Siesta Key Observer 9.2.21

SIESTA KEY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 52, NO. 8

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The eyes have it.

PAGE 22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Under review

City begins its oncea-decade look at changes to charter.

PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

New on the job

Meet Deputy Kye. Teamed up with Deputy Chris Indico of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the 18-month-old mix of German shepherd and Belgian Malinois has been training with his human friend for more than 500 hours before starting his new job here.

Fun facts: Kye was born in Budapest, Hungary, and is working on a certification in explosive detection.

Kye takes over for Indico’s previous canine partner, Bryx, who died earlier this year.

Help for Haiti

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe had planned a benefit show to support the people of Haiti, but technical issues prevented audiences from buying tickets online.

It didn’t deter concertgoers, though, who showed up with checks in hand on Aug. 29.

WBTT Founder Nate Jacobs joined singers Syreeta S. Banks, Christopher Eisenberg, Donald Frison, Michael Mendez, Jai Shanae and Henry Washington as part “Help for Haiti,” to raise relief money following the Aug. 14 earthquake.

The show raised $12,800.

Turtle Tracks SINCE APRIL 25 TOTAL NESTS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 521 465 Lido Key 107 152 Casey Key 1,470 1,515 TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS:

2021 2020 Siesta Key 603 581 Lido Key 279 220 Casey Key 1,773 1,984 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

A-PEELING DAY OF FUN Chamber members go ape for showcase.

SEE PAGE 18 Harry Sayer

Tanya Hunn and Rick Rhodus represented Gorilla Kleen at Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Showcase.

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Proposal a tall order Developer hopes to build 17-story tower.

SEE PAGE 5 David Conway

A developer plans to demolish three single-story buildings to construct a 17-story mixed-use tower on Main Street.

Point of art.

PAGE 16

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WH AT’S H APPENING

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

“Sarasota has helped to inspire me and connect with my spiritual side.”

WEEK OF SEPT. 2, 2021

Public hearing set on trash rates County leaders have planned a public hearing at 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 to vote on proposed new rates for the tax that finances trash and recycling collection.

Notices about the increase were sent to property owners in August, explaining the rate for residential singlefamily homes was rising 7% from about $218.31 to about $233.59 annually. Multifamily residential rates were similarly rising to $197.65.

Brian Usher, the county’s solid waste director, emphasized the increase was not a new tax.

“This is a planned part of the cost of doing business,” he said, adding the increase is the last of three annual increases beginning in 2018.

The public hearing will take place at the County Administration building, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

Art Venti, 72-year-old Sarasota artist READ MORE ON PAGE 16

BY THE NUMBERS 10

Years between required charter reviews for the city of Sarasota.

PAGE 3

17

Stories proposed for a hotel and condominium on Main Street.

PAGE 5

2039

File photo

If approved in 2022, county’s penny surtax would extend 15 years.

Circuit court jury trials at the Judge Lynn Silvertooth Judical Center are suspended.

Circuit judge suspends jury trials

PAGE 6

CALENDAR n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m.

Commission chambers, Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 6 p.m. Sept.

7 and 8, Commission chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m.

Sept. 7, Board chambers, Landings Administration building, 1960 Landings Blvd.

J

ury trials in the 12th Judicial Circuit, which includes courthouses in Sarasota and Manatee counties, were suspended Monday because of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the region, as ordered

by Chief Judge Charles E. Roberts.

“Compelling so many people from the community to report for jury duty and then placing them together in jury assembly rooms or courtrooms for extended periods of time creates too great a risk of COVID-19 ex-

posure and cannot continue under current pandemic condition,” Roberts wrote in his order, dated Aug. 25.

The order is backed up by a July 2021 executive order from the Florida Supreme Court, empowering chief judges in each of Florida’s 20 circuits to consider local health conditions in determining the appropriateness of in-person proceedings.

Roberts wrote in his order that DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties show “alarming upward trends.”

According to Sarasota

Stadium lot host to COVID testing

County’s most recent data, 4,979 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 14 days ending Aug. 25. 4,146 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the previous 14 days and 3,501 in the 14 days before that.

In June 2020, the court buildings reopened for limited hearings for criminal arraignments, shelter hearings, termination of parental rights hearings and any case that dealt with possible jail sentence or the loss of some constitutional right.

A COVID-19 testing site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the parking lot of Ed Smith Stadium, at 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue.

The drive-thru site offers PCR testing and is free. Testing continues at: The former Sarasota Kennel Club, 5400 Old Bradenton Road, and the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex parking lot, 1845 34th St. Both are open Monday through Saturday.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

3

CHARTER CHANGES The Charter Review Committee has less than seven months to debate potential changes to the city’s foundational governing document.

Finished with preliminary work, the board’s about to dive in.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

O

n Monday, the city invited the public to share thoughts on potential revisions to a foundational document for the city government, encouraging residents to join in with the once-in-a-decade process of reviewing the city’s charter.

In total, four people showed up to speak at this week’s meeting of the Charter Review Committee, held with the intent of gathering community input to guide the seven-month effort to examine the charter for possible changes.

Another five people offered input remotely, but at the conclusion of that portion of the meeting, Chair Carolyn Mason expressed disappointment in the level of participation the board was able to draw.

“I had hoped we would have a packed house, but it isn’t so,” Mason said.

City staff assured the board that the public would continue to have opportunities to share input as a group of 10 citizens — two appointed by each city commissioner — continues the decennial task of discussing options for charter amendments. The Charter Review Committee held its first meeting Aug. 23 and will continue to work until March, when it presents a final list of recommendations to the City Commission for consideration.

At its two meetings to date, the board has focused primarily on preliminary tasks — introductions, scheduling, a look back at the work of the 2011 Charter Review Committee and gathering input. Based on the input shared at Monday’s meeting, as well as commentary from committee members, here’s a few subjects the group could examine: ELECTED MAYOR

One of the most frequently discussed changes to the city charter revolves around the power structure on which the municipal government is built.

The city operates under a

Photos by David Conway

commission-manager form of government, in which a body of five equal elected commissioners oversees a city manager who serves as chief administrator. The position of mayor is a ceremonial title that leads commission meetings; the board votes annually on which member fills that role.

Over the past 25 years, there have been a series of attempts to change that system to one that allows voters to directly elect the mayor. Some of those proposals sought to establish a “strong mayor” as the leading role in city government, a position that would carry more power than an individual commissioner. In 1996, 2002 and 2009, elected mayor referendums reached the ballot, but voters rejected the changes each time.

In 2012, Commissioner Paul Caragiulo pushed for another strong mayor referendum but did not find support among elected officials. A 2014 citizen-initiated elected mayor proposal failed to make the ballot, too.

In 2011, the last Charter Review Committee discussed the prospect of an elected mayor amendment but declined to consider such a change, noting the concept had failed to win majority support from the electorate on multiple occasions. At the outset of this decade’s charter review process, the subject has arisen once again: Three members of the public spoke in support of an elected mayor at Monday’s meeting, while two spoke in opposition.

“I know the question has been asked before, but this is a vastly different constituency than the last time the question was asked,” said resident Ian Black, a proponent of creating an elected mayor.

“As the saying goes — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said resident Flo Entler, an elected mayor opponent.

Committee members Dan

Although members of the Charter Review Committee had hoped for more community input at Monday’s meeting, the board indicated it would organize future opportunities for public engagement on important issues.

IF YOU GO

CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING When: 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 Where: Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. The committee’s next meeting will examine the first two articles of the charter and the first three sections of the third. Provisions in that section include the form of government, the composition of the City Commission and compensation for commissioners.

Clermont and Cathy Antunes described the elected mayor question as an “elephant in the room.” Although the committee plans to go through the charter section-by-section in order, board members discussed the possibility of scheduling and advertising standalone meetings on topics expected to gather more significant public interest.

COMMISSIONER OVERSIGHT

Antunes highlighted another potential topic of public interest at Monday’s meeting: workplace accountability for elected officials.

Two speakers at Monday’s meeting asked the committee to explore options for taking action against commissioners who misuse power or create a hostile work environment. Those speakers alluded to a recent incident in which an outburst at City Hall from Mayor Hagen Brody drew concerns from staff members, elected officials and members of the public.

“Courtesy, self-control and respect for others cannot be prescribed, but the repercussions when norms of professionalism are violated and raging is mistaken for leadership must be,” resident Kelly Franklin said.

