Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 8.18.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 18, NO. 38

Musical Friday Fest.

PAGE 8B FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

YOUR TOWN

Primary challenges School Board, City Commission candidates state their cases for office. PAGES 3-7A

Courtesy photo

Change in perspective Some people might think school isn’t fun, but that’s just a matter of perspective.

Local artist Brandon Thrift and the Community Day School are looking to change that for its students, from a whole different kind of angle.

Thrift — who created “Spread Love” paintings, murals and stickers across town — recently painted an engaging 3D-style crosswalk mural in front of the school. The mural was created just with paint but gives the impression that it has a 3D shape when looking at a certain angle.

The mural was unveiled last week — just in time for students to start school.

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Partner of the year

The Child Protection Center recently recognized Michael Klauber, above second from right, with its Community Partner of the Year title, a recognition that’s given to people who “go above and beyond” for victims of child abuse.

Klauber is co-owner of Michael’s On East and routinely hosts the Child Protection Center’s events and fundraisers — which provides funding for the group’s services — at the restaurant. He goes so far as to be the live auction emcee at the group’s signature event.

Joining Klauber to celebrate at Michaels were Sheila Miller, Graci McGillicuddy, Terri Klauber (above with Michael Klauber, right) and Doug Staley.

Fanciful reality Sci-fi and comic fans enjoy their own world, closer to home.

SEE PAGE 1B Harry Sayer

Jacob Murgage has his make-believe Star Wars light saber at the ready in a mock battle at last weekend’s SarasotaCon.

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The city has about $175,000 in donated funds to spend at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.

Not so fast, state says about traffic circle art FDOT clouds city panel’s selection. SEE PAGE 10A

A glimpse of China.

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W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

WEEK OF AUG. 18, 2022

Scottie Littles, football coach at Booker High, Read more on page 11B

Holocaust survivor speakers series opens T

$175,000

Money set aside by a developer to pay for a roundabout artwork at Fruitville Road and U.S. 41.

he Holocaust was a devastating moment in history. But as time goes on, the number of survivors who bore witness to those tragedies has diminished.

It leaves Jewish organizations with an important task: how to share history with their followers. Temple Sinai will attempt to share that legacy with attendees with a four-part Holocaust survivor speaker series beginning Aug. 21.

The series — put together in partnership with the Holocaust Speakers Bureau of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee — gathers Holocaust survivors in the Sarasota area who will speak about their experiences.

The first of the free series will feature Poland-born survivor Felicia Liban, who lived in hiding with a Christian family when she was a child. Subsequent events will be held on Sept. 18, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11.

Amanda Eiffert, director of communications and programming for Temple Sinai, began asking Holocaust survivors if they’d be interested in participating in a speaker program this past year. She also contacted the Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee, which often brings Holocaust survivors to schools and events.

“Students (who have heard Holocaust survivors) have said it’s a life-changing experience for them,” Eiffert said.

She notes that many of the survivors’ stories are harrowing and not recommended for young children. But Eiffert notes that

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$62,000

Sarasota’s most recent offer for starting police patrol officer pay in union talks.

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Units in a multifamily complex proposed at the former site of the Sarasota Kennel Club.

YOUROBSERVER.COM

CALENDAR n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota City Commission budget public hearing — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 6, Board Chambers, 1980 Landings Blvd.

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School district rolls out bag policy

“It’s been a roller coaster, but that’s what you expect when you take over a program. We’ll get there.”

BY THE NUMBERS

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Fans heading to preseason high school football games on Friday will have to adhere to a policy from Sarasota County Schools that bans most carrying bags that are not clear plastic.

The school district said guidelines for after-school athletic events allow only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no greater than 12 inches by 12 inches and 6 inches deep; a one-gallon sized clear Zip-lock style bag; and a purse/clutch bag approximately the size of a hand.

Among those items not allowed: backpacks, camera or binocular cases, fanny packs, tote bags or any other kind of bag not transparent.

