Sarasota/Siesta Key 10.13.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

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FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

VOLUME 18, NO. 46

YOUR TOWN

Curtain call for lease plan Agreement for operation of city auditorium goes back to staff again. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy photo

Showcase at home

The Embracing Our Differences nonprofit works to highlight the impact of diversity through art and education initiatives.

That effort takes the form of school partnerships and lesson plan and can most clearly be seen every year at Bayfront Park in Sarasota, where the nonprofit displays an exhibition of local artists’ work at billboard size throughout the space. Sometimes, though, the artwork is displayed in a smaller, more personal setting.

The Oneco Elementary School in Bradenton recently held its own Embracing Our Differences art exhibit during its Multicultural Night on Oct. 6.

Students drew their own art pieces touting diversity and positivity and had them put up in a display at a smaller — but similar — format to the Bayfront Park exhibit.

Courtesy photo

Raising spirits and money The Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announced Tuesday that Friday’s benefit concert raised more than $100,000 for the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota.

The benefit concert, which featured Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes,” brought in $56,226.78 in ticket sales, donations and fundraising.

The Patterson Institute pledged to make a dollar-fordollar matching contribution, bringing the total raised to more than $112,000.

Turtle Tracks AS OF OCT. 8 TOTAL NESTS: Siesta Key Lido Key Casey Key

2022 531 160 2,053

CARVING OUT A GOOD TIME

Pumpkin fest and autumn vibes just go together. SEE PAGE 1B

Harry Sayer

Kira Dowling had a lot to choose from when selecting a pumpkin from Fruitville Grove’s annual festival.

A+E

Historic site opens wide

New faces debut in ‘Premieres.’

INSIDE

2021 521 107 1,471

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2022 2021 Siesta Key 584 603 Lido Key 205 279 Casey Key 1,940 1,773 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Harry Sayer

The view of Roberts Bay is one of the attractions of Historic Spanish Point.

Spanish Point resumes operation after Ian . SEE PAGE 4B

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TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 13, 2022

County holds off on beach smoking plan

“It was a very, very smooth opening today as far as operations were concerned and getting everyone back into classes.”

For the time being, it will still be legal to light up on Sarasota Countyowned beaches and in parks. During Tuesday’s County Commission meeting, Commissioner Nancy Detert asked that a discussion about a proposed smoking ban be postponed.

House Bill 105, which amended the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act and renamed it the Florida Clean Air Act, allows cities and counties to impose such restrictions, which do not apply to unfiltered cigars and pipe tobacco use. In her motion to continue the agenda item, Detert explained that the public has not been adequately educated about the proposal.

During its Sept. 6 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission initially approved a smoking ban in all city-owned parks and beaches, then passed it on second reading as consent agenda item on Oct. 3.

On Tuesday, County Commissioner Christian Ziegler said county residents should have more time to consider all options and weigh in the issue.

Schools Superintendent Brennan Asplen, Read more on page 6A

BY THE NUMBERS 35

Schools in the Sarasota County system that reopened on Monday.

PAGE 6A

$10

Proposed price to participate in the amenities at a planned winter festival this holiday season in St. Armands Circle.

PAGE 7A

$48 MILLION

Financing through tax increment funding approved for phase 2 of The Bay Park.

SMH fund gets help from philanthropists

PAGE 9A

CALENDAR

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office photo

n Sarasota City

Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Oct. 17, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd.

A deputy armed with a rifle walks away from the front of Riverview High on Tuesday.

School threat prompts lockdown About 90 tense minutes played out for police, students and staff at Riverview High on Tuesday, as well as for parents behind nearby roadblocks, as officers combed the school after a report of an active shooter.

The report, which law enforcement ultimately deemed to be a hoax, prompted the lockdown of the school as a variety of agencies rushed to secure the building and conduct a room-byroom search.

Behind the police lines, parents worried and waited, some com-

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municating directly with their children and others asking police and reporters for information.

Robert Fisler received a text from his son that he was hiding in the bathroom with the lights off. He complained he had not received enough official news from the school district.

“I think there will be some backlash from this from parents,” he said.

Police from several agencies converged on the school at 1 Ram Way around 12:50 p.m., initially reporting a search was

underway after a suspicious call.

Around 90 minutes later, Sarasota County Schools spokeswoman Kelsey Whealy said the police investigation determined the call had been a hoax, Similar responses by police at high schools were reported in South Florida as the closing arguments to the Parkland shooting trial got underway.

At least two schools in Pinellas County also were threatened by hoax calls, police in those areas said in a series of statements.

After establishing an employee hurricane relief fund, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation received a $250,000 gift.

The donation from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse was given to “inspire others to support the dedicated staff at Sarasota Memorial who went to work 24/7 to care for our community during this disaster,” the press release states. The foundation is the philanthropic partner to the SMH healthcare system.

The fund was designed to ease any financial burden employees are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Nearly 25% of SMH’s employees live in hard hit areas such as south Sarasota County and the surrounding region. The healthcare organization employs more than 8,000 people.

In addition, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, a private family foundation in Sarasota, gave the SMH foundation a $200,000 grant.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

TAKE

The Players Centre for Performing Arts and Bay Park Conservancy are vying for control of Municipal Auditorium.

TWO

ART OF THE DEAL

After The Players Centre and Bay Park Conservancy failed to reach a compromise on leasing Municipal Auditorium, the City Commission sent the matter back to staff for further evaluation.

Details of The Players Centre lease proposal.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

The six-year search for a new permanent home by The Players Centre for Performing Arts has taken yet another turn as the nearly centuryold theater group has yet to persuade the Sarasota City Commission to agree to a lease-and-management deal for Municipal Auditorium.

The Players CEO William Skaggs told commissioners his organization and the Bay Park Conservancy have failed to reach a compromise that would allow The Players to occupy, renovate and operate the facility at 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

By a 4-1 vote with Hagen Brody opposed, commissioners sent the matter back to staff for a second time with a new wrinkle — explore the city’s Payne Park Auditorium as an option for the theater group.

The Municipal Auditorium is central to the Bay Park Conservancy’s master plan of The Bay, 53 acres of city-owned land on Sarasota Bay between Boulevard of the Arts and 10th Street, anchored by the Van Wezel Performance Hall.

The Players has been seeking a new permanent home since it announced its intent to sell its former facility at 838 N. Tamiami Trail in 2016 and use the proceeds to help build a theater complex in the Waterside development at Lakewood Ranch.

After multiple stops and starts, reductions in project scope and changes at the top of the organization, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch terminated the agreement with The Players in March.

The group’s former home has been demolished.

The Players performs in a theater in a former retail store at The Crossings at Siesta Key that it calls Studio 1130, a nod to the suite’s address.

At its May 24 meeting, commissioners recommended The Players meet with city staff and Bay Park leaders to craft a solution. Recently, Skaggs reported that talks were at a stalemate.

Skaggs outlined a proposal with similar terms it previously proposed: a $100 a year lease, a commitment to invest as much as $9 million for repairs and upgrades and assumption of the $300,000 annual cost of staff and maintenance.

In exchange, The Players would manage the facility and control booking and scheduling of its performances and other events at the facility for eight months each year, leaving The Bay in May through August for programming.

In response, Bay Park Conservancy CEO A.G. Lafley told commissioners that The Players’ eight-month performance schedule would leave little room for long-standing events and private functions historically held there and that a guiding principle of redevelopment of The Bay was to keep its assets open and accessible to the public.

“Every public park definitely wants size, scale and scope, and The Bay needs a viable facility to accommodate all of these different needs

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Photos by Andrew Warfield

Payne Park Auditorium was floated by city commissioners as an option for The Players.

THEIR SIDE

In its proposal to lease and manage Municipal Auditorium, The Players Centre included some rebuttal to allegations.

They include: n The Players has never left town. We currently own or operate three facilities in Sarasota. Our studios 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, our workshop at 2169 10th St. and our performance venue in The Crossings at Siesta Key n Schroeder-Manatee Ranch never requested The Players terminate our efforts In Waterside Place. Current leadership of The Players made an informed and responsible decision to pass on building a large, new theatre and education facility on the free land offered by SMR. The opportunity to stay downtown presented itself. We feel It Is our home and benefits our passionate Sarasota supporters. n We vehemently disagree with allegations that we are attempting to steal a building. We are acting on behalf of our backers and supporters that have passionately supported The Players for nearly a century while showing that we can save the city money while concurrently bringing new life to an historic structure.

that park guests have,” Lafley said.

That viable facility for indoor programming needs is Municipal Auditorium.

The city’s partnership with the Bay Park Conservancy includes an agreement that specifies future negotiations for a plan to transition programming of the auditorium to the organization.

“Making it a playhouse eight months a year and reserving it for those performing arts does, in fact, cut the community out of an awful lot of uses that they are enjoying today,” Lafley said, adding the Bay Park Conservancy’s schedule would be half of the year for paid events and the other half free and open to the public.

Scheduling conflicts notwithstanding, Commissioner Liz Alpert questioned the legality of leasing the auditorium to The Players given its loosely worded pact with The Bay. “The second amendment in November says the BPC shall evaluate the future use and management

“Every public park definitely wants size, scale and scope, and The Bay needs a viable facility to accommodate all of these different needs that park guests have.”

— A.G. Lafley, Bay Park Conservancy CEO

of all existing city-owned and -operated or -leased buildings within The Bay park excluding the Symphony Center and Van Wezel,” said City Attorney Robert Fournier. “And then the implementation agreement does contain a provision that says the city and the BPC will propose separately a plan for transitioning the programming for the Municipal Auditorium, but that’s to be done only at the city’s request.”

The language, Fournier opined, does not rise to the level of a commitment and therefore provides the city latitude with regard to the Municipal Auditorium management.

More than the competition with the BPC for control of the building, The Players also has to overcome some hard feelings among the commission.

Mayor Erik Arroyo pointed out The Players was intending to leave the city for Lakewood Ranch and with the cancellation of that project wants to come back.

“The Players left the city after selling land that was given to them by the city, and now they’re saying they’re going to come back and then they’ll maybe invest in another city asset because it didn’t work out elsewhere,” Arroyo said.

PLAYERS AT THE PARK?

During the discussion, Payne Park Auditorium was included as a potential option. Albeit removed blocks from the vibrant nightlife of the bayfront area, it has the seating capacity The Players needs, although Skaggs said it would require considerable expansion to create enough backstage space for large productions.

“I could see Payne Park as a very viable option if they’re open to it, and the terms would have to be more equitable to the residents of Sarasota,” Arroyo said.

Vice Mayor Kyle Battie floated the idea of The Players taking over at Payne Park and perhaps splitting performances between there and The Bay. The Players’ lease proposal did include staging smaller-scale summer performances at Payne Park Auditorium.

“You could have Players at the Park and have Players at the Bay,” Battie said.

Alpert said The Players’ presence

there would further activate Payne Park, and it would solve the problem of parking conflicts with the Van Wezel Performance Hall when both host simultaneous events.

“It would give you a place you know you could go and could be fixed up to accommodate your needs,” Alpert said. “It would solve the problem of the Bay Park Conservancy being able to have control over all of that property because it does trouble me to parcel it out because then there is not an overall vision that can be facilitated, which then ultimately could lead to the lack of success of this overall project.”

