said. “It’s allowing one person, one person’s living situation to affect the environment and everyone else.”

Sarasota officials will encourage boaters to take advantage of waste disposal services offered at the mooring field near Marina Jack.

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Visitors to Unconditional Surrender will be able to read signage stating the sculpture represents the joy sparked by the end of World War II and serves as a tribute to the socalled Greatest Generation, but they won’t be told the kiss that inspired the artwork was not consensual.

The City Commission voted 3-2 on Monday to reject plans to draft language for an additional interpretive sign next to the bayfront sculpture “reflecting the social interpretation“ of the kiss. Although some members of the public have objected to the city’s display of Unconditional Surrender and criticized the artwork a depiction of sexual assault, a majority of the commission said they did not see a need to acknowledge the controversy surrounding the piece.

“If there was some reason to believe that was some kind of #MeToo moment, then fine,” Commissioner Hagen Brody said. “But that whole thing has been kind of promoted by people who just don’t like the statue.”

Unconditional Surrender is based on the V-J Day photo in Times Square, which shows sailor George Mendonsa kissing dental assistant Greta Zimmer Friedman in 1945. In a 2005 interview, Friedman said it was not her choice to be kissed and that Mendonsa grabbed her, which has become a source of criticism.

Friedman said the photo was “very symbolic of the end of a bad period.”

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File photo

was an assault but did not necessarily view it that way.”

In 2020, when the city agreed to retain ownership of Unconditional Surrender and keep it on the bayfront, the commission discussed creating additional signage to acknowledge the alternative interpretations.

Commissioner Liz Alpert said she supported adding a sign that stuck to the facts surrounding the artwork.

“I certainly agree that for me, when I see this, I see the joyous celebration of that day,” Alpert said. “But there are people who do see it differently, and my purpose in bringing this forward is to give the opportunity to at least present the facts.”

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch joined Alpert in supporting the signage, while Erik Arroyo and Kyle Battie voted with Brody. Although Arroyo initially said he did not object to the sign, he later said he believed the conversation was not the best use of commissioners’ time.

“It is going to be a slippery slope that opens up a can of worms, and I do not want to do that,” Arroyo said.

Ahearn-Koch said she believed the nature of the discussion was no reason to abandon it.

“We do have to have hard conversations,” she said. “I’m sorry this is one of them. Part of our job.”

The city held a rededication ceremony for Unconditional Surrender earlier this year after the artwork was moved to a new permanent location on the bayfront.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

FAM I LY

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

Above: Barbara Mazer sings while Rabbi Brenner Glickman leads attendees in movements.

Left: Irv and Doris Ross successfully light one of the menorahs.

Seaside Hanukkah for Temple Emanu-el

I

rv Ross dutifully guarded the menorah as Doris Ross worked to light one candle for each of the four nights of Hanukkah so far on Dec. 1. Fellow Temple Emanu-el members cheered the pair on, but try as they might, they only got a few moments of flame before the Gulf breeze blew it away. Even still, members of the temple enjoyed a different Hanukkah celebration.

The Lido beach event was just one of 10 Hanukkah events the Sarasota temple is putting on throughout the duration of the holiday, which started Nov. 28. There were about 40 people who headed down to the sand for the event, and Rabbi Elaine Glickman and Rabbi Brenner Glickman encouraged them to introduce themselves to

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someone they didn’t know.

It was the first year the temple has done a Hanukkah event on the beach, Glickman said, but due to the pleasant evening and strong turnout, it’s likely it will host another.

Barbara Mazer, who led the congregation in music at times during the pandemic, played several Hanukkah songs and got the whole crowd singing. As the sun started to sink below the horizon, and the fourth night began, the event’s hosts lit the three menorahs on the table. Much as friendly helpers tried to guard the flame of the shamash candle from the evening breeze, the candles stubbornly refused to light for very long.

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Courtesy photos

Above: The Zigzag House’s name comes from its iconic roofline, designed in the 1950s.

Left: The Zigzag House is located on Westway Drive in Lido Shores, between Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle.

Iconic 1950s Zigzag House for sale in Lido Shores Acclaimed Zigzag House is an authentic example of the style known as the Sarasota School of Architecture.

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ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

A

n iconic home with an unusual nickname and a heritage steeped in local architectural history is now on the market with an asking price of $3 million.

The Zigzag House, which refers to its distinctive roofline, was built in 1959 and underwent extensive renovations to bring back authentic features and install modern upgrades.

It is listed by Lisa Rooks of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s downtown Sarasota office.

The property, at 1332 Westway Drive, is in Lido Shores, not far from St. Armands Circle and Longboat Key. Just down the street on Westway Drive is the Umbrella House, another restored example of the design influ-

Not a learning institution but rather a style, the Sarasota School of Architecture is a series of design influences from around the early 1950s to the mid-1960s. It is characterized by open floor plans, large windows to facilitate natural light and ventilation, and geometric designs.

Ralph Twitchell is credited with developing the style that also influenced the designs of Sarasota-area landmarks including Sarasota High School, Riverview High School, the Umbrella House and the Siesta Key beach pavilion.

The Sarasota Architectural Foundation was created in 2003 to increase public education about the Sarasota School.

ences seen in the Zigzag House.

Designed by Ralph and Tollyn Twitchell during the area’s iconic mid-century modern movement, the home’s Sarasota School of

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The focal point is its sawtooth roofline, built to resemble contemporary warehouse designs.

After undergoing a series of renovations over the years, Seibert Architects undertook a project to return the home to its original open living plan.

Seibert’s work was recognized nationally in 2020 by the American Institute of Architects and American Registered Architects.

“This architectural masterpiece is a true work of art showcasing timeless charm and modern efficiency,” Rooks said in a prepared statement.

“The discerning buyer will appreciate its historical significance, contemporary appointments and desirable location just moments from St. Armands and downtown Sarasota.”

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The home offers four bedrooms that border an interior lanai space.

According to county tax records, Thomas R. Conklin purchased the property in 2004 for $1.08 million.

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The lights return

I

Photos by Harry Sayer

Sofia and Charley Elliott with Santa Claus.

Still though, the sight of the tree fully alight with children and families playing and posing makes it all come together for Soto.

“I’m really happy,” Soto said.

“When I see people gathered around (the tree) taking photos, it’s all worth it.”

Santa Claus himself returned to Sarasota to take photos with families at the Dec. 2 event.

The event featured another new addition: The Ring Sarasota hand bell community ensemble played relaxing Christmas music to go along with the lights and cheer.

t’s real work for Ron Soto and other organizers of Sarasota’s downtown Christmas Tree Lighting every year. Between organizing the event, installing the 40-foot tree in Selby Five Points Park and scheduling with various groups, it can be a lot to do for the president of the Downtown Enrichment Association.

Last year didn’t even have an event during the pandemic, with just Soto and then-Mayor Hagen Brody turning on the lights themselves. This year had even more trouble: A vandal cut the tree wires, though they were repaired in time for the celebration.