When the City Commission discussed the incident, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch noted there is no established protocol for investigating or acting on a complaint registered against an elected official. Antunes noted the Charter Review Committee might need to have a future conversation about what section of the charter might be most appropriate for potential language about commissioner oversight.

“I don’t know where a (human resources) situation with a city commissioner fits in here,” Antunes said.

COMMISSIONER SALARY

In 2011, the Charter Review Committee recommended asking voters to give the City Commission a raise, but the commission declined to put such a question on the ballot.

City commissioners receive just over $28,000 annually. A majority of the commission continues to work other jobs. By contrast, members of the Sarasota County Commission receive more than $91,000 annually.

Resident Jon Baugh lobbied the Charter Review Committee to once again take up commissioner pay.

“They work a ridiculous amount of hours and have an incredible responsibility to the city,” Baugh said Monday. “They are the five most important people in the city. You’re limiting the amount of people that can run for this position with the salary.”

ELECTORAL REFORM

In 2007, voters approved a charter amendment requiring instant runoff voting for elections — but the city has not yet held an election with a ranked-choice ballot.

Currently, the charter states instant runoff voting shall go into effect within two years of the state certifying software for the ballots that are compatible with the city’s voting machinery.

Although the city is not obligated to pursue a change to its balloting system on its own, resident Rob Grant suggested the Charter Review Committee could revisit the topic of instant runoff voting.

“Ranked-choice voting fosters civility and saves taxpayer money by eliminating runoff elections,” Grant said.

Other topics related to elections came up at Monday’s meeting. In addition to supporting an elected mayor, resident Diana Hamilton endorsed a change to the process by which commissioners are elected. Currently, three commissioners are elected by individual districts within the city while two at-large members are elected by all voters. Hamilton suggested making all five positions district representatives.

City Attorney Robert Fournier also ran down a list of smaller charter revisions the 2011 committee recommended pursuing but that voters rejected. Several of those changes pertained to election management, including finance reporting for candidates and procedures for revising district boundaries following the publication of the census.

The 10-member Charter Review Committee will make recommendations on potential revisions in March, at which point the City Commission will decide which items it wants to set for a voter referendum.

WHO ARE THEY? Here’s who each City Commissioner selected to join the Charter Review Board Jen Ahearn-Koch n Eileen Normile, former city commissioner n Cathy Antunes, host of The Detail on WSLR Liz Alpert n Peter Fanning, Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association president emeritus n Wayne Ruben, Downtown Improvement District board member Erik Arroyo n Kim Githler, MoneyShow chair and CEO n Jeff Jackson, PGT Innovations president and CEO Kyle Battie n Carolyn Mason, former city and county commissioner n Philip DiMaria, Kimley-Horn planning project manager Hagen Brody n Dan Clermont, Planning Board member n Crystal Bailey, Sarasota County Sheriff general counsel

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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The prospective developer of a seven-story, 161-unit senior living community at 307 S. Orange Ave. has filed an application with the city seeking staff approval of the project.

Because the site borders Laurel Park, the developer was required to hold a community workshop on the proposal after submitting the site plan to the city. That workshop was held remotely Aug. 25, the second held to discuss plans for the 1.85-acre property in Burns Court.

Joel Freedman, a land-use consultant working on behalf of the developer, said there were few changes made to the proposal since the last workshop in June.

One of those changes was in response to neighborhood input shared previously. Neighbors had expressed concern about traffic circulation from the site onto Laurel Street and into Laurel Park.

The revised plan makes access on Laurel Street entry-only.

Matthew Acari, the president of the Laurel Park Neighborhood

Association, said he appreciated developer Matt Phillips’ willingness to engage with residents.

“From the Laurel Park Neighborhood Association’s perspective, we feel very fortunate and look forward to having him as a neighbor,” Acari said.

Some input shared at the Aug. 25 workshop was critical of the building design. Acari shared feedback from a Laurel Park resident unable to attend the meeting who questioned why the architecture did not reflect the Mediterranean Revival style of the Burns Court Historic District.

Designer Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects said the Burns Court-Laurel Park border created a confluence of design elements in the area, including a Sarasota School of Architecture-style building to the north of the project site. Gallagher said the design team sought to create a quality building that is of its time.

“We think this is really going to fit in well,” Phillips said.

Lee Duffey, a resident of the neighboring Kanaya condominium building, said he and several neighbors were fans of the design of the development.

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Plans for the senior residences, described as a luxury community, include 104 assisted living units, 39 independent living units and 20 memory care units.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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Hotel, residential tower planned for mid-Main Street A developer is asking the city to approve a 17-story building that exceeds the standard limits on height and density for projects in the city’s core.

DAVID CONWAY DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

A developer has filed plans with the city to construct a 17-story building with 129 hotel rooms and 54 residential units at 1703 Main St. If approved, the building would be Main Street’s only hotel and one of the tallest structures in Sarasota east of Five Points.

The applicant, Aventura-based Trepp Developments, is requesting a special exception to the 10-story height limit for properties in the downtown core. The city’s zoning code includes a provision that allows the director of development services to approve up to two buildings that exceed the downtown core height restriction, allowing projects up to 180 feet tall.

The city has not approved any projects under that regulation since the 2004 adoption of the downtown zoning code. Initial feedback from city staff indicated the developer might have some challenges persuading officials to approve the request. In a memo prepared for Wednesday’s meeting of the city’s Development Review Committee, Development

David Conway

To achieve the necessary density for the proposed development, the applicant intends to purchase the rights to residential construction associated with the neighboring Sarasota Memorial Hospital building at 1743 Main St.

Services General Manager Kevin McAndrew cites a provision in the code that states the height increase might be more practical for large projects that are at least half an acre. The site of the proposed development is 0.43 acres.

The project, which also incorporates the parcel at 22 Goodrich Ave., would necessitate the demolition of three existing buildings. The land is the site of Il Panificio pizzeria, Main Street Shoe Repair and Fringe Spa Salon.

Developer Rodrigo Trepp Birnbaum said he was interested in

pursuing a project in downtown Sarasota because it’s a growing market with sustained demand for expanded hotel and residential capacity. Birnbaum said he planned to bring a Hilton-brand hotel to the site. Downtown has seen an influx of hotel projects over the past five years: Since 2016, the Aloft Sarasota and Art Ovation Hotel on Palm Avenue and the Embassy Suites and Westin Sarasota on Tamiami Trail have added more than 700 rooms.

Still, Birnbaum said there is capacity to cater to tourists inter-

ested in staying in a downtown setting with walkable dining and shopping options.

“Beside the beaches and the bay, people that get to Sarasota want to know Main Street and the downtown area,” Birnbaum said.

The same goes for those looking for a more permanent place to stay. Downtown has also seen an increase in residential construction, but the demand remains high for condos and apartments, Birnbaum said. Plans for the Main Street project include one-, twoand three-bedroom units 685

to 1,750 square feet. Like other developers that have invested in downtown luxury residences, Birnbaum listed island residents looking to downsize in a more central location as a target market.

“There are a lot of people selling off their homes on the beach to come downtown because they spend most of their time downtown, and the supply is zero to none,” Birnbaum said.

The plans for 54 residential units exceed the maximum density of 25 units per acre allowed in the downtown core. To facilitate the project, the developer intends to purchase the rights to construct up to 33 units from the neighboring property at 1743 Main St., which Sarasota Memorial Hospital owns.

The development proposal also includes a 4,500-square-foot ground-floor restaurant, which Birnbaum suggested could be an Italian restaurant or a steakhouse.

Birnbaum acknowledged the 1700 block of Main Street’s reputation as a quieter segment of downtown east of a more concentrated hub of activity between Orange Avenue and Gulfstream Avenue.

He suggested the restaurant — in addition to the population tied to the hotel and residences — could alter the character of the area.

“It’s going to be an interesting point to light up the middle of Main Street,” Birnbaum said.

If the city approves his plans, Birnbaum said he hoped to begin construction on the project by early 2022 and complete the building in the first quarter of 2024.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

County seeks input on penny-tax reset

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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

There’s still more than two years left before Sarasota County’s 1-cent sales tax is set to expire, but already, officials are launching a campaign to extend the voter-authorized levy for another 15 years.

In place since 1989, the county’s 1% sales surtax generates revenue for the county, Sarasota County Schools and Sarasota’s four municipalities. Local government bodies are restricted to using the money for infrastructure projects. Following its creation via referendum, the electorate extended the sales tax in 1997 and 2007.

