Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 7.14.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

10 things you must do in Sarasota.

PAGE 1B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

VOLUME 18, NO. 33

YOUR TOWN

Tax rate goes down, bills rise In a year of record-high property values, county cuts millage rate by 0.0098. SEE PAGE 3A

Courtesy photo

Key day for Buchanan U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (RLongboat Key) was presented with a key to the city on July 11 during a City Commission meeting.

The congressman met Mayor Erik Arroyo, Vice Mayor Kyle Battie and Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch at City Hall, where he was presented with the key.

The city’s proclamation cited Buchanan’s record reforming military procedures, supporting red tide research, helping find federal funding for wetlands restoration at Bobby Jones Golf Club and other actions as reasons to give him the honor.

Sand, surf and sweat

Courtesy photo

Arty swims with the fishes Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium released a new shark, but Arty isn’t like any other predatory fish.

For one, he’s made of recycled materials and designed to highlight water conservation and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Arty was created by a group of eight artists from Borderless Arts Tennessee whose work is known worldwide and even in outer space. Patches designed by the group adorn a spacesuit for the European Space Agency’s Mission Beyond.

Arty’s journey doesn’t end in Mote’s Shark Zone; he’s still scheduled to swim in the Gulf of Mexico, too.

Athletes converge on Siesta for twoday beach volleyball tournament.

SEE PAGE 9A Harry Sayer

Madison Espy and Presley Murray work as a team during the beach volleyball tournament.

A+E

Turtle Tracks AS OF JULY 9 TOTAL NESTS: Siesta Key Lido Key Casey Key

2022 455 143 1,729

2021 430 77 1,140

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2022 2021 Siesta Key 519 503 Lido Key 172 200 Casey Key 1,667 1,353 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Eric Garwood

Twelve lighted pickleball courts serve as the centerpiece of the Pompano Trailhead.

Roots of rock.

SEE PAGE 10A

Pickleball options grow by 12 New Legacy Trail stop offers more than cycling. SEE PAGE 7A

2A

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

WEEK OF JULY 14, 2022

“I would really like to say that when I got elected eight years ago, I knew all about pickleball. But unfortunately, when it first came up, I said, ‘What in the world is pickleball?’ What a name.’’

$5 million donation triggers Bay match On the strength of a second $5 million raised from private sources, The Patterson Foundation of Sarasota has granted a second of four potential $1 million challenge matches toward The Bay Park Conservancy’s $24 million capital campaign, which began in July 2021.

The nonprofit is overseeing the transformation of the 53-acre, cityowned property on Sarasota Bay into a public park. The Patterson Foundation’s challenge grant matches $1 million toward every $5 million raised by The Bay Park Conservancy, up to a maximum of $4 million.

With the halfway point reached in one year, 18 months remain in the campaign.

“The Bay Park Conservancy has demonstrated consistent excellence throughout all of its efforts to bring the community’s vision to life,” said Debra Jacobs, the president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “This continued support from generous donors will propel that excellence forward through the first phase of The Bay Park and its continued evolution.”

County Commission Chair Al Maio, Read more on page 7A

BY THE NUMBERS $82.5 BILLION

Taxable value of all real property in Sarasota County, up 17.6% from 2021.

PAGE 3A

7 MILLION

Miles driven by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office vehicles in a year.

PAGE 3A

65%

Portion of plan material cut as a cost savings in a plan to rebuild Sarasota’s bayfront splash pad attraction.

PAGE 5A

Developer appeals demolition rejection

10%

Portion of all flowering plants in Florida that are orchids.

Courtesy photo

Bramwell Tovey first conducted as part of his new role in Sarasota in October. He was 69.

PAGE 8B

Sarasota Orchestra music director dies I

CALENDAR n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., July 18, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

n a press release Wednesday, the Sarasota Orchestra announced the death of incoming Music Director Bramwell Tovey on July 12.

Tovey, 69, had accepted the position of music director in 2021, but his previous obligations did not allow him to take full control in Sarasota until the upcoming season.

Tovey, a Grammy award winner, previously served as music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (from 2000 to 2019) and the Luxembourg Philhar-

n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., July 19, Landings Administration Building, 1980 Landings Blvd.

com . e s ou

eh r a ureW

it

urn heF

.T www

monic Orchestra (from 2002 to 2006). He was educated at the Royal Academy of Music and the University of London.

Tovey first conducted as part of his new role in Sarasota in October 2021, and he returned to lead the orchestra in the finale to the Masterworks season in April.

“There was immediate chemistry between Maestro Tovey and our orchestra,” said Joseph McKenna, the president and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra, as part of an official statement. “We shared with him an expectation of a long

partnership. Like so many, all of us at Sarasota Orchestra feel the tremendous loss of a great friend and sincere collaborator.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family during this most difficult hour.”

In its release, the Sarasota Orchestra stated Tovey had been diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma in May 2019. He underwent surgery in 2021 that briefly left him cancer-free, but scans confirmed a reoccurrence in January.

Developers looking to tear down the historic Mira Mar building are appealing a decision by the city’s Historic Preservation Board to turn down a permit to demolish the structure. In the meantime, the company, Seaward Development, has mostly moved out of the building as needed shoring has yet to be installed.

Seaward, which is in the process of buying the property from its longtime owner Dr. Mark Kauffman, is planning to present its case for why the Mira Mar needs to come down to the Sarasota City Commission after the city preservation board declined a request to allow for the demolition.

The board voted against the proposal after a group of residents and tenants argued that despite issues with the building it was a part of Sarasota’s history and needed to be preserved. Seaward, however, has argued that the building is unsafe.

We Are Closed Saturday!

Until 12 Noon

So our crews can mark down every item in the store!

Do Not Miss This Opportunity To Save Like Never Before!

NO INTEREST UNTIL NOVEMBER 2022* Pick Up Today Or Free Door Delivery Tomorrow** We Offer Full-Service Home Delivery and Set Up

Saturday 12 - 9pm & Sunday 11 - 6pm BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between July 14, 2022 and July 13, 2023. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by July 2023. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys. Instant savings prices are reflected in current ad. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Pick Up Today or Free Door Delivery pertains to in-stock merchandise.

379645-1

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

SOUTH SARASOTA NORTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail 4027 N Washington Blvd (at Phillippi Creek) (Hwy 301) 941-260-9601 941-351-8600

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

File photos

GOING UP

Fuel cost increases have also affected the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office aviation unit.

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman cites escalating costs of essentials in part for a 14% preliminary budget increase and calls curbing patrol and firearm training unacceptable.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

H

igh fuel prices not only affect the everyday consumer. They also drive up the cost of law enforce-

ment.

In addition to 19 positions the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office wants to add to its payroll in fiscal year 2023, the cost of automobile, aviation and boat fuel is a significant driver in the department’s proposed $19 million increase over the current year in its preliminary budget request.

Sheriff Kurt Hoffman’s $152.52 million budget proposal is a 14.3% increase over the $133.47 million adopted for fiscal 2022.

“This is something that I think maybe most citizens don’t know. We drive almost 7 million miles a year, driving through your communities and protecting your communities,” Hoffman told county commissioners during their recent budget workshop. “That includes diesel and aviation and ATVs and boats.

This year, the fuel budget went up almost a million dollars. We’ve had two fuel increases in the last couple of weeks that have been brought to us, particularly on the aviation side.”

To help manage fuel price volatility and avoid mid-fiscal year budget amendments to account for it, County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told commissioners his office is exploring with suppliers a fuel risk management program that will lock in prices for a year, similar to the way some airlines hedge against fuel cost spikes. While that would provide protection from sudden price hikes, it would also work to the county’s disadvantage should prices drop, as they have in recent weeks.

“That would allow us to fix the price for the year so your budget would not have the volatility that it has now,” Lewis told commissioners.

“Then if the market goes in our favor, we’re still locked in at that price. If the market doesn’t go in our favor we’re still locked in at that price, so at least you can budget for it. It can work very, very successfully, so we’re actively working on that particular issue, not just for this time, but even in normal times it would be beneficial.”

The price of gas notwithstanding, Sheriff’s Office deputies cannot drive those 7 million miles a year during the possibility of a disruption in the fuel supply.

“The only thing worse than paying

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said his department will continue its show of force despite escalating prices of fuel and ammunition, among other expenses.

a high price is not having access to what you need to run your vehicles,” said Commissioner Nancy Detert.

“We do have some stockpile capability,” Hoffman replied. “We can buy into thousands of gallons in volume, but that only takes us so far.

Eventually, if there’s a shortage, that is going to impact us.”

Fuel is just one escalating cost impacting the Sheriff’s Office budget. Ammunition is becoming more expensive as well. Not that the deputies are firing their weapons regularly on the streets of Sarasota County, but they are doing so on the firing range. Training as they always have, Hoffman said, will continue, which means more money required for ammo.

As chair of the county’s Criminal Justice Commission, Hoffman attended a discussion presented by the Florida Department of Correc-

tions that it is considering cutting costs by reducing live-fire training.

He also recently attended a County Sheriffs of America conference, where he learned that several counties are parking their helicopters and patrol cars.

Hoffman takes the opposite view, explaining his position for the increases in his preliminary budget.

“We’re going to drive the 7 million miles. We’re going to continue to train. In fact, we’re going to be shooting more ammunition this year for a variety of reasons in terms of the equipment that we’re bringing on board,” Hoffman said. “I can’t in good faith park cars like some sheriffs are around the country. I just don’t think our community would accept that. They want to see those patrol cars. They want to see that helicopter patrolling.”

County millage rate dips slightly LOWER BY .0098

With countywide property values spiking by 17.6%, the Sarasota County Commission set a nearly flat maximum millage rate for fiscal year 2023.

County Commissioners approved a maximum millage rate for the 2023 budget that would increase tax revenue from $230.4 million last year to $267.9 million.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

With a preliminary fiscal year 2023 budget of $1.45 billion, the Sarasota County Commission on Wednesday set the tentative countywide millage rate at 3.4561, a slight decrease of 0.0098 mills from fiscal 2022 due largely to a decrease in the voterapproved debt service millage to support the Legacy Trail extension.

“Otherwise, the millage rate remained flat,” Kim Radtke, director of the Office of Financial Management, told commissioners.

That doesn’t mean the county will be raking in less tax revenue, though.

Because of the spike in residential and commercial property values in 2022, property owners will be paying more in taxes. The Property Appraiser-certified final taxable value of all county properties increased from $70.2 billion last year to $82.5 billion, a gain of 17.6%.

That results in a projected increase

File photo

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told commissioners during the budget hearings that pay raises are intended to bolster job retention and recruitment.

in property tax revenue from $230.4 million last year to $267.9 million for the coming fiscal year.

Although the commission can approve a budget with a lower millage rate in September, it cannot increase the rate set on Wednesday.

During the County Commission’s two-day budget session earlier this month, multiple departments took the opportunity to parlay the anticipated additional revenue into increased personnel, either filling positions previously vacated because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact or creating new jobs to facilitate the county’s population growth.

FUND General Operating n General Fund n Health & Human Service n ESLPP Operating Debt Service (ESLPP)* Debt Service (Legacy Trail) Mosquito Control Total Millage

2022 2.9241 3.2232 0.1661 0.1330 0.1170 0.0649 0.0510 3.4561

2023 2.9251 3.2497 0.1661 0.1585 0.0915 0.0551 0.0500 3.4463

CHANGE 0.0265 0.0010 0 0.0255 -0.0255 -0.0098 -0.0010 -0.0098

*Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program

Leading the increase in new county jobs are Emergency Services at 26 and the Sheriff’s office at 19. Public Utilities has proposed adding 14.75 full-time equivalents, Human Resources 11.96 and Information Technology 11.

In all, county departments sought to increase head count by 116 fulltime equivalent positions.

Also on the table are pay hikes of up to 5.5%-6% for non-collective bargaining employees. County Administrator Jonathan Lewis told commissioners during the budget hearings that the effort is intended to help attract and retain employees in

competition with the private sector as well as prevent flight to communities that offer a lower cost of housing.

“Am I correct that from fiscal year 2000 through an including fiscal year 2023, in that 24 years not only has our millage rate not gone up, it’s gone down? … And if they kept the millage rate at what it was for fiscal year 2000, we would have collected from everybody another billion dollars?” County Commission Chair Al Maio asked Radtke.

Maio’s calculations confirmed by Radtke, commissioners unanimously approved the fiscal 2023 millage rate.

3A

4A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Sarasota mayor pitches alley beautification program

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

owntown Sarasota’s alleyways can be dark, forgotten grounds.

Mayor Erik Arroyo and Senior Planner Mary Davis Wallace, the lead planner for the city’s public arts program, view them as non-utilized potential for art, activities and pleasant pedestrian passages.

Arroyo and Wallace appeared before the Downtown Improvement District board last week, pitching an alley beautification concept already employed by such cities as Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; and others. There, alleys by day become venues by night by cleaning and painting them, installing art and greenery, stringing overhead lighting and more while still maintaining their utility uses by day.

“Our alleys are not very walkable, and they seem to be dark, and sometimes restaurants take that as an excuse to throw trash out there,” Arroyo said while displaying before and after images of a rehabbed alley.

“After 5 o’clock we don’t have any deliveries, so people can actually have events in these alleys.”

Wallace sees an opportunity to dovetail, if not kick-start, an alley beautification effort within the city’s under-development public art master plan.

“I’m really interested to build something into the master plan that looks very similar to a lot of other

alley activation programs,” Wallace said. “We’re looking at things like providing some space for people to walk, understanding that this is lost space. The idea is to provide an opportunity for people to interact.

It’s a very tight, intimate space.”

The concept of alley beautification was floated in the 1990s, some DID board members told Arroyo and Wallace, but it never gained traction. Among the challenges is buyin among all businesses on the block to collaborate in shared trash receptacles, among others.

Although plenty of due diligence on the concept remain to be done, the action plan first requires identifying an alley for a pilot program.

After consolidating solid waste to clear the alley, the next steps might include repaving with bricks, paint, decorating the walls, and adding greenery and lighting.

“Maybe we do some miscellaneous items like benches, bike racks and under-grounding the power lines,” Arroyo said. “Then we repeat, and we have walkable, safe alleys that don’t get dumped on. If any of you have been to Greece or to Budapest or to Prague or to France, alley beautification is something that is very prevalent.”

DUE DILIGENCE AND DETAILS

To test the potential community buy-in for the concept, Arroyo said he floated the idea on social media.

Within five hours, he said there were more than 50 volunteers plus an architect, landscape architect and construction company offering its services for the pilot alley pro bono.

He has discussed burying power lines with Florida Power & Light, he said.

“We need to work on funding and encroachment issues to see if any private property owners have rights of way,” Arroyo said. “We need government oversight because … they’re going to hold the city

Photos courtesy of North News & Pictures

A “before” image of an alley Sarasota Mayor Eric Arroyo presented to the Downtown Improvement District board while pitching an alley beautification program.

Andrew Warfield

This alley behind buildings along Main Street between North Palm and North Pineapple avenues is a prime candidate for alley beautification, according to Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo.

responsible for if something goes wrong. We have community buy-in, we need more, and we need the consent of the businesses if we’re going to paint on their walls.”

Although the alley beautification concept was met with support from the entire DID board, there were some concerns. Chris Voelker, who owns State Street Eating House + Cocktails, which backs up to an alley, cautioned that the alleys are used by trucks making deliveries and that any physical enhancements would have to maintain adequate width to accommodate them.

As always the devil is in the details, Voelker added.

“This always seems to come in back to maintenance,” Voelker said.

“You talked about getting volunteers, and everybody gets excited about a new project, but then there’s maintenance. If the city commits to maintaining all the plants, and plants bring other insects, all of that has to be considered.”

All that and more falls under due diligence, which will include conducting an inventory of the alleys in downtown, existing infrastructure and utilities in each, and whether a shared trash-bin program is feasible.

And as always, there’s funding.

SARASOTA & SIESTA KEY

ff Stu sa ry t o L T to

An “after” image of the same alley following beautification.