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HIGH

SPORTS

5

GO,

“Every time you do something big, everyone gets loud. It never gets old.”

— Cardinal Mooney High’s Dylan Higgins SEE PAGE 19

GO,

The Cougars are 5-0 after a big win against The Out-ofDoor Academy on Tuesday.

RYAN KOHN

GO

SPORTS REPORTER

A

1

Cardinal Mooney High junior Jordyn Byrd had 20 points and 23 rebounds Dec. 7 in the Cougars’ 70-49 girls basketball win on the road against the Academy of the Holy Names. Byrd, who also plays volleyball, finished second in the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 3A Volleyball Player of the Year vote on Dec. 3.

2

Riverview High junior Jason Jackson scored 23 points Dec. 7 in the Rams’ 61-50 boys basketball victory on the road against North Port High.

s is the custom, Cardinal Mooney boys basketball Coach Vince Cherry and Out-of-Door Academy boys basketball Coach B.J. Ivey went through the handshake line after their teams battled Dec. 7, a game that ended with Cherry’s team the winner, 75-41.

It was all routine, like the two men had never met and would never meet again.

But a few minutes later, both emerged from the locker room with a different tone. This time, nothing about the embrace was subdued.

Both coaches laughed and smiled as Ivey, Cherry’s former coach at Riverview High, congratulated his protege on the big win.

It was a sign of the caliber of job Cherry has done since taking over the Mooney job this offseason. Cardinal Mooney is 5-0 as of Dec. 8.

None of their wins has been by fewer than 18 points. On Dec. 6, the Class 3A Cougars beat Braden River High, a Class 6A team, by 44, 72-28.

This, from a program that went 7-13 in 2020.

“The biggest thing has been the kids buying in,” Cherry said after the ODA game. “They have not just accepted their roles but embraced them. That’s what I have been trying to preach. This is a team game.

It’s not about individuals.”

To that end, Cherry has figured out how to use the myriad talents that Mooney has to great effect.

The Cougars are perhaps the deepest team in the area. Against ODA, eight players scored, four of them in double-figures. Sophomore Dylan Higgins led the way with 19. Against Braden River, nine players scored, and senior A.J. Russo led the team with 18. Against Sarasota Christian on Nov. 30, a 72-39 win, it was junior Drew Carter who led the way with 15.

Sophomore Connor Heald was second with 14. When a team has that many ways to get the ball in the basket, it becomes a challenge to guard, no matter the opponent.

Higgins said the team’s confidence comes from its on-court chemistry.

“I know our team, and we are going

3

Riverview High junior Sami Slusarek scored 15 points Dec. 7 in the Rams’ 71-32 girls basketball victory at Sarasota High.

4

Cardinal Mooney High hired Lisa Kotasek as its softball coach Dec. 2.

Kotasek was an assistant coach on the team.

5

Sarasota High senior Presley Gaberseck scored two goals Dec. 3 in the Sailors’ 3-3 girls soccer victory at home with Gulf Coast High.

BRICK WALL. PAGE 18

Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball Coach Vince Cherry looks at the scoreboard against ODA.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

to stick together, even if we have some rough times (in the future),” Higgins said.

The Cougars’ commitment to the program and each other started in the fall, Cherry said. The program had between 25 and 30 roster hopefuls coming to workouts every day, Cherry said, which was an encouraging sign that interest in the program was real. And they weren’t simply showing up; there was work being done. All of those players are now either on the varsity or junior varsity rosters — and Cherry is quick to point out how valuable the junior varsity team (which is 4-1 as of Dec. 8) is to the overall program when a new coach arrives. That is where depth is built for the long run.

To have it now, enough to push the varsity players into having great preseason practices and workouts, was a blessing.

Cherry said the team’s future success will hinge on the Cougars continuing to be as team-oriented as they have been through the season’s first few weeks — though that doesn’t mean no individual player has surprised him. One is sophomore guard/forward Franklin Liriano, who has done a lot of little things for the Cougars that add up to a large impact.

Against ODA, Liriano had 7 points, but he also played defense with the stickiness of a Venus’ flytrap.

Still, Cherry is wary of the road ahead.

“We cannot be satisfied,” Cherry said. “We cannot get complacent.

Yeah, we have started off hot. That’s great. But that can’t be all. I’m not satisfied with our play. I think we have a lot of room to improve.”

The Cougars have games against

Bradenton Christian, Sarasota High and Venice High before 2021 ends, then the schedule ramps up in January with games against perennially strong programs, such as Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High, Riverview High and Booker High. The game against the Class 8A Rams will be an especially intriguing test for the Cougars. If there’s one thing the Cougars lack, it’s team length. The Cougars are fast and skilled but relatively on the smaller side, save 6-foot-6 senior forward Peter Liashek.

It is possible that the Cougars are good enough for that to not matter.

But if nothing else, the way they play the game — aggressive yet efficient — is a treat.

“I think we’re real fun to watch,” Cherry said. “We’re picking up full court (defense). We’re playing fast, getting up and down the court on offense. We even have had a few highlight dunks so far. It’s been good, so come on out and watch us.”

The lights in the Mooney gym were going down, so the team’s basking in the postgame glow couldn’t last forever. Neither could Cherry’s catchup with Ivey. That didn’t make it any less special for the man who beat his mentor.

Cherry said he’s excited about every moment of the team’s hot start — but that yes, the game against ODA and Ivey was a little different.

“It was real fun,” Cherry said with a smile. “When you look over and see your (former) coach on the other sideline, that’s pretty amazing. It was nice to get the win.”

Cardinal Mooney sophomore Franklin Liriano scores on a layup against ODA.

IF YOU GO

What: Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball (5-0) vs.

Bradenton Christian (5-0) When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Cardinal Mooney High Why: The game is a chance to see if the Cougars can keep up their hot streak against an equally hot opponent.

Cougars player to watch: Sophomore Franklin Liriano, who does a bit of everything for the Cougars Panthers player to watch: Sophomore Jaden Baker, who is averaging 18 points per game

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Ryan Kohn

Riverview senior midfielder Luke Spycher clears the ball down the field.

Impenetrable Riverview has conceded just one goal this season and it came on a penalty kick.

“T

here’s not enough scoring in soccer. It’s boring.”

We’ve all heard this excuse used by some Americans as justification to ignore the Beautiful Game.

But set aside for a moment the wrong-headed notion that scoring is the be-all, end-all of sports entertainment and understand the criticism of soccer scoring isn’t even warranted.

Well, maybe in the Premier League it is, but there are plenty of leagues where scoring happens in bunches,

including my personal favorite, the Bundesliga, Germany’s high-octane soccer league that last weekend featured games ending 6-0 and 7-1 and had four other teams score three goals. I even attended a Tampa Bay Rowdies playoff game a few weeks ago that ended in utter chaos; the Rowdies scored twice in the final minutes to tie Louisville City before winning in overtime.

