Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 6.23.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

A special day.

PAGE 13B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

VOLUME 18, NO. 30

YOUR TOWN

‘A victim of our success’ Housing forum spotlights how affordability grew into a serious issue. SEE PAGE 3A

Harry Sayer

Hetty has a great month of June Hetty the dog is having a good month.

The small-but-mighty canine has been out and about on top of her parade float at various dog-related functions in Sarasota, but June in particular has been big for the pup.

She and owner Gail Yeager won a costume award for their owner/pet matching flamingo costumes in early June at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime’s dog costume contest.

They didn’t stop there.

Yeager and Hetty recently were named Grand Prize Pet Parade winner at Project PRIDE SRQ’s annual pet parade at Bayfront Park on June 18. Hetty rode in a swan float adorned with pride colors.

How does her

GARDEN GROW?

Courtesy photo

It’s good medicine

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is full of medical professionals working hard to save lives, but a handful recently had a different goal: serving drinks at the EPIC bartending event at Michael’s Wine Cellar.

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation-hosted event featured directors of programs and services at SMH taking over the bar for a good cause. Tips went to SMHF’s EPIC campaign.

The top-earning bartender was Jim Young, director of Surgical and Procedure Operations at SMH (above), who brought in $3,317 in tips.

Harry Sayer

Many of the flowers Sandy Payson creates are made from pages from a colorful flower book.

Sandy Payson’s blooming blossoms sprout from her imagination, not the ground. SEE PAGE 1B

Building a better EDC

Turtle Tracks AS OF JUNE 18 TOTAL NESTS: 2022 Siesta Key 50 Lido Beach 14 Casey Key 229

Economic Development chief focuses on revamping agency while county commissioners aim to defund it.

SEE PAGE 4A

2021 69 11 193

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2022 2021 Siesta Key 82 66 Lido Beach 26 35 Casey Key 263 217 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Andrew Warfield

Lisa Krouse has been interim executive director of the EDC of Sarasota County for one year.

A+E

Plenty of hoopla for circus show.

SEE PAGE 12A

2A

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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WEEK OF JUNE 23, 2022

Popular boating beach off-limits

“I was praying. I was thinking, ‘Oh, please let me win.’ ”

A segment of a popular boating destination on the northern tip of Longboat Key will likely be off-limits to boaters but not swimmers by the July 4 weekend after a final vote Monday by the Town Commission.

Commissioners gave final approval in a special meeting to bathingbeach designations for two stretches of beach on the eastern-facing portion of Greer Island designed to block access to powerboats that typically anchor or beach there.

Buoys and signs will be added by the town in those areas, and police will enforce the regulations, backed by first-time fines of $250 and subsequent fines of $500 for repeat offenses.

Powerboat access to the remainder of the beach on either side of the Longboat Pass Bridge will be unaffected.

Travis Ray, winner of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Star Award. Read more on page 2B

BY THE NUMBERS $3,317

Tips brought in by Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Jim Young during his bartending stint at a fundraising event.

COVER

993

Public housing units built or planned by Sarasota Housing Authority from 2009 to 2025.

Police staffers receive awards

PAGE 3A

18 OF 20

Condos sold in the underconstruction Evolution building on Golden Gate Point.

PAGE 9A

9

Courtesy photo

Small business awards presented by Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Shannon Ciaravella, third from left, stands with Jaxson French, left, Gabriel French, Chloe Sebiro, Halden Parker and Sephena Jackson at the scholarship-awards ceremony on June 20.

PAGE 2B

Aviation company awards six scholarships F

CALENDAR n Sarasota County Commission budget workshop — 9 a.m. June 23-24, third-floor ThinkTank, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m July 5, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

or years, Dolphin Aviation has presented students with scholarships to help them through college.

Rather that focusing strictly on academics, founder Ron Ciaravella made it a priority to award hard-working B or C students who need an extra push to start their college futures.

With Ciaravella’s passing in 2021, his wife, Shannon Ciaravella, welcomed high school students to Dolphin Aviation to present them with scholarships this week.

“I am honored to continue the philanthropy Ron began 20 years ago,” Shannon Ciaravella said in a statement.

“Today’s winners exemplify attributes that mirror Ron’s conviction that determination, tenacity and hard work are integral to achieving success. … We want to help hard-working students from single-parent homes who need help to launch their collegiate careers.”

The recipients were: Sephena Jackson, Venice High School, who will attend Florida

State University Gabriel French, Braden River High School, who will attend the University of Central Florida Halden Parker, Riverview High School, who will attend EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University Jaxson French, Sarasota Military Academy, who will attend Concord University Delaney Hampton, Sarasota High School, who will attend Florida Atlantic University Chloe Sebiro, Booker High School, who will attend Florida A&M University.

Several members of the Sarasota Police Department were honored last week during Rep. Vern Buchanan’s 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton.

Each Sarasota Police officer who received an award will be part of the Congressional Record.

Detective Lake received the Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award. Officers Bearden, Bentz, Collins, Crenshaw, Dederick, Gonzalez, Lynn, Spencer and Urbain received the Preservation of Life Award. Sergeants Carter and Misiewicz, and Officers Bernier, Bieker, Chapman, Dederick, Gonzalez, Gonzalez, Laquidara, Lynn, Modrow, Osinga, Schanley, Stevens, Urbain, Worthington and Varlaro received the Unit Citation Award.

Buchanan established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments or units for exceptional achievement. Award winners are chosen by a panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel in the district’s law enforcement community.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

Photos by Andrew Warfield

Lofts on Lemon is a public housing project of the Sarasota Housing Authority. It is scheduled to be completed this year.

Affordable housing solutions?

Sarasota’s recent success isn’t equally distributed as the resulting spike in housing costs are pricing essential workers out of the city.

SO FAR Sarasota Housing Authority new and redevelopment projects: 2009 Janie’s Garden Phase I, 86 units 2012 Janie’s Garden Phase II, 68 units 2013 King Stone, 28 units 2013 Diamond Oaks, 15 units 2016 Janie’s Garden Phase III, 72 units 2021 Amaryllis Park Place I, 84 units 2022 Lofts on Lemon I, 128 units* Planned public housing projects 2023 Cypress Square Phase I, 82 units* 2024 Preservation of McCown Tower, 100 units 2024 Lofts on Lemon II, 100 units 2025 Central Gardens, 30 units 2025 Cypress Square Phase II, 180-200 units *

underway

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

he is 40 years old, earns a decent income in the health care profession and moved out of her apartment because she couldn’t afford the rapidly rising rent. Now in another apartment, she faces the same scenario.

The woman known to Sarasota Commissioner Hagen Brody is just one example of a growing affordable housing crisis he described as he opened a special town hall at the City Commission’s meeting chambers on June 13. Brody organized and hosted the meeting with Sarasota Planning Director Steve Cover to provide details of the city’s efforts toward incentivizing “attainable” housing and receive public input.

Sarasota Housing Authority President and CEO William Russell was also present to discuss his agency’s work to provide public housing for those at or below the poverty level.

As the Sarasota-Bradenton area continues to grow in popularity, rising rents and home prices are forcing long-time residents out of their homes and making the city unaffordable for workforce and public service employees — and even many professionals.

“We’re a victim of our success.

We’ve been on every list you can think of over the past couple of years, and we’re no longer the bestkept secret that we were once upon a time,” Brody said. “That has benefits and drawbacks, and so this is one of those issues that success brings with it, and I think it’s an issue that it is really time to make some headway and some bold moves on.”

Bold moves are often accompanied by controversy, evidenced by some staff-recommended changes to the city’s comprehensive plan.

They include broader administrative review powers for residential projects that include attainable and even affordable housing units, density incentives that include the same and a base density concept that will permit greater density along corridors, transportation hubs, downtown and “missing middle” overlay districts where attainable housing does not exist.

Those changes, which the City Commission in a 4-1 vote sent to Tallahassee for review during its May

Sarasota Planning Director Steve Cover speaks at the affordable housing town hall.

16 meeting, excluded building height exemptions as an attainable housing incentive in downtown and the urban edge. Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch cast the lone dissenting vote, citing last-minute additions to the proposed text amendment and her opposition to expanded administrative review powers.

During the CCNA’s City Commission candidate forum on Saturday, June 11, candidates, including incumbent Ahearn-Koch, spoke against broadening administrative review powers, adding floors to residential buildings in downtown to incentivize affordable units and the base density concept. At the town hall, Brody and Cover were peppered with impassioned suggestions to mandate rent controls and new development home pricing, only to be reminded by Brody that state law prohibits most if not all of them.

Among those restrictions is mandatory inclusionary zoning, leaving the city with few options other than to incentivize developers.

“We are either going to take two paths. We’re either going to continue down what I see as a road of exclusion, and we’re going to continue to see people priced out of this community … and it’s going to become a more and more exclusive community,” Brody said, “or we’re going to choose a path of inclusion, and we’re going to try to start taking steps to remedy the situation or at least improve it. I don’t want to kid anybody that anything we’re doing or saying is going to change this overnight. It’s a huge issue.”

Just how attainable is attainable housing? By definition, attainable housing is that which is affordable to households earning between 60% and 120% of the metropolitan statistical area’s average median income.

In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA, that’s more than $108,000 per year. That, Cover said, prices out a number of essential workers, including food service, public safety officials and even medical professionals, not to mention it doesn’t even consider those earning a wage

of less than 60% of the AMI — or $64,800 — whom Cover said the comp plan amendment is intended to benefit most.

Outside the 993 public housing units built by the Sarasota Housing Authority since 2009 and planned through 2025, that leaves few options in a city whose median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,500 per month.

“Let’s say you have a couple with one child where you have a police officer and maybe someone who’s working in a hotel or motel, and they have one child. They can’t even afford a one-bedroom apartment,” Cover said. “It’s the same with two teachers with two children. They would not be able to afford a twobedroom apartment or a three-bedroom apartment. What we’re talking about as all these professions are having a really difficult time even being able to live in the city.”

Two years ago, an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee was tasked with developing a a blueprint for affordable housing. It includes: n Development near transportation hubs, major employment centers and mixed-use development should be identified and supported with transit opportunities. n Adaptive reuse of former commercial buildings and shopping centers. n Provisions allowing for increased density for affordable housing to be granted administratively or by-right rather than requiring a developer to go through a public hearing process. n Conditional density and other structural bonuses for long-term affordable housing as a tool to incentivize workforce housing. n Provide a level of predictability by allowing by-right redevelopment projects that have affordable housing component to undergo administrative review rather than go before the City Commission for approval.

Other than building height bonuses for towers that include attainable housing units, the administrative review process that sidesteps approval of elected officials is the most controversial of the proposals.

Cover said it’s a necessary step to lend a level of predictability to developers in the planning stages rather than exposing months of work and expense to the political process.

“The key word is predictability,” Cover said. “We’re not against public input on projects. We’re going to be doing an evaluation of that as we’re moving forward. One of the things we are looking at is for projects that have proposed attainable housing having a community workshop, so that doesn’t affect the predictability or clarity of a process.

“What we don’t want is it to get muddied to a point where you have no idea when the project’s going to be approved because that immediately results in people saying, ‘No, I’m not doing this. I’m going to do a conventional project.’ We will be interacting with communities, the CCNA and other groups, a great deal before (the administrative review process) eventually comes forward to the commission.”

STRATEGIES

Exising and proposed options to help address the shortage of attainable and affordable housing in the city of Sarasota.

EXISTING n Citywide Accessory Dwelling Units: Allows homeowners citywide to have the second unit as part of their property, either attached, detached, above garage or in the structure for rental income. n Cottage Court Housing: Allows greater flexibility to locate and orient homes and provides density incentives for attainable housing in some zoning districts. n Density incentives: Allows up to 35 units in RMF-6 above the base density of 18 units and up to 50 units in RMF-7 above the base density of 25 units. Attainable units must comprise at least one-third at or below 80% AMI and no more than one-third at 100-120% AMI. n Expedited review for attainable housing projects. n Multimodal Transportation Impact Fee discount/deferral for attainable housing projects. n Inventory of locally owned surplus public housing land suitable for attainable housing.

PROPOSED n Support development near transportation hubs, major employment centers and mixed-use developments by incentivizing attainable housing citywide along major corridors, commercial centers and downtown. n Implement a workforce housing “missing middle” overlay district. n Incentivize housing through adaptive reuse of commercial centers. n Reduce parking requirement to one-half space per multifamily unit designated as affordable with an income at or below 120% of the AMI.

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Andrew Warfield

Lisa Krouse has been interim executive director of the EDC of Sarasota County for one year.

As the third-straight interim executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Lisa Krouse looks back at the organization’s progress over the past year.

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liaison to the business community.

Nearly a year ago, Krouse came out of retirement to become the thirdstraight interim executive director of the troubled organization, her stated mission at the time to stay as long as the EDC needs her to tune up what for years had been regarded as a sputtering clunker on the highway to economic growth.

After nearly 12 months of restructuring the board of directors, appointing committee representative of the community, hiring experienced staff, creating a “concierge services” program for new and existing businesses, and providing transparency regarding the EDC’s activities, Krouse found herself this month fighting for continued county funding before the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners.