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch agreed, saying her primary concern with The Players’ management of Municipal Auditorium is continuity with the Bay Park Conservancy’s management of the remainder of The Bay. “Depending on the outcome of today, there could be other conversations to be had,” Skaggs said. “Payne Park has got real issues that we can’t sit here and answer today. There are simply too many unknowns. We came here today with a solid plan about Municipal Auditorium and all that we can help bring to that.”

Brody, who has championed The Players’ cause and made a motion that was not seconded to accept its lease proposal, told commissioners they were “making a big mistake” by sending the matter back to staff.

“This is how arts and culture dies in this community. It’s by 1,000 paper cuts,” he said. “I’ve seen it with Mote. I’ve experienced it with the orchestra. And I just implore you not to make the same mistakes of the commissions, including myself, of the past. Right now, I guarantee there are developers in master-planned communities that are listening to this and they’ll be the first phone call that they make. It’s up to us as elected officials to either keep that heritage for our community or lose it.”

n The lease will encompass the Municipal Auditorium.

We understand the Bayfront Community Center is subject to lease obligations with The Bay Park Conservancy Inc. (“The Bay”), which will remain intact. n The lease agreement will be “triple net,” subject to initial capital improvement obligations outlined below.

We anticipate an initial term of 30 years. Base rent will be $100 per year. n Rent payments will commence 90 days after completion of all agreed-upon capital repairs and improvements and/or a certificate of occupancy is granted. n Utilization of the Auditorium will be for theatrical and musical productions, education programs, special events and for other groups needing space. n Certain capital improvements, such as repair and replacement of the roof, will need to be completed by city consistent with city’s current planning and funding cycles as well as the useful life and condition of the capital item in question. n The Players has commissioned a comprehensive study of the existing facility to produce conceptual designs and budgets for the improvements that will be needed for our proposed use. These conceptual plans and budgets are presented under separate cover. We anticipate an investment of $6 million to $9 million in repairs and improvements. n Players will subsequently be responsible for normal and customary capital repairs and replacements and routine interior maintenance, other than the roofs, windows, structural components, foundations, and external infrastructure (parking areas, lawn, landscaping). Players will also work with city and The Bay in the establishment of an area chiller plant system, including resulting costsharing arrangement. n Players will carry reasonable and customary insurance during the lease term, anticipated to be $2 million liability aggregate, $1 million per occurrence, and a minimum of $250,000 personal property coverage. n City will include in the lease existing facility signage located near the Hazzard Fountain and U.S. 41. City will provide for adequate public parking for a facility seating 400 people. n Players will be permitted to use the Auditorium for any arts or entertainmentrelated activity, including with limited food service, alcohol service, and periodic outdoor food truck service.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

ies at Sarasota High School.

Gregory has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2018.

An attorney, he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy who served from 1990 to 1994. Dameus, a native of Haiti, is an entrepreneur and former French teacher. He is one of the founders of a political group in Haiti.

Following are excerpts from the dialogue, which have been edited for brevity and clarity.

If you could wave a magic wand to get one thing done in the legislature, what would it be?

Photo by Andrew Warfield

Tommy Gregory, Roberts Dameus, Derek Reich and Fiona McFarland field questions from moderator Morgan Bentley.

Candidates discuss state budget, education, constitutional carry General election candidates for Florida House of Representatives seats 72 and 73 field questions on issues from SRQ Tiger Bay Club.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

C

andidates for two Florida House of Representatives seats covering Sarasota and eastern Manatee counties appeared before the SRQ Tiger Bay Club in September to field questions and state their cases for the 2022 general election.

Republican incumbents Fiona McFarland (District 72) and Tommy Gregory (District 73) squared off with Democrat challengers Derek

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Reich and Roberts Dameus, respectively, in a Q&A format moderated

by SRQ Tiger Bay Club Board Chair Morgan Bentley. The event was held at Michaels on East in Sarasota.

McFarland, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, spent eight years on active duty and four years in the Naval Reserve. She has worked as a consultant with a global business management firm and has been a member of the state legislature since 2020.

Reich, a product of Sarasota County Schools and a graduate of Florida State University, teaches social stud-

Roberts Dameus: The real issue is (that) right now we have an inflation nightmare. No one can afford housing. What I would do is try to lower taxes for the first-time buyers and all of the middle class. Second, reduce taxes on gas because a lot of people cannot afford them. And also to do my best to create more jobs, because right now, we need valuable jobs here.”

Fiona McFarland: I would reset the property insurance market and somehow clear out the amount of risk carriers are holding right now.

They’ve reacted to the litigious market that we have in Florida that just ratchets up the costs.

Derek Reich: The first thing is fully fund the Sadowski Affordable Housing Fund for support of working families. Every single year for 18 years the fund has been cut by Tal-

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Tommy Gregory: One thing I’d like to do would be to continue to fund infrastructure for local purposes. That means we’d put more money into Port Manatee, which is ready and overdue for expansion. They’ve done incredible work in Port Manatee, but it’s time to invest some more to help the entire economy of Sarasota and Manatee counties, and also our transportation corridors. Sarasota and Manatee county commissioners are working hard to allocate resources there. If I had a magic wand, I would bring back even more money than we have in the past, especially for our east-west corridors.

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lahassee politicians. This is coming from someone who is a teacher, Sarasota County native, and the son of a single mother of four who was able to build and purchase a brand new home 20 years ago. That home is now worth $500,000. No single mother who is a waitress can afford that today.

The Florida budget is now over $100 billion. If the budget were to be reduced, what are you going to cut?

Dameus: I believe if we reduce taxes it’s going to be the big relief for the economy. Also, we can build our highways and roads if we invest in infrastructure. We must create jobs.

When you build more highways, more investors will be interested in building a gas station, for example, or a convenience store. We have to add more jobs to the economy.

Gregory: Let’s cut taxes on gas.

Let’s cut taxes everywhere we can, and there is a tax cut on gas this year. We’ve implemented tax cuts every year in Florida. And thankfully — because Florida has a balanced budget and because your legislature and your governor embrace the free market, individual responsibility and individual ingenuity and trusting individuals to make the right choices for themselves and their families and their companies — we’re not facing the budget problems that all the other states that go the other way do … Roughly 70% (of the state budget) goes to healthcare and education. Much of that money cannot be amended. So when you’re talking about where the cuts are going to be, it’ll be in the other 30% of the budget, which can impact many of the programs that people in this room represent.

Reich: There’s a couple of things: The new private army that Gov. DeSantis wasted $10 million on; and what we saw (on) the news when it comes to immigration — spending $12 million and shipping people out of the state. Not only is it inhumane, it is a waste of taxpayer money.

McFarland: Tommy and I have

been through this. We thought we were facing grim financial circumstances with COVID-19, and as I worked with many of you on the local funding, we all knew that it was it was a famine year on the budget. We prepared for it. We were prepared to use the reserves a little bit. We were looking very carefully at those really big spending items across our budget. We have built the biggest reserves we’ve ever had.

How do you view the state’s role in education?

Reich: Most of my family actually used to be Republicans, and when I was growing up I used to ask them, ‘Why are you Republican?’ They would tell me that they believe those closest to situation are in the best place to solve it. And I always respected that answer, but that answer today is not what you’re getting out of Tallahassee.

It used to be that Sarasota County schools and our school board would decide what school was coming to our community. And now some of the representatives up here voted to supersede the local control, and now some conservatives in Orlando and in Pensacola are going to decide what is right for you. I believe those we actually elected in Sarasota to be on our school board should decide what is going to happen in our schools and not some government bureaucrat five hours away in Tallahassee.

McFarland: I’m tremendously proud of the work that we’ve done on education in the past two years.

Even in the feast-or-famine budget cycles, we’ve made record investment in education … I agree with Derek that the government closest to the people is the one that’s correct. I’m not exactly sure what he’s referring to what happens at the state level, but the Department of Education sets statewide standards as accountability for the funds we hand out to ensure that the quality of education that started at 5 years (of age) is trackable through the university system while deferring to the local school board when it comes to matters of transparency into the reading materials in the

classroom or how parents engage with their teachers and the administrators.

Gregory: It’s about the parents deciding what’s best for their children. Sarasota County is the perfect example. We have so many great schools here. Parents are deciding do they want their kid to go to Sarasota High School? Can they get into Pine View High School? Do they want to have Sarasota Military Academy experience? … There’s no mistaking that the Florida legislature’s embrace of parental rights and parental choices for their children, understanding what’s being taught and then choosing the right venue for them to get an education.

Dameus: As a former chemistry and French teacher, I’m in love with education. My answer is simple.

I will reinforce the school policies that first get the parents more involved in their students’ education. And put more money into education. That means more money in the library and that gives more access to efficient materials.

One of the first bills that will come before the Legislature next year is constitutional carry. What is your position on it and why?

Gregory: The words of the Second Amendment are very clear: “shall not be infringed.” When you are requiring the citizens of this country to apply for a permit to exercise a constitutional right, you are infringing upon their right. That’s why I support it.

Dameus: Before we have access, we have to have heavy background checks because a lot of criminals out there can go to a gun shop and get a gun. There are a lot of crazy people as well, so I think it’s very necessary to have a heavy background check for those people and to see if they’re not crazy.

Reich: I am pro-good gun ownership. My stepfather has a conceal carry permit and he is a Republican.

He is from New York, where he also has a conceal carry permit, and it simply blows his mind as someone

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

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who’s a Republican and very progun rights that you can walk in, take one class and get a conceal carry these days. I would love people who are well trained to have a weapon, but when you give it out like candy to anyone that attended one class, it’s insane.

McFarland: I’m a big supporter of the Second Amendment, but also my training the Navy left me with a healthy respect for firearms. And I believe that every law-abiding citizen has that same premise to begin with. We need to give our law enforcement the tools they need to make sure guns stay out of the hands of non law-abiding citizens.

If someone is complying with those laws and the rules, that is a conversation we ought to have.

What is your position on the legislatively approved ban on abortion after 15 weeks?

McFarland: The Supreme Court has thrust this issue directly into focus on state level. I consider myself to be pro life. I respect that many people have a range of different opinions and that there is a tremendous amount of emotion that goes into this issue. We passed a law that would disallow termination of pregnancy after 15 weeks of gestational age, with exceptions for cases where the health and life of the mother was at risk or fatal fetal abnormality and the baby would not survive. I supported that bill.

Reich: As someone who has a 17-year-old sister and a 17-year-old niece, the government has absolutely no business taking away the freedom of a woman to control her body. I had a 17-year-old student come to me, and I was the very first person she told that she was raped.

I could not imagine being the state and saying, ‘God forbid, if you’re pregnant, you’re going to have to carry the pregnancy of your rapist to term.’ She’s voting to take away the sovereignty that a rape victim has to control her own body.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

North county schools reopen, though normal still a ways off School officials weighing possibility of presenting calendar changes for makeup days to School Board.

LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITER

Though schools in northern Sarasota County reopened on Monday after Hurricane Ian, work remains in the southern portion of the county before classes can resume.