“I had talked to the DID awhile back about Knoxville and Chattanooga and how nice they kept their alleyways. In Knoxville, they actually even had bars. If they wanted to do block parties, they held them in the alleyway. That’s how nice the alleyways are. This is something that I think would be very beneficial for downtown. … I’m all in on something like that.”

— Ron Soto, Downtown Improvement District board member

Arroyo told the board that he isn’t seeking money from the DID, at least not yet. For now, buy-in from the board and the businesses it represents is adequate.

Voelker and fellow board member Mark Kauffman said they would support seed funding for the program from the DID budget and asked for the matter to be placed on the August meeting agenda. In the

GREAT FOR YOUR NEXT SUMMER COOKOUT!

Observer 1970 Main St., Third Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236 PHONE: 941-366-3468 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US

meantime, Wallace said she would bring more details about the program to the discussion.

“I’ll need to get with staff just to be sure that we’re moving in the right direction,” Wallace said. “We can put stuff together to show you what we could do superficially for the public art program, and then perhaps we can also build in the mayor’s ideas for more long-term involvement.”

NEW EN GL AND SEAFOOD MARKET LIVE Maine Lobster (Take ‘em live or we’ll steam for you!)

Tues-Sat 11-6pm Sun 11-4pm | Closed Mon

Haddock • Cod • Tuna • Salmon • Sword • Steamers Mussels • Scallops • Stuffies & More

Florida’s Fresh Catch—Grouper, Snapper, Shrimp

941-918-2529 | 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238 | LotsaLobsterSarasota.com (Next to SkyKing Fireworks—Just south of Sarasota Square Mall)

373785-1

Alleys can be functional, Mayor Erik Arroyo told the Downtown Improvement District board as he seeks support for an alley beautification idea.

Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Hughes, khughes@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES First-Class One year / $200 Six months / $160 Three months / $128

Canada One year / $250 Six months / $200 Three months / $160

PUBLIC NOTICES The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011.

AUDITOR INFORMATION Verified Audit 1101 Fifth Ave., Suite 270 | San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 461-6006 | www.verifiedaudit.com

&

LIKE US

www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

107 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

WATCH US

941-350-9992 northstarfinejewelry.com

FOLLOW US

https://twitter.com/observergroup SCAN ME

@northstarfinejewelry

→ The Mark “Breezeway” ←

e Av ple ap ine SP

Tues. - Sat. 10am-5pm

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

Garage PEntrance

State St.

383380-1

www.instagram.com/observergroup

Lemon Ave

Visit Us at The Mark “Breezeway”

FOLLOW US

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

5A

City Commission OKs $2.9 million for watered-down splash pad City staff and contractor cut $1.1 million for the splash pad replacement at Bayfront Park.

Infrastructure replacement is a large part of the price.

The splash pad is designed with durability in mind. To help mitigate future degradation, its foundation will be glass fiber reinforced concrete, meaning there is no steel used that will decay over time. That adds to the cost, but it also doubles or triples the longevity and reduces future maintenance expense.

“We hear comments all the time about why isn’t the splash pad working. This is the time of year to have the splash pad,” Ahearn-Koch said. “We’ve talked about all the money that we continually put into it, but at a certain point in time when your infrastructure starts to age, you’ve got to pull the trigger and say it’s time to get new infrastructure because it’s failing.”

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

R

apidly rising materials prices and cost overruns have delayed the construction of a new splash pad and playground upgrades at Bayfront Park, but the project has now received the go-ahead from Sarasota city commissioners.

During a recent meeting of the Sarasota City Commission, the $2.9 million project, which includes adjacent playground upgrades, was unanimously approved; Commissioner Hagen Brody was absent. A shade structure and several other features were cut from the project because of budget constraints.

The new water feature, which will replace the 27-year-old splash pad that has been frequently shuttered over the past two years, is the centerpiece of the overall playground project that will have a shipwreck theme.

The project will be paid for by American Rescue Plan Act funds for nonrecurring projects within the city. The commission’s approval included not just the playground and splash pad but also other projects in a $4.4 million spending package, all receiving ARPA grant funding.

The budget amendment includes $5.06 million transfer of ARPA monies to the general fund. In addition to Bayfront Park and splash pad improvements, the funds are appropriated for a mobile command center, five solid waste replacement vehicles, the Bobby Jones Golf Course and Nature Park project, and Serena Street pedestrian connections.

“As you know, because of inflationary costs, materials are going up, so we’re asking permission to set

Andrew Warfield

A SHADY DEAL?

The splash pad at Bayfront Park overlooks this view of Sarasota Bay on one side and the marina on the other.

“The construction costs are going up, so if it’s not the next meeting, if it’s a future meeting, then I don’t know what it will do in terms of the inflationary costs,” he said. “Time is of the essence. We’ve heard from a lot of the contractors that there’s no telling what the cost would be a week from now, two weeks from now or a month from now.”

OUT, FOR NOW

Items removed from the original Bayfront Park splash pad plan: n Two shade structures n Three seat walls adjacent to splash pad n Shade sail over playground n Playground lighting n Composite decking beneath seating under existing shade trees n 65% of proposed plant material

FROM BELOW THE GROUND UP

aside some of that tranche (one in a series of payments) so we can be able to move forward with the splash pad and the playground that has been closed now for a number of months,” said City Manager Marlon Brown.

“We’d like to see that reopened, and this is the opportunity to do that.”

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch express dismay at the cost of the splash pad and park project, asking if an immediate decision was necessary.

Brown agreed about the price but cited it as evidence of the urgency to get the project funded and started.

Sarasota Park and Recreation Director Jerry Fogle told commissioners the winning bid from Jon F. Swift Construction of Sarasota for the project came in at $4 million.

Cutting the shade structure and other features eventually brought the price down to $2.9 million, one that could rise or require more cuts if not locked in immediately.

If even at $2.9 million the price still seems steep, Fogle explained the infrastructure of the splash pad — plumbing, pumps, filtration, drains, etc. — is antiquated, failing and in need of demolition. In addition, the splash pad is custom designed and not something pulled from the shelf of your local splash pad store.

“You’re going to get a really unique, special project,” Fogle said.

“We had community meetings. We got their input. This suits the needs of our citizens, … so this is why we’re coming to you today to get your support for this. I think it’s going to be one of the most impactful amenities that we have. Payne Park playground is wildly popular. I think this will be even more popular.”

The unique nature of the splash pad and playground design is perhaps exceeded only by its setting, in the middle of Bayfront Park with views of the marina on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other.

Such a first-class location, said John F. Swift Construction President Jason Swift, requires a facility comparable quality.

“When we were tasked to do this project, it was brought to us to be a world-class partner, and that’s what we gave at the $4 million price,” Swift said. “We had to take some things back and live within the budget, and I think the big problem we have is if we wait for this decision, contractors and materials are not holding their prices. We get price increases on a weekly basis. I’d hate to see us not move forward, and then the price goes up again, and we can’t afford to do it.”

Although portions of the playground area of Bayfront Park near O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill are naturally shaded with abundant trees, the splash pad footprint is largely open to the elements. The shade features that were removed from the plan represent a significant portion of the cost cutting — approximately $250,000.

Although Mayor Erik Arroyo suggested that the shade — as well as all the other items cut — could be brought back at a later time, commissioners Ahearn-Koch and Liz Alpert lamented losing the shade, agreeing that much of the year the lack of shade might be a deterrent.

“I think it’s an important project that shouldn’t continue to be delayed, and I’m sorry we had to eliminate shade structure,” Alpert said. “That would be very important, especially for parents who sit there.”

Before commissioners approved the Bayfront Park and other projects, Brown said he’d scour the budget for money to pay for the shade installation.

“I’m hearing that the shade structure is important,” he said. “If I can get direction from the commission to add it to the project, if I’m able to find the money for it, I’ll do that.”

Silhouette® Quartette® with PowerView® Automation

Sarasota’s Best

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TREE

Voted One of

WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

28 Years in a Row!

It’s never too early to seek to have your loved ones protected.

YOUR HOME DESERVES

Call for a free 15-30 min. consultation

941-315-2114

Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

382859-1

M. Michelle Robles, Esq.

WWW.ROBLESLAWPA.COM 8592 POTTER PARK DRIVE, SUITE 150 SARASOTA, FL 34238

384561-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION & X-RAYS (941) 260-2712

LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT

384541-1

$2395 Implant, Post, & Crown

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

COPS CORNER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Special

1,250

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

DIRTY LAUNDRY 2:52 p.m., 2200 block of Bee Ridge Road Theft report: The manager of a laundry service called police to a laundromat over a dispute with a customer who was accusing her staff of “accidentally” stealing some towels she was washing there. Multiple loads of towels were being laundered at the facility at the same time. Police sorted through the dispute, determining no towels had been stolen, but that some of the complainant’s towels were inadvertently mixed with those the laundry service was cleaning. The issue got sorted out, and everybody left with their own towels.

$

Special AND GET YOUR

MONDAY, JULY 4

PITTER PATTER 5:40 p.m., 1000 block of Village Circle Neighbor dispute: A resident of a condo complex called police with a complaint that her downstairs neighbor had repeatedly come to her door and acting confrontationally about her children disturbing him by running on the floor above him. The disturbed neighbor even at one point took the phone from her hand and hung it up when she was on the phone with the condo owner, reporting the situation. Although the woman said she did not want to press charges, she advised it was the second time the man aggressively confronted her. She reported she did not have the neighbor’s information, but she did have a video of the incident, which was reviewed at the scene.

COMMUNITY FEE 3RD MONTH’S RENT

FREE! 5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233 (One block north of Clark Road)

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

Contact Sarabella at 941-413-7997 or email MarketingDirector@discoverSarabella.com

382849-1

5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233 (One block north of Clark Road)

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

ALF License #13578

CURB SERVICE 11:06 p.m., 2900 block of Church Avenue Eviction: In a case of illegal eviction, police were called by a tenant when she returned to her home and found her belongings on the curb. The property owner told the officer the

woman had lived in the residence for three months and has not paid rent, and that his aunt was looking to move into the home and he wanted the other woman out. After hearing the tenant had lived there for three months, the officer advised the landlord it was illegal to remove the woman’s belongings without going through the proper eviction process.

The resident then took all or her belongings back into the home and left the premises.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

FAMILY PROBLEMS 2:52 p.m., 2700 block of Maple Avenue Threat: A resident called police to document a threatening Facebook message received from her niece, who the victim said had been upset with her since 2020 when the victim’s mother died and was cremated, apparently over the objections of the niece. The victim said she had blocked her niece for a long time.

On July 4 she received threatening message from her niece. The victim stated she believe her niece lives in St. Petersburg.

ELECT:

Dawnyelle Singleton Lauren Kurnov & Nora Cietek

for Sarasota schools!

RECEIVE YOUR VBM BALLOT BY: July 15th EARLY VOTING DATES: Aug. 13th thru Aug. 21st

donate & shop donate & shop donate & shop

23rd

VOTE!

Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art Materials | Decorative Accessories | Lamps Building | Furniture | Appliances

for School Board Candidates who support:

Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps Building Building Materials Materials || Furniture Furniture || Appliances Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories Art | Decorative Accessories || Lamps Lamps

No FOR-PROFIT charter schools Exceeding teacher expectations to improve retention

3 Stores n 1 Location Stores n 1n Location 10:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday -3Saturday n 10:00am n Sarasota - 5:00pm Tuesday -3 Saturday 2095 17th Street n 1 Location Stores n 3 Stores 1 Location n Sarasota 2095 17th Street n 10:00am -- 5:00pm Tuesday Saturday n 10:00am large items to donate?

5:00pm TuesdayHave - Saturday n free Call to schedule yourto pick up.

2095 17th n Sarasota Have largeStreet items donate?

Sarasota 2095 17th Street n www.habitatsrq.org (941Call ) 444-5783 to schedule your free pick up.

Have large items to Have largenitems to donate? donate? ( ) www.habitatsrq.org 941 444-5783 Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Call Call to to schedule schedule your your free free pick pick up. up.

Our vision is everyone nndeserves a decent place to live. ((941 )) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org www.habitatsrq.org 941 444-5783

Enhanced parental focus Student outcomes not political activism Keen financial oversight

Visit www.SarasotaVotes.gov to find your polling place and more info

www.SarasotaDems.org

Our Our vision vision is is everyone everyone deserves deserves a a decent decent place place to to live. live.

Contact us to get more information about your precinct activity and to volunteer!

PAID FOR BY THE SARASOTA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

370398-1

ELECTION DAY: Aug.

385059-1

6A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

7A

Newest Legacy Trail stop opens in Sarasota Pompano Trailhead features lighted pickleball courts and other amenities.

Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

Beauty is our Business

P

ickleball enthusiasts and cyclists now have another destination (or two) to visit following the grand opening of a new stop along Sarasota County’s Legacy Trail and the renovation of a north county park near University Parkway.

Last week, dignitaries ceremonially opened the Pompano Trailhead, just off the Legacy Trail’s newly opened northern extension into downtown, featuring purpose-built pickleball courts and other amenities.

County officials also cut the ribbon this month on an updated Longwood Park that now includes six new purpose-built pickleball courts, along with new parking areas, refurbished tennis and basketball courts, new signage and repaved driveways.

Pompano Trailhead, 5.1 acres at 601 S. Pompano Ave., is the newest addition to Legacy Trail, which earlier this year was extended north all the way to Fruitville Road from Ashton Road. Riders can now take the former railroad route to Venice, and in the future all the way to North Port. A segment of the North Port section of the trail could be open later this summer.

The centerpiece of the Pompano Trailhead is 12 lighted pickleball courts, along with a shaded pavilion, play space for children, a bike repair station and a new office for Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, built into an existing building at the site.

It’s the largest of the additions to the Legacy Trail, which was financed with a $65 million bond issue approved by voters in 2018.

“I’m almost speechless as I look around here today,” said Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Nicole Rissler, adding the site once was home to a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

County commissioners and Sarasota Mayor Erik Arroyo and Vice Mayor Kyle Battie attended the formal ribbon cutting on July 8.

“I would really like to say that when I got elected eight years ago, I knew all about pickleball,” County Commission Chair Al Maio said.

“But unfortunately, when it first came up, I said, ‘What in the world is pickleball? What a name.

OVER 800 FIVE STAR REVIEWS!

NEW

Facial Rejuvenation & Skin Tightening RF Laser

TOP 10 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

A bike repair station is just a few yards from the Legacy Trail.

OFF

(Package of 4)

Eric Garwood

“Well, it’s because of the pickleball lovers in this community and the county commissioners that this is all happening because I would have never thought of it.”

Maio credited Commissioner Mike Moran with keeping the issue of public courts front and center.

In fact, Moran spoke on July 5 at the Longwood Park ribbon cutting, saying the sport was growing and the county was working to keep pace.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation helped with the financing of the Pompano Trailhead with a donation of nearly $80,000, Rissler said.

Jon Thaxton, the senior vice president of the foundation, said as a child living in Palmer Ranch in the early 1970s, he loved exploring the wood around Seminole Gulf Railway that became the Legacy Trail.

“We’ve got a great start, we’ve connected Venice, Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis and now Sarasota,” he said.

“But we’ve still got to get to North Port. And after North Port, we’ve still got to get to the north county line, we need to go through the Newtown community.”

Overpasses at Clark and Bee Ridge roads are also planned to begin consruction in 2023.

Once the northern end of the Legacy Trail, Culverhouse Nature Park in Palmer Ranch is closed for updates, which will include bathroom construction and improved parking.

