Siesta Key Observer 7.22.21

SIESTA KEY

2021 BACK TO

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Observer The buzz over noise INSIDE

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

YOUR TOWN

Viewpoints differ about what’s OK downtown, what’s annoying. PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

Sold on sports In real estate, it’s location, location, location. The same is true in sportscasting.

Just ask Michael Saunders & Co. Realtor Leah Secondo.

The West Bradenton office’s top-producing agent for 2020 is off to Tokyo to call softball and basketball games for the production company that provides TV coverage to the world.

Secondo is a pioneer for women in sports broadcasting with 37 years in the business, beginning in 1984 at WGGB-TV in Springfield, Massachusetts. She’s been with Michael Saunders & Co. for 20 years.

SUMMER TUNES Campers set their vacation time to music. SEE PAGE 17

Creatively costumed The Havdalah celebration formally concludes the Jewish Shabbat from the rest of the week and is often practiced by Jewish communities.

Temple Emanu-El added some creative flair to its Havdalah celebration with a costume party that saw the temple grounds fill with pirates, superheroes, princesses, Barbie dolls and more on July 10.

Families dressed up in their wackiest costumes for an evening of pizza, games, songs and playtime before the Havdalah ceremony, led

by Rabbi Michael Shefrin as a colorful pirate. The celebration concluded with a storytime session, milk and cookies.

Harry Sayer

Christian Bathori, 9, listens closely to his instructors while participating at Music Compound summer camp.

No inquiry into mayor behavior

Turtle Tracks TOTAL NESTS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 471 430 Lido Key 87 147 Casey Key 1,263 1,387

City commission votes down request for a new look into March incident at City Hall.

SEE PAGE 4

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 533 538 Lido Key 226 210 Casey Key 1,573 1,879 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

File photo

Mayor Hagen Brody apologized for the outburst.

A+E

Gallery offers brush with fame.

SEE PAGE 18

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WH AT’S H A PPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

WEEK OF JULY 22, 2021

SMH reports COVID upswing

“If it was easy, it would have been done already.”

Drew Clearie, Sarasota resident on satisfying everyone with noise regulations. READ MORE ON PAGE 3

There are 36 hospitalized patients at Sarasota Memorial Hospital with COVID-19, including seven in the intensive care unit — a notable increase from one month ago, the hospital said.

The hospital said it had single-digit COVID-19 cases a month ago and zero patients in the ICU with the disease.

The hospital said the majority of hospitalizations are among individuals who have not been fully vaccinated, in line with national data.

Of nearly 100 recent patients admitted, six were fully vaccinated.

BY THE NUMBERS 14

Additional deputies requested by Sheriff Kurt Hoffman in the next county budget.

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Sarasota athletes competing in the Summer Olympics.

Observer collects 18 awards

PAGE 13

$729

Average property tax owed if county commissioners adopt a recommended millage rate.

Eric Garwood

Trails wind their way around Bobby Jones’ closed 36 holes.

SEE YOUROBSERVER. COM

Bobby Jones trails reopen after demolition work N

CALENDAR n Sarasota Police Complaint Committee — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, City Hall 1565 First St. n Sarasota School Board regular meeting — 4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 27, Board Chambers, Landings Administrative Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd.

ature lovers can return to the trails of Bobby Jones Golf Club following weeks of work to demolish buildings at the site.

Golf cart paths at the now-closed 36-hole course were opened to the public in spring 2020 but were off-limits in May while workers took down existing structures at the golf course

om se.c

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charge for their use.

All paths and designated restrooms on the American and British courses will be available. There are no water stations.

Cycling, walking and running are permitted, as is photography. No organized sports, picnics, fishing, golf or motorized vehicles are allowed.

to make way for the Bobby Jones Golf Club master plan improvements. Projects from the master plan include a restored 18-hole Donald Ross course, a nine-hole executive course, a new clubhouse, a new nature park with walking and bicycle trails, and a regional playground.

The trails are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with no

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The Sarasota Observer finished first among newspapers its size in the General Excellence category of the Florida Press Association’s weekly newspaper contest, one of 18 awards the newspaper received.

Deputy Managing Editor David Conway won first place awards in three categories: Local Government Reporting, Roads and Transportation, and COVID-19 Breaking News.

Other first-place winners were Harry Sayer in BreakingNews Photography, Brynn Mechem for COVID-19 Feature Story, Melissa Leduc for COVID-19 Information Graphic and Eric Garwood for Headlines.

The Observer staffers received 10 second- and thirdplace awards.

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

“I understand if you’re in the business of selling alcohol and playing loud music. I don’t want to interfere any way in anyone’s business, but I think there is maybe some common mutual agreement to be had.”

— Drew Clearie

David Conway

Downtown resident Drew Clearie is gathering signatures in support of the creation of a citizen-led sound ordinance committee. So far, city officials haven’t pursued the concept, but he believes it could solve long-standing issues.

SOUND OFF As officials wade through the complexities of noise regulations, a downtown resident is gathering support for the creation of a citizen sound committee, hoping a mix of stakeholders can find common ground.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

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n a series of emails and testimony at public meetings, residents have aimed their ire at the city’s sound ordinance, stating that the laws as written — and enforced — fail to adequately address problematic noise.

“Having a vibrant downtown doesn’t mean you need to have a loud, drunken, unregulated bar scene, which downtown Sarasota has become,” said John Bordeaux, a resident of The Mark condominium, in an April email to city officials.

An online petition with more than 2,000 signatures, promoted

by Gator Club, paints an alternative picture: one where the prospect of more stringent rules would be calamitous for the vibrancy of downtown and where those who object to the current ordinance are upset with noise that should not be unexpected in the city’s urban core.

“They call the police. They make complaints to the city commissioners — not only from our business but from people walking downtown, complain(ing) about the city blowing the sidewalks off,” Gator Club General Manager Jamie Brester said. “It’s really a concern for downtown Sarasota in general, not just our business.”

For years, city officials have struggled to navigate the conflicting perspectives on the best way to manage sound, particularly downtown. The City Commission was scheduled to discuss the prospect of revisions to its sound ordinance in April — the culmination of a conversation among officials that began in 2019 — but the board delayed that agenda item at the request of City Attorney Robert Fournier. The city attorney said he will likely be ready to revisit the subject at a commission meeting in the fall at

the earliest.

Fournier said there are layers of complexities to conversations about local sound regulations, and taking everything on at once has proven difficult. Fournier’s initial focus was on streamlining the city’s existing regulations and making them easier to enforce, for law enforcement had raised concerns about it being unclear which provisions of the law apply in which situations. Fournier sought to simplify the section of the ordinance outlining decibel limits, eliminate distinctions between amplified and unamplified sound and allow the use of a “plainly audible standard” to determine whether a sound violated the ordinance.

As Fournier prepared to present this streamlined ordinance for consideration, however, he heard from members of the public concerned about the proposal. Residents expressed concerns about the proposed hours at which nighttime rules would take effect — 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends or holidays.

Others took issue with a provision that allowed for special events to seek a permit exempting them from the regulations in the sound ordinance. As those residents pushed for tougher rules, backers of the online petition shared an opposing perspective.

When the city does revisit the ordinance, Fournier wants to tackle the subjects that have been raised piece by piece. He’s hopeful that by dividing the conversation into more manageable bites, officials will finally be able to implement changes that Fournier believes have been necessary for nearly a decade.

SOUNDING BOARD

As stakeholders await the next formal conversation about the sound ordinance, one resident is attempting to build grassroots support for an alternative process to consider potential changes.

Drew Clearie has owned a unit at the Bay Plaza condominium on Gulfstream Avenue for 15 years, but he didn’t feel the need to get involved with city noise issues until the Art Ovation hotel opened across the street in 2018.

Frustration with late-night music coming from the hotel’s rooftop bar inspired him to look into the sound ordinance, and he saw areas where he thought protection for residents was lacking.

Still, Clearie recognizes that his experience and the experience of other residents isn’t the only thing that will guide the city’s decision-making. That’s why he’s proposing the creation of a citizen advisory board focused specifically on noise issues. Clearie said he’s gathered nearly 500 signatures in support of the concept of a sound ordinance committee.

The petition suggests the committee would collect “input from city residents, business owners, Realtors, city staff, sound enforcement officers, sound engineers and legal counsel” to address noise issues.

In the process of circulating the petition, he’s reached out to people in other neighborhoods and found concerns about sound aren’t limited to downtown. Some residents were upset about noise from leaf blowers; others spoke about boomboxes and loud cars.

Brester said in her experience, some of the most vocal complainants raise unreasonable objections to noise that complies with the city’s rules. She said holding occasional outdoor events with live music is vital for her business, and she questioned why someone would move into a home overlooking a strip of bars if they couldn’t tolerate some noise.

“You can’t tell me you bought a million-dollar condo and don’t have soundproof windows,” Brester said.

Brester said she would be open some reasonable changes that preserve her business model.

Clearie doesn’t think addressing resident concerns needs to detract from anyone’s livelihood.

“I understand if you’re in the business of selling alcohol and playing loud music,” Clearie said.

“I don’t want to interfere any way in anyone’s business, but I think there is maybe some common mutual agreement to be had.”

Changing noise rules might be a daunting task, but Clearie said issues will only intensify as more residents move downtown, so he feels the time is right for action.

“If it was easy, it would have been done already,” Clearie said.

“I see an opportunity for the city commission to take a real leadership role here.”

File photo

Some residents of The Mark condominium have expressed concern about noise associated with nearby businesses, though some bars and restaurants are pushing back against the complaints.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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Commission says no to inquiry of mayor

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espite a request from Commissioner Je n Ahearn-Koch, the city of Sarasota will not launch a formal investigation into the conduct of Mayor Hagen Brody following a March outburst at City Hall detailed in concerned witness statements from city staff.

The commission voted 4-1 against a proposal to hire a thirdparty investigator to look into Brody’s behavior, but the agenda item drew a mixture of responses from elected officials and members of the public who spoke at Monday’s meeting.

Brody acknowledged he acted inappropriately during the incident, but he expressed frustration at the continued focus on the topic, characterizing his vocal critics as politically motivated and vowing not to revisit the subject going forward.

“The people hold me accountable,” Brody said. ‘The people elected me here, and quite frankly, they didn’t elect me to make friends and play nice. They

elected me to change things here at City Hall.”

Ahearn-Koch said her request for an investigation was motivated not by politics but by input from constituents who remained concerned about Brody’s behavior the morning of March 29.

According to statements to human resources, three city staff members said Brody was irate because he disapproved of a video posted to the city’s Facebook page about a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The witness statements said Brody was yelling in the office demanding to speak to City Manager Marlon Brown, and Brown and other employees told the mayor his behavior was inappropriate and attempted to calm him down. Brody made critical remarks about Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel, who was featured in the video, and city Senior Communications Manager Jan Thornburg, who posted the video, asking for salary information about both employees.

Ahearn-Koch said there were a litany of reasons to conduct an investigation. She said that it was an opportunity to show staff the commission would not tolerate hostile behavior in the workplace and a chance to get a full, independent account of the events of that day. She noted that Commissioner Liz Alpert had

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indicated the March outburst was not the first time city officials had heard about inappropriate conduct from the mayor, and Ahearn-Koch said the commission had an obligation to do its due diligence on this topic — not just morally, but also to limit potential legal liability.

“Moving on without an investigation is synonymous to sweeping this under the rug,” AhearnKoch said.

Alpert was critical of Brody’s behavior, but she said she did not see the value in an investigation, stating the commission’s powers are limited when it comes to reprimanding a fellow elected official. Although Alpert was hopeful the March incident was a watershed moment and that the mayor had realized the magnitude of his mistakes, she expressed disappointment Brody had not been more publicly remorseful for his actions and for the tenor of his criticism of city staff members.

Commissioners Kyle Battie and Erik Arroyo said they had spoken to city staff, who said they had moved on from the incident and did not want an investigation.

Alpert said those staff members were in a “terrible position” and that it would be challenging for a city employee to actively request an investigation into an elected official with whom they would likely need to continue to work.

Still, every commissioner but Ahearn-Koch expressed no interest in an investigation.

“I’m sure this has humbled (Brody). I don’t see how it couldn’t,” Battie said. “Hopefully, we have this discussion today, and we move forward.”

“I’m sure this has humbled (Brody). I don’t see how it couldn’t.

Hopefully, we have this discussion today, and we move forward.”

— Commissioners Kyle Battie

PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR?

Six of the 11 public speakers supported the proposed investigation, many of whom said Brody’s inappropriate behavior extended beyond the March 29 incident.

Multiple speakers referenced Colleen McGue, who served as the city’s chief transportation planner before leaving her position for another job this month.