In fact, scoring in a sport like football is mainly an illusion, anyway. A 28-21 football game is exciting, right?

Well, that’s a 4-3 soccer match.

Some people just refuse to give the sport a chance, so they fall back on reasoning that never held water in the first place. What I’m trying to say is that soccer can be a whole lot of fun and feature plenty of scoring.

That is, unless the 2021 Riverview

High boys soccer team is involved.

The Rams do score, but their opponents likely will not.

Riverview is 8-0-2 on the season.

You can count the number of goals the Rams have allowed on one hard.

And, you know what, you can go ahead and put four of those fingers down.

The Rams have allowed one — one! — goal through 10 games, and that goal came on a penalty kick Nov. 8 against Manatee High.

If you’re only counting goals during play, the goals the defense is responsible for, the Rams defenders and goalies have kept an entirely clean sheet.

It’s an astounding feat, and people are taking notice. As of Dec. 8, MaxPreps ranks the team 25th nationally and 14th in Florida (fourth in Class

7A). It would be impressive no matter the level of competition the Rams are facing, but a Dec. 2 game against Lakewood Ranch High — ranked 18th nationally and ninth in Florida (second in Class 7A) — proved that the Rams are not paper tigers. The Mustangs entered the game averaging 4.4 goals a game. Riverview shut them down.

Now, the Rams weren’t able to score on them, either, and had to settle for a 0-0 tie, but still: The defense withstood the stress test, so to speak.

That is a quite positive sign for the team’s prospects.

“Our communication is really good right now,” junior fullback Jack Bates said. “We all work well together. I’ve played with our right back Mateo (Rizzo, junior) for a long time. I’ve played with our center back Davi (Stefenoni, senior) for a long time. We all know how the others play. We work hard for each other, and we understand as a team that defense comes first for us. Our job is to make sure we’re never conceding (goals). It’s simple. It all comes down to that.”

In case anyone reading this is thinking, “OK, THAT much defense can’t be fun to watch, can it?” I respectfully disagree. The Rams play defense with precision. They attack loose balls with lightning speed and have the ball cleared down the field, or on the foot of a teammate going for goal, nearly as fast. It’s impressive in the same way watching a well-oiled machine is impressive: in its neverwavering efficiency.

Bates said the team’s streak of stingy play is not taboo to talk about during practice. The team can and does acknowledge how dominant it has been defensively. In fact, they take a moment after every match to celebrate another job well done. If that pesky penalty kick can stand as the only goal the Rams give up this season, then they’ll be satisfied.

They’re ready to knock away every ball that enters their zone until that day comes.

Rams Coach Ed Stroop had a feeling this team had a chance to be special. The Rams went 17-5 in 2020 and reached the regional quarterfinals last season before losing 4-1

to Plant High (the state’s eventual runner-up). It was a solid group that found its footing after a few earlyseason stumbles. It also had a lot of returnees who, with another year of experience, have now taken things to a new level.

“Sometimes a team just gels,” Stroop said. “They have a good culture. They’re following the structure we have in place, they’re being coachable, and they’re good technical players.”

Stroop said the focus on defense was intentional from the start because that’s where the team had the most experience. Now that the season has approximately reached its midpoint, the team is beginning to work on its offense. After all, it’s difficult to win if you don’t get at least a few goals yourself.

Against Cardinal Mooney High on Dec. 8, the Rams saw those offensive plans executed. Riverview beat the Cougars 7-0.

Another tough test awaits the Rams defense on Friday when the team hosts Venice High at 7 p.m.

Venice is 4-0-2 and no pushover.

Remember how I said Gulf Coast High won the Class 7A state title last year? The Indians tied them 1-1 to begin the season. They’re capable of high-level play, and the Rams will have to be on their A-game to make sure their defensive run stays alive.

If I had to guess, I’d say it will, likely for a while. Stroop said every year he has his team read a book on leadership to instill those qualities in his players. This year the team is reading “The Magic of Thinking Big”

by David J. Schwartz. I know it’s had an influence because, after watching them play and talking to them, I’m confident the Rams believe they can achieve everything they want.

It’s difficult to argue with them when they produce results like this.

Ryan Kohn is the sports writer for the Sarasota Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

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YourObserver.com

What is the appeal of basketball to you?

I love the crowd and how it gets hype. Every time you do something big, everyone gets loud. It never gets old.

What is your best skill?

It’s my outside shooting. That’s something my dad (Brent Higgins) and I worked on outside a lot, and it paid off.

Do you have a favorite basketball memory?

Not really, honestly. I like it all. I just have fun playing the game.

Which Mooney player should fans watch for this season?

People should watch for Teddy (Foster, sophomore point guard).

What are your goals this season?

We want to win our district tournament and go as far as we can after that.

What is your favorite food?

Pasta. I like all kinds of pasta.

What is your favorite TV show?

I really like watching “Outer Banks” on Netflix.

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I play a lot of video games. I’ve mostly been playing Fortnite recently.

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Finish this sentence: “Dylan Higgins is …”

A jokester. I think that’s what my teammates would say.

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Sandy Claws 5K & 1-Mile fun run: Sat., Dec. 11th SARASOTA PARKS & RECREATION 367971-1

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing in third grade. My brother (Logan Higgins) had started playing basketball, and I wanted to be like him.

He can do pretty much everything.

Some people think he can only drive to the basket, but that’s not true. He can shoot.

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Dylan Higgins is a sophomore on the Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team. Higgins scored 19 points Dec. 7 in the Cougars’ 75-41 home win against The Out-of-Door Academy.

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Dylan Higgins

SARASOTA OBSERVER

https://stores.newbalance.com/sarasota

19

Classifieds 31 Games 30 Real Estate 27 Weather 30

DECEMBER 9, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS Kalina Ernst, Andrew Taylor, Olivia Thayer and Gabriella Stafford with Girl Scout Troop 254

Photos by Harry Sayer

Booker High band members Kaley Maze, Clayton Rusnak and Angel Guzman

DOWNTOWN PARADE DRAWS THOUSANDS L

The Observer float blows snow to cheering families as it passes by.

Paradegoers line up on Main Street to welcome Santa.

‘‘

ast year’s holiday season was a quieter affair, with no Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade drawing multitudes of locals and visitors alike to the area for some cheer.

This year was different. Tens of thousands gathered in downtown Sarasota for the 25th annual holiday parade Dec. 4.

The parade’s silver anniversary demanded a “Silver Bells” theme featuring nearly 4,000 participants.

School marching bands and cheer groups put on performances while countless dance groups twirled to carefully planned Christmas choreographs.

Parade organizer Danny Bilyeu typically starts working on the next parade as soon as the current show ends, but he got to work in June this year because of the uncertainties of COVID-19.

He said that although the number of parade participants was smaller this year, he felt quality trumped quantity.

“We had a good quality show tonight,” Bilyeu said. “It’s always nice after it’s over, but (our participants) shined this year.”