At a budget workshop Friday, Deputy County Administrator Steve Botelho provided an update on the work staff is doing to prepare for another referendum in 2022. The county has convened an advisory task force to discuss the fourth iteration of the penny tax, called Surtax IV, and launched a website outlining the history of the tax.

The task force will host community workshops in September and October on potential future penny tax projects if voters approve an extension through 2039. On its website, the county highlights Siesta Key Beach facility renovations, the replacement of Gulf Gate Library and various transportation infrastructure

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County commissioners spoke positively about the planned engagement efforts. Commissioners expressed their support for the extension, calling the tax a crucial source of revenue. Initial projections indicate an extension would generate $1.96 billion between 2024 and 2039, including $861 million for the county, $490 million for schools and $186 million for the city of Sarasota.

“This community needs the Surtax IV passed,” Commissioner Al Maio said.

Botelho said the task force would present a report on the information it gathers to the County Commission in January.

The county is scheduled to vote in March on a measure authorizing a referendum on the extension for the November ballot.

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Find complete details about meetings for the Sarasota County School Board, Town of Longboat Key, and the cities of Sarasota, Venice and North Port at sarasotacountysurtax.net (Calendar and Resources).

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SARASOTA / SIESTA KEY

OPINION / OUR VIEW

Ivermectin II: Cons and pros

“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

Readers chastised us, saying we were promoting a COVID-19 drug that’s dangerous and unproven.

Dr. Pierre Kory addresses those concerns.

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com

MATT WALSH

T

wo weeks ago, we published on this page our urging to readers to read a long magazine article on the use of the drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19 — “The Drug That Cracked COVID.” You can read it at rescue.substack.com.

Written by New York Times bestselling author and journalist Michael Capuzzo for his and his wife Teresa’s Pennsylvania magazine, Mountain Home, the article chronicled the struggles of renowned academic medical researchers and physicians Drs. Pierre Kory and Paul Malik and others to convince public health agencies in the U.S. and around the world of the efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19 and that this FDAapproved, generic drug should be authorized for doctors to prescribe.

As expected, we received numerous letters and emails.

Some applauded us for bringing the story to light and told us how the drug had saved people they knew.

Others stridently chastised us, accusing us of promoting the use of the drug and promoting it over vaccines. We were doing neither.

Our intent was to expose our readers to a story about a drug that has gone through extensive clinical trials, proven to be effective against COVID-19 and yet the medical establishment and national media have dismissed it as quackery.

As fair-minded journalists would, we felt it worthy to

expose our readers to another side of this larger story.

What’s more, knowing we would receive negative responses, this week we are publishing letters and emails of those who opposed what we did, along with Kory’s responses to readers’ concerns and criticisms.

In addition, we are publishing one letter (of several we received) in support of our publishing Capuzzo’s story.

Because of space constraints, we are publishing in print only one email, that from Stephen Cooper, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, and Kory’s response. — M.W. ABOMINATION AND DRIVEL

Your article pushing ivermectin as a “cure” or “preventive” or whatever for COVID was an abomination.

There has been a large increase in calls to the Poison Control Line from people taking that compound. It is not approved and has not been shown to be effective against viruses, in particular against COVID-19 or its variants.

You did a disservice to the community for writing that drivel, which will hurt more than help. Vaccines should be promoted as the only proven way to stop this pandemic.

I hope that soon you will publish an article retracting your views on ivermectin and set the record straight.

STEPHEN COOPER EMERITUS PROFESSOR, MICROBIOLOGY/ IMMUNOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Dr. Pierre Kory responds: The most easily quantifiable way to describe the indefensible lack of “approval” for ivermectin in COVID-19 is to note the actual amount of supportive clinical trials evidence in COVID-19, both randomized (31) and observational (32), including

Photo courtesy of Pierre Kory

For more reader responses and criticisms and Dr. Pierre Kory’s responses, go to: YourObserver.com/ivermectin-responses more than 26,000 patients with the near majority of all studies finding at least some important benefit with treatment.

Then compare that evidence to the average amount of evidence relied upon to formulate the treatment guidelines of the Infectious Disease Society of America: In a 2010 review of 65 of its most recent guidelines, the IDSA found that 50% of guideline recommendations were made without any trials evidence in support and were termed “expert opinion only.”

Another 31% of guideline recommendations were based solely on observational studies, while only 16% of all recommendations were based on at least one randomized controlled trial.

In other words, the number of legitimate clinical trials for ivermectin have been far superior to those for the IDSA’s treatment guidelines.

Furthermore, ivermectin was approved for the treatment of scabies by the World Health Organization based only on 10 randomized controlled trials, including 852 patients. Despite the fact that these trials found ivermectin inferior to the cream it was being tested against, it still won approval due to its low cost and ease of administration.

We cannot recall the last pandemic of scabies that cratered health care systems and societies

across the world. Yet the WHO was able to arrive at such a bold recommendation without the pressure of a pandemic, given it was based on such a seemingly small evidence base.

We also emphasize that the NIH Guidelines for COVID-19 have multiple strength levels of recommendation available to them, from weak/“consider” to making use near mandatory. The public should demand from the IDSA and NIH credible explanations for this monstrous anomaly of not arriving at even a weak recommendation for ivermectin, one of the safest, inexpensive and widely available medicines known to man.

What you are witnessing is just the most absurd example of a decadeslong war on repurposed (aka “non-profitable”) medicines.

Finally, no credible physician or journalist recommends that people self-prescribe with veterinary forms of ivermectin.

Experts, such as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, have been working tirelessly for months to persuade the public health agencies to provide more specific guidance to physicians on using ivermectin to treat patients with COVID-19.

The increasing calls to poison control centers are a direct result of their failure to provide such guidance and education to U.S. citizens.

Mask wars: Coercion only brings destruction This is ridiculous — this political war over masks in schools.

It is yet another example that accentuates why state-controlled education is a fallacy and delusion and should be abolished.

Yep, here we go again, you say.

Another extreme, wackadoo idea.

But au contraire.

This fight or war over masks on school children brings into vivid focus the incongruity that has existed with education from the day it became the domain of the state.

It has always been thus: strife and tension between the Legislature, which controls the

money, curricula and policies, and the local school districts, school boards and educators.

They are always at odds.

We recall former state Sen. Nancy Detert when she decided to give up her Senate seat. She was exhausted and exasperated at how the Legislature had changed for the worse. In particular, she noted how so many newly elected legislators would come to Tallahassee on their white horses to reform the state’s education system — despite what little they knew.

Since the beginning of the state’s present public school system in 1868, lawmakers have created a nightmarish Leviathan

of regulations. In 153 years, they have amassed 573,253 words of mandates and regulations. The Bible, which covers 4,000 years, has 783,140 words — but only 10 rules.

Meantime, back in the local districts, you could talk to any school administrator or teacher, and they chafe over the dictates and mandates coming down from Tallahassee ordering them how to do their jobs.

This arrangement epitomizes what Leonard Read, a great 20th century American philosopherentrepreneur, wrote about in his book, “Anything That’s Peaceful”: “Coercion, by its nature, is destructive.”

Coercion — the force of the government — only creates strife. It produces nothing creative.

This is what we have in the war over masks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, both Republicans and strong believers in individual liberty, used their positions to mandate (coerce) all public schools not to impose mandatory masks for students.

Although they took the side we endorse — let parents decide — they used their authoritarianism to encroach on home-rule CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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OPINION / OUR VIEW

decision-making.

Predictably, school boards dominated by members from the Democratic Party fought back with their own authoritarian tendencies. They voted to defy the governor’s executive orders and impose their own mask mandates. They used their positions to coerce hundreds and thousands of parents who have vocally opposed mandated masks. More strife.

And get this: With these mask mandates, these school boards have decreed they will send home any student who does not comply.

How can that be? The Florida constitution says it is “a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children.” How, then, can students without masks be denied what others wearing masks have? If they are denied, do their parents become entitled to a refund of their school taxes?

This political war becomes even more absurd when you consider the following: Around the state, parents who want mandated masks have sued (Gov. Ron) DeSantis and the Department of Education, alleging they are violating the state constitution by not complying with this provision: “Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe (bold italics added), secure and high quality system of free public schools.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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IT’S TIME FOR OUR FAMOUS ANNUAL

At the same time, other groups of parents oppose mandated masks because they contend the masks are harming their children’s physical and mental health. In other words, mandated masks are not creating a safe system of public schools.

Indeed, what constitutes “safe”?

All of this makes Read’s point and our point: Coercion will always be destructive; and a “uniform,” state-controlled education system is a destructive delusion. It cannot possibly deliver high-quality education for “all children,” all of whom are different.