Earlier this year, Brody repeatedly expressed frustration with staff’s plans for a trolley service linking downtown Sarasota to the barrier islands. On April 12, in response to a chain of messages between McGue and Brown about the trolley, Brody sent an email to Brown stating, “We need to talk about CM.” Although McGue had taken the lead on discussing the trolley at public meetings, within 10 days of that email, she said she was no longer involved.

“Long story, but I am not working on that project anymore per the mayor’s request,” McGue said in an April 22 message to another city employee.

In an email, a city spokesperson said McGue’s departure from the project was “a mutual agreement at the department level.” McGue

File photo

Mayor Hagen Brody helped organize a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in March. A video about the event sparked the mayor’s outburst that led to prolonged conversations about his conduct.

declined to comment for this story. Still, residents at Monday’s meeting saw reason for concern, questioning whether the mayor had attempted to overstep his bounds on multiple occasions to get involved with staff-level personnel decisions.

“Other than a begrudging 32-word text vaguely promising to do better, he has not voiced any understanding of how wrong this pervasive pattern of workplace bullying has been or pub-

licly apologized for his actionable denigration of city staff members,” resident Kelly Franklin said.

Five speakers at Monday’s meeting were opposed to an investigation, several of whom argued the continued focus on Brody’s behavior was an attempt to capitalize on an opportunity from individuals who disagreed with him politically.

“These people do not speak for me, and I would hazard a guess they don’t speak for most voters

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

and most residents of Sarasota,” resident Maryellin Kirkwood said.

The speakers critical of Brody noted that many of the individuals at whom he targeted his criticism — including Bensel, Thornburg, McGue and Ahearn-Koch — were women, asserting there was a sexist pattern of behavior.

Brody rejected this characterization and said he believed it was an effort to paint his actions in the worst possible light.

Alpert said she also did not believe Brody’s behavior was fueled by sexism, stating former City Manager Tom Barwin was a previous target of the mayor’s ire.

Still, she pushed back on the suggestion that the concern about Brody’s conduct was sensationalized or solely fueled by political opportunism. “​​This was not ‘fairy tales,’” Alpert said. “This was not innuendos and lies. This was an incident that actually happened.”

At Monday’s meeting, AhearnKoch also asked the commission to create a code of conduct for elected officials and a set of procedures for how to respond to any future issues that might arise among board members. That proposal also failed in a 4-1 vote. The commission unanimously agreed to read its code of public conduct at the beginning of each meeting and to continue holding mediated workshops as a board.

In declining to pursue an investigation into Brody’s behavior, a majority of the commission said it would be up to the public to hold the mayor accountable for his actions to whatever extent it deemed appropriate.

“The electorate, the people, they’re going to judge me one way or another,” Brody said.

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

City leaders back plans for First Friday events

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As a downtown group continues to explore options for pedestrian-only festivities in the heart of the city, commissioners expressed support for the concept during budget workshops.

REFRIGERANT AND REPLACEMENT The R-22 Reason to Upgrade Your A/C R-22 is a refrigerant also known as Freon™, which is its brand name with the Dupont/ Chemours Company. For your air-conditioner, refrigerant serves as a cooling agent that absorbs heat from its environment and provides cool air when passed through the compressor and evaporator. As you can imagine, it’s an important component for your cooling system. Without it, your cooling system simply can’t do its job.

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If your A/C system was installed before 2010, there’s a high probability it uses R-22, or Freon, refrigerant. If you have an R-22 unit, you will have some choices to make. The ban doesn’t require

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

you to replace your system, so your current, existing equipment is still permitted to receive the phased-out refrigerant as long as there is an available supply of recycled R-22. However, as Freon becomes scarcer, the price will skyrocket. So, beyond the environmental damage your R-22 unit causes, the ongoing costs you’ll incur to keep your old system running will continue to rise.

The City Commission directed staff to include funding for First Friday festivities in the budget for fiscal year 2022, a precursor to the launch of a recurring downtown event series as soon as this fall.

At a series of budget meetings on July 12 and 13, a majority of the commission expressed support for holding pedestrian-only gatherings on Main Street the first Friday of each month. Mayor Hagen Brody, a vocal supporter of the concept, called the events an opportunity to bring the community together while generating activity that supports local businesses that were negatively affected by the pandemic.

“I really feel that we have to take some proactive steps in the next couple of months and years to jolt our local economy and our downtown,” Brody said. “First Fridays, I’ve seen them be so successful and work so well in other communities.”

Although the city has not finalized any plans, City Manager Marlon Brown presented some preliminary details related to the

If your cooling system uses R-22, you have three options: 1. Continue having your existing system serviced and recharged with Freon when needed, for as long as it’s available.

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scope of the events and the cost of running them at a July 13 workshop. Brown suggested the city would close Main Street between Orange Avenue and Palm Avenue from 5-10 p.m. To hold 12 events a year, the city would be facing $74,000 in annual staff expenses: $54,000 for police services and $10,000 each for solid waste and streets and highways funding.

Brown noted that did not include costs associated with entertainment or any other programming. Brody suggested the city could work with other downtown stakeholders, including merchant and property owner groups, to coordinate programming plans and fully flesh out the events.

Commissioners Liz Alpert, Erik Arroyo and Kyle Battie also expressed support for the First Friday idea.

“Sarasota is a destination,” Battie said. “(People) want to come here, and they want excitement.

They want some energy.” ​​“This is the direction that our city is going in,” Arroyo said.

“This is the will of the people, and it reflects the culture and diversity of our growing downtown.”

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Officials pointed to events in other communities, such as Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main block party and concert series, as evidence for the success of First Friday programs.

tially partner with the city is the Downtown Improvement District, a self-taxing group of property owners. This year, the DID has had multiple discussions about starting a series of First Friday-style events, and the group continued its conversation at a July 15 meeting.

Chris Voelker, a DID board member and a co-owner of State Street Eating House, said she had conversations with an event organizer who could take the lead on overseeing First Fridays and that an October launch was possible.

Voelker said she did not have a set plan for key details, including a budget, but she wanted the board to discuss options at an August meeting, such as the prospect of including some offerings for the benefit of businesses

not open at night.

“Right now, we’re all centered on the evening — which is fabulous for me, I might say — but … people are here during the day,” Voelker said.

Both DID board members and city commissioners shared enthusiastic reactions to the idea of a series of destination events that highlighted downtown for residents and visitors alike.

“I envision our First Fridays to be family friendly, particularly in the early hours, and a regular event that not just our community but our region can come together to experience our downtown and each other and really bring a little energy, a little life to our downtown,” Brody said.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

OPINION / OUR VIEW

A good start for Brown Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown is off to a good start with this first budget. He is proposing OFrecreation ALL FUNDStax district. the city lower its millage rate and wants to dissolve the city’sSUMMARY parks and “My hope is that this is a continuation of things to come in the future and that we really take a look at how we manage the city from a fiscal perspective and that we do employ some fiscal restraint in a lot of the programs we would like to implement.”

Marlon Brown, Sarasota city manager

T

his is a good start. It is encouraging to see Sarasota City Manager Marlon Brown present his first budget with a recommended reduction in the city’s millage rate. And equally encouraging to read that he is pledging to “employ some fiscal restraint” at City Hall.

That would be a welcome change.

Brown’s first budget actually is out of the norm. It’s rare when city managers, county administrators or school superintendents turn down easy money. By that we mean it’s rare when one of them proposes the rollback millage rate be used in the next budget.

The rollback rate is the property-tax rate that would be used in the next fiscal year to generate the same amount of property-tax revenue as in the current fiscal year — excluding the value of new tax revenue from construction.

Typically, city and county managers like to announce they are keeping the millage rate the same and say they are not raising taxes. That’s partially true. In many instances, while a homeowner’s tax rate stays the same, the homeowner’s property value increases from year to year. So even though city managers tout they are holding the rate steady, because homeowners’ taxable value rose, they will pay more in taxes.

So, good for Brown. Although it might turn out some city residents and building owners will pay more in property taxes next

REVENUES

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Other Taxes, $24,781,938, 11.40%

Ad Valorem Taxes, $41,935,803, 19.29%

General Fund

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com

2020-2021 2021-2022 % Chg. Permits, Fees & $75.77 million $78.16 million +3.1% Special Assessments,

Managing Editor / Eric Garwood EGarwood@YourObserver.com $12,317,046, 5.66% Deputy Managing Editor / David Conway, Public Safety* $49.3 million $49.12 million -0.3% After more than a decade DConway@YourObserver.com Special Revenue Funds $39.5 million $33.21 million -15.9% of losing money, the city’s Miscellaneous, Staff Writer / Brynn Mechem, BMechem@ $4,705,481, 2.16% Debt Service Funds $4.69 million $4.69 million 0.0% parking management YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, division is expected to end Enterprise Funds $88.03 million $89.81 million +2.0% Transfers, RKohn@YourObserver.com $3,713,925, 1.71% the year with a $169,000 Internal Service Funds $20.24 million $20.56 million +1.5% Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, surplus.

Trust Funds $6.19 million $6.76 million +9.2% KAdix@YourObserver.com Charges for Services, Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, $234.41 million $233.18 million -0.5% Total n Bobby Jones: Because of $113,913,180, 52.40% Intergovernmental, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, Source: City of6.48% Sarasota postponed reconstruction $14,097,633, JValle@YourObserver.com on the Bobby Jones Golf *Public safety is included in the General Fund amounts.

Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@ Club, the cost to maintain The above chart demonstrates revenues by major source as a percentage of total revenues on a Citywide basis. Ad YourObserver.com

n Parking management:

Valorem Taxes represent only 19.29% of total revenues, whereas Charges for Services account for a little more than half at the grounds as open space of total revenues. Charges for Services, Ad Valorem Taxes, and Intergovernmental Revenues account for over Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh is projected to be $136,27152.40% three quarters (78.17%) of all revenues.

JRaleigh@YourObserver.com for 2021-2022.

WHERE THE CITY’S MONEY GOES Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com n Van Wezel Performing Culture and Recreation, Digital Sales and Business Development Arts Hall: After eight years EXPENDITURES $26,342,703, 11.30% Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@ of surpluses, it lost $2.7 Debt Service incl.

YourObserver.com fiscal charges, Public Safety, Senior Advertising Executive / million last year. For 2021$12,646,851, 5.42% $49,122,672, 21.06% Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com 2022, the loss is expected Advertising Executives / to be $1.6 million.

Transportation, Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; $13,950,130, 5.98% Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver. n Bay Park: The Bay Park com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.

District is expected to take Interfund Transfers, com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ $3,713,925, 1.59% in $534,375 in tax revenue YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@ General Government, in 2021-2022.

Economic YourObserver.com; Brenda White, BWhite@ $47,285,103, 20.28% Environment, $11,767,155, 5.05%

YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Audri Ferguson, Human Services, AFerguson@ YourObserver.com $1,107,981, 0.48% Sales Operations Manager / Susan year, there will be many who Physical Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com will not because of the rollback Environment, Sales Coordinator / Account Manager $67,243,844, 28.84% rate. He is proposing to lower Lori Downey, LDowney@YourObserver.com the millage rate from 3.2632 The to above chart presents expenditures by major function as a percentage of total expenditures on a Citywide basis. Two of Advertising Assistant / Sam Johnson, the largest functional areas are public safety and physical environment which account for 21.06% and 28.84%, SJohnson@YourObserver.com 3.1372, a 4% decrease. respectively, of total expenditures. This exhibits the City Commission’s commitment to providing public safety and Likewise, it’s encouraging maintaining to way otherenvironment operating expenses the physical mainly through programs in Solid Waste Management, Water/Wastewater Utilities Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@yourobserver.com know city commissioners areandinLandscape doMaintenance.

— such as public safety. Or Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, agreement with Brown. to put it another way, special RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Coordinator / Samantha Despite being flush with cash, Another good step and start tax districts are a cop-out for Dischinger, SDischinger@YourObserver.

Summary of All Funds-1 three Sarasota County commisfor Brown: He wants to dissolve elected officials. They help com sioners voted July 14 to raise the the city’s parks and recreation commissioners avoid having to Director of Creative Services / Caleb taxing district. make tough choices with limited ceiling on the county’s propertyStanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / tax rate for the next fiscal year Brown’s predecessor, Tom amounts of money (See ‘“We Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ to accommodate a new mental Barwin, was one of the leading knew they would do it”). What’s YourObserver.com advocates for creating a new more, it’s rare when you see such health tax for all county property Advertising Graphic Designers / owners.

Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole taxing district to fund city park tax districts disappear or lower Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, This is a case in point of improvements. Although the their rates.

