Siesta Key Observer 7.29.21

SIESTA KEY

Observer

Taking home hardware.

PAGE 16

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 52, NO. 3

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Price of independence Group explores what incorporating Siesta Key would cost its residents — and whether it’s worth it to have more say in governing the area. PAGE 5

Courtesy photo

Doom and bloom Did you stop by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on July 24? Visitors who did were surprised with a rare — if unpleasant — phenomenon when the garden’s infamous Corpse Flower had its bloom in the tropical conservatory.

The Amorphophallus titanium plant was given its cadaverous name due to the fierce stench — like rotting flesh — that it emits when it’s blooming. That nasty smell attracts insects to pollinate the flower.

The flower has been nicknamed Audrey by Selby staff and only makes its stinky bloom every few years, which means July 24 was a special (albeit challenging) occasion for local nature lovers.

SANDY SAVIORS

Lifeguards test their mettle in Siesta Key competition.

SEE PAGE 26

Fame with a side of fries The recently opened Ford’s Garage in University Town Center is offering burgers that should remind Sarasota residents of home.

The eatery has a menu of options named after Sarasota public officials and figures, including The Ford’s Signature, named after Mayor Hagen Brody, and the Distinguished Gentlemen, named after Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman.

Ford’s Garage General Manager Tom Jones said the menu and names change every year.

Harry Sayer

Dillman Wesley of Volusia County races across the sand at the James P. “Mac” McCarthy Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships June 24.

St. Armands plans circle to public

Turtle Tracks TOTAL NESTS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 500 445 Lido Key 98 149 Casey Key 1,382 1,443 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 571 565 Lido Key 253 219 Casey Key 1,708 1,933 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

File photo

In addition to changing building regulations, the St. Armands BID is interested in creating new sidewalk standards and other pedestrian-oriented design guidelines.

A city workshop will explore development options.

SEE PAGE 3

A+E

New stage in the making. PAGE 14

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WH AT’S H A PPENING

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

“We try to diversify our revenue sources, so when air traffic is up, things are good, and when air traffic is down, we aren’t entirely dependent on it — instead of getting pneumonia, we get a cold.”

WEEK OF JULY 29, 2021

COVID-19 cases continue to rise As of Tuesday, there were 92 patients with COVID-19 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, an increase of more than 150% since July 19.

The hospital continued to report rapid growth in COVID-19 case numbers as health officials respond to increased spread of the coronavirus. The hospital reported 15 patients with COVID-19 were in intensive care, more than doubling the total of seven patients July 19.

Sarasota County reported 899 new COVID-19 cases the week ending July 22 with a test positivity rate of 11.9%, per state data. The previous week, the county had 504 cases at an 8.6% positive rate.

Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, on plans to add commercial developments to airport-owned land. READ MORE ON PAGE 6

BY THE NUMBERS $1.09 BILLION

Total budget for Sarasota County Schools for 2021-22.

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.25

Potential millage rate to support an independent government model on Siesta Key. PAGE 5

157

Proposed number of apartments included in the Luxe on Tenth development.

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Sarasota-area athletes who earned medals in the first five days of the Tokyo Olympics.

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CALENDAR n City Commission meeting — 6 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 2 and Tuesday, Aug. 3, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

Fruitville teacher honored in statewide competition F

ruitville Elementary School teacher Kari Johnson was named one of four runners-up for the Florida Teacher of the Year awards July 22.

Johnson, a kindergarten teacher, was named the Sarasota County Schools Teacher of the Year in January for her hard work and commitment to the school.

For Johnson, who said she has always only wanted to

com use.

Th

be a teacher, the nomination was an honor.

After being named the district’s winner, Johnson became eligible for the statewide honor. In May, she received word she was one of five finalists.

At a gala July 22 in Orlando, Johnson was named a runner-up. Sarah Ann Painter, a fifth grade teacher from Pinellas County, was named Teacher of the Year.

Rick Carlisle, who led a major expansion of Sarasota-based CAN Community Health as CEO for six years before departing in June, is suing the nonprofit for wrongful termination and related allegations.

In a lawsuit filed June 30, Carlisle alleged CAN breached its contract with him, defamed his character and acted in bad faith when he was terminated for cause. He seeks a jury trial and at least $12 million, according to the lawsuit.

CAN spokesperson Roger Capote declined to comment on ongoing litigation.

The other finalists were Duval County’s Jim Schmitt, Sumter County’s Brittany Brown and Volusia County’s Frank Garaitonandia. Each runner-up received $15,000.

Johnson’s recognition was the third time in 10 years a Sarasota County Schools teacher was named a state finalist. Most recently, Oak Park School music teacher Shane Swezey was named a state finalist in 2019.

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HOTEL STATUS

File photo

Earlier this year, architect Dan Lear produced concept images showcasing what four-story buildings might look like on St. Armands if the city increased the maximum buildable height on the Circle.

C I R C L E C H A N G E S

Taller buildings? A hotel?

Officials and community members are weighing proposals to alter the future of St. Armands.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

A

head of an Aug. 5 community workshop that will outline a series of potential land use changes for St. Armands Circle, commercial property owners on the barrier island are focused on preempting any fears about the nature of the proposal.

Since last year, the St. Armands Business Improvement District has worked to develop a vision for the future of the Circle — and a framework for rewriting city regulations to facilitate desired changes. Members of the group said they want to promote quality redevelopment in the commercial tourist district and encourage a mix of uses that ensure stores and restaurants have a steady customer base for years to come.

The BID has focused on some specific provisions it hopes will achieve those goals. The group is applying to amend the city’s comprehensive plan to permit taller buildings on the Circle, increasing the height limit from 35 feet to 45 feet. Board members want to see a hotel on St. Armands and more residences in the Circle, so they hope to revise the zoning code to allow hotels and increase the maximum density in the area.

Before any of those changes could take effect, they must earn approval from the City Commission, likely at a series of public hearings next year at the earliest. But the Aug. 5 workshop is one of the first opportunities the general public will have to share their thoughts on the BID’s plans for St. Armands. In the run-up to that meeting, BID board members have indicated their belief community feedback could have a meaningful effect on the prospects of success at higher levels.

The BID spent time at its July 14 meeting discussing consultantguided messaging surrounding the proposals. Architect Dan Lear, who has worked with the group since October 2020, outlined plans to present the changes under the banner of “Vision 2026.” The name is designed to signify the medium-to-longterm time frame along which the group anticipates new regulations will translate to tangible changes in the built environment. “(The goal) is to represent it

IF YOU GO Community workshop — discussion of a comprehensive plan amendment When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 Where: Meeting will be held virtually and broadcast at SarasotaFL.gov. Citizens who wish to participate must pre-register with the city by emailing their full name, address, email address and phone number to CommunityWorkshops@ SarasotaFL.gov no later than noon Tuesday, Aug. 3.

more as what it is, which is a vision for the future, rather than quick changes for particular people, which it’s not,” Lear said.

Board members suggested the height increase was a modest change in line with building standards in commercial districts in similar communities, such as Naples. BID Chairman Geoffrey Michel encouraged Lear to seek out relevant reference images and resident testimonials in hopes of providing comfort to people in attendance at the workshop.

The St. Armands Residents Association has not taken a position on the proposed changes, stating in an email it anticipates members of the organization might have conflicting perspectives on the desirability of new regulations on the Circle. Still, association President Chris Goglia encouraged members to take the opportunity to watch the workshop and share their thoughts about the revisions.

St. Armands and Lido Key resident groups plan to survey members about the proposal. On a personal level, Goglia thinks the city should preserve unique aspects of St. Armands and strive to make sure the area is accessible to all.

“Any proposed commercial development should demonstrate how it addresses those two things and should prove that it won’t further exacerbate the existing problem with in-season traffic capacity and pedestrian safety,” Goglia wrote in a July 22 email to the association.

BID board member Mindy Kauffman said maintaining the feel of St. Armands was important to property owners, too.

“We want to keep the charm of the Circle, not become something we’re not already,” Kauffman said. “We just want to enhance it.”

So far, it’s unclear whether all stakeholders think the proposed changes adhere to that mission.

At the July 14 St. Armands Business Improvement District meeting, board members focused on one idea they anticipated could be particularly contentious: the development of the city-owned Fillmore Drive parking lot.

In May, the City Commission heard a proposal for the construction of a mixed-use complex featuring a hotel and grocery store on the 1.98-acre site. The proposal came from JWM Management, a company whose vice president is BID board member Gavin Meshad.

Although the proposed comprehensive plan amendment would increase the theoretical maximum allowable height on the Fillmore site to 45 feet — a change necessary to accommodate JWM Management’s concept — BID board members attempted to put some distance between their desired changes and the potential private development of the parking lot. Unlike most of the other affected properties, the Fillmore lot is zoned for governmental use, which carries a more restrictive height limit.

If a project wanted to build up to 45 feet on the property, the developer would have to get the city to approve a rezone to the commercial tourist zoning designation. That process would require its own community workshops and public hearing before the city could authorize any building plans. As a result, BID board members said they hoped the public would consider the broader land use changes on their own merits without fixating on the future of the parking lot.

“Anything that happens with Fillmore has to go all the way through the process, so you guys can all come out (then) with your guns loaded and your pitchforks out because that’s a whole separate process,” BID board member Tom Leonard said.

A majority of the City Commission wanted to further explore JWM Management’s proposal, directing staff to work with the developer on next steps to facilitate a project. On July 14, City Attorney Robert Fournier shared a memo with the commission regarding a series of legal topics related to the potential sale and development of the site.

City officials and residents have discussed the possibility of soliciting competitive bids for the development of the site, but Fournier said the city is under no obligation to put the property on the market before partnering with a builder.

Fournier said the question of whether to seek additional offers for the land is a question of policy for elected officials to decide.

“Certainly, if the City Commission’s paramount goal is to get the highest sales price possible to the exclusion of all other factors, then it would be sensible to undertake a competitive selection process,” Fournier wrote in the memo.

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The Sarasota County School Board adopted a tentative millage and budget for the 2021-22 school year with two unanimous votes Tuesday.

The district’s general fund budget is $589 million, up 17% from 2020. The district’s total budget is $1.087 billion.

Beyond the general fund, $227 million will be set aside for a capital fund. The remaining funds will be used for debt services, special revenue and internal services.