After a year away, Mark Welicki made his return as the official Santa Claus anchoring the downtown parade. Being back in the jolly red suit gave Welicki a rush, and he said he felt like a rock star.

Both he and Bilyeu felt there were more kids this year, all cheering along with their families at the sight of Santa Claus.

“You have to love these kids,” Welicki said. “They fill your heart up. It makes my heart feel good, being at 200 years old.”

The Best in Show award was presented to the Dark Side comics cosplay group, which had a number of costumed characters from Batman to Storm Troopers giving their looks a Christmas twist and acting it up for the kids in the audience.

Wyatt, Jacque and Mason Bishop

— HARRY SAYER

Santa Claus waves to cheering fans.

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Volunteers passed out cookies while children and adults alike delighted in the “snow” machines covering the street in snowflakes.

Joseph Grano, the president of marketing and communications company Next-Mark, welcomed attendees to the event alongside City Commissioner Hagen Brody and Downtown Improvement District board member Chris Voelker.

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The fifth annual festival again brought the seafood, with several tents and vendors cooking up shrimp, fish, clams and all sorts of other dishes made from Florida Gulf Coast materials for a crowd that wandered in and out of the space.

A number of art tents were also on hand where crafters and creatives sold paintings, sharks teeth, glass sculptures and other inspired designs, The weekend event had a number of musical acts of varying genres including Kettle of Fish, Gas House Gorillas, Prodigal Sons, Have Gun Will Travel and Sean Chambers.

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SIESTA KEY 6342 Midnight Pass Road 112 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,352 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4518923 $2,125,000

HOLMES BEACH 4003 5th Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,200 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4514159 $1,585,000

SIESTA KEY 1001 Point Of Rocks Road 411 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,370 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4517478 $1,575,000

SIESTA KEY 4910 Commonwealth Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,210 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4512691 $1,500,000

SIESTA KEY 5533 Cape Aqua Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,302 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4517797 $1,395,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7003 Lancaster Court 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,439 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4515333 $1,299,000

VENICE 2602 Firetree Lane 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,196 Sq. Ft. Dawn Durell 941-202-8922 N6118056 $1,000,000

VENICE 4700 Forbes Trail 4 Beds 2 Baths 2,000 Sq. Ft. Peter Mann 941-914-5657 N6118561 $880,000

SARASOTA 4530 Murcia Boulevard 14 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,187 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson 941-404-9347 A4512618 $879,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4518888 $850,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14508 Stirling Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,419 Sq. Ft. Bruce A Meyer, PA 941-266-8152 A4518375 $845,000

SARASOTA 800 N Tamiami Trail 1208 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,484 Sq. Ft. Pam Sweeney & Maureen Doherty 941-266-9622 A4517312 $775,000

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SARASOTA 100 Central Avenue C521 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,114 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4517669 $629,000

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SARASOTA 2912 Pinecrest Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,571 Sq. Ft. Emily Evans 941-920-8787 A4518351 $475,000

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26

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Home on Siesta Drive sells for $6.28 million

A

home in Bay Island Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Patrick and Shirley Wulf, of Sarasota, sold their home at 880 Siesta Drive to Jimmy Mooney and Tory Rutledge Mooney, of Sarasota, for $6.28 million. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,436 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2014.

The Jewel Alexander and Kathleen Hahn, of Naples, sold their Unit 401 condominium at 1301 Main St. to Wayne and Grace Rickert, of Bradenton, for $3.8 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,040 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.59 million in 2016.

PALMER RANCH Courtesy photo

Built in 1997, 880 Siesta Drive has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,436 square feet of living area.

ESPLANADE BY SIESTA KEY Joseph and Patricia Crocker, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 5839 Cavano Drive to Bette and David Gray, of Sarasota, for $650,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,886 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,200 in 2014.

BAY PLAZA Joseph McCaffrey, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, sold his Unit 505 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Richard Glenn Swanson, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, for $1.1 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,656 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2020.

Mary Smith, trustee, of Columbus, Ohio, sold the home at 8288 Varenna Drive to Yuan Liu and David Lee Gerhold, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, for $580,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,639 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2017.

HANSEN Frank Dewane, as bishop of the Diocese of Venice, and the St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church sold the home at 1625 Hansen St. to HB Land Holdings II LLC for $1 million.

Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 1,099 square feet of living area.

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS RESIDENCES Parviz Daneshjoo, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 11B condominium at 50 Central Ave. to Jing and Zhihong Liu, of Sarasota, for $999,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,671 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2013.

COLONIAL TERRACE Aaron and Judy Mattes, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2932 Lexington St. to 2932 Lexington LLC for $800,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,005 square feet of living area.

NOV. 22-26

SARASOTA

SARASOTA

LA LINDA TERRACE MDT Cedars West 205 LLC sold the home at 2201 Hawthorne St. to Stephanie and Adam Sager, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, for $1.15 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,346 square feet of living area.

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

CEDAR COVE ESTATES Debra Taraghi, of Parker, Colorado, sold her home at 1910 Baywood Terrace to Erik and Jacquelyn Langfeldt, of Sarasota, for $640,000.

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,790 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2014.

Susan and Michael Ragan, trustees, of Duluth, Georgia, sold the home at 3715 S. Lockwood Ridge Road to Brian Tresidder and Sarah Kalien Tresidder, of Sarasota, for $456,500. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,035 square feet of living area.

Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch Hong Mei Lu, of La Quinta, California, sold the home at 5729 Hydrangea Circle to Antoine and Carrie Ransom, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, for $1.15 million. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,918 square feet of living area. It sold for $569,800 in 2016.

27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

REAL ESTATE

ADAM HUGHES

|

OSPREY

Oaks II Patrick DeMouth, trustee, of Clive, Iowa, sold the home at 490 E. Mac Ewen Drive to Paul and Rhonda Petr, of Osprey, for $1.19 million.

Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2018.

NOKOMIS

Casey Key Mark and Pamela Heuberger, of Belgrade Lakes, Michigan, sold their home at 3708 Sandspur Lane to Barbara Lindemann, trustee, of Osprey, for $1.47 million. Built in 1943, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,616 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2013.

GULF GATE WOODS Leslie Gray, of Sarasota, sold her home at 7348 Biltmore Drive to Nikola Erich and Natalia Eric, of Sarasota, for $434,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,836 square feet of living area.

PHILLIPPI GARDENS Richard and Sylvia Elwyn, of Ashville, North Carolina, sold their home at 2500 Britannia Drive

PHILLIPPI LANDINGS Allan Vance Straughan and Eileen Straughan, trustees, of Pasadena, Maryland, sold the Unit 504 condominium at 5531 Cannes Circle to Virgilio Perez Y Perez and Sirkka Perez, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,706 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2019.

SOUTH GATE Richard and Logan Stern sold their home at 2619 Webber St. to Marrianne and Anthony Mongillo, of Sarasota, for $467,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,715 square feet of living area. It sold for $327,500 in 2018.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 28

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

SALES GALLERY NOW OPEN

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Nov. 22-26, in order of dollar amounts.