The former executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Lakewood Ranch-based FCCI Insurance Group described the progress made by the EDC over the past year during a Q&A with the Sarasota Observer.

Following the recent effort to further defund the EDC by two county commissioners, what is your relationship with that elected body?

We have to appreciate that we have diverse viewpoints, and as long as we are treating each other with respect, I think we should be open to accepting that we all don’t see things the same way. But at the end of the day, there are commonalities, so whether it’s (commissioners) Christian Ziegler or Mike Moran, there are things that we have in common and things that we feel passionate about. I don’t walk away angry or feeling like I’ve been let down. I appreciate the fact that we don’t always all agree.

Is there a misperception among some commissioners about about the EDCs functions, and what does the EDC need to publicly demonstrate in order to continue to garner their support?

I can’t speak to how much they know about our business. I think it’s about valuing the role of the EDC. The history has not served us well, but when you replace a supervisor

SARASOTA OBSERVER

or a manager, you don’t hold that individual responsible for the prior leaders’ actions. It’s unfortunate that we haven’t really had the ability to have a clean slate on some fronts.

County commissioners have been pressing for tangible results.

EDCs in major manufacturing states are able to mark results by the creation of thousands of jobs.

How do you define success here?

We do have unique assets, and I think we’ve been able to demonstrate tangible results. That has made a big difference in the eyes of the business community, people who sit on our board, and those commissioners who voted in in our favor. I recently had a meeting with Tra Williams who owns the FleetForce, which is a truck driver training program. He came to us a little over a year ago and said he needed a lot of land to be able to train. Erin (Silk, vice president of business development) made a connection with State College of Florida and then with CareerSource. Fast forward a year and they have just signed a deal to open another location in Venice.

They train something like 200 drivers in a month, and you can improve your financial status very quickly because it’s going to be a six-figure job.

Short of major manufacturing, what are the emerging industry sectors in Sarasota County?

You’d be amazed by the technology companies like Omeza, which is changing the world of wound care, and CEA, which makes lifelike mannequins to teach the medical profession. I’m just awestruck by what is really here.

As the Sarasota area has gained national recognition as a highly desirable place to live, how is that impacting it as a place to do business?

This will never be a sleepy untold story again. We will never be able to go back to the way it was. When you look at the Bayfront and the plans for the Van Wezel, Mote Marine and Benderson Park, this community is in the midst of a

huge transformation, so we’ve got to make sure that the business community is prepared for the changes while we’re also fostering a business-friendly environment.

How does the unavailability of affordable and attainable housing in the county impact companies here?

The EDC had a roundtable conversation with 25 business leaders at the CEO level and at the university level as well, and without exception everyone pointed to affordable workforce housing as a real challenge for them.

Are you hearing objections from companies you are recruiting because of the housing crisis?

No objections, but what we have heard from companies is that when they have extended an offer to a candidate, whether it be at the executive level or any other level in their organization, they have gotten rejections based on the fact that they cannot find housing.

As a public-private, nonprofit extension of county and municipal governments via interlocal agreements, what are functions the EDC can perform that a government cannot?

We make decisions quickly, so I think that’s a big part of what we bring to the table. Six months ago I was standing at Erin’s desk and up pops a notification that the Stardust roller skating rink is up for sale. She had a client from Chicago who had called her a year ago and said he wanted to open a hockey rink. She picked up the phone and called him and that same week we had six NHL hockey players and coaches come barreling into the office.

They have since closed on the rink and it will become a professional hockey training rink.

Now they are working on a second deal, and the county and city have been instrumental in moving permitting along. We work on speed to market, and businesses need to be responded to quickly. That’s what we are able to do without the constraints of government.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

HOW WE GOT HERE Earlier this month, Sarasota County Commissioners voted 3-2 to continue funding the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County to the tune of $1 million plus in the fiscal 2023 budget, which will be coming together this summer.

And Sarasota County businesses will continue paying license taxes.

The two issues, unrelated but still conflated, were settled at a June 7 meeting of the Commission, handing back-to-back defeats to Commissioner Mike Moran, who wanted to both eliminate the annual tax paid by county businesses and further curtail the funding of the EDC — the county’s third-party nonprofit partner in industry recruiting and providing concierge services to businesses — by more than the one-third cut already included in next year’s county budget.

At the meeting, EDC President and CEO Lisa Krouse and Vice

Among the significant changes made is a new board of directors.

How is it different from the prior board?

We realized that the board was not representative of all of the community. We did not have universities and colleges represented on our board, so how do you have a conversation about talent without having that representation? We did not have the arts and cultural community represented as an employer. They represent a huge segment of our employee population and a huge part of the economic drivers in our community. We did not have North Port represented, yet North Port is one of the largest-growing communities. And now we have a communication playbook so the messaging is consistent.

President Business Development Services Erin Silk highlighted multiple course alterations within the organization demanded by county commissioners for several years.

“It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since our last budget presentation,” Krouse told commissioners. “I think it’s safe to say that we have turned the ship, although I would readily concede that it’s not perfect and it hasn’t been easy and that there’s a lot of work still to be done.

did, what the mission was, you would hear 20 different answers.

We came up with a communication playbook so everyone is on the same page about where we are, what we do and why we’re doing it.

As you close in on one year of leading the EDC, how do you assess its progress thus far?

I’m amazed that we’ve come so far in 11 months. We have got a strong team, but I also attribute it to a business community that I think appreciates the work that’s being done.

What is the communication playbook?

What we had heard was if you asked any board member what the EDC

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

BY THE NUMBERS

$5.5 million

Airplane mechanics on the way

Allocation from state budget

40-50

Students that could graduate from the school in a year

50

Employers in the aviation and aerospace industry in Manatee and Sarasota counties

16%

Percentage of Manatee County’s workforce in the aviation sector

14%

Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.’s forecast of the growth rate in the aviation and aerospace industry in the ManateeSarasota region

1,500 File photo

An aviation maintenance school is coming to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Aviation Maintenance Technician School at SRQ opens opportunities for MTC and Suncoast Tech students.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

A

fter at least two years of trying to start an aviation maintenance school at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, the plan is coming to fruition.

The School District of Manatee County, Manatee Technical College and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, in partnership with Sarasota’s Suncoast Technical College and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, will open the Aviation Maintenance Technician School at the airport in 2024, tentatively. The process to begin designs

and construction of the school is a result of $5.5 million being allocated for the project in the 2022 state budget Gov. Ron DeSantis signed June 2.

“It’s exciting, and we’re grateful we can begin to move forward,” said Valerie Viands, director of Manatee Technical College. “We feel like the timing is critical with the shortages of not only mechanics but pilots.

A technical college works with the community to determine workforce needs, and this is an opportunity to meet the workforce needs, begin a program and work with multiple entities to make it a reality.”

Viands said the $5.5 million will go toward the groundbreaking and beginning of construction on the

hangar, hiring a program manager and purchasing equipment for the Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics programs.

The program manager will be tasked with working with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure all the equipment and everything necessary for the school is compliant with FAA regulations.

Once the school is opened, MTC will partner with Suncoast Technical College to provide career certificate workforce training for students to become airframe mechanics and aviation powerplant mechanics. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will prepare students for licenses in aviation maintenance as

Annual openings for aircraft mechanics and service technicians statewide

$65,050

Annual mean salary for aviation mechanics and service technicians in Florida

11%

Projected growth in overall employment for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics from 2020 to 2030

14,400

Projected yearly openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians this decade

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In this stunning waterfront double lot home on Sarasota Bay’s Tidy Island! This palatial Parker Walter Group-designed home offers three levels of indoor/outdoor living space with a total of 11,330 square feet! Brazilian cherry floors and cypress-lined ceilings exemplifies the highest-end material and finishes. Complete with an elevator, the accessible 3-floors offer 5 bedrooms (plus a bonus room), 4.5 bathrooms, and a 4-car garage. Entering the home, the breathtaking staircase leads you to the 2nd level with an expansive view of the bay, a chef’s dream kitchen including a Wolf oven, large gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, dual Fisher-Paykel dishwashers, expansive counter space, beverage station with wine cooler, and storage. Enjoy this open concept living with limitless entertainment space for your family and friends with the master suite, guest, and bonus rooms nearby. Ownership on Tidy Island is the distinctive opportunity for you! $3,200,000 MLS #: A4537194

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

well as advanced training in the aviation industry.

“They will be supervised by professionals in their field,” Viands said. “The instructors that are hired already would be certified and have a significant amount of years of experience in the field.”

Students enrolled at the school will complete both the Airframe Mechanics program and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics program within a year and a half to two years.

Viands hopes between 20 and 25 students will be in its inaugural class.

Like many of MTC’s programs, the aviation school will have enrollment twice per year, meaning potentially 40 to 50 students could graduate and be placed in jobs each year.

Aviation Maintenance Technician School students will have a combination of classroom work and handson experience in the two programs.

Students will work with planes that are being retired and designated for the school.

“Any time you can train at the facility where someone does the job, you see it, you hear it, it becomes real,” Viands said. “There are some schools that have the aviation program on campus, and they have the engines, but the whole aircraft might not be there. This way, they’re right there. They have it right outside the classroom, and they can see and touch it and be involved with the actual experience.

“They can hear the engines, and they can taxi the plane right there for testing and things like that.”

Viands said Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is the perfect location for the Aviation Maintenance Technician School because it can draw students from not only Manatee and Sarasota counties but also surrounding counties.

“Looking around currently, where would you find quality people to come in and do the mechanics on the airplane”? Viands said. “You would have to recruit from out of the area or potentially out of state. We’re hoping that by bringing it right there to the airport, we can provide the need and then be a hub to have opportunities for students to go other places and seek other opportunities where there are mechanic jobs available.”

Rick Piccolo, the president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton Inter-

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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“This is a great opportunity to open up a career field for children in this community and give them a worldwide economic opportunity.”

—Rick Piccolo, president and CEO, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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national Airport, said graduates of the school will have opportunities across the world because every country has an airport.

“This is a great opportunity to open up a career field for children in this community and give them a worldwide economic opportunity,” Piccolo said.

He said the school will help attract major maintenance operators to the Sarasota-Manatee region.

“Having a pipeline of talent that can be easily fed makes it easier to attract major maintenance operators to the airport,” Piccolo said. “We’ve been working with the Economic Development Council on trying to attract that. Attracting companies to the area provides more economic opportunity, impact on the economy and jobs.”

Piccolo said the demand for aviation mechanics is increasing, with Boeing estimating the industry will need 626,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, an average of 14,400 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year over the decade. The average salary for aviation mechanics and service technicians in Florida is $65,050.

“It’s a well-paying job,” Piccolo said. “Kids who are graduating high school and who are not university bound can go to MTC and get a mechanics certificate and go to work. It offers them a great occupation that as they get experience and work can lead to a great career field.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

“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 / Shawn Candela, SCandela@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

Where’s the party?

Sarasota is known for its robust social scene full of fundraisers and events. But with its lack of large-capacity venues, area organizations fret about where to host their events in the future.

EMILY WALSH PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

O

n June 17, the Sarasota Chamber hosted its Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards at the Hyatt Regency. With nearly 600 people in attendance, President and CEO Heather Kasten said even sponsors were seated near the back of the 9,879-square-foot ballroom.

Which made us wonder, with the impending redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency, what venues are left to accommodate indoor events for more than 400 people?

In a town that is very much centered around events for both the business and nonprofit communities, and with 75 major events already booked on the 2022-2023 social calendar (and surely more to come), event and meeting space is a hot commodity. Currently the only event spaces with enough square footage to accommodate large indoor events are the Circus Arts Conservatory, with 15,000 square feet; Hyatt Regency, with 9,879 square feet; The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, with 12,100 square feet; and the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, with 10,000 square feet.

Phil Mancini, co-proprietor of Michael’s On East, has 35 years of experience in the event and catering business. He said there are venues to accommodate dinner functions, but hosting lunch events is where the problem lies.

“In the evenings, we have a lot of big groups over at the Circus Arts Conservatory,” said Mancini.

In April, due to weather conditions, Mancini persuaded the Sarasota Ballet to move its gala from a tent in front of the Sarasota Opera House to the Circus Arts Conservatory. “Now the ballet wants to have their event there for the next four or five years,” he said.

Mancini said space is going to be needed after the Hyatt Regency closes to be demolished and rebuilt, and especially with the possibility of the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium being managed by The Players Centre for the Performing Arts.

But he also thinks parking is more of problem than space. Michael’s On East is the exclusive caterer for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and, Mancini said, “Selby can’t do any lunches or brunches until next summer because there’s no parking.” He added: “I think my ballroom is going to be very busy.”

In May, the Sarasota City Commission denied a proposal from The Players to lease and manage the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and instead instructed The Players, Bay Park Conservancy, Sarasota Film Festival and city staff to continue discussions on how best to manage the auditorium. (Full disclosure, I serve on the Bay Park Conservancy Board of Directors.)