We know it’s far-fetched to think Florida’s public education system would ever be abolished and replaced with market-driven schools that would serve its customers first.

But in the absence of that, the decision to mask or not to mask should not be up to governors, legislators or school boards. Parents are the guardians of their children, and government is best closest to the people. Every school should let its parents vote in a democratic process.

— M.W.

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AUG. 28

TOUGH CROWD 8:30 p.m. — 1200 block of North Palm Avenue Property damage: An employee at a theater reported that someone had vandalized her car. The side view mirrors were folded in, a decal on a rear-view mirror had been torn off, and a vulgar, derogatory comment was written on the windshield in pink lipstick. An officer spoke to the theater’s manager, who said a patron had come into the building earlier to complain about the way the employee’s car was parked.

AUG. 26

WHEEL MAN 11:35 a.m. — 200 block of South Washington Boulevard Property damage: The manager of a business reported that a tire flew off a dump truck and hit the building, damaging the exterior of the structure. The truck driver made no attempt to stop, leaving the tire on the sidewalk. About 90 minutes later, another truck stopped outside of the building.

The driver got out, picked up the tire and put it in the bed of the truck. The manager said he wanted to press charges if the driver could be identified.

AUG. 27

LOOSE TRASH 10:56 a.m. — 700 block of North Lemon Avenue Property damage: A Public Works employee was emptying trash bins when one of the receptacles rolled free from its position and crashed into a car.

The employee’s supervisor said the car was in a no-parking zone near the bins. The owner of the car said he parked in the spot to talk to the management in his apartment complex, and when he came back down, he saw the damage to his vehicle.

REPEAT OFFENDER 2:05 p.m. — 2600 block of 17th Street Theft: The manager of a store alerted the business’s security company because a woman who had stolen from the shop before returned to the building.

The woman placed items into a plastic tote inside of her shopping cart. The security company made an announcement over the store’s speaker system informing the woman she was under surveillance. The woman became agitated with store employees.

The woman eventually went to the register and put all of the items on the check-out counter.

After the cashier had rung items up and placed them into bags, the woman grabbed the bags and ran out of the store without paying.

The items were valued at $85.40.

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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Jordyn Byrd Jordyn Byrd is a junior volleyball player at Cardinal Mooney High.

She had 20 kills, eight digs and three blocks in the Cougars’ 3-0 win against rival Riverview High on Tuesday.

When did you start playing volleyball?

I’ve played since seventh grade.

My mom, (Angie), has been a volleyball coach forever, so she wanted me to play. Honestly, I told her once that I would never play, but here we are now.

What is your best skill?

These days it’s my attacking, with blocking being a close second.

I’ve been improving my attacking, though. I’m starting to rack up more kills, which makes me feel good. I know I’m helping my team when that happens.

How confident are you about the team’s outlook?

We’re definitely confident. We started clicking at the end of the

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preseason. It felt like we were a cohesive team, which hasn’t happened in a while. I think this team is going to make it far (in the playoffs).

What is your favorite volleyball memory?

It still has to be the (2019) state championship game.

Some people doubted us in the middle of that season. We doubted ourselves, even, but we rebounded from that. Then that last game, … it was definitely the best game of my career.

What is the best TV show you’ve seen recently?

Season three of “All-American” is really good.

Which superpower would you pick?

I want to read people’s minds.

Sometimes reading people’s facial expressions can be tough.

If I could just know what they’re thinking, I would not have to do that anymore.

What’s the best advice you have received?

Keep pushing and never give up.

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SPORTS ROOM TO 5 IMPROVE

“We started clicking at the end of the preseason.

It felt like we were a cohesive team, which hasn’t happened in a while.”

HIGH

— Cardinal Mooney High’s Jordyn Byrd SEE PAGE 12

A win is a win, but Sarasota High isn’t completely happy with its season-opening 19-16 defeat of Barron Collier.

IF YOU GO Sarasota High (1-0) vs.

North Port High (1-0) When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: North Port High Past results: Sarasota defeated North Port 38-9 in 2020 Sailors player to watch: Senior running back Jarmel Holloway, who ran for 84 yards and two touchdowns against Barron Collier Bobcats player to watch: Junior defensive back Jeremiah Laguerre, who snagged three interceptions in North Port’s 16-6 win against Estero High

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

1

Cardinal Mooney High senior quarterback Tayven Clark completed eight of 10 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns Aug. 27 in the Cougars’ 36-0 home win against Booker High.

2

The Sarasota Christian volleyball team won four games without a loss at the Sunshine State Invitational, held Aug. 27-28 at the AdventHealth FieldHouse in Winter Haven.

3

Cardinal Mooney High senior boys golfer Wyatt Plattner shot 70 to tie for the low round at the John Ryan High School Invitational, held Aug. 23 at Capri Isles Golf Club, Venice. The Cougars finished seventh as a team (320).

4

Booker High senior volleyball player Xaniyah Hawkins had six kills and three blocks Aug. 26 in the Tornadoes’ 3-0 home win against Southeast High.

5

Sarasota High girls cross-country runner Ella Menke finished ninth (22:19.80) at the Lemon Bay Invitational, held Aug. 28 in Englewood.

The Sarasota High football team concedes the season-opening win against Barron Collier could have gone better.

Untimely penalties, outof-sync deep passes, fumbles, missed extra points, a failure to stop fourth-down conversions — the Sailors stumbled into all of those things at one point or another. They also stumbled, ultimately, into a 19-16 win, thanks to a fourth-down touchdown run on a direct snap to senior wide receiver T.J. McKay with 2:04 left in the game.

It was a game that, in other years, the Sailors likely lose. Not this year. Not with the belief Coach Brody Wiseman has in this group of Sailors to eventually put everything together, even if things start a bit shaky.

“We’ve got a weird football team,” Wiseman said. “We embrace that. I’m maybe a little weird myself. This team, it responds really well to energy.

When things get going, they can fight. It almost takes some adversity to get there. … We went into halftime not playing that well.

We were beating ourselves. We could have easily lost this game.

We probably deserved to, in a lot of ways. But that adversity, having to come from behind, that gets these kids going.”

The strategy worked against Barron Collier. Trailing 9-6 at the half, the Sailors were kick-start-

ALL SOIL ON

ed by a third quarter interception from sophomore Tyler Pack that set the team up with prime field position. Senior running back Jarmel Holloway would eventually punch in a goal line run to make it 13-9. After Barron Collier scored to make it 16-13, the Sailors went on a methodical drive capped by McKay’s late touchdown to secure the 19-16.

Although Wiseman was frustrated with the team’s miscues and told the players as much, he’s also proud of them for not giving up.

“These kids are believing that something is going to go right,” Wiseman said. “That’s special for me. That’s something that a lot of people put a lot of time and effort into, as far as these kids and their mindset and their attitude. I’m really happy about that. There’s a lot I’m unhappy about, but I’m thrilled about that.”

The win presents questions about how good the Sailors can be if they eliminate some of the errors they made, especially what

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Wiseman called focus errors, which include lining up with 10 players on a special teams play, forcing the team to burn a timeout that could have been crucial. The Sailors beat the Cougars because they had more raw talent; combine that talent with crisp play, and Sarasota could have a legitimate contender.

Win or lose against Barron Collier, the night was going to carry complex emotions for the Sailors.

Before the game, Sailors seniors Holloway, McKay, Ashton Turner and Branson Bordones presented the family of Jalen Smith with all four color variations of his No. 8 Sailors jersey. Smith, a 2021 graduate of the school, died in July.

The Sailors are retiring his jersey.

That’s why, no matter how much Wiseman wants to nitpick the team’s mistakes, he’s ultimately just happy.

“I was stressed out about it all week,” Wiseman said. “What happened (to Smith) impacted our kids, and it impacted me and the rest of our coaches a whole lot. I was very concerned with how we would play (Friday), how we were going to honor him. I told the team pregame that an angel had their back tonight. To win like we did, by fighting (through adversity), that was what Jalen was about. I think that’s special.”

Lance Trippel hands off to Jarmel Holloway. Holloway had two touchdowns in the win.

“This team, it responds really well to energy. When things get going, they can fight. It almost takes some adversity to get there.”

— Brody Wiseman

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iverview High volleyball Coach Nickie Halbert was not on the sidelines for the Rams’ seasonopening 3-0 loss to rival Cardinal Mooney High on Tuesday.