This week, 35 schools in the district reopened, and no more school buildings are being used as evacuation centers, paving the way for the remainder to open on Oct. 17.

Superintendent Brennan Asplen said the first day was as close to business as usual as could be expected.

“It was a very, very smooth opening today as far as operations were concerned and getting everyone back into classes,” he said. “Schools are reporting that they are fully staffed.

Attendance appears to be very close to normal.”

Asplen reported minimal disruption in transportation for the first day back, and every student was fed typical meals during the day. Still, though, even schools that reopened are not necessarily back to normal.

“Our work is not done in north county,” Chief Operations Officer Jody Dumas said. “We still have debris on campuses piled everywhere, so it will take us several months to actually get campuses back to what they originally looked like.”

District staff is discussing the potential for make-up days, though School Board members would have the final say.

Chief Academic Officer Chris Renouf said schools in hardest-hit North Port and Englewood have reached out to families to assess and

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File photo

provide resources to keep students engaged during the transition back into classrooms.

Customized learning plans have been created to properly address the needs of students, whether in elementary, middle or high school, Renouf said.

“We fully realize that this is a time of transition, rebuilding and recovery and remain fully committed to supporting our schools, the staff, the students and families — whatever it takes,” he said.

To fully support students, Executive Director of Student Services Debra Giacolone said additional school counselors, nurses, social workers, school psychologists and community partners are ready to help.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our students, and that includes the emotional safety and the physical safety of both our students and our staff,” she said.

High school athletic teams began practice Friday, Oct. 7. Depending on the status of bleacher repair, home games may need to be played at alternate sites.

Superintendent Brennan Asplen said minimal interruptions occurred during Monday’s return to school.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

7A

Sarasota leaders OK St. Armands festival proposal Longboat Key leaders react with traffic concerns after City Commissioners’ 4-1 approval of the event that would run from Nov. 18 through New Year’s.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

t. Armands Circle is getting a new 60-foot holiday tree this year, and now it will have a six-week winter festival to accompany it. During its Oct. 3 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission approved by a 4-1 vote authorizing the city staff to approve a special-use permit to Tom Leonard and Ride Entertainment to hold the festival in the five-acre park inside the circle.

Citing the contentious nature surrounding the request, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch opposed the motion to approve made by Hagen Brody. The controversy surrounds what St. Armands Circle Association Executive Director Rachel Burns said was a lack of communication between Leonard and her organization and the cancelation of at least one annual event to accommodate the new festival.

Longboat Key leaders said they plan to discuss the festival proposal over concerns about traffic.

Mayor Ken Schneier said commissioners could talk about potential actions they might take at their Oct. 17 meeting.

“The intensity of traffic is the main concern,” he said. “There is the worry about what the approval would mean for development and allowed uses.”

The prospect of the festival came before the commission at its Sept.

19 meeting during the pubic comments portion, when Leonard and

PROPOSED HOURS OF OPERATION n Opens: Nov. 18, 2022. n Weekdays: 4-9 p.m. n Weekends: noon-9 p.m. n Holiday weeks: noon-9 p.m. n Breakdown: Jan. 3, 2023.

Burns spoke back to back on the matter. Leonard, chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors, emphasized he was not speaking on behalf of the board. Burns, whose organization is comprised of the merchants at the Circle, said she was left out of the conversation, that Leonard was attempting to circumvent procedures for an event permit.

The two appeared before the commission on Aug. 1 to request a $286,000 grant to replace the 20-year-old St. Armands tree.

Leonard said the festival is his effort to deliver on what commissioners at the time expressed as a desire to expand holiday activities there beyond the traditional tree lighting.

Part of the controversy stems from a previous attempt by Ride Entertainment to install a permanent carousel in the circle, which met with opposition.

Leonard provided details during Monday’s meeting, including a site map of proposed attractions that include a synthetic ice skating rink, a trackless train, a carousel and more, all located within temporary fencing

Courtesy photo

inside the park. The new tree will face Ringling Causeway on the approach to the circle from the mainland.

The fencing, Leonard said, is not to deny access but to provide security while festival activities are underway. At a cost of $10, a wristband will provide access to all the attractions.

St. Armands Residents Association President Chris Goglia told commissioners a weeks-long event that limits access to the space within the circle is a right-of-way violation along a state road.

“Based on the feedback that we’ve gotten from our public works department, it is right of way, but they look at it as sort of like a median in the middle of a roadway where there’s green space,” said City Manager Marlon Brown. “And so we’ve always utilized that circle as sort of a median, so it’s green space and we do designate it as a park.”

City Attorney Robert Fournier said in his opinion, right of way applies to vehicular traffic, which will not be impeded, and therefore consideration of the festival does not require a public hearing.

“I think (you can) just decide that the ordinance applies, but it only applies when there’s actual public right of way that’s being used as such for vehicular traffic and it has to be closed,” Fournier said. “This will not require the closure of any right of way over which the public is traveling.”

Burns said the St. Armands Circle Association isn’t necessarily

“I’ve just heard about things going on behind the scenes where my events are attempting to be canceled.”

Among the attractions of the proposed winter festival at St. Armands Circle is a synthetic ice skating rink.

— Rachel Burns

opposed to the festival, but it objects to having been excluded from planning. She also took exception to Leonard meeting with the organizer of one of her group’s regular events, Porsches at the Park, requesting it be relocated, postponed or canceled.

“I’ve asked multiple times in emails to Mr. Brown and Mr. Fournier for more information. Since Aug. 26, I’ve received no information.

I’ve just heard about things going on behind the scenes where my events are attempting to be canceled,” she said. “We’re not against this nor have I ever tried to stop an expanded program. I just do not believe that we’re setting the right precedent by bulldozing over something. I would like you to direct city staff to have that meeting with us so we can try to work on something together that works for everybody.”

Leonard said he doesn’t necessarily envision the festival as an annual event and, for the time being, said it’s about highlighting what commissioners called a tree for the city, not just St. Armands.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer recommends A litmus test for constitution amendments is this: Will it increase or decrease your freedom? the lives of those the amendments are intended to affect. But you can be the judge of that once you know more about them.

AMENDMENT 1

MATT WALSH

E

very conversation you have with a Floridian for the first time since that horrible, fateful day always begins with: “How did you do? Is your family OK? Was your home damaged?”

And for the next five minutes or so, together you lament the destruction that Hurricane Ian inflicted on this great state and you pity with your heart the thousands of Floridians who lost so much.

All of us in Ian’s wake are still traumatized — PTSD, for sure — even if those of us in the SarasotaBradenton escaped as we did.

So it’s hard to shift your mindset and focus and get back to living the way we were living before Ian. But we must — and will.

Which brings us to one of the next milestones Americans will be facing over the next few weeks: How to vote in the Nov. 8 general election.

To that end, as we do with each election, we will attempt over the next few weeks to help readers see why some incumbents deserve reelection or not, or why some challengers deserve election instead.

We will explain some of the details, backgrounds, motivations, objectives and plusses and minuses of the state constitutional amendments and local charter amendments.

And, as we have traditionally done, we will continue to make recommendations — a practice most newspapers are abandoning. Too bad they are.

We continue to believe it’s worthwhile to offer a viewpoint that may help voters think more analytically about candidates and issues rather than making judgments merely based on TV and radio soundbites or on the negative campaign mailers stuffed into mailboxes.

In this week’s installment, we address the state constitutional amendments. And as we do with every proposed amendment, we will apply our litmus test: If passed, will the amendment increase or decrease individuals’ freedom? If it will increase freedom, we’ll likely recommend a yes. If it decreases freedom, no.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Thankfully, there are only three state constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. That’s a welcome relief from four years ago, when there were 12 state amendments on the ballot — all of which addressed multiple subjects that confused voters.

On top of that, in 2018, Sarasota County ballots contained another six bond and charter questions.

All of it was overwhelming for Florida voters.

That seemingly interminable and confusing list of amendments came to Floridians courtesy of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, an appointed body of citizens that meets every 20 years and whose existence happens to be the subject of one of this year’s amendments.

Unlike then, this year’s three amendments are all courtesy of the Legislature. And thankfully, each of the amendments is limited to a single subject, making them easier to comprehend.

What’s more, unlike many citizen-initiated amendments, this year’s three amendments do not have nefarious interest groups working behind the scenes to pass or kill the amendments to gain special advantage.

Instead, you can say the intent of the amendments is to improve

Limitation on the assessment of real property used for residential purposes.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit the consideration of any change or improvement made to real property used for residential purposes to improve the property’s resistance to flood damage in determining the assessed value of such property for ad valorem taxation purposes.

In plain English, here’s what this means: If you own residential property in Florida and construct or install improvements designed to keep your property from being flooded (e.g. hurricanes, storms), county property appraisers cannot add the value of those improvements to the assessed value of your property.

Say the appraiser values your canal-front home at $700,000.

Then you add $50,000 worth of anti-flood improvements. When the appraisers assesses the tax value of your home, he cannot include the $50,000 value.

State statutes already apply that methodology to wind damage improvements (stronger roofs, hurricane windows, etc.). This amendment would apply the same exemption to flood improvements.

In the wake of Ian, most people would say this amendment makes sense. This amendment is in every property owner and taxpayer’s interest and in the interest of helping the state create a more favorable insurance market.

It makes sense to give homeowners an incentive to take steps to avoid flood damage. Likewise, any measure that limits or reduces taxation is an increase in freedom.

We recommend: Yes

AMENDMENT 2

Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission.

To abolish the Constitution Revision Commission, which meets at 20-year intervals and is scheduled to next convene in 2037, as a method of submitting proposed amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to electors of the state for approval. This amendment does not affect the ability to revise or amend the State Constitution through citizen initiative, constitutional convention, the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission or legislative joint resolution.

On first thought, an initial reaction to reading this proposed amendment would be to vote no. It appears the Legislature wants to eliminate one of the avenues voters and taxpayers have to change state government. It appears to be an effort to take away some of your freedom and your ability to control your government.

But as with most issues, there are two sides to every story.

Florida Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, makes a persuasive case for eliminating the commission — persuasive enough that more than three-fifths of the Legislature voted in 2021 to put this measure on the ballot.

Brandes likens the commission to the movie “Jumanji” — a game with no rules.

“There are no rules,” he says.

“Good things can pop out, and bad things can pop out.”

All of that is true of the revision commission, in particular the part about no rules.

When Florida voters approved the creation of the commission in 1968, the provisions specifying its job and how to do that job were vague and open-ended. According to a legislative analysis in 2021, all that is required of the commission is that it “must convene at the call of its chair, adopt rules of procedure and ‘hold public hearings.’” That’s it.

Its job is “to examine the State Constitution and decide which, if any, amendments to propose to the voters.”