Many area groups that have held their fundraisers and events at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium were worried about its availability if The Players took over management. CEO William Skaggs said The Players still wants to host events for other nonprofits. “We want to continue to have availability for the Library Foundation, Girls Inc., certainly, and the Debutante Ball has been there forever.”

Luckily, area organizations don’t need to be too concerned right now.

Wes Santos, general manager of the Hyatt Regency, said things are still business as usual.

“Kolter hasn’t officially taken over,” he said. “We have business booked through July of 2023 and are cautiously looking at business in the fourth quarter of next year.”

He said a lot is still being discussed and they will have more insight when Kolter closes in July.

“There will be a lot of collaboration with Kolter on where things go regarding a sales perspective,” Santo said.

Director of Sales and Marketing Debbie DeVito reiterated: “We’re not turning away any business.”

Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota, said recent talks with Kolter show the Thompson Hotel replacing the Hyatt will have a smaller ballroom than the Hyatt but more square footage than the 5,510-square-foot Westin, and that nothing is official until permits are filed. Not only will this affect event business, but also meetings.

“With the St. Regis coming online in June 2023, it’s going to be a different kind of meeting that comes to Sarasota,” said Haley. “It’s going to be continued high-end meetings and incentive travel that right now mostly goes to the Longboat Key Club and The Ritz. What we’ll lose is the lower-rated state association events and what to do with our big local events, proms and fundraisers.”

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At a recent Observer Media Group event exclusive to our members, “Newsies,” Haley shared that there is real opportunity for a conference center. She thinks that the last piece of land large enough to build a conference center is the land where the U.S. Postal Service office resides at 1661 Ringling Blvd. in downtown Sarasota. She said, “I don’t own it, but I’ve been told that post office leases are really long and almost impossible to break.”

Other organizations have seen this opportunity. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is about to start construction on a 10,000-square-foot ballroom inside its 28,000-square-foot Morganroth Event Center on the Larry and Mary Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life, which will open in summer 2023.

“This is mostly an existing building, previously a large theater and gathering place, and we have the opportunity to update it for today’s needs,” said Shep Englander, CEO. “There is a shortage of event venues that have a large capacity in the market. We’ve taken over the role of the former Jewish Community Center for our Jewish events, film festival and book and lecture series.”

Chief Advancement Officer Hermonie Gilpin said the space is not only for the federation’s own events, but also for other non-profits and diversifies the organization’s revenue model.

Englander said the space is aimed at serving families celebrating weddings, anniversaries and bar mitzvahs, as well as non-profit events and local business conferences.

So for now, everyone can take a short sigh of relief and party on.

What will be interesting is to see who else comes to the table with a solution for larger event spaces.

There are four event sites in Sarasota with about 10,000 square feet or more. One of them is the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium (top) and another is The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (above).

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

Given the events of the last several weeks and the initiatives in Congress to address gun violence, we would like to urge your support for the following elements that are contained in the various legislative alternatives.

To begin, we are a group of concerned citizens calling for bipartisan action. Four of us are members of the Republican Club of Longboat Key, and four of us are members of the Democratic Club, also of Longboat Key. We fondly refer to our group as “The Miracle on the Key.” We have been meeting for the past 18 months in an effort to support, among other things, the development of a civil dialogue among all our citizens, the media and, particularly, our political leaders.

The elements of productive legislation focused on reducing gun violence include: n Mandating background checks for all gun purchasers; n Raising the age to 21 to purchase a firearm. The logic for minimum age of 21 to buy alcohol should be applicable for guns as well; n Eliminating large-capacity magazines from purchases by the general public; n Eliminating armor piercing and soft-point ammunition purchases by members of the general public; n Prohibiting sales of body armor to the general public; n Establishing a waiting period for all firearm purchases.

While it is certainly true that there is always a person pulling the trigger to create the tragic events like Uvalde and Buffalo, and also true that we need to develop better ways of identifying and treating these potential perpetrators before they take action to harm their fellow citizens, there is also no question that restricting the ability to procure firearms used

A supply chain issue halted construction of The Evolution condominiums at Golden Gate Point, but work is expected to restart in July.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

F

or months, a luxury condominium at the entrance to Golden Gate Point has appeared like an abandoned construction site because little to no activity has taken place at The Evolution. Inside the screened construction fence at 111 Golden Gate Point, grass and weeds have overtaken some of the property as stacks of materials await outside the eight-story shell.

The supply chain bug has bitten the project, but work is expected to resume by mid-summer.

A delay in delivery of floor-toceiling, custom-made windows, according to Evolution Sales Director Vlado Konatar, is the cause of the stoppage. Everything that can be done prior to drying has been done, and once the hurricaneimpact, protective-coated, heatresistant glass has been installed, construction will begin.

“They are very high-end windows, and they’re all custom, so it’s not like we can go in and say, ‘Give me some windows off the shelf,’” Konatar said.

Delivery of the windows is expected by the end of June, and activity will restart in July.

“We’ve been waiting on the windows since April,” Konatar said.

“The shortage of materials has really been messing with us, and you can’t do much without windows.”

You can sell, however. Konatar

Andrew Warfield

Construction of The Evolution at Golden Gate Point has been stalled for several months as Gates Construction awaits delayed delivery of floor-to-ceiling windows.

said 18 of the 20 3,500-squarefoot condos are under contract, with the remaining two pending, the latter including a two-story penthouse with 3,500 square feet of interior space plus 3,000 square feet of rooftop terrace — featuring a private pool — that went for $8.1 million.

Prices started at $2 million.

Originally scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, the building should be ready for residents by July 2023, Konatar said.

“We’ve bought everything, so the building is full of material, and the rest is in storage,” Konatar said.

“If we had the windows, we would have been drywalled by now.”

The developer of The Evolution is WB Golden Point, LLC, an affiliate of Europe-based WB Finance, S.R.O. Earlier this month, the city’s planning board recommended approval of a 23-unit luxury condo development, Peninsula Sarasota, at 223 and 283 Golden Gate Point.

for mass casualties will have a positive impact on reducing deaths and injury by gun violence.

All of us come together, Democrats and Republicans, to urge you to collaborate with your fellow Senators and the House to develop bipartisan legislation to reduce gun violence now.

ROBERT GARY, SCOTT GRAY, PAUL HYLBERT, LUCIE LAPOVSKY, LYNN LARSON, ED SABOL, HERB SOROCA, BECKY VAN DER BOGERT LONGBOAT KEY

Focus on issues we can fix I was overjoyed to read your opinion in the June 2 Observer.

It solidified my idea that you have continued to inflame, mislead and generalize the reasons for this country’s current inflation woes, which you cannot fix.

Do you think there are people that will change their opinions based on your column?

There are those who might agree with you, but the “low, middle” income citizens know that the real answer is greed, the almighty dollar. Corporations in this country just rake in the dough and pass on to the little guy price increases caused by so called “shortages.”

It has just gotten ridiculous.

Baby formula? Eggs? Meat?

Supply line issues? It is always something.

In addition, while we are at the mercy of the “market” economy, prices go up without a shortage. Apple juice at Publix went from $5.99 to $8.29 in one week. It is still for sale at Detweiler’s for $5.99.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

Isn’t it a little obvious?

Check out the price increases at Goodwill. Now that is suspicious when they are granted nonprofit status and the items for sale are donated.

Package size at the grocery store decreases, but the price stays the same or even increases. It has all become quite boring, in fact.

But the most important reason for my letter is to ask to please, please direct your column toward local issues that you might be able to help change. A city Affordable Housing Town Hall meeting was held on June 13. I hope you had someone report on that.

Reports of car break-ins, porch pirates and thefts are greeted with perceived apathy by the police department. But patrol cars can be dispatched to a call about a dispute over a drinking cup or a complaint about a condominium’s governing board. Reckless driving and speeding are out of control.

How about kudos for adding more instructional signs at roundabouts and the Legacy Trail? A continuous update on the roadway mess at Beneva and Bahia Vista would be beneficial.

Details of the road construction on Tuttle Avenue and Ringling Boulevard could allow proactive changes to our commutes.

You could discuss issues for the betterment of our local community.

Your leadership could bring answers and solutions! I am very doubtful that you can change the inflation mess.

MAGGIE ROSE SARASOTA

BE HEARD

Surely you have an opinion on a town issue. Let us hear it through a letter to the editor. Email them to Managing Editor Eric Garwood at EGarwood@YourObserver.com. Be sure to include your name and where you live.

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LBK Democrats, Republicans suggest gun reforms

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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A private family graveside service was held for Ed Kalin, and a celebration of life event will be scheduled at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to: Sarasota Manatee Jewish Federation, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, 34232 or Ringling College of Art + Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34234.

Edward Kalin was a naval officer in World War II.

ta. He did deals anywhere from the boardroom to the golf course to one time chatting up someone at a stoplight about a property.

Through all his business interests, Kalin, say several people who knew him, was a humble and genuine Southern gentleman, with an authentic curiosity about everyone he met. He was also loyal and generous, as he and Alyce donated to a host of causes, including the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Ringling College of Art + Design.

One of Ed Kalin’s famous sayings was, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice, and it pays dividends.”

Both Cohen and Malkin refer to Kalin as a mensch — Yiddish for a person with high integrity and honor.

Leslie Kalin cites one aspect of her father’s life that proved that: his relationship with her son, Evan Danzig. Ed Kalin was a father figure in his grandson’s life, she says, with a standing grandfather-grandson Saturday lunch appointment for years.

The elder Kalin taught his grandson how to drive, ride a bike and more.

“They just had a beautiful relationship,” she said.

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ongtime Sarasota businessman and philanthropist Ed Kalin never really settled on a hobby.

He played golf a little bit, fished here and there. Owned a boat for a time, too.

Then, in the 1960s and ’70s, Kalin started doing some real estate deals.

That became his passion, outside of work and family. Kalin’s son Jeff says Ed Kalin would team up with a few other Sarasota business leaders, from lawyers to doctors to Fortune 500 CEOs. This group often went in on deals together, from a 90-acre commercial site near Fruitville and Cattlemen roads that later became a Sam’s Club to the Main Plaza in downtown Sarasota.

“They would sit around for hours discussing the details,” said Jeff Kalin. “He obviously enjoyed making money off the deals, but for him, what he really enjoyed was the camaraderie of all the people.”

Ed Kalin died June 9 at 101.

“They broke the mold when they made him,” said Marc Cohen, life partner of Kalin’s daughter, Leslie Malkin, who got to know Ed Kalin well over the previous decade. “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

Ed Kalin was born in Perry, a small town southeast of Tallahassee, and raised in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1941.

He served in World War II as a U.S. Navy officer stationed in the Philippines. He left the service with the rank of lieutenant SG, and the honor of serving his country became a big theme in his life: His daughter said that up until he died, Kalin would stop and salute anytime he saw an American flag.

After the war, in 1948, Kalin partnered with cousins Maurice and Thelma Rothman to found Kane’s Furniture in St. Petersburg. In 1950, after he married Alyce Weiss, Kalin opened Kane’s Furniture of Sarasota. (That store, focusing on higherend merchandise, was a different business from the Kane’s chain the Rothmans grew into 18 locations statewide.) Kalin’s furniture business occupied three storefronts in Sarasota from 1950 to 2016, helping to furnish thousands of area homes.

Jeff Kalin worked for his dad at the furniture store as a buyer and in other roles. It was there the younger Kalin saw the exacting, continuous improvement side of his dad.

“He was tough to work for,” said Jeff Kalin. “But he was also tough, if not tougher, on himself before he gave himself any kudos.”

There was also real estate. At one point, Ed Kalin had a hand in more than 100 properties around Saraso-

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JUNE 23, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Ricardo Sosa epitomizes strength, grace and dexterity.

Think this act wasn’t hard enough? Abreham Mola builds it even bigger.

SUPER FEATS & LYING EYES

Olga Coronas and Holly Legare bring synchronized dance and aerial acrobatics to their act.

The Summer Circus Spectacular lives up to its lofty billing with unbelievable feats of coordination and skill.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

F

or an hour, anything is possible.

When you sit down at the Historic Asolo Theater for the Summer Circus Spectacular, you might not be sure what you’re about to see. But you can be sure it

will be remarkable.

Depending on when you arrive, you might see Pedro Reis, the cofounder and CEO of the Circus Arts Conservatory, in the lobby of the Ringling Museum. You might even be needled by Chris Allison, the clown college graduate, before you get a chance to sit down.

That’s when it gets really interesting. Allison, a veteran of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, provides interstitial comedy throughout the performance, interacting with the audience and providing time for the sets to change behind the curtain.

But it’s the main acts that will thrill

and energize your soul.

The first act, Abreham Mola, performs on the rolla bolla, which basically looks like a plank on top of a tomato can. He stands on it, moving from side to side, looking like he might well be about to hurt himself.

But he doesn’t; he recovers and starts doing stunts.

Mola, at one point in the act, receives assistance from someone on the ground. He’s standing at least 5 feet up on the platform, perched precariously, and someone is throwing shelves at him. Mola deftly catches them, stacks them on the cylinder, stands on top of them.

He’s building a bookcase.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Julio Fajardo Arjona and Seida Maite Ramirez Lobaina

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Audience member Caleb Overholt helps Chris Allison bring the funny.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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The cast of the Summer Circus Spectacular will leave you flabbergasted.