JCamillo@YourObserver.com elected officials opting not to City Commission approved the Although Brown and his city Director of Information Technology / do what they’re elected to do — new district in 2019, commiscolleagues still have much to Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / make tough choices on what to sioners were unable to impose address with the city’s fiscal Laura Strickland, LStrickland@ fund or not fund. Commissiona new tax because it required a management, with Brown’s first YourObserver.com ers Mike Moran, Alan Maio and unanimous vote. budget, perhaps taxpayers can Controller / Rafael Labrin, Nancy Detert sided with a higher We opposed the tax district mark fiscal 2022 as the start of a RLabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / millage rate. from the start, arguing that park trend and a tradition dedicated Donna Condon, DCondon@YourObserver. maintenance should come out to strong fiscally conservative com

WE KNEW THEY WOULD DO IT

of the general fund the same

and responsible governing.

Why should voting be easy?

It doesn’t matter what the legislation might be. The minute any Republican-dominated state legislature changes its state’s voting laws, presumably, to thwart fraud or add safeguards by, say, requiring voter identification, citizenship or the outlawing of ballot harvesting, the left goes bananas.

Voter suppression!

But here’s a thought: Why should voting be easy?

Two bromides come to mind: n You’ve heard wise people say: When an endeavor is difficult, it’s all the more worthwhile. n Or, when something is free, it typically is overused and abused.

You can say that about voting.

The easier it is to vote, the less it is valued, and the more likely there will be abuse.

Perhaps compare open voting for everyone to the famous “tragedy of the commons.”

Fines and Forfeits,

$1,959,357, 0.90% PROPOSED CITY BUDGET SUMMARY

“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.”

When you make pasture land free for the common good, for instance, it is always overgrazed, abused and quickly destroyed.

Now think of voting and elections. When they are open and easy for anyone, with few required qualifications or boundaries, voting as a sacred right and elections as one of the most important ingredients of a democratic republic are both devalued.

When voting is easy, instead of voting to elect candidates who are committed to the Constitution and securing our rights to life, liberty and property and protecting us against fraud, violence and plunder, voting and elections become a system full of “trimmers” and skullduggery for power.

“Trimmers” are the politicians who will do and say whatever it takes to win, to be the most popular, to promise the most

free stuff. The skullduggery is manifested in how the votes are rounded up.

If qualifying to vote is made more difficult, yes, that would suppress votes. But the value of a person’s vote, the integrity of elections and perhaps the quality and honesty of candidates would rise.

More difficult qualifications for voting, to an extent, would help prevent what Friedrich Hayek described as “why the worst get on top.”

In his seminal book, “The Road to Serfdom,” Hayek described three reasons why: n “It is, as it were, the lowest common denominator which unites the largest number of people.

“If a numerous group is needed, strong enough to impose their views on the values of life on all the rest, it will never be

those with highly differentiated and developed tastes. It will be those who form the ‘mass’ in the derogatory sense of the term.” n A “trimmer” can gain the support of “docile and gullible who have no strong convictions but are prepared to accept a readymade system of values if it is only drummed into their ears sufficiently loudly and frequently,” Hayek wrote. n The third and what Hayek describes as the most important reason why the worst get on top is “it seems to be almost a law of human nature that is easier for people to agree on a negative program — on the hatred of an enemy, on the envy of those better off than on any positive task.

“The contrast between the ‘we’ and the ‘they’ … seems to be an essential ingredient in any creed which will solidly knit together a group for common action.”

Don’t discriminate, but make it tougher to qualify to vote.

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned.

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

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9

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Sheriff’s Office to add 14 new deputy positions Two of the positions will be allotted for additional patrol of Siesta Key. BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

A question often pondered at many local community association meetings is whether there is a large enough law enforcement presence in the community.

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman hopes to change that narrative in fiscal year 2022 by seeking 14 new deputies, two of whom would be assigned to Siesta Key. Six new personnel will be assigned to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court facilities at the R.L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice.

Five more positions will form a third tactical squad to focus on neighborhood issues. The final position will be filled by a school safety deputy, of which there are 13 stationed at charter and private schools.

Hoffman said the increase in personnel is necessary to account for a 19.25% countywide rise in population since 2007, or about 72,000 residents.

At the same time, the department’s positions are down 3.4% since 2006. In that year, the department had 1,050 staff members. For 2022, it will total 1,014.

“That’s almost like having two

additional cities added to our jurisdiction,” Hoffman said.

Community Affairs Director Kaitlyn Perez said that although crime is down throughout the county, calls for service are increasing. In 2020, the department’s communications center handled nearly 665,000 calls and is on track to surpass 700,000 this year.

The Sheriff’s Office is proposing a general fund budget of $132.9 million, an increase of 7.6% from fiscal year 2021. The enforcement division will see $77.4 million in dedicated revenue, about 58% of the overall budget.

The two deputies assigned to Siesta Key would help provide more universal coverage on the island, particularly as the more popular seasons roll around, Perez said.

The department rotates deputies through day shift, evening shift and night shift on the Key. They are assigned to both patrol the island and perform special operations when necessary.

The new deputies may rotate assignments based on the time of year, events on the key or holidays. “(Our current deputies) do a phenomenal job. However, these two additional deputies are going to really supplement all three shifts,” Perez said. “You can think of them as an added resource that can deploy on specific assignment at any given time.”

Courtesy photo

Above: Sheriff Kurt Hoffman says that as Siesta Key’s popularity grows, there is a greater need for deputy presence on the barrier island.

Right: Dep. Kelli Collison rides Legacy as part of mounted patrol.

That added resource translates into more coverage from a patrol standpoint, more attendance at community meetings and more overall crime prevention on the island, she said. But perhaps a key issue will be additional traffic help.

The results of the county’s past two Citizen Opinion Surveys showed that one of the top resident concerns is traffic. Hoffman said that since 2012, the Sheriff’s Office has handled about 75% of the crashes in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Hoffman said the new deputies would allow the department to be better equipped to handle those calls.

Additionally, he said that as popularity for the barrier island grows, and more visitors come

Brynn Mechem

to the Key, it’s appropriate to add more positions specific to Siesta.

The department could consider adding additional resources in years to come.

“It’s a math problem,” Hoffman said. “There’s just a lot of folks going out to the Key, … so it’s appropriate to put some additional resources out there.”

Commissioner Christian Ziegler, who represents a portion of Siesta Key, said he’s glad

the Sheriff’s Office listened to residents. Ziegler said he’s frequently heard residents say that even though Siesta Key is the No. 1 tourist destination in the county, there are also residents there who need to feel safe.

“This is a great example about how local government should work,” he said. “The local residents there raised their hand and said they needed some additional resources.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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For some, he was a longstanding fixture in Sarasota’s aviation circles, known and respected by countless professionals. For others, he was a businessman of strong convictions who would never waver in doing what he felt was right. To a lucky few, he was a good friend and mentor.

If nothing else, people knew who Ciaravella was. That’s just the kind of person he was around town.

Ciaravella died July 19. He was 73.

“He was this larger-than-life personality,” said David Cattin, the president of Cirrus Aviation.

“A once in a lifetime kind of guy.”

Ciaravella grew up and attended school in Tampa before becoming a flight instructor at the Dolphin Aviation commerce center at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, eventually buying the fixed-base operation in 1979 and running it himself.

What started as Ciaravella’s

File Photo

Ron and Shannon Ciaravella

business overseeing several functions and services eventually transitioned into a mall-like business in which Ciaravella leased space for other air businesses in the Sarasota community.

Many members of Sarasota’s local flight community had some contact with Ciaravella; many others learned to fly at his center.

Cattin met Ciaravella 32 years ago as a flight student and eventually formed a friendship with the owner. He and Cirrus Aviation Head of Training Keith Taylor had considered Ciaravella a mentor in

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

11

“He was an absolute superstar and will be sorely missed. The community has lost an incredible person.”

— Florida Sen. Joe Gruters

always ready to help political candidates, either with a contribution or providing his venue for an event.

“He was an absolute superstar and will be sorely missed,” Gruters said. “The community has lost an incredible person.”

Ciaravella had strong opinions on several topics, too, and he wasn’t afraid to make them known if he trusted someone.

Medallion Home Founder Carlos Beruff said he always liked Ciaravella’s consistency of opinion. The duo would often meet for lunch, and Ciaravella would tell him that it wasn’t their responsibility to convince others of their values, but only to live by them.

Ciaravella made sure to live by those principles and support the city he loved through his very last days.

“He was a good guy who worked hard and made something of himself,” Beruff said. “I can’t believe I’m not going to have lunch with him anymore.”

Ciaravella is survived by his wife, Shannon, and children, Chad and Lisa.

Cattin said there are no current plans for a service.

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Businessman and former County Commissioner Paul Caragiulo met Ciaravella nearly 20 years ago while studying for his pilot’s license at Dolphin Aviation.

He said Ciaravella had a very keen sense of altruism and would be happy to support local figures.

Although he had a large, animated personality that could turn heads, he rarely would let himself become the center of attention when it came to philanthropy. He provided scholarships to Sarasota college students each year, not out of ego but to support future innovators and business leaders.

“He did not do things to attract attention to himself,” Caragiulo said. “His civic attention, his care and concern, and his constant interaction (with the community) was very important.”

Ciaravella was well known for serving on the boards of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and the Tiger Bay Club. He often hosted fundraisers at his aviation center for a number of organizations and figures including local politicians U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and Florida Sen. Joe Gruters.

In 2020, when then-Vice President Mike Pence came to town for a reception at Buchanan’s Longboat Key home, Air Force 2 parked at Dolphin Aviation’s facilities. Pence posed for photos with Sarasota Military Academy students there.

Gruters, the chair of the Republican Party of Florida, also remembered Ciaravella as a larger-than-life figure who was

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

SECOND OPINIONS

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RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE 12:01 a.m. — 1400 block of Main Street Property damage: An employee at a bar said a customer was asked to leave the business. The customer attempted to go back inside, but he was denied entry. The customer became angry and started to kick barricades outside the front door.

The customer then kicked over an ATM next to the front door of the business.

The customer continued to argue and threw a chair at a security guard. Officers saw the ATM that the customer kicked was broken and visibly damaged. The employee estimated the value of the ATM at $1,500. When officers interviewed the customer, he showed signs of intoxication. He was missing one shoe, and the shoe he did have was on the wrong foot.

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EARLY BIRD 6:36 a.m. — 1000 block of North Tamiami Trail Theft: An employee at a convenience store said a man stole a beer before leaving the store.

Officers made contact with the man, who said he had paid for the beer by leaving money on the counter. The employee confirmed the man did leave cash behind that would cover the purchase, but he said they got into an argument after the employee told the man he could not sell beer before a certain time of day, so he could not accept the money.

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WET BANDIT Midnight — 200 block of John Ringling Boulevard Property damage: An employee at a restaurant said a customer intentionally clogged the bathroom sink and left the water running, which caused the

bathroom to flood. Some water flowed out of the bathroom and saturated the carpet outdoors.

The employee said he estimated the cost of the damaged carpet at $200 and wanted to prosecute the party responsible.

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SCAN SCAM 12:42 p.m. — 3500 block of Tamiami Trail Theft: An employee at a grocery store said he observed two customers using the self-checkout and not scanning items before placing them into bags. The employee stopped the customers after they left the store with some items they had paid for. Officers spoke to both customers. One said he was trying to scan the items and was unaware he had not been successful, while the other said an employee checked on them at the register and told the customers they were good.

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SPORTS

Photo courtesy of US Rowing

Sarasota Crew alumnus Clark Dean (right) will compete in the men’s four at the Tokyo Olympics alongside Anders Weiss, Michael Grady and Andrew Reed.

HITTING THE OLYMPIC WATERS RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

T

he world was forced to wait an additional year for the Tokyo Olympics, but the games have finally arrived.

Sarasota has four athletes competing this year: skateboarder Jake Ilardi and rifle competitor Mary Tucker join swimmer Emma Weyant and rower Clark Dean. You met Jake and Mary on these pages in recent weeks.

Weyant, 19, graduated from Riverview High in 2020. She won four individual gold medals at the Florida High School Athletic

www.manasotaonline.com

Association state championships during her career. Weyant also swims with the Sarasota Sharks.

She committed to the University of Virginia but deferred her enrollment a year to focus on training for the Olympics. Her biggest breakthrough came at the 2019 Phillips 66 National Championships in Stanford, California, where she won the women’s 400 individual medley (4:35.47).