Downtown St. Petersburg

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

2524 Hawthorne St.

Pool /Spa/Deck

Noel Pence

$70,000

2350 Hyde Park St.

Pool

Brian Reick

$68,627

3738 Chapel Drive

Alterations

Philip Klotz

$67,000

464 Golden Gate Point #804 Alterations

Also Zucaro, trustee

$50,000

1904 Hyde Park St.

Generator

Gloria Rigopulos, trustee $27,098

4811 Bay Shore Road

Alterations

Matthew Du Donis

$22,946

2100 McClellan Parkway

Repair

Marion Marable-Almy

$20,400

1741 Oval Drive

Generator

Dennis Jesse

$19,972

824 Highland St.

Re-roof

Diana Reed

$18,750

850 S. Tamiami Trail #805

Alterations

Cecily Sharp-Whitehill

$16,917

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Permit Applicant Amount

900 Contento Circle

Seawall/Dock

David Gallatin

4323 Iola Drive

Pool/Deck

Joshua Sanchez

$65,385

7500 Midnight Pass Road

Pool/Deck

Ronald Bernstein

$60,000

7522 Midnight Pass Road

Re-roof

Robert Miller

$50,995

3906 Prairie Dunes Drive

Windows/Doors

Darrin Wilkinson

$49,739

5204 Siesta Cove Drive

Re-roof

Geoffrey Pflugner

$49,250

433 S. Casey Key Road

Windows/Doors

Daniel Johnston

$47,500

5110 Hanging Moss Lane

Re-roof

Jackie Hilston

$38,400

824 Idlewild Way

Remodel

Michael Everly

$37,255

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com

MOVE IN FALL 2022

Downtown Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

$183,720

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of November 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

357319-1

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

28

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

Real estate

Lakefront in Gulf Gate Area J

LI UST

STE

D

FROM PAGE 27

to Susan Elwyn, of Sarasota, for $411,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,843 square feet of living area. It sold for $87,000 in 2008.

SARASOTA VENICE CO. Katarzyna Szurant sold her home at 4454 Lords Drive to SFR Acquisitions 1 LLC for $400,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. It sold for $146,000 in 2014.

3366 Mayflower Street · Turnkey, Lakefront property in Gulf Gate Area · Enjoy the peaceful lake setting while watching the wildlife from your enclosed lanai · 2 Bedrooms with large closets, 2 Bath, 1 Car garage

· Located just minutes from all desired destinations such as Gulf Gate restaurants, shopping plazas, Siesta Key and Cultural Downtown. · Easy access to Tamiami Trail & I-75.

MLS#A4519486 $359,000

SIESTA KEY OCEAN BEACH Solorzano Homes LLC sold the home at 513 Givens St. to Walter Richards, of Costa Mesa, California, for $1.04 million. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,126 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2017.

Perfect Siesta Key Home or Investment Opportunity SE CLO

D

SARASOTA BEACH 368 Kanal Cesta LLC sold the home at 368 Canal Road to D Balot Investments LLC for $1.03 million.

Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 4,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $937,500 in 2016.

5045 Midnight Pass Road

• 4BR,3BA, heated pool • Turnkey furnished ready to move right in • Great location! Short bike ride to Siesta Key Beach and The Village

• Rental income already booked through April 2022 • Centrally located. Easy access to the mainland

CASARINA Lawrence Cohen, trustee, of Columbia, Maryland, sold the Unit 904 condominium at 5880 Midnight Pass Road to Thomas and Patricia Keckeis, of Cincinnati, for $950,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,498 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 1983.

from both North Bridge and Stickney Point Bridge

MLS #A4504082 $1,299,000

364268-1

Voted Sarasota Magazine’s Five Star Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” 14 Years in a Row Coldwell Banker - International President’s Premier Agent

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

364066-1

#1 Agent in the Siesta Key Office for 29 years!

HARBOUR TOWNE Alan and Julia Palmer, of Essex, England, sold their Unit 111 condominium at 1253 Dockside Place to Andre Marc Aube and Mary Elizabeth Aube, of Overland, Park, Kansas, for $800,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,307 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2016.

cell: 201-233-1959 office: 941-349-2922 Jackie@JackieEberley.com Coldwell Banker Realty Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

Give the Gift of an

Observer Newsie Membership

season with a Newsie Give the gift this holiday etown newspaper! membership to your hom , not only will With a Newsie gift membership mission of you be helping us continue our rnalism here, providing independent local jou be giving an in your neighborhood, but you’ll awesome present as well. email with a The gift recipient will receive an nts will receive link to activate their gift. Recipie a Newsie membership all the perks that go along with ers and networking events, including access to exclusive mix opportunities! plus many more member-only

1-366-3468 JOIN TODAY, CALL 94 ERVER.COM OR NEWSIES@YOUROBS

er.com/newsies Questions? Visit YourObserv ys will be. *Don’t worry - we’re still free and alwa

Join The Neighborhood

5

$ /mo.

369151-1

Or $50 year

POINT OF ROCKS BEACH Lytle Clyo Land Ltd. sold the Unit 1 condominium at 1031 Point of Rocks Road to Leon and Carolyn Nguyen, of Jersey Village, Texas, for $766,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,257 square feet of living area.

It sold for $497,500 in 2020.

PALMER RANCH TURTLE ROCK OP SPE TPA1 LLC sold the home at 4819 Sweetmeadow Circle to Michael Jaye Long and Lori Ann Long, of Sarasota, for $720,900.

Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in August.

ISLES OF SARASOTA Robert and Brenda Mazzone, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1538 Dorgali Drive to Nancy Meade Gray, of Menlo Park, California, for $537,500. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,764 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2017.

THE COUNTRY CLUB OF SARASOTA David Strattard, of Sarasota, sold his home at 3942 Spyglass Hill Road to Gregory Metzger II and Annie Bernstein, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,128 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in January.

HAMMOCK PRESERVE DiVosta Homes LP sold the home at 12406 Wood Fern Court to Robert and Brenda Mazzone, of Sarasota, for $480,300. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,897 square feet of living area.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

29

YOUR CALENDAR File photo

BEST BET SATURDAY, DEC. 11

SARASOTA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 6 p.m. at Marina Jack Yacht Basin, 2 Marina Plaza. The boat parade makes its return to the water with hundreds of visitors watching from the bayfront area.

Free. For information, call 365-4232.

SOUTHSIDE HOLIDAY STROLL & ARTWALK 10 a.m. at Southside Village. Businesses will have holiday decor and treats for visitors as well as appearances from Santa Claus, an ice slide, a rock climbing wall and more. Free.

For information, call 953-2929.

SANDY CLAWS 5K BEACH RUN 8 a.m. at Siesta Key, 948 Beach Road. This tropical holiday tradition will have runners giving it their all on Siesta Key Beach. $35. For information, call 861-5000.