And he’s standing on top, shelf by shelf, without missing a beat.

He’ll also take it apart, stepping down, tossing the planks back off the platform.

And if you’ve ever assembled or disassembled an IKEA bookcase, you know it shouldn’t look this easy.

Mola, born in Ethiopia, will perform a couple more death-defying feats of balance.

He’ll put a ball on top of the platform and a plank on top of the ball, and then he’ll stand on that. By the time he gets down, you’re just happy that nobody has hurt themselves.

The next act, Ricardo Sosa, is even harder to believe.

Sosa, a Cuban hand balancer and contortionist, will flex his body into anatomically impossible positions, and he’ll be able to support all of his weight on one strengthened hand.

There are times when Sosa, 56 years old, resembles an Olympic gymnast on the uneven bars, suspended upside down and spreading his legs. And there are times where

IF YOU GO

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR When: Runs through Aug. 13; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tues. to Fri.; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sat. Where: Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $18 adults, $12 children 12 and under Info: Ringling.org

he resembles something almost inhuman. He’ll stand on a platform, poised on one leg, and curve his other leg all the way behind his head without losing his balance. At one point, he turns around, back to the audience, and puts his entire torso though his leg split. This man is made of Silly Putty and somehow always snaps back into shape.

Allison has the hard act of stitching the show back together when the main acts leave the stage, and he’s

assisted by master of ceremonies Heidi Harriott.

Allison interacts with the audience and calls them up to assist in his juggling and comedy acts, sometimes kids and sometimes adults to help him. But when the laughs subside, another act hits the stage.

The third act, Olga Coronas and Holly Legare, would absolutely be at home in the Olympics.

The pair of acrobats perform on the duo lyra, and their synchronized dance routine is reminiscent of rhythmic gymnastics. But that’s before they get off the ground.

Coronas and Legare grab onto what looks like a giant hula hoop and hoisted into the air, where they continue their high-flying acrobatics. They hang precariously from one hand, using each other’s bodies for support, limbs spelling out impossibly acute angles.

At another moment, they cross over each other’s bodies, weaving into and out of the hoop, legs split and arms akimbo.

One member of the act sits atop the hoop, 15 feet off the ground, while her partner sits inside it.

They’ll use each other’s bodies to perform incredible feats; there will be moments when you can’t tell where one performer begins and the other ends. Somehow, at one point, one member of the team is thrusting outside of the hoop, arms behind her to support herself, and her partner is pointed straight down, head toward the floor. They right themselves again and again before returning to Earth and a relieved ovation.

The final act, well, you have to see it to believe it.

For instance, I can use my words to tell you that one member of the act will balance his partner in his palm, holding her by the head, while she is completely inverted and pointing her legs directly up in the air.

But that doesn’t mean anything until you’ve seen it performed for yourself.

Cuba natives Julio Fajardo Arjona and Seida Maite Ramirez Lobaina’s

act is incredibly sensual, full of elements of ballroom dancing and also balancing acts of wizardry.

Their strength, grace and dexterity cannot be overstated.

Arjona won’t just balance his partner in one hand; he’ll toss her and catch her, guiding her through incredible movements.

At one point, she’ll balance herself … ON HER HEAD … on top of his head.

There are no wires. No nets.

And no chance you can picture it until you see it in person.

By the point Arjona and Lobaina leave the stage, you’ll be emotionally drained, uncertain of how any human being can learn the acts they’ve performed over the last hour.

You’ve seen balancing acts, contortionists and nimble acrobats who perform stupendous stunts without acknowleding the laws of gravity.

And they’ll all come out together, so you can shower them with one final round of applause.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

THIS WEEK THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $18; children over 12 $12; children 12 and under free Visit Ringling.org.

Sarasota, a circus city, is bracing for the summer spectacular, which will bring the art of the circus to the Historic Asolo Theater. The event, a partnership between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling, will bring a number of talented artists to Sarasota through Aug. 13. Heidi Herriott, a third-generation circus performer, will serve as master of ceremonies, and the acts will include an aerial duo, a hand balancing team and a hand balance/contortion act. Abreham Mola, a skilled acrobat and juggler, will perform on the rolla bolla, and Chris Allison, a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College, will provide comic relief.

‘TRIUMPHS’ 4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $29-$40 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

New festival faculty members perform an afternoon focused on individual instruments. Demarre McGill plays Francis Poulenc’s popular “Flute Sonata,” Teng Li leads Rebecca Clarke’s groundbreaking “Viola Sonata,” and Robert DeMaine, Ani Kavafian and Jeffrey Kahane join for Robert Schumann’s expressive “Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor.”

ART WITH A TWIST: GALLERY TOURS 5 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. $15; hotel guests free Visit Facebook.com/ArtOvationHotel.

Art Ovation Hotel’s Overture Restaurant & Gallery Lounge offers a tour of its art exhibitions every Monday to Friday through July 1.

The tour begins in the lounge. Tickets include a glass of champagne and two hours of complimentary parking.

‘ATHENA’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $20-$36 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

You’ve seen rival dramas in just about every sport, but have you tried fencing? This play, written

by Gracie Gardner and directed by Summer Wallace, centers on a pair of aspiring fencers who compete against each other and practice together, but do they really like each other? Runs through July 10.

‘RING OF FIRE’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $45 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Love is a burning thing, and it makes a fiery ring. Scott Moreau stars as Johnny Cash in this show, which will take you on a tour through the beloved artist’s canon.

The show, created by Richard Maltby Jr. and conceived by William Meade, made an outsized impact on Broadway before touring Sarasota. Runs through June 19.

FRIDAY ‘RISING STARS 3’ 2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $15-$22 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The third “Rising Stars” concert of the Sarasota Music Festival features several short chamber works and movements, including Mozart’s “Allegretto” movement from “Piano Quintet in E-flat Major,” the second and third movements of Jean Françaix’s “Quatuor,” and Brahms’ “Andante, un poco Adagio” movement from “Piano Quintet in F Minor.”

‘ROCK & ROLL REIGNITED WITH NOT FADE AWAY’ 6 and 9 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $36 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Cabaret show, based on the classic music of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, has successfully toured the country and performed in more than 150 cities.

The musical arrangements are done by Jared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo. Runs through Aug. 7.

KEITH ALBERSTADT 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

OUR PICK

‘WENDY AND PETER PAN’ Off to Neverland! In an adaption of the beloved tale, “Wendy and Peter Pan” features everyone’s favorite characters, from thieving pirates and jungle rulers to the most lovable, unlikely heroes.

Explore what it means to grow up and the role gender plays in society from a young age in this Dingbat Theatre Project production. Runs through July 10.

Keith Alberstadt is a funny guy, but he also has a big heart. A regular performer for the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Alberstadt has been described as “absolutely hilarious” by Armed Forces Entertainment and “a hidden gem” by the Boston Globe. He’s also a contributing writer for “Saturday Night Live’s” Weekend Update and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”

‘DAMAGED GOODS’ 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $21.50 Visit SarasotaArts.org.

Loretta is a fading star who once shined bright as a child actress.

She decides to re-create herself — and hopefully regain fame — via her gifted daughter, which is exactly what Loretta’s mother did to her. Presented by The Players Centre for Performing Arts, the play by Ron Pantello was the 2019 winner of the New Play Festival.

Runs through Sunday.

MIX AND MINGLE 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $29-$50 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Wind and string instruments intermingle in this Sarasota Music Festival program. The evening begins with “Theme and Variations”

by Amy Beach, the first American woman to compose and publish a symphony. Jean Françaix’s “Dixtuor” for 10 players follows, and the program ends with Beethoven’s “Septet in E-flat Major.”

OPEN MIC 7:30 p.m. at The Reserve Retreat, 1322 N. Tamiami Trail Free admission; two-item minimum Visit TheReserveRetreat.com.

Every Friday night is open mic night at The Reserve, and with Brittany Loeffler hosting, it’s bound to be a fun night. Interested singers, rappers, spoken word poets, comedians, etc., are welcome. Sign-ups start at 7:15 p.m., and the entertainment begins at 7:30.

SATURDAY ‘MOXIE’ BY RITA RUST 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Art Uptown, 1367 Main St. Free Visit ArtUptown.com.

Art Uptown’s newest exhibition opens. In a change from her typical

IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m.

Where: Studio One @ Reflex Arts, 6260 N. Lockwood Ridge Road Tickets: $10-$20 Info: Visit DingbatTheatre.org.

opera finale is changed by Luciano Berio from the traditional ending.

subject matter, painter Rita Rust explores how to find joy and light in the darkest of times with “Moxie.”

The exhibit is on display through July 30, and an opening reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. July 1.

HOPE FROM THE HARP 5 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road Suggested donation $36; students $18 Visit HopeFromTheHarp.org.

‘THE LITTLE MERMAID’ 1 p.m. at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way $25 Visit FutureOfDance.org.

Temple Sinai hosts a benefit concert, with all proceeds going toward the nonprofit Emergency, which helps Ukrainian refugees with medical aid and relief efforts.

Giuseppina Ciarla, the principal harpist at the Sarasota Opera, will perform original and classic songs from her album “A Ticket Home.”

Future of Dance presents its youth program’s spring production perfect for all ages: a dance interpretation of the classic under-the-sea tale. The Sarasota dance school fosters youth dance education, with performances a collaboration of students and faculty.

BENEVA FRUITVILLE’S DRAG QUEEN BINGO BONANZA 8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

‘FROM AMERICA TO ITALY’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $29-$65 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Come see Sarasota’s beloved queen, Beneva Fruitville, in the naughtiest game of bingo in town.

Enjoy performances by special quests and plenty of surprises at the penultimate show of the “longest continuously running theatrical production in Sarasota,” as Beneva Fruitville is conquering a new adventure nationwide. The final Bingo Bonanza will be July 31.

The final Sarasota Music Festival program opens with George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings,” a tribute to his grandmother, a formerly enslaved person. Sergei Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor follows, with a feature performance by violinist Francesca Anderegg. The evening concludes with Felix Mendelssohn’s joyous Symphony No. 4.

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

‘MAYTAG VIRGIN’ Will your 8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, N. Palm Ave. interest1241 retire you?

From $36

HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘TURANDOT’ 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $22 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Over the year following the death of her husband, Alabama teacher Lizzy Nash gets to know her neighbor, the unflappable Jack Key. Their bond grows while they explore self-enlightenment in this love story, and they face the question: How do you know it’s time to love again? Runs through July 31.

Giacomo Puccini’s “Turandot,” completed posthumously in 1926, tells of a prince who falls in love with a princess but must solve three riddles in order to marry her.

One wrong answer and the suitor is executed. In this production, the

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

A+E REVIEWS

Merry Men ‘Hood’ reimagines the legend of Robin Hood in Asolo Repertory Theatre’s inventive musical adaptation.

MARTY FUGATE

IF YOU GO

THEATER CRITIC

‘HOOD’ When: Through June 26 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Tickets: $31-$98 Info: Call 351-8000 or visit AsoloRep.org

“H

ood” is the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s final summer production.

This musical is the brainchild of Douglas Carter Beane (playwright) and Lewis Flinn (composer and lyricist). It’s an old story — 700 years old, at least. I didn’t expect to see anything new. I was off the mark.

Here’s Beane and Flinn’s spin on the legend: Robert of Loxley (Anthony Chatmon II) is the musical’s hero. He starts out as a zero, the coddled son of a nobleman who’s never had to fight for anything.

After the Sheriff of Nottingham slaughters his father, he flees to the forest and gets an arrow in the back.

He’s left for dead, but Meg (Aury Krebs) nurses him back to health. He then slowly rallies the forest fugitives around him.

Originally, he’s just helping them survive; becoming a folk hero isn’t Robert’s plan.

That changes when a panicky aristocrat riding through the woods assumes Robert’s a bandit and mishears his name as “Robin Hood” before tossing him his purse.

A strolling minstrel witnesses this scene and makes up the legend of “Robin Hood” on the spot.

The folk hero’s legend spreads, his followers grow, and Robert/ Robin goes along with it. His merry band gets increasingly skilled at stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

The sheriff, meanwhile, finds out that the man under the hood is Robert of Loxley — who’s very much alive. To change that, the

sheriff decides to lure Robin out of hiding.

First, he uses the threat of his forced wedding to Maid Marian, the love of Robin’s life. Then he tries an archery contest in which the winner gets a golden arrow.

In this retelling, the woman (Savy Jackson) is the ace archer who wins the contest.

Besides Maid Marian’s archery aptitude, the legend is mostly the same. The key difference is the order of cause and effect. Here, the legend of Robin Hood comes first. The man becomes the legend as a result.

Under Mark Brokaw’s direction, this postmodern pastiche unfolds with verve, gusto, brio and panache.

He keeps the show moving and keeps taking you to surprising places. The actors do, too.

As this is a large-cast production, here are just a few highlights: Chatmon’s Robert/Robin grows into the legend. Truth be told, he’s a second-rate archer, but he’s an excellent leader and strategist.

The people need him; he becomes the hero they need.