REPUBLICANS GROW; DEMOCRATS DON’T VOTER REGISTRATION Change 2022 Total % of Total from 2021 FLORIDA* Republican 5,233,366 36.3% +2.2% Democrat 4,963,722 34.5% -2.9% Other 4,198,193 29.2% +3.2% Total 14,395,281 100% +0.6% MANATEE COUNTY** Republican 123,634 44.1% +2.7% Democrat 79,589 28.4% -3.1% Other 76,675 27.4% +3.0% Total 279,898 100% +1.0% SARASOTA COUNTY*** Republican 153,630 43.5% +1.8% Democrat 101,468 28.7% -5.0% Other 97,770 27.2% 0% Total 352,868 100% -0.74% (As of *9.30.22;** 11.1.21; *** 10.5.22; )

For the first time in Florida political history, registered Republicans will outnumber registered Democrats going into the general election.

This was a long quest for Republicans.

Even though Republicans achieved a historic milestone in 1996 by taking the majority in the Legislature — the first time in 120 years, Democrats have always

outnumbered Republicans.

No longer.

What’s more, when you look at a county map of Florida, it would show the state to be bright Red. Of the 67 counties, Republicans outnumber Democrats in 52.

Offsetting that dominance, however, is that Democrats overwhelmingly control the state’s major metropolitan areas.

DEMOCRATS DOMINATE THE METROS The table shows the total registered Democrats and Republicans and the percentage of the total number of registered voters.

Broward Duval (Jax) Hillsborough Miami-Dade Orange Palm Beach Totals % of Party

Democrats % 596,774 47.9% 260,733 40.0% 341,597 37.2% 575,793 37.9% 360,389 41.7% 398,703 39.9% 2,533,989 — 51%

Republicans 263,491 228,883 287,419 433,113 217,061 288,547 1,718,51 32.8%

% 21.1% 35.1% 31.3% 28.5% 25.1% 28.9% —

Source: Florida Secretary of State; supervisors of elections

Brandes argues the open-ended nature of the commission results in what occurred in 2018 — a dozen amendments, most of them addressing different subjects; and many of them items that should not be in the constitution, but rather dealt with as state statutes.

What’s more, Brandes argues, the members of the commission are not really a wide cross-section of Florida’s populace. Of its 37 members, the governor appoints 15; the House speaker and Senate president each appoint nine; the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court appoints three; and the attorney general is a member.

The result tends to be friends and donors of the state’s elected leaders.

In the most recent commission, Republicans overwhelmingly dominated. “It’s a construct of unelected individuals,” Brandes says, deciding what to present to voters to change Florida’s most sacred, governing document.

For all those reasons, Brandes says, the best way to fix all that is wrong with the commission is to eliminate it.

Or, as Adrian Moore, Observer columnist and vice president of the Reason Foundation, wrote in a Sept.

8 column: “It would make much more sense to reform the CRC and the citizen initiative process than to eliminate it.”

Moore presented five doable and reasonable steps that would reform and fix the commission and preserve this avenue to amending Florida’s Constitution. It’s worth a try.

We recommend: No.

AMENDMENT 3

Additional homestead property tax exemption for specified critical public services workforce.

To authorize the Legislature, by general law, to grant an additional homestead tax exemption for nonschool levies of up to $50,000 of the assessed value of homestead property owned by classroom teachers, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, child welfare services professionals, active duty members of the United States armed forces and Florida National Guard members. This amendment shall take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@yourobserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com

This proposed amendment reeks of political pandering.

It also is rife with reasons to be critical of the 115 Florida House members (all of them at the time) and the 37 out of 38 senators who voted to put this measure on the ballot in the most recent legislative session.

First, to the good: If approved, the amendment would codify a property tax cut — and thus more individual freedom — for nine groups of Floridians. It would be a nice way to express the public’s perpetual appreciation for these indispensable and highly valued public servants; to let them know Floridians have their backs.

It would not be a precedent by any means.

Since 2010, Florida voters have approved six constitutional amendments giving property-tax exemptions and college-tuition waivers to combat-wounded military veterans, disabled first responders and the surviving spouses of these deceased veterans and first responders. In the process, Florida has become one of the most welcoming states in the country for veterans and first responders.

Now, state lawmakers want to broaden that net.

But wait. While we admire and respect the people who choose to serve in those crucial occupations and understand their risks and challenges and while we have supported the six previous amendments intended to help those wounded, disabled or killed in the line of duty, this amendment smacks of the policy making that lawmakers should always avoid: picking one group over another and bestowing benefits on one group at the expense of others.

This amendment is the classic example of the Milton Friedman rule of lawmaking: What you give to one you must take away from another. If you lower taxes for the people in these nine groups, others must make up the difference.

Florida lawmakers should quit pandering so they can say they voted to cut taxes. If there are to be tax cuts, give them to everyone.

We recommend: No.

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Next week: Proposed charter amendments and questions for Manatee and Sarasota counties and the city of Sarasota.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

9A

City Commission OKs bond funding for The Bay Phase 2 At a cost of $65 million, the Sarasota City Commission approves $48 million in TIF-backed bonds for the second phase of The Bay park redevelopment.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

O

nly minutes after the contentious discussion over the management of Municipal Auditorium, leaders of the Bay Park Conservancy were back facing the Sarasota City Commissioners, this time seeking approval for funding of the second phase of The Bay, which carries a price tag of $65 million.

Minus $12 million in government grants and $5 million in private funding, a city bond of $48 million in tax increment financing-backed bonds makes up the balance of the funding. That revenue is derived from a tax on new development and rising property values in the area immediately surrounding the 53-acre city-owned property west of U.S. 41 between Boulevard of the Arts and 10th Street.

Phase 1 of the park is set to debut with a 10-day grand opening event beginning Oct. 14. The 14-acre phase features largely passive recreation space, nature trails, an event lawn, playground, a mangrove bayou and a welcome center, among others. In all, The Bay is estimated at $150 million, the capital investment equally divided between private and public funds, the public portion and ongoing operations paid for by the TIF revenue.

With the eventual approval of the bond financing — which was unanimous — Commissioner Hagen Brody floated the idea of conflating the funding with the Municipal Auditorium lease issue. The auditorium is central to the Cultural District of Phase 2.

“Because of the conversation we

Courtesy rendering

The Cultural District at The Bay along Tamiami Trail includes Municipal Auditorium.

just had about The Players and the Municipal Auditorium, I think this commission should continue this item. This is literally the only carrot that you’ll have to negotiate with these folks,” he said. “I’ve been pretty involved in that discussion for a year now, and The Bay hasn’t budged.

They want to get this done. It is in my view the only thing that you’ll have to be able to leverage your position, whatever that ends up becoming in the future.”

Brody, who as a member of the Bay Park Improvement Board, voted to approve sending the bond vote to the City Commission but questioned the price tag of Phase 2. It includes rehabbing the sea wall along the public docks canal near 10th Street and construction of day docks (Canal District, $15 million), a sunset boardwalk and pier ($15 million), improvements on the western shoreline ($15 million), and the Cultural District ($20 million).

He also questioned the level of

private contributions to the project going forward.

Bay Park Conservancy CEO A.G. Lafley, who as retired chairman, president and CEO of Procter & Gamble, defended the cost projections, its expense share and the need for expediency.

“Bond rates right now are running a bit above 4%. Inflation is running eight-and-a-half to 10%,” he said.

“Depending on which index you look at, the math is super simple.

Every year you wait, you’re going to spend 8 to 10% more on this improvement. What matters is the difference between the rate you can borrow at and the rate you’re going to pay for the inflated cost of whatever your construction or project is.

Every week, every month is worth real money.

“On the second point, 90% of (Phase 1) was paid for by private money,” he continued. “Of $40.5 million, $55 million was raised. We’re out there raising $24 million right

“Depending on which index you look at, the math is super simple. Every year you wait, you’re going to spend 8 to 10% more on this improvement.”

— A.G. Lafley

now, $12 million between now and the end of next year. So to say that the private money hasn’t done its part is not true … We’ve been delivering our numbers, so if you have a better estimate, bring it forward.”

COUNTY APPROVAL

With Sarasota County an equal partner with the city on allocating TIF revenue to the The Bay bond debt, the Sarasota County Commission

on Tuesday approved the capital plan and bond payment by a 3-2 vote with commissioners Christian Ziegler and Mike Moran opposed. The two don’t object to the park — Ziegler did reiterate the insistence he stated during the interlocal Bay Park Investment Board that Phase 2 include a signature waterfront dining venue — but they do object to the public portion of the funding mechanism.

“A park, in my opinion, should be funded with general funds. Using this vehicle of a TIF has concerned me since day one,” Moran said. “The city of Sarasota is a standalone municipal authority. They have the power and authority to tax their residents. And if they want a park, they bring it to the people. And if the people support it, they support the tax to pay for it.

Anything that deviates from that related to a park, I’ve just expressed concern.

“With that said, I do genuinely think it’s an amazing project.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

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SUNDAY, OCT. 9

ATTIRE ALTERCATION 1:48 a.m., 1400 block of Main Street Criminal mischief: A couple being escorted out of a downtown bar because of a dress code violation prompted an altercation in an alley that caused the destruction of a $500 television. The bar manager told police the controversially clad couple “made a scene” and got into a physical altercation with security personnel in the alley. During the scuffle, the manager said he was “pretty sure” the ejected man knocked down the TV. Although surveillance cameras were in place, the bar manager said he could not access the the footage. When the officer returned the next day to retrieve footage, he was told it was unavailable and would have to return during regular bar hours. As a result of the altercation, the couple were given a trespass warning. Because of the uncertainty of the witness and lack of video surveillance, the case has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s office for further review.

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THE NEW PICKUP BAR 10:28 p.m., 3500 block of Fruitville Road Trespassing: A man who told police he found two adult female customers at convenience store gasoline pumps to be attractive, and simply offered his assistance, was accused of making lewd comments toward them and, later, trespassing on the property. An officer met with the women who said they became fearful of the man and hid in the bathroom of the business, where they called 911. The women, both 19 years of age, told police that he approached them and said “If you leave, I am going to get in the car with you.”

The man told police he did not say anything inappropriate, but simply was making his move by offering to help the women fuel their vehicle.

At the store clerk’s request, the man was served with a trespassing notice. Still, he returned 25 minutes later, as confirmed by video footage.

Because he defied an order to not return, entered the store and made direct contact with the clerk, the case has been turned over to the State Attorney’s office for review.

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SATURDAY, OCT. 8

RELIEF TEAM RELIEVED OF DUTIES 7:31 p.m., 1000 block of South Conrad Street Civil dispute: A team of hurricane relief workers dispatched to Sarasota who were evicted from a rental property by their boss because of poor performance returned to the home to find their belongings in the driveway, some of them allegedly missing. The team was scheduled to stay at the property while here working, but after they were fired were, according to their employer, given three days to vacate.

The dislodged subcontractor denied being given the three days’ notice, and while away for the day, a new team moved in. When they returned, they found their personal belongings outside and a new team occupying the home. The new team leader advised police he placed the belongings outside, but denied taking any of the items. The employer who booked the property confirmed to police he gave the prior team three days to move out, and when they had not complied, requested their replacements remove the belongings.

All parties were informed that the incident is a civil matter.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

11A

THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON To all the physicians and nurses, clinicians, technicians and support staff who stayed at their posts throughout the storm, away from their families and loved ones, we thank you.