25

%

BEFORE

Plus 2 FREE areas of Dysport

AFTER

Treatment for Forehead, Frown & Crow’s Feet

BEFORE

169

$

per area

AFTER

SkinPen Microneedling

299

$

each

(When buying a package of 3) FDA APPROVED

Premium Fillers Includes Contour, Refyne, Defyne & Kysse Treatment for smile lines, chin, lips & cheeks

REASONS TO VISIT CLAYTON’S

Filler for Cheeks

Trout Almondine, Macadamia Nut Encrusted Grouper, Cult like Pizza’s, Duck, Fish Tacos Exec Chef Mike Yoder one of the best chefs in the world GM, Felicia O’Brien, and our friendly staff will provide a most entertaining dining experience Clayton is a fun, spirited, community guy and lifelong resident Best Eatery in the country says his mom “Kitten” High School mentoring program teaching work ethic and responsibility Locals’ Gathering Spot Great Happy Hour from 4-6:30 ECO friendly restaurant Proves you are not a member of the Chain Gang

BEFORE

AFTER

599

$

each (Reg. $699)

449

$

each (when you buy 2 or more) (Reg. $599)

DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT BOOKING

Available while supplies last. Must mention ad to receive promotion.

Cannot combine with any other discount. Not valid towards previous purchases. All sales final. No refunds. Offers expire July 31, 2022.

CALL TODAY

With 18 years on Siesta Key Come celebrate with us!

SERVING DINNER NIGHTLY 4 - 10PM

LWR | 6277 LAKE OSPREY DR. 941.359.BTOX (2869)

MON/TUE/TH/FRI 10AM - 5PM ALTERNATE WED/SAT 10AM - 4PM WWW.BOWTIQUEMEDSPA.COM 385241-1

SRQ | 6118 S. TAMIAMI TRL. 941.360.BTOX (2869)

385179-1

377700-1

TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS! 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd., Siesta Key 941 - 349 - 2800 | claytonssiestagrille.com

8A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Another perspective on pay When Sarasota’s police union compared its members’ salaries to those in Tampa and St. Petersburg, predictably, they lagged. But when compared to cities of similar size, Sarasota’s pay puts the city’s compensation at the top.

T

here is always more to every story than just one perspective. That’s certainly true in the matter of union negotia-

tions.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Observer reported on the ongoing negotiations between the city of Sarasota and the police officers’ union over a new collective bargaining agreement and salaries. As it made its case, the police union presented an informational table comparing the pay of Sarasota police officers to their brethren in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

No surprise, the Sarasota police union made the case that its officers are compensated less than those police officers in the two bigger cities to the north — which, of course, the argument goes, makes it difficult for the city of Sarasota to attract and keep the best and brightest.

As we said, it helps to have more than one perspective.

To that end, let’s start with the fact those cities are more than five times larger than Sarasota, so one counter to the union’s argument is the comparison. Comparing Sarasota salaries to Tampa and St. Petersburg salaries is not exactly apples to apples, as the cliché goes.

A more relevant comparison would be the difference in costs

of salaries and pension benefits of police departments in cities of similar size.

To that end, our accompanying table shows some comparisons that might add to the negotiations.

In addition to Tampa and St. Petersburg, our table includes data from cities of similar population to Sarasota, along with that of data of Sarasota’s neighboring cities of Venice and Longboat Key. As you can see, Sarasota’s average police salaries are higher than all the other cities on the list that are not five times or seven times larger in population.

Compared to other beach cities of similar population, Sarasota already pays more than comparable cities, although Coral Gables is close.

And the cost-of-living index in all the cities is similar, except Coral Gables, which, to be expected, is notably higher, and Pensacola, which is notably lower.

Salary is not the only cost of employing a new police officer though. Sarasota has a much larger pension cost per new police officer than Bradenton or Pinellas Park, exceeded only by Coral Gables. If you add together the annual average salary and pension costs of a new officer, Sarasota tops the list with Coral Gables. See the smaller box above.

HOW CITY POLICE COSTS COMPARE

Friedrich Hayek

Avg. Police # Police Pension cost Crime Population Salary Officers per Officer Index Sarasota 54,108 $89,632 163 $49,638 311 Coral Gables 49,495 $83,208 157 $56,339 147 Venice 37,895 $80,529 51 n/a 82 Pinellas Park 53,116 $71,541 103 $16,684 311 54,394 $67,971 155 n/a 342 Pensacola Bradenton 55,423 $62,161 105 $27,809 289 Longboat Key 7,236 $57,664 20 n/a 35 St Petersburg 258,227 382,769 Tampa

$96,641 $94,339

520 821

$19,239 $39,855

321 198

Source: City websites and pension plan actuarial reports, City-data.com

SALARY + PENSION

Sarasota.................. $140,000 Coral Gables............ $140,000 Bradenton................ $90,000 Pinellas Park..............$88,000

The higher pension costs in Coral Gables and Sarasota are because of high annual payments on pension debt from underfunding the system in the past. The lack of pension costs information in the table on Longboat Key, Pensacola and Venice is because those cities reformed their pension plans and don’t have the same kind of annual pension costs.

Finally, look at the number of officers in each city and the crime rates. The City-Data Crime Index factors in all crime per capita and weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily and also takes

into account flows of visitors. The higher the index number, the worse the crime.

Sarasota’s crime index is not the best, though mostly the cities of similar size have similar crime levels. Notably, Sarasota has about three officers per 1,000 population, as do Coral Gables, Longboat Key and Pensacola. The other cities all have about two officers per 1,000 population, except Venice, with just one officer per 1,000 population.

Bradenton has lower crime, much lower police salaries and pension costs per officer, with the same population size but two-thirds as many officers as Sarasota.

None of this information says what Sarasota police officers should be paid, but it provides more information for the city to consider in its negotiations than does simply comparing Sarasota police salaries to St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Fallacy of eliminating fossil fuels

MARK MILLS

Editor’s note: As the Biden administration forces Americans to shift to electric vehicles by choking off fossil fuel production, it neglects to tell Americans how unrealistic that goal is. In the following text, transcribed from a video produced

by Prager University, Mark Mills shows how it will be impossible to eliminate fossil fuels if we want to live the way we do.

Illustrations courtesy of Prager University

Fossil fuels currently provide 84% of all the world’s energy. That percentage has declined only 2 points in the past 20 years.

W

e’re headed toward an exciting energy future.

Wind and solar will power the energy of tomorrow. And tomorrow isn’t far off.

Time to wake up. We’re having a dream. Here’s the reality: Oil, natural gas and coal provide 84% of all the world’s energy.

That’s down just 2 percentage points from 20 years ago.

And oil still powers nearly 97% of all global transportation.

Contrary to headlines that we are rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels — it’s just not happening.

After two decades and $5 trillion of government investing in green energy, we have barely moved the needle.

This was supposed to be easy.

Why is it so hard?

In a word: Rocks.

To get the same amount of energy from wind and solar that we now get from fossil fuels, we are going to have to massively increase mining by more than 1,000%.

This isn’t speculation. This is physics.

Copper, iron ore, silicon, nickel, chromium, zinc, cobalt, lithium, graphite and rare Earth metals like neodymium — we need them all.

And then those metals and materials need to be turned into motors, turbine blades, solar panels, batteries and hundreds of other industrial components.

That also takes lots of energy, which requires even more mining.

As a World Bank study put it, these green technologies are in fact significantly more material intensive than our current energy mix.

That may be the understatement of the century.

Raw materials account for 50% to 70% of the cost to manufacture both solar panels and batteries.

Until now, it hasn’t really mattered much because wind and solar still only account for a few percentage points of the global energy supply. They are an applause line for environmentalists, not a major energy player, and it’s unlikely they will be in the foreseeable future.

But for the sake of argument, let’s say we sharply ramp up mining.

Where would these new mines be located?

For one, China. That country is the single largest source of most of our critical energy materials.

The United States is not only a minor player, but it is dependent on imports for 100% of 17 critical minerals.

Do we want to give China more

political and economic leverage?

Europe has made itself dependent on Russia for 40% of its natural gas.

How well has that worked out?

Ironically, we have all the minerals we need right here in North America. But good luck trying to get them out of the ground.

Proposals to build mines in the United States and increasingly almost everywhere else meet fierce opposition if not outright bans.

To give one example, in 2022, the Biden administration canceled a proposed copper and nickel mine in northern Minnesota. This was after years of delays and navigating a maze of environmental regulations.

And yet the same environmentalists and green-leaning politicians who tout all the benefits of electric cars are the same people who make mining those materials that are essential to build those cars, like copper and nickel, all but impossible.

Try to square that circle.

So far, we’ve only talked about today’s energy needs. What about tomorrow’s?

Future energy demand will be far

“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.”

greater than today’s. That has been true for the entire history of civilization. The future will not have more people but also more innovations.

Entrepreneurs have always been better at inventing new ways to use energy than to produce it.

It’s obvious, but worth stating: Before the invention of automobiles, airplanes, pharmaceuticals or computers, there was no energy needed to power them. And as more people become more prosperous, they will want the things others already have — from better medical care to vacations to cars.

In America, there are about 80 cars for every 100 citizens. In most of the world, it’s about five for every 100 citizens. More than 80% of air travel is for personal purposes.

That’s 2 billion barrels of oil a year.

Hospitals use 250% more energy per square foot than an average commercial building.

And the global information infrastructure — the cloud — already uses twice as much energy as the entire country of Japan, the world’s third-largest economy.

The massive data centers at the heart of the cloud alone almost consume 10 times more electricity than the world’s 10 million electric cars.

E-commerce has taken off, and it’s propelling record growth in warehouses, increasingly filled with energy-hungry robots.

America’s truck index more than doubled in the past decade to deliver to and from those warehouses.

These are today’s known trends.

While we can’t predict the future, we can predict there will be more innovation in robotics, drones, quantum computing, biotechnology in new industries not yet imagined.

All of it will require more energy.

A lot more. Fossils fuels, nuclear and, yes, renewables will be required.

But if you think we can get it all from wind and solar — dream on.

Mark Mills is a senior fellow at Prager University. The video can be viewed at YouTube.com/embed / wDOI-uLvTnY.

“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 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 Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma Burke, EBurke@yourobserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

9A

Men and women of various levels play early on Siesta Key.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Presley Murray plays doubles early Saturday.

FUN IN THE SUN The SSOVA beach volleyball tournament was held July 9-10 on Siesta Key. HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

Isabella Thayer-Persaud loves to play beach volleyball. She moved to Florida five years ago in part for its many beaches and opportunities to play her sport.

Since the pandemic, she and her husband, Prem Persaud, have found

themselves in a new position: hosting volleyball tournaments across the state as owners of the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association. The St. Petersburg organization’s latest two-day tournament attracted 540 athletes from beginners to Olympic-level playing on 38 courts on Siesta Key from July 9-10. “(These tournaments) are awe-

some,” Thayer-Persaud said. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

The association has been operating in Florida since 2004, but Persaud and Thayer-Persaud took over hosting the tournaments shortly before the pandemic and now host around two a month. The Siesta Key stop was originally scheduled for

Prem Persaud gears up the players before the tournament starts.

June — as its typically held — but was moved to July when tropical weather threatened.

Many of the SSOVA’s tournaments are a single day, but the Siesta Key spot brings in more pro players with money prizes for top winners.

Kitana Lim, a 22-year-old Palm Harbor resident playing in the Pro

category, has been playing beach volleyball for four years. She started playing indoor volleyball but decided to make a change and hasn’t looked back.

“Indoor is six on six with your position, but with beach volleyball you have to be diverse and be able to do everything,” she said. “You also have to be able to play (into) the wind when you’re outdoors and use different strategies.”

Thayer-Persaud was happy with the turnout.

She started playing indoor volleyball throughout her life but felt burnt out and eventually transitioned to beach volleyball. Watching the many athletes play in the sand and enjoy their time in the sun was a good reminder for why she did.

“This is looser — we’re here to be competitive, but we’re still here on the beach,” Thayer-Persaud said.

“It’s chill. The vibe is just better.”

The team of Bruno DePaula of St. Petersburg and Ricardo Santos of Orlando were the champions of the men’s open division, and Jessica Wilson of Tampa and Jade Hayes of Ozark, Missouri, won the women’s open championship.

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS NEW

SOLD

$137 MILLION PENDING & SOLD IN 2021

SIESTA KEY | ABOVE LIST | $2.5M

7323 PINE NEEDLE RD | OFFERED AT $3.6M

3423 LA PALOMA AVE | OFFERED AT $3.8M

SOLD

SUCCESS STORIES “Judie Berger and her team were consummate professionals from the beginning to the end of our real estate sale. We would definitely engage Judie to either purchase or sell other properties.”

SIESTA KEY | $1.925M

SIESTA KEY | MIDNIGHT PASS | OFFERED AT $3M

SOLD

JEFF & CHRISTINE MOLER

1

No.

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

SIESTA KEY | ABOVE LIST | $1.55M

5780 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, #110B | OFFERED AT $1.35M

23 Years Connecting Buyers and Sellers Ranked in the Top 1.5% of Realtors® in the USA YOUR HOME HAS NEVER BEEN WORTH MORE SCAN THE CODE FOR YOUR HOME VALUATION 380432-1

941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.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.

JULY 14, 2022

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

ROOTS

Nick Gallardo helped co-create the musical arrangements.

Mike Gallardo handles the drumming for Rock & Roll Reignited at FST.

Jared Mancuso, creator of the show, in full Buddy Holly garb.

Photos courtesy of Destiny Jackson

Aurora DuBois handles the bass.

RENAISSANCE ‘Rock & Roll Reignited’ at FST is taking on some of the songs you love best.

And bringing them back to the future.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

J

ared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo have sharpened their act in over 150 cities.

Sarasota offered them a chance to settle down.

Mancuso and Gallardo are the driving forces behind “Rock & Roll Reignited,” a show that brings roots rock songs into the present day and reimagines what they can sound like.

Here, playing in the intimate John C. Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre, they’re working six nights a week and they can see every face, some singing along. And because

they have the opportunity to play in one house for two months, they’re seeing their show evolve to a new level.

“We’ve been working toward something like this for years,” says Gallardo. “So when it comes, you relish in it and the advantages you’re taking from it. This is eight weeks of consistent stage time, and we’re bettering ourselves just by being here.

It’s cool to have that consistency because that’s where new ideas come from. We’re more cohesive now.”

Gallardo and Mancuso have been exploring the classic roots catalogue together for about seven years, and they’ve seen their act evolve from a tribute act to a renaissance.

The pair, joined by bassist Aurora DuBois and bassist Mike Gallardo, play songs from legendary artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis, and they show the audience the way the music has influenced subsequent generations of artists.

The intimate confines of the John C. Court Cabaret serve as the backdrop for “Rock & Roll Re-Ignited.”

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

At one point, they had a part of their show where they would play a rootsy sounding song and then ask the audience who wrote it and when.

The punchline: The song would probably be from 2016 or 2017, but it would sound like a time gone by.

The main thrust of this show, though, is the music that has been playing from jukeboxes for much of the last half-century.

With a modern touch here or a little tweak there, a song that has been familiar for most of your life can feel totally revitalized and renewed.

“There’s something very cool and honorable about playing the songs how they were played first and foremost,” says Gallardo of the show’s philosophy. “But there is immense growth when you’re able to infuse yourself into the music and then bring it authentically into the future.”

“They were just like picking up their guitar, playing in a chord and going for it,” adds Mancuso of the music’s enduring legacy. “We grew up listening to a lot of ’80s and ’90s music. You start to see more arrangement happening. The bass cuts out here. The guitar is doing this flourish instead of a standard chord. What we’ve done is taken that idea with the songs and said, ‘What if we cut out here? What if we add this guitar lick here?’ That’s what in our imagination is reigniting it.”

Both Gallardo and Mancuso say they’ve spent some time thinking about why the early songs in the rock and roll canon still resonate with people all these decades later.

In some ways, they say, it’s about the simplicity and the purity of the music. But it’s also about the way it was delivered; people gathered to watch the “Ed Sullivan Show” or waited to hear songs on the radio.

Today?

Well, people can stream whatever they want whenever they want.

“You were forced to plant yourself there,” says Gallardo. “It’s almost romantic. It’s cool to think that people took the time to say, ‘We’re going to sit next to the radio and listen to this song.’”