Jackson’s Maid Marian is no damsel in distress. As noted, she’s a first-rate archer in this retelling.

When the bad guys threaten the people she loves, Marian’s aim is always true.

15A

Photo courtesy of Frank Atura

The cast of Asolo Rep’s “Hood”

Luke Antony Neville’s Will Scarlett is a badass who’s good with his fists. (Imagine Paul Lynde after extensive training with Rocky’s fight coach.)

Nick Rehberger’s naughty Sheriff of Nottingham chews up human lives but doesn’t chew up the scenery. (Like most bad guys in real life, he thinks he’s the good guy.)

“Hood” is a moving musical, in more ways than one.

Ellenore Scott’s choreography is artful and sophisticated but looks natural and spontaneous.

Although the troupe is seriously trained, their dance moves evoke what simple country folk could do.

Scott’s approach helps you relate to the musical’s characters.

They’re human, just like you.

Speaking of dance, Flinn’s merry tunes give Robin’s merry band a reason to move their feet.

In a weak musical, songs are a lazy gimmick to telegraph plot points.

You quickly forget them after the

curtain closes. In a strong musical like “Hood,” you’ll be whistling them on the ride home. Tunes like “There’s a Hero” and “I Say Yes” could stand on their own as pop hits (and probably will).

Music Director Brad Simmons does them justice. Adam Rigg’s inventive set design makes the magic work. His set is a tangle of scaffolding.

Dimly lit, it’s Robin Hood’s tree-fort community in Sherwood Forest.

A push of a button brings LED lights to life and transforms the set into the cold geometry of castles and dungeons. Rigg’s clever costumes also undergo metamorphosis.

Before the show starts, you see the cast in 21st-century gym clothes, doing stretching exercises on stage. As the story unfolds, they gradually put on doublets and breeches.

The musical’s alternate history takes shape before your eyes.

Pretty cool! And only one of

many cool, creative touches.

Nick Lehane’s puppetry and shadow play are two of my favorites. Lehane’s oversized puppets aptly portray corrupt members of the ignoble mobility. They’re hilarious – and convenient if you want to turn a corrupt bishop upside-down.

But some puppets are no laughing matter. Toward the musical’s end, a giant effigy of Prince John looms over the stage. It’s monstrous and terrifying; the perfect image of corrupt, absolute power.

But don’t get the wrong idea, folks.

Merriment, not horror, is this musical’s default setting. Expect plenty of laughs, and just a few gasps.

This is a smart, fun show — and a fresh take on an ancient tale.

I’d assumed the legend of Robin Hood had been done to death.

“Hood” proves there’s life in the legend yet, and I was happy to be proven wrong.

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Incredible Family Entertainment

Visitors experiencing Katrina Coombs’ I M(O)ther: Threads of the Maternal Figure at Sarasota Art Museum, Photo: Daniel Perales

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

SEALED BID EVENT OPEN HOUSE DAYS

JUNE 24TH, 25TH AND 26TH | 1 – 4 P.M.

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During these open houses, an agent will be available to talk to you about the property and also about our Sealed Bid program.

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All the related details regarding the Sealed Bid initiative can be found by scanning the QR code below.

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JUNE 23, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

PAPERWORK GARDEN

Photos by Harry Sayer

Sandy Payson spends plenty of time in her paper garden room.

Sandy Payson has embraced life while battling cancer by crafting flowers with scissors and her imagination.

HARRY SAYER | STAFF WRITER

S

andy Payson has always been drawn to flowers.

They’re a symbol for all parts of life: celebrations,

weddings, births and deaths. There’s something she

enjoys about that.

It’s hard for her not to compare them to her own situation. Payson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer six years ago, and in the time since has undergone operations and chemotherapy to keep it at bay.

She’s found something that’s made it better. Piece by piece, page by page, Payson has created a paper garden in her home.

The Sarasota resident orders colored paper, cuts it into patterns and organizes the blooms into a vast garden that reaches the ceiling.

The flowers are one of a kind.

They’re also, she hopes, something by which she can be remembered.

“Flowers follow us through life,” Payson said. “They’ll come up through a crack in ice or through hot sand. You can always find a little bit of beauty pushing up.”

Payson hails from Philadelphia and moved to Sarasota in the 1970s to attend New College.

She spent years running restau-

rants and delis with her husband before divorcing and starting a new chapter. Ten years ago she met Robert Merrill— they were both recently divorced — and hit it off.

They moved in together and tended to a varied and far-reaching collection of plants, flowers and other horticultural elements on their property. She says it was a good outlet for her need to be productive and get things done.

“Before I got sick, you’d be amazed,” she said. “The work was good for me. I enjoyed seeing something become something beautiful.”

She knew something was wrong around six years ago when she started developing stomach issues. Following a cancer diagnosis, she was given three to five years to live.

“It was completely devastating news,” Payson said. “Zombie-like.”

Payson has been many things by trade but has always been an artist by passion. She typically created

The flowers have several variations and colors depending on what Payson feels like making.

abstract constructs out of clay, spending hours in her backyard workshop, though it became harder as her illness progressed to handle heavy clay.

Payson started thinking about other avenues to express herself.

“I’ve always done some kind of crafting,” Payson said. “I can’t help myself; I’m always cutting paper or doing something.”

She soon found her answer in a picture book of vibrant, vivid flowers that she discovered thrifting at a shop. What’s more is that the book included good, solid paper stock — perfect for crafting.

Payson ordered paper and copies of the book to tear out the pages and create her flowers. It started as something in the middle of the room but has spread to become a veritable garden. The paper artist figures she

can make 20 flowers out of one book.

There’s no pattern. Payson mostly looks at flowers she likes and tries to recreate them with paper.

Chemo treatments left her sluggish and tired, without energy to do much, but she could still cut, craft and form the flowers for her garden and would do just that from her chair as the hours passed.

“Cutting is meditative,” Payson said. “I feel this wash of feeling like I’m a little girl with my dolls. That feeling never happened before (the garden), but I’d realize how happy I felt.”

For Rob Merrill’s part, he’s been a constant figure by Payson’s side.

He’s helped her during her treatments and makes sure to cook and clean for the both of them.

“He treats my artwork like I’m Picasso,” Payson said. “We made an agreement (early in the diagnosis) that we would try to save the unhappy stuff for the very end. We want to focus on the happy stuff.”

They decided to live, and they’ve lived well. In between operations and chemo, they’ve traveled to Europe for months and made memories living the best they can. And through all of it, the garden has slowly grown.

Payson recently hit six years since her diagnosis — she’s outlived her doctor’s estimate — and has since ceased chemo treatment.

She’s been told by her doctors that future treatments wouldn’t be curative and she’s decided instead to be put into hospice care.

“I’m not going to live longer, and I want to be happy,” Payson said.

“I’ve fought and made it past the five years.”

When she dies, she wants the flowers to adorn her casket at her ceremony of life celebration.

Payson admits people sometimes find the idea morbid, but she finds a beauty to it.

“I showed someone (the garden), and she gasped and cried,” Payson said. “Her mother had passed away months before, and she was grieving.

She walked in and had a moment of happiness that wasn’t tangled up with the grief. It gave her this feeling she should be happy again.”

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2B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE ... n Large Business Award: PGT Innovations n Medium Business Award: J2 Solutions Inc. n Small Business Award: Trade Mark Interiors n Community Impact Award: Lightspeed Voice n Minority Business Award: Around the Way Transportation n Non-Profit Award sponsor: Children First n Rising Star Award: Dapper Bowtique n Woman-Owned Business Award: Grapevine Communications n Workforce Development and Innovation Award: Goodwill Industries Manasota Inc.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Joan Leonard, Gabriele Harris and Allison Imre

Recognizing local businesses The Sarasota Chamber awards luncheon was held June 17.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

T

ravis Ray wanted to win.

He told himself it was an honor to be nominated for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards for his Dapper Bowtique company, which provides custom and colorful bowties, pocket squares and other wearable fashions to locals and people across the country, and for a while he believed it.

After all, the Sarasota man had been thinking and planning his small business for five years but incorporated it only two years ago, right at the onset of the pandemic. In many ways, he was just getting started. His business took off during the pandemic; he made face masks across the country but only recently had he been seeing people wearing his designs about town.

But at the awards luncheon, surrounded by his friends and peers at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota on June 17, all he could feel was excitement and hunger to take home the prize.

“I was praying,” Ray said. “I was thinking, ‘Oh, please let me win.’”

When the moment came, and Ray’s name was called as the winner,

all he could feel was disbelief as he took the stage.

Ray was far from the only one to step up to accept an award from the Sarasota Chamber on Friday afternoon. He and eight other winners were the stars of the show during the awards ceremony.

Sarasota Chamber representatives, business people, members of the Sarasota government and friends and supporters of the nominees met for a luncheon that recognized the hard work the city’s local businesses do every day.

After a half hour of mingling, attendees entered the Hyatt’s event space to take their seats and hear from chamber President and CEO Heather Kasten.

Rising Star winner Travis Ray was all smiles with his custom bow tie.

“Today, this entire room is here to do one thing: to thank and honor you,” Kasten said.

Applicants went through a lengthy process to be considered that included written portions and interviews from chamber members and past award winners. Twenty-seven busi-

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Chamber President and CEO Heather Kasten pays tribute to the 27 videos at the beginning of the ceremony.

nesses were highlighted at the luncheon, but nine could claim the top prize for their respective categories.

Those nominees were recognized during a video highlighting their service in the community. Nominees stood up to accept their prizes one after the other as the luncheon carried on.

Ray wants to say how he felt up on stage, but it was really more of a blur.

“I barely remember going up there and giving a speech,” Ray said. “After I sat down and gathered my bearings, I realized I actually won. This was a major shift for my kind of business.”

It was a good afternoon for the Children First nonprofit as well. The local organization that promotes school readiness and cognitive skills for children ages 3 to 5 has been nominated for the nonprofit award in the past but never clinched the top prize.

It was a delight and surprise for Children First Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers, then, that her nonprofit was picked for the award this year. She, along with President and CEO Phil Tavil as well as other staff, went up to the stage to accept the gift and thank the audience. It was the icing on the proverbial birthday cake that the group was celebrating Tavil’s birthday that day anyway.

“Being back at the table felt good,” Rogers said. “It was exhilarating to know this is an award that comes from our community.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

3B

Home Starts With Family.

Susan, Jon, and their daughter Meghan are the ideal combination of entrepreneurial drive and compassionate spirit.

With over five decades of real estate experience in the Southwest Florida market, the Fox Leiter Team provides a concierge approach, allowing their clients to enjoy the exciting journey ahead.

Contact the Fox Leiter Team to start the conversation today!

Fox Leiter Team Real Estate Advisors 941.544.7733 | foxleiterteam@compass.com | foxleiterteam.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

4B

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

YOUR CALENDAR

ING T S I L NEW

File photo

BEST BET SATURDAY, JUNE 25

20 Whispering Sands #106

$1,300,000

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

A RADD SHOW 8 p.m. at 600 Central Ave. There will be plenty of vibes, music and food at this street party highlighting Florida music. The night will feature Sarasota bands Physical Plant and Me Umbra, as well as Orlando band Shreddie King. Free.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

6TH ANNUAL BOB RIZI MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC 7:30 a.m. at the Meadows Country Club, 6999, 3101 Longmeadow. Golfers and fans of the sport meet at the Meadows early Friday for a tournament benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9.

Visit SuncoastSummerfest.com

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SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR Runs through Aug. 13 at at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail. The annual circus show from Circus Arts Conservatory showcases local performances at various times through the week and weekend at the Historic Asolo Theater. Tickets start at $50. Call 355-9805. ​ MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC 10 a.m. at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. If you’re looking to get gardening, this clinic put on by the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partnership will get you up to speed on Florida-specialized gardens, composting and all other sorts of green thumb knowledge. Free. Call 861-2500.

BUTTERFLY ENCOUNTER 11 a.m. at The Children’s Garden and

Art Center, 1670 10th Way. The Children’s Garden features a number of colorful butterflies to the play area when St. Clair Butterfly Foundation releases monarch butterflies into the world. Included with admission, free for garden members. Call 3301711.

LOVELAND’S SOCK HOP GALA 6 p.m. at The Westin, 100 Marina Drive. The Loveland Center in Venice celebrates 60 years of disability services and helping the community with a throwback gala full of poodle skirts and saddle shoes. $125. Call 769-3507.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

HOPE FROM THE HARP 5 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S, Lockwood Ridge Road. Sarasota Opera’s Giuseppina Ciarla performs for the community in a benefit for Ukrainian refugees. Money will be sent to Emergency USA. Suggested donations: $36 for adults, $18 for students. Visit HopefromthHarp.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28

KIDS’ SUMMER BEACH RUNS 5:30 p.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road. The summer series returns with weekly mile fun runs for kids on Siesta Beach. Registration at 5:30 p.m., run starts at 6. Visit Scgov.net.

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1947 R I N G L I N G B LV D | S A R A S O TA , F L | 941. 822 . 070 8

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

5B

Your Child’s Safety Matters This Summer!

School may be out for summer, but learning about safety is always in!