Despite earlier projections, the district is expecting an increase of just more than 1,000 students in the new year, bringing its total to 44,617 compared to 42,972 at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

The higher enrollment has a positive effect on the district’s budget because enrollment directly determines how much funding the district receives from the state.

District leaders say the increase is due to the opening of a new charter school, Dreamers Academy, and parents who held their kindergarten-aged children back due to COVID-19.

A majority of the budget, 55%, will be covered by taxes levied on

residents. The state and federal governments each contribute about 7% of the budget annually.

The adopted millage rate of 6.709 is a 3.8% decrease from the 2020 rate of 6.974.

The total millage rate is broken into four categories: required local effort, discretionary operating, capital and voter-operated.

Sarasota voters in 2002 approved a self-imposed 1-mill property tax. District leaders anticipate the tax will generate $71 million in the new fiscal year, and voters will again see a proposal to maintain the millage rate on the upcoming 2022 ballot.

One mill is equal to $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. With the district’s tentative millage rate, residents who own a house with an assessed value of $400,000 can expect to pay $2,684 in taxes.

Although the district’s millage rate is lower, leaders still expect to collect more money than last year. This is because home prices in Sarasota County rose to record levels in 2021.

The increase means, on average, homeowners will be paying more in property taxes. The district expects to collect $500.4 million in property taxes compared to $481.7 million in 2020, a 3.9% increase.

The rising property values triggered a decrease in the required local effort millage, a system lawmakers designed to avoid perpetually rising taxes. This dynamic is responsible in part for the lower overall millage rate.

The district’s millage rate will decrease by 3.8%, but residents might still pay more in taxes because of an increase in the median property value.

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Siesta group puts a price on self-governance As residents consider incorporating Siesta Key into its own town, a study shows how the change would come at a cost to property owners.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

Should Siesta Key become its own municipality, homeowners can expect an average $120 increase to their annual property tax bill.

Leaders of Save Siesta Key, a grassroots effort started to incorporate the barrier island, said that if Siesta Key become its own town, a new levy of 0.25 mills would be required to support it.

After the group funded a financial feasibility study conducted by consultant William Underwood, it found the 0.25 millage rate would support a “governmentlite” model, representative Tracy Jackson said.

“We looked at a lot of numbers, but this was the absolute bare bones minimum we could do this,” Jackson said.

The median assessed property value for Siesta Key is $479,000.

One mill is equal to $1 in tax for every $1,000 of taxable value.

This means that with a 0.25 millage rate, the average homeowner can expect to pay $119.75 in taxes annually.

In addition to their contribution toward the new municipal government, property owners

Brynn Mechem

Save Siesta Key board members Tracy Jackson and John Davidson say they would welcome a tax increase if it led to greater local control over key decisions on the barrier island.

would still pay additional taxes to Sarasota County. If the prospective Siesta Key millage rate were in place, homeowners would experience a 7.8% tax increase.

Leaders argue the benefits outweigh the additional cost.

“People often ask, ‘What’s the return on investment?’” Jackson said. “A community that gets to decide what to prioritize. A community that has a voice on how intergovernmental services work. A community that has more control over zoning and development. … The community could control its own destiny.”

Under the government-lite

model, elected leaders would work on a volunteer basis. Four to eight leaders would be elected to run the town’s government.

The barrier island would retain its emergency services and water and sewer systems by contracting with Sarasota County.

Lawyer Marsha Segal-George, who was involved with the Fort Myers Beach incorporation effort, explained at a July 22 meeting that government-lite would allow residents to have greater influence regarding issues directly affecting Siesta Key. “With government-lite, you don’t have to have the big gov-

ernment. You can have actual local control,” Segal-George said.

“You want to be able to have a say in land use and solar energy and all these things that are changing in our world. That local control gives you that flexibility for the future.”

Save Siesta Key’s incorporation effort is largely a response to the County Commission’s approval of several projects on and near the island despite vocal opposition from some residents.

Commissioners greenlighted the mixed-use development Siesta Promenade and a roundabout at Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road. Commissioners are also set

to hear proposals for four higherdensity hotels that would change county regulations, plans that have drawn protest from people on Siesta Key. Additionally, the city of Sarasota decided to dredge Big Pass to renourish Lido Key’s shoreline, which many Siesta residents feared would be detrimental to their island’s coastal environment.

The financial feasibility study is just one of two main steps Save Siesta Key will have to complete as part of the requirements of an incorporation application. The group also will have to create a town charter by Sept. 1.

If the group receives signatures of support from 10% of the population — it currently has about 5% — the effort will go to state Legislature in the form of a bill in September. If passed by both houses and approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis, affected residents could vote on the measure as early as March 2022.

If approved by residents, the town would organize a government that would take effect Jan. 1, 2023. Siesta Key is the largest barrier island in Florida that is not incorporated.

At Save Siesta Key’s next public meeting, Underwood will discuss the totality of the feasibility study, which also covers population, the area’s tax base, a fiscal structure, how services are delivered and the boundaries of the proposed municipality. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Siesta Key Chapel.

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way Centre, the airport intends to eliminate existing rental car space along University Parkway and concentrate those uses in a centralized facility to the north.

Rick Piccolo, the airport’s president and CEO, said the changes are intended to better serve those who fly in and out of SRQ. The documents submitted to the city list potential uses at the SRQ Gateway Centre: fast-food and fast-casual dining, convenience stores and gas stations, general retail, a hotel, a drive-in bank, self-storage facilities and general office space.

Piccolo said the airport believes there’s a demand for more services that complement the airport — for example, a restaurant for departing ticket holders who want a quick meal before their flight or a convenience store for arriving guests to grab snacks before heading to their hotel. He said the planned development of the property between Airport Road and Old Bradenton Road would also mirror existing commercial development on University.

“We want to turn it into something more attractive, both for the airport and for the community,” Piccolo said.

Another development proposal from the airport will seek to increase the maximum permitted number of hotel rooms on the entire site from 300 to 360. The airport plans to add a 120-room

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

O

ver the next decade, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority intends to add more commercial, hotel and office space to the property it owns in north Sarasota, particularly on land along University Parkway.

On July 21, representatives for the airport authority appeared before the city’s Development Review Committee for a preliminary meeting about plans for the future of 96.5 acres that are part of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. In documents filed with the city, the airport said it will be submitting a series of development applications to facilitate changes on the site.

As part of those applications, the airport will ask the city to rezone 24.5 acres from government zoning to the intensive commercial district, which would accommodate the development of commercial properties for long-term leaseholders. To make room for future development on land dubbed the SRQ Gate-

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

File photo

hotel with a 4,500-square-foot restaurant north of the Hampton Inn near the primary point of access to the airport.

The development plans are part of the airport’s ongoing emphasis on financial sustainability, creating a new line of income that’s not reliant solely on a high volume of passengers passing through the facility. Piccolo noted the airport does not have taxing power, so SRQ officials are constantly striving for opportunities to ensure a healthy, long-term fiscal outlook.

“We try to diversify our revenue sources, so when air traffic is up, things are good, and when air traffic is down, we aren’t entirely dependent on it,” Piccolo said.

“Instead of getting pneumonia, we get a cold.”

To accommodate the build-out of the SRQ Gateway Centre, the airport does not intend to submit a fixed site plan to the city. At the Development Review Committee meeting, attorney Dan Bailey said the airport will request approval of a general development plan that would outline the maximum build-out of the property without

specifying how those uses would be distributed across the site.

Under that development model, individual tenants would have to file site plans that must go through the city’s public hearing process before construction can begin.

“We don’t know who’s going to go there,” Bailey said. “It’s going to be driven by the market, and we want to have some dexterity in terms of being able to accommodate whatever the market demands.” ​​Bailey said the airport’s development rights under the proposed agreement would be in place for a maximum of 10 years.

Piccolo said the airport doesn’t have a firm timeline for when it wants to build out the property, though he hopes the consolidated rental car center will be complete by early 2024. Airport officials intend to take a flexible approach to planned growth outside of the confines of the terminal.

“We can move at a fast pace or a slow pace depending on what demand is out there,” Piccolo said.

By adding commercial tenants, Rick Piccolo says the airport would be less reliant on air traffic for financial stability.

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|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

OPINION / OUR VIEW

It’s time for new leadership There comes a time in the life of every company when it needs new energy, new perspectives and new ideas. Unfortunately, that also means some of those who grew the business need to go. A case in point.

MATT WALSH

T

his is hard, giving up what you love to do. Many of you out there know what this is like.

Your mind tells you there is still so much that can be accomplished — and that you could accomplish it.

But it’s as if there are these chains of reality around your wrists and ankles tethered to a rock wall, keeping you from chasing all those other dreams you wanted to catch. The chains: your lower energy and tolerance levels, the new generations in the work force, technology.

The reality is: It’s time.

The same story kept circling over the past year and a half. A few years ago, Tampa entrepreneur John Simmons, principal of Growth Advisors in Tampa, shared a business reality with the members of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum: “The most painful part of being a growth company is outgrowing the loyal employees who have been with you from the start,” he said. “Eventually, you need something else, and the best thing you can do is help them find somewhere else where they will be happy. If you don’t leave them behind, that will be a checkpoint for your growth.”

As the Observer Media Group evolved over the past 18 to 24 months, Simmons’ picture sunk in: He was describing me, the founder and CEO of our company for the past 26 years. The company is outgrowing me, it needs something else, and I’m taking the hints and signs to find somewhere else where I’ll be happy.

That last part will be difficult.

I love the Observer Media Group.

I love my associates. I love what we do.

Being a reporter and an editor in the newspaper business is an amazing job. You are paid to meet people of all walks of life, talk to them about what they do and then share what you’ve learned with everyone. It’s the only school in existence where you are paid to learn something new every day of your professional life.

But Simmons is right. Unless I get out of the way, I will be a checkpoint and obstacle for the growth of our company.

If you’ve read the news story on Page 4, you’ve read that my wife, Lisa, and I have elevated our eldest daughter, Emily, to president of the Observer Media Group. We decided to announce it July 28, the 43rd anniversary of the start of our first newspaper, the Longboat Observer, which we purchased in 1995.