Gallardo, whose cousin Mike is the drummer for the Sarasota shows, said he grew up in a family much like the one portrayed in the movie

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

11A

IF YOU GO ‘ROCK & ROLL RE-IGNITED’ When: Runs through Aug. 7 Where: John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

Selena.

Everyone sat around playing music, and everyone was encouraged to pitch in however they were able to contribute.

Mancuso also had an early love affair with music and theater, and he says that he was playing shows in Manhattan with his early bands when he was just 14 or 15 years old.

Now, as mature performers, Mancuso and Gallardo are also developing another show, “Forever Everly,” that takes a unique spin on tribute acts. They explore the career of the Everly Brothers, but instead of it just being a straight concert, they’re accompanying a documentary.

That show was first performed in January, and it’s waiting to be fleshed out when Mancuso and Gallardo have some time after their Florida Studio Theatre residency.

“There’s moments where the video is playing them performing and we’re making the noise,” says Mancuso. “And the audience goes wild for it. I knew going into it that we were doing something very different.

A lot of the time, audiences coming to a tribute show think they’re going to get a full band. It was the first time we ever did a show where we didn’t say anything to the audience, and they stood at the end and were cheering for more.”

That’s the connecting tissue of the two shows they’re working on.

The songs are alive, receptive to tweaking and reinvention.

So is the audience.

When Mancuso and Gallardo look out at the crowd on any given night, they’re never sure they’ll see. They might see students drawn to the songs through their own journeys of discovery, and they might see people who were literally alive when they were first played on the radio.

That keeps things interesting, but

honestly, Gallardo and Mancuso are filled with gratitude to be able to play the music they love and to bring joy to people across the country.

“We just survived a pandemic both

T H E Y N E E D U S.

physically and emotionally. That was a beast to get through,” says Mancuso. “That was a scary time, but our hearts are so in it.”

Nick Gallardo (foreground) and Jared Mancuso are bringing roots rock back with a modern twist.

SEE FOR YOURSELF

We Need

You.

Sandra, 54, has stage 5 ovarian cancer and cares for two mentally disabled sons and a 14-year-old in middle school. Meals On Wheels feeds all 4 family members.

Your help delivers so much more than a healthy meal.

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

Without federal funding, Meals On Wheels of Sarasota has been serving seniors, expecting mothers, veterans and disabled people of all ages in our community since 1971.

Your generosity doesn’t just make it possible – it makes it happen. Donate today. Simply scan the code below to learn more or make a donation.

Katrina Coombs I M(O)ther: Threads of the

A passion for fiber, thread, and fabric becomes a quest to understand the conflicting roles of women in our society.

Maternal Figure

This exhibition is co-organized by the Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator and Sarasota Art Museum.

5/22/22 — 10/2/22

941.366.6693 SarasotaArtMuseum.org 374808-1

Meals On Wheels of Sarasota, Inc. delivers nutritious meals to persons in need in the Sarasota community who are unable to provide or prepare a meal for themselves in their homes.

1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.4300 374719-1

MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.org 421 North Lime Ave | Sarasota, FL 34237

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

exhibit, which will feature the work of 49 internationally acclaimed photographers including Pedro Almodóvar, Valérie Belin, Vik Muniz and Viviane Sassen. Their target?

Flowers and the many different ways they can appear through the lens of a gifted photographer. This exhibit is just opening up to the public, and it will be on display until Sept. 29 if you’re not able to see it immediately.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

WBTT’S STAGE OF DISCOVERY: WE DREAM 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $27 adults, $17 students Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

It’s the precocious performers of tomorrow getting their own chance at being on center stage. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Stage of Discovery students will present a pair of live performances to punctuate the end of the theater’s fiveweek summer training program. The show — created, adapted and directed by Jim Weaver — will feature students singing songs envisioning the vision of a future world where peace, love and understanding are the norm.

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

FRIDAY

ARIELLA LIVE! 7:30 p.m. at Bownes Lab, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org

IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE FEATURING MELISSA COBBLAH GUTIERREZ 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Bouldevard of the Arts $20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Sarasota-based artists Ariella McManus and her husband, Nicolaas Kraster, are hitting the Florida Studio Theatre stage twice in July; once on July 14 and again two Thursdays later on July 28. Ariella’s powerful voice and dynamic stage shows have built a local following, and the duo effortlessly moves through genres and even songs in other languages.

JAZZ THURSDAY — THE RUCKUS LATE NIGHT’S 5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Free for art museum members; $20 for non-members Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org This drummer knows how to raise a ruckus. Miami-based Rodney Ruckus leads his band of jazz and hip hop fusion artists for an evening of music at the Sarasota Art Museum’s Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The galleries will be open until 7 p.m., and the event will run until 8. Cocktails will be available as will light bites in the museum’s Bistro.

HELEN KEANEY 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com Helen Keaney has built her act playing comedy clubs all across America, and she’s even entered your living room through hosting stints on TBS and HSN. Keaney planned to start touring again in 2020, but life got in the way. Now she’s back making people laugh, and she’ll play six shows at McCurdy’s running through July 17.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

It’s the final in-studio performance of the season for Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and it will welcome Miami-based dancer and choreographer Melissa Cobblah Gutierrez to perform her work in progress entitled “Los Recuerdos de Mi Casa.”

Cobblah Gutierrez will be asking the audience what specific things remind them of being at home and dancing out her own answers.

ROALD DAHL’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR.’ SHOW 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $9.80-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. org.

Come get in on the fun in a Manatee Performing Arts Center production of the Roald Dahl classic for kids and by kids. The Tony Award-winning hit and beloved film have made a generation of kids feel more at home in expressing themselves, and in this case, they’re ready to win your hearts with their high-energy dance numbers and singing.

POETS UNPLUGGED 3 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $60 Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville couple navigate differing views on the world they live in?

2022 HERMITAGE STARS 2 p.m. at Hermitage Great Lawn, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5, registration required Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org Join the Hermitage as they fete five of Florida’s best arts educators.

Brooke Adkins, Charles Eady, Jessie Leasure, Jennifer Rodriguez and Zoe Stayman will chat about their artistic disciplines, and this event will basically be an “arts buffet” that allows guests to sample from each of their respective creative practices.

SATURDAY ‘FLORA IMAGINARIA’ EXHIBITION OPENING DAY 10 a.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $25, free for members Visit Selby.org.

LASER LIGHT NIGHTS: AEROSMITH 9 p.m. at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W. $15 Visit BishopScience.org.

Janie’s Got a ... Laser? It’s the first of two Laser Light performances for the iconic rockers who burst on the world scene back in the ’70s and have maintained their star-power for nearly a half-century. What will you hear? Who knows? It could be “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Love in an Elevator” timed to pulsing lasers in the Bishop Museum’s planetarium.

The “Year of Photography” will continue at Selby Gardens with this

PLAY READING: BATON 3 p.m. at Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $10 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org This is a work in progress spelling out a specific moment in time.

Support this developing piece by playwright Deneen Reynolds-Knott, which follows a couple on a first date interrupted by the civil unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. Can the

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Learn how to express yourself with spoken word artist Melanie Lavender. This is the start of a six-week writing workshop that will help you develop your thoughts and your ability to communicate them to an audience. Students will learn different writing techniques and how to deliver them, and the program will culminate with a live performance on Aug. 26.

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

DON’T MISS FRIDAY FEST: KETTLE OF FISH Things are pretty quiet at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall during the summer, but Friday Fest is a notable exception.

The fest went on a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, but it returned in June and will also feature events in August and September. Kettle of Fish will keep things rocking on Friday, and a sunset over Sarasota Bay will be their backdrop. Kettle of

Fish will play rain or shine. If it rains, the show will move indoors to the Grand Foyer or the main stage.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m., July 15 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit VanWezel.org

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

www.manasotaonline.com

385000-1

12A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

13A

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

OUR PICK taking Mondays off, and will be at Florida Studio Theatre until Aug. 7.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., July 12 Where: John C. Court Cabaret, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

Incredible Family Entertainment

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET 7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

PAT GODWIN 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

NOW – SAT AUG 13

Pat Godwin’s comedy includes his own signature songwriting and singing, and his website boasts that he’s never done any job outside of entertainment since the age of 20 except for a two-month stint at TGI Fridays.

Godwin, the son of a theater professor and an actress, has the stage in his blood, and he’ll play six shows for the McCurdy’s faithful audience.

ringling.org 941.360 .7399

18

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

12

$

12 & UNDER

TUE – FRI SAT

CHILD

TICKETS:

ADULT

It’s “Love & Bossa Nova” night at the cabaret, which means that Nate Najar and Daniela Soledade will take their intimate act full of love songs and jazz to the stage. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for food and beverages, and the show will start an hour later.

AT THE RINGLING

The Ringling 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota

383339-1

‘ROCK & ROLL REIGNITED’ I’m going to tell you how it’s going to be: You’re going to hear some Buddy Holly.

Jared Mancuso and Nick Gallardo and their band, Not Fade Away, have brought their roots rock revival act all around the country, and now that they’re in Sarasota for an extended run, they’ve had a chance to reimagine their act for their specific setting. The show plays six nights a week,

Heroes SAVE When They SOAR!

THROUGH AUG 28 What’s behind a picture? The term “metadata” is used to describe the information that travels with a digital image file but is unseen within the image itself. In our moment, we are becoming increasingly aware that understanding the information that circulates unseen around photographic images is just as important as seeing what they represent.

Zip•Climb Swing•Soar The Ground Is Overrated

INFORMATION + TICKETS

BRADENTON

ringling.org

941-219-4457

www.TreeUmph.com SPECIAL MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS PRICING ALL YEAR ROUND

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

20% OFF

*

Support for this exhibition was provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; The State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Herald Tribune; Sarasota Magazine; Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen; and The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Endowment.

ANY REGULARLY PRICED ADVENTURE ANYTIME YOU CLIMB!

This exhibition is a part of the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Photography and Media Arts Program at The Ringling.

For Active or Retired Military, First Responders and up to 4 family members!

371533-1

*Military members and first responders must show qualifying ID at check-in. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

380825-1

Penelope Umbrico (American, born 1957), Sunset Portraits from 8,462,359 Sunset Pictures on Flickr on 12/21/10 (detail), 2010. Machine C-prints, 10 × 15.2 cm each. Courtesy of the artist.

Military use Promo Code: Military | First Responders use Promo Code: FirstResponder

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

14A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Lights, Camera, Opera Live performances may be out of season at the Sarasota Opera House, but you can still catch world-class artistry at the HD at the Opera series.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

Y

ou may have your defense mechanisms lined up for why you can’t attend the opera.

Perhaps your suit is at the dry cleaners or you have to wake up early tomorrow.

But what if you knew you could see an opera in the middle of the day on Sunday? And that you could wear shorts without anyone snickering that you’ve upset the dress code?

That’s the unspoken allure of Sarasota Opera’s HD at the Opera series, which puts you in the audience of a great European opera house without crossing the Atlantic.

It’s the next best thing to being live in the house with a talented orchestra and cast of singers, and it will help you scratch your opera itch until Sarasota Opera is back in season.

This is the only form of opera performance where the ovations are optional; the cast is recorded and can’t hear you, but you may still wind up wanting to clap and give them their due. And several of your fellow audience members will probably clap along with you.

Interestingly, when you attend a filmed performance at the Sarasota Opera House, you’re more or less seeing the building in its original intended purpose.

The Opera House opened in 1926 as a silent movie theater, and though it’s now mainly used for live performances, it retains the elemental allure of an old time movie house.

Every seat is a good one, and the sound is worthy of a full orchestra backing a baritone.

Then there’s the matter of the performances, which are top notch

Photo courtesy of Monika Rittershaus

and come from a variety of venues including the Staatsoper Hamburg, the Teatro Real in Madrid and the Royal Opera House in London.

The HD at the Opera series showed Verdi’s “Falstaff” on Sunday, and it was a rendering of a performance from the Staatsoper Hamburg recorded on Jan. 19, 2020.

Italian baritone Ambrogio Maestri starred in the title role, which was given a unique backdrop on the stage.

This Falstaff, directed by Calixto Bieito, is a prisoner of his prodigious appetites. Before the overture, and before a single note is song, Maestri’s Falstaff sits on stage slurping oysters.

He will later have chocolate seductively smeared all over his chest, and at another moment, he will attempt to conceal his frame with nothing but a lampshade over his head.

The comedy is broad and unrelenting in this opera, and there’s a giant cast of characters moving in and out of the story trying to catch Falstaff in a compromising position.

How does it end? Either you’ve seen it already or you should some day.

This isn’t your only opportunity to see a Verdi opera before the Sarasota Opera brings back “Ernani” in March.

The HD at the Opera series will show “La Traviata” from the Royal Opera House in London on Aug. 7, and it will show “Rigoletto” from the same venue on Sept. 11.

Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” will be shown on July 24, and Dvorak’s

The Staatsoper Hamburg performance of “Falstaff” played at the Sarasota Opera House on July 10.

Photo courtesy of Elyza Wylder

Every seat is the best seat in the house at the HD at the Opera House series.

“Rusalka” from the Teatro Real in Madrid will be shown in August.

The final performance of the HD at the Opera series — on Sept. 25 — will be a 1962 Strauss performance, “Der Rosenkavalier,” from Salzburg, starring the late Elisabeth Schwarzkopf.

What if you like the idea of beating the heat and seeing a movie at the Opera House, but you’re not really feeling the idea of an opera performance?

There’s also the Classic Movies at the Opera House series, which packs the house for Hollywood hits on Fri-

day evenings during the summer.

The Opera House will be showing “To Kill a Mockingbird” (July 22), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Aug. 5), “Double Indemnity” (Aug. 19) and “Harvey” (Sept. 23) before the building goes back to rehearsing and staging live performances.

The next scheduled performance for the Sarasota Opera is “The Secret Marriage” in October, which gives you plenty of time to get your clothes from the dry cleaners and to make your arrangements for a reason to sleep late the following day.

IF YOU GO

HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE When: 1:30 p.m. on Sundays; remaining shows are “Swan Lake” (July 24), “La Traviata” (Aug 7.), “Rusalka” (Aug. 21), “Rigoletto” (Sept. 11) and “Der Rosenkavalier” (Sept. 25) Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $22 Info: SarasotaOpera.org/summermovies

Love, L inda Music & Lyrics

Arrangements & additional musical

Cole Porter

Gary William Firedman

Book

Stevie Holland with Gary William Firedman

July 13-24, 2022 the timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter weave through the compelling narrative of Linda Lee Thomas, the Southern beauty who was the driving force behind the legendary songwriter

2020 winner

manager

by Douglas Gearhart

July 29-31, 2022

382161-1

385127-1

the

JULY 14, 2022

HIGH

SPORTS

5

“No matter how good you do, after a round you always think you could have shot a few shots better.”

— Cardinal Mooney High graduate Wyatt Plattner SEE PAGE 17A

PRODIGIOUS PADDLERS The championship event will hit Benderson Park July 18-24 and will see boats from local clubs compete against the world’s best.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

W 1

Sarasota skateboarder Jake Ilardi finished third in the Men’s Street division of the 2022 Mystic Sk8 Cup, held June 24-26 in Prague.

2

Former Sarasota High baseball player Vaun Brown, a member of the San Francisco Giants organization, was promoted to the High-A level Eugene Emeralds from the A level San Jose Giants on June 24. Brown has hit .382 with four home runs in 14 games since the promotion.

3

Former Sarasota High baseball player Jack Duffy, who played for Polk State during the 2022 spring season, is second in the summer Cape Cod Baseball League in batting average as of July 13. Duffy is hitting .324 for the Bourne Braves.

4

Sarasota Tsunami swimmer Sumner Chmieleweski announced her commitment to Brown University on July 9.

Chmieleweski graduated from Sarasota High in May.

5

The 2022 Florida South U13, U14 and U15 Babe Ruth baseball tournaments will be held July 14-17 at the Sarasota Babe Ruth League. Sarasota has a representative team in all three age groups. For information visit SarasotaBabeRuth.com.

REVIVING FAITH PAGE 16A

ith one of dragon boat racing’s premier events coming to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota July 18-24, the paddling world will be watching.