She’ll be swimming in that same event in Tokyo, the finals of which will be shown in prime time (9:30 p.m.) Saturday on NBC. Weyant won the event at the U.S. time trials (4:33.81) in June in Omaha, Nebraska, coming from behind to beat Hali Flickinger by 0.15 seconds. It is the fastest 400 IM time in the world heading into the Olympics. It is likely that one of a trio of Weyant, Flickinger and

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Melanie Margalis, who finished third (4:34.08), will take gold in Tokyo. It’s possible that the trio sweeps all three medals; the best time by a non-U.S. swimmer in the event is by Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu (4:34.76), who has the fifth-fastest time in the world this year.

Dean, 21, attended Pine View School and rowed with Sarasota Crew before graduating high school in 2019. Dean now attends Harvard University. Although this is Dean’s first Olympics, he is no stranger to performing on big stages. Dean won gold in the single sculls at the 2017 World Rowing Junior Championships in Trakai, Lithuania, becoming the first American to win the event in

The city of Sarasota and Bill Wagy Productions will host a Tokyo Olympics watch party at Payne Park Amphitheater in support of Jake Ilardi, the local skateboarder who will represent the U.S. in the street competition.

The watch party will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with a live preshow hosted by Bill Wagy and Benny Ray. It will include a preview of a documentary on Ilardi filmed by his brother, Nate Ilardi, and Liam Jordan. The NBC broadcast of the event will begin at 8 p.m. There will be a 45-minute break between the event’s semifinals and final, expected to be between 10:30-11 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. There will be contests held to win one of Ilardi’s skateboards or a skating lesson.

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Rower and swimmer join a skater and a rifle-shooter in representing Sarasota in Tokyo.

A PAYNE PARK WATCH PARTY

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Best of the best (of the rest) Here’s what else our columnist is looking forward to watching unfold in Tokyo.

T

ruly, the dog days of summer have arrived.

Why does late July need to exist? There are no high school sports. All-Star baseball tournaments have wrapped, at least at the local level, and none of our teams advanced out of states. Golfers will play a competitive tournament here and there, same with tennis players, but nothing the average sports fan cares about. Even when looking at professional sports, there’s not much to watch now that the NBA Finals have ended, just regular-season baseball.

High school football practice starts one week from Monday; now that’s something we can all get excited about. Until then, we’re just watching the clock.

At least, we would be normally. But in 2021, a special savior has arrived: the still-oddly named 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will hold its opening ceremony Friday but in another bizarre move have already begun; softball started things on Tuesday, which is being referred to as “day negative three” of the games. (If any readers can provide a sensible reason for

Courtesy photos

Left: Gymnast Simone Biles will look to add to her four gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. She’s one of columnist Ryan Kohn’s athletes to watch.

Above: Rose Lavelle and the U.S. women’s soccer team have work to do after a 3-0 loss to Sweden on Wednesday.

that designation, I’ll give them a prize.) Wednesday morning, the U.S. women’s soccer team was stunned by rival Sweden, 3-0, in its first group stage game. It was disappointing to wake up at 5 a.m. and groggily watch that performance, but I have faith that Rose Lavelle and company will turn it around.

At this point, you all know about the four Olympians (and one Olympic manager) representing Sarasota at the games.

We’re all excited to watch them — the Payne Park watch party for Ilardi should be a blast — but they are not the only athletes I’m looking forward to watching at the games. So, for people tuning into the games for more than

local support, here’s what’s on my must-watch list for Tokyo.

I want to see Simone Biles dominate again. There’s nothing like watching the way she’s able to contort her body in the air.

Because gymnasts typically have a short shelf life, there’s a chance this is the last time we see Biles, 24, on the Olympic stage.

Out of sheer curiosity, I will be watching every U.S. men’s basketball game. The results from the team’s tune-up exhibition games have been less than stellar. The team lost to Nigeria 90-87 on July 11 — Team USA’s first-ever loss to an African nation. For context, when the two countries last met in 2016, the U.S. won by 44, so some-

thing went abysmally wrong here. The second exhibition game didn’t go any better; the U.S. lost 91-83 to Australia. The team has recorded wins over Argentina and Spain since then, so I’m hoping their woes are behind them. How bad could a team led by Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard be, right?

In addition to skateboarding, there are three other new events this year: karate, surfing and sport climbing. I’ll be watching all three, but sport climbing is the one that has hooked me the most. If anyone has not seen video of sport climbing yet, I urge them to check it out.

I’m also interested in watching the U.S. softball team. I got

a glimpse at the Team Mexico last month at the Miss Sarasota Softball Complex. They were going against American college players and looked dominant, especially on the mound. We’ll see how good they look when they run into our national team.

That game will be at 1:30 a.m.

Saturday on NBC Sports Network, by the way.

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

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50 years. He repeated as champion in 2018 in Račice, Czech Republic. In 2019, having advanced past the “junior” stage, Dean rowed in the men’s four at the 2019 World Rowing Championships in Ottensheim, Austria, helping the team to a fifth-place finish.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Dean will be back in the men’s four alongside Anders Weiss, Michael Grady and Andrew Reed. The U.S. has not won a gold medal in the event since 1960, and the team’s most recent medal in the event, a bronze, was won in 2012. Of the four, only Weiss has Olympic experience. He rowed in the men’s pair in the 2016 Rio games, finishing 11th.

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With changes from boat to boat, rowing events are tough to predict, but the biggest gold medal threat is thought to be Britain, which won the event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and at the 2021 European Championships.

Watching Dean compete will be slightly more complicated than watching Weyant. The preliminary races will begin Thursday at approximately 10:30 p.m., but they will only be shown live on NBCOlympics.com. A replay of the heats will be shown at noon Friday on NBC Sports Network.

Heats and repechages will continue through Monday, when the men’s four finals will be held at approximately 9 p.m. on NBCOlympics.com.

For a full television schedule of rowing, swimming and other events, visit NBCOlympics.com.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS “We’ve seen what happens when kids age out. It’s our job to get them up to par and independent.”

Dominic Harris and Roberto Villanueva have encouraged Newtown children to be the best versions of themselves.

— Dominic Harris

Photos by Harry Sayer

A DIFFERENT WAY Dominic Harris and the Brotherhood of Men mentorship nonprofit teach growing children how to be upstanding adults.

HARRY SAYER

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Thursdays Call: 400-0444 Email: DomHarris21@ yahoo.com Website: BrotherhoodOfMen. org

I

t’s been a trying few years for Aiden Bauman.

The 15-year-old Booker High School student’s mother died of a heart attack two years ago. Since then, he’s tried to make the best of foster care. But there have been anger issues and months of court-ordered therapy.

He has spent time working on himself and how to manage his emotions, and he has also found a place to talk about it with others.

Bauman is a member of the Brotherhood of Men mentorship group in Newtown, a weekly gathering at the Janie’s Garden Clubhouse that connects children with leadership figures. It’s a place for adult mentors — police officers, doctors and other community

members with personal wisdom — to teach skills that range from pursuing college scholarships to money management.

On July 15, Bauman let his group know he was done with therapy

meetings but not working with the Brotherhood of Men. “They took me in and treated me like I’ve been here for years,” Bauman said. “I want be able to share stuff with them because I know I’ll get support from them. … I didn’t tell them to get gratification. I just know it was someone they were looking forward to.”

Markers of progress like that are what fill group Founder Dominic Harris with pride.

Harris, 41, once a plumber and now a detective with the Sarasota Police Department, has led the Brotherhood of Men for more than 14 years.

He said it all started when he saw young adults without focus.

It has grown over time and has attracted new families and young adults through word of mouth.

Some sessions attract 15 or so kids to the center while other weeks have close to 50.

The group’s initial structure focused on improving grades and behavior, but now the lessons offered run the gamut. Some weeks they attend Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe plays for cultural enrichment. Other weeks might include grooming tips from a barber. “(Being a man) means you can provide for your family and be

proud of yourself,” Harris said.

“Being able to give back is what makes a man.”

It’s important for Harris to note that his organization doesn’t specifically cater to kids who cause trouble but instead focuses on anyone who has lost their way.

Dr. Dwight Fitch, a radiation oncologist in Bradenton, has been with the group almost as long as Harris. He grew up in Detroit and said he sees similarities in Newtown kids.

“They have a future beyond what they can see in front of them,” Fitch said. “A lot of kids may never know a Black physician or a Black (police officer). … For a kid that age, it makes a difference for them to see that they’ve got options.”

Roberto Villanueva, an IT consultant, is a newer addition. Villanueva said he had tough times being bullied by other kids while growing up in Puerto Rico. He said he didn’t fit in — something he sometimes saw in the kids each week. He feels he’s helped them by providing discipline and compassion while encouraging them to accept their intelligence.

“We’re trying to get these kids to understand that it’s OK to be the smart one among their friends,” Villanueva said. “You don’t need to dumb yourself down to fit in.”

The nonprofit’s newest addition is a continuing-care program in the form of two homes provided to the group by the city that house a handful of children who have aged out of the foster system.

The first kids moved into the new space in June. The current plan is to allow young adults to stay there for around two years, but Harris hopes to help to get them on their feet earlier than that.

“We’ve seen what happens when kids age out,” Harris said.

“It’s our job to get them up to par and independent.”

It’s steady, patient work, but Harris has been in the game long enough to see real results and even new generations of men step up.

One of his kids who attended the group’s meetings years ago has returned as an uncle to help guide new children. It’s those moments that mean the most.

“When things like that happen, I know we’re doing something right,” Harris said.

Meetings can have 15 kids to 50 at other times.

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— HARRY SAYER Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Instructors Iain Harris and Timothy Updegraph teach guitar to campers.

Right: Eli Reynolds, 9, and Riley Jimenez, 8, work on their music.

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T

here is a long history of artistic talent in Sarasota.

Renowned painters and artists including Shirley Clement, Charles Ray McCurry and Hilton Leech honed their talents here throughout the 20th century.

The Arts Advocates group also has a long history. The group formerly known as The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota has been in operation for 50 years, slowly accumulating a number of highend, singular artworks from many of these Florida artists.

Its members are art enthusiasts and artists in their own right, and nothing makes past group President Donna Maytham happier than seeing a new, rare piece added to the collection. By its count, the group has acquired 51 midcentury pieces in its searches.

Those pieces have been on display at a gallery at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for some time, but Maytham and her fellow members have decided a change in scenery is in order.

For the first time since its inception in 1969, Arts Advocates now has a space of its own. The orga-

nization has moved several of its arts pieces to its new gallery space highlighting mid-20th-century works at Crossings at Siesta Key. The opening art exhibit has a collection of 19 painted works of Sarasota landscapes, detailedfigure drawings, abstract works and mixed-media projects from artists including Syd Solomon, Jerry Farsworth and Mary Sarg Murphy — all with their own connection and contributions to Sarasota. The gallery opened to the public July 17.

“This is the only collection of works like this available to the public,” said Maytham, who serves as the gallery’s director.

“All these paintings have a story to tell. They’ve helped Sarasota become an epicenter of the arts.”

It’s been a busy two years of searching for a gallery location.

Although several spots were considered, Maytham said she and

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Gallery Director Donna Maytham has her favorite pieces at the exhibit.

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other members struggled to find the right fit.

Serendipity struck earlier this year when Maytham learned of The Players Centre for the Performing Arts moving temporarily into Crossings at Siesta Key. Arts Advocates members checked out the mall space in early March and signed for the location in early June. The gallery space will be paid for by membership funds.

“It hints at a repurposing at the mall,” Maytham said. “Wouldn’t it be exciting if it became a center for nonprofits and art organizations?”

Maytham said the new, well-lit, wide-open space will let visitors see the art in a literal new light.

Arts Advocates received an unexpected-but-appreciated bequest in 2018 that allowed staff to get its work appraised and then brought on professional curator Mark Ormond to organize a new collection for the Crossings space.

The gallery has a variety of paintings from over the years, from “Descending Yellows,” a watercolor piece by Hilton Leach that was the very first painting the arts group acquired, to a series of circus-themed paintings that

line one of the space’s walls.

One of the prize inclusions is John Corbino’s “Palette,” a painting with its own twisting journey.

The art piece was stolen from the organization during the early 1990s and recovered by a collector at an estate sale in 2019.

The opening was a welcome continuation of in-person gatherings for the group following a pivot to online meetings during the pandemic.

Arts Advocates has started hosting tours led by docents the first Wednesday of each month for $10. It’s Maytham’s hope that the space will be used for donor events and fundraisers going forward.

New art pieces are being added to the collection, and Maytham said Ormond is always looking for future inclusions. Now that the hard work of establishing the gallery and getting it open is done, she feels the future of what it can be is full of possibilities.

“People will have the opportunity to learn a lot,” Maytham said.

“Will the community appreciate the art? Are they interested in the history of the art? … In that sense, we’re charting new territory.”