Also not permitted inside the gates are animals (except service animals), fruit, balls or flying discs, cans, bottles, hydration packs, horns or artificial noisemakers, laser pointers, open umbrellas, tripods or monopods, remotecontrolled devices such as vehicles or flying machines, tobacco, strollers or portable chairs (unless ADA compliant), weapons or replicas, fireworks, bicycles, scooters, skates or skateboards.

Airline expands with New York flights

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Holocaust survivor Felicia Liban with Michael Staker, assistant principal at Lakewood Ranch High School.

the value it can have for people to understand history through firsthand accounts in the hopes of making sure it never happens again.

“It’s a somber service, it’s remembering a tragedy,” Eiffert said.

“It’s important that we remember.”

Breeze Airways already is expanding service at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, after arriving in June.

The twice-a-week service will take off Nov. 5 with direct service to Westchester County, New York, on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The airline is also adding a one-stop route with no change of plane service on Thursdays and Tuesdays with a stop in Norfolk, Virginia.

Breeze landed at SRQ, the airport’s call letters, this summer with flights to Hartford, Connecticut.

“We are pleased to announce that our newest airline, Breeze Airways, is adding another nonstop destination to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport,” Rick Piccolo, the airport president and CEO, said in a release.

“White Plains, New York, will be a welcome addition to our (more than) 50 nonstop destinations.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

School candidates hope to keep focus on education The candidates say they plan to gain parent trust and decrease political discussion.

LAUREN TRONSTAD | STAFF WRITER

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ix candidates will appear on the Aug. 23 ballot in hopes of obtaining one of three available seats on the Sarasota County School Board. County residents will have the opportunity to

select between two candidates when deciding who will represent the districts on the board. Each voter will vote for a candidate in each district, regardless of where they reside.

The board consists of five members, each elected to four-year terms.

Only one incumbent, District One Representative Bridget Ziegler, is seeking re-election.

Each candidate plans to prioritize eliminating contention among board members and limiting politics in discussion of decisions. All six desire a focus on improving the lives of the children educated in the county.

DISTRICT 1 DAWNYELLE SINGLETON

Dawnyelle Singleton is a native of Sarasota and a product of the county’s school system. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida State University. She worked for a local nonprofit agency focused on early childhood, parenting education and mental health services.

She served as a school administrator at Visible Men Academy for six years.

“Last summer, I started paying attention to what was happening at school board meetings,” she wrote in an email. “I kept seeing more and more anger and division, not only at meetings but within our community.

I couldn’t sit back and let our public schools, teachers and school communities be undermined.”

She believes her background in education and community engagement will allow her to make a difference on the board and in the community.

“I have a lived experience in being educated in this community and wanting the best for all students no matter their ZIP code or socioeconomic background,” she wrote.

If elected, she would make history as the first African American on the Sarasota County School Board. Her priorities would be working with the superintendent to advance voluntary prekindergarten programs in the district, finding solutions to the teacher shortage, increasing teacher salaries and working with families and educators to support students’ mental health.

“I want to be part of the functioning board that is able to work together, collaborate and conduct the business of the school board,” she wrote.

“I will bring calm and patience, and I will be responsive and not reactive in my decision-making.”

BRIDGET ZIEGLER

Bridget Ziegler is the only incumbent. Ziegler was appointed to the position to fill a vacancy in 2014 by Gov. Rick Scott.

She was re-elected in 2018. Her initial decision to run in 2014 came from her desire to ensure parents had a seat at the table when the board was making decisions.

“When you run for office, you learn a lot about yourself and a lot about other people,” she wrote in an email. “I faced and overcame several fears and insecurities, met and learned from some of the most incredible people and saw my passion for education, community and public service grow deeper through the process and over the years I’ve served on the board.”

Ziegler’s experience as a parent of three school-aged children, corporate risk consultant and school board member are what she believes prepares her for success, if re-elected.

“There is an opportunity to change the tide to ensure the Board for Sarasota County Schools understands its mission and who they are there to serve, to learn from lessons of the past, praise the great accomplishments and roll up our sleeves to address the challenges that we know we currently have and any that may come our way.”