This is a role for which Emily

has been in training since she was 15. Her first job in our company was that of janitor, one of three at the Longboat Observer office at 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Starting in 1995, every Sunday afternoon for several years, Emily; her sister, Kate; and brother, Brian, cleaned the Observer office — emptying trash, mopping and vacuuming floors, and cleaning the toilets in the men’s and women’s bathrooms. They used to leave love notes on the mirror in the men’s bathroom: “If you sprinkle when you tinkle, please be sweet and wipe the seat.”

Emily became a member of the corps de ballet at Sarasota Ballet that year and was intent on making that her professional career.

As often happens, however, an injury ended her ballet career when she was 20.

Home after a semester at Florida State University, Emily informed us she wanted to move to New York City to try to resume her ballet career. Her mother advised her of the cost of New York and suggested she might need to earn some money before heading north.

Lisa said to Emily one day: “We’re short staffed. I need someone to take pictures at a Black Tie event. How about you?”

She did, and much to our surprise, Emily was hooked. Since then, she has held just about every job in a newspaper. As our family’s fourth generation in the newspaper business, she has, as the saying goes, ink in her veins.

Her 20th anniversary at the Observer will be this November.

We’ve been preparing for this transition for about four years, more earnestly the past two. She has told me repeatedly lately: “Let me lead.” She is already bringing that “something else” to the Observer Media Group, all the while staying true to what we do: provide the best local news coverage of any medium in the Sarasota-Manatee market.

When we started this journey in 1995, the Sarasota HeraldTribune had paid circulation of about 120,000. The Longboat Observer had 20,000 free weekly circulation. One of our objectives was to answer these business questions: Can David (the Longboat Observer) overtake Goliath (the Herald-Tribune)? What would it take? And how long?

We predicted it would take 30 years. Last year, during our company’s 25th year in business, the Herald-Tribune’s paid circulation had dropped to 31,700 on Thursdays. The Observers’ four papers — Longboat Observer, Sarasota Observer, East County Observer and Siesta Key Observer — reported audited weekly circulation of 59,200.

The Herald-Tribune still generates more revenue than the Observers, primarily because it is a daily. But every year, our market share has continued to grow.

When we started this journey, we did not want to do business the way most of the other failing dailies were doing business. We believed the idea that providing quality local news coverage —

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com

CIRCULATION OF U.S. DAILY NEWSPAPERS

Weekday

Sunday

Weekday (estimated)

Sunday (estimated) Source: Pew Research

CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION As the post-baby boomer generation continues to fill the leadership roles in the news media industry and now the Observer Media Group, the new leaders face a perplexing challenge — especially in the newspaper business.

We are often asked: How much longer will we be printing newspapers? No one knows.

But when you look at the trend lines and people’s news habits, as the two charts illustrate, the future looks bleak.

For a quarter century, the newspaper industry has been struggling to adjust to what Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter coined as “creative destruction” — the constant process of innovation. If your business doesn’t innovate, it dies.

This is what the next generation of Observer Media Group leaders is embracing as it works to find a sustainable business model.

As much as we newspaper people still love the printed newspaper, we all know its future as a mass medium is over. The printed newspaper is increasingly a niche medium.

And the Observer newspapers — community weeklies with 100% local news — are a niche within the niche. And they are thriving.

Here’s why: We’re convinced (from experience) that when you cut through all the noise and mayhem of the

and no wire or national coverage — and employing the golden rule to readers and advertisers would be the keys to success.

We’re not perfect, but those tenets continue to work. And Emily and her team are committed to improving on what the Observers do.

As for me, with Emily now president, I’ll be relinquishing a big part of what I have loved — being involved in every detail of our business and trying to steer it in a good, growing direction.

That job will now fall under the leadership and guidance of Emily and her capable team.

I will take on the role that is bestowed on many business founders who can’t let go and need “to find somewhere else” — that of listener, adviser, mentor (when asked). And it will call a new business card that politely casts my title in a way of saying

WHERE AMERICANS PREFER TO GET NEWS Digital platforms Television

52% 35

Radio 7 Print publications 5

world, people who live, work, play and have children in the local schools want to know what’s going on around them.

They want to know who their neighbors are, who’s achieving, who’s not, who needs help, what businesses are opening, where to eat, where to shop, where to heal, where to play, where to worship, where to go to school, what local governments are doing with taxpayers’ money.

The list can go on and on.

And in every community, someone needs to be a trusted source that provides that local information. That someone also needs to be more than a trusted source; it and its associates need to be ingrained as participants in the community.

That has been our company’s formula for 26 years.

Our next generation of leaders continue to embrace it. But their challenge is figuring out how best to be that valuable source and disseminate that information in a digital world.

Watch them. They’re ready for the challenge.

— M.W.

“has been,” “old guy,” “NLI” — no longer important.

For now, though, I’ll continue to serve as the Observer’s voice on the opinion pages, writing editorials, albeit not weekly as done for the past 25 and a half years and gradually fading, as they say, into the sunset.

One of my beliefs about a community’s newspaper always has been that it should have a strong, decisive editorial voice, one that advocates freedom for the individual; free-market capitalism; limited, constitutional government; and for issues and causes that promote a strong, growing, local economy that will make a community a better place to live.

In the words of radio commentator Larry Elder, we have a country to save. And for that cause, I’m not ready to quit.

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

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

Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

1970 Main St. Sarasota, Fla. 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Lessons in leadership A Booker High School graduate was named one of 300 Bank of America Student Leaders.

BRYNN MECHEM STAFF WRITER

When most students began virtual learning, they were concerned with how they could best absorb the material.

However, one Booker High School student’s worry was not for herself but for those younger than her.

Chloe Bernal, a 2021 graduate, began virtually tutoring elementary school students to ease their stress and provide academic support for those who were struggling to learn virtually.

“When I met with the kids, I saw how great of a need there was for them to have somebody to guide them through their programs,” Bernal said. “So getting to kind of be a big sibling to them and help them excel was amazing.”

Bernal also was an ambassador for College is for Every Student Brilliant Pathways, which means she worked in Booker’s college room to help students receive help filling out applications and financial paperwork. There, she noticed a lack of materials in Spanish, so she translated them and handed them out to English as a second language students, who in turn began visiting the college room.

For her efforts, Bernal is one of two area teenagers selected as a Bank of America Student Leader,

a paid summer internship program. Bank of America partners with local nonprofits to sponsor 300 paid internships throughout the U.S. for rising high school seniors and recent graduates.

The two local graduates work closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County to develop leadership and workforce skills while gaining firsthand knowledge of the role nonprofits play in the community. Plus, they make a wage of $17 an hour.

In her internship, Bernal works on the team enrichment program to help recruit new members. She is working to create an ambassadors program for the nonprofit to advocate for the various programs and services it provides.

“Personally, I just feel so enriched because I am actually doing something to help my community,” Bernal said. “Now I know how much of a need there is, so I’m always looking for where else I can volunteer.”

Chloe Bernal, a 2021 graduate of Booker High School, was named one of 300 Bank of America Student leaders.

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

9

JULY 18

MAILBOX MASSACRE 9:18 a.m. — 2300 block of Hillview Street Property damage: A woman reported that someone damaged her mailbox sometime overnight. When she woke up, she noticed the mailbox had been knocked over and was lying next to her driveway. An officer responded to the scene and noticed several other damaged mailboxes in the neighborhood. The officer noticed tire marks in the driveway of one home and in the grassy area between the road and the sidewalk, leading to the conclusion a vehicle caused the damage.

JULY 17 Brynn Mechem

|

SMOKED OUT 1:33 a.m. — 1000 block of Boulevard of the Arts Dispute: An employee at a hotel said a guest was smoking marijuana in a room and refusing to leave. The employee wanted the guest removed from the property.

Once an officer arrived at the room, they discovered the guest had already left.

DOGGIE DOPPELGANGER 9 p.m. — 2300 block of Margaret Street Misc. officer: A woman said one of her dogs went missing, and she suspected he might be at a neighbor’s house. The woman thought she saw her dog in the backyard earlier in the day. An officer met with the neighbor, who said she owns a dog that’s similar in appearance to the woman’s dog.

JULY 18

GYM ETIQUETTE 2 p.m. — 500 block of North Beneva Road Dispute: A member of a gym felt an employee had been rude

to him. The member said the employee has been giving him a hard time about the amount of time he takes to shower in the locker room. The man said the employee had banged on the door several times instructing him to hurry up. The officer determined no crime had been committed, advising the man he can take his business to another gym if he did not like how the employee treated him.

COUCH SURFER 6:42 p.m. — 3800 block of Greenway Drive Dispute: A man said he went to his apartment and found a woman sleeping on the couch.

The man said his roommate invited the woman over as a guest. The man said that because the roommate was not home, the woman has no reason to be there. The man said whenever he asks the woman to leave, she always refuses and gets verbally aggressive. The woman left the area before officers arrived, and officers were unable to locate her.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Emily Walsh named president of Observer DAVID CONWAY

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Emily Walsh has been named president of the Observer Media Group, continuing a multigenerational lineage at the helm of the Florida media company.

Matt Walsh, Emily Walsh’s father, announced the promotion at the company’s annual meeting in June. Matt Walsh said he will step back from some leadership responsibilities, though he will retain his position as CEO. “In the life of just about every company, there’s a time when it needs new energy and new perspectives,” Matt Walsh said.

“Emily and her team are going to bring that to what the Observers do while at the same time never forgetting our roots: that we are a local news media company that is totally committed to providing relevant, useful local news to our readers.”

Emily Walsh, 41, has served as publisher of the Observer Media Group’s Sarasota-based newspapers, magazines and websites since 2016. She joined the company 20 years ago as a photographer for the Black Tie section of the Longboat Observer, later serving as editor of the Black Tie and Arts & Entertainment sections, an advertising sales executive and chief digital officer.

Walsh has taken a leading role in the company’s digital operations for more than a decade, managing the launch of YourObserver.com in 2009 and the digital marketing and advertising agency Digital Observer Media in 2013.

File photo

Matt Walsh said the company has been preparing for Emily Walsh to step into this leadership role for years. Emily Walsh said she was eager to work with the Observer Media Group’s leadership team to ensure the company continues to carry out its mission into the next generation.