Halbert and Rams strength and conditioning coach Mark Cristiani were taking care

of their newborn baby. As announced before the match by Rams public address announcer Jake Wilson, baby Niko Alexander Cristiani was born Aug. 30 at 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and he and Halbert are both doing just fine.

In Halbert’s place is the duo of Mark Burks and Sue Burks, the program’s junior varsity coaches.

I don’t know if the change in coaches had much to do with the outcome of Tuesday’s match, though. What I believe had more of an effect was it being the Rams’ first match. Mooney (3-0) had two regular season matches to get in sync; River-

Rams senior McKenna Flaherty (9) smashes a ball over the net against Cardinal Mooney High.

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WELCOMES holds, fingers crossed — and I’m excited to see what both teams look like then.

In other Riverview news, the Rams have had a change in their football schedule for this week.

The team was scheduled to host Braden River High on Friday, but that game has been postponed with the hopes of rescheduling it for later in the season.

Instead, the Rams, who lost 35-6 in week one against Seminole High, will travel for a 7 p.m. game against Lehigh High.

The Lightning defeated North Fort Myers 28-22 last week and feature the No. 1-ranked running back in the country, junior Richard Young.

It will be a test for the Rams, but for football fans, it might be worth it to make the 90-minute drive to Lehigh Acres. Young’s highlight package is insane and watching a local program try to bottle him up will be fascinating.

Riverview’s Mark Burks talks to the Rams during the third set against Cardinal Mooney.

Burks and fellow JV Coach Sue Burks stepped in for Nickie Halbert, who had a baby on Aug. 30.

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

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view (0-1) had matches against Braden River High and Bishop McLaughlin High postponed.

Before last night, the Rams had not played since Aug. 19. That much time off is always tough, but it’s especially tough against a state-title contending team like the Cougars.

“We were scrambling a little bit,” Mark Burks said. “I mean, that’s a good team. They are well coached and skilled. We just didn’t get enough service pressure on them to get them out of their system. This was a tough opener. I don’t think we would have scheduled that, necessarily (laughs). But now we have some things to work on.”

Burks said the job was made even tougher because the Rams are breaking in a new setter, senior Camille Farris, who did not play high school volleyball last season. Burks was complimentary of the job Farris did given the circumstances. He also said the Rams were missing four outside hitters because of various circumstances, so the Rams team from Tuesday will likely not be indicative of how the team looks in the playoffs.

The two teams will play again in a late-season on Oct. 6 at Mooney — if the schedule

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YOUR NEIGHBORS sota transplant still relies on his colored pencils, but his art has exhibited and sold around the world over the past 30 years, including a $5,000 buy in the 1980s from a San Francisco financial and real estate mogul who was wowed by a drawing called “Time Continuum.”

Art lovers will appreciate the upcoming Art Center Sarasota exhibition “Probable Realities” from Sept. 2 to Oct. 2, which features his large-scale, vividly colored, dreamlike underwater landscapes.

Venti said the inspiration behind his surrealist techniques came from Dalí and other wellknown artists “who explore the mysterious worlds that lurk just beneath the conscious mind.”

The result is detailed, amorphous shapes evoking dreamscapes of twisted white bedsheets, swirling ribbons or underwater plants.

To understand how Venti’s creative mind flows is to revisit his childhood. While children his age played with building blocks, Venti, 5, created an elaborate diorama of an Egyptian city (“I swear I was Egyptian from a past life,” he says).

At age 12, he built yet another elaborate diorama of dinosaurs roaming through an idyllic landscape in New Hampshire where his parents owned a summer family farm.

At 15, Venti built a loft in his room to accommodate a desk underneath for sketching. A year later New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller met the high school sophomore after he won a statewide safety poster contest.

Venti remained in southern California for 38 years before taking a detour to the U.K. with his wife, Jen, now married 40 years.

Venti said he bought a return “Ticket to Ride” (a big Anglophile and major fan of The Beatles) and headed permanently to Sarasota.

Today, Venti smiles when he thinks about his artistic transformations through life and said he is grateful to “beauty first,” when he picks up one of 300 colored pencils that he said helps him create art “that accesses a deeper conscious in the eyes of an observer.

They have to relate to it and at the same time use their imagination.”

Photos by Andréa Martone

Colored pencils are Art Venti’s tools of the trade in the art world.

Venti gets to the point of his art After trying a range of art media, 72-year-old returns to the colored pencils of his youth.

1950 to 1955, featured 15-minute drawing lessons from instructor Jon Gnagy and encouraged children to send away for an art kit that included a book, sketch paper, drawing pencils, sketching chalks and a laptop drawing surface.

Glued to his family’s blackand-white television in New York City, Venti began an early love with colored pencils that would span nearly 70 years and include being named a finalist in a juried art exhibit by icon Salvador Dalí for the 15-year-old’s creative rendition of the “Mona Lisa.”

Now the 72-year-old Sara-

ANDRÉA MARTONE A+E EDITOR

I

f ever Art Venti realized he was destined to take a path toward becoming a prominent artist, it was at the age of 5 while watching a syndicated TV series from the 1950s.

“Learn to Draw,” popular from

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

BEST BET

COMMUNITY SATURDAY, SEPT. 4

NPB REC DAYS 10 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle. Families explore Nathan Benderson Park and try out paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. $5 for kids and $10 for adults. For information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

WE THE KINGS 7 p.m. at the Cock & Bull, 975 Cattlemen Road. American rock band We The Kings will kick off the new Big Top Brewing taproom at the Cock & Bull this weekend. Bands Ten 76 and Neverless will performing as well.

Tickets start at $25. For information, call 363-1262.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND PARTY Sept. 4 and 5 at Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, 1255 N. Palm Ave. Break out your best all-white attire for a rooftop party starting at 11 a.m. Saturday and noon

File photo

Sunday in celebration of the Labor Day weekend. Tickets start at $200 for a table of six. For information, call 316-0808.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 5

AQUAPALOOZA 2021 10 a.m. at New Pass Sandbar. The annual boat party returns with a daylong event that will have music, drinks and plenty of fun for boaters. Free. For information, call 388-4411.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 7

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

Visit Facebook.com/YogaByTheBayWithErin.

JUKEBOX SATURDAYS WITH THE SWINGEROOS 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. FST kicks off a jazzy jukebox music revue at the Bowne’s Lab Theatre. Tickets start off at $18. For information, call 366-9000.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Summer Showcase T

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he Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has put on its Sarasota Summer Showcase networking event every year, even in 2020, though Vice President Brittany LaMont joked it was one of the last in-person events her organization held before everything went haywire.

The group has carried on and hosted its 2021 showcase event Aug. 25 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

Dozens of chambers members met at the auditorium to connect and check out around 45 exhibitors from the Sarasota region. Businesses offered hors d’oeuvres while health-focused companies demonstrated their products with volunteers. The chamber spaced out its booths in an effort to promote health and safety.

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O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

SF-1874297 (100%) ADVERTISER: SARASOTA ORTHOPEDIC

PROOF CREATED AT: 2/10/2020 11:48:05 AM

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

SARASOTA 1360 Harbor Drive 3 Beds 4 Baths 3,769 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan & Kim Ogilvie 941-266-0529 A4509715 $7,850,000

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 1906 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,828 Sq. Ft. Francoise Borel 941-228-3768 A4510288 $3,575,000

BRADENTON 8456 Lindrick Lane 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,369 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4507528 $3,100,000

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

SARASOTA 3129 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,873 Sq. Ft. Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4507917 $2,800,000

SIESTA KEY 1660 Summerhouse Lane 503 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,400 Sq. Ft. Kevin Wiegand 941-350-7345 A4510014 $2,795,000

SIESTA KEY 1281 Tree Bay Lane 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,616 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4505720 $2,600,000

SARASOTA 1924 Hibiscus Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,292 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4508638 $2,600,000

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

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

SIESTA KEY 5770 Midnight Pass Road 607 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,447 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4505576 $1,350,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7010 Vilamoura Place 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,117 Sq. Ft. Kristen Srur 941-350-0612 A4509169 $1,250,000

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

SARASOTA 5925 Anise Drive 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,487 Sq. Ft. Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997 A4509323 $1,150,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7574 Tori Way 4 Beds 3 Baths 3578 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4510428 $1,079,000

OSPREY 14021 Bellagio Way 207 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,565 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4505830 $949,500

SARASOTA 17773 Deer Prairie Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,360 Sq. Ft. Tina Von Kessel & Brigitte Von Kessel 941-266-2848 A4504988 $899,999