Although words may sometimes fail us, you never have.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

YOUR CALENDAR

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BIG MAMA’S COLLARD GREEN FESTIVAL 12 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St. Cajun, Creole, Southern, Caribbean foods and styles are celebrated at this Newtown festival.

Free. For information, go to newtownnation.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

10 DAYS AT THE BAY Runs through Oct. 23 at the Bay, 655 N Tamiami Trail. The Bay’s grand opening will be marked with dozens of events and activities throughout 10 days. For information, go to TheBaySarasota.org.

SARASOTA ROCKTOBERFEST Oct. 15-17 at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive. Bands rock out for a crowd enjoying all sorts of German food during this weekend’s Oktoberfest event. Free. For information, go to ParagonFestivals.com.

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LIGHTS AT SPOOKY POINT Runs through Oct. 31 at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Historic Spanish Point hosts a new spooky-themed walk through its nature setting for families to enjoy. $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. For information, go to Selby.org.

7TH ANNUAL CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL Runs through Oct. 16 at Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street W. Celtic culture is celebrated with this weekend-long food and music fest.

Tickets start at $5. For information, go to CeltoberFest.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

LIMELIGHT MARKET 10 a.m. at Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. The monthly pop-up market will have vendors showcasing honey, pottery, organic popcorn and more. Free. For information, go to BazaarOnApricotandLime.com WITCHES TEA 11 a.m. at The Children’s Garden and Art Center, 1670 10th Way. Kids can embrace the Halloween spirit by making sweet tea, sandwiches and decorating wands. $5 for kids, $10 for adults and must be bought in advance. For information, go to SarasotaChildrensGarden.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19

NPB REC DAYS 10 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park.

Families can explore Nathan Benderson Park and try out several outdoor activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. $5 for kids and $10 for adults. For information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

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12A

OCTOBER 13, 2022

SPORTS Fast

Break

“I feel like some people might get nervous when they step to the line at a state meet, but I don’t.”

— Sarasota High’s Alec Miller SEE PAGE 15A

LOOK BACK, LOOK AHEAD Mooney junior Griffin Gisotti makes a jumping grab for a gain.

RYAN KOHN

SPORTS EDITOR

A

fter a prolonged break caused by the anticipation, arrival and damage of Hurricane Ian, the high school football season resumes Friday night for Sarasota teams.

By the time teams take the field, it will have been nearly a month since

some of them have played a game. To welcome them — and the fans — back, here is a refresher on how the season has gone so far and a look at the pivotal matchups Friday and beyond that will determine the postseason through a brief look back and a quick look ahead.

File photo

Chad Davis.

T

here’s a lot of chatter in NFL social media circles this week about the number and severity of roughing the passer penalties this season. Personally, some of the calls have seemed soft, but they also got me thinking: In six years on the beat, I rarely see that call made at the high school level. … The reason for this isn’t clear. Perhaps young quarterbacks hold the ball longer than NFL signal callers, increasing the time defenders have to legally hit them. Or maybe defenders just get to the quarterback less frequently.

Or maybe refs just don’t look for it. Whatever the reason, it’s something I’m going to take a note of going forward. … This Saturday is the 2022 Tri-County Swim Championship, held at 10 a.m. at Selby Aquatic Center. It’s the event that launches the real swim season at the high school level, as swimmers ramp up their effort level to peak at the state meet in November. As we all know, the Gulf Coast produces some of the top swimmers in the country, so watching the best of Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties compete is a treat. … It appears as though Cardinal Mooney High volleyball coach Chad Davis was right to be bullish on his team now that the Cougars are healthy.

The Cougars swept local rival Venice High 3-0 (25-16; 25-16; 25-20) on the road Tuesday night. The Indians (12-4) entered the contest ranked 10th in the state by the Florida High School Athletic Association, while the Cougars (12-9) were ranked 37th. Is another deep postseason run coming?

THE LONG RUN. PAGE 14A

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH

File photos

Booker High quarterback Will Carter Jr. drops back to pass and looks to his right against Cardinal Mooney.

BOOKER HIGH

The look back: The Tornadoes have been inconsistent under first-year coach Scottie Littles — though coming off an 0-8 season in 2021, the team’s 2-3 record through five games marks a big improvement. Booker has beaten North Port High (0-5) and Southeast High (1-4) by multiple scores, but dropped its week one game against Cardinal Mooney High (1-4) by one point, 10-9, and lost 28-21 to Sarasota after mishandling a punt and letting the Sailors recover in Booker territory, setting up an easy go-ahead score. The Tornadoes also showed they have the athleticism to compete with perennial playoff teams like Braden River High (3-2) when the Tornadoes tied the Pirates at 21 at the half, before Braden River’s experience won out in

the second half and Booker lost 42-28.

The look ahead: As Littles has repeatedly said throughout the season, teams should be wary of Booker late in the season once the Tornadoes get a grip on Littles’ scheme and culture. If Booker has used the off weeks to rest as well as continue learning Littles’ systems, the team has a chance to end with a winning season. The Tornadoes will go on the road to play Desoto County High (4-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m, then end the year with games against Bayshore High (0-4), Wiregrass Ranch High (2-4), Lemon Bay High (1-4) and Lakewood Ranch High (4-2).

Senior quarterback Will Carter Jr. and junior running back Ahmad Hunter have combined for 638 rushing yards (5.65 yards per carry) and six touchdowns on the ground.

The look back: The Cougars had high expectations for their 2022 season, but the beginning of it did not go as planned. After beating Booker 10-9 in week one, Mooney lost four straight games, including a 28-27 road overtime loss to First Baptist Academy on Sept. 9. The Cougars most recent game was Sept.

23, a 41-21 loss to Carrollwood Day School. Following Hurricane Ian, Mooney — being a private school — was eligible to play a game last week but did not find an opponent.

The look ahead: In terms of the postseason, the Cougars’ bumpy start will matter not if it can beat John Carroll Catholic (4-1) on the road Friday at 7 p.m. Mooney and John Carroll are the only two teams in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class Suburban 4, District 6, meaning the winner of the game will win the district and earn an automatic playoff spot. The Rams have a stout defense led by four-star defensive end Wilky Denaud, an Auburn commit. A big game from junior running back Carson Beach would boost the Cougars’ chances.

Rams senior Lauriel Trotman (9) has been a big part of the Riverview rushing attack.

RIVERVIEW HIGH

The look back: The Rams have not played since Sept. 16. That night, Riverview beat Lehigh High 31-28 for its first win of the season. The Rams (1-3) started their season with back-to-back losses of more than 38 points, then dropped a game against Palmetto High in double overtime, 17-14, before beating Lehigh. The Rams showed improvement against the Lightning, particularly on defense, holding Alabama commit Richard Young to 59 rushing yards on 14 carries and intercepting quarterback Darryl Hodge four times. Offensive play remained a problem; the Rams had two turnovers against the Lightning that led to touchdowns.

The look ahead: The Rams will host Clearwater Academy International (5-0) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The game will be played at Sarasota High, as the Ram Bowl is still not ready for play after the hurricane. CAI has outscored its opponents 168-49 this season, including three shutouts. The Rams will follow the CAI game with a home district game against rival Venice High (2-2) on Oct. 21. The two games are a tough but critical stretch for the team’s postseason hopes. Junior quarterback Jeremiah Dawson and the Riverview offense will need to rise to the occasion.

Sarasota senior Tyler Pack is one of the team’s leading receivers.

SARASOTA HIGH

The look back: Sailors coach Brody Wiseman said Oct. 4 he feels like the team should be 5-0, but because of mistakes, the team sits at 3-2 instead.

In its most recent game, a Sept. 23 contest against Calvary Christian, Sarasota trailed 24-7 at the half before mounting a comeback and leading 28-24 in the fourth quarter before ultimately allowing another Warriors touchdown for a 31-28 final score.

It came on a 75-yard drive that included a conversion on fourth and 11. Wiseman said his team can’t allow things like that to happen. But he’s also happy with the overall direction of the team and how hard the teams plays each game.

The look ahead: Sarasota will play Venice at 7:30 p.m. Friday at home. According to MaxPreps records, the Sailors have not beaten Venice since 2007. A win Friday, or even a close game, would be a sign of how much improvement the Sailors have made in recent seasons. The running back duo of juniors Joe Ziegler and Jaden Judge will likely play a large part in the game’s outcome; success on the ground can allow the Sailors to control the clock.

14A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Keep running Sarasota cross-country teams deliver season after season of high-end performances.

Ryan Kohn

Sarasota High cross-country coach John Stevenson, in a black shirt, runs with his boys and girls teams at an Oct. 11 practice. Stevenson is confident his teams will get back to the state meet.

for peaking when the team needs to peak.

Senior boys runner Alec Miller had the program’s highest individual finish at the FSU meet, running the course in 15:38.80 and coming in 18th of 283 runners. Miller is also a star in track and field; he finished second in the 1,600 meter run (4:19.86) at the 2022 state track and field championships in May. Miller echoed what Stevenson said about the team’s success, noting there’s only so much a coach can do other than deliver advice. It’s on the runners themselves to make it happen.

“I didn’t work as hard my freshman and sophomore years as I do now,” Miller said. “I wish I had.

Some of these kids who have longterm goals, we’re tying to motivate

them. We’re showing them that if they do the work it will pay off for them. You don’t have to go all out as a freshman or sophomore, but you want to establish a good base for those upperclass years.”

At the FSU meet, the boys team also got a strong performance from senior Will Hartvigsen (45th; 16:90.00), the brother of Ben Hartvigsen. The girls team was led by sophomore Indy Grajalez (60th; 19:30.40) and senior Ella Menke (66th; 19:35.30). Just like team finishes, those individual finishes will look better at the state meet. And make no mistake, while a spot at the state meet is never guaranteed, the Sailors certainly expect to be there.

Stevenson said he will instruct his team not to push themselves too

hard at the school’s district meet, and even the regional meet, since he feels confident the Sailors will qualify their way through each.

Based on past results, that seems like a safe assumption. That’s the thing about consistency: If you have it, you don’t need to worry about much else.

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

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C

onsistency.

It’s what every sports program strives to achieve, yet it’s one of the hardest things to catch. That makes some sense when you remember humans are quite fallible. We have good days and bad days. Our moods can affect our performance in whatever we’re doing. Even if someone commits to doing something every day, there’s no guarantee that the person’s effort level will be the same each day.

This is all to say: Getting highschoolers to commit to the work ethic necessary to finish with elite times in cross-country — perhaps the most solitary sport there is — is no easy task.

Yet the Sarasota High coaching staff, led by John Stevenson, has done it. In 2021, the Sailors boys finished 13th in the state’s Class 4A while the girls finished 18th; in 2020, the programs finished sixth and eighth, respectively; in 2019, they finished ninth and fifth; in 2018, the boys, led by individual winner Ben Hartvigsen, who is now running for Harvard, won the state title, and the girls finished second.

You get the point. The Sailors’ programs consistently finish in the top 20 in the state. It’s remarkable, especially when the sport of cross-country itself is so individual in nature. No one’s helping those athletes during races. It’s not like football or basketball or volleyball, where smart coaches can scheme around a team’s deficiencies and lean on its strengths.