“We’re committed to being your local community newspaper for many years to come, and we’re also committed to innovating and elevating, as our vision statement says,” Emily Walsh said.

This week, Emily Walsh announced another promotion among the Observer Media Group’s leadership ranks: Kat Hughes, the executive editor of the Sarasota-area Observers, will serve as the company’s chief operating officer.

Founded in 1995 by Matt and Lisa Walsh and David and Ruth Beliles, Observer Media Group publishes the Longboat, Sarasota, East County, Siesta Key and Business Observers; West Orange Times & Observer; LWR Life; and Season magazine.

Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh has spent nearly two decades with the company, working in roles including publisher, chief digital officer, editor and advertising sales executive.

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Apartment plan raises conflict on affordability

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

W

hen Terrill Salem looked at plans for an apartment complex on 10th Street — and accompanying applications to change the underlying property’s zoning and vacate the city’s control of an alleyway — he saw an opportunity to take on a major issue facing

the region.

Salem is a member of the city’s Planning Board, which on July 14 reviewed a proposal for a 157-unit residential complex called Luxe on Tenth. The developer is seeking a comprehensive plan change and a reclassification of the site to the high-density Residential Multiple Family-7 zoning designation, which allows up to 50 units per acre if a development includes affordable housing.

Under the proposed site plan, Luxe on Tenth would include 47 affordable apartments on 3.5 acres of land on 10th Street between Cocoanut Avenue and Florida Avenue. That’s more than the 20 units the city would

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by these standards and not just making up our own requirements before we approve projects?”

Arroyo said he believed the city needed to address the matter internally. Planning Director Steve Cover said staff had a clear stance on the question: Leaning on developers to secure concessions not required in the code is off-limits.

Cover said planning staff can have a dialogue with a developer before plans are finalized, but they’re not allowed to mandate such changes as a lower affordability cap. Cover said staff is generally receptive to any plans that include affordable units.

“We’re obviously going to support it because we support affordable housing in the city,” he said.

Deputy City Attorney Mike Connelly told the Planning Board the review of the Luxe on Tenth applications was a quasi-judicial matter, and board members needed to determine whether the proposal complied with specific standards for review. In explaining his vote against the street vacation, Salem cited the final standard: “whether the proposed vacation is in the public interest.”

The Planning Board voted 3-2 to recommend denial of the applications for Luxe on Tenth.

Other board members who recommended denial did not share Salem’s focus on affordable housing and instead offered critiques about the site layout and the potential loss of the alley.

Representatives for the developer said they were not interested in revising plans to incorporate Planning Board input. The applications are scheduled to go to the commission beginning in August.

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require under the RMF-7 zoning, but Salem did not think the developer’s application went far enough. On balance, he argued, the proposal was not in the public’s best interest. The affordable units would be one bedroom and rented to individuals making up to 120% of the median income in the region. The latter provision is in line with city regulations, but Salem said Sarasota needs more units that lower-income families can live in.

Salem encouraged his colleagues to ask more of the developer. He said the applicant was requesting a street vacation the city was under no obligation to grant. He acknowledged the property owner could build under the existing zoning and not provide any affordable housing, but he believed his desired changes would not have a detrimental effect on the overall project.

“It’d be in the best interest of the public if we get something in return,” Salem said. “We have a housing crisis in Sarasota. We have working people that cannot live in the city that they work in.”

Salem’s push for additional affordable housing drew a reprimand from multiple city commissioners at a July 20 meeting.

Commissioner Erik Arroyo noted the site plan included more than twice as many affordable units as the minimum required in the code, and he questioned whether there were limits on the city’s ability to ask more of a developer than regulations demand.

“At what point do we stop and say, ‘Well, that’s sort of extortion in a way’?” Arroyo said. “Why don’t we have a set procedure in place to make sure we are abiding

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

All the mall is a stage The Players is planning a big move in the future.

In the present, it has made a smaller move — to a shopping mall.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

I

n the not-too-distant future, The Players Centre for the Performing Arts will be relocating to a shiny, new, stateof-the-art performing arts facility it intends to build in Lakewood Ranch. It’s an ambitious move that will take a lot of money, planning and time before it can make it. In the interim, the troupe is making a smaller move. To a shopping mall, no less.

Sarasota’s oldest community theater company has quietly settled into temporary headquarters at the Crossings at Siesta Key mall. (That’s the former Southgate Shopping Cen-

ter, in case you were wondering.)

Its provisional performing arts space was originally a defunct Banana Republic. The Players has now officially claimed it for its Republic of Theater.

Two weeks ago, I called Jeffery Kin for a progress report on The Players’ new home away from home. As the company’s producing artistic director, he’s been at the heart of this relocation. I imagine it’s occasionally stressful. Moving can make you crazy — even a short shift to the other side of town. But Kin said he couldn’t be happier. Really?

“Really,” he said. “That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I can hear a hammer’s repetitive beat in the background of our call. “Sorry about the noise,” Kin said. “Today’s the day we start building the temporary platform. It’ll be 18 feet across and about 20 feet from front to back. Ken Junkins is working on it as we speak. He’s the guy with the hammer. You can hear him, right?”

Courtesy photo

Charles Cosler, Bill Rusling, Jeffery Kin and Bill Porter discuss the possibilities of The Players’ new space in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Yes. I definitely can.

“What you’re hearing the sound of a theater being born,” Kin said. “The process really is a lot like going through labor — based on what I’ve heard, anyway.”

We both crack up. Junkins keeps hammering.

“Seriously, the scope of this project is huge. It’s both a relocation and a reinvention — and this is just phase one

of our makeover. And, like it always seems to happen, we’ve got almost zero time to get it done. We start our 92nd season tomorrow — well, Oct. 5, really.

But it feels like tomorrow to me.

The clock is ticking, right?”

On the day of this call, The Players’ new home at the mall boasts plenty of open space: 5,400 square feet, to be precise.

It still doesn’t have a stage. Or dressing rooms. Or chairs for theatergoers. That’s all missing.

But what it does have is far more important: a dream team of seriously skilled talent — including hard-working carpenters and scenic designers who are black belts with hammer and circular saws. (Junkins is clearly one.)

They’ve been transforming this old retail space into a theater at warp speed. But they’re not done yet. The Players will continue to hold its rehearsals and classes at its Sixth Street studio until the new theater is

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also have to educate our audience: ‘Hey, we’re still here! We didn’t go away — we’re in the mall now!’”

I reassure Kin that I know how to find The Players’ new location. I’ll just pretend I’m shopping for slacks at Banana Republic. He laughs. After that, our conversation winds down.

That chat is now old news.

Two weeks later, Kin calls me back with some fresh news.

And it’s all good. This phase of the makeover is pretty much a wrap. Really?

“Really. We’ve reached the final countdown. We’ll be ready to launch in mid-September.”

After that, The Players’ ad hoc theater will be up and running. And the shows will go on.

After that big build-up, Kin dials back my expectations. And sets the dial to “realistic.”

“This is just the first phase of our makeover,” he said.

“It’s kind of like the hold-ittogether-with-duct-tapeand-chewing-gum phase. Our performance space will still be totally provisional. It’ll be more like our temporary-temporary theater.”

According to Kin, The Players’ new venue is going to be a work in progress for a long, long time. But the work they’re doing in the present will be enough to get the season started.

“I’m psyched,” Kin said.

“We’re rehearsing later today — and yes, that’s still happening in the studio. We still have to drive downtown, but that’s going to stop pretty soon. No more fighting traffic and driving across town day after day.

We can finally stay right here and do what we do best: put on a show!”

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ready. For Kin, that means a lot of driving.

“Gah! The crosstown traffic — even a short trip is nervewracking,” he said. “I feel like an extra in a ‘Mad Max’ movie.”

Kin expects his scenic talents to wrap up the Banana Republic makeover in plenty of time for The Players’ upcoming 20212022 season. (Junkins’ hammering seems to accelerate as Kin said this.)

“We’re going to make the deadline,” Kin said. “I’m confident.” And he does sound confident. Not to mention happy.

The Players’ reinvented venue is coming together, and Kin is definitely upbeat. Still, it must have been terrifying on day one, when he and his creative crew first set eyes on the remains of a long dead shop.

“Nah,” Kin said. “Our designers walked into this space, and they instantly saw its potential.

They were all like: ‘Oh, we can do this. We can do that.’ I basically just got out of their way.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The hammer’s staccato beat continues in the background.

Then it goes silent — replaced by the whine of a circular saw.

Seconds later, I hear it jam.

Junkins said something colorful. A minute or so later, the saw whines back to life. Kin ignores these offstage noises and just keeps talking.

“Hey, I’ll admit this makeover is a creative challenge,” he said.

“That’s great, if we rise to that challenge. And we totally are!

We’ve all got work to do — brain work, physical work, you name it — and it’s anything but easy.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it.

We have to downsize and scale back to smaller productions. We

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JULY 29, 2021

SPORTS Right: Emma Weyant won a silver medal in the women’s 400-meter IM at the Olympics on Saturday night.

Far right: Mary Tucker and her partner, Lucas Kozeniesky, took a silver medal in the mixed 10-meter air rifle.

Two of Sarasota’s four athletes at the Olympics are coming home with hardware.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

W

hen Sarasota’s athletes return from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they will not be empty handed.

Two athletes have earned medals at the games, and one has a chance for more.

The highlights began Saturday night — Sunday morning in Tokyo — as swimmer Emma Weyant, 19, earned a silver medal in the women’s 400-meter individual medley.

Weyant, who attended Riverview High and also swam with

Photo courtesy UK Athletics

WATCHING AND WAITING

ilver uccess tories the Sarasota Sharks, entered the event’s finals as the top qualifier — she swam the event in 4:33.55, more than a second faster than anyone else. Weyant managed to best that time in the finals, setting a new personal record with a 4:32.76 swim.

It wasn’t enough to win gold, thanks to a near-perfect swim from Japan’s Yui Ohashi, who finished in 4:32.08, 0.68 seconds better than Weyant.

If Weyant was disappointed by her finish, she didn’t show it.

“Honestly, this is crazier than anything I could have dreamed,” Weyant said in a post-race interview on NBC. “I’m just so happy to be here with the best in the world. It’s so much fun.”