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

PORT CHARLOTTE 130 Sinclair Street SE 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,182 Sq. Ft. Deanna Kennedy 941-545-8124 A4510195 $750,000

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

SIESTA KEY 5855 Midnight Pass Road 617 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,056 Sq. Ft. Joyce Naegele 941-586-7959 A4507393 $559,900

SIESTA KEY 6020 Midnight Pass Road 48 1 Bed 1 Baths 735 Sq. Ft. Grace Bergeron 941-586-3279 A4509856 $490,000

SARASOTA 6841 Roxbury Drive 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,334 Sq. Ft. Priscilla Adams & Susan Elkins 941-350-5871 A4510147 $450,000

SARASOTA 7133 Jarvis Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,877 Sq. Ft. Pat Rodriguez 941-685-5805 A4508204 $448,000

BRADENTON 5577 Palmer Circle 206 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,462 Sq. Ft. Joanna Benante & Ann Martin 941-356-7717 A4507556 $440,000

VENICE 1330 Karen Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,280 Sq. Ft. Margaret Kennedy 941-713-5000 A4508297 $315,000

ROTONDA WEST 144 Rotonda Circle 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,192 Sq. Ft. Elisa Gersman 941-735-0595 A4509277 $270,000

SARASOTA 4717 Cronin Drive 2 Beds 1/1 Baths 850 Sq. Ft. Kristine Niehaus & Jeffrey Maglione 941-376-4950 A4509702 $232,000

VENICE 519 Albee Farm Road 116 2 Beds 2 Baths 902 Sq. Ft. Tracy Pierce 941-275-1570 N6115346 $159,000

357359-1

SARASOTA 1400 Ladue Lane 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 9,052 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4491567 $6,650,000

MYAKK A CITY 3005 233rd Street E 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,164 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4510152 $5,800,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Casey Key home sells for $7 million ADAM HUGHES

A

SARASOTA

VISTA BAY POINT Sarasota Equity Enterprises LLC sold the Units 901 and 1001 condominiums at 128 Golden Gate Point to Christopher Randall Gelvin, of Sarasota, for $3 million. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 5,427 square feet of

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

21

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

AUG. 16-20

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

multipleproperty sale on Casey Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Baron Silverstein and Nanci Gelb, trustees, of Weston, Massachusetts, sold three properties at 316 N. Casey Key Road to Seven Ospreys LLC for $7 million. The first property was built in 2001; it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 5,597 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1963; it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,139 square feet of living area. The third property was built in 2002; it has one bath and 384 square feet of living area. They sold for $523,000 in 2006.

|

SARASOTA

Alan T. Owens William Hayes Jr. and Lynn Coppage, of Sarasota, sold their home at 950 Alameda Way to Christopher and Andrea Carrington, of Englewood, Colorado, for $3.38 million. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,593 square feet of living area.

Photo courtesy of Kim Ogilvie, Michael Saunders & Co,

living area. It sold for $3.1 million in 2015.

The home at 316 N. Casey Key Road was built in 2001; it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 5,597 square feet of living area.

VUE Vue Living LLC sold the Unit 1601 condominium at 1155 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Edward and Karen Feeney, of New Albany, Ohio, for $3 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

It sold for $2,417,000 in 2017.

SIESTA KEY

Mira-Mar Alexander Hays and Samantha Peshkin Hays, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7931 Midnight Pass Road to Ted Fredric Thomsen and Amber Kay Thomsen, trustees, of Sarasota, for $4 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,904 square feet of living area.

PALMER RANCH

Prestancia Robert and Pamela Miller sold their home at 4111 Escondito Circle to Carl and Maria Love, of Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,888 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2011.

NOKOMIS

Mission Valley Estates Reagan and Kristina Leonard, of Fort McCoy, sold their home at 1701 Mission Valley Blvd. to Jason Edward Possehl and Jocelyn Leigh Possehl, of Nokomis, for $700,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,243 square feet of living area. It sold for $220,000 in 1998.

ONLINE

LA LINDA TERRACE Michael Roberto Mei and Nicole Sacco Mei, of Austin, Texas, sold their home at 2283 Arlington St. to Jaime and Lisa Castro, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,977 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2017.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new

ALFRED PARK Edwin and Denise Harris, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1661 S. Jefferson Ave. to Douglas James Brown, of Sarasota, for $1.04 million. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,388 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2017.

SALES GALLERY OPEN

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of August 16-20, in order of dollar amounts.

C I T Y O F SA RAS O TA Address

Permit

Applicant

760 Freeling Drive

Remodel

Joseph Fried

$175,000

Amount

1751 Fifth St.

Addition

Vera Cole

$115,000

2030 Sunnyside Lane

Garage

Philip Dicarlo Jr.

$80,000

1773 Cunliff Lane

Pool/Deck/Cage

Andrew Kinnecom

750 N. Tamiami Trail #708

Alterations

Hamza Liaqat Kuraishi $32,000

4962 Brywill Circle

Pergola

Irwin Scheineson

442 N. Shore Drive

Solar Panels

Vicki Lachman, trustee $27,300

1931 Irving St.

Generator

Michael Melnick

$23,498

3116 Browning St.

Alterations

Eli Zimmerman

$18,500

$76,727 $29,195

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

Permit Applicant Amount

4153 Higel Ave.

Garage

Jo Ellen McKenzie

5605 America Drive

Addition

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

More buyers are choosing new New homes offer the latest in design, style, comfort and quality, so you can start living your way, right away. Built to the latest construction standards and thoughtfully crafted with today’s lifestyle in mind, new homes are often complemented by an array of community amenities. All that’s left for you to do is relax and enjoy being the first to call your new house a home.

$250,000

Laura Grimaud

$198,175

20 Whispering Sands #1206 Remodel

Sadek Wahba

$98,860

140 Sugar Mill Drive

Re-roof

David Knox

$68,500

2717 S. Brink Ave.

Renovations

Mark Smith

$56,185

2523 Nassau St.

Remodel

Jonathan Edmondson

$55,000

8911 Bloomfield Blvd.

Re-roof

Steve Stathopoulos

$53,499

730 Siesta Key Circle

Pool/Spa/Deck

Adam Sailor

$52,000

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

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

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

357307-1

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Seeing clearly

AS WE CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF ENSURING

ABILITIES SHINE EVERY DAY

Sarasota’s Center for Sight’s donation of cataract surgeries is an eye-opening help.

WITH THE

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

Burton Schulz is the driver in his house.

The 76-year-old retired art dealer from Sarasota has been with his partner, Danny Stormoen, for 41 years and drives him to all of their engagements.

He jokes he’s the chauffeur in the relationship, but it’s a title he doesn’t mind at all.

It did, however, make it all the more inconvenient when Schulz’s eyesight began to fail around a year ago, a condition attributed to cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye. He always made sure to walk each morning for his health but had to start using a walker to avoid falling.

“I knew what it was,” Schulz said. “It got pretty bad. Things were getting blurrier. I had to keep getting new reading glasses.”

But Schulz was selected for free

JULY 18 - SEPTEMBER 30 EASTERSEALS IS PARTNERING WITH THE FLANZER TRUST IN A MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN, TO HONOR EASTERSEALS’ 75th ANNIVERSARY AND SUPPORT THE MISSION TO SERVE THOSE WITH DISABILITIES.

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cataract surgery by the Center for Sight, an optometry practice that performs a series of free procedures over a span of two weeks for Sarasota locals. It was a familiar operation for Schulz and his partner — Stormoen had his cataract surgery at the center 16 years ago.

The free operations have been something of an annual tradition with the business going back more than two decades.

Stormoen had the procedure done with Center for Sight, and the two agreed Schulz would benefit from the same treatment. He waited patiently for his time to arrive and finally was able to register for the annual event a month ago. On the morning of Aug. 11, Schulz stopped by the center and had his first cataract worked on.

N E W E N G L A N D S E A FO O D M A R K E T Please order ahead for

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ALSO JOIN

RISE & NYE’S EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 IN DOWNTOWN SARASOTA!

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Go to FlanzerTrust.org

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Select Easterseals Southwest Florida from the menu.

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LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

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of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

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Florida’s Fresh Catch—Grouper, Snapper, Shrimp

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

23

Photos by Harry Sayer

“I could tell they were scraping my eyeball (during the procedure), but it didn’t hurt,” Schulz said.

The Mission Cataract event corrects the eyesight of dozens of clients over a two-day period, said Cathy Perry, the vice president of surgical services for Center for Sight.