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SARASOTA 1711 Baywood Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,358 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4488310 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 1899 Buccaneer Circle 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,942 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4505815 $1,200,000

SIESTA KEY 6140 Midnight Pass Road 306 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,296 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4502379 $990,000

SARASOTA 7110 Tamworth Parkway 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,387 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Thompson 941-928-0790 A4505628 $950,000

SIESTA KEY 5911 Midnight Pass Road 101 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,465 Sq. Ft. Veronika Bajtala 941-504-0307 A4502671 $870,000

SARASOTA 3605 Country Place Boulevard 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,356 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4505964 $850,000

SIESTA KEY 5858 Midnight Pass Road 12 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,071 Sq. Ft. Veronika Bajtala 941-504-0307 A4505766 $825,000

SARASOTA 400 Golden Gate Point 33 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,388 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4505862 $799,000

SIESTA KEY 4822 Ocean Boulevard 5D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei & Nicole Mei 941-685-3198 A4503577 $749,000

SARASOTA 5420 Eagles Point Circle 401 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,936 Sq. Ft. Tara Lamb & Judy Greene 941-266-4873 A4505729 $719,000

SARASOTA 750 N Tamiami Trail 1206 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,400 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4505356 $700,000

SIESTA KEY 5911 Midnight Pass Road 302 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,447 Sq. Ft. Veronika Bajtala 941-504-0307 A4501533 $694,500

SIESTA KEY 711 Beach Road 212 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,077 Sq. Ft. Harvey & Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4505387 $675,000

SIESTA KEY 5855 Midnight Pass Road 110 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,056 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-809-2154 A4503872 $585,000

SARASOTA 2557 Ringling Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,445 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4497940 $584,100

SARASOTA 4535 Olive Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,530 Sq. Ft. Jennifer Thompson 941-928-0790 A4501193 $475,000

SARASOTA 2211 Bay Street 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 925 Sq. Ft. Cole Collins 941-350-8360 A4503526 $399,000

SARASOTA 435 S Gulfstream Avenue 907 1 Bed 1 Baths 1,201 Sq. Ft. Pamela Wall & Gladys Carrasco 941-504-5019 A4488260 $350,000

SARASOTA 5401 Tri Par Drive 21 1,551 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4503670 $299,000

SIESTA KEY 405 Beach Road BBLK27 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,646 Sq. Ft. Felix Power 941-586-8958 A4499219 $4,190,000

BRADENTON 8495 Lindrick Lane 4 Beds 4 Baths 6,352 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4504995 $3,995,000

SARASOTA 3260 E Forest Lake Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,837 Sq. Ft. Thomas Arthur 941-400-7970 A4504542 $3,990,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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20

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Sapphire Shores home sells for $3.58 million

|

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

21

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JULY 5-9

Other top sales by area SIESTA KEY

Eric Garwood

The home at 394 S. Shore Drive was built in 1954. It has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,236 square feet of living area.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Sapphire Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. 394 South Shore LLC sold the home at 394 S. Shore Drive to David Barcomb, of Sarasota, for $3.58 million. Built in 1954, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2013.

SARASOTA

HARBOR VIEW ON GOLDEN GATE POINT John and Susan Mimnaugh, of Cleveland, Georgia, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 650 Golden Gate Point to Stephen and Julia Smith, of Rochester, New York, for $1.4 million. Built in 1962, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,949 square feet of living area. It sold for $820,000 in 2013.

PALMER RANCH

HANSEN James Abrams, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4050 Red Rock Lane to SPE #229 for $1.25 million. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,418 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2020.

Prestancia Craig Alan Wolpert, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 4131 Boca Pointe Drive to Nicholas Heasman and Karolina Siniakowicz, of Sarasota, for $1.1 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,133 square feet of living area. It sold for $755,000 in 2017.

BURNS COURT VILLAS Daniel and Faith Perkins, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 2 condominium at 1526 Selby Lane to Noland Mackenzie Canter III and Rhoda Whitlock Canter, of Falls Church, Virginia, for $1.23 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,910 square feet of living area. It sold for $985,000 in 2017.

THE LANDINGS John Huber, trustee, and Linda Huber, of Sarasota, sold the home at 4868 Peregrine Point Circle to Timothy Joseph Martel and Wendy Michelle Greene, of Lexington, Massachusetts, for $873,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,927 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2013.

Beach Villas at the Oasis Joseph and Lisa Peters, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 309S2 condominium at 309 Beach Road to James David Pawlak, Marc Louis Palano and Bernard Daniel Barbaric, of Algonquin, Illinois, for $2.75 million.

Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 3,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.2 million in 2017.

OSPREY

Oaks David Beach, trustee, of Paeonian Springs, Virginia, sold the home at 602 Fernwalk Lane to Robert Sean Harris, of Osprey, for $1.06 million. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,104 square feet of living area. It sold for $755,000 in 2019.

NOKOMIS

Casas Bonitas Craig and Mary Lou Spottswood, trustees, of North Port, sold the home at 2251 Bayshore Road to Stuart Kelly and Oksana Allen, of Nokomis, for $2.35 million. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,155 square feet of living area. It sold for $875,000 in 1999.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 23 The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

MOVE-IN READY

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of July 5-9, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

2265 Hibiscus St.

Pool

Kiran Hapke

$80,900

2724 Hyde Park St.

Pool/Spa/Deck

Becky Moyer

$67,000

2881 Bahia Vista St.

Solar System

Clara Raber

$55,943

2230 Datura St.

Solar System

David Woodward

$54,946

306 Golden Gate Point #7

Windows/Shutters Waldron Kraemer, trustee $46,239

1381 Harbor Drive

Re-roof

Shawn Davidson, trustee $23,000

2214 Waldemere St.

Re-roof

Matthew Belmore

$20,300

3939 Iroquois Drive

Re-roof

Ilanit Klanggeffre

$16,950

1527 N. Conrad Ave.

Windows/Door

Jeff Stern

$15,100

717 Colt Lane

Alterations

Carolyn Ramirez

$13,250

SA R A S O TA CO U N T Y Address

Permit Applicant Amount

3174 Casey Key Road

Addition

Dean Lebaron

$1.04 million

3126 Casey Key Road

Addition

Dean Lebaron

$409,730

420 Beach Road #803

Remodel

Susanna Woodard

$199,640

803 Paradise Way

Seawall/Dock

William Delaney

$132,000

1145 Horizon View Drive

Pool

Michael Slater

$99,904

1283 Southport Drive

Seawall/Dock

Joseph Tamara

$98,715

6300 Midnight Pass Road

Remodel

David Kazynski

$98,000

#808 Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 | From the mid $500,000s | RisdonOn5th.com

SOLD

Northwest Bradenton Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 | From the high $400,000s | PalmaSolaBayClub.com

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

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

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

357304-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the possibilities are endless.

Alan Gravley & Beau

Beginning to End Interiors & Blinds 941.924.4481 | www.B2END.com | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C Sarasota, FL 34233

BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 24

OLYMPICS SKATEBOARDING WATCH PARTY 8 p.m. at Payne Park amphitheater, 2010 Adams Lane. Sarasota locals can cheer on Olympics skateboard competitor Jake Illardi during the competition in Tokyo. Free.

354327-1

Stan Writesel & Baylee

We are the Hunter Douglas experts, guiding you in the selections that’ll make your home even more beautiful whatever your style.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

Free. For information, go to FloridaStudioTheatre.org/road-again.

FRIDAY, JULY 23

Pizzeria • Wings • Subs • Salads Beer • Wine • Catering SIESTA KEY 941-800-5570 215 Avenida Madera Siesta Key, FL 34242

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1991

GULF GATE 941-921-5570 2053 Reynolds St. Sarasota, FL 34231

DOWNTOWN SRQ 941-366-5570 1703 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236

Curbside Pickup • Deliver • Dine-In • PanificioUSA.com

YP SUMMIT 8 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Sarasota, 202 N. Tamiami Trail.

The annual summit, hosted by the Sarasota Young Professionals Group, gives people the chance to mingle and hear from local community leaders. $45 for members; $60 for nonmembers. For information, go to SRQYPG.com.

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY Noon at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. Traditional and vegan hot dogs will be cooked at the bazaar courtyard, complete with free JDub’s beer and live music from Zeena Brown and Sabrina McClenith. Free. For information, go to HamletsEatery.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

TUESDAY, JULY 27

ON THE ROAD AGAIN 10:30 a.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. Florida Studio Theatre continues its musical road trip tour with a live performance featuring songs including “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

361529-1

KIDS’ SUMMER BEACH RUN 5:30 p.m. at Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road. For boys and girls under 18. The run is 1-mile, and all participants are awarded a medal. Free. For information, call 544-8904.

Showcasing young talented students from around the USA!

donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota

FSU Center for the Performing Arts 29 - 31 July 2021 Tickets $25 - $35 Children’s Tickets $10

Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

(941) 444-5783

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

347883-1

360610-1

22

Made possible by Muriel O’Neil Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

BOX OFFICE 941.359.OO99 | SarasotaBallet.org

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

HARBOR HOUSE John and Barbara Knorr, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, sold their Unit 23 condominium at 174 Golden Gate Point to Donald Erwin and Patricia Provenzano, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for $780,000. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,367 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,000 in 2019.

VAMO Mary Sanders and Darla Hancock, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 1705 Vamo Drive to Fred Atlas and Amanda Jane Atlas, of Sarasota, for $725,000. Built in 1923, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,673 square feet of living area. It sold for $186,900 in 1997.

COURTYARD AT CITRUS Patricia Glass, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 203 condominium at 525 N. Orange Ave. to Craig Kennison, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, for $632,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,158 square feet of living area. It sold for $466,000 in 2019.

GROVE LAWN Jacob Grollman, of Sarasota, sold his home at 2171 Wisteria St. to Kathleen Kleha and Elizabeth Hobby, of Apo, New York, for $609,000. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,582 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2020.

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

without ATTORNEYS

Divorce is never pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be full of hate & bitterness. Protect family relationships and assets from expensive, adversarial litigation, Explore Mediation: the Positive Alternative.

Call me for a Free 15-min Consultation, before you call an attorney!

SOUTH GATE Eric and Meredith Piazza, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2400 S. Brink Ave. to Keith Moon, of Orlando, for $584,000.

Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,750 square feet of living area. It sold for $224,000 in 2011.

• Family & Divorce Mediation

• Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements

• Marriage Mediation

• Elder Care Mediation

FREYA ROBBINS Supreme Court Certified Mediator Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Annette Breazeale, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2418 Tanglewood Drive to Wolfe Capital Investments LLC for $425,000.

Built in 1959, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,223 square feet of living area. It sold for $136,000 in 1991.

ZollingerMediation.com 941-366-0202

EXTEND YOUR

OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE

Mark Smith, of Osprey, and Barbara Armstrong, of Germantown, Tennessee, sold their home at 2717 S. Brink Ave. to Francisco Zayas and Maria Zayas, of Sunrise, for $405,000.

Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,733 square feet of living area.

GREAT SELECTION!

ONLINE See more transactions

Sarasota’s largest dealer Since 1969

at YourObserver.com

3800 S. Osprey Ave. • Sarasota • 366-4144 We also carry a complete line of accessories and bike clothing

Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

SOLD

PENDING

Your home has never been worth more $1.695M

1013 BAYSHORE RD | $5M

5 DAYS | $1.249M

317 BEACH RD | $3.4M

11 DAYS | $1.249M

1031 CONTENTO ST | $1.55M

SOLD

PENDING

SELLER | $1.975M LP

SOLD

PENDING

1 DAY | SELLER | $1.895M LP

4 DAYS | SELLER | $1.5M 36% OVER LIST

Who you list with matters SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR® SINCE 2005

$111 Million Pending & Sold 2021 Year-to-Date $72 Million Sold in 2020 941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com | www.homesofsarasota.com | 357998-1

23

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.

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FROM PAGE 21

DIVORCE

EAGLES POINT AT THE LANDINGS Stephen Queior and Kathleen Bontrager, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 201 condominium at 5420 Eagles Point Circle to Walter Kristlibas and Marian Kristlibas, trustees, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,930 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2018.

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Real estate

|

24

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, JULY 22 High: 92 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 15%

FRIDAY, JULY 23 High: 90 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 31%

SATURDAY, JULY 24 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 46%

SUNDAY, JULY 25 Alan Zegman captured this photo of a zebra longwing butterfly at Spanish Point in Sarasota.