SARASOTA BALLET NUTCRACKER FEST 9 a.m. at Downtown Sarasota Rosemary Studios. The second annual festival has Sarasota Ballet School dancers putting on performances from “The Nutcracker” and more every 20 minutes outside the studio.

Free. For information, call 225-6525.

Call 941-302-5420 or email MarketingDirector@DiscoverSarabella.com

SELBY LIGHTS IN BLOOM Early entry at 5 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Thousands upon thousands of lights will again light up the downtown Selby campus for the annual show running through Jan. 1. $25; early tickets $35. Call 366-5731.

See for yourself why Sarabella Senior Living is more than just a home.

TUESDAY, DEC. 14

YOGA BY THE BAY WITH ERIN 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive. Erin Hurter leads a weekly yoga session. Free. Visit Facebook.com/YogaByTheBayWithErin.

Open 7 days a week • Call to Tour Birthday Month Free

THURSDAY, DEC. 16

HOLIDAY SPLENDOR 5:30 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road. Food and drinks will be available, and local schools will be putting on musical productions during the annual initiative to collect toys for U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. $15 or free with unwrapped toy per person. For information, call 359-5700.

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory

5650 Gantt Road • Sarasota, FL ALF License #13578

DiscoverSaraBella.com

367394-1

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

Your home has never been worth more

1

NEW

SOLD

The Florida Gulf Coast Luxury Leader

No.

Siesta Key’s Top Selling REALTOR*

SELLER | $4.5M LP

-Chris & Megan Powers, Siesta Key

No.

PENDING

“Judie is among Siesta Key’s very special treasures.”

2

405 BEACH RD | $4.25M

SUCCESS STORIES

Sotheby’s International Realty® Affiliate in The World*

No.

REAL Trends Small Team

by Sales Volume in Sarasota*

3 DAYS | 5536 CONTENTO DR | $1.795M

PENDING

SOLD

BUYER | $2.8 LP

4

Our 2021 Sarasota-Manatee Market Update at jb.media/2021Q3

2 DAYS | 5628 CAPE LEYTE DR | $1.5M

*Numbers and ranking based on MLS data, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty reporting and REAL Trends 2020 data as of 9/30/2021.

Who you work with matters ®

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR SINCE 2005 23 Years Selling Sarasota’s Luxury Real Estate $133 Million Pending & Sold in 2021

Ranked in the Top 1.5% in the USA | #58 in Florida out of 200,000+ Realtors

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.

369284-1

941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com | www.homesofsarasota.com |

30

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 9 High: 81 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 High: 83 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 13%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 9 7:07a 5:35p Friday, Dec. 10

7:08a

5:36p

Saturday, Dec. 11

7:08a

5:36p

Sunday, Dec. 12

7:09a

5:36p

Monday, Dec. 13

7:10a

5:37p

Tuesday, Dec. 14

7:10a

5:37p

Wednesday, Dec. 15

7:11a

5:37p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 High: 83 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 9%

SUNDAY, DEC. 12 High: 81 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 24% Lynn Walters captured this photo of Sarasota Bay from The Ringling Ca’d’Zan

Jan. 2 New

Jan. 9 First

Jan. 17 Full

Jan. 25 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Nov. 29

0

Tuesday, Nov. 30

0

Wednesday, Dec. 1

0

Thursday, Dec. 2

0

Friday, Dec. 3

0

Saturday, Dec. 4

0

Sunday, Dec. 5

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2021 45.79 in.

2020 55.92 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2021 0 in.

2020 0.43 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

IN THE MIDDLE OF by Gary Larson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin quinceanera, e.g.

57 “Piece of cake!”

58 Dart 60 Partiality 61 Thrift store caveat 64 Novelist Jesmyn 65 Toothbrush brand 66 McDonald’s fixtures DOWN 67 Sound from a leaky 1 Denver winter hours faucet (Abbr.)

68 Follower of an Afrocen2 Post-E.R. place, maybe tric religion 3 Respectful title 69 Employee with a Civic 4 Gives temporarily duty, perhaps?

5 Pot growers?

70 Line spoken to the 6 Legendary person audience 7 “Certainly,” for short 71 “Farewell, you pesky 8 Rats with red eyes little insect!”?

9 Deodorant type 75 Evil spirits 10 Furniture giant 76 Philly’s NFL team 11 Big commotion about a 78 “If I Only Had a Heart” ‘70s dance fad? singer 12 Last letter in Canada? 79 Digging plants with 13 Picked from a lineup, fronds? briefly 80 Altoids and others 14 Culturally forbidden 81 Famous ___ cookies 15 “This is a tough call” 82 Yellow flag tosser 16 Barrier around a 83 Places to park barbecue area?

85 Event with lightning, 17 Moisturizer ingredient often 18 Seats for kitties, 86 Share with, like a story sometimes 89 “I’ve finally got it!”

24 Phone notifications 90 Puts another way 29 Hilary of “Fatale” 92 Blue cartoon char31 Fanatical enthusiast acters 32 Paged 94 Trivial 33 Builds on 97 Took without asking 34 Shoestrings 100 Large-scale 36 Psychedelic drug 101 Choose to join 38 Some TomboyX gar102 Home with multiple ments layers?

39 Like Old Mother Hub- 103 Part of a train track bard’s cupboard 104 Ragout or maafe, e.g.

41 Video game inspired by 106 Stink to high heaven pentomino puzzles 107 Guitar accessory 43 Jazz pianist Art 110 Japanese honorific 44 Take in 112 Kin, for short 46 Santa’s reindeer, e.g. 113 Siri runs on it 47 Rival 114 Catan resource 49 Cause to stir 115 Petty criticism 52 Small change?

53 “Solve for x” subject 55 Seijin no Hi or 119 Based on theoretical deduction 120 Paper towel layer 121 Stitched together 122 The ___ the limit 123 When a night light goes out?

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

35 Bird often depicted 1 Placed in the wrong spot with Athena 37 Creme-filled cookie 8 Bone-dry 38 Comfy spot to eat 12 Pasta that’s often breakfast baked 39 Tycoon 16 Chum 40 Observe Ramadan 19 Word before “fair” or 42 1990s commerce pact “museum” 45 Overhaul an almanac?

20 Thor’s brother 48 Beneath 21 Dutch cheese 50 Pencil filler 22 Arroz ___ cubana 51 Test results that might 23 Look for guidance in earn college credits the works of Aesop?

25 What an IOU signifies 52 “The ___ of Amontillado” 26 Blouse or cami, e.g.

54 Blue Jays’ home 27 Lion’s home 56 Small sofas 28 Purple flowers 57 Seals’ rhyming prey 30 Special things 58 Dessert that often has 32 Big Mouth Billy ___ melon 34 TV host Jay 59 Buck’s mate

60 Sudden loud sound 61 Top-tier celebs 62 First-aid pro 63 Rough-and-ready nun?

69 Sucky appliance, for short?

72 Large collection 73 Person in a queue, maybe 74 Mature 77 Smokers’ receptacles 79 Pigmented eye part 80 High-ranking officer 84 Sit unused 85 ___, Crackle and Pop 86 “Let’s get a move on!”