On Tuesday, shooter Mary Tucker joined Weyant as Olympians from Sarasota bringing home a medal. Tucker and her partner, Lucas Kozeniesky, took a silver medal in the mixed

Olympic athletes are under tremendous pressure to perform, but that pressure is not limited to themselves. It spreads to their loved ones watching at home.

Jennifer Tucker-Mogenson, the mother of shooter Mary Tucker, said watching her daughter perform is always a stressful affair — not because of the results but because of how a failure to medal might look from the outside. In shooting, one mistake can be the difference between a win and missing a medal entirely.

“Personally, I don’t care if she medals,” Tucker-Mogenson said. “I just want the world to know how hard she has worked and how much she deserves to be there.”

Tucker-Mogenson said her favorite moments watching her daughter are the blink-andyou-miss-them ones: a smile after a particularly good shot or a tense moment.

She saw a lot of them on Tuesday when Tucker earned her silver medal.

Kristi Cardoni-Weyant, the

10-meter air rifle.

Tucker, a Sarasota Military Academy grad and a national champion at the University of Kentucky, previously finished sixth in the women’s 10-meter air rifle at the Olympics. She’s not quite done, either. Tucker

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mother of swimmer Emma Weyant, watched her daughter’s 400-meter IM swim from Daiquiri Deck on Siesta Key alongside approximately 250 others. Cardoni-Weyant said she almost passed out from the anticipation of the race — something Weyant noticed when NBC showed her video of the party after she finished.

Despite her outward appearance, Cardoni-Weyant said she had faith her daughter would do well.

Weyant did, taking a silver medal. Cardoni-Weyant said she talked to her daughter later that night. Before saying anything else, Weyant told her mom she wished they were together in Tokyo. Being the competitor she is, Weyant also said — despite setting a new personal record time — she wished she had won gold.

Cardoni-Weyant reassured Weyant that she made everyone at home proud.

“To see this 19-year-old kid so lovingly embraced by all of Sarasota, it has exceeded my expectations,” she said.

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after her silver-medal performance. “Luckily, I had a great partner who has been to the Olympics before. He’s been very helpful, and everyone at home has been very supportive. I think the biggest challenge is that everyone here is competing at a very high level.

“I’m going to keep doing the same thing that I have been doing (for the rifle 3-positions event).

It’s a little more difficult because I haven’t been able to practice with this gun specifically for the last week or so. But I’ve had a lot of training that I trust from home, so I’m going to do what I always do.”

Not every Olympian from Sarasota will return with hardware, but those who will not accomplished something anyway. Rower Clark Dean helped the men’s four to a spot in the event’s finals and, once there, to a fifth-place finish (5:48.85), 6.09 seconds behind gold-medal winner Australia. It was a tough assignment; the U.S. has not earned any medals in the men’s four since 2012.

Skateboarder Jake Ilardi also drew a tough assignment: competing in the first-ever street skateboard competition in Olympic history. Ilardi qualified 11th out of 20 skaters at the event; unfortunately for Ilardi, only the top eight advanced to the finals.

Ilardi had a chance to advance thanks to high scores in the individual trick stage of qualifying but ultimately could not land enough tricks to make up for scores of 6.85 and 6.75 on his initial two runs. The event was eventually won by Japan’s Yuto Horigome.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

PROSE AND KOHN

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

17

RYAN KOHN

Fanning the flames The two programs had a social media spat this week, setting the table for a fiery 2021 contest.

H

igh school football practice doesn’t start until Monday, but the rivalry heat is already here.

Things got going this week when video of the Sarasota High football team pushing a charter bus out of a ditch after a Grind It Out camp session hit social media. On its own, it’s a fun video. You can see how excited the Sailors are to get the bus unstuck. I might have written about it anyway — but then the team’s official Twitter account retweeted the video, along with the following message: “Moving charter buses, beating (Riverview High) and having a real good time. Some of the things we are doing this year.”

The tweet ended with a shrugging emoji, as if these things were all a given.

It’s a bold claim for Head Coach Brody Wiseman’s program to make, considering the Sailors have lost the past nine meetings with the Rams, including a 28-7 loss in 2020.

Unsurprisingly, the Rams did not take kindly to the claim. Riverview Head Coach Josh Smith-

ers responded simply, “Why?” Others, such as Rams sports announcer Jake Wilson, were more outspoken, saying the Sailors should “beat us before you try and talk that trash.” Rams rising sophomore offensive lineman Malik Byrd said, “It’s going to be real funny when we blow y’all out by 40 (points).”

Even Venice High Head Coach John Peacock, who doesn’t shy away from digs himself, responded to the tweet with a GIF of John Cena saying “Uh oh!”

The Sailors didn’t back down.

Quoting a response from the Rams’ official account — a GIF of Michael Jordan laughing — it sent a GIF of Neil Patrick Harris in “Starship Troopers” saying “It’s afraid.”

I understand some folks of older generations might have no patience for this stuff. If your big takeaway from all this is that they should settle it on the field, I can’t argue with you.

For me, though, this exchange is everything someone covering the sport could want. Sports are nothing without stakes and drama, in whatever form that takes.

There’s a reason Tonya Harding has a big-budget movie made about her, and Michelle Kwan does not, even though Kwan was the more successful ice skater.

Some relatively harmless trash talk between local high school

Ryan Kohn

Quarterback Lane Trippel (4) and Coach Brody Wiseman will be in year two of working together at Sarasota High.

Will that lead to a win over Riverview? The team thinks so.

football teams isn’t movie-level stuff, but it’s something, especially when the program picking the fight hasn’t won in a while.

The Sailors are getting better under Wiseman. I feel confident in saying that. Are they good enough yet to beat the Rams?

We’ll see. Riverview still went 9-1 in the regular season in 2020.

One thing I am sure about?

This exchange will go on the bul-

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letin boards in each team’s locker rooms. It will not be forgotten.

The game will be even more physical than usual as a result.

The two teams will have to wait awhile to settle the score; they don’t play until Oct. 1.

You won’t have to wait nearly as long for our season previews of all four area teams, though.

Those will start next week.

Buckle up. Football is back.

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

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JULY 29, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS CONSTANTLY CONNECTING Ross Johnston won the Young Professional of the Year award at the YPG Summit July 23.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

R

oss Johnston knows himself, and he knows what keeps him moving.

The 29-year-old Marie Selby Botanical Gardens manager of visitor engagement has lived in Sarasota for about three years and has spent that time trying to build a sense of community among other people in his age group. Anyone who has met Johnston can attest to his high-energy, extroverted demeanor and his willingness to make new friends and connect existing ones.

He has put much of that energy into the Sarasota Young Professionals Group. The organization — part of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce — connects local business figures in the hopes of promoting careers and new friendships for Sarasota locals.

Johnston has been at the center of that, helping organize monthly social meetups for members at local venues and making sure new members feel comfortable when they arrive. Nothing drives Johnston more than the feeling he gets when he brings people together.

“Enthusiasm conquers all,” Johnston said. “Everything is a fun learning opportunity. Everything has the potential to be fun.

There’s a reason to smile with every opportunity, and I’m happy to look for that.”

It’s an energy and collection of personality traits that haven’t been ignored by his friends and

Photos by Harry Sayer

Ross Johnston attributes his love of connecting people and volunteering for his Young Professional of the Year win.

colleagues at YPG. The group recently awarded Johnston with a new title for his efforts: Young Professional of the Year. The annual award is given to a member for the their outreach and impact in the local community.

Johnston received the award during the Young Professionals Summit on July 23, an annual half-day event at the Embassy Suites Sarasota that has panels, debates and discussions to further careers.

It was an honor for Johnston, who said he appreciates being acknowledged for his volunteer work and engagement with the community.

“I leave YPG events more energized than when I arrive,” he said.

“I leave with so many friends. If I can connect new friends, then that’s even more exciting. I can be a catalyst for new relationships.”

Johnston grew up in California and quickly decided that nature and education would be the fields he would pursue as a career. He said his breakthrough moment came while working for AmeriCorps stationed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, between undergrad and grad school and deciding he’d rather be out teaching and working with people than be stuck in a lab.

“I thought I wanted to be a hardcore lab student,” Johnston said. “Then I got to teach kids on the beach, and it refocused my career.”

He has spent the past 10 years working in education departments in museums, zoos and aquariums. Most recently, he moved from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to Selby Gardens.

Johnston said there’s something about nature and its ability to equalize people and bring them together that has always appealed to him. His favorite thing is introducing children and people to their local environments.

It’s no surprise that he has the same approach of introducing new people to the community with YPG. He has served as the membership chair, checking people into each event and retaining their names and information.

Nothing makes him happier than to learn people he introduced at one YPG meeting are out getting brunch the weekend after.

“I love ricocheting between people at all these events,” Johnston said. “Learning who people are and what they do and remembering this person is in the same career as this person, or this person is new. I get to go through my

mental Rolodex of my friends.”

As for the Young Professional of the Year award, fellow YPG members submitted their nominees to start the awards process earlier this year. That list of names was then trimmed down based on community participation and involvement with YPG and the Sarasota Chamber. The finalists included Johnston, Lauren Tominelli and Jade Davis.

Alyssa Barnsley, the programs communications coordinator for the chamber, said the judges leaned toward Johnston as the ultimate winner for his constant work to bring a sense of community to YPG. “Ross is always looking to find great events for YPG and nonYPG members and is trying to create a sense of community,” Barnsley said.

It’s not the end of the road for Johnston with YPG. He hopes to engage in leadership programs with the group and maybe eventually see himself as president of the chamber down the road.

“Now that I feel I’m rough around the edges with leadership, I’d like to start investing in myself to see what a polished adult leader can look like,” Johnston said.

Top: Charles Clark was the event’s keynote speaker.

Above: Young Professional of the Year finalists Lauren Tominelli, Ross Johnston and Jade Davis

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

19

Community unites for Olympian Local skateboarders and supporters attended an Olympics watch party July 24.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

Sarasota is known for its beaches and arts scene, but it’s safe to say it’s not a particularly large city.

The local skateboarding scene is no different when it comes to size, but that doesn’t mean it’s small in spirit. Many skateboarders who grew up in the area and practiced tricks in Payne Skate Park have stuck around and gotten to know one another over the years.