High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 53%

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.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 22

6:48a 8:23p

Friday, July 23

6:48a

8:22p

Saturday, July 24

6:49a

8:22p

Sunday, July 25

6:49a

8:21p

Monday, July 26

6:50a

8:21p

Tuesday, July 27

6:50a

8:20p

Wednesday, July 28

6:51a

8:19p

MOON PHASES

Aug. 15 First

Aug. 22 Full

Aug. 30 Last

Sept. 6 New

RAINFALL Monday, July 12

0.11

Tuesday, July 13

0.03

Wednesday, July 14

0.07

Thursday, July 15

0.52

Friday, July 16

0

Saturday, July 17

0.43

Sunday, July 18

0.43

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 24.17 in.

2021 5.86 in.

2020 27.32 in.

2020 1.79 in.

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

GUIDANCE by Matthew Stock; CROSSWORD OCCUPATIONAL Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Sign into law 6 Massage venue 9 Email secretly 12 “___-Dick” 16 Mamas’ mamas 17 “Sun Goes Down” singer Lil ___ X 18 Pleased 19 <--- or ---> 21 Career advice for an anesthesiologist?

25 Big bird 26 Las Vegas athlete such as A’ja Wilson 27 “Metamorphoses” poet 28Label on a present

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com 99 Opera singer Romero 100 Miner’s finds 101 Peer in school 105 Four-time NBA All-Star DeMar 107 “You said it!”

108 Natural ‘do 109 Small, informally 110 Career advice for a groundskeeper?

115 Take care of 116 70-Across sound 117 “1919” poet Ewing 118 Unrefined 119 Slight setback 120 “How neat!”

121 Marry 122 Supply party food

41 90%, say, gradewise 42 Finely chops 46 ___-Mex 47 Friend, in Panama 49 Outer garment worn by the pool 50 “We’re in trouble,” to Scooby-Doo 51 Spanish for “grandpa” 52 Sailor, informally 54 Some prosecutors (Abbr.)

55 Complains 56 Untagged, in a recess game 57 Pots may hang from them 62 Surroundings 63 Yogurt brand 64 Chases after, as fly balls 66 Future mushrooms DOWN 67 Sweet’s opposite 1 Concluded 69 Faulty firework 2 Tennis icon Osaka 73 Spanish sir 3 Make void 75 Celebrity chef Martin 4 Certain furry cuddle buddy 76 Showed on TV 5 Sound of disapproval 77 Orchids grow from them 6 White-speckled chocolate 78 Al ___ (pasta preference) morsel 79 Not look forward to 7 Runner’s speed 80 Does some digging 8 Inquire 81 Special guests 9 ___-green (teal) 86 What a guest attends 10 Joker or jack 87 With no blemishes 11 Audiobook holders 88 Staples Center, e.g.

12 Beach city near L.A. 90 Unit of resistance 13 “Carmina Burana” 93 Not digital composer 94 Two tuba toots 14 Stock option?

95 Made, as money 15 Video creator with a 96 Visibly flabbergasted 30 Predicament 53 Career advice for an 75 Career advice for a channel 98 Threaded together 33 Pool sticks apiarist? comedian?

18 Regulate 102 Northern island native 34 Marvelous, briefly 58 Peruvian worshipper 79 E-flat’s equivalent 20 Serena Williams’ circuit 103 Diacritic over the third 35 Rwandan ethnic group of Inti 82 Apple platform initials 22 Moniker letter in 73-Down 36 Career advice for a water 59 Bygone tape format 83 “I can’t ___ that!”

23 Question to someone who 104 Revered villager polo player?

60 Sixty minutes (reaction to a cringeworthy just stirred 106 Greek Z 40 Conk on the head 61 ___ fever photo) 24 “Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!”

107 Prefix with “dynamic” 41 Iowa college town 62 ENTs, e.g.

84 Lip balm brand 29 Little fish 108 Earlyish dinnertime 43 “Not Top 10 Plays” 65 Pictionary team member 85 River to Lake Geneva 31 ___ out (barely manage) 111 “A Black Lady Sketch channel 67 Web destinations 86 Miscalculate 32 Untidy Show” channel 44 Title for Euphegenia 68 Bible book before Jonah 87 East ___ Alto 33 Wanda’s partner in “The 112 Tree that sounds like a Doubtfire 70 Donkey 89 “Verb” or “adverb,” Fairly OddParents” pronoun 45 Devoured 71 Expert ironically 34 Comedic absurdity 113 Broadcast-monitoring 47 “Is that true about me?” 72 Actor Kapoor 91 Long time 37 2021, 2022 and so on org.

48 Get out of Dodge 73 Have a good cry 92 Career advice for a trum- 38 Burnt ends?

114 “This American Life” host pet player?

51 Easy as ___ 74 Bone near the funny 39 Caribbean fruit Glass 52 Brand of boat shoes bone 97 Declare

349228-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“CBHJ KJVXFGTZ TVDRTJ ZRBK DRID CBH’JT XIZDC, AJIXFC IXS ZTXVGT, BJ DRID CBH’JT IGKICZ ZOVGVXL.”

AIJGBZ ZIXDIXI

“JED CZEX XOBR P VPV BMRWI P XIERW KJ MPIHR ZEFWS? P HODR DU BZV XIERW RXWZRJ-ROIWW KEIW.”

KPNOBWS NEZZWSSJ Puzzle Two Clue:: F equals V

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clues L equals G

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

07-22-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

RED PAGES real estate

home services

Condos/Apts. for Rent

Adult Care Services

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Items Under $200 Mitsubishi HS-U680 VCR. Has remote, manual, some cables, works. $35 (941) 966-6816

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Furnishings Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 Area rugs 5X9, 5X7, $50 each, Silk tree florals $100 each, Mirrors $50 each.

941-800-4476 ARTIST easel, wooden floor model on wheels, great condition $50.

941-349-4875 BLACK & Decker cordless drill/driver. SS18, 2 18v Nicad batteries,charger. $30 (941) 966-6816 CEMENT PELICAN 2 feet tall $65, keurig coffee maker $30, bike rack for car holds 2 $30, margaritaville beach chair $50.

941 359 8460 CHINA CABINET Antique Mahogany with glass doors$199 (941) 925-7850 wplgt14@gmail.com CUISINART FOOD Processor $55.00. Ladder, Alum. 6Ft $15.00. Vacuum Cleaner $70.00. Prof. Knife set $55.00 Call 941- 250-6205

FURNITURES AND Fixtures Desks, Chairs, Examining Table, Pictures, Paintings, file cabinets, X-ray viewer, electronic equipment, dictating equipment, books, CD’s and more.

941-356-0770

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales ESTATE SALE Saturday, July 24, 9am-?

MUST SELL ALL! Auto, kitchen, furniture & art.

5633 Monte Rosso Road 941-504-6552 MOVING SALE Friday July 23, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM - , Saturday July 24, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM - Rain or Shine 13934 Wood Duck Cir Furniture, Antiques and more!

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE - 1541 and 1580 BAY POINT DR SRQ Sat. July 24, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Contemporary and vintage: furniture, collectibles, linens, dinnerware, china, kitchenware, clothing & accessories, wrought iron patio furniture.

Downsizing, so lots more!

Merchandise Wanted LOCAL COLLECTOR pays cash for flags, guns, medals, helmets, war souvenirs, military items ours/theirs.

941-323-9417.

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.

OR RENT ANNA MARIA FO ISLAND UPDATED 5 STAR CONDO. Available September November (monthly with multimonth discounts) millions $ waterview, first floor, 2br/2b, patio, walk to beach, pool, tennis, smoke free, boat slip available. marketreps@aol.com

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

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

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

SELL IT FAST! Place Your Ad Online

Advertise items less than $200 for

FREE!

YourObserver.com/RedPages LONGBOAT KEY: Gulffront, 2BR/2BA +den condo, 1455/sq.ft., totally remodeled.

Live right on the beach. Fabulous views of Gulf, sunsets, lush gardens, pool, spa. 941-7263443.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Rentals Wanted

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Individual seeks space on farm to germinate plants and flowers, prefers farm with bedroom/bathroom. Tom 678-755-3804

Epic Home Care Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s CareLight Cleaning Med AdministrationMeal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 EpicHomeCare@yahoo.com Rosa Torres- Owner

SELL IT NOW! 941-955-4888

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Your wrinkles either show that you’re nasty, cranky and senile, or that you’re always smiling.”

Carlos Santana Puzzle Two Solution: “You know what I did after I wrote my first novel?

I shut up and wrote twenty-three more.”

Michael Connelly

This week’s Sudoku answers

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Fulfilling Lifestyle Dreams

Real Estate Re-Imagined How a $100K home improvement turned into $700K ROI When life’s next adventure is waiting on the sale of your home, list with the Peter G. Laughlin Group. We represent the sellers of Sarasota Luxury Homes to maximize the return on the sale of their homes.

Our value-added service is personal. It’s professional. And it creates outstanding results for you.

CASE STUDY When the seller of a 1990s contemporary waterfront home asked us to list his home, our first step was to do a thorough market analysis. During the analysis, we learned that the home is built on one of the highest natural grades on Siesta Key and that it is affectionately called “Selby on Siesta” because of its sublime native landscape.

The initial market analysis suggested a list price of $3,200,000. The price took into account the appearance of the home which was somewhat outdated.

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home could sell at a higher price — possibly $3,500,000.

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The seller’s $100,000 investment resulted in a sale $872,000 above the original list price – a gain of $772,000.

View “Before & After” photos at: PGL.Group/Imagine

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

. . . t i a W But

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Flip the page for more sales and specials!

YOU’VE BEEN SERVED a menu of options for Fall classes!

ENTREES Workforce Certificates Get a certificate, get noticed and earn more in less than a year.

Two-year Degrees Prepare to enter the workforce or a four-year university. 30+ programs to choose from.

Four-year Degrees Succeed in high-demand careers with one of our five bachelor’s degrees.

MENU SPECIALS Flex Start Classes Opt for flexible scheduling with classes in 5-, 8- or 12-week sessions.

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Take classes when you can, the way you want.

PLACE YOUR ORDER! SCF.edu/FallMenu | Text 941-304-5443 | Call 941-752-5050 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its educational programs, services and activities, including admission and employment. Direct inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies to: Equity Officer, 941-752-5323, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207.

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BRIDGE July 2021 Issue

Quarterly Member Magazine

Greater Sarasota Chamber Celebrates Small Businesses for the 31st year!

Winn Winners Feature | Page 8

From the CEO Page 2

New Team Members Page 6

New in Membership Page 12

FROM THE CEO Our Chamber is all about celebrating small businessafter all small business is the true heart and soul of our business community in the Sarasota region. It was such a pleasure and honor to recognize and honor our small businesses at our annual Small Business Awards Luncheon this past month. This year we had a record crowd of over 550 chamber members attend the luncheon to recognize and celebrate our hardworking small businessmen and women.

This event is a fan favorite for many of our members and staff because it is ALL about our members.

This marks the 31st year that we have hosted the Small Business Awards and it is always incredibly tough on our judges to determine the finalists and winners. We are so grateful for the team of judges who spent hours poring over the quality applications and narrowing down the field to 24 finalists to be recognized at the luncheon.

All of our finalists’ businesses are extraordinary examples of successful businesspeople that truly exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Mr. Berlin was a successful businessman and community leader who chaired the Chamber more than 65 years ago.

It is for that reason that this Chamber event bears his name. These 24 finalists and hundreds of other small enterprises are the backbone of our community’s economy. Please join me in my celebration of their innovation and pursuit of excellence. (Kindly refer to page 8 for the feature of the 31st Small Business Awards.)

C H A M B E R S TA F F Heather Kasten

President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050

Kristi Hoskinson

Vice President of CareerEdge khoskinson@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045

Brittany Lamont

Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040

Samantha Badgley

Executive Assistant sbadgley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

Alyssa Barnsley

Programs Communications Coordinator abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

Shauna Donahue

CareerEdge Program Director sdonahue@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038

Zach Henkel

Membership Investment Representative zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029

Craig McGonigal

Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034

Kelly Monti

Events Coordinator kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035

Kaveecia Moore

Opportunities For All Programs Manager kmoore@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058

Sara Rachon

Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

Christine Seaman

Accounting Manager accounting@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4053

Jodel Velarde

Communications Coordinator jvelarde@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046

HEATHER KASTEN CEO/PRESIDENT

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

2

BRIDGE • July 2021 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Alicia Williams

CareerEdge Program Coordinator awilliams@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4030 P: (941) 955-8187 | F: (941) 366-5621

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lunch

Second Wednesday of the Month 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Members: $24, Non-Members: $40 July 14 - The Ringling Grillroom August 11 - Speaks Clam Bar at St. Armands September 8 - Tripletail Seafood & Spirits

Thursday, July 22 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Sarasota Sports Medicine Members: Complimentary; Non-Members $20

Thursday, August 19 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Rise and Nye’s Members: Complimentary; Non-Members $20

Held at the Sarasota Chamber Board Room

Connecting Community and Conversation

Tuesday, July 13 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Virtual Event Sponsored by Bank of America Calandra Walker Jarell, Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Global Human Resources Members and Non-Members: No Cost

Wednesday, July 14 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM How to Select the Right Retirement for your Business & Employees Paul Allen, President of Wealth Strategies Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

STATE

Community

Thursday, August 5 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM Uncover The Valuable Leader In You: 7 Steps to Greater Growth, Value & Influence Velma Knowles, Best-selling Author & Leadership Coach Cost: (includes Velma’s book “The Valuable Leader”): Members: $20; Non-Members: $30

O F

T H E

LU NCH S ER IES

Thursday, July 29 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Marina Jack What’s Trending in Real Estate?