Cross-country programs are at the mercy of the individual talent allotted to them. The Sailors have seen state champions come and go, and remain near the front.

And 2022 appears to be no different. At the FSU Invitational, held Oct. 7-8 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, the Sailors boys finished 23rd as a team, while the girls finished 27th. That may sound lower than usual, but the FSU Invitational — also known as the Pre-State meet — features a mixture of the best programs in Florida, not just Class 4A schools, meaning some of the teams who finished ahead of the Sailors won’t be competition for them at the actual state meet on Nov. 5.

“I think we’re in the mix of things again,” Stevenson said. “I think a top-10, top-five finish at states is definitely possible for both squads.”

Stevenson credited his athletes with the program’s long-term success. Stevenson said the leaders of the squad, the seniors and juniors, make sure the freshmen and sophomores coming into the program know the standards.

They do this because past runners did the same for them. At this point, Stevenson said, no class wants to be the class to let down the others, to let the program’s history of excellence slide.

The program also tends to attract kids who are self-motivated. Stevenson said the program typically has one of the highest grade-point averages of any athletic program at the school. They have goals and they want to achieve those goals.

That translates into running, where the most successful athletes are the ones who want to see their personal record times fall and fall and fall.

Stevenson said a lot of programs will start taking things too easy around this time of year. At Sarasota, the Sailors will get their mileage up over the next two weeks and continue doing intervals, or speed work.

After that period, the program will start implementing more rest while still doing speed work, which Stevenson said is a good formula

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Alec Miller is a senior on the Sarasota High boys cross-country team.

Miller finished 18th (15:38.80) of 283 runners in the Elite Boys division of the 2022 FSU Invitational on Oct. 8 in Tallahassee.

When did you start running?

I started running competitively as a freshman, right around when track and field started. Before then, I ran mostly as a hobby. As soon as I got a taste of the State Series (postseason) and what things could be, I wanted more. I came from a swimming background where I had won a state championship at a younger age, so getting that rush again was nice.

What is the appeal to you?

I like the adrenaline. I feel like some people might get nervous when they step to the line at a state meet, but I don’t. It’s also way easier to train hard for running than it was swimming, so that’s a plus.

What is your favorite running memory?

One night during my freshman year, my brother (Ben Miller) and I could not fall asleep. I think it was like 3

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

a.m. We told our parents that we were going to do a long run, which at the time was like six miles. For probably 30 minutes of the run there was a meteor shower. It was super bright out. That was a pivotal moment for me. My brother was there, and I was genuinely enjoying the sport while working hard.

Do you prefer cross-country or track and field?

I like track more because it’s more standardized and objective. It’s hard to complain about your times or rankings. In terms of cross-country, there are harder and easier courses, so it’s not always a level playing field (before the postseason). But I want to do well in both.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Alec Miller

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

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Classifieds 13B Games 12B Real Estate 9B Weather 12B

OCTOBER 13, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Harry Sayer

Paul, Julia and Ramona Pugliese were all smiles.

Brooke and Oliver Dahlberg take a seat with Ameera, Brandie and Axel Rodriguez

ORANGE YOU GLAD IT’S FALL? F

Casey, Shyla and Cece Murphy enjoyed the weekend.

Reagan Lehnert becomes a sheep.

amilies flocked to the Fruitville Grove for the annual Pumpkin Festival, which runs through October.

The weekend event brought hundreds of parents and children to the family market to enjoy such activities as bounce houses, rides, carnival games and the highlight — choosing just the right pumpkin to take home.

Vendors were also on hand selling food, handcrafted art items and more.

There were also the animal companions.

Children fed goats, piglets and even were able to sit and pet a skunk or two. Representatives from Big Cat Habitat introduces (muzzled) alligators to curious children while others enjoyed moseying on ponies in a circle.

— HARRY SAYER

Juliana Balter inspects a butterfly.

Lucas Trimarco brings the hammer down.

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Downtown Improvement District board member Chris Voelker and Joseph Grano welcome attendees.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Joe Grano and Nicole Grano help Serenna Jones at the event.

Party for a cause T

he monthly Fresh Fridays event raised money for a good cause on Oct. 7.

Locals met on State Street for the recurring event, which this month raised money for All Faiths Food Bank to continue its work helping the victims of Hurricane Ian. Volunteers passed out buttons to guests and encouraged them to donate to the nonprofit.

Guests sipped drinks, enjoyed food and danced the night away.

Next-Mark President Joseph Grano said the event raised more than $5,000 by night’s end.

— HARRY SAYER

Brent, Lawson and Michelle Adams attended the event.

Lucas and Roy Marmelo send Jenga pieces toppling over.

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Cookie Decorating Class OCTOBER 19TH 2:00 to 3:00 PM

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Come On In Out of the Rain.

Photos by Harry Sayer

The mangroves are a major part of the scenery at the Historic Spanish Point.

GETTING AWAY

Historic Spanish Point The history-filled nature area recently reopened on Oct. 10.

Twelve indoor pickleball courts with outdoor surfaces!

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

Sarasota’s nature offerings have been disrupted by Hurricane Ian, with some still closed while repairs and cleanup are underway.

Still, time moves on and some places are opening.

One such place is the Historic Spanish Point, a 30-acre environmental space and museum in Osprey.

The waterfront nature showcase has quite a history — hundreds of years in fact.

People often visit the area, which has a number of preserved structures and artifacts, to learn more about that history and just enjoy a pleasant stretch of quiet in Sarasota. The location was acquired by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in 2020.

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IF YOU GO HISTORIC SPANISH POINT Where: 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., special hours for indoor exhibits Price: Free for Selby members, $8 for member’s guests, $16 for adults Call: 366-5371 Website: Selby.org

Now that the Historic Spanish Point has reopened, you can visit too.

HISTORY

Historic Spanish Point has a lengthy history, with its earliest residents being the Manasota Culture who stayed for 500 years. Evidence of their time can be found in a burial ground at the park’s entrance.

Hundreds of years later, the Webb

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

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The Classic Portal structure is good for a picture or two.

Podiatry There are still quite a few historical structures you can learn about on the walk.

WELCOMES

Point” attraction, where skeletons, ghouls and other creepy elements have been put throughout the walk, is set to open Friday, Oct. 14.

On the flip side, some of the smaller gardens (as well as the popular butterfly gardens) are still closed after the hurricane. But patience will see them open again soon enough.

There’s also the “Classic Portal” on the Duchene Lawn, which is an odd marvel that’s fun to take a photo with.

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Historic Spanish Point has plenty to see and, thankfully, much of that is in the shade or with a cool waterside breeze.

Walking through the nature space will quickly take you to pleasant waterside scenery, as well as the well-known Sunken Gardens that are worth sitting in and taking in the air.

Eventually, the walk takes you through the Little Sarasota Bay Watershed, a patch of land that’s crucial in draining water into canals, bays and other bodies of water.

October is also a fun time to visit the area. The “Lights at Spooky

Our second location at Shoppes at University Center opening soon!

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family moved from Utica, New York, to Florida in 1867. They settled at the Historic Spanish Point and established a homestead, opening a number of businesses and services along the way. Guests can see the remnants of that framework today, with the chapel house, packing house, pioneer cemetery and other structures that are still intact. The Point’s Guptill House is a two-story wooden home full of craftsmanship in the style of the original builders.

The Webb family sold the land to Bertha Palmer — one of Sarasota County’s wealthiest and most influential figures — who made the Historic Spanish Point her home. Many of her preserved gardens are still fully up and healthy for guests to walk through to this day.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

WILD FLORIDA An exploration beyond the pavement.

Wildlife take different approaches to extreme weather

E

xtreme weather has long shaped our region and affected its inhabitants. Indeed, hurricanes are part of the natural environment to which native wildlife have adapted. Like us, animals must actively respond to avoid the injury, death and destruction storms bring.

Many animals can sense the large decreases in air and water pressure, caused by extreme weather events. In response, some leave before storms hit, but most shelter in place. Smaller birds and mammals might hide out in thick underbrush or other vegetation, while other species, such as woodpeckers and raccoons, take shelter in tree cavities.

Birds that roost on branches, such

PARK CLOSED Myakka River State Park is experiencing historic flood levels, with high water levels expected in the park for a while. The park is closed to the public until further notice. For updates, please visit FloridaStateParks. org/Parks-and-Trails/MyakkaRiver-State-Park.

ENJOY THE WILD Wild Florida is a monthly feature written by Miri Hardy, the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Miri has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She is happiest exploring wild Florida, often on her bike, and capturing its beauty though the lens of her camera.

as crows and cardinals, have toes that literally lock around a branch when they rest or sleep. Thanks to this adaptation, they choose a thick tree branch close to the trunk on the most protected side and literally go into lockdown until the storm is over.

American alligators and turtles also hunker down, albeit deep in their aquatic habitats.

Research suggests that whitetailed deer take a different approach to storms. They actually increase their movements dramatically, possibly trying to avoid falling trees or windblown vegetation. Like many land animals, they seek higher ground (including human-made structures) to limit their exposure to flooding.

Rising waters from storms also force underground dwellers, such

as burrowing owls and gopher tortoises, to seek shelter in unusual spots. And widespread flooding, as is being experienced in our region, often results in wildlife showing up far from their homes.

Overall, most native species typically rebound quickly after storms, and some even benefit from newly created or restored habitat. However, many animals who do survive are displaced, and storms often change the availability of their food sources.

Unfortunately, endangered wildlife, such as manatees, typically fare the worst during and after a hurricane. And the major flooding and extreme winds associated with intensified weather systems due to climate change have the potential to devastate entire ecosystems. To help wildlife, we can report injured and

Miri Hardy

According to native American folklore, white ibis are last to shelter before storms and first to emerge afterwards, thus symbolizing both danger and optimism.

displaced animals after storms and support habitat conservation and protection efforts as much as possible.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and

the Wild and Scenic Myakka River.

Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own.

Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver

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O

n Sept. 24, area residents had the chance to attend a carefree morning of rest and relaxation provided by Sunserved Bespoke Picnics and Dharma Yoga SRQ. The women-owned, local businesses based near Gulf Gate hosted a meditation picnic at Joan Durante Park on Longboat Key to celebrate National Women’s Health and Fitness Day. September was National Yoga Month.

“Today, I’m centering everybody and giving them self-awareness and self-care since women put themselves on the back burner usually,” Noelle Segal said, “I’m going to take them through a little bit of reiki, and then I’ll do a meditation with some sounds bath and some special intentions towards women’s health.”

The public event turned into

a private birthday party. Eight women registered, but one group of friends canceled at the last minute because of storm preparations. The five that remained had signed up to celebrate their friend Claudia Lopez’s 48th birthday. A cake was brought in, too.

“That’s what I do with my services, Reni Papalexiou said, “I attend to the needs of the client and try to do everything I can possible to accommodate it based on the occasion.”

After the 40-minute meditation, the picnic was served. A low table was centered under the pavilion, decorated with flowers and surrounded by pillows. Papalexiou served up charcuterie boards and mango pineapple juice in stemless champagne flutes to add a touch of luxury to a natural setting.