Without school, homework, or after-school activities, children will inevitably spend more time on their digital devices, exploring new places, visiting friends and relatives, and making new friends during summer camps and programs. While these activities are great fun, it’s important for adults and children alike to be aware of the various dangers that youth face online and in real life during the summer months.

At MBF, we believe safety is a team effort which is why we’ve created a free Summer Safety Guide with tips and conversation starters to help you keep the children in your life safe during all their adventures this summer!

Explore our Summer Safety Matters site to learn more about: • MBF’s 5 Safety Rules

• Caution Around Unfamiliar

• Recognizing Safe and

Faces

• Awareness of Digital

Unsafe Adults

• How to Identify Safe Places

Dangers

Visit bit.ly/MBFSummerSafetyMatters

Is Your Child Participating in a Summer or After-School Program?

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children provides FREE prevention education programming to all Florida public schools and partnering organizations! MBF AfterSchool Safety Matters® (ASSM) was developed to help after-school programs, summer camps, child advocacy centers, and other youth-serving organizations educate, empower, and protect children in their communities.

ASSM teaches children and adults how to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to child abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, and digital dangers using an age- and developmentally-appropriate framework that is research based and trauma informed. The program topics are fun and engaging, incorporate art and activities, and don’t require any technology to implement!

Learn more at www.mbfpreventioneducation.org

Want to bring MBF’s Prevention Education Programs to your child’s school or summer program? Contact us for more information.

Follow us on social @MBFChildSafety

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5 Safety Ru LESSON 1: The MBF LESSON 2: Bullying ullying LESSON 3: Cyberb LESSON 4: Abuse fety LESSON 5: Digital Sa Citizenship LESSON 6: Digital

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Every child deserves to be safe!

PROGRAM TOPICS

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

SARASOTA 309 Ringling Point Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 7,009 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4535001 $8,950,000

SARASOTA 1359 Harbor Drive 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,223 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4536349 $4,500,000

SIESTA KEY 8223 Midnight Pass Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,784 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4538492 $3,950,000

OSPREY 1851 Island Way 4 Beds 4 Baths 5,233 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4537690 $3,950,000

ENGLEWOOD 4990 N Beach Road 3 Beds 3 Baths 1,870 Sq. Ft. Marla Crane 251-300-1047 D6125053 $3,100,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 421 Waterside Lane 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,000 Sq. Ft. Kristen Wheat 941-204-8028 N6121593 $3,000,000

SIESTA KEY 472 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4526972 $2,995,000

SARASOTA 13966 Pine Woods Lane E 5 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,531 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4535509 $2,400,000

SARASOTA 3537 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,544 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4535534 $2,300,000

SIESTA KEY 6326 Midnight Pass Road 508 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4523199 $2,159,000

SARASOTA 409 Partridge Circle 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,796 Sq. Ft. Marcia Salkin, PA 941-376-6121 A4536601 $1,950,000

SARASOTA 8188 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,797 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4532966 $1,795,000

SARASOTA 1654 Arlington Street 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,514 Sq. Ft. Ryan Heers 941-726-1703 A4538711 $1,697,000

SARASOTA 1111 N Gulfstream Avenue 7D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,736 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell 941-320-8265 A4535300 $1,600,000

SIESTA KEY 6300 Midnight Pass Road 603 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,240 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4538939 $1,349,000

SARASOTA 770 S Palm Avenue 901 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,532 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4538482 $1,325,000

SARASOTA 7754 Holiday Drive Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4538801 $1,300,000

SIESTA KEY 5880 Midnight Pass Road 310 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,713 Sq. Ft. Linda Stowe 941-228-5685 A4536003 $1,285,000

SARASOTA 8918 Bloomfield Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,736 Sq. Ft. Susan Elkins & Priscilla Adams 941-374-6016 A4537328 $1,260,000

SIESTA KEY 1157 Coquille Street 205 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,760 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4538203 $1,250,000

SIESTA KEY 1335 Siesta Bayside Drive 1335-C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,280 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4536802 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 3031 E Forest Lake Drive 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,270 Sq. Ft. The Collier Group 941-313-1212 A4538419 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 1003 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,305 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4535832 $1,150,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8171 Abingdon Court 2 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,609 Sq. Ft. Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4537189 $1,100,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7322 Eaton Court 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,773 Sq. Ft. Beth Ann Boyer & Nancy Phillips 941-780-6606 A4536897 $1,100,000

LONGBOAT KEY 3060 Grand Bay Boulevard 1101 4 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,413 Sq. Ft. Stacey Fredericks 239-823-0277 A4535637 $4,999,999

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1703 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,276 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group 941-232-2000 A4537226 $4,995,000

MANASOTA KEY 802 N Manasota Key Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,786 Sq. Ft. Maryann Casey 941-468-3741 D6125235 $4,750,000

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6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Harbor Acres home sells for $5.3 million

Other top sales by area

A

home in Harbor Acres tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. John and Carol Bruno, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1373 Harbor Drive to Kenneth Bond Jr., of Sarasota, for $5.3 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,866 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.35 million in 2021.

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Cove James Protigal and Melissa Glantz Protigal, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5215 Siesta Cove Drive to Enriqueto Rey, of Niles, Michigan, for $2.6 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths, a pool and 5,022 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,875,000 in 2007.

PALMER RANCH

Eric Garwood

THE TOWER RESIDENCES William Zwick, trustee, and Efterpi Zwick, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 706 condominium at 35 Watergate Drive to Thomas and Ursula Sanne, of Chicago, for $2.7 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,799 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2016.

DESOTA PARK Kenneth and Teresa Schwab, trustees, of Ozark, Missouri, sold the home at 1959 Hibiscus St. to Francine Webb, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2,625,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,720 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,435,000 in 2020.

Deborah O’Brien and Cynthia Angel, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1872 Hibiscus St. to Gregory and Cynthia Pfeifer, of Sarasota, for $925,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,730 square feet of living area.

POINSETTIA PARK Richard and Amy Schwartz sold their home at 1935 Magnolia St. to Jason and Sarah Loomis, of Sarasota, for $2,515,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,351 square feet of living area.

HOLIDAY HARBOR William Breda Jr. and Angelyn Partridge Breda, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7820 Holiday Drive to William Mark Sparks Jr. and Stephanie Lynette Sparks, of Sarasota, for $1,385,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,184 square feet of living area. It sold for $125,000 in 2013.

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 6-10

RESEARCH EDITOR

This home at 1373 Harbor Drive was built in 2006 and offers four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and more than 5,800 square feet of living area.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL Jeremy Nelson and Richard Corey, of Charleston, West Virginia, sold their Unit 1010 condominium at 1350 Main St. to Ted and Sandra Stuckey, of Macon, Georgia, for $1,165,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $819,000 in 2021.

SARASOTA BAY CLUB Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 423 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Cheryl Krumholz, of Sarasota, for $940,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,790 square feet of living area. .

PLAT OF SARASOTA Nancy Beavers and Gerald Fleit, of Nokomis, sold their home at 1919 Laurel St. to Ronald and Adrienne Watts, of Sarasota, for $725,000.

Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $424,000 in 2015.

LA LINDA TERRACE Damm LLC sold the home at 2283 Hillview St. to Noelle Strogoff, of Sarasota, for $675,000. Built in 1925, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,023 square feet of living area.

It sold for $120,000 in 2008.

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 803 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail to Genevieve Krumm, of Sarasota, for $676,000. Built in 2000, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 1,161 square feet of living area. It sold for $578,000 in 2018.

CITRUS RESIDENCES Citrus Residences Inc. sold the Units 305 and 306 condominiums at 555 N. Orange Ave. to Mary Ann Wilde, trustee, of Sarasota, for $935,800. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,913 square feet of living area.

SOUTH GATE Brian Loebker, of Sarasota, sold his home at 2409 Tanglewood Drive to Autumn McConnell and Joshua Haas, of Sarasota, for $840,000.

Built in 1960, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $217,000 in 2015.

Wildwood Acres Michael Cole, of Venice, sold two properties at 6677 Mandarin Road to Steve and Faith Zenker, of Sarasota, for $1,685,000.

The first property was built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,163 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1994, it has one bedroom, one bath and 528 square feet of living area.

7B

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

ADAM HUGHES

SARASOTA

|

OSPREY

Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club Suzanne Laham and Brian Quinlan, of E. Falmouth, Massachusetts, sold their home at 1216 Flying Bridge Lane to Jon Marti, trustee, of Warren, Pennsylvania, for $2,191,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,981 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2012.

NOKOMIS

Calusa Lakes Genevieve Dickinson, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, sold the home at 2024 White Feather Lane to Joanne Miller, of Nokomis, for $849,000.

Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,881 square feet of living area. It sold for $549,500 in 2005.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Longboat Key

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

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of June 6-10, in order of dollar amounts.

Downtown St. Petersburg

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

852 Siesta Drive

Re-roof

Seth Katz

$74,250

1501 Cunliff Lane

Re-roof

Jean Ehlers, trustee

$72,880

625 Norsota Way

Generator

Hesham Elnaggar

$50,598

3465 Gulfmead Drive

Doors

Lorna Nagler

$48,645

4311 Bay Shore Road

Generator

Stephen Bell

$35,711

3306 Old Oak Drive

Dock/Boat Lift

Rachel Saltzberg

$34,997

2261 Wisteria St.

Pool

Rainer Scholl

$30,000

3347 Old Oak Drive

Re-roof

Adam Flanders

$27,450

612 Ohio Place

Windows

William Adamany III

$26,888

2705 Novus Place

Plumbing

Jessica Featherstone

$24,453

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

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Permit

Applicant

409 N. Point Road #1002

Renovations

Joseph Lodato

$542,359

Amount

110 Harbor House Drive

Renovations

Joseph Pandy Jr.

$400,000

5740 Midnight Pass Road

Alterations

Jamshid

$200,000

2024 White Feather Lane

Alterations

Theodore Dickinson

$165,000

2711 Sunnyside St.

Renovations

Gabriel Galt

$140,000

1055 W. Peppertree Drive

Alterations

Robert Burgess

$139,000

Renovations

John Swingle

$125,000

#505

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

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Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota Prices as of February 2022.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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JUNE 23, 2022

— Lindenwood University’s Joey Leto SEE PAGE 11B

HIGH

SPORTS

“(My mom) was tired of taking me on bike rides because ... I would be launching off the curb or doing other daredevil kid stuff.”

5

2

Former Sarasota High baseball outfielder Vaun Brown, now with the A-level San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants), went 2-5 with two doubles June 21 in the Giants’ 4-0 road win over the Stockton Ports (Oakland Athletics). Brown is hitting .344 on the season.

3

Riverview High rising senior Luke Pettita, a tight end on the football team, received a scholarship offer from Bryant University on June 20.

4

Sarasota tennis player Nicholas Rizzo is rated a five-star player and ranked 26th in the Boys Class of 2026 national rankings by the Tennis Recruiting Network in the organization’s latest rankings, released June 21.

5

The Cardinal Mooney High boys basketball team went 3-3 at the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Team Camp held June 17-19 at Bradenton Christian. Booker High went 1-1 at the event, while Sarasota High went 2-2.

Mound man Conner Whittaker held a 2.48 ERA over 36.1 innings as a freshman at FSU. He thanks his high school coaches for making his transition to college ball a smooth one.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

T

he size of the crowd was much different.

That was the first thing Conner Whittaker noticed.

Whittaker was accustomed to playing baseball at Sarasota High’s field — a good facility, but not one that compares to Florida State’s Dick Howser Stadium, which holds 6,700 fans and has seen nearly 5 million fans pass through its gates since it opened in 1983. When Whittaker, an FSU freshman, took the Dick Howser mound for the first time on Feb. 19 against James Madison in the Seminole’s second game of the year, 5,048 people watched his every pitch.

“That was a crazy experience,” Whittaker said. “I got sent to the bullpen, and my adrenaline was going, my heart rate was up. But once I got out to the mound, I was super calm and cool. During a game you don’t think about that stuff again until it’s over.”

Whittaker was not affected by the crowd’s rumble. He did what he does best: throw strikes, and throw them hard. Whittaker pitched one inning that day, allowing no runs on one hit with one strikeout in the team’s 13-2 win. As big as the moment was, it was a strong start to his season and college career. Whittaker continued to be effective throughout the season. Over 36 1/3 innings, all out of the bullpen, Whittaker finished with a 2.48 ERA, striking out 34 and

walking 13.

“My changeup was working for me all year long,” Whittaker said. “It was my most-effective pitch and helped the team out (of tough situations). I threw a pretty good changeup in high school, but back then I was also trying more pitches. You can get away with more in high school. Here in the bullpen, when you’re in a close game in the late innings, you’re only throwing your dominant stuff. I had worked on the changeup in the fall, and it kept getting better and better, so I kept using it.”

Whittaker’s transition to college baseball was made easier by his high school experience. Whittaker played for the Sailors under coach Clyde Metcalf, who announced his retirement in May after 40 years. Whittaker credited Metcalf and the rest of the Sailors coaches with helping him reach the top of college baseball.