Five surgeons perform surgeries while 12 nurses and five technicians prep rooms and patients.

“We don’t stop. We do one (patient) after another after another,” Perry said. “On a typical day, we do a block of surgery, … but this is more of a round robin.”

The patients first have their cataracts broken up with a laser procedure — Perry likens the cataract to an M&M where they need to get past the coating and get to the center — before being wheeled into the operating room.

The cataract is removed with a tip that goes into the eye and is vibrating at 50,000 times a sec-

ond.

The new lens implant is injected past the coating into the center area, where it opens up responding to the warmth of the body.

Eventually, the area heals with scar tissue that keeps the implant in place. Patients return a day later for a checkup with Center for Sight staff.

The procedure itself is relatively quick. Schulz was wheeled in and wheeled out in about seven minutes.

What followed was a period of blurry vision as healing takes place.

Eventually, though, sight returned to him. He recently returned to the center to have his other eye worked on and is working through the blurriness for that as well, but he’s feeling fine. He said he can already tell a massive difference.

“I walk 2 and a half miles every morning,” Schulz said. “Now I can go without my walker.”

ALL-NIGHT HAPPY HOUR T UESDAYS. DOUBLE POINTS WEDNESDAYS. WINE LOVERS T HURSDAYS. Loyalty Members enjoy the summer months with exclusive events and promotions daily!

Membership is FREE and easy to sign up.

Simply join the Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club (GCCC) & then let the savings begin!

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Visit bestfood.com/promotions 355036-1

Above: Dr. David Shoemaker performs several of the cataract surgeries.

Left: Nurses Kerry Sutherland and Kylee Castro prepare Burton Schulz for the surgery.

Your home has never been worth more SOLD

The Florida Gulf Coast Luxury Leader

1 No.2 No.

Siesta Key’s Top Selling REALTOR* 1013 BAYSHORE RD | $5M

SOLD

BUYER | $5.25M SOLD PRICE

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3 DAYS | SELLER | $1.5M OVER LIST

No.

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4

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by Sales Volume in Sarasota*

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11 DAYS | BUYER/SELLER | $1.25M OVER LIST

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*Numbers and ranking based on MLS data, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty reporting and REAL Trends 2020 data as of 8/11/2021.

Who you work with matters SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR® SINCE 2005 23 Years Selling Sarasota’s Luxury Real Estate $114 Million Pending & Sold 2021 Year-to-Date Ranked in the Top 1.5% in the USA | #58 in Florida out of 200,000+ Realtors

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

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

24

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/ Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 202122 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.

Jacqui Grant captured this photo of sunflowers at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.

High: 82 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 84%

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 41%

SATURDAY, SEPT. 4 High: 87 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 33%

SUNDAY, SEPT. 5 High: 87 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept. 2

7:09a 7:48p

Friday, Sept. 3

7:09a

7:47p

Saturday, Sept. 4

7:10a

7:46p

Sunday, Sept. 5

7:10a

7:45p

Monday, Sept. 6

7:11a

7:44p

Tuesday, Sept. 7

7:11a

7:42p

Wednesday, Sept. 8

7:12a 7:41p

MOON PHASES

Sept. 20 Full

Sept. 28 Last

Oct. 6 New

Oct. 12 First

RAINFALL Monday, Aug. 16

0

Tuesday, Aug. 17

0.03

Wednesday, Aug. 18 Thursday, Aug. 19

0 0.03

Friday, Aug. 20

0

Saturday, Aug. 21

0

Sunday, Aug. 22

0

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 38.02 in.

2021 0.08 in.

2020 36.28 in.

2020 0.00 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC CROSSWORD

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 "Dear old" parent 4 One may love you unconditionally 7 Splendid assortment 12 Ardor 16 Empire State higher ed. system 17 "Absolutely right!"

19 Assess 20 What makes a reader pause 21 *Seem less impressive 24 Many Yemenis 25 Krypton, e.g.

26 Rite-minded person?

27 Victors' plunder

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

SUNDAY PUZZLE by Paul Coulter; Edited by David Steinberg

28 Krypton, e.g.

29 "Malcolm X" director Spike 30 Team spirit 31 Feeling blue 34 Trees symbolizing strength 37 Most vulgar 39 Baby bed 41 Like a cappella pieces 42 Word before "hazard" or "hog" 43 Guitar attachment 46 Shrunken Asian sea 47 *Inexperienced 51 Renaissance woman seen at the Louvre

53 Battering ___ 54 Son of a son, in a name 55 Fixes, as a contest 56 Trumpeting birds 57 Holed up 58 German sausage 60 Auction offering 61 Enjoying a summer afternoon ... or what each starred clue's answer has been doing, based on its altered word and three letters above it?

67 "Be quiet!"

70 Shape that sounds like a Zodiac sign 71 "All systems go"

co-discovered 40 Mel of many voices 41 Star Wars program (Abbr.)

42 Backboard attachment 44 Jason's ship 45 "Check this out!"

48 "___ Brockovich" 49 Could really play a sport 50 Blow off steam?

52 Aspiring atty.'s exam 57 Iron Man's possessive 58 Stir-fry pan 59 Robin's friar friend 62 Mary ___ Lincoln 63 Some Louisianans 64 ___ and puffed 65 Make dirty 66 More upscale 67 Bed board DOWN 68 LP player 1 Twofold 69 Some whalers 2 "___ Karenina" 73 Carried 3 Extremely eager (to) 74 Work on something?

4 Treaties 75 Way of dressing 5 Comedian Philips 77 Cherokee ritual designed 6 Fill-in worker to bring precipitation 7 Have the same opinion 79 "I solved the problem!"

8 Bring up 80 Noncoms above cpls.

9 Reddish coat 81 "We have a problem!"

10 Before now 82 Advanced degree?

11 Longing 84 Means (to) 12 Founder of an ancient 85 Up to, in ads Persian religion 86 Debtor's promise 13 Online thread 93 All the rage 14 Mosey 94 Butte's bigger relative 15 Girl from Scotland 96 Kidney-related 16 Fuel additive maker 97 Boat that a tugboat may 18 "Fresh Air" airer tug 20 Salad made of mozzarella, 98 Battling tomatoes and basil 99 Prepares to write a book 22 "Read Across America" report org.

100 One may carry a crumb 23 Afflicts 101 Queen, e.g., in chess 27 Roll on a golf course?

102 Color quality 30 Wheel for a Jeep, perhaps 103 Buggy terrain?

31 Good ones may take 104 Ashes holder you in 105 Ariz. neighbor 32 Cupid's projectile 107 Balloon or snowball 33 Goddess of the hunt 108 Brood 34 Couple's possessive 109 "Take your pick" 35 Actress Taylor-Joy 111 Afternoon hrs.

36 Soviet spy grp.

112 Cheerios grain 37 Negative aspect 113 Diminutive 38 Element that Marie Curie

95 Turn red, perhaps 96 Events with bulls and horses 97 Sweetie 99 Saweetie's genre 102 Lease signatory 103 Nissan brand 106 Mystery 110 Upturned, as a box 111 *Be discouraging about 114 Bust makers 115 Japanese comics 116 Call for 117 Steal answers from 118 Alternatively 119 Animal in a roundup 120 Cancels, with "out" 121 Flock female

72 Credits as a source 76 One making things up 78 Rock's ___ Leppard 79 French for "friend" 80 Outlay that cannot be recovered 83 *Worried about a monster under your bed, say 87 DIY handicrafts site 88 Easy two-pointer 89 Princess with a cinnamon bun hairstyle 90 Texter's "Then again ..."

91 Authentic 92 Discreetly, informally 94 Cry to a team of sled dogs

349234-1

349230-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

"MJF LKD'S WSKM SZG WKUG. HX MJF'NG K UFWHLHKD KDY K WHDCGN, MJF ZKBG SJ LZKDCG, SZKS'W SZG PKM HS PJNIW." BKD UJNNHWJD "YGN LWU NV VHJVLZ AGTVZYPUK JGAPZPBV ZG LGTV XDGT WEE ZYV UVKWZPBV ZYWZ NV JMZ PUZG ZYPA NGDEI?" KEGDPW VAZVXWU Puzzle Two Clue H equals X

Sarasota

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, BEDROOMS & MORE

Puzzle One Clues X equals F

HARDWOOD

© 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

9-2-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Deadline for classified advertising in the September 2nd issue will be due on FRIDAY, September 3rd at 3pm.

Autos Wanted

MANY DESIGNER items for home. Chairs, $50 each, tables, $40 and up. Call for appointment and list of items.