But what has been happening in the days leading up to the 2022 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships when no one was watching?

A lot of blood and sweat — and yes, even a few tears, according to the park’s paddlers. If that is what it takes for a shot to call themselves world champions, so be it.

Even for the people who, as recently as a few years ago, didn’t know what dragon boat was.

That is the position in which Sarasota paddler Don Bickel finds himself. In fact, Bickel’s introduction to dragon boat was not as a paddler at all, but a strength coach. Angela Long, Benderson Park’s head paddling coach, had asked him to work as the strength coach for Survivors in Sync, the park’s breast cancer survivor team. SIS had just finished fourth at the 2018 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission Dragon Boat Festival in Florence, Italy, a close analogue to the Club Crew World Championships but only for breast cancer survivor teams. Long thought putting the team through a real strength program would enhance its shot at a gold medal the next time an event of that scale came around. After coming so close to the podium, no one wanted to slow down.

Bickel did work with SIS, but over time he also took up paddling himself. To his surprise — at least the first time — this was no easy feat.

“I have done Cross-Fit and I have done Ironman triathlons, but this was different,” Bickel said. “You have people relying on you to your best the whole time, to stay in sync. You’re going as hard as you can. My first real race was a short one, 200 meters. It only takes about a minute to finish.

At the end, I was beyond exhausted.”

The Club Crew World Championships will see community club from across the globe descend on the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Benderson Park will be represented by three clubs — the NBP Dragons community team (with women’s and mixed boats), the Survivors in Sync breast cancer survivors team and the NBP Warriors all-cancer survivors team.

Bickel will compete in both the mixed Dragons boat and the all-cancer survivors boat; he had Leiomyosar-

File photos

coma, a type of cancer that grows in smooth muscles, in his arm, but has recovered.

Bickel said this will be one of the biggest athletic events he has been a part of; he once competed in the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships, but those are not quite the same thing, Bickel said with a laugh. But Bickel should have been on the world stage sooner. He was named to Team USA’s Men’s Senior A (40 and up) team ahead of the 2021 IDBF World Championships, which sees countries compete against each other a la soccer’s World Cup. The event, which was to be hosted

by Hong Kong, was canceled out of COVID-19 concerns. It was a disappointment to Bickel, though he said he was still honored to be named to the team.

While not exactly the same, Bickel said he sees the Club Crew World Championships as a second chance to compete on a big stage.

“I’m a competitive person,” Bickel said. “We want to see if we can get on the podium. I know that everyone on the team has been doing everything they can do (to be at their best).

“I am excited to engage with the moment. I’ll be with people who have become great friends. You always feel the excitement of warming up and lining up the boats, that

Benderson Park dragon boaters Don Bickel, Doreen Clyne, Beth Turconi and Angela Long were named to Team USA in 2021, though never got to compete. Bickel said the 2022 Club Crew Worlds are a chance to make up for that.

focus and intensity. The only people talking are the drummer and the steerer. I try to capture that moment because after that, the racing is automatic. We know our start rate and the pace we want. We just hope we can put enough power behind it.”

This will be the 13th iteration of the biennial world championships, but the first since 2018. There was no event in 2020 out of COVID-19 concerns. This will also be the first time the championships, which were held for the first time in 1996, will be held in North America.

The three teams received a taste of high-level competition during October’s 2021 IBDF Club Crew Nationals, also held at the park. Survivors in Sync won its division while the NBP Dragons finished second. The NBP Warriors were the only all-cancer team to compete at nationals.

Club Crew Worlds is an event that means a lot to people. Lakewood Ranch’s Cherie Landriau joined the NBP paddling program six years ago, and for five years she has held a specific dream in her head. Landriau, who paddles with the NBP Dragons, said she stood at the park’s Finish Tower at the 2017 Southeastern Regional Dragon Boat Association Championships and watched as various clubs qualified for the 2017 Nationals in Mercer Lake, New Jersey. Some of those paddlers would go on to complete at the 2018 Club Crew Worlds in Szeged, Hungary.

Landraiu said she made a promise to herself watching those paddlers that she would qualify for Worlds herself one day.

Five years later, her dream is about to come true.

“Competing in this event means a lot to me,” Landriau said. “I am finally reaching my goal after lots of training camps and lots of fun times with my teammates. It is amazing how this team has grown and become like my family.”

Admission to the event is free for spectators, though parking on the park’s Regatta Island is $15. The event is also looking for volunteers. Interested parties can visit 2022ccwc.com for more information.

Benderson Park head paddling Coach Angela Long and the Survivors in Sync breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, which features paddlers from Sarasota, will compete at the 2022 Club Crew World Championships next week.

IF YOU GO What: The world’s top dragon boat club teams will converge on Sarasota-Bradenton to compete in a variety of age, gender and skill level divisions.

When: July 18-24 Where: Nathan Benderson Park Admission: Free for spectators (parking on Regatta Island is $15) Benderson Park teams competing: NBP Dragons, NBP Warriors all-cancer survivors, and Survivors in Sync breast cancer survivors Volunteer information can be found at 2022ccwc.com or at the event’s SignUpGenius page.

A full schedule of events, subject to change, can be found at 2022ccwc. com

16A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

From die-hard fan to agnostic (and back again) Ryan Kohn’s baseball fandom died in 2016. The Baltimore Orioles, on an eight-game winning streak, have brought it back from the dead.

T

he signs lining the downtown streets once reminded me of home.

The Baltimore Orioles’ brand is consistent. The signs here, in the team’s spring training city, use the same colors and fonts and imagery as the signs that line Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the surrounding area.

When I moved to Sarasota in 2016, one look at an Orioles banner would send me right back to Baltimore, walking the concourse, checking out plaques like the one dedicated to a home run ball that landed in front of the park’s iconic warehouse on Eutaw Street. I always have at least one Boog’s BBQ sausage in hand in these daydreams.

In the years since my move, those reminiscences are less frequent.

Part of that is probably time. As Sarasota has become my home, the Orioles signs have become less a reminder of where I came from and more a part of my day-to-day. They seem natural, not like a remnant of a place I used to live. To be honest, I hardly notice them. But when I do, I don’t get warm feelings of home. I feel nothing.

Part of this comes with the territory of a sports journalist who isn’t supposed to cheer in the pressbox.

But in this case, my profession is not the only reason my level of care plummeted. It’s also because watching Baltimore was a slog.

The Orioles made playoffs in 2016 as an American League Wild Card team. It was the third time in

Photo courtesy of Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles

Trey Mancini, seen taking the field during the 2020 spring training season, has been with Baltimore through the dregs of recent seasons and remained a bright sport.

the 2010s that the team had reached the postseason. Those three seasons were the first time I had ever experienced Baltimore as a winning team, at least since I was 3.

But it was evident that the run was not built to last. Without getting too “inside baseball” — literally — the team was not well-constructed. They went all-in on a final run in 2016 because it was all they had left, and it didn’t work. They lost in the Wild Card round.

Since then, being an Orioles fan has become its own special circle of hell. It’s not just that team has been bad, though it certainly has been — historically so in 2018. It’s that the Orioles were awful. Blowouts became the norm; the 2018 team gave up 270 more runs than it scored.

It was enough to make me not care anymore. I lived in Sarasota,

after all. Why would I watch 162 Orioles games a year when I could spend those precious hours reading on the beach or having cocktails with friends on my choice of hotel rooftops? Even more importantly, why would I pay extra for MLB.TV to watch these guys? The on-field product didn’t deserve my time, my attention or my money.

I canceled my package, electing only to follow the team via social media, and that was simply out of morbid curiosity. My fandom as I knew it was dead.

As recently as mid-May, I still felt that way. But something has changed now. Three days after I lamented my baseball fandom here, the Orioles called up catcher Adley Rutschman, considered by many to be the top prospect in all of baseball, from AAA Norfolk. Rutschman was the No. 1 overall pick in the

2019 MLB Draft, the prize the Orioles won for being historically awful.

Rutschman has not turned into the game’s best player just yet — though he has been good — but his arrival has certainly done something to the clubhouse.

Before Rutschman, the 2022 O’s were 16-24: not quite as horrible as previous years, but not great, either.

Since his arrival, the O’s have gone 27-20, for a total record of 43-44.

They’re still in last place in the monstrous AL East, but as of July 11 they have won eight straight games, three on walk-off hits. They are the hottest team in the league and are two games out of a Wild Card spot.

I reactivated my TV package just to watch these guys play their hearts out, and it has been worth it.

I do not think these Orioles are going to make the postseason this

year. There are too many teams to jump and, frankly, they have gotten a bit lucky during this eightgame run. But I don’t care. What I care about is that the team is fun again. Rutschman has an infectious energy; he runs to whoever is pitching after each inning and walks to the dugout with them. It’s not just him: other good, young players have turned the offense around.

They have a “home run chain” now, worn by whoever has smashed the most recent dinger. They also play flashy defense and have one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the league in Felix Bautista.

When Trey Mancini, an All-Star caliber player who overcame colon cancer and has been with the team through the dregs of recent seasons, hit a walk-off single against the Los Angeles Angels on July 8, I actually found myself getting emotional.

Didn’t see that coming.

All that losing did have a silver lining: there are more cool, young players coming to the O’s in the next year or two, players to watch in person during spring training. You should also watch the O’s now, if you have ever felt anything toward the organization. The sun is clearing the clouds away. After six years of dead fandom, the 2022 O’s have carried it out of that special circle of hell. I don’t know if it’s in heaven yet, but it’s on a slow climb.

In recent weeks, I have started to notice the Orioles street signs again. They don’t necessarily remind me of “home”; that’s Sarasota now. But they do bring the same feelings I felt growing up. They remind me to check the schedule so I don’t miss a pitch.

They cause me to daydream about the game I love.

I’m so glad to have those feelings back.

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

The Republican Party of Sarasota and Manatee Counties proudly present:

Candidates Rally!

Free Pie from Yoder’s and Der Dutchman!

Invited Speakers

Sarasota’s Only Locally Owned Community Bank

Governor Ron DeSantis U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

People like to shop local. Supporting local retailers and frequenting independent restaurants is a great way to make an investment in the place where you live, work, and play.

July 16 at Robarts Arena.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and speeches begin at 11:30 a.m.

Truth Social Will Be On Site

State Senator Jim Boyd (District 20)

Have you considered banking local? The money we lend at Gulfside Bank supports the families and businesses who are living and investing in our community. As Sarasota’s only locally owned community bank, we are your neighbors, we are your friends, and we care about your success.

National Salem Radio Host Mike Gallagher will be live broadcasting!

Choosing Gulfside Bank is another great way to support and invest in your community.

Congressman Vern Buchanan (District 16) Congressman Greg Steube (District 17) State Senator and RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters (District 23)

There will also be dozens of other incumbents and candidates from the Sarasota-Manatee region, including legislators, Sarasota and Manatee county commission and school board candidates, municipal candidates from Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Holmes Beach and more.

Meet your new banker. Call us today.

(941) 303-4200

Live here. Bank here.

378134-1

Paid for and approved by the Republican Party of Sarasota County and the Republican Party of Manatee County.

384597-1

www.sarasotagop.com | (941) SRQ-4GOP | (941) 777-4467 333 N. Orange Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 303-4200 | gulfsidebank.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Wyatt Plattner is a Cardinal Mooney High graduate and golfer. Plattner won the 2022 Florida State Golf Association Boys’ Junior Championship (11 under par; 68-68-69—205), held July 6-8 at Seminole Legacy Golf Club and Golden Eagle Golf and Country Club in Tallahassee.

Plattner, who will play for the University of Cincinnati in the fall, also won the 50th Southern Junior Championship (nine under par; 66-68-67— 201), held June 15-17 at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.

When did you start playing golf?

I started playing golf when I was 5 years old. Everyone in my family plays golf, so I quickly learned it from them.

What is the appeal to you?

I like the competitiveness of golf.

No matter how good you do, after a round you always think you could have shot a few shots better. It makes you want to go practice more.

What part of your game has improved the most this year?

Probably my short game. It’s funny, I haven’t have much time to practice recently. I just keep playing events.

But for some reason my short game, my chipping and putting, has been consistent anyway. I have made some timely putts. I guess I have just developed a good feel for it over time.

What is your favorite golf memory?

Winning the Southern Junior Championship was a big one. That was pretty fun. It’s one of the

biggest junior events in the region and in the past when I have played events like that I haven’t done too well. I’m not sure what changed this time, but it was good to see. I guess I have been working out more, maybe that helped. I have filled into my body more as well. (Plattner is 6-foot-3.)

What made you want to sign with Cincinnati?

Coach (Doug) Martin. That’s the reason. He’s pretty much the best college coach you could ask for. I’m excited to learn from him. He played on the PGA Tour for eight years. I want to see what he can teach me from those experiences.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Wyatt Plattner

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.

Th

|

Brough , ta o s a r a S f o e Spirit

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

17A

t Home

What is your favorite food?

I love steak cooked medium rare.

What is your favorite movie?

You know, I’m in Massachusetts for the Wyndham Cup right now, and I watched ‘Superbad’ on the plane here. That movie is still so funny.

At Aviva, our residents do more than call our community home.

What are your hobbies?

I like wakeboarding a lot. Anything where I can be on the water, I like.

They live here, with purpose and meaning at every turn. Embracing the beauty of Sarasota and our 27-acre campus. Curating a thriving arts and cultural scene. And ensuring your peace of mind surrounded by

What is the best advice you have received?

Stay patient. You can easily get ahead of yourself in golf, especially if you’re not making putts.

Just stay patient and things will fall.

loving staff. As a COVID Vaccine Mandated Campus for residents, associates and vendors, Aviva is focused on safety and security for everyone in our community. Visit us at AvivaSeniorLife.org

1951 N. Honore Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.377.0781 | AvivaSeniorLife.org

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

384967-1

Assisted Living Facility #8951

ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF:

2022 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

July 19 and August 16 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $39 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

Rabbi Noam Marans AJC Director, Interreligious and Intergroup Relations TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

The Many Voices of Christianity on Israel: Not One Size Fits All Christians worldwide, and especially in the U.S., are not of one mind regarding support for Israel and diverse approaches for different denominations are needed.

Holly Huffnagle AJC U.S. Director, Combating Antisemitism TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022

America’s Wakeup Call: What Rising Antisemitism Means for the United States

handcrafted furniture for a lifetime. two locations

-

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.960.2942

Limited Seating Advanced Reservations Required.

RSVP Online at AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2022 Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org Or Call AJC at 941.365.4955

scan here:

382154-1

dutchhausfurniture.com we have the largest selection of in-stock amish furniture in florida!

384972-1

includes Dining Bedroom Murphy Beds Office Living Room Outdoor Poly Bathroom Vanities Kitchen Cabinets

Antisemitism, the world’s longest hatred, is rising in the United States. Americans must wakeup to the fact that what begins with Jews, rarely ends with Jews. The current rise of hate, prejudice, and conspiratorial thinking should be a warning for all.