Benny Ray, the floor manager at Compound Boardshop, has watched as many of those young skateboarders come and go in his time at the local skate store. He’s seen some excellent skateboarders, many with talent to stand out.

Jake Ilardi, he said, was different even at 13 years old.

“He was doing maneuvers that any other 13-year-old could not do,” Ray said. “There’s a difference between talent, persistence, heart and accomplishment. Everyone has potential, but whether they accomplish it (is different), and that’s something Jake Ilardi possesses. He can sit in a competitive situation and execute.”

Ilardi’s talent recently earned him a spot competing in the street skateboarding event at the Tokyo Olympics. Compound staff, local skateboarders and others cel-

Harry Sayer

ebrated Ilardi’s accomplishments during a watch party July 24 at Payne Park. Ilardi finished 11th in the qualifying round, falling short of advancing to the finals.

The local event, organized by the city of Sarasota and Bill Wagy Productions, saw dozens bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch Ilardi’s competition on a large inflatable screen outside Payne Park.

Sarasota skaters James Bixby and Gaspar Ramirez have been skating with Ilardi at Payne Park for years. They stopped by the watch party to support him as well as his twin brother, Nate, who was previewing a documentary about Ilardi’s journey that he had made.

“It’s surreal,” Bixby said. “I knew he had talent, but to see him take it to this level is amazing.”

Ilardi’s grandmother Paulette Molton was one of several people who addressed the crowd.

“They’re great kids,” Molton said. “The Olympics are great, but (Ilardi) is going to go farther than that.”

Attendees sat out on blankets and lawn chairs to watch Jake Ilardi compete in the Tokyo Olympics.

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN. this week, join ambassadors EASTERSEALS’ LILY SCHOOL TWINKLE TOES NANNY AGENCY ALSO JOIN

RISE & NYE’S EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA! special thanks to the

75

LOCAL DONORS

WHO ARE EACH TAKING A DAY DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS & AWARENESS.

Go to FlanzerTrust.org and click on the donate button.

Select Easterseals Southwest Florida from the menu.

COME ONE COME ALL

AS WE CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF ENSURING

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6PM

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 31

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SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 and 5 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road.

The annual circus show from Circus Arts Conservatory runs July 31 through Aug. 14 and will showcase a number of local circus performances. Tickets are $18 or $12 for children 12 and younger. For information, call 355-9805, of visit CircusArts. org.

Courtesy photo

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SATURDAY, JULY 31

OLYMPIC DAY 4 p.m. at Sarasota BMX, 1500 N. Tuttle Ave. Families can enjoy an evening of free games and BMX races in celebration of the Olympics. Bring a bike, a helmet and long sleeves and pants. Free. For information, call 960-1578.

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN 7 p.m. at the Florida Center, 4620 17th St. Florida Studio Theatre continues its musical road trip tour with a live performance featuring songs “Country Roads”

and “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”

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

SUNDAY, AUG. 1

SIESTA SPRINT TRIATHLON 7 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach.

Sarasota athletes should check out this triathlon offering different distances to compete in swimming, running and biking.

Be noted that this is not a 5K fun run. Tickets start at $35. For information, go to SiestaKeyAssociation.com/events.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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

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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. 358640-1

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Andrew, Lucia and Noah Panica with dog Zoe.

St. Armands Circle hosts Family Day

E YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL HEADQUARTERS

Photos by Nat Kaemmerer

THOUSANDS OF SHOES IN STOCK IN A VARIETY OF SIZES AND WIDTHS

Rachel Merritt snaps a photo of Brian and Logan Chapman with dog Meka.

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ven the furry family members got in on picture day July 25 on St. Armands Circle. It was Family Day, and the theme was family portraits, with an emphasis on the four-legged siblings.

Family Day is part of the Sol of the Circle summer events, which also include yoga and an evening of busking musicians. Marketing agency Next-Mark puts together the events, and the pet portrait day drew in plenty of families out for a stroll.

“We’ve had a steady flow,” Next-Mark President Joseph Grano said. “Some people didn’t even know this was going on.”

This was the second Family Day, the first having been a day with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Next there will be an Author’s Day on Aug. 29, where children’s authors will be embedded around the Circle.

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Coupon Code: 21BTSOMG 941.921.3696 newbalancesarasota.com Sarasota: 1872 Stickney Point Road East of the Siesta Key South Bridge

University: 315 N. Cattleman Road, Suite #1 West District University Town Center West of I-75 on the South side of University Pkwy

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www.SarasotaCrew.org 941.966.9791

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

WARD GRAND A

57

AWARDS

28

AWARDS

The Observer Media Group won 50 awards at the 2021 FPA Weekly Newspaper Contest, including 18 first place wins. The Longboat and Sarasota Observers each took first place in General Excellence.

The Creative Team was awarded 28 awards, including 10 first place wins and the Grand Award in the 2020/21 Florida Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executive Creative Excellence Contest.

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

SIESTA KEY 1125 Point Of Rocks Road 8,670 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4501984 $4,895,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, 1402 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,751 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-737-1756 A4460288 $3,350,000

SARASOTA 1335 2nd Street PH-7 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,363 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4495711 $2,999,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8015 Bounty Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,048 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4502454 $2,820,000

SIESTA KEY 1281 Tree Bay Lane 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,616 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4505720 $2,750,000

SARASOTA 7422 Clark Road 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,158 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4499425 $2,199,000

OSPREY 91 Osprey Point Drive 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,100 Sq. Ft. Nicole Dovgopolyi 941-356-5849 A4506205 $1,995,000

SARASOTA 3501 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,836 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4497661 $1,599,000

SARASOTA 1233 N Gulfstream Avenue 602 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,780 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4506289 $1,500,000

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

BRADENTON 528 Mast Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,456 Sq. Ft. Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4506616 $1,100,000

SARASOTA 5720 Autumn Fern Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,458 Sq. Ft. Alison Elizalde 941-928-9217 A4506020 $920,000

SARASOTA 5139 Vanderipe Road 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,882 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4503475 $900,000

OSPREY 156 Bishops Court Road 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,112 Sq. Ft. Rosalie Phillips 941-544-4430 A4506439 $825,000

SIESTA KEY 20 Whispering Sands Drive 504 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,282 Sq. Ft. Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4504935 $750,000

SARASOTA 4619 Hidden Forest Lane 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,623 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4506406 $749,000

SARASOTA 435 S Gulfstream Avenue 1105 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,537 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden 941-538-8998 A4506914 $654,900

OSPREY 32 Park Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,256 Sq. Ft. Schuyler Burke 907-223-8161 A4505805 $595,000

SARASOTA 1835 4th Street Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4495690 $585,000

SIESTA KEY 6287 Midnight Pass Road 405 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,306 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4506614 $585,000

SIESTA KEY 145 Avenida Messina 2 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,016 Sq. Ft. Elizabeth Gardini 941-356-0096 A4498940 $549,000

BRADENTON 1320 Perico Point Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,547 Sq. Ft. Maruta Miluns 941-374-9702 A4502932 $489,000

SARASOTA 4223 67th Avenue Circle E 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,048 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4507132 $420,000

SARASOTA 4274 Riverwood Avenue 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,774 Sq. Ft. Patrick Doherty & Maureen Doherty 941-993-3160 A4499452 $399,000

VENICE 222 Malvern Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,644 Sq. Ft. Chris Tritschler 941-376-7740 N6116491 $367,500

BRADENTON 984 Sandpiper Circle 984 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,115 Sq. Ft. Bill Anderson & Adrienne Scott 941-313-4059 A4506992 $329,000

SARASOTA 2381 Spring Oaks Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 922 Sq. Ft. Brian Meskil 941-780-3468 A4506070 $259,000

BRADENTON 4152 Overture Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,228 Sq. Ft. Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4502160 $245,000

SARASOTA 8735 Olde Hickory Avenue 8308 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,238 Sq. Ft. Debbie Daviadoff 770-331-9805 A4506274 $229,000

SARASOTA 2052 Benjamin Franklin Drive D202 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,697 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4503738 $4,700,000

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

SIESTA KEY 405 Beach Road BBLK27 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,646 Sq. Ft. Felix Power 941-586-8958 A4499219 $3,975,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 361779-1

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Siesta Key house sells for $4.2 million

|

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

25

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JULY 12-16

Other top sales by area SARASOTA

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold Unit 1127 at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Russell Lee Schoenherr and Joan Schoenherr, of Sarasota, for $2.2 million.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 3,295 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.59 million in 2010.

Nat Kaemmerer

The house at 8155 Midnight Pass Road was built in 1986. It has six bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 6,273 square feet of living area.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Mira-Mar tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Equalcross Ltd. sold the home at 8155 Midnight Pass Road to Samuel and Paula Strickland, of Osprey, for $4.2 million. Built in 1986, it has six bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 6,273 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.65 million in 1992.

SARASOTA

THE TOWER RESIDENCES Kevin and Paula Butler sold their Unit 406 condominium at 35 Watergate Drive to Mark Kleinschmidt, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $1.73 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,799 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.09 million in 2013.

Suzanne Carlton, of Duluth, Georgia, and Linda Verch, of Marin, Georgia, sold their home at 4181 Via Mirada to Drew Smillie and Deborah Lynn Smillie, of Sarasota, for $625,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,025 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 1998.

GROVE HEIGHTS Bonner Victor Chance Jr. and Kimberli Chance, of Canandaigua, New York, sold their home at 1924 Grove St. to TCMAX LLC for $1.5 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,607 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.05 million in 2017.

MCINTYRE-WILSONPOTTER’S Kelly Wade, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, sold two properties at 1690 and 1688 Arlington St. to Side of the Mesa LLC for $1.5 million. The property at 1690 was built in 2004; it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,340 square feet of living area. The property at 1688 was built in 2004; it has one bedroom, one bath and 625 square feet of living area. They sold for $1.05 million in 2020.

OYSTER BAY ESTATES Ronald Kendall, trustee, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 4436 and 4422 Westwood Lane to Kurt and Joanne Mueffelmann, of Sarasota, for $1.47 million.

The property at 4436 was built in 2007; it has four bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 6,383 square feet. The prop-

PALMER RANCH

erty at 4422 was built in 1965; it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area.