941-800-4476

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

SMALL SMOKER, in good shape, ideal for small family. $50. Also FREE, a small amount of mixed scrap metal.

941-922-4604 TABLE LAMPS 1970’s like new very attractive 3 for $30.

Victorian mirror 11X17, $10.

941-922-4025 WHOLE BODY Vibration machine by Confidence Fitness- $150. 941-925-3084

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

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 1 RECLINING sofa and matching love seat, like new $199 Call 941-929-7659 13 NEW, w/tags, bright, colorful, Loungees", cotton housedresses and robe, ladies large. 941-504-0165 BLACK & Decker cordless drill/driver. SS18, 2 18v Nicad batteries,charger. $30 (941) 966-6816 LAWN MOVER-CRAFTSMANEager-dash 1. 4.0 hp, mulcher, 20” cut. $30 2nd mower needs work. $20 941-924-2431 PATIO TABLE 4' round glass, brown wicker frame incl 4 chairs LWR $180 (941) 388-8916

TWO SLIPS BOATHOUSE ON LONGBOAT. For sale by owner. Slips 2304 and 1203. Both currently leased, cash positive. Free indoor boat storage, unlimited in-out. Monohull only, max 8.5’ beam, 30’ LOA. $125,000 for both. 941-951-8929.

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.

auto

stuff

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

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

Adult Care Services

real estate

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE The Observer will be closed on September 6 th in observance of Labor Day.

Items Under $200

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 YOUR STUFF HERE!

HOME HEALTH services/companion: including taking to doctor’s appointments, give medication, shower, food preparation, shopping, dinners and more. Covid vaccinated, Certified CNA, over 1 year experience. 941-586-9825 I’LL TAKE care of your loved ones. Licensed/ACHA approved, Covid Vaccinated. 18 years experience, references available.

Call 941-725-4851 PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE: YourObserver.com/RedPages

LOOKING FOR a condo to lease for 3 months. In LBK, Lido or Downtown Sarasota.

Must be at least 2,000 sq ft no steps, and nicely furnished 3 bedrooms. December - February or January - March. Brokers welcome. Respond to:Brenbrook234@gmail.com

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

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.

SELL IT FAST HERE! POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages ES HANDYMAN & REMODELING. Hardwood flooring, kitchens, painting and electrical.

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic.

716-474-8492.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE! CALL 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers

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

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

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

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

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Home Services 941-955-4888

SEARAY SPRINKLER SERVICES Repairs, Additions, Drip, Timer/Head Adjustment Call Rick Today: Office 941-920-0775

HOME INSPECTIONS and walk throughs, while home or away $50 per month by a FL licensed home inspector.

Lic. #DBPR#HI14065 and insured. 866-492-8374 clark@ cleanwatercompany.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

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

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.

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

peekers’ place

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

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

MOW OVER the competition!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “You can’t stay the same. If you’re a musician and a singer, you have to change, that’s the way it works.”

Van Morrison Puzzle Two Solution: “How can we expect something positive to come from all the negative that we put into this world?”

Gloria Estefan

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Aluminum

Computer

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

6968 Beneva Road (Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

363487

Beauty

362544

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

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

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

Furniture Repair

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

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME 363101

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

941-504-0903 941-504-0903

/ DELIVERY FREE PICKUP ONSITE QUOTES outdoor furniture experts• •FREE www .patiorepairs .net

Handyman

941-735-3362

CONSTRUCTION HANDYMAN

Concrete

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

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

ON TARGET

“No Job Too Small”

OBSERVER RED PAGES

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

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

Pegatronics.com 363489

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

Patio Furniture Repairs.com patio RepaiRS

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

Driveways • Sidewalks

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999

Also Laying Stone

Reasonable Prices

Licensed & Insured

918-8587

Free Estimates

360495

Dustin Yoder

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” 363105

|

363115 38056

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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

941.504.2745 941.400.1563

363116

26

Doors

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

For the Month of July.

Call us today! 941.628.8579 363123

“OUR ESTIMATES & ADVICE ARE FREE”

(941) 504-3168 Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Give Us a Call - We Can Help

2 PANELS OR MORE

Realtors

Licensed Lic. #38333 References

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

10% OFF

www.ezslider.com

✦ Carpentry ✦ Indoors ✦ Remodeling ✦ Ceramic Tile ✦ Water & Fire Damage ✦ Kitchen/Baths 362811

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

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

362535

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

Home Services

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS® Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

362546

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

363130

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Home Services

Lawn Care

Roofing

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

Curt’s Lawn Service

LEAKY ROOF?

Movers

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

Pet Care

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

by

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Melanie Gates

363126

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

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 362536

Screening

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

THE GRAB BAR GUY

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

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

Plumbing

General Plumbing Services Inc. 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!

GLENN KROECKER

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

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

363285

(941) 966-2960

DRGRABBARS.COM

954-1878

363125

941-923-8140

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

• 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

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Warranties

(941) 345-5264

Pressure Washing

Honesty, Integrity and Pride • Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

363483

RED PAGES

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

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

941-232-1192

941-544-1066

AFTER

BEFORE

| scaperotta@aol.com

Rescreening & Repairs

Eldridge Re-Screen

ALVARADO LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION LLC Residential & Commercial

Licensed

(941) 580-0060

- Lawn Maintenance - Landscaping - Irrigation - Sprinkler Install & Repair - Yard Cleanup - And Much More For AFFORDABLE PRICES.

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

941-270-1561 362955

alvarado19777@gmail.com

Res./Com.

Italian American Owned

CALL 941-955-4888

Landscaping & Lawn

Licensed & Insured

Windows

362808

Call John 941.377.2940

Trees

Manufacture and workmanship

10 Years Experience

Power Washing Pressure Washing

941-345-5264

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

362548

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

362816

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH TO S. VENICE

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

361494

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

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

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing s a S u n n w r o i s n e k W Sun y ind erl Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Fulfilling Lifestyle Dreams

Real Estate Re-Envisioned Impeccable online presence attracts “sight unseen” buyers

Sarasota’s elite properties attract buyers from all over the world. Having an impeccable online presence is a must.

The Peter G. Laughlin Group personally directs photography, video and 3D tour to capture the essence of your home. Our “emotional” staging creates a je ne sais quoi ambiance that makes your home look significantly better than the rest.

Making a good first impression online, on the first day, is critical for attracting buyer interest.

Choosing the right realtor, one who is hyper-attuned to the nuances of buyer sentiment and behavior, can mean getting substantially more eyeballs on your home.

The Peter G. Laughlin Group is the right realtor — a full-time group of real estate professionals committed to creating outstanding results for you. We have a proven strategy, plus dedicated marketing and customer care professionals to ensure your success.

We have an abundance of visual tricks to magically transform the look and feel of

your home. By focusing on wellstaged vignettes, we amplify the glorious details while the mind’s eye fills in with personallyinspired imagination. Meanwhile, our marketing specialist works on writing emotive copy to accompany the visuals. Then, we select, crop and sequence the photos and video to elicit the “wow” factor. When in-market buyers look at your home online, they get the full experience designed to get them to “♥” it.

CASE STUDIES The photos accompanying this article are of properties that sold sight unseen based on the exemplary online presentation of our sellers’ homes.

Sold in 7 Days | Listed at $4,775,000 | 4205Higel.com

Sold in 7 Days | Listed at $2,295,000 PGL.Group/SouthWashington

Sold in 7 Days | Listed at $1,995,000 320CalleMiramar.com

Sold in 12 Days | Listed at $1,649,000 PGL.Group/LElegance

Sold in 20 Days | Listed at $1,575,000 1816HawkinsCourt.com

Sold in 2 Days | Listed at $1,199,000 PGL.Group/BurnsCourt

Sold in 1 Day | Listed at $394,500 PGL.Group/SandyCove

Complimentary Market Reports @ PGL.Group/Reports

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See monthly sales activity in your favorite Sarasota neighborhoods

Peter G. Laughlin | Nancy Endara | Natalie Tanner | Andrew Tanner | Jennifer Engleman | Susan Garrabrant

Over 32 years in Sarasota Luxury Real Estate $1.2 Billion in Closed Sales Ranked in the Top 1.5% in the Country Ranked #31 in Florida out of 200,000+ PGL.Group/AboveAndBeyond

WEST OF TRAIL

DOWNTOWN

BIRD KEY

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Call today to talk about the many advantages of real estate now:

941.356.8428 PeterGLaughlin.com

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