18A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY RYAN ACKERMAN

www.ackermansrq.com

ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

FEATURED PROPERTIES OPEN BY APPOINTMENT SUNDAY • 1:00 - 4:00 PM

COREY’S LANDING | LONGBOAT KEY

COREY’S LANDING - 3414 FAIR OAKS LANE

OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY • 1:00 - 4:00 PM

MAJESTIC BAY | DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

NEW PRICE $2,249,500 MAJESTIC BAY - 258 GOLDEN GATE PT. #601

4BR/4BA | 3,725 SF | Main Level Master Suite | Updated Master Bath | Pool/Spa Gourmet Kitchen | 22’ Ceilings | 2-Story | 2-Car Garage. MLS#A4538487

THE ENCLAVE | EAST SARASOTA

HARBOR ACRES | WEST OF THE TRAIL

VILLAGES AT PINE TREE MARSH - 1257 WESTERN PINE CIRCLE $799,995 HARBOR ACRES - 1309 VISTA DRIVE 5BR/3 Full BA | 3,214 SF | 3-Car Garage | Brand new pool & spa with Shellock paver deck, fenced dog-run and downstairs Main bedroom. MLS#A4539732 NOW PENDING SALE

$4,300,000

Panoramic Bay, Bridge, Skyline & Sunset Views 3BR+Office/3.5BA | Entire 6th Floor 3,031SF | Private 2-Car Garage. MLS#A4539578

$18,000,000

230’ Open Bay Front | Gated Estate | Endless Sunsets, City, and views of Ringling Bridge One-of-a-kind Masterpiece. MLS #A4491997

Winner of SRQ Magazine Readers “Best of SRQ 2022 Top Realtors” RYAN ACKERMAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RESULTS-DRIVEN MARKETING PROGRAM AND SEO-LEVERAGED WEBSITE

NEW CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES

DOWNTOWN ONE PARK SARASOTA

LONGBOAT KEY ST REGIS LONGBOAT KEY

GOLDEN GATE POINT EN POINTE

DOWNTOWN THE EDGE

GOLDEN GATE POINT PENINSULA

GOLDEN GATE POINT SIX88

EAST SARASOTA ARTISTRY

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

383164-1

LIDO KEY ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES

Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 11B Weather 14B

JULY 14, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS Sarasota And You:

FRESH FRIDAYS Sarasota has started a Fresh Fridays monthly block party series that brings music, games and accessories and fun to various gathering spots on the first Friday of every month. If you’re in town on those particular days, be sure to check it out.

Website: FreshFridaysSarasota.com

10 THINGS TO DO Whether you’re visiting or live here, don’t think about leaving without experiencing these fun sights and activities.

HARRY SAYER | STAFF WRITER

S

arasota has always been a visitor hot spot, but its status as a tourist magnet seems to have only grown in the past few years.

If you have recently moved to the area, expect friends for

a week or two or are spending your hard-earned cash on a beach vacation, you might be curious about what there is to do in our area that doesn’t involve crowds or admission fees.

Yes, we have the beaches — and a particularly photogenic Ringling Bridge (especially at night) — but there are all sorts of other attractions (and a scavenger hunt or two) you can check out that will make you feel right at home. Oh, and if you live here and haven’t tried these experiences, what are you waiting for?

FIND THE TINY DOORS When you’re walking about Sarasota proper, you might come across a peculiar sight: small, gnome-sized doors beneath trees, hotels and other major buildings around town. Are they a colorful and inspired art project? Maybe the staying places for an elf population that’s made Sarasota their home? We haven’t found the answer, but maybe you will. Check the Instagram page to get clues and hints to where each is.

Location: All over town, but St. Armands Circle is a good starting spot.

Instagram handle: @TinyDoorsSRQ

All of our choices are free and almost exclusively outdoors.

Photos by Harry Sayer

MURAL TOUR Sarasota has incorporated a number of murals and street art into its design as of late, and you’ll see colorful artwork adorning the walls of buildings and alleyways in downtown Sarasota and the Rosemary District, which is just north of downtown.

TURTLE BEACH ON SIESTA KEY Siesta Key is a beautiful spot full of bright-white sand and amazing water. It also can be a tourist trap that will ensnarl you in traffic right when you hit the Key and will destroy any kind of good mood you’re feeling.

If the main parking area is full — and if it’s almost any hour over the weekend, it likely will be — it’s always good to have a backup plan. The Turtle Beach area at the far end of Siesta Key has good beach space and, importantly, more parking than you’d expect. If you’re ever deep in it on a Saturday, it might be best to get there before anyone else does.

Address: 9000 Blind Pass Road

GO PLANE WATCHING Sure, air travel is a mess these days, but watching from the outside hasn’t changed one bit. Who doesn’t look up when the roar of a Boeing or an Airbus passes overhead? Along the eastern edge the of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, off West University Parkway/15th East, there’s a gravel lot along the perimeter fence to get as close as possible to takeoffs and landings. With the help of an app like Flight Aware and a site called ATC Live, you can know what plane is coming in from where and hear the crew and the tower talking with each other. Oh, and bring sunscreen.

Directions: Turn north at West University Parkway from University Parkway, and follow along until you begin seeing the airport’s perimeter fencing.

SIESTA KEY DRUM CIRCLE Siesta Key closes out the weekends with a friendly and lively drum circle right outside the main parking area.

Peace and solace are good, but when you’ve had your fill, listen to the growing drum beat and head over for a communal music space that’ll provide a fun end to your beach vacation. And it’s a great way to ward off the dreaded Sunday Scaries when you know Monday is just hours away.

Address: 948 Beach Road SEE 10 THINGS, PAGE 3B

Waterfront masterpiece on Cocoanut Bayou.

RELATIONSHIPS UNE RELATION

4205 HIGEL AVENUE | COCOANUT BAYOU | SIESTA KEY — 4 BR | 4.5 BA | 8,571 SF | $8,900,000 | MLS# A4539090 Reminiscent of a 17th-century Palladian villa in the south of France, this North Siesta Key waterfront masterpiece offers an extraordinary living experience. The elegantly appointed custom-built home on Cocoanut Bayou offers 120 feet of waterfront, with a private deep-water dock offering easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

383361-1

The residence features travertine tile on the first floor, beamed ceilings, lavish fireplaces and a grand room with multiple French doors to a covered terrace that spans the full width of the home. Other notable highlights include all new wood flooring on the second floor, four bedrooms with en-suite baths, a commercial-grade elevator, whole-house sound system and garage for 12+ vehicles.

Call Team Dunn to schedule a tour of this extraordinary home.

for life

pour la vie.

11-Year Recipients of the

Maurice Menager

Lin Dunn

941.238.8119

941.809.2154

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®, SRES, LSS, LSE

TeamDunn@michaelsaunders.com | TeamDunn.michaelsaunders.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

2B

Maddie Cronin, Harper Klenezin and Lindsey Klenezin

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Kaitlyn Garcia, Luis Garcia, Angel Rua, Vanessa Collado, Martha Collado, Peter Collado and Ana Garcia

Robert Franklin

Jazzy day in the Circle

S

t. Armands Circle Park got jazzed up July 9 thanks to the St. Armands Business Improvement District in partnership with Sarasota County and Next-Mark.

“The goal of this is to get people out in the summer,” Next-Mark President Joe Grano Jr. said.

With people filling the tented area and spreading out to the lawn and sidewalks, that goal was largely accomplished. The five-piece Hot Tonic Orchestra entertained the crowd with jazz-styled pop music.

Grano Jr. said the district hopes jazz appeals to different generations of visitors. “It enhances the whole flavor of their experience on the Circle,” he said.

Martha Collado proved him right. The Longboat Key resident was happy to see

Hot Tonic Orchestra play a concert in St. Armands Circle Park.

Nancy and Jim Addison

a concert scheduled in the Circle just in time for visitors. She brought her husband, daughter, granddaughter, niece and nephew to the concert. The family kicked off their shoes, unfolded chairs and blankets under the tent, and enjoyed an afternoon of live music.

Collado and her husband have been visiting Longboat Key for 30 years and retired six years ago in the Aquarius Club.

Her family was visiting from Miami and Texas.

There are two more concerts scheduled for this summer: Aug. 13 and Sept. 17. The concerts are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are rain or shine. Call 263-6282 for information.

— LESLEY DWYER

TENT SALE On Tile & Countertops JULY 16

TH

— JULY 30

TH

Exclusive tile & countertop sale under the tent.

Cash/credit & carry. While supplies last.

Sale ends 2pm on Saturday, July 30th.

Tent Hours: 8:00am – 4:30pm : Monday – Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm : Saturday Closed Sunday < Scan For Directions

941.355.2703

|

|

Flooring

|

Backsplash

|

Quartz

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

|

|

Granite

FloridaDesignWorks.com

385170-1

Tile

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

FROM PAGE 1B

SPREAD LOVE SIGNAGE If you see countless signs, stickers, paintings and street art telling you to “Spread Love,” you haven’t tumbled into an inspirational video. Local artist Brandon Thrift has spent months upon months painting and sharing these signs at every corner of our area. See how many you can spot while out and about on the town.

Instagram handle: @ArtByBrandonThrift

NATHAN BENDERSON PARK Many tourist spots can get congested, so if you’re looking to get away from that and still enjoy your time, Nathan Benderson Park is a good fit. The 3.5-mile walking and exercise space surrounds a body of water often used for rowing competitions and the like. Plus, there’s a massive tower at the end of your walk you can scale to enjoy the view.

Address: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

BEST BET

FRIDAY, JULY 15

FRIDAY FEST 5 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Van Wezel’s popular outdoor concert series continues with a performance from Kettle of Fish. Food trucks and drinks will be on-site as well. Free.

For information, go to VanWezel.org.

TUESDAY JULY 19

SUMMER BEACH RUN 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. For information, go to SCGov.net.

DOMINO EXTRAVAGANZA Runs through July 16 at Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. Domino artist Nathan Heck leads domino workshops and will build a massive domino display that will topple at 3 p.m. Saturday. Free. For information, call 445-1938.

3B

YOUR CALENDAR

10 THINGS

|

SATURDAY, JULY 16

LOTUS CARS ON THE CIRCLE From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle.

Join Lotus Car and British car owners as they line up their cars in the park. This event is free and open to the public. Call 388-5550 for more information.

Photos by Harry Sayer

CATCH A TROLLEY If you’re not here for long and want to see as much as you can (without having to deal with tricky parking), the city recently started its trolley program that will take you throughout downtown Sarasota and to the south end of Lido Key and back. Beyond a simple form of transportation, the open-air vehicles elicit waves from passersby, especially when the drive rings the trolley bell. Look for trolley stop signs along Main Street, Bayfront Drive, Ringling Causeway and beyond.

Website: SarasotaBayRunner.com

FREE MONDAYS AT THE RINGLING MUSEUM The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is always a hot spot for tourists, but it becomes even more appealing on Mondays, when admission to the grounds is free. One can make a whole afternoon of exploring the bayfront gardens.

Website: Ringling.org

THIRD SATURDAY LIMELIGHT MARKET 10 a.m. at Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. The monthly pop-up market features vendors showcasing dog rescues, tie-dye designs, clay creations and more.

Free. For information, go to BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com.

FST ‘OFF THE CHARTS!’ 2 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Florida Studio Theatre continues its family-friendly music revue with a number of songs including “Hound Dog” and “Shake It Off.” Free. For information, go to FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

MONDAY, JULY 18

CHESS CLUB 11 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Players of all ages are welcome to compete in a low-stakes environment where game pieces and boards are provided. Free. For information, call 861-1100.

File photo

TUESDAY JULY 19

OPEN LAB IN THE CREATION STATION 11 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Families can use creative equipment in the Creation Station including 3D printers, sewing machines, button makers and more. Free. For information, call 861-1100.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

SOCRATES CAFE 10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. People from different backgrounds meet to respectfully exchange ideas and learn new perspectives at this library series. Free.

For information, call 861-2500.

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

New AC System Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/22.

250 OFF

$

Whole House Water Treatment System Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/22.

100 OFF

$

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

Reme Halo Air Purifier

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/22.

FREE

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 7/31/22.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

381409-1

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Welcome to Extraordinary William Raveis wins the Best Luxury Real Estate Agency in Florida Award from the global luxury experts at Luxury Lifestyle Awards (LLA)

2022 WINNER BEST LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENCY In Florida, Connecticut and Massachusetts Recognized as a leading luxury real estate company among world-renowned brands such as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari, William Raveis wins three top Luxury Lifestyle Awards. LLA is a worldwide organization on a mission to connect luxury clients to superior international brands and services. Spanning 400 categories and 10,000 goods, LLA receives thousands of nominations from over 60 countries.

Learning more about joining the LLA-winning real estate agency is easy.

Simply call today 941.894.1255 #1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast 140 Offices 4,400+ Sales Associates $21 Billion in Annual Sales 8 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT 376726-1

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Featured Listings

Osprey 14021 Bellagio Way #302 | $1,250,000 Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,950,000

14722 Secret Harbor Place | $1,350,000

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302

Brandon Surline | 941.404.9334

Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Camille Surline | 941.914.2671

Sarasota

Siesta Key

5305 Bartolomeo Street | $799,000

515 Cummings Street | $3,300,000

Dawn Bear | 941.468.7224

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Naples | Florida

Naples | Florida

3595 Gin Lane | $27,900,000

818 Nelsons Walk | $24,750,000

720 5th Ave S Office | 239.231.3380

720 5th Ave S Office | 239.231.3380

Jupiter | Florida

Naples | Florida

19661 Riverside Drive | $13,900,000

260 Channel Drive | $13,900,000

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Gulf Shore Drive Office | 239.594.2226

#1 Family-Owned Real Estate Company in Florida and the Northeast

384971-1

140 Offices 4,400+ Sales Associates $21 Billion in Annual Sales 8 States - CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT

5B

6B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Cattleridge 1

WELCOMES

Mindy Ward, DO Internal Medicine

Dr. Mindy Ward brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the

Photo Courtesy of Lori Sax

Charities for Children shifts summer offerings

Cattleridge Medical Building I a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.

Undergraduate:

Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

Graduate:

Masters of Biosciences, Kansas City University College of Medicine, Kansas City, MO

Medical School:

Kansas City University College of Medicine, Kansas City, MO

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Sarasota, FL

The organization’s second annual festival runs through July 14.

Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

941-371-3337

Suncoast Charities for Children is working through a transition period.

The organization, which raises money through events for nonprofits including Children First and Special Olympics of Sarasota, has had a tried-and-true schedule for the summer and spring. That includes helping host the annual P1 powerboat races each summer, organizing sponsors for the fireworks display at Bayfront Park, and putting on the Thunder by the Bay motorcycle show each spring.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted change for the organization.

Executive Director Lucy Nicandri said she and staff took a look at their programming and felt they needed to let go of old events and try new ones.

“We took a step back to see what was raising money,” Nicandri said.

“We kept seeing a continual financial loss for the charity producing the boat race.”

After a transition year, Suncoast Charities for Children has stopped involvement with the boat races in favor of hosting its own Suncoast Summer Fest programming lineup.

“We noticed all the summer events were having a good return,” Nicandri said. “We’re seeing an increase in demand with the organizations we serve … Thunder by the Bay is our big event in February, but we need to

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

Cattleridge Medical Building I

8/26/21 3:27 PM

8/26/21 3:27 PM

3333 Cattlemen Road, Suite 210, Sarasota, FL 34232 www.intercoastalmedical.com

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

One of a kind

384589-1

Medicare and most insurances accepted

8/26/21 3:27 PM

Tidy Island Estate

raise income in the summer.”

The ultimate hope is that the summer festival reaches a size similar to Thunder by the Bay, which has historically raised around $200,000 a year.

“This was our second year having a Waves and Wheels party and we saw a big growth,” Nicandri said. “We were at around 125 (guests) last year, and this year was more than 200.”

The festival — June 24 to July 14 — has featured a golf tournament, the fireworks display, a fishing tournament, a recent Waves and Wheels party and concert and a poker tournament on July 14.

The Wheels and Waves party at Robarts Arena on July 9 featured food and drinks as well as music from the Hurricane Shane band. There were also casino-style gambling tables, which Nicandri said was a hit.

“We’d never done them before,” Nicandri said. “I took a look at the dance floor and it was empty for a while, people just loved being at the tables.”

It was an assuring element before the organization puts on its first poker tournament on July 14, a first for the organization.

Nicandri has been happy with Suncoast Summer Fest’s performance so far. The event lineup raised more than $100,000 in 2021 and she hopes they can exceed that this year.

She knows it’ll take some time for guests to get used to the new brand but she’s excited to see where it goes.

“We want to morph it to be as big as Thunder By The Bay,” Nicandri said.

“It’s going to take time, but in the coming years I think you’ll see more events being added and expanded.”

Hurricane Shane with Lisa Baer, Simon Williams, Dee Babcock and Lucy Nicandri at the Waves and Wheels party on July 9.