“The way Coach Metcalf goes about things is professional,” Whittaker said. “He’s one of the best coaches you can have before you get to college. The way he runs his practices and workouts, he really develops his players. He understands that each player is different, and he gives everyone advice in their best interest. I still talk to him all the time. He came up and watched some of my games. I am grateful to have played for him.”

In part because of Whittaker’s success in relief, the Seminoles went 34-25 and reached the regional stage of the NCAA postseason. While the team bowed out of the tournament after losses to Auburn and UCLA, Whittaker said the experience of playing for a shot at the College World Series was one he will never forget.

Whittaker pitched in the Auburn loss and recalled the walk to the FSU bullpen as being lined with enthusi-

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League is a summer league designed for college baseball players to get in some reps while school is out — and maybe have some fun along the way. The Perfect Game league is one of a number of similar leagues, the most famous being the Cape Cod Baseball League. There’s even the Florida Gulf Coast League, which boasts teams like the Sarasota Tigers, though the name is more or less arbitrary; no teams have true home fields and games are played up and down the Gulf Coast.

Conner Whittaker’s Perfect Game league, which is based in New York and has been around since 2011, features some premier talent. On his Amsterdam Mohawks team alone there are players from NCAA Division I schools like Alabama, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Connecticut, Wake Forest and Florida Atlantic, in addition to multiple FSU players. Games run through July 29, at which point Whittaker will turn his focus to the weight room. For now, he and other college players are enjoying their time in the sun.

Photo courtesy FSU Athletics

Sarasota Sailors alum Conner Whittaker, who just finished his freshman season at Florida State, held a 2.48 ERA over 36.1 innings in 2022.

astic Tigers fans screaming at him.

The postseason didn’t last as long as Whittaker would have liked, but getting a taste of it was good motivation for his offseason.

Whittaker is playing in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League in New York, getting in some innings with the Amsterdam Mohawks. Once the summer season is a wrap, Whittaker said he will turn his attention to his body, with the goal of improving his strength. Come the fall, Whittaker will pick up baseball-centric activities once again and get ready for his second college spring.

He can’t wait — and he’s thankful to everyone on the ride with him.

“I see all the support from back home,” Whittaker said. “I appreciate it. I’m glad to be from Sarasota and still have a lot of close relationships with people there. I’m grateful.”

382376-1

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Former Cardinal Mooney High boys golfer Wyatt Plattner (nine under par; 66-68-67—201) won the 50th Southern Junior Championship held June 15-17 at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

Plattner beat second-place finisher Kale Fontenot of Lafayette, Louisiana, by three strokes. Plattner, who graduated from Mooney in May, will play for the University of Cincinnati next season.

PERFECTION

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN prized prospect Jamier Jones.

The rising sophomore is ranked No. 7 on ESPN’s top-25 list of the 2025 national class. Jones will have every blue blood NCAA program asking for his commitment by the time he’s ready to do so. There are plenty of high schools, many outside of Florida, who make their bread on turning prospects like Jones — highly talented and athletic but a bit unrefined in the details of the game— into well-rounded superstars. It is difficult for a public high school like Riverview to compete with that, no matter how good the Rams’ program has been. That task became even more difficult when Rams Coach Rudy Fraraccio stepped down following the 20212022 season.

As of this week, Jones is indeed on the move from Riverview, which I’m sure is disappointing to Rams fans but makes sense for Jones.

There is good news, however: You’ll still be able to watch him play if you want; he’s not going far.

Jones announced June 17 on his Twitter page that he’ll be heading to IMG Academy. The Ascenders are one of the premier programs in the nation. They get people where they want to go, which in most cases is the elite level of college basketball.

In the 2022 NCAA March Madness tournament, 18 former IMG players took the court. If I had to guess, I think Jones will be part of that list once he reaches college. As I have said in this space before, his highlights are incredible. It was a treat to watch him get the Riverview crowd on its feet each game. I’ll miss that.

It’s not all doom and gloom for the Rams. New Riverview Coach Kendall Ellis, who comes from the AAU circuit, will still have Texas Tech commit Jason Jackson to work with as he attempts to instill his culture on the program.

Ryan Kohn

Emma Anthony, McKenzie Clark, Claire Davidson and Avery Goelz are Lakewood Ranch High alums playing in the FGCL this summer. Riverview High alum Holley Peluso is also playing in the league for the Anna Maria Aquanauts.

Big games & big moves Notes on some college athletes you should drive to see, a high schooler making a big-time move and a baseball alum finding success in an unlikely place.

A

nother summer week, another lack of live sports to cover in Sarasota.

Luckily this is changing soon as youth all-star baseball teams take the field this week and things such as the IFDB Dragon Boat Club Crew Championships hit Nathan Benderson Park next month. But for now, I bring you news and notes from the edges of the Sarasota sports scene, which include some college athletes you should drive to see, a big-time high schooler making a big-time move

and an update on a baseball alum finding success in an unlikely place.

FGCL SOFTBALL FEATURES A FAMILIAR FACE

In recent summers, one of my favorite things to do is take in a few games of Florida Gulf Coast League softball action. Unlike the FGCL’s summer baseball league, which plays games at multiple locations up and down the Gulf Coast, the FGCL softball teams all play at one location. Last year, all the games were at the Miss Sarasota Softball Complex. This year, they are at G.T. Bray Park in Bradenton. It is a little bit of a drive, yes, but I think it is worth it.

Not only is the league filled with some of the premier softball talent in the country — including from 2022 NCAA National Champion Oklahoma and runner-up Texas — but some of it is local. Riverview High alum Holley Peluso, a rising

junior at Florida Atlantic, is on the Anna Maria Aquanauts. Through four games, Peluso has just one hit, but it was an RBI double. I am confident her offensive output will increase as the summer goes along.

If any Sarasota readers are aware of the machine that is Lakewood Ranch High softball — they have won back-to-back state championships — four former Mustangs (Florida’s Avery Goelz, Clemson’s McKenzie Clark, Duke’s Claire Davidson and Southern Illinois’ Emma Anthony) have reunited on the Lakewood Ranch Rodeo, adding an interesting wrinkle to the league.

FGCL softball games are free to attend, and I suggest you do so.

A schedule can be found at FGCLsoftball.com.

picked in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Kelly was expected to do big things in the MLB. He was the centerpiece of the trade that sent All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to Boston from the San Diego Padres after the 2010 season. Kelly never lived up to his lofty expectations; after going through Tommy John surgery in 2012, he appeared in 26 total MLB games with the Padres, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants, holding a career ERA of 5.46.

After being granted free agency following the 2018 season, Kelly opted to try his luck in the Korea Baseball Organization League, known as the KBO. He signed with the LG Twins in 2019 and has not looked back. Kelly holds a 2.93 career ERA in the KBO. The 2022 season is his best year yet; as of June 22, Kelly is 8-1 with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. He has struck out 68 batters and walked just 16.

Best of all, the KBO fans seem to love Kelly. On March 25, Kelly posted a video to his Instagram page showing off a food and drink cart that an LG Twins fan group had purchased for him. The cart has a sign that says “Kellybucks” and feature’s Kelly’s face photoshopped into the iconic Starbucks logo, among other signs. On the right side is a poster of Kelly that reads, “We always support you” in English along with some Korean writing.

“Wow! Thank you fans. I feel so much love today,” Kelly wrote in the video’s caption.

Kelly is proof that anyone who is able to make a living doing what they love (and earn love back) is a success in my book.

Good for Kelly for making the most of his opportunity.

CASEY KELLY CONTINUES DOMINANCE IN KBO

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

I remain fascinated with the story of Casey Kelly and his second chance at a baseball life.

If you don’t know, Kelly is a former Sarasota High pitcher who was

JAMIER JONES MAKES HIS MOVE

It always seemed like it was a difficult ask, hoping Riverview High boys basketball would hang onto

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

11B

CONDO ON THE BAY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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.

Joey Leto is a professional BMX racer who grew up in Sarasota and is a rising senior cyclist at Lindenwood University (Saint Charles, Missouri). Leto finished second in the Men’s Individual Omnium standings at the 2022 USA Cycling Collegiate BMX National Championships, held February 19-20 at Black Mountain BMX in Phoenix.

Leto is hosting a youth camp at Sarasota BMX this week alongside fellow BMX pro Tyler Klumper. Leto will be hosting a second camp at the track July 11-15 with fellow pro Rayne Lankford. The camp is $60 a day or $250 a week. For information, visit the Sarasota BMX Facebook page.

When did you start competing in BMX? The first time I came out to the track (Sarasota BMX), I was 3 years old.

My mom (Kristy Leto) took me. She was tired of taking me on bike rides because whenever I would ride my bike I would be launching off the curb or doing other daredevil kid stuff.

What is the appeal to you?

There is always something to get better at. It’s a simple sport but there is always a little thing you can improve. It’s also just fun. I mean, I love riding my bike. I still feel like a little kid sometimes. You get into a different state, a flow, where you only focus on things happening (during a race).

What is your best skill?

Overall track speed. Jumping, manualing and maneuvering around the course.

pro (2021) was unbelievable in how different it was. The level of competition was so much higher because everyone had earned the right to be there. Any racer in those events could pop off at any time. I had to stay consistent against people who are always on. I learned a lot. I have gotten so much better just in these last two years.

What made you want to host youth camps this summer?

I started my career here at Sarasota BMX. I want to give the kids here the same experience I had, being inspired to want to be something great. I want them to climb the mountain and enjoy the journey.

It is a great feeling to see yourself getting better. And BMX is a great environment. There is so much camaraderie. I have friends that I made through learning BMX that I will keep for the rest of my life.

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WEATHER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 23 High: 91 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 4%

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 High: 91 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 15%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, June 23

6:36a

8:28p

Friday, June 24

6:36a

8:28p

Saturday, June 25

6:36a

8:28p

Sunday, June 26

6:37a

8:28p

Monday, June 27

6:37a

8:28p

Tuesday, June 28

6:37a

8:28p

Wednesday, June 29

6:37a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 High: 90 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 45%

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 High: 88 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 58% Richard Bottorff captured this great horned owlet looking down from a tree in the Saddlebag Creek neighborhood in Myakka City.

July 6 First

July 13 Full

July 20 Last

July 28 New

RAINFALL Monday, June 13

0

Tuesday, June 14

0

Wednesday, June 15

0

Thursday, June 16

0 0.17

Friday, June 17 Saturday, June 18

0

Sunday, June 19

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 14.85 in.

2021 10.40 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 4.96 in.

2021 1.29 in.

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A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

33 It has a screamo subgenre 1 “Doggone it!”

35 Gobbled up 5 Sailor’s “Stop!”

10 ___ sci (study of govt.) 37 “La Vie en Rose” Oscar winner (First two + last five) 14 Godsends 43 Hardly wordy 19 Fencing sword 47 Low-pH compounds 20 Apple product giant 48 Crave 21 Actor Leslie ___ Jr. 49 Say a bad word 22 “... never mind, then” 50 Tahoe and Santa Fe, e.g.

23 Reliable source of income (Note this answer’s 51 Field trip vehicle first two + last three letters) 52 “Buzz off!”

25 One is easy to buy (First 56 Stat for David Ortiz 57 Uno + due three + last two) 58 Societal practices in 27 Bridge capacity unit Hanoi (First one + last six) 28 Response at the door 64 Boot camp VIPs 29 Goes downhill 66 Wise person 30 Patch things up?

67 Place for breaking 31 “The X-Files” agent stories Scully 68 Canceled abruptly

70 French cap 73 Analogy phrase 74 Provincetown’s peninsula 77 ___ of March 79 Empty talk 83 “This is how things are ...” (First three + last two) 87 Sci-fi vessel 88 Tribute in verse 89 Cyber Monday events 90 Kitchen insect 91 Garden for 96-Down 92 Drink like a puppy 95 Like resistance bands 99 The first “A” of AAPI 100 Wipe clean 101 Course taught in Quebec (First four + last two) 104 Book with a legend 106 “Hulk” director Lee

1 Robin’s home 2 As many as 3 Adolescent behind the wheel 4 Clownfish’s home 5 “The Moon Lady” author 6 Promises 7 Molecule part 8 Potholes’ spots 9 Chastising sound 10 ___ stick (bouncing toy) 11 What nitrogen lacks 12 Less taut 13 “That’s hilarious!”

14 “Best of” collections, often 15 Tolkien brute 16 Burden 17 Place for a stud 18 Kimchi-jjigae or goulash, e.g.

24 Velociraptors and others, briefly 26 Rhinitis doc 29 Howling animal 32 Lends a hand 34 Sch. near Harvard 36 Just released 37 Poles on boats 107 Future OB-GYN’s hurdle 38 Luxury Honda 39 Board game with Dr. 108 Take the stage Orchid 111 Law grad’s hurdle 40 Deposes 114 Jargon 41 Get defeated 117 Asleep 120 Drowned out (First two 42 Tetherball paths 44 “Boston Legal” episode, + last four) 122 Icing on the cake (First now 45 Buffalo hockey pro three + last two) 46 Great Lake with 2,000+ 124 Walked anxiously shipwrecks 125 Fast time?