HANSEN Christopher and Cassandra Stanley, of Sarasota, sold their

OSPREY

Timothy Efthemios Capadalis and Marling Capadalis, of Sarasota, sold their home at 141 Sugar Mill Drive to Peter and Mary O’Brien, of Chicago, for $1.34 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,118 square feet of living area. It sold for $893,300 in 2016.

​NOKOMIS

Andrea Bontrager, trustee, of Madeira Beach, sold the home at 1991 White Feather Lane to Mark and Nanci Hanssler, of Nokomis, for $650,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,190 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2008.

home at 1603 Kenilworth St. to Jasmin and Kevin Butt, of Melbourne, for $1.45 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,243 square feet of living area. It sold for $905,000 in 2016.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

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

MOVE-IN READY

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of July 12-16, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA Address

Permit

Applicant

1233 N. Gulfstream Ave.

Remodel

Patricia Kennelly,

Amount

Downtown Sarasota

$300,000

#1103 trustee 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. #902 Doors/Window

Judith Bronstein

$58,000

422 S. Osprey Ave.

Brian McInnis II

$58,000

Gerald Werfel

$58,000

Pool/Spa/Deck

1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. #906 Doors 3550 Bayou Louise Lane

Alterations

Stephen Miller, trustee $57,000

2480 Alameda Ave.

Pool/Deck

Jeremy Sensenig,

Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 | From the low $600,000s | RisdonOn5th.com

SOLD

$45,000

trustee

Northwest Bradenton

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

Permit Applicant Amount

9397 Midnight Pass Road

Renovations

Hugh Stafford

$191,500

Remodel

John Zulack

$135,000

5161 Sandy Beach Ave.

Remodel

Colin Watsby

2905 Casey Key Road

Remodel

Ayyad Abdelrahman

$126,000

5760 Midnight Pass Road

Remodel

Jack Domin

$110,000

5336 Carmilfra Drive

Addition

John Ruthven

$100,000

5456 Azure Way

Seawall

Christopher Di Paolo

#306 6300 Midnight Pass Road

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

#811 $128,741

#209 $96,000

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

361759-1

Licensed Real Estate Broker

26

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Siesta Key Bayfront Estate

• • • • •

3821 Flamingo Ave. 1 1⁄2 acres w/ 200 ft of Bayfront 5 BR/ 5.5 BA 5860 sq ft + guest house and 3 car garage Dockage for 2 boats on the bay plus add’l dockage on Hanson Bayou for a 50 foot boat and lift Built in 1925, updated and expanded to enhance the authentic character of this southern hospitality home Verandas, brick terraces, 4 fireplaces, French doors, formal dining room opening to private pool and expansive lawns

MLS#A4496158 $6,900,000

South Siesta Key Investment Opportunity 5045 Midnight Pass Road

• 4Br,3BA, heated pool • Turnkey furnished ready to move right in • Great location! Short bike rides to Siesta Key Beach and The Village • Rental income already booked through April 2022 • Centrally located. Easy access to both North

Photos by Harry Sayer

Jo Wagenhals instructs competitors before the relay race.

Lifeguards amp up the adrenaline in competition

Bridge and Stickney Pt Bridge for shopping and restaurants

MLS #A4504082 $1,299,000

Gulf Front Unit with Private Beach NE

STIN W LI

G!

F

19 Whispering Sands, Unit 502

• Updated 2BR/2BA, 1,282 sq. ft. , 180 degree Gulf Views • ½ mile walk to shops and restaurants in Siesta Key Village • 55+ Community offers many activities within the Assoc.

• 2 heated Pools, fitness center, clubhouse, tikihut & grills

MLS#A4507274 $985,000

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

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

cell: 201-233-1959 office: 941-349-2922 Jackie@JackieEberley.com 361866-1

cell: 941-914-5540 office: 941-349-2922 betsy@betsydemanio.com Coldwell Banker Realty Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

lorida’s best lifeguards showcased their lifesaving abilities during a competition July 21 and 22 at Siesta Key. More than 160 lifeguards from a number of lifeguard agencies made their way to Siesta Key for the James P. “Mac” McCarthy Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships, an athletic gauntlet that had competitors sprinting, swimming, paddling and displaying other lifesaving skills over the course of 16 challenges.

It’s the first time in five years that the event has been held at Siesta Key. Winners from the competition qualified for the USLA National Lifeguard

Championships, which will be held Aug. 5-7 in South Padre Island, Texas.

Boki Corsovic, a lifeguard from Hollywood, Florida, has been competing in the annual competition for about 10 years.

He said that he has won regional and national competitions in rowing and finds himself coming back to the contest for the fun and camaraderie with fellow lifeguards.

“We’re adrenaline junkies,” Corsovic. “Swimmers like to take the path of most resistance. We like a challenge. … We always have so much fun doing this.”

— HARRY SAYER

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

27

OPEN HOUSE August 14 & 22 | 10am - 2pm

April O’Gorman of Volusia County paddles toward the shore.

Above: Jose Bolivar of Hollywood paddles to shore.

Right: Gavin Zigler of Volusia hugs his teammate.

10% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

REGISTER TODAY!

John Guscott, Bruce Wilkie, Randy Fraga, Boki Corsovic, Gustava Caldas and Jose Bolivar of Hollywood

Call 941.225.6525 or Visit SarasotaBallet.org

LOCATED AT ROSEMARY STUDIOS

1400 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota FL 34236 Media Sponsor *Discounts and promotions cannot be combined 361854-1

Your home has never been worth more The Florida Gulf Coast Luxury Leader

SOLD

SOLD

1

No.

Siesta Key’s Top Selling REALTOR* BUYER/SELLER | $1.25M 4% OVER LIST

PENDING

PENDING

11 DAYS | SELLER | $1.249M LP

Sotheby’s International Realty® Affiliate in The World* 9 DAYS | $1.199M

NEW

PENDING

$1.695M

270 ISLAND CIR | $2.195M

2

No.

No.

4

REAL Trends Small Team

by Sales Volume in Sarasota* *Numbers and ranking based on MLS data, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty reporting and REAL Trends 2020 data as of 7/26/2021.

10 DAYS | $1.55M

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

$114 Million Pending & Sold 2021 Year-to-Date $72 Million Sold in 2020

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.

357999-1

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

28

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, JULY 29 High: 89 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 48%

FRIDAY, JULY 30 High: 89 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 35%

SATURDAY, JULY 31 High: 90 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 19%

SUNDAY, AUG. 1 High: 90 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 38%

MaryAnn Parks captured this snowy egret at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota.

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 29

6:51a 8:19p

Friday, July 30

6:52a

8:18p

Saturday, July 31

6:53a

8:18p

Sunday, Aug. 1

6:53a 8:17p

Monday, Aug. 2

6:54a

8:16p

Tuesday, Aug. 3

6:54a

8:16p

Wednesday, Aug. 4

6:55a

8:15p

MOON PHASES

Aug. 22 Full

Aug. 30 Last

Sept. 6 New

Sept. 13 First

RAINFALL Monday, July 19

0

Tuesday, July 20

0

Wednesday, July 21

0

Thursday, July 22

0

Friday, July 23

0

Saturday, July 24

0

Sunday, July 25

0

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 27.01 in.

2021 8.70 in.

2020 31.61 in.

2020 6.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.748.4679 | Venice

CROSSWORD GR-R by Sebastian L. Iger; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Lazy people 7 Sao Paulo’s country, in Sao Paulo 13 Strong part of a mussel 18 “Look who’s back!”

20 “Us” star Nyong’o 21 Shove forward, as a chair 23 More out of reach than the coarse file?

25 Mysterious to many 26 Students’ cards 27 “Scram!”

28 Columbus sch.

30 Amounts of medicine 31 Brownish photo tint 32 Tirade against the

government?

35 Comment after taking a break from peeling an orange?

40 Environmental activist Thunberg 41 Actor Page 42 Lily pad’s place 43 Doe, for instance 44 Ask too much?

47 Spend too little 48 Song for two 50 “___ voyage!”

51 Where Mongolia is 52 Spigot 53 Realtor’s remark during a tour?

58 Stereotypical cafeteria food 60 Before, in poetry 61 Wonder Woman’s enemy 62 Granola morsel 63 Faster alternative to the Constitutional Convention?

70 Painting or photography 71 Lofty 72 Where Moldova is (Abbr.)

73 They may get back together 75 Movie about a “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” heroine’s many nuances?

81 Granola morsel

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

46 Orange or purple root 48 Laura of “Little Women” 49 Material in a typical surfboard 50 Meatloaf meat 51 “Glee” character Abrams 53 Gets warmer?

54 Solemn promises 55 Noisy med. test 56 Grizzled 57 Have pad thai, perhaps 59 Certain H.S. exams 64 Attempt 65 Bumper cars or carousel DOWN 66 Effortlessly gain wisdom?

1 Coming-out phrase 67 Billiards sticks 2 Baltic Avenue card, e.g.

68 City near Ventura 3 Installs, as tile 69 Like axons and synapses 4 Word before “ideal” or 74 Hairdo “trip” 75 Applicant’s expense 5 Surface for a pan 76 “___ so sorry!”

6 Secondary pile in poker 77 Regarded disapprovingly 7 Chicken cordon ___ 78 Sweeties 8 Corrosion on an old car 79 Oil grp.

9 Credit card interest letters 80 Bean type in some falafel 10 Singer hidden in “Enrique 85 Climb, as a tree trunk Iglesias” 86 “c++;” could be a line of it 11 “How strange ...”

88 One has many pretty 12 Failure of judgment faces 13 Where to wear a mud 89 Egyptian snake mask 90 Southeast Asian 14 Person who overcomes language many obstacles 91 Holiday ___ Express 15 Accompany 92 Certain Louisianans 16 Indoor guard dog at a 94 Home of Canada’s ParliaTibetan palace ment Hill 17 Pillowcase material 95 Young math genius, say 82 Organs missing from 19 Cry in a game of tag 96 ___ and kin many emojis 22 Cardinal’s home 97 Proofreader’s catch 83 83/83 24 Comedian Trevor 98 Situp surfaces 84 Make no play 29 Time-sensitive 99 Instruments that rhyme 85 Like goblins 31 Low-fat kind of milk with “kotos” 87 ___ rap (Lil Peep genre) 32 Swim flipper 100 Starts to melt 88 Striped candy shape 33 The 31st, for July 104 “Sure, I guess” 90 Actor Schreiber 34 All bets ___ off 105 Late July births 92 Written for singers 35 Outperforms 106 Two twos, for one 93 Less desirable 36 Subject of a basic chem- 107 Refer to 95 “What is flat yet freistry lesson?