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Noelle Segal, from Dharma Yoga SRQ, leads the group in a sound bowl meditation.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

SARASOTA 100 Central Avenue PH01 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,764 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4533365 $3,499,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1204 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,582 Sq. Ft. Michael James & Laurel James 941-724-4034 A4544975 $3,100,000

#FloridaStrong

ST. ARMANDS KEY 315 Jackson Drive 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,514 Sq. Ft. Terri Derr & Rita Holbrook 941-356-6694 A4546074 $2,550,000

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4540753 $2,195,000

SARASOTA 4234 Palacio Drive 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,636 Sq. Ft. Donald Geikie & Dana Cook Westmark 941-356-8457 A4547991 $1,450,000

SARASOTA 8918 Bloomfield Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,736 Sq. Ft. Susan Elkins & Priscilla Adams 941-374-6016 A4537328 $1,150,000

SARASOTA 5315 Cicerone Street 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,312 Sq. Ft. Elisa Gersman & Marcia Salkin, PA 941-735-0595 A4545261 $1,150,000

SIESTA KEY 5740 Midnight Pass Road 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Melba Jimenez PA 941-356-3970 A4548376 $1,100,000

SIESTA KEY 4822 Ocean Boulevard 5B 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,435 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei 941-685-3198 A4543970 $1,095,000

SARASOTA 1001 Benjamin Franklin Drive 604 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,702 Sq. Ft. Camille Buck 941-894-4771 A4549139 $946,000

SARASOTA 1709 N Tamiami Trail 510 1 Bed 2 Baths 1,332 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4539807 $875,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 3300 Rustic Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,864 Sq. Ft. Linda Carlstrom 941-586-5191 A4547955 $870,000

SARASOTA 2501 Tulip Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,545 Sq. Ft. Kelley Callaway & Kim Ogilvie 941-951-6660 A4535312 $599,000

SARASOTA 10291 Morning Mist Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,530 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson & Stacy Hanan 941-376-0218 A4547960 $599,000

SARASOTA 7856 Kavanagh Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,997 Sq. Ft. Susan Alliano 941-735-6571 A4546330 $589,500

SARASOTA 4042 65th Place E 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,143 Sq. Ft. Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4542565 $539,000

SARASOTA 7524 Renato Court 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,693 Sq. Ft. Marci McFarland 941-961-3390 A4546190 $510,000

SARASOTA 2301 Cass Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,780 Sq. Ft. Angela Adams 941-809-9760 A4548634 $499,000

SARASOTA 2701 Moss Oak Drive 19 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,985 Sq. Ft. Dede Curran 941-928-3255 A4545644 $485,000

SARASOTA 2315 Temple Street 3 Beds 1 Baths 1,000 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4547758 $450,000

SARASOTA 869 Coleman Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,247 Sq. Ft. Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4547887 $445,000

SARASOTA 6916 W Country Club Drive N V-91 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,768 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell 941-320-8265 A4545965 $439,000

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

9B

REAL ESTATE

Beneva Oaks home sells for $3.1 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

SEPT. 23.

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Beneva Oaks tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Mario Comparetto, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3727 Beneva Oaks Way to Frank and Jayne Steuart, of Sarasota, for $3.1 million. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,422 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA GRANADA James and Stephanie McCue, of New Hope, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 3602 Camino Real to Jack Hamlin, Megan Duran and Luke Coats, of Littleton, Colorado, for $890,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,270 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2017.

Eric Garwood

Built in 1964, the home at 567 Bird Key Drive has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area.

ALAMEDA AVENUE PFI 2201 Development LLC sold the home at 2201 Alameda Ave. to William Harper, trustee, for $670,000. Built in 1959, it has two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths and 1,176 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2021.

NOT FAR AWAY . . .

A quick look at some other top sellers in the area.

BIRD KEY (ABOVE)

SOUTH HIGHLAND Albert George Joerger, of Sarasota, sold his home at 1837 Worrington St. to Jeffrey Devorkin, of Sarasota, for $600,000.

Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,008 square feet of living area.

It sold for $200,000 in 2015.

Michael and Paulette Walsh, of Rumson, New Jersey, sold their home at 567 Bird Key Drive to Holly McCarthy, of Westport, Connecticut, for $1.73 million. Built in 1964, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,414 square feet of living area. It sold for $815,000 in 2016.

UPPER MANATEE RIVER ROAD

Chealsye Bowley, Deanna Bowley and Christina Bowley, of Fort Collins, Colorado, sold their home at 11661 Upper Manatee River Road to Steven Pimlott, of Bradenton, for $900,000. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,646 square feet of living area. It sold for $150,000 in 1991.

SIESTA KEY GULF AND BAY CLUB BAYSIDE JSK Properties Inc. sold the Unit 1204D condominium at 1204 Siesta Bayside Drive to Wesolve Properties LLC for $725,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 959 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2020.

In with the new

SEA WINDS Jill Kathryn Pedigo and Geno Pedigo, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 115 condominium at 6703 Midnight Pass Road to Lucian Dajdea, of Sarasota, for $510,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 964 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2019.

NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Longboat Key

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Sept. 23., in order of dollar amounts.

NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

901 Alameda Lane

Garage

Innocenzo Gagliardi

Amount

1700 North Drive

Renovate Pool

Michael Long Jr.

966 Alameda Lane

Pool

Harriet Bundy

2165 Bay St.

Windows

Giovanny Orellana

1661 S. Jefferson Ave.

Mechanical

Douglas Brown

$19,019

3423 La Paloma Ave.

Relocate Boat

Michael Shroder

$15,435

$215,000 $85,000

Downtown St. Petersburg

House $71,140 $23,560

Lift

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com 2 UNITS LEFT

340 S. Palm Ave. #93

Mechanical

Walter Serwatka

$10,533

35 Watergate Drive #1501

Mechanical

Barbara Brizdle

$8,604

2735 Lyle St.

Mechanical

Bruce Blum

$8,192

1718 Seventh St.

Demolition

John Pratt

$4,000

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Permit

Applicant

Amount

4851 Primrose Path

Renaviont/

Randy Barnett

$184,760

Addition 3699 Casey Key Road

Pool/Spa

Katherine Kane

$81,250

7742 Club Lane

Re-roof

Judith Klarberg

$72,922

6620 Markridge Place

Addition

Benard Taho

$47,120

6674 Draw Lane #134

Windows/Doors

Wilfred McPeak Jr.

$37,355

3904 Torrey Pines Blvd.

Windows/Doors

Betty Kernan

$36,000

4982 Oldham St.

Solar System

Charles Delannoy

$31,960

1077 Eisenhower Drive

Solar System

Andrew Pyatt

$27,648

4588 Deer Trail Blvd.

Windows/Doors

Adam Carter

$27,228

1717 Southpointe Drive

Garage Door

Robert Pappas

$26,964

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

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

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

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of February 2022.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373674-1

Address

10B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

PET PICS

ING D N PE

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

6300 Midnight Pass Rd #1107 $1,525,000 20 Whispering Sands #106 $1,300,000

SIESTA KEY. CRYSTAL SANDS. Full Gulf and Beach views from every room. Turnkey Furnished. Private beach and 2 heated pools. Located near Southbridge for dining and shopping. MLS A4547850

1030 Sylvan Dr

SIESTA KEY. First floor unit, walk straight out to 850 ft of private beach on the Gulf of Mexico. 2BR/2BA end unit.

MLS A4545037

$1,899,000 51 N Tamiami Trail

SYLVAN SHORES. Waterfront Investment Opportunity. Build your dream home or rent the existing cottage on Whitaker Bayou. Direct access to the Bay. MLS A4536183

$400,000

OSPREY. Excellent location! Vacant corner lot zoned CG (Commercial General) with 116 ft of frontage on US 41 just north of Bay St. Prime area of growth.

MLS A4542553

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

381949-1

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

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

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

PENSIVE POOCH: Henry loves fishing the Intracoastal at Dolphin Bay on Siesta Key.

Coldwell Banker Realty Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE.™

TILE & STONE

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MOSAICS

CABINETRY

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COUNTERTOPS

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FLOORING

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE. ™ 941.355.2703

|

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

386887-1

VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

11B

HEARING AID

BLOWOUT SALE ONE WEEK ONLY MONDAY, O C T. 1 7 T H - FRIDAY, O C T 2 1 S T

SAVE $1000 i

ON OUR MOST POPULAR HEARING AIDS

O N LY

FULLYTIC!

895

$

A

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EST WE WILL T YOU IT YOU AND FTELY U L O S AB

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N O R M A L LY $ 1 , 8 9 5 i

Discount for pair (2) of Star Hearing Aids. iiDiscount for Star Evolution 1 Hearing Aid (1) only.

WE FIT & SERVICE ONLY THE WORLD’S BEST HEARING AIDS

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE!

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Our Video Otoscope can detect if ear wax may be the reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

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HEARING EXAM & CONSULTATION! NO OBLIGATION!

VIDEO EAR SCAN MAKES SURE IT’S NOT EAR WAX

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

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OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE

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OPEN NOW: 2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

BRADENTON 941-201-6076

DELRAY BEACH 561-501-4392 4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

ROYAL PALM BEACH 561-631-8757 11985 Southern Blvd (Publix at Crestwood Square - next to Carter Healthcare)

(Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

BOYNTON BEACH 561-619-9274 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER 561-529-3011 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

390024-1

SARASOTA 941-210-4310

!

12B

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, OCT. 13 High: 80 Low: 70 Chance of rain: 63%

FRIDAY, OCT. 14 High: 85 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 12%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Oct. 13

7:28a

7:02p

Friday, Oct. 14

7:29a

7:01p

Saturday, Oct. 15

7:29a

7:00p

Sunday, Oct. 16

7:30a

6:59p

Monday, Oct. 17

7:30a

6:59p

Tuesday, Oct. 18

7:31a

6:57p

Wednesday, Oct. 19

7:32a

6:56p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, OCT. 15 High: 85 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 8%

SUNDAY, OCT. 16 High: 84 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 7% MaryAnn Tygh Parks captured this heron taking off over Celery Fields.

Oct. 25 New

Oct. 31 First

Nov. 8 Full

Nov. 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Oct. 3

0

Tuesday, Oct. 4

0

Wednesday, Oct. 5

0

Thursday, Oct. 6

0

Friday, Oct. 7

0

Saturday, Oct. 8

0

Sunday, Oct. 9

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2022-23 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2023, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 48.54 in.

2021 43.40 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 1.30 in.

2021 0.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.355.8437 | Bradenton

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

e.g. (Abbr.)

32 Middle Eastern country 1 Real humdingers home to the world’s oldest 8 Sauna stuff dam 13 Snapback feature 17 Seasonal purchase that 34 What opens doors for counts down the days until journalists?

37 Aries symbol Christmas 38 Discontinue, like a show 20 Actor Reeves 21 Antiestablishment move- 39 The ___ Piper of Hamelin 40 Arroz con ___ (rice ment pudding) 22 Gets on an airplane 23 One might be in a cast 41 Triage places (Abbr.)