Memory challenges are

complex

Let's figure it out together are

LIVE THE LUXURIOUS FLORIDA LIFESTYLE

Join us for an upcoming

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!

MLS #: A4537194

Dementia Live

interactive presentation

941.218.2331 We take care of Moms and Dads

1900 Phillippi Shores Drive Sarasota, FL 34231 941.218.2331 | www.InspiredLiving.care s.holbrookfl@gmail.com Dalton Wade Real Estate Group

383853-1

daltonwade.com Office: (502) 905-8528

377654-1

Shandra Holbrook REALTOR®

A Purpose-Built Memory Care Community

ALF# AL12463

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

7B

385128-1

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

WILD FLORIDA An exploration beyond the pavement.

Miri Hardy

Butterfly orchids are considered commercially exploited in Florida and may not be harvested or sold without a permit.

Florida butterfly orchids thrive in Myakka’s oaks

M

yakka River State Park provides critical, protected habitat for many native forms of life. And each species, whether plant, animal or microorganism, has a role in Wild Florida’s ecosystems.

One such species, the magnificent Florida butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), is a slow-growing, perennial epiphyte, which typically blooms between May and July.

Considered the most diverse plant family, orchids represent about 10% of all flowering species. And, as they thrive in warmth and humidity, Florida is home to at least 106 species.

But when railroads first came to Florida in the late 1800s, orchids were among the first natural resource to be exploited. Millions of orchids were removed from their natural habitats, and sent north as potted plants. And since, logging, dredging and development has reduced or degraded habitats. Indeed, today, over half of Florida’s orchids are listed as endangered or threatened.

Most orchids are epiphytes: plants that grow on other plants. As butterfly orchids thrive on old, damp, oak bark, you’ll often spot them in Myakka’s mesic hammocks, where towering old-growth live oaks are abundant. These mature trees provide a textured, well-drained environment where orchids germinate in a symbiotic relationship with fungi.

Like all air-plants, butterfly orchids merely use their host trees as anchors, thriving high in the canopy, where their light and moisture needs are met.

The orchids’ honey-like fragrance attracts a variety of bees, which are

More Than A PLAN...

IT’S A PROMISE. Pre-planning does more than provide your family with peace of mind. It’s making a promise to keep them free of future financial burdens and the responsibility of carrying out rushed arrangements during their time of remembrance.

For more than 30 years, the Toale Brothers family has helped people make their choices now, so those decisions

ENJOY THE WILD Miri Hardy is the first executive director of the Friends of Myakka River. Hardy has been a Sarasota resident since 2014 and holds a doctorate in social psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

their primary pollinators. And their beautiful petite flowers, which flutter in the wind like tiny butterflies, also attract a plethora of human Wild Florida aficionados.

Butterfly orchids grow in almost every county in the state. But, like other orchids, they’ve been commercially exploited. Moreover, some areas in Florida have become so urban that the native habitat and healthy ecosystems these orchids need to survive are scarce.

To support these significant members of our Wild Florida ecosystems, we can protect the old-growth trees they require to survive. And, when spotted in the wild, we can leave orchids where we find them, to the benefit of future generations, and our own.

—MIRI HARDY FRIENDS OF MYAKKA RIVER

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @ FriendsofMyakkaRiver

Home Care Services Customized to your

don’t fall on their families later.

Create a plan and a promise for your loved ones. Give us a call today to start the conversation.

needs

30

YEARS

of EXPERTISE

Our services are customized to your needs...with continuity of caregivers and oversight to ensure your satisfaction!

Caring starts here. Contact me today.

941.925.9532

nkobritz@youthfulaginghomecare.com

Nicci Kobritz, President

941.955.4171 • www.ToaleBrothers.com

370103-1

Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

370880-1

8B

Scan for Article “Top 3 Signs”

youthfulaginghomecare.com License 299991326

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

9B

HAPPY

NEWSIVERSARY NEWSIES TURN ONE TODAY! Time flies when you are having fun.

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY to our Newsies members.

Thank you for supporting local journalism in our community.

We have some exciting NEWS to share: Shortly, we will be launching a new digital app and website and Newsie members will be the first to know.

383300-1

Here’s to another year of great reading together!

What’s a Newsie? Visit YourObserver.com/newsies to find out.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

SIESTA KEY 7722 Sanderling Road 2 Beds 3 Baths 2,580 Sq. Ft. Brian Loebker 941-735-4393 A4527041 $9,000,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1703 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,276 Sq. Ft. The Walter Group & Steve Walter 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

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1910 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,870 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4540125 $4,675,000

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

SARASOTA 1718 Bay View Drive 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,644 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4536016 $3,650,000

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

ENGLEWOOD 8250 Manasota Key Road Maryann Casey 941-468-3741 D6126072 $2,649,900

BIRD KEY 628 N Owl Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,534 Sq. Ft. Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4526783 $2,495,000

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

SIESTA KEY 323 Treasure Boat Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,726 Sq. Ft. Robin Leonardi 941-685-6270 A4535869 $2,375,000

NOKOMIS/NORTH VENICE 2307 Bayshore Road 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,395 Sq. Ft. Sandra Defoe 941-800-7399 N6121492 $2,350,000

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

SARASOTA 5733 Wild Sage Circle 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,477 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4534677 $980,000

SARASOTA 4889 Carrington Circle 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,358 Sq. Ft. Lee Byron & Sue Keal 941-350-5542 A4534618 $979,000

SARASOTA 236 Cosmopolitan Court 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,929 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4538164 $975,000

SARASOTA 2020 Craft Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,506 Sq. Ft. Kelley Callaway & Kim Ogilvie 941-951-6660 A4532190 $749,000

SARASOTA 2501 Tulip Street 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,545 Sq. Ft. Kelley Callaway & Kim Ogilvie 941-951-6660 A4535312 $699,000

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

SIESTA KEY 4205 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 8,571 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4539090 $8,900,000

SIESTA KEY 1321 Point Crisp Road 5 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,572 Sq. Ft. Lawrence Zeigler 941-228-2612 A4540074 $7,500,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373700-1

10B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Condo in Sarabande sells for $4 million

Other top sales by area

A

SARASOTA BAY VIEW HEIGHTS Donald Warren Vose Jr. and Anne Vose, of Edgartown, Massachusetts, sold two properties at 1547 Bayview Drive to Michael and Florence Wright, of Sarasota, for $3.5 million. The first property was built in 1950, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,190 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1995, it has one bedroom, one bath and 324 square feet of living area. They sold for $1,847,500 in 2017.

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS Raymond and Victoria Sims, trustees, sold the home at 1653 Prospect St. to Jose Pizarro, of Sarasota, for $2,851,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,626 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2014.

THE CONDOMINIUM ON THE BAY Strathmore McMurdo Jr. and Kerriane Kau McMurdo sold their Unit 117 condominium at 988 Blvd. of the Arts to Michael Fernandes and Jeralyn Fernandes, trustees, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, for $2.7 million. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,315 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2003.

BUNGALOW HILL John and Amy Hurckman, trustees, sold the home at 959 Citrus Ave. to Ann Whitney, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half

REAL ESTATE

JUNE 20 TO JULY 1

RESEARCH EDITOR

SIESTA KEY: $2.5 MILLION

Harmony Brickell Funding Corp.

Inc. sold the home at 4915 Primrose Path to Blue International Group LLC for $2.5 million.

Built in 1960, it has six bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,549 square feet of living area. It sold for $389,000 in 1999.

PALMER RANCH: $1,195,000 Eric Garwood

Built in 1998, unit 113 at the Sarabande building has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths and 4,534 square feet of living area.

baths, a pool and 2,647 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2016.

SANSARA Karen Randolph sold the Unit 702 condominium at 300 S. Pineapple Ave. to Guy Hollis, trustee, of Chicago, for $2.25 million. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 2,291 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.75 million in 2019.

PRIME Ira Parker, of Sarasota, sold his home at 1741 Alta Vista St. to Michael and Susan Resnick, of Sarasota, for $2 million. Built in 1955, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,178 square feet of living area. It sold for $955,000 in 2020.

WESTBROOK James and Susan Tollerton, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1425 Westbrook Drive to Mark Bostel and Kiera Zielenbach, of Sarasota, for $1.85 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,500 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 1988.

Turtle Rock Nicholas and Yardena Reese, of Sarasota, sold their home at 8167 Deerbrook Circle to Zachary Weinberg and Rachel Brown, of Sarasota, for $1,195,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,365 square feet of living area. It sold for $639,000 in 2016.

11B

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

ADAM HUGHES

condominium in Sarabande tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Marc Wattenberg, trustee, of Forest Hills, New York, sold the Unit 113 condominium at 340 S. Palm Ave. to Letitia White, trustee, of Fort Washington, Maryland, for $4 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths and 4,534 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,625,000 in 1999.

|

OSPREY: $984,000

The Villas at Osprey Harbor Village Ray and Pamela Joelson, of Osprey, sold their Unit BPH condominium at 14021 Bellagio Way to A. Patricia Diulus-Myers, of Osprey, for $984,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths and 2,169 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,506,400 in 2006.

NOKOMIS: $1 MILLION

Sorrento Woods Anthony and Kelley Berta, of Grove City, Ohio, sold their home at 1059 Delacroix Circle to Rodney and Judith Green, of Venice, for $1 million.

Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,825 square feet of living area.

POMELO PLACE Melissa and Robert Lombardo, of New Bern, North Carolina, sold their home at 1766 Loma Linda St. to Roger Routh, of Sarasota, for $1,571,400. Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,723 square feet of living area.

It sold for $690,000 in 2018.

Scot and Sheri Mcartor, of Dexter, Michigan, sold two properties at 1743 Alta Vista St. to Steven Robert Armstrong and Kay Elizabeth Armstrong, of Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, for $1,405,000.

The first property was built in 1995, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,540 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1995, it has one bedroom, one bath and 600 square feet of living area. They sold for $572,500 in 2015.

OYSTER BAY ESTATES Louis Chalupa and Candice Silecchia sold their home at 1514 S. Lake Shore Drive to Daniel and Mary Doyle, of Erie, Pennsylvania, for $1.9 million. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,430 square feet of living area.

It sold for $460,000 in 2002.

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 12B

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 20-July 7, in order of dollar amounts.

Downtown St. Petersburg

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

1896 Hibiscus St.

Remodel

Daniel Vilardo

$500,000

3065 Irving St.

Renovations

Amos Stoltzfus

$225,000

3344 Higel Ave.

Seawall/Dock

David Jemison

$98,000

1675 Fortuna St.

Pool/Spa/Deck

Stephen Scalione

$85,500

1300 Tangier Way

Solar System

Justin Le

$79,720

2533 David Blvd.

Solar System

William Cromie

$71,403

2177 Sunnyside Place

Pool/Spa/Deck

J. Scott Clarke

$66,313

4920 Eastchester Drive

Canopy

Mario Lebano

$64,217

1520 Harbor Place

Pool Cage

Daniel Manzano

$62,335

988 Blvd. of the Arts #509

Alterations

Alexsandra Fisher-Coles $60,000

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

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Permit

Applicant

5740 Midnight Pass Road

Remodel

Tracey Dennewitz

Amount

120 Park Trace Blvd.

Remodel

Craig Borton

$231,177

5124 Redbriar Court

Pool/Spa/Deck

Vyacheslav Burdman

$126,695

8635 Midnight Pass Road

Alterations

Daniel Tamblyn

$126,310

Alterations

Charles Yochim

$115,500

$285,000

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

#204

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

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

1332 Quail Drive

Schascle II

5547 Merrimac Drive

Pool/Deck

Andrew Cardone

$107,382

5744 Wild Sage Circle

Pool

Alvin Burgos

$94,000

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373661-1

#506C

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Real estate

NEW PERIODONTIST

FROM PAGE 11B

MCCLELLAN PARK Janet Lyn Sperling and Laura Margaret Sperling, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2155 Oriole Drive to Ray Newton III, trustee, of St. Petersburg, for $1.45 million. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,722 square feet of living area.

Misch Implant Dentistry ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

GUM DISEASE

DENTAL IMPLANTS

BONE GRAFTING

SECOND OPINIONS

THE LANDINGS Kleinland Properties LLC sold the home at 4773 Pine Harrier Drive to Bruce Reznick and Laura Bernstein, of New York City, for $1,186,300.

Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,999 square feet of living area. It sold for $689,000 in 2019.

Treating simple to complex dental services in one convenient location

SAPPHIRE SHORES Frances Mallet-Prevost Gaston, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 463 S. Shore Drive to Irwin Scheineson and Denise Scheineson, of Sarasota, for $1,037,500. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,157 square feet of living area. It sold for $150,000 in 1997.

We Are Pleased to Announce

COLONIAL TERRACE 5868 LLC sold the home at 5868 and 5850 Colonial Drive to Meridian Colonial LLC for $1 million. The property at 5868 was built in 1971, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,250 square feet of living area. The property at 5850 was built in 1972, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,250 square feet of living area.

They sold for $415,000 in 2012.

DR. MAGGIE MISCH-HARING MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

Minimally invasive periodontal and implant surgical techniques to improve patients’ oral health

25 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

International lecturer with faculty appointments at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & UAB, author of numerous scientific publications

Master clinician using the latest technology to artistically transform smiles using veneers and crowns

380813-1

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

Magdalena Marzec, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2833 Valley Forge St. to Gabriel Blau, trustee, of Forrest Hills, New York, for $770,000.

Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,046 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2021.

POINSETTIA PARK Frances Tran and Nicholas Vu, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1865 Orchid St. to Steel Town Properties SS1 LLC for $970,000.

Built in 1953, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,252 square feet of living area. It sold for $257,000 in 2009.

EAGLES POINT AT THE LANDINGS Marcia Janes-Van Der Heym, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 305 condominium at 5450 Eagles Point Circle to Alexander Fratkin and Larisa Kutsak, trustees, of Sarasota, for $920,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,843 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2017.

SUNSET TOWERS Barbara Ilene Nilsen sold the Unit 104 condominium at 11 Sunset Drive to Larry Goerne and Margaret Goerne, trustees, of Sarasota, for $780,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,433 square feet of living area. It sold for $372,900 in 2019.

5TH & CENTRAL 431 Central Avenue LLC sold the Unit 204 condominium at 431 Central Ave. to Scott and Michelle Fuchs, of Naples, for $725,000.

Built in 2008, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,475 square feet of living area. It sold for $544,000 in 2021.

DESOTO TERRACE Angel and Lisa Velazquez, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3710 Iroquois Ave. to Wesley and Laura Santos, of Sarasota, for $720,000.

Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,704 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2021.

WEBER Jessie Williams, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2142 Alameda Ave. to Libin Wang and Haiyang Li, of Fremont, California, for $720,000.

Built in 1946, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,671 square feet of living area. It sold for $150,000 in 2012.

GULF GATE JCT 401 LLC sold the home at 6719 S. Lockwood Ridge Road to Shaun and Crystal Shah, of N. Reading, Massachusetts, for $707,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two

We’re neighbors covering neighbors.

Melissa Leduc EDITORIAL DESIGNER

Hometown: Woodstock, New York Currently Living: Sarasota Alma mater: Ringling College of Art and Design Observer Employee: 4 Years What you do when you are not working?

Play soccer, run, go on the boat and enjoy trying new restaurants around Sarasota.

Connect: mleduc@yourobserver.com

Good design’s not about what medium you’re working in.

It’s about thinking hard about what you want to do and what you have to work with before you start.

- Susan Kare

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD //

Support independent local journalism today at YourObserver.com/newsies

385436-1

12B

YourObserver.com

FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES Robert Graham, Personal Representative, of Crystal Lakes, Illinois, sold the home at 2216 Riviera Drive to Kathleen McLeod and Maureen McLeod, of Greensboro, North Carolina, for $649,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,673 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 1989.

ST. REGIS Leonard Joseph Tufaro and Rita Nicoletta Tufaro, of Medford, New York, sold their Unit 104 condominium at 301 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Calice and Axay Kalathia, of Sarasota, for $648,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,106 square feet of living area. It sold for $240,000 in 2009.