She identified one of the primary

issues facing the board as its current operation, citing an unwillingness to address certain issues and belittling one another.

“When it comes to educating children, the cost can be more than just financial,” she wrote.

DAWNYELLE SINGLETON

BRIDGET ZIEGLER

LAUREN KURNOV

ROBYN MARINELLI

NORA CIETEK

TIM ENOS

DISTRICT 4 LAUREN KURNOV

Lauren Kurnov’s background in education and personal stock in the vitality of the school district has led her to pursue the District 4 seat on the school board. She was born and raised in Sarasota and both her children are students within the district.

“As a parent, I started paying attention to what was going on at school board meetings over the last couple of years and noticed the divisiveness that continues to grow,” she said. “We need folks in the boardroom and in leadership positions who will always make sure that we really focus the conversation on key educational issues that are affecting our students.”

Key issues she has identified within the district include teacher pay and retention, student career readiness and maintaining the district’s A rating. Kurnov has raised more than $200,000 during her campaign, more than any other candidate, which she attributes to her campaign’s overall message and the ability to reach across party lines, even in a nonpartisan race. Before deciding to run for office, she worked at both New College of Florida and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campuses. This year, she completed her doctorate in education.

“I have the experience that we need to really move the needle on some of the issues I have identified,” she said. “I have the expertise needed to address these issues, and I am deeply committed as both a parent and educator. I will be the person that will always refocus the conversation on educational issues and making sure we are staying on track to keep our schools A rated.”

ROBYN MARINELLI

Robyn Marinelli has 40 years of experience working within the Sarasota County School District. She spent five years teaching before transitioning to the role of school counselor for 20 years. She spent 15 years as a district-level administrator overseeing Student Services, which included aiding students in selecting a career path. After retiring in 2015, she returned to a local charter school as a school counselor.

“I think I have a lens to make sure everything that is discussed is student-focused,” she said.

Her experience within the district is what she believes sets her apart from her opponent and would make her an invaluable asset to the board.

“The community and parents have lost trust,” she said. “I think that’s something that I am very committed to is to make sure that parents have a seat at the table and to bring civility back to the school board and focus on students.”

She deems herself as approachable, skilled and highly qualified for the role because of her passion and experience in education.

“I am for all students of all parents,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to educate and keep parents informed on what is going on.”

Maintaining the district’s A grade is important to Marinelli as well as looking into student education programs that reach outside of the onesize-fits-all approach.

“I want teachers to have the freedom to teach and bring creativity into their classrooms,” she said.

DISTRICT 5 NORA CIETEK

Nora Cietek’s upbringing as one of 10 children and her master’s degree in education psychology are part of what she believes sets her apart from her opponent and makes her a fit for the school board seat. She has a 30-year career in education, having served as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal and the assistant director of special education in the Schenectady City School District in New York.

“The school board is the perfect fit for me,” she wrote in an email.

“Once elected, I will use my extensive skill set in the area of education to enhance the Sarasota school district.”

Her belief is that the school board needs to shift focus back to children.

“I am a nonpolitical person who has never considered political affiliation when it comes to education,” she wrote. “For me, it’s all about our children and the teachers and staff that work tirelessly every day to make sure that those children have access to all the resources that they need to strive to be the best they can be.”

A vote for her, she wrote, would be a vote for someone who understands teaching, education policy, school budgets and special needs.

If elected, she hopes to be able to create a pattern of reviewing programs to ensure that the ones in place are fully benefiting both students and staff.

“I want to instill an ‘I can do it’ attitude in our students,” she wrote.

“No matter where a child is functioning, we need to create a program for them to ensure that they are able to meet their goals with confidence.”

TIM ENOS

Tim Enos has 32 years of law enforcement experience, including time spent within the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. He has served as the chief of police for the Sarasota County Schools Police Department.

He is the executive director of Florida Association of School Resource Officers. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State.