51 Splits in two 126 “America” singer in 53 One pushup, e.g.

“West Side Story” 54 Amazonian berry 127 Guthrie of folk 55 Picture with two views, 128 Makes a winter often blanket?

58 Irritates 129 Timeline segments 59 Capture 130 Parceled (out) 131 Winter Palace monarch, 60 At least 100, for a centenarian once 61 Promotion basis

62 Divulge 63 Tugboat’s signal 65 Stare in disbelief 69 Qatar’s capital 71 End of LSU’s URL 72 Oolong, for one 74 Tree for a totem pole 75 Food similar to a gordita 76 Marina ___ Rey 78 Curry may leave one on a shirt 80 Museum visitors’ downloads 81 “Sorry to say ...”

82 Chieng of “Crazy Rich Asians” 83 Place to sink a putt 84 Viewed 85 Mallorca, por ejemplo 86 Part of a foot 91 “Como ___ usted?”

93 Chloe Kim’s Olympic team 94 Places for kitties to dream 96 First person?

97 Envy, for one 98 Movie slogan 99 Austin Powers’ neckwear 101 Pop singer King 102 Signoff words in a letter 103 “So happy for you!”

105 Young bloke 108 Venmo and others 109 Group in Dundee 110 Chalupa alternative 112 Warrior princess of TV 113 Origami and ikebana, e.g.

115 Not out of contention 116 Kid-lit’s ___ the Great 118 Sch. west of Beverly Hills 119 Avenger with lightning power 121 Mostly poisonous tree 122 Closest peeps 123 Feed bag tidbit

“HWAMWX DKM VHW MWYA DFNRX HTMSR RKXIEXYUXE MF RKXNF YNOX XLZXFNXWVXE, NW IA INWP, NEW’R H UXFA BMMP DFNRXF.” – FMTXFR FMPFNBSXC

“YSLYIS MIGMJE EMJ, ‘VTSJ (VSSHE) HSSW M PLLW VMIBRHP-VL. R’US HSUSF MPFSSW GRVT VTMV. M BRW HSSWE M PLLW IREVSHRHP-VL.”

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“DVUDGV LMX EMCV BYV TUFGA OI BYV TMI BYVI BYPXN MXA OI BYV TMI BYVI OVYMCV MXA TYMB BYVI YUGA BU OV PRDUFBMXB.” © 2022 NEA, Inc.

– LIXAP GMWDVF

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals K

DOWN

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 Two Clue: N equals U

STUFF THE BIRD by Doug Burnikel and Zhouqin Burnikel. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle One Clue: L equals X

crossword

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

6-23-22

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

13B

Alia Cherry scrunches through face paint done

by Kari Bunker.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Kathy Watkins and Harmony Mills

Gertrude and Endana Collymore sell plenty of clothing.

Newtown Juneteenth S arasota commemorated Juneteenth with a daylong celebration in Newtown on June 18.

The Juneteenth event, which recognizes the end of slavery in America, brought countless locals and local businesses to snack on food and sells their wares. Families sold glitter products, ice cream and colorful clothing and cooked up all types of meals for curious customers. Children ran back and forth through the market but stopped to pick up sno-cones and have their faces painted.

— HARRY SAYER Kayla Clayton and Tamia Austin show off their face paint.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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

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.

Items Under $200 1948 CHINESE painting. Frmd 27"x 39". Cardinal & peony flowers. Pic online. $199.

(941) 966-6816

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! ART DECO 1930’s Westinghouse Collumnaire Radio 1’ W X 5’ T. Not working $125. (941)349-4875 BEIGE SOFA, small, circular, custom made. Like new, $50 OBO. Toaster oven, excellent condition, for countertop. $60.

941-400-4808 BUDDHA STATUE, 20 inches high, 2 bodies facing away from each other. Rare, unusual. $199.99. 941-921-0512

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 CHARCOAL GRILL, DYNA-GLO Like new. Cover included.

Must sell. $150 (941) 504-6791 HEXAGONAL PATIO table with glass like top and umbrella.

Includes 6 chairs. $150. Call 941-925-3084 to see.

MATTRESS TWIN, Brand New, Foam, Firm/Plush Still in Orignal Pkg, $100 941-920-2494

METAL CHANDELIER, BROWN, HARDWARE INCLUDED. LIKE NEW, $20 (941) 920-2494 NEW SANDALS White Mountain Harrington Leather Footbed sandals. Size 9, original box, never worn. $35. 941-400-4808 OVERSTUFFED LOVESEAT Leather, caramel brown.

64”W X 37”H X37”D. Like new, $150 941-925-9224

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

941-955-4888

Appliances WEBBER GRILL, gas. Sprint ES310. 2 years old. $300 941-350-5651

Merchandise Wanted BUYING BASEBALL card collections! Looking to free up space and make $$? Need to sell sports cards? Collector looking to expand collection.

Pay top dollar. Text/call 941 548 6492 with photos.

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

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

auto

stuff

Items Under $200

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Autos for Sale 2005 MANDALAY Luxury Division Presidio Class A 39B. Beautiful Presidio diesel motor home with all new batteries, a new starter and new awning motors. Optional 8000 Watt Onan generator and Maple Cabinetry. Custom luxury vinyl flooring. Custom cushions throughout. Queen bed and sleep sofa. Full Awnings $70,000

jobs

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

Help Wanted PART-TIME HOUSEKEEPER Siesta Key resort. 28 hrs/week, Mon 8am-12pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8am-4pm. $15/hour.

Call 941-349-2500 9am-5pm or email resume to cbcmgr@vacationfla.com PERSONAL ASSISTANT. Experienced business manager with Fortune 50 companies available as personal assistant, chauffer, butler, connoisseur and property manager. 60 mile radius of Bradenton. (717) 825-1739

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................... $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word .........50¢

Autos Wanted

STEINWAY PIANO - 353638M. Brown wood finish. Very good condition and tuned. Selling for $15,000. Please call 941-349-2248

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Pets

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Condos/Apts. for Rent LUXURIOUS CONDO on Anna Maria Island For Rent - Upgraded granite/strainless kitchen.

Incredible water views through floor length windows. Waterfront patio, luxury furnishings, 2BD/2BR, king bed. Pool, tennis, walk to the beach. Private carport.

Monthly rent July-December.

Owner/renter. Flexible terms.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577

Musical Instruments

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER Puppies. 4 boys and 2 girls. 2 black/white, 4 black/silver. Mom and Dad at home and both registered. Call for more info and pics. (727) 515-0131

real estate

Made for where you live. Here!

Sonya Seymour, Janiyah Johnshon and Towanda Seymour

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

Auto Transport

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.

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

941-955-4888

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

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

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! 383879

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Computer

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

5-Star Rated

Place Your Ad Online

YourObserver.com/RedPages

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

WE COME TO YOU

SELL IT FAST!

941-955-4888

Computer

FAST • EASY • SAFE

HoHoBuysCars.com

PAINTING RESIDENTIAL experts. Painting Interiors, Exteriors, Residential and light commercial. Fully insured, clean, non-smoking, environmentally safe paints. (941) 275-7281 www.RegaliaPainting.Com

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

CALL MARCIA! She's Sweet!

Marcia Sweet, MBA. PC, MAC, Printer, Wifi, email, iPhone, Android, Tablet, Laptop, iPad, Kindle, Smart TV, Cameras, Roombas....anything technology!

I make house calls!!

(941) 773-2377

STUFF HERE!

Painting

Cleaning

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

SELL YOUR

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Professional Services

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.

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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Auto Service

Painting

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

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

6968 Beneva Road

Pegatronics.com

941-929-9095

941-735-3362

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

Doors

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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

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

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

382754

Adult Care Services

383934

|

383892

SARASOTA OBSERVER

home services

14B

Furniture Repair

Call us today! 941.628.8579

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

www.ezslider.com

382764

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

941-504-0903

383273

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

RIGHT

Realtors

ON TARGET OBSERVER RED PAGES Call 941-955-4888 to reserve your ad YourObserver.com/RedPages

Handyman

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S 24/7 SERVICE

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Philipwith withClient Client Philip HowardTibbals Tibbals Howard

CNA CNAServices, Services,LLC LLC Philip CNA PhilipPolsonPolson-Licensed Licensed CNA (941) (941)545-3493 545-3493 Privatehome homehealthcare healthcare Private in in thethe safetyand andsecurity securityofofyour your own own safety home.

Providing long-term, home. Providing long-term, short-term,palliative palliativecare care and short-term, and endend of life care.

After 32 years of being of life care. After 32 years of being a Pastor, I know firsthand a Pastor, I know firsthand thethe difference loving care can make. difference loving care can make.

“Loving That’sThe TheDifference” Difference” “Loving Care, Care, That’s 383566

RED PAGES

FREE

ESTIMATES!

Health

383576

Made for where you live. Here!

(941) 809-7311

383893

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Movers

Pet Services

Pet Care

Melanie Gates

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

Trees

383894

(941) 966-2960

383897

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

$100 COUPON

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

PRESSURE WASHING

House Washing, Roofs, Screen Cages, Pavers, Driveways and Walkways.

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

$100 COUPON

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

140

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

This week’s Crossword answers

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Rescreening & Repairs Manufacture and workmanship

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Warranties

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Eldridge Re-Screen (941) 345-5264

382766 364556

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

941-270-1561

DRGRABBARS.COM

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Roofing

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

LEAKY ROOF?

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

38 Years Experience

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

THE GRAB BAR GUY

All Work Guaranteed

941-228-9850

Joe Murray, Owner

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

GROW

GLENN KROECKER

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

YOUR BUSINESS

Licensed & Insured

Advertise as low as $85 per week.

Lawn Care

383281

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

Licensed

peekers’ place

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

383583

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Anyone who can only write about themselves or their life experiences, in my mind, isn’t a very good writer.”

Robert Rodriguez Puzzle Two Solution: “People always say, ‘They (teens) need a good talking-to.’ I’ve never agreed with that. A kid needs a good listening-to.”

Naomi Judd Puzzle Three Solution: “People can save the world by the way they think and by the way they behave and what they hold to be important.”

Cyndi Lauper

This week’s Sudoku answers

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance Lic. & Ins.

724-2945

383279

3687676-01

Curt’s Lawn Service

373-9299

ows

382762

383278

Res./Com.

Purified water window cleaning available!!

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

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

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

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

SOFT WASH

Rescreening & Repairs

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

941.966.0333

$100 COUPON

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

$100 COUPON

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

382660

Watching your home while you’re away

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Power Washing $100 COUPON $100 COUPON

383895

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

941-923-8140

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

Dave and Connie Grundy

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

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

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

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!

• 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

383896

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Home Services

Windows

Plumbing

382755

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

383890

by

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

382765

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

383280

Licensed and insured #IMT708

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

249 235 235

Building & Roofing Contractor

make your moving day a pleasure.

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

$$

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

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

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

$

Roofing

Wizard Moving SRQ

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

15B

383581

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

382763

Health

|

16B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

your home has never been

WORTH MORE

If you’re thinking of selling, our complimentary home evaluation tool is the best way to get a feel for the market before meeting with one of our expert real estate advisors.

SCAN CODE TO VIEW YOUR HOME EVALUATION

L I ST W I T H U STO DAY.C O M

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7143 Beechmont Terrace Laura Stavola

AQUA 280 Golden Gate Point #400 Lisa Rooks Morris & Amy Drake

64 Grande Fairway Bob Linthicum

$1,499,900 941.228.9206

13806 Milan Terrace Michelle Crabtree

$1,295,000 941.323.1700

47 Grand Palms Boulevard Bob Linthicum

MARK SARASOTA $1,800,000 941.539.0998

111 South Pineapple Avenue #1018 Reid Gerletti

$1,799,000 941.376.1159

$1,450,000 941.724.4663

BOCA ROYALE

GULF & BAY 5780 Midnight Pass Road #710 Karen Whitaker

2133 Oriole Drive Andrew Tanner & Peter Laughlin

$1,897,000 941.587.1776

LAKEWOOD RANCH

LIDO KEY 1750 Benjamin Franklin Drive #8E Nancy Endara & Peter Laughlin

505 South Orange Avenue #802 Tamara & Todd Currey

MCCLELLAN PARK $13,770,000 941.544.3332

BOCA ROYALE

KANAYA $2,698,000 941.447.4875

LIDO KEY $1,149,900 941.228.9206

GREENBROOK VILLAGE $1,025,000 941.724.6969

6434 Indigo Bunting Place Matt Sevarino & Joel Schemmel

423 South Polk Drive Joel Schemmel

$5,690,000 941.587.4894

SARASOTA

$945,000 941.705.5700

1633 8th Street Sandra Appignani & Mark Baumgarten

$460,000 941.320.1002

View a rea list ings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

Situated in Sarasota’s uptown, Premier on Main boasts 23 contemporary townhomes.

Priced from $1,095,000, these four-level residences offer a sophisticated, modern sanctuary near the city’s captivating arts and cultural district.

2191 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.920.1500 | TheFrankLambertTeam.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

your home has never been 382021-1

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

Contact us for a confidential consultation PremierSothebysRealty.com LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433