Members: $40; Non-Members: $55

Wednesday, September 22 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM Leading Into The Future: “Attracting & Retaining Talent” Tony Daum, Founder/CEO and Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance Members complimentary; Non-Members $20

CEO & JOE

Tuesday, September 14 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

M E E TIN G

101st ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND LUNCHEON

SHOWCASE

Wednesday, August 25 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Sarasota Municipal Building

Friday, September 17 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Friday, October 22 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sarasota Art Museum

Trustee Focus Group Lunch Friday, July 30, 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM

August 26 - The Founders Golf Club September 23 - Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Trustee Members Only: $35

Please Note: Trustee Receptions are complimentary for Corporate Trustee, Community Builder, & Economic Driver Members

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

July 2021

•

BRIDGE

TRUSTEE EVENTS

Trustee Receptions Thursdays | 5PM - 6:30PM

ANNUAL EVENTS

A NNU A L

SARASOTA

MONTHLY EVENTS

C

HOUR

C C

POWER

3

A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

“We have had a great first 100 years marked by astonishing innovations and growth. Because of you, I know the next 100 years will be even more magnificent.”

I can’t believe that my time as chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is soon coming to a close. When I was asked over two years ago to consider serving as Chair of the Chamber during its 100th anniversary year, I never anticipated that we would be facing a once-in-ahundred-year pandemic. We have weathered this crisis together, and have grown stronger through it, thanks to this community’s ability to collaborate and work together creatively. And, incredibly, in the midst of all of this challenge, we have still celebrated 100 years of history.

For me personally, my year as chair has been truly fulfilling. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the amazing team of superb staff and volunteers at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce in service to this vibrant community.

Although I have had the joy of living in Sarasota for over 20 years, I am continually astounded by the vibrant businesses, non-profits, and committed people here in the Greater Sarasota area. We are also blessed with rich and varied arts and cultural offerings, extensive public parks lands, sporting events, golf courses, numerous options for outdoor activities, educational institutions, and historic neighborhoods, and so much more that are on par with any major city in the world. What sets us apart – aside from our beautiful weather – is the uniquely giving nature of the people here. There is a dedication to philanthropy, to giving back, to serving others here that I have not witnessed anywhere else. I can’t thank all of you enough for demonstrating every day just how blessed we are to be a part of this community.

So, as I reflect back on my year as chair, what I want most to do is to look forward to the limitless future I see for this region. We have had a great first 100 years marked by astonishing innovations and growth. Because of you, I know the next 100 years will be even more magnificent.

LARRY THOMPSON CHAIR OF THE BOARD

T H A N K YO U C H A M B E R C H A M P I O N S

communications

4

BRIDGE • July 2021 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

U-18 BASEBALL WORLD CUP ED SMITH STADIUM SEPTEMBER 10-19, 2021

The 30 th edition of the U-18 Baseball World Cup will take place in September 2021 and feature the world’s best players from 12 countries in the U-18 category.

ALL DAY PASSES AVAILABLE $10 FOR ADULTS | $5 FOR STUDENTS (AGES 6-18) FREE FOR AGES 5 AND UNDER ORIOLES.COM/BASEBALLWORLDCUP GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

July 2021

•

BRIDGE

5

MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS Kristi Hoskinson

Vice President for CareerEdge Over 20 years of experience as a recognized leader in the workplace and community, Kristi successfully leads people and teams to organizational excellence. She enjoys finding creative solutions, solving business problems with expert consultative skills, and strategically enhancing the employee experience and organizational performance. Kristi is a people strategist optimizing human talent to enhance business outcomes. She is an expert at analyzing an organization’s people-performance-culture ecosystem to identify opportunities for improved results. Using a very consultative approach, Kristi delivers a sustainable process for companies to maximize the drivers of human performance. A natural leader and influencer, Kristi is continually active in her community, serving on various boards in key leadership roles – Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Team Tony Cancer Foundation, and CareerSource Suncoast - and volunteering for local non-profits. Kristi lives in Sarasota, with her husband and their two dogs, enjoying an active lifestyle.

Jodel Velarde

Communications Coordinator Jodel’s passion for serving the community through the art and science of communication landed her a role at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she worked in development, programs, and communications at the Ear Research Foundation. Her initiative included developing a new communications plan and rebranding the foundation’s collateral. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from De La Salle University, Philippines. In 2018, Jodel migrated to the United States to further her career. She recently joined the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations of a local Toastmaster club. At her new venture, she is responsible for the Chamber’s communications to connect, promote and support its 1,100 members. Outside of work, Jodel gets creative, either with photography or journaling. On weekends, she loves to ride her bike and watch the sunset.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Sertoma Kids 2750 Stickney Point Rd Suite 210, Sarasota, FL 34231

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 301 N. Cattleman Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

Sertoma Kids Dedication, Grand Opening, open house held their ribbon cutting last April 8, 2021 for their new Sertoma Kids location for speech therapy. The event had food, music, and refreshments.

Encompass Health Rehabilitation had an expansion grand opening event, adding 20 private rooms to their hospital. This gave them a total off 116 beds, now with 50 private rooms. The expansion allows them to better serve the needs of the community.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant held their Ribbon Cutting on June 26, 2021. The restaurant celebrated this Preview Event with the Chamber Staff.

Interested in booking your Ribbon Cutting Ceremony?

Please contact Kelly Monti, Events Coordinator, at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com 6

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INTRODUCING A NEW CHAMBER PROGRAM Opportunities For All (OFA) initiative kicked off its summer internship program the week of May 24th with the “Keys to Success” Internship Mixer.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

This year’s program has successfully connected 25 diverse students to 20 local businesses and Chamber member companies. The eight-week program provides an opportunity for local employers to benefit from the attributes of bright, talented, rising future leaders, while providing access to cross-cultural career-oriented experiences for those seeking to broaden their exposure to the professional work world.

This experience has been fully funded by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce through the Opportunities For All grant provided by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

COMING SEPTEMBER 2021!

The Opportunities for All (OFA) Business Assistance Funds Program. This program is designed to assist minority small business owners and organizations with navigating resources to help their business grow and thrive. Minority small business owners must be registered with the state and/or a 501 © (3) taxexempt organization that provide programs and services that benefit the residents of either Sarasota or Manatee County with assistance in expanding economic collaboration in our region.

For more information or questions, please contact Kaveecia Moore, kmoore@sarasotachamber.com, and Davian Spires, dspires@sarasotachamber.com

LOOK FOR UPDATES

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Congratulations!

Over 550 individuals celebrated the dreamers, providers, and collaborators of the Sarasota community at the 31st Annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards on Friday, June 25.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored local member businesses in several areas, including innovation of product or service, response to adversity, business growth, and contributions to the greater Sarasota community through this annual awards luncheon.

Congratulations to all local businesses for creating opportunities for everyone and making Sarasota a better place to build a life!

SMALL BUSINESS

MEDIUM BUSINESS

LARGE BUSINESS

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Team Tony Cancer Foundation Winner

JMX Brands Winner

MÜV Florida Winner

All Faiths Food Bank Winner

First Home Bank S-One Holdings Corporation

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Swor Women’s Care, LLC

Bird Key Yacht Club Sabal Palm Bank

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AWARD

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

RISING STAR AWARD

WOMAN LED BUSINESS AWARD

Air Products Winner

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime Winner

Gulfside Bank Winner

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Winner

Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp.

HBK CPA’s & Consultants

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DreamLarge Tervis Tumbler Company

Camelot East Village, A Cove Community SpeedPro Imaging Affinity Solutions

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Music Compound Professional Benefits Inc.

tions!

“Our Chamber is all about celebrating small businessafter all small business is the true heart and soul of our business community in the Sarasota region.”

- Heather Kasten, CEO/ President

THANK YOU 2021 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORS!

communications

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YOUR LOCAL CREDIT UNION FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR BUSINESS At Achieva Credit Union we offer the same products and services as a bank, but with more attention on what matters most - you.

Mortgages & home equity loans

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EVERYONE IS WELCOME Stop by your local branch or visit us online to become a member.

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4254 53rd Ave East, Bradenton • 3000 Bee Ridge Rd & 5881 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

CAREEREDGE GRANT FUNDING REMAINS OPEN A F T E R I N I T I A L AWA R D S M A D E TO H E L P LO C A L E M P LOY E R S T R A I N E M P LOY E E S CareerEdge awarded $151,100 to train 219 employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Aviva Senior Living, Chris-Craft, and Air Products. The total employer investment among the four companies for their employee training is $526,496.

“CareerEdge grant funding will benefit Chris-Craft by increasing our ability to attract and hire workers entering the manufacturing industry as well improve retention which, in turn, allows us to deliver the high-quality products that our customers demand,” said Kathy Alder, human resources director at Chris-Craft.

CareerEdge’s annual evaluation found that workers benefiting from this grant funding saw an average wage gain of 12% after the first year of training. Over the past eleven years, CareerEdge employer grant funding resulted in a $32.4 million cumulative annual earnings gain from new and wage increases following CareerEdge training investments.

Employers will use the grant funding for the following training priorities: • • • •

Air Products: Provide technical training for Production Welding Technicians Chris-Craft: Provide entry level manufacturing and workplace English training Sarasota Memorial Hospital: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training Aviva Senior Living: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training

Graduation of the inagural CNA Fast-Track training program participants at State College of Florida (SCF)

To be eligible for funding, businesses must: • • • •

Be industry focused: Manufacturing, health care, insurance, or skilled trades (automotive or HVAC) Agree to train and close skills gaps for new or current workers Design new “career ladders” with increased wages for workers who successfully complete training or streamline and integrate training. i.e., cross-training Actively participate on the CareerEdge Industry Council

Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses must submit a letter of interest by July 30. Grant applications are due August 31 at 5:00 p.m. and those selected will be notified mid-September.

CareerEdge aligns resources and strategies to develop a solutions-based plan for our community’s workforce needs. To learn more or become involved with CareerEdge, please visit: https://careeredgefunders.org/

STAY INFORMED!

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N M E M B E R S H I P April - May 2021 All Florida Safety Institute Arcade Monsters Art Ovation Hotel Sarasota Baby Fox Academy of Florida, LLC Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty Waters Team BYO Sports Complex, Inc. careGen Consultants Certified Collectibles Group CFS Roofing Services Chris-Craft Corporation Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant CSi Networks Curve Trends Marketing LLC David Allen Capital Agency DGR Systems Dynasty Building Solutions First Centennial Mortgage

Five Star Claims Adjusting Glory Days Grill Harmar High Definition Mortgage Ipava State Bank Jeanette Tiano Kevin Tighe Law Office of Kenneth J. Nota, PA Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Suncoast Region Marina Jack Marina Jack II Massage Heights Sarasota Mitchell Family Interests Modus Builders Momentum Consulting Mr. and Mrs. Restore Oleary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Ooh La La Beauty Bar Operation Warrior Resolution ORW Workplace Recordables, Inc. Renn Haus Roberts Insurance Group, LLC Sarasota Web Studios, LLC Solmart Media, LLC Suncoast Skin Solutions Swor Women’s Care, LLC TechCare, LLC Tekscape Tervis Tumbler Company Turtle Beach Bar and Grill Veteran Media Group Walmart Neighborhood Market West Coast Woman Wolff Roofing LLC

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF MEMBERSHIP

Join us as we recognize members who have been a part of our Chamber for 25 years or more.

May - July 2021

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Alvin J. Singleton, Inc. Roofing Contractors Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar - South Siesta Key Esprix Technologies, LP

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Aladdin Equipment Company, Inc. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Coldwell Banker Residential & Commercial Real Estate

Gettel Automotive LaGasse Plumbing, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Inc.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing

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Pacer Group

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Hanson Professional Services Inc. RE/MAX Alliance Group/ Linda Starcher

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Adams and Reese LLP

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Florida Southern Roofing & Sheetmetal, Inc. ICORR Properties International, LLP Sarasota Ford

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

FCCI Insurance Group Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc.