“I know what excellence in education looks like because I went to school here,” he said. “I was part of the district for 22 years, the last three years being part of the executive staff.”

Change he hopes to influence, if elected, includes increased transparency in the budget process and in curriculum. He has noticed parents lack trust in the board and he hopes to improve that trust.

“We need to make sure that parents are involved in all aspects of their child’s education,” he said.

He grew up in the county and was educated in the district and has put three children through the district.

His knowledge of the area and his experience ensuring student safety give him a unique perspective, he said.

“I feel that we need representation of people who are from the community on the board to make decisions not based on politics, but based upon what is important to parents,” he said. “I don’t think politics has any place to play in education. I want to create an atmosphere of transparency.”

If elected, he is hopeful he will be able to bring a diverse perspective to the board.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Three move on

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ix non-partisan candidates are running for two Sarasota City Commission at-large seats. The primary election will eliminate three of them, with the other three com-

peting for general election votes in November.

Terrill Salem Why should people vote for you?

Born and raised in poverty, my divorced mother of four raised my siblings and I with the assistance of social programs including AFDC, food stamps, and HUD subsidized housing. This experience inspired me to help others. I am the candidate who will work for the citizens of the city of Sarasota. I served eight years in the Florida Army National Guard, and I also served eight years with the Sarasota County Fire Department. I am the candidate who serves as the chairman of the city of Sarasota’s Planning Board that advocates for affordable housing, environment and smart growth. I will build an alliance with the County Commission, so that county-maintained infrastructure gets the attention it deserves. I will also stand toe to toe and negotiate with developers to increase the affordable house stock.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

When the City Commission failed to add definitive language to the comprehensive plan to address attainable housing for the workers that maintain the city infrastructure, teach our children, take care of our aging residents, and respond to our emergency calls.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

My goal is (to) meet with the president of every neighborhood association on an ongoing basis to ensure that the will of each individual community is clearly understood. I also plan to negotiate with property owners seeking to rezone their

TERRILL SALEM

properties beyond their existing property owner rights. I would like for all city owned non-emergency vehicles to all be electric or biofuel.

It is also my goal to continue to improve the city’s walking and biking ability.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

Yes, the comprehensive plan.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

Sarasota should be a city where all individuals can live without struggling to maintain the basic necessities, especially the individuals that help provide our essential services.

Dan Lobeck Why should people vote for you?

I seek to apply my 35 years of local civic advocacy and skills as an attorney to make a positive difference on the Sarasota City Commission. If elected, I will do my best to put our residents in the driver’s seat, not the developers, to shape Sarasota’s growth in a way that preserves and polishes our charm and character rather than create another overcrowded city from which people seek to flee. We also need to direct our resources to real needs, such as clean and safe streets, rather than squandering taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars on demolishing our iconic Van Wezel for a new performing arts center at the behest of influential elites.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

Sarasota is at a crossroads. City Planning Director Steve Cover has announced his plans for a taller, denser Sarasota, with easier development approvals by staff rather than public officials, stating that we cannot continue to be “Any City, USA” but instead need a “skyline of distinction” like Chicago with its Sears Tower. I seek election to advance a different view: that people are not flocking to Sarasota because of buildings that reach to the sky. Sarasota is special because of its charm and scale, its arts, history and diversity and will never be turned into “Any City, USA” if we keep and enhance the values which make us great.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

First, increasing the availability of truly affordable housing, with inclusionary zoning in return for any development increase, by setting the affordability standard sufficiently low and by considering an affordable housing impact fee to build affordable housing through public-private partnerships. Second, defeating or reversing reckless proposals for the overdevelopment of the city. Third, putting an end to the practice of staff deciding policy – typically on behalf of development interests – through behind-the-scenes lobbying of City

DAN LOBECK

Commissioners.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

The recent agreement with the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation, by a 3-2 vote, to replace the Van Wezel with a new, larger facility, at a cost of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars that the city does not have. The premise that ticket sales will pay for it is an easily demonstrated fraud, to avoid the need for voter approval of a revenue bond. Under the current wording, the new facility could be partly built and if promised donations for half of the building costs predictably dry up, the city will have no choice but to hit the taxpayers even harder.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

We should seek to be Sarasota Plus. We are distinctive because of our scale and charm, our natural environment, the arts, historic buildings, our cultural and culinary diversity and just being free to breathe easy and enjoy the best place on earth. Let’s preserve what is special about our community and work on making what can be better the best that it can be.