87 Biblical garden 88 Benjamin of “Law & Order” 90 Seismology concern around a Nevada gam-

bling city?

91 Glossary items 93 “Get outta here!”

94 Bombards 95 Guitar maker Paul 96 Pet food brand 98 “I want my bone now!”

99 Punching tools 100 Poet and filmmaker Thylias 102 Bakery hybrids 105 Red wine grape 107 Toothpaste tube top 108 Dunderhead 109 Becomes putrid 111 Fashion group into vintage clothing?

116 OPEC’s concern 117 Bug biting a dog 118 Velma from “ScoobyDoo,” e.g.

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“X NPFS OXNVMKTSS! X’O DPXRD WP ZS XR OXNVMKTSS 20 ASMEI! X’NN ZS CSES IP NPRD, WCSA’NN ZS IXYT PG OS!”

– DXMRRXI MRWSWPTPKROHP

“CTP CYLKD NI DGI WTAYLCI KTD DT CVBI AU EGLD V DGVKM VH YVCGD IBIK DGTACG V DGVKM VD VH GTUIXIHH.” – LPNVYLX WGIHDIY E. KVNVDS “K PACYF OJXEF KE JWG OJSGGJ XEF OKEU XEF UGJ GEACUW JA LXT JWG NKYYO. K FAE’J EGGF DKYYKAEO AH FAYYXSO.”

– OKEGXF A’PAEEAS

Puzzle Three Clue: T equals Y

crossword

349249-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue H equals K

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue V equals W

CARPET

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-9-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

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

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

2BR/2BA CONDO

Professional Gardener Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

Tomlarsen559@gmail.com farmgirlfarmboyorganics.com 941-357-7750 business or 678-755-3804 cell

DIRECT OCEAN-FRONT SIESTA KEY Rare Winter Availability January 1-15, 2022 8th floor, spacious, best views, 30 ft lanai, fine furnishings, many amenities, covered parking.

By Owner: oceanfrontsiesta.com ANN: (407) 227-6817

SELL STUFF HERE!

Faberware 12-36 coffee urn $25, Kitchenaid mixer with attachments $35, Cuisinart deluxe food processor $50. 941-926-2764 SNOW GLOBE large sarasota plays “ Here Comes the Sun”, $20. Lockbox, fireproof, 13”x 8” x 7” with key, $15. 941-741-9727 STAR WARS Chewbacca mugs.

2013, in box. As seen on Big Bang Theory. $5 (941) 966-6816 WHIRLPOOL DRYER, works great. $50 (941)374-5954

Announcements

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

HIRING SALES Associates to start ASAP. Stunning locations in Sarasota (941-388-3535) and Longboat (941-259-4612) Call HIRING Key SALES Associates to our retail locations directly for start ASAP. Stunning locations details. Apply online at shore-in Sarasota (941-388-3535) and brand.com/pages/apply-online

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

YourObserver.com/RedPages BRASS LAMPS two wall lamps, one ceiling lamp $200 (941) 993-3843

SELL IT FAST HERE!

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Longboat Key (941-259-4612) Call our retail locations directly for details. Apply online at shorebrand.com/pages/apply-online

Homes for Sale Luxurious Lake Club 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2019 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $2,500,000

Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 B e d 2 B a th Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

jobs

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE The Deadline for classifi fie ed advertising in the December 23rd and 30th issues will be due on Friday, December 17th by 3:00pm

Help Wanted GOLF HOLE official wanted.

Watch golf, part-time work, make money, have fun! For more information, call Matt: 908-635-1897.

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, Dock.

Owner/agent $530,000.

Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

Real Estate Wanted Single Male wants to buy home for sale by owner. Deposit and terms negotiable and according to the owner.

Contact Tom 678-755-3804 tomlarsen559@gmail.com

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.

RED PAGES AD RATES

Adult Care Services

First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ...... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Call: 941-955-4888 Online: YourObserver.com/RedPages

Pressure Cleaning PRESSURE WASHING Houses, mobile homes, pool/patio areas, fences, driveways. Small jobs OK. 30 yrs. experience here in Sarasota. Prompt & dependable.

(941) 402-6376

Tax Preparation EXPERIENCED TAX preparation, reasonable fees. Call for a quote.

800-278-7772 IRS AFSP Participants

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Perfect Solutions For Seniors *Caregivers/Companions *Personal Care * CNA’s/HHA’s

* Assistance with Daily Living Ac-

Sorrento Shores Waterfront 3 Bed 2 Bath Fantastic Views, New Dock $995,000 AVAILABLE FOR Personal Visits, Corporate Events, Personal Video Messages, Virtual Visits and Photos with Santa 954-336-1697

GARAGE SALE

home services

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Autos Service

CDL-A DRIVERS: Hiring Events for Seasonal/Local Positions! $2,000 Sign on Bonus!

11/19; Chamber of Commerce 222 East Oak Street in Arcadia, FL 11/23; Oakley Groves Office 15455 Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, FL. Walk-Ins Welcome from 10am-4pm.$1200-$1300/wk, Home Often, Great Health Benefits.

Must have 6 mos. tractor trailer exp. in last 3 years. Call for More Info. 877-938-9555

real estate

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Help Wanted

Painting

Paint the town RED! Paint the town RED!

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

tivities * Hourly 24/7 Care -Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

PERSONAL CARE GIVER- Private care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

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

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

Cleaning

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

peekers’ place

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I love Milwaukee! I’m going to be in Milwaukee 20 years! I’ll be here so long, they’ll be sick of me!”

Giannis Antetokounmpo Puzzle Two Solution: “God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.”

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Puzzle Three Solution: “I could stand in the street and sing and get enough to pay the bills. I don’t need millions of dollars.”

Sinead O’Connor

This week’s Sudoku answers

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction.

941-400-2866.

©2021 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

Aluminum

Beauty

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

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

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

Dustin Yoder

AMANDA

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator Owner /Insured Operator Insured

CRACK REPAIR

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS #1 in IR REPA c Cra k 5%

FAST • EASY • SAFE

9 EPLACE Don’t R Concrete d of Goo only 5% when cked! is cra

WE COME TO YOU 368213

369154

369157

5-Star Rated

HoHoBuysCars.com Beauty

Computer

I am licensed Esthetician and Permanent Makeup Artist, using only natural and non-harming products for pigmentation and skin care.