SunCoast Blood Centers

The Haven Hembree & Associates, Inc.

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Ringling College of Art and Design

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State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

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Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC

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Gilbane Building Company

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The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Publix Super Markets, Inc.

MEMBER TIP

M E M B E R N E WS TRI COUNTY AIR received the Best Local HVAC/AC Company Platinum Award from the readers of SRQ Magazine. This is the company’s third award-winning year in a row and they credit their amazing team of employees.

A local teen from BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES named the 2021 Florida Youth of the Year title. The program recognizes members who demonstrate strong leadership and service skills, as well as, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

CHILDREN FIRST was recognized as one of the top 50 nonprofit organizations to work for nationwide in the 2021 Best Nonprofits to Work For competition. The exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County ranked 24th overall in the medium-sized category.

SOUTHTECH collected 11,438 pounds of electronics at the “Data Dump” that took place on April 22nd.

SouthTech thanks all who participated, including the Bradenton Area EDC for co-hosting, the Manatee Technical College for hosting, and Quicksilver Recycling Services for their collection services.

Florida based, GETTEL AUTOMOTIVE GROUP made the TOP 150 Dealerships Groups in the U.S. nudging ahead in the 2020 ranking to 57, from 63 in 2019 in the latest rankings complied by Automotive News. The Dealerships are ranked based on the number of retail vehicles sold in 2020.

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK received $65,000 in support of Nutrition Education, Snap Application Assistance and Hunger Relief Programs. The donation was in support of Nutrition Education which teaches individuals how to prepare healthy low-cost meals.

LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine recognized with National Award for Clinical Excellence and Center of Distinction 2020. LWRMC Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine by Healogics®, is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) continued to break passenger records. In the month of April, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 294,165 passengers, breaking the all-time record set the previous month with 277,590 passengers.

U P DAT E YO U R P R O F I L E Has your staff, business, or contact information changed recently? Help us help you, and update your member profile!

Step 1:

Go to www.sarasotachamber.com.

Step 2:

Click on Member Login at the top of the page.

Step 3:

Login with your Organization Username & Password.

If you do not have your organization’s master login information, please contact Craig McGonigal.

Step 4:

You will appear on the Member Portal Home after you have logged in. Your company name should be listed above the paragraph.

Step 5:

Under the Member Portal Home, in the third column, select the fourth option, Profile Update.

Simply click on Edit My Profile for the Organization (a pop up appears) to edit any of your information.

Click on Directory Listing and update your listing with a short company description (250 characters or less) and a long company description.

Click on Social Media and link any of your social media profiles including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Yelp & more!

Questions?

Contact Craig McGonigal, Membership Engagement Manager at cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com.

blix Super Markets, Inc.

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Both our Adult and Youth Leadership Sarasota participants perservered through this difficult year and graduated the program!

We are so excited for the Adult leaders to take what they have learned and use it for good in the Sarasota community.

And, we are thrilled for the Youth class and whatever they may accomplish in their futures.

YOUR CHAMBER’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Join us in congratulating both Classes of 2021!

Leadership Sarasota is building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow.

Your Chamber’s leadership program offers four tracks for leadership development: Adult Leadership, Youth Leadership, Engage Sarasota, and Leadership Alumni. Visit sarasotachamber.com for more information.

Want to remain part of this amazing program?

Keep an eye out for your renewal dues in July!

FOLLOW US!

CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARDS Sarasota has a legacy of strong leaders and innovators. Leadership Sarasota, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is continuing that legacy by building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow.

We are looking forward to this annual celebration of our program’s legacy-makers on August 12, presented by Willis Smith Construction. The Leadership awards recognize leadership alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories.

Lifetime of Leadership Award: Recognizing body of work in career, community and beyond.

Chris Gallagher, Hoyt Architects Impact in Action Award: Recognizing a current community leadership endeavor.

Joe Hembree, Hembree & Associates, Inc. Jennifer Vigne, Education Foundation of Sarasota County Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award: Recognizing commitment to the Leadership Sarasota program.

Mark Gordon, Observer Media Group

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TAYLOR AULTMAN Hometown: Inverness, FL Company: Willis Smith Construction Title: Project Executive Leadership Class Year: 2012 How do you stay connected with area professionals?

Staying involved with a community organization and volunteer opportunities.

You will be surprised with the people you meet and the connections you make.

What was the most impactful part of the Leadership Sarasota program?

As a class participant, the program gives you a “backstage pass” to the inner workings of Sarasota County while developing lifelong relationships with fellow emerging leader in the community.

As an alum, the program provides the opportunity to stay connected and involved in the community as well as mentor emerging leader.

What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given?

Never be good at something you don’t want to do again.

BUILDING TODAY’S LEADERS UPCOMING ALUMNI HAPPY HOURS Thursday, July 15 Tamiami Tap

MEDIA DAY Both of our Leadership classes spent the day at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hearing from various media outlets and getting a look at the news industry as a whole and locally.

CLASS PROJECTS Our Adult Leadership Sarasota participants have completed their four separate class projects with their chosen nonprofits: Embracing Our Differences, Safe Children Coalition, Take Stock In Children, and Tidewell Hospice.

We are so moved by the wide-reaching impact four distinct projects were able to make.

Combined the four groups completed 341 volunteer hours. With the current estimated national value of each volunteer hour at $28.54, they completed $9,732.14 worth of volunteer impact.

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WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY

“I really enjoy being a member of The Greater Sarasota Chamber because there are so many events that are helpful to me for professional & personal reasons. As an active member I have to opportunity to support local businesses & meet new people very often.”

- Justin Johnson Business Development Officer IAS Marketing Services

“The Greater Sarasota Chamber is a special organization where you see results from your membership.

Whether it is timely training for your employees through CareerEdge or safeguarding a positive business climate for our region, the member benefits add to your bottom line.”

- Mark Pritchett President and CEO Gulf Coast Community Foundation

“I continue to choose to be a member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for the relationships - with the Chamber staff, fellow members and businesses, and with people in my community. The GSCC strives to connect people who live, work, and play in our beautiful city and they are truly passionate about each member.”

- Elizabeth K. Topp Co-Owner Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

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When you call Honest Air Conditioning, your comfort becomes our main priority. We put customer relationships first and our team is committed to earning your trust and exceeding your expectations.

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be in good company.

YPG SPOTLIGHT: Bethany Silvis Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Company: Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Title: Marketing Coordinator YPG Member Since: 2018

Annual YP SUMMIT Friday, July 23 | Embassy Suites Sarasota

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group is proud to host the Annual Young Professionals Summit, presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co.! The YP Summit brings together local young professionals to hear from community leaders and network with peers. During this half-day event, you will learn new ways to grow personally and professionally, and one of the outstanding finalists will be recognized with the annual Young Professional of the Year Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS! Jade Davis Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Ross Johnston Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lauren Tominelli Sarasota County Government

What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given?

Never stop learning. Venture outside of your career comfort zone. You never want to assume you are the smartest person in the room; you can ALWAYS learn from others around you.

What is your favorite thing about Sarasota? My favorite thing about Sarasota is tied between the weather and the people. The weather is hard to beat; most days, it is beautiful without a cloud in the sky and 80 degrees.

The people fascinate me; everyone has a story, very few people are Sarasota natives, and I love meeting new people and learning what brought them here.

What do people say you do really well? Being flexible. I have been given the feedback that my ability to roll with the day is an asset for our team.

For example, 2020 pushed everyone to their limits in many ways. Some days, our information and plan for the day were going hour by hour; being flexible and patient allowed me to be able to shift, re-evaluate, and quickly re-prioritize quickly and efficiently. Creating a positive work environment is another piece of feedback I hear often and possibly my favorite. Being a positive, enthusiastic team player is in my nature. I love being able to brighten my co-worker’s days or bring a smile to their face days before a stressful tax deadline.

YPG’ers met up for a guided tour of the Sarasota Art Museum.

Thursday, August 5 Sage SRQ | 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 2 Mellow Mushroom | 5:30 p.m.

Get Connected

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

A NEW TYPE OF YPG EVENT! Wednesday, September 29 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We are excited to announce a new type of event for our YPG members, Young Networking Lunch for the Young and Hungry. This luncheon event will give current and new YPG members with the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a short “lighting talk” about who they are and what they do. We hope you’ll join us!

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CHAMBER NEWS

Sarasota Chamber marks 100 years with annual breakfast Observer | Harry Sayer | “The 100th annual chamber breakfast had members of members of Sarasota’s business community mingling, sipping coffee and eating breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. This year’s event had guest speaker and Selby Gardens’ Vice President for Historic Spanish Point John McCarthy remotely addressing the crowd.”

CareerEdge Offers Grants to Help Close the Skills Gap, Build Companies’ Talent Pipeline Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “CareerEdge will open its annual request for proposal (RFP) process on Monday, March 22, soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, skilled trades, and construction employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. […] Over the past 11 years, CareerEdge has coinvested nearly $13.2 million in grants to businesses […]”

REAL HISTORY by Jeff LaHurd: Boosters played a starring role to promote Sarasota Sarasota Herald-Tribune | Jeff LaHurd | “The major players in boosterism were organizations such as the Board of Trade formed in 1911 with Owen Burns as president. It morphed into the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce in 1920, each putting Sarasota in the spotlight.”

INDICATORS: Celebrating small businesses in Sarasota Herald-Tribune | Heather Kasten | “Over the last year, small businesses have had to be creative and resilient in navigating the effects of the pandemic, which is why now more than ever we look forward to celebrating and honoring them at our annual Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards.”

Sarasota Chamber Presents Inaugural ‘Spirit of Sarasota’ Award Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce awarded Rae Dowling, area manager with Florida Power and Light Company, the inaugural Spirit of Sarasota Award at its 2021 Annual Breakfast. The award recognizes a local individual who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the Sarasota area business community.”

2020 Evaluation Finds Wages Increase 12% Within First Year for CareerEdge Bridges to Careers Program Participants SRQ Daily | Staff | “The impact CareerEdge continues to make is resounding in 2020 - for every dollar invested in workforce development the return on investment is $4.72. Last year, CareerEdge and its employer partners invested $1.25 million in workforce funding, resulting in $2 million in economic impact for the community from new wages and raises.”

Heather Finds Value In The Teen Perspective At The Chamber Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties | “We were proud to add GSCC to that list of partners in 2020 with the placement of Camila, a STAR grad and 17-year-old senior in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Riverview High School who sees herself pursuing a career in international relations. With her passion to develop the critical skills for this aspiration, Camila’s match with GSCC enables her to start exploring this career path and gain a better understanding of the unique relationships between people, organizations and communities.”

Name That Landmark!

Sarasota Magazine | “Sarasota Magazine is celebrating its Best of Sarasota issue and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Centennial. Our area has persevered this year, making us a stronger, more connected community of great people and businesses. One lucky winner will receive gift cards from these Sarasota Chamber member restaurants named to our Best of Sarasota list […].”

Chamber Launches Cross-Cultural Business Development Resources WWSB – ABC7 | Staff | “The Opportunities For All initiative is such an exciting opportunity for the Chamber. […] There were two areas that we wanted to focus on, one was providing an opportunity for internships to grow and develop with our local companies, and to provide that opportunity to minority students […] and then also for us to work with our small minority-owned companies and have the ability to help them to grow by injecting some capital and resources.”

Best of Sarasota 2021: Arts and Entertainment Sarasota Magazine | The Editors | “In 2020, it seemed like murals were popping up everywhere, searching our history (as with two murals at the Lido Beach Pavilion and two marking the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce centennial on their downtown HQ), celebrating our diversity and our arts (at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s home) and exploring the power of myth (1526 Fruitville Road).”

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longer other no

the

newspaper

More people read The Observers during the week than the region’s daily newspapers.

THURSDAY PRINT DISTRIBUTION 60,000

The Observers* 50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

59,286

Sarasota Observer Longboat Observer East County Observer Siesta Key Observer

Sarasota Herald-Tribune** 31,712 Bradenton Herald*** 18,632

10,000

*Source: Verified Audit Circulation Annual Audit ending March 31, 2020. **Source: Alliance for Audited Media Annual Audit ending Dec. 31, 2019, does not include Venice and North Port in Sarasota or Charlotte counties. ***Source: Alliance for Audited Media, 24 months ending Dec. 31, 2019.

Pick up your FREE copy of The Observer every Thursday.

For the nearest location: YourObserver.com/rack-locations 355730-1