108 Winter toy quently flipped?” say?

37 Like some sunglasses 110 Body part with a “corner” 98 With 111-Across, comedy 38 Largest fencing sword 112 Scooby-___ about a quest for an altar 39 Campus military grp.

113 Pot ingredient part?

43 Spies’ files 114 Single-stranded mol101 “Fame” singer Cara 45 2016 Olympics host ecule 102 Helps criminally 103 Pronoun for Beyonce 104 Evil robot in an “Avengers” film 106 Many gaming laptops 109 As yet 111 See 98-Across 115 Ocean route 116 “Yay!” 117 Get back together 118 Like an old baguette 119 Garments that become multicolored 120 Had mercy on

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.

“B’UP GPN HPFHVP TRF CWP MCOOVPZ MI JRBVZWPS, CX NRFDER NRPI TPWP SPUPW JRBVZWPS NRPGXPVUPX.” GCIC WDZFVHR “IYASBI GI U WMBUYXAS EAS AFMSHAWGLZ AOIBUHCMI ULV UHXGMFGLZ UZUGLIB ZSMUB AVVI.” OGCC OSUVCMN Puzzle Two Clue E equals F

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle One Clues E equals G

Sarasota

349229-1

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

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

07-29-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Furnishings 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 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!

MOVING SALE Friday/Saturday, July 30 & 31 8am-5pm, Household items, patio furniture, tools, bedding, and more! 5505 52nd Ave, W, Bradenton FL 34210

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.

CAR ROOF RACK BLACK, EASY TO ASSEMBLE, FOR BIKES, KAYAKS $45 (941) 920-2494

DISNEY – Minnie Mouse Victorian Christmas Tree Topper $150. Barbie - Little Debbie 1, 2, & 3 for $45.

941-720-3899 GRACO BOOSTER Car Seats Gray/black. Like new! $15 Each 941-371-3513 HIGH WOOD table and 2 captain’s chairs -$100. Lexington solid wood with stone top 3 drawer chest-$100.

Call with any questions.

(941)526-6787 MEDICAL LIFT with swing canvas chair. Never used. $200 941-800-4476 PLUMERIA (RED/PINK) in pots or cuttings ($1-$30), Clay planter/pots ($2-$12) 941-586-9245 WURLITZER ORGAN omni 5000 keyboard, computer, like new $200 941-744-0404

auto

CUISINART FOOD Processor $55.00. Ladder, Alum. 6Ft $15.00. Vacuum Cleaner $70.00. Prof. Knife set $55.00 Call 941- 250-6205

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Condos/Apts. for Rent 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 STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

LONGBOAT KEY: gulf front 2 bdrm, 2 bath plus Den condo.

1455 sq. ft. Annual rental, unfurnished, available Sept. 1st.

Totally remodeled. Live right on the beach. Fabulous views of gulf, sunsets, lush gardens, pool, spa. 941-726-3443

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

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Room for Rent POOL STUDIO, one room with private entrance/bath, nonsmoker, no pets, clean & quiet.

Available monthly or yearly.

Must call, no texts!

941-345-6762

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES offered by Christian lady to Sarasota area. Years of experience with satisfied references. Call Theresa: 502-767-0259.

Home Services SENIOR CARE Personal private duty caregiver available for your loved one.

15 years exp.

Dr. appts, errands. Assist in ADLs. Knowledge of local rehabs, ALFs for placement.

Experience in dementia/ Alzheimers, CHF, neurloglic issues, fractures.

Background checkef, finger printed in FL/ CA. (941) 822-0906

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Adult Care Services PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift hours 5-12.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

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

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

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

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

Landscaping/ Lawn Services Professional Gardener Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

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

Painting CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Crossword answers

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE! CALL 941-955-4888

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “I’ve met people who are baffled by children, as though they were never children themselves.”

Maya Rudolph Puzzle Two Solution: “Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great odds.”

Bill Bradley

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 Universal Uclick

©2021 NEA, Inc.

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

ISLAND SWING BAND Every Monday 6-8 pm, since November 2018 Scarpino’s Italian Restaurant & “All That Jazz”!

6152 -14th St W (Bayshore) Reservations 941-756-8100

real estate

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

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Autos Wanted

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

Announcements

peekers’ place

stuff

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.

Cleaning

home services

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

Rentals Wanted

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

Aluminum

Beauty

Cleaning

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME 361950

PROFESSIONAL AND DEPENDABLE CLEANING SERVICE. Home, Office, Hotel, Airbnb, Businesses,

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

AMANDA 424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

360982

FAST • EASY • SAFE

5-Star Rated 361625

WE COME TO YOU

Computer

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

361635

SELL YOUR CAR! HoHoBuysCars.com

CALL 941-587-5122

Boat Services

Auto Service

941.270.4400

weekly, biweekly, and monthly. Insured.

360738

Dustin Yoder

and resorts. Free estimates. Daily,

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

We coMe to your House or Marina

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

- Mobile boat Detailing Reliable, Dependable, Prior Military Call, email or text 401-644-5370 • upsmar29@gmail.com

6968 Beneva Road (Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

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

Doors

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

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

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362 Concrete

10% OFF

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

“No Job Too Small”

2 PANELS OR MORE For the Month of July.

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999

918-8587

Driveways • Sidewalks

Also Laying Stone

Call us today! 941.628.8579 361919

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

361628

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

www.ezslider.com

361233

SARASOTA OBSERVER

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Reasonable Prices

Licensed & Insured

360495

30

Free Estimates

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Realtors

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

361884

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Furniture Repair FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating Cushions • Slings • Umbrellas

941-504-0903 941-504-0903

361885 38056

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS / DELIVERY FREE PICKUP ONSITE QUOTES outdoor furniture experts• •FREE www .patiorepairs .net

Handyman

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN

ON TARGET

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad YourObserver.com/RedPages

Naji Aoun GladysKhabbaz@gmail.com 805 Molly Circle, Sarasota

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

361904

361235

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

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Handyman

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

GRAB BARS

235

941.966.0333

$

Health

DrGrabBars.com

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

361232

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

Roofing

LEAKY ROOF? Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

38 Years Experience

GLENN KROECKER

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

All Work Guaranteed

Joe Murray, Owner

Lawn Care

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

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

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

Ray - 941-313-4538

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

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

Showcase your products or services.

941-345-5264

CALL 941-955-4888

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

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

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

941-923-8140

Licensed & Insured

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Transportation

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Downtown Sarasota/LWR to or from SQR $179; to or from TPA $249 * (941) 345-5264 “Key” and south Sarasota county to or from SRQ $199; to or from TPA $299*

361634

Watching your home while you’re away

361929

Power Washing Pressure Washing

Pressure Washing

GHOSTS IN MOTION, LLC

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

941.928.0561 • GhostsInMotion.com No hourly minimum. * Rates all inclusive

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

• Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

361629

Call John 941.377.2940

361231

Licensed and insured #IMT708

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

make your moving day a pleasure.

®

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

362135

Wizard Moving SRQ

RED PAGES

Dave and Connie Grundy

361633

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

Movers

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

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007

724-2945

Lic. & Ins.

Home Services

Building & Roofing Contractor

361875

373-9299

361236

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

3687676-01

361387

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

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Curt’s Lawn Service

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

941-228-9850

361922

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

954-1878

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Insured

941-270-1561

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

361924

“No Job Too Small”

Licensed

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

360978

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

941-544-1066 Italian American Owned

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

361802

(941) 504-3168

Eldridge Re-Screen

Trees AFTER

BEFORE

| scaperotta@aol.com

Licensed & Insured

10 Years Experience

941-232-1192

361833

“OUR ESTIMATES & ADVICE ARE FREE”

361632

Licensed Lic. #38333 References

Rescreening & Repairs

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

31

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

361906

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

|

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

DOING MORE IS OUR DISTINCTION

$

WWW.SCHEMMELGROUP.COM

NEW LISTING

104

MILLION CLOSED IN 2020

$

127

MILLION

CLOSED OR PENDING IN 2021

PR E S TA N C I A 3 9 4 4 LO SI L L I A S D RI V E $ 3 , 5 0 0,0 0 0

Known as the “Pearl of Prestancia,” this modern estate is an architectural gem in one of the most exclusive communities in Palmer Ranch.

Located at the end of a quiet street, on a cul-de-sac and bordering the TPC championship course’s signature third hole, this home is perfectly positioned to deliver some of the best water and golf course views in Prestancia.

S I E S TA K E Y 8 4 2 3 M I D N I G H T PA S S R OA D | $7, 9 9 5 ,0 0 0 Grand waterfront estate with 100’ of frontage.

S I E S TA K E Y 3 97 7 R O B E R T S P O I N T R OA D | $ 3 ,7 8 5 ,0 0 0 This beautiful home is perfectly located on the north end of world-famous Siesta Key.

LO N G B OAT K E Y 3 10 5 G U L F O F M E X I C O D R I V E | $1 2 , 9 0 0,0 0 0 With over 176 feet of direct beachfront, this is one of the most significant beachfront properties available.

S I E S TA K E Y 6 4 8 0 M I D N I G H T PA S S R OA D # 514 | $1 , 10 0,0 0 0 This beachfront condo is conveniently located and features full amenities.

S I E S TA K E Y 8 2 1 8 S A N D E R L I N G R OA D | $14 ,0 0 0,0 0 0 The ultimate beachfront compound encompassing over 4 acres on Siesta Key.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR HOME, NOW IS THE TIME. There is unprecedented demand for luxury properties in our area. With the increased demand, the right representation is very important. As a result of our extensive marketing reach and in-depth understanding of our local market, we can provide our customers with the best possible experience when buying or selling a home. Please contact us!

JOEL SCHEMMEL, J.D., REALTOR® 941.587.4894 | JOEL.SCHEMMEL@PREMIERSIR.COM SHARON CHIODI, REALTOR® 941.809.0380 | SHARON.CHIODI@PREMIERSIR.COM SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

SCHEMMELGROUP

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

357974-1

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