Richard Shopes and Sandra Santilli, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 301 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Calice and Axay Kalathia,

THE 101 101 Tower LLC sold the Unit 14-G condominium at 101 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Bruce Vincent and Sheri Vincent, trustees, of Sarasota, for $645,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, two baths and 965 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in February.

379605-1

Adopt, Don’t Shop 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

SIZZLIN’ SUMMER RATES!

MICHELE DRIVE Warren Bryan Jr., of North Port, sold his home at 2237 Michele Drive to Patricia Barba, of Greenwich, Connecticut, for $640,000.

Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two-and-two-half baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. It sold for $86,900 in 1985.

6 MONTH CD

4.25

% APY*

FDIC Insured and Guaranteed

Sarasota

GULF GATE EAST Kevin Dennis Kramer sold his home at 3872 Kingston Blvd. to Kevin Kerndt, of Sarasota, for $625,000.

Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2017.

Annual Percentage Yield. Yield and deposit amount subject to availability.

Penalty for early withdrawal. *Promotional incentive included to obtain yield. Certain restrictions apply. Rates may vary depending on deposit amount. All Bank Accounts Are FDIC Insured.

941 94 1-216-0878

382737-1

GLENWOOD PARK Lawrence and Alice Dodson and Calum Dodson, of Weaverville, North Carolina, sold their home at 2133 Bay St. to Kwansuda Poolsombat, of Rockville, Maryland, for $680,000. Built in 1956, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,800 square feet of living area. It sold for $246,000 in 2017.

13B

ISPR GOVERNING BOARD MEETING

RUSTIC LODGE SOFLO FLIPPERS LLC sold the home at 2469 Waldemere St. to 2X2 Innovations LLC for $625,000.

Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,760 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in April.

Tuesday, July 19th • Noon Imagine School at Palmer Ranch

GOLF ESTATES Tanya Burley, of Sarasota, sold her home at 4354 Rockefeller Ave. to Deborah and Kenneth McDonnell, of Holden, Massachusetts, for $620,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It sold for $180,000 in 2003.

To Join By Computer: https://imagineschools.zoom.us/j/9031606808 Meeting ID: 903 160 6808 | Password: Team

Top 10% in Math in the State!

ONLINE

Call TODAY for tour!

IMAGINE SCHOOL AT PALMER RANCH Academics • Character • Leadership

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Tuition Free Charter School • 6220 McIntosh Rd • Sarasota, FL 34238 (941) 923-1125 • www.ImagineSchoolsPalmerRanch.org

383665-1

RIVO AT RINGLING Barry and Ghislaine Cooper, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 601 condominium at 1771 Ringling Blvd. to Lorraine Smith, of E. Hanover, New Jersey, for $700,000.

Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,808 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,900 in 2006.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

384575-1

ALINARI Gary Michael Weir, of Presque Isle, Michigan, sold his Unit 1106 condominium at 800 N. Tamiami Trail to SPE #204 for $700,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $369,900 in 2015.

|

OODLES OF KITTENS

of Sarasota, for $640,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,109 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2016.

383913-1

baths, a pool and 1,566 square feet of living area. It sold for $170,000 in 2020.

SARASOTA OBSERVER

14B

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 14 High: 89 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, JULY 15 High: 91 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 45%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, July 14

6:43a

8:26p

Friday, July 15

6:44a

8:26p

Saturday, July 16

6:44a

8:26p

Sunday, July 17

6:45a

8:25p

Monday, July 18

6:45a

8:25p

Tuesday, July 19

6:46a

8:25p

Wednesday, July 20

6:46a

8:24p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 16 High: 90 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 58%

SUNDAY, JULY 17 High: 88 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 56% Gordon Silver captured a lesser yellowlegs sandpiper at Myakka River State Park.

July 20 Last

July 28 New

Aug. 5 First

Aug. 11 Full

RAINFALL Monday, July 4

0

Tuesday, July 5

0

Wednesday, July 6

0.01

Thursday, July 7

1.26

Friday, July 8

0.04

Saturday, July 9

0.04

Sunday, July 10

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 19.45 in.

2021 22.72 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 1.46 in.

2022 4.41 in.

2021

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 383368-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword

celebrity cipher

JUMBO FREESTYLE 2 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin 108 Grow weary 109 Certain outdoor art exhibit 110 Dedicated poem 111 Think too much (about) 112 To boot

48 “Duck!” and “Think fast!,” e.g.

49 Like a thick fog 50 Bible distributor 51 Bit of throat tissue 52 Zodiac sign for Halloween birthdays DOWN 53 Pigs’ digs 1 Russian dough 55 “Go introduce yourself!”

2 Wretched 56 Caught on 3 “Gotcha” 57 The Hulk’s emotion 4 Where two pairs is better 61 Part of a stock exthan three of a kind? change?

5 CPR expert 62 Foley artists’ specialties 6 Mo. with the longest 65 Pull off the ultimate name diamond heist?

7 Spanish painter Joan 68 Eastern Indian state 8 Jouster’s getup 69 Portrayer of Elle in 9 Government vehicle “Legally Blonde” 10 Seek advice from 72 ___ grease 11 Any number to the 74 Backyard pool fillers power of zero 76 Have a crush on 12 Like some windows 78 Grow pessimistic 13 “Nothing new, I’m 79 Country where the afraid” Amazon river begins 14 Forward-thinking 81 Number of U.S. states person? that start with O 15 Al ___ (firm) 83 Legumes in dhansak 16 Flag maker Betsy 84 Microblogging site 17 Vehemently dislike since 2007 ©2022 Universal Uclick 18 Big 12 sch. in Fort Worth 85 iPhone-unlocking 28 Really urgent 78 ___-Manuel Miranda 56 ___ fiction (“FrankenACROSS 19 Music style that means technology 79 Exemplified model stein” genre) 1 ___ the roof (makes lots 31 Reduce, ___, recycle “new wave” in Portuguese 86 Ornate furniture style 33 Shoe cushion 58 “I pity the fool” speaker behavior? of noise) 21 Live and breathe 88 Groups of three 80 Ways of walking 59 “Ain’t that the truth!”

7 Mr. Peanut, for Planters, 35 Cosmic specks 29 Actor Elba 89 Power spikes 38 Scottish horse 60 Spots for restaurants, 82 Exams loathed by those e.g.

30 Really regrets 90 Resulted in afraid of needles say?

13 Cover, as some ground? 40 Unexpected delights 32 Titan of food distribu- 92 Smallest ones in litters 42 Bring up the rear?

61 Large, unsightly building 85 Romanticized figures 16 “Tough this one out!” tion 95 Serena Williams, 43 Formula One racer 87 Guaranteed winners 63 Triage sites in hosps.

19 Like athletes in ESPN’s 34 Secrecy contracts, for agewise, when she won her Hamilton 90 Shaving foam 64 Desires “The Body Issue” short first Grand Slam 44 Cause of inflation?

66 When ties are untied? 91 Deed holder 20 Ability to know things 36 Minneapolis’ Target 98 Texting letters 45 Royals’ headwear?

93 Artists’ inspiration (Abbr.) exist even when they can’t Center, e.g.

100 Graphic novel about 47 “That’s a bummer ... ” 94 Humdrum routine 67 Wading birds be seen 37 Characteristics WWII 96 “HELLO ... Hello ... hello” 22 Its national animal is the 50 Inheritance from one’s 68 “Murder, She ___” 39 Competitive video 102 Shrek, e.g. parents? effect 70 “Hi! I’m an owl!”

Arabian oryx gaming 105 Where many home 51 Comedian Notaro 97 Upper-left PC key 71 Boo-boos 23 Aerodynamic 41 Pie slices, often births take place 52 Palindromic philanthro- 73 Wrinkly-faced dog 99 ___ a ride (hitchhike) 24 Tugboat sounds 43 “Time to change the 106 Big ___ (London 101 French for “black” 74 Shoes worn in many pist George 25 Prom attire for some subject” landmark) 103 Judge to be drag shows 54 Low-lying land women 46 Enabling, like a security 107 A long time ___ 104 You might unpack it 75 Spy’s info 55 Hindustani classical 26 Religious offshoot system with a therapist 77 Under the weather music instrument 27 Brief moment

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“T WTHL IEL TXLD ZO EDKTPF GSTWI IETJ GLDSITOSW LVUTNL, GSI T JITWW WTHL IZ IETPH ZO VAJLWO DJ D JIDGWL GZA.” – FTZNFTZ DNVDPT

“EKBOEWTIBTSL TD CS CXZ, OKWX EKBO TD ZJP YCSNCD, VPTLJZD CXP OKWX EXWDJ CSB SWZXTZTKS TD OKWX RCTSZ.”

– GCT LXPPSP

“NL NU ASUUNRCX LS PSJJNL VS JNULMOXU MVG ULNCC CSUX. LZML NU VSL DXMOVXUU; LZML NU CNHX.” – AMLTNPO ULXDMTL Puzzle Three Clue: Z equals M

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals V

Sarasota

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

Puzzle One Clue: X equals D

CARPET

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

7-14-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

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

3BR/2BA/3CG 6988 Country Lakes Cir. Sarasota, FL 34243.

Country Club Lakes at Palm Aire.

Split bedroom floor plan. WICs all bedrooms. Spacious. Natural light. Quiet setting. Roof 2019. $795,000. Kim Jatich, Broker.

(941) 504-3874 www.quartzcoastrealtyfl.com

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

real estate

auto

stuff

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC

1948 CHINESE painting. 27"x 39". Peony flowers & cardinal. Pic in online ad. $199. (941) 966-6816 DINING SET, Table, glass top, 4 chairs, cushions, matching bakes rack, all 4 $199. 941-914-1498

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE IT EASY TO PLACE YOUR AD

DURABUILT PORTABLE Air Compressor: Model #1552, 6 gal tank, 125 PSI, on wheels.

Good condition, $50. Please call: 941-358-5130 DUTCH OVEN, Le Creuset, Large 8 and 3/4 Quarts, Like New. Photos available, $199 (973) 356-8898 GLASS 48"X48"X1/2".

No scratches, polished edges.

Osprey- cash only $55 941 525-0756 METAL CHANDELIER, brown, hardware included. Like new, $20.

(941) 920-2494

Visit the RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

BICHON FRISES! Hypo Allergenic, Registered, Health Certificate & Guarantee..

Paper trained. Born 5/5 & 5/13 Proceeds benefit local 501c3 Charity.

Females $1400 Males $1,200 (941) 806-9882 www.pet-therapy.org

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages 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.

Available July and August 2022, June to December 2023.

Owner/renter. Flexible terms.

570-239-0431 marketreps@aol.com

9122 Midnight Pass Road #54 Siesta Key, FL 34242

jobs

Merchandise Wanted

Pets

SELL IT FAST HERE!

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 17 1 pm - 4 pm

TOYO TIRES (4) Size is 225-55-R19. V. good condition, no flats, $60 for all 4. 941-914-1498

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

FLOAT YOUR boat in the Ritz/ Hyatt basin from your beautiful marina townhome. 3BR/3.5BA, furnished, 2/car garage, 3/balconies, 24/hr security. Large boat dock available. Annual $6,000/month +utilities. Available August 1st. Service pets only.

No smoking. 847-331-6961

Condos/Apts. for Sale

SPECIALIZED MOUNTAIN bike, mens. Hardrock FS 21 speed, ex. cond. $199 941-914-1498

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.

Condos/Apts. for Rent

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

This unit has it all!

Located near Siesta Key's Turtle Beach, this Somerset Cay 5th floor condo has spectacular Gulf and Bay views. Watch sunrises and sunsets from your balconies.

3BR/3BA, 2558 SqFt, partially furnished, oversized two car garage and boat dock with lifts.

REDUCED PRICE $1,800,000 Murphy Stevens, Realtor 941-587-8879 Alan J Stevens, Broker 941-925-1818

First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word .......50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

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

101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

home services

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Autos Wanted

RED PAGES AD RATES

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Ask about our special rates!

Items Under $200

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!

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

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

©2022 Universal Uclick

Adult Care Services CNA PROVIDING full range of private duty care including meals, cleaning, transportation to appointments, and more.

Call Maribel: 941-518-6438

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! PERSONAL CARE GIVER- Private care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Auto Transport

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

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.

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

Paint theRED! town RED! Paint the town

Homes for Sale

peekers’ place

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I like the idea of having built this beautiful empire, but I still like to think of myself as a stable boy.”

Giorgio Armani Puzzle Two Solution: “Bodybuilding is an art, your body is the canvas, weights are your brush and nutrition is your paint.”

Kai Greene Puzzle Three Solution: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not weakness; that is life.”

Patrick Stewart

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

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

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Estate Sales

Home Services

Gulf Coast Estate Auctions

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

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

Furniture Repair

Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

STEVE PANEBIANCO

Home RepaiR SeRvice • No JoB Too SmaLL • ScReeN RepaiRS • paiNTiNG/DRY WaLL • TiLe RepaiRS • & mUcH moRe!

24/7 SERVICE

5-Star Rated

(941) 809-7311

FREE

ESTIMATES!

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

383893

WE COME TO YOU

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Health 383879

HoHoBuysCars.com Computer

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! 383892

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

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

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

Helping seniors stay fit and independent since 2009

941-735-3362

GLENN KROECKER

Health & Fitness FUNCTIONAL FITNESS TRAINING

Pegatronics.com

Clinical Exercise Specialist · Private In-Home Services Brian M Simpson NASM, AMFPT, CPR, AED & First Aid Certified

CREATE BUZZ!

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

(614) 395-5854 · briansimp32@gmail.com

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Lawn Care

Curt’s Lawn Service

384845

OBSERVER RED PAGES

3687676-01

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

RIGHT ON TARGET Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

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

Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS 383890

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

DRGRABBARS.COM

THE GRAB BAR GUY

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

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

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

941.966.0333

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

6968 Beneva Road

249 235 235

$$

$

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

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

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

Handyman

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941.270.4400

941-504-0903

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

SELL YOUR CAR!

384840

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

Dave and Connie Grundy

384839

385136

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 384838

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

384832

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

383895

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

384846

384252

We get you the highest rate of return on your items

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

373-9299

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Lic. & Ins.

724-2945

384847

Aluminum

384258 364556

|

Movers

Wizard Moving SRQ

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

Doors

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

make your moving day a pleasure.

Licensed and insured #IMT708

384848

SARASOTA OBSERVER

384259

16B

Personal Services

384246

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

RED PAGES

384250

www.ezslider.com

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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

Licensed 383894

(941) 966-2960

“No Job Too Small”

Plumbing

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

941-923-8140

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

Power Washing $100 COUPON

SOFT WASH

PRESSURE WASHING

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

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

941-CLEAN IT 2 5 3 - 2 6 4 8 FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

384299

LEAKY ROOF? Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

941-228-9850

Joe Murray, Owner

384247

Windows Res./Com.

384849

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

Find anything in the RED PAGES

$100 COUPON

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

(941) 345-5264

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

25

UP TO

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

STANDARD WINDOWS

Building & Roofing Contractor

941-955-4888

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

Rescreening & Repairs

941-345-5264

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

38 Years Experience

All Work Guaranteed

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

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

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

Closer is better.

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

$100 COUPON

heroes found here.

Roofing

383896

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!

Neighborhood

Insured

941-270-1561

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

General Plumbing Services Inc.

383897

Eldridge Re-Screen

Melanie Gates

385158

by

17B

Trees

385150

Pet Care

Rescreening & Repairs

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

384261

Pet Services

|

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

YourObserver.com

Teamwork. Trust.

Transformation.

Amber and Jim Lynch, a father and daughter-in-law team, are knowledgeable about all Sarasota has to offer, from luxury waterfront property to amazing golf course communities.

They are committed to providing an unparalleled buying and selling experience through keen market awareness, attention to detail, and honest conversation.

Contact the Lynch Group today to learn more about their approach to real estate!

Lynch Group Real Estate Advisors 941.556.9680 | amber.lynch@compass.com

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.

381543-1

18B