42 Indian state known for 24 Research specialties 25 Automatic garage door tea and silk 43 Woody frames? device 44 Word after “floppy” or 27 “Les Miserables” star “compact” Hathaway 45 Primatologists’ subjects 28 Melissa Joan ___ 47 Extend across 30 Glass of public radio 31 Howard or Alcorn State, 48 Common dog biscuit

shape 49 Ruby, e.g.

50 Worked (up) 52 Mint Mobile and TMobile 54 Stop motion game?

56 Poet’s “before” 57 Hockey Hall of Famer Willie 58 “That’s a ___ to process” 59 “Ooh, ooh, let me!”

60 Fuel additive brand 63 “That’s fantastic to hear!”

65 Mariner’s guiding light 67 Donut-shaped cake type 68 Subj. for some aspiring polyglots 69 Nimble for one’s age 70 Makeshift swing

71 Malek of “Bohemian Rhapsody” 72 “Kisses, my love!”

74 Not off the chain?

75 In high spirits 76 “So cool, dude!”

77 “Awesome, great to hear” 79 Wild pig 80 Maritime forces 81 Programmer Lovelace 82 Mischievous sprite 84 “That’s too nice!”

85 Bartenders and detectives appreciate them 87 GI fare 88 Diatribe 89 Largest continent 90 Thoroughly 93 Like Jupiter and

“BNX’F ENZLJF FOJ JYZFO’R YTNSF EVHJ FONSRYXB WVKKVNX UJYZR NKB, YF KJYRF. GON AYX YEENZB FN KVHJ VX FOJ DYRF?”

OYZNKB DVXFJZ

“P’T XPDS UH BXEV E NHCJS, OEAV BSHBXS UNPAD P EXCSETV NEIS. SPUNSC SAT HW UNS NHCJS YHFXT ZS WPAS.” ZCPUPJN EMUCSJJ TEYA WCSAMN

“HNHGB RPYSZH EUPE XHEM ZTE TY EUH SPGJ GVVD DWME OHHZ P ZTEEZH GHKHRETVY OGVD EUH SPGJYHMM PGVWYS TE.” © 2022 NEA, Inc.

JTGJ RPDHGVY

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

389473-1

38 “___: The Origins of Our Discontents” (2020 bestseller) 39 Gift for a calligrapher 43 “You wanna fight?!”

44 Specifics, in slang 46 Mastermind piece 48 In search of stimulation 49 Sound from an empty stomach 51 Country that’s the world’s second-largest producer of olive oil DOWN 53 ___ game hen 1 Policy for “Dreamers” 54 Crayola color renamed (Abbr.)

Peach 2 A durian has a pungent 55 Sleeping bag fastener one 60 Add while cooking 3 Egg cell 61 Did some road repair 4 ___ garden (meditation work spot) 62 Hunts for food 5 As a team 63 Chew on this!

6 Undying 64 “That’s pretty cool!”

7 Cellphone surface 66 Plant-based sweetener 8 Stack of unsolicited 67 No-goodniks manuscripts 69 Standardized test 9 Business card no. conveniences 10 Walked into 71 Period before television 11 Many are still kids at 73 “Yeah, yeah, the joke’s heart on us” 12 Colt’s mom 74 Parking meter insert 13 Seashore 75 Getting by 14 Unusual specimen 76 Rodent catcher 15 Certain speedway racers 78 Developmental sites?

16 Places where the past 79 “It’s all my fault” can be present?

80 Hardly a perfect person 18 Inits. aptly found in 83 Wander the web “Obamacare” 84 Lively Carnival dances 19 Some family secrets 86 Stretch at work?

20 Pond carp 91 Bat Appreciation month 22 Aggressively bold (Abbr.)

26 Performance history 92 Mario Kart character 27 Esoteric with a mushroomlike head 29 Final boss in the video 94 “Yes, monsieur” game “God of War” 95 “SNL” segment?

32 Artist Johns 96 Qatar ruler 33 Like bargain bin items 97 Meshes well 35 Snail’s trail 100 West African staple 36 Ship’s navigational crop route 101 Yellow Monopoly bill

Neptune 95 Ankle’s place 98 Archaeologists dig them 99 “Thanks so much for the help” 102 “Things ___ as they seem” 103 Whirling “Looney Toons” character 104 Blast from the ___ 105 Judges to be 106 High-minded individuals?

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals V

JUMBO FREESTYLE 4 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals U

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: E equals F

Sarasota

390393-1

KARASTAN, MOHAWK, ARI. O, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET

CARPET

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-13-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

RED PAGES Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

WEEKLY MONTHLY

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

SEASONAL Rates

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

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

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

ANTIQUE DRESSER for sewing machine and supplies, very nice, 4-drawers, dark wood $199 (941)807-1884 BOSE WAVE music system IV, $199. (941)321-2694 COLLECTIBLE BOOKS on Toys, Film, Silent Movies, Slots, Boxing, Lighters, etc. $1.00 each.

941-921-1815

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! VINTAGE QUILT ‘41, sunbonnet gal, 64”x69”, pink/multi $45; Hull pottery vase,13”x4, $30.

941-320-8345

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

jobs

941-955-4888

Help Wanted BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE Developer I/II (Data Engineering).

Jackson Hewitt Technology Services LLC. Sarasota, FL. Work w unstructured data stored in XML & JSON. BS: CS, IT, Info Sys, or rel. 3 yrs exp design & deve BI sys inc unstructured big data tech. Other exp req. Apply: https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/c areers/.Job ID 17087.

real estate

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE!

www.rentalsonlongboat.com

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

SWEET DEALS HERE!

www.YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Cleaning

FLOAT YOUR boat in the Ritz/ Hyatt basin from your beautiful marina townhome. 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3/balconies, 24/hr security. Large boat dock available. Annual $5,500/month +utilities. Available October 1st. Service pets only.

No smoking. 847-331-6961

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals ISLANDER CLUB LBK, on the beach. Beautiful, direct gulf view from all rooms. 1,300 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA, turnkey furnished. Close to publix and CVS. Newly updated kitchen.

Available now or anytime after until October 2023 with potential for longer. $6,900-8,900, rent varies with lease length. 4 months minimum. Prefer 4+ months.

773-456-5768

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

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

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Adult Care Services CAREGIVER AVAILABLE for morning shower, business assistant, nights & some weekend travel. Call Diane (941)545-5992

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 Please call 334-739-3409

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

Want Some Mad Money?

Sell Your Item for Free! $200 or less YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Don’t forget the earth’s about five thousand million years old, at least. Who can afford to live in the past?”

Harold Pinter Puzzle Two Solution: “I’d like to play a horse, many people think I already have. Either end of the horse would be fine.”

British actress Dawn French Puzzle Three Solution: “Every candle that gets lit in the dark room must feel a little rejection from the darkness around it.”

Kirk Cameron

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

©2022 NEA, Inc.

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

Since 1939

home services

42 LIBBY Cocktail Glasses $85(941) 356-2657

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Wagner Realty

Condos/Apts. for Rent

You’re only cheating yourself.

4 BISTRO/BAR stools, outdoor, swivel, high back, arms, beige, excellent condition, $25 each 941-218-9908

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Ask about our special rates!

Adult Care Services

MOW OVER the competition!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Doors

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Dustin Yoder

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

389770

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Gulf Coast EstatE auCtions

SELL YOUR CAR!

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

388405

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Let Gulf Coast Estate Auctions organize & hold an estate sale for you.

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Furniture Repair

5-Star Rated

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

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 941-504-0903

389772

Cleaning

Home Services

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

390226

HoHoBuysCars.com

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

AM Art of Cleaning

Golf

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

GOLF CART

REPAIR

amartcleaning@gmail.com • Residential & Commercial • Post-Construction • Move In / Move Out • AIRBNB

CHASE COURNAN

389226

(941) 704 - 7512

cwccustomscarts@gmail.com 2007 Whitfield Park Ave Sarasota, FL 34243

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888 Computer

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away Dave and Connie Grundy

LITHIUM B AT T E RY

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

CONVERSION

L B S G

I F T K L U E T O P E A K ENERAL R

I T O T E R EPAI

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

S H S R

Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

388407

(941) 822-3036

Handyman

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

24/7 SERVICE

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

6968 Beneva Road 390232

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

(941) 809-7311

FREE

ESTIMATES!

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

390233

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

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

ZIPPYZ

GROW

Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing

YOUR BUSINESS Advertise as low as $85 per week.

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

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

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Estate Sales

Auto Service

941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691

zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com

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

Pegatronics.com 389164

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

YoderAluminum.com

941.270.4400

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

389771

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

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

389985

Aluminum

Home Watch

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

941-735-3362

Call us today! 941.628.8579 388411

www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

249 235 235

$$

$

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”) SCREW GRAB

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGE AREA: RANCH TO S. VENICE COVERAGE AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT

NEED HELP?

388417 364556

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

388179

Doors

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

390314

|

389179

SARASOTA OBSERVER

DRGRABBARS.COM

Find business and service professionals in the Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

390234

14B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Plumbing

General Plumbing Services Inc.

THE GRAB BAR GUY

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

• 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

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Licensed & Insured

GULFCOAST EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS

941-725-4344 FREE ESTIMATES

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Dustyn McCauley

6771 Professional Pkwy., Suite 101 Sarasota FL 34240

PAVERS & TRAVERTINE

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Pool Decks . Driveways Patios . Paver Repairs @gulfcoastexteriorsolutions Walkways admin@gesfl.co | gespavers.com

Lawn Care

ON TARGET

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

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

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance 389180

724-2945

941-345-5264

Movers

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Roofing

Wizard Moving SRQ

Manufacture and workmanship

(941) 345-5264 389181

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

by

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

38 Years Experience

Pet Services

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

941-228-9850

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

(941) 966-2960

Joe Murray, Owner

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Made for where you live. Here!

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

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad

Windows Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

All Work Guaranteed

Melanie Gates

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Warranties

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

390235

3687676-01

Licensed & Insured

Rescreening & Repairs

Curt’s Lawn Service

Pet Care

390237

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

ALL YOUR PAVER NEEDS

389182

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

388410

Call John 941.377.2940

Lic. & Ins.

Trees

388418

390228

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

389777

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

388409

388416

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

373-9299

15B

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Professional Services

GLENN KROECKER

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Roofing

390236

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

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16B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

Featured Listings

Siesta Key | Harbor Towne 1249 Dockside Place #110 | $899,000 Robert Ruiz | 941.544.3299

Lakewood Ranch | Lakewood Ranch Country Club

Sarasota | The Landings

7990 Royal Birkdale Circle | $2,395,000

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,799,999

Robert Ruiz | 941.544.3299

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302

Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Siesta Key | Peppertree Bay II

Myakka City | 10 Acres

1200 E Peppertree Lane #206 | $789,000

6410 Wauchula Road | $1,995,000

Michelle Borysek | 941.413.8597

Samantha Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732 Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Palm Beach | Florida

Naples | Florida

299 Tradewind Drive | $19,500,000

1325 Murex Drive | $15,500,000

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Naples Broad Ave S Office | 239.307.4612

Nantucket | Massachusetts

Hobe Sound | Florida

105 Low Beach Road | $16,995,000

318 S Beach Road | $22,900,000

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Jupiter Island Office | 722.546.2381

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