368887

Microblading | Permanent Makeup | Micro-needling Eyelash Extensions | Saline Tattoo Removal Facials | Chemical Peels | Event Makeup | Waxing

Reasonable Prices

941-929-9095

Doors

Licensed & Insured

Free Estimates

368653

CALL 941.376.7894

SINCE 1997 Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

368517

918-8587

RAMBO CONCRETE/MASONRY LIC/INS CONSTRUCTIO N| HOUSE SLAB | DRIVEWAY | PAVERS 369087

ELITE BEAUTIQUE LLC | 630 SOUTH ORANGE AVE, SUITE 200A | SARASOTA, FL 34236

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999

Also Laying Stone

6968 Beneva Road (Next to Beneva Flowers)

Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

Driveways • Sidewalks

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

Elitebeautiquesalon

CONCRETE FUSION

“No Job Too Small”

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

813-998-6201

BUZ CORP D/B/A

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

SERVICES:

Elitebeautique

941-735-3362 Concrete

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

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

Pegatronics.com

424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com YoderAluminum.com Auto Service Cleaning 941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

369160

368919

368908

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

360495

|

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

368512

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Furniture Repair

Patio Furniture Repairs.com Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

368912

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FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Realtors

Handyman

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN • Home Repairs & Maintenance • Interior & Exterior • Garage Floor Paint • Power Wash

Ron Chapman 941.504.2745 941.400.1563 Home Service

GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

369996

Naji Aoun

Interior/Exterior Painting Dryer Vent Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning 369966

cell: 941.250.1505 • FREE Estimates

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S ome

epaiR

eRvice

24/7 SERVICE

(941) 809-7311

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

FREE

ESTIMATES!

370070

369090

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Movers

Rescreening & Repairs

Eldridge Re-Screen

Wizard Moving SRQ

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

make your moving day a pleasure.

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Ray - 941-313-4538

Licensed and insured #IMT708

368927

For $135 per hour you get: A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

Painting

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

“No Job Too Small”

Licensed

McKnight Painting

941-270-1561

Remodel & Home Improvements

Interior/Exterior

Professional Craftsmanship

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Roofing

Painting, Carpentry & Drywall Power Washing

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

LEAKY ROOF?

Registered & insured • Free Estimates

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

Call Mike

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

369064

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

38 Years Experience

368928

941-400-6786 Sarasota & Surrounding Areas

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

Personal Services

All Work Guaranteed

941-228-9850

C H R I S T I W. D E C K E R, MSW, RN

Home Services

Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern Ph: 941.922.2628 | Christi@ShoalviewTherapy.com PO Box 17276 | Sarasota, FL | 34276-0276 ShoalviewTherapy.com

Building & Roofing Contractor

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

SHOALVIEW THERAPY, LLC

Pet Services

Pet Care

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

by

941-626-3194

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Melanie Gates

Screening

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

CREATE BUZZ! Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Veteran Owned & Operated • Third Generation Master Plumber All Major Credit Cards Accepted Generalplumbingsarasota.com

941-923-8140

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

(941) 345-5264

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

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Trees

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

369174

Also, Medicare and Company Group plans

Doors and more!

369172

Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial Serving the area since 1993 No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL!

369078

• Aetna, Cigna or United Health Care plans • Nationwide PPO networks • Wide range of deductibles • 1 year, 2 years or 3 years terms (fixed rate) • Effective any day of the year • AFFORDABLE and comprehensive

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

Plumbing

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Individual and Family Health Insurance

941-345-5264

Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

368924

Insurance

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

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

369089

(941) 966-2960 www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

• Pet Sitting • Dog Walking • Over 24 years experience • Excellent references

Watching your home while you’re away

368929

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Diagnoses & Prognoses | Procedures & Treatments Acute & Chronic Illnesses | Sudden Medical Events & Surgeries Aging Health Concerns | Pre-surgical Preparation | Specialty: Cardiac

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Anxiety - Depression - Grief & Loss - PTSD related to:

368528

Dave and Connie Grundy

Joe Murray, Owner

Medical Support Therapy for:

369168

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

Insured

369079

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

369076

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

33

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

368513

Health

|

Email (SSETO@MYHST.COM) Call/Text 941-993-4137

THE GRAB BAR GUY

941-544-1066

McKnight Construction Professional Craftmanship

368519

Mike McKnight

Licensed & Insured

Remodel & Home Improvements Professional Craftmanship on Carpentry, Cabinets, Plank Floors, All Trims and Moldings

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

Lawn Care

Curt’s Lawn Service

368926

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

RED PAGES

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

3687676-01

Windows Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

indow & Pressure Clea W t e ni s Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng For

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ws

140

$

Free Estimates

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941~400~6786

SPECIAL 00

Sarasota and surrounding areas 368870

369162

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

724-2945

941-232-1192

| scaperotta@aol.com

Remodeling/Home Improvement

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

Lic. & Ins.

BEFORE

Italian American Owned

GLENN KROECKER

373-9299

AFTER

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Licensed & Insured

10 Years Experience 368930

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

368914

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Deck/Paver Sealing• •Decks Gutter• Driveways Cleaning ••Roofs • Pool Cages AndSealing Much•More!

• Deck/Paver And Much More

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 941-955-4888

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

368514

www.setohealthgroup.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021

$

225

MILLION

CLOSED AND PENDING IN 2021

SI E S TA K E Y 8 4 2 3 M I D N I G H T PA S S ROA D | $7,9 9 5 ,0 0 0

Escape to your very own private island paradise on world-famous Siesta Key. This grand estate has 100 feet of bay frontage.

PEN D I N G

SA R A S OTA P O LO C LU B 8 075 W H IS K E Y P O N D L A N E | $ 3 ,49 9,9 9 9 Set on 5 acres behind the gates of the Sarasota Polo Club.

J US T LIS T ED

S TO N E Y B RO O K 8 70 5 M O N T ERE Y BAY LO O P | $ 5 0 0,0 0 0 Sited on a corner lot in Stoneybrook in Heritage Harbour, this home is move-in ready.

PRE S TA N C I A 3 9 4 4 LO SI L LI A S D RI V E | $2 ,9 9 5 ,0 0 0 This modern estate is an architectural gem located in Palmer Ranch.

S U N H AV EN 5 30 6, 5 31 2 SOUTH LOCK WOOD RIDGE ROAD | $1 , 895,0 0 0 Incredible investment opportunity including three duplexes and one single-family home.

O PEN SU N DAY 1 2 / 1 2 | 1 – 4 P. M .

D EER C REEK 8 0 41 B O B CAT C I RC L E | $ 47 9,0 0 0 This maintenance-free residence is located in the heart of Deer Creek on Palmer Ranch.

G REEN B RO O K V I L L AG E 6 3 0 5 TA N AG ER C OV E | $9 49,0 0 0 This four-bedroom pool home has tranquil lake and preserve views.

S O LD

SE V I L L E AT C EN T ER G AT E 4 3 47 M A RC OT T C I RC L E | $ 475 ,0 0 0 Great lakefront home in a convenient location.

LO N G B OAT K E Y 310 5 G U L F O F M E X I C O D RI V E | $1 2,9 0 0,0 0 0 With over 176 feet of direct beachfront, this is one of the most significant beachfront properties available on Longboat Key.

SARASOTA AND THE ISLANDS Joel Schemmel, J.D., REALTOR® 941.587.4894

LAKEWOOD RANCH Donna and Jim Soda, REALTORS® 941.961.5857 SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.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.

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