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SARASOTA OBSERVER

Debbie Trice

Sheldon Rich

Why should people vote for you?

My allegiance is to the people of Sarasota, not to any “special interests.” I will bring a new perspective to the Commission based on a lifetime of community service and management experience in both IBM and small entrepreneurial ventures. I will bring a reasoned approach to creative problemsolving, a focus on community and attention to balancing priorities in all financial decisions. During my single term in office, I will mentor others in our community interested in serving in the future.

Why should people vote for you?

I believe that the City Commission needs a new perspective and direction. For the most part, I do not think that citizen input has been welcomed in commission decisions. I plan to change that and listen to what the citizens want and desire. I have a history of civic involvement, from being President of two large HOA’s, being the longest running chairperson of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, being Vice-Chair of the Sarasota Police Complaint Committee and I am the only candidate that is endorsed by the Sarasota Police Officers Association. I am also a pharmacist and hold a doctorate in business ethics which will allow me to remain free of undue influence in any decisions that I make as a City Commissioner.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

Although several groups encouraged me to run, I was eager to continue building community in my position as president of the Rosemary District Association. Then media coverage of our dire housing shortage began. This issue affects everyone. Sarasota succeeds only if working families have homes and business owners can fill job openings. Raising the issue with our city government as an individual had no effect. As a commissioner, I am prepared to keep the issue on the agenda as long as Sarasota’s working families and longtime retirees need homes.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

When four members voted on May 16 to send the massive comprehensive plan amendment to Tallahassee for approval, they made an error with serious long-term consequences for the people of Sarasota. The problem isn’t only specific line-items, which take away people’s rights to speak out on new development and limit the city’s flexibility to meet housing needs. The greater problem, in my opinion, is the process by which 170 pages of changes were presented unaccompanied by an overall plan.

Both the commissioners and the people deserve to be advised on and weigh in on staff’s concept of a “future Sarasota.” We also need a list of comp plan amendments, zoning text amendments and other changes to implement their concept instead of being asked to have faith that everything will fit together just fine.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

My vision is for Sarasota to be a city that works for everyone — where everyone has a voice and a place to live.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

I have spoken in front of the City Commission numerous times and did not believe that my voice was being heard. It seemed that many decisions were already decided and hearing from the public was a formality. I found this unacceptable and decided to run.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

First off, we must resolve the contract negotiations with the police union. At present, we are losing seasoned officers and unable to hire the best recruits possible. I would like to see implementation of inclusionary zoning and a reworked comprehensive plan that would be palatable to the residents. I would look to gain historical designation for the Van Wezel which would than allow retrofitting to protect it from sea level rise and spend dollars to renovate it which would be far less costly than building a new performing arts center. I would like to see us accelerate the City’s green initiatives and improve traffic concerns which are growing more difficult with each new development.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

Two recent decisions come to mind

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SHELDON RICH

that I would not have approved.

The first is the comprehensive plan changes that provided developers with density bonuses without the city getting anything in return. I also was opposed to the increase in administrative approval, which would remove the citizens voice in developmental decisions. I do not believe that the comprehensive plan as sent to the state for approval will result in any affordable or attainable housing being built, which was the premise for submitting the changes. The other decision was the City Commission committing to a partnership to build a new performing arts center without knowing what the cost would be (estimated at $350 million) and no discussion of how to fund it.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

We need to get back to the things that brought most of us to Sarasota.

A safe, viable, livable city. We need to protect those things that we hold dear and cherish — our character, clean beaches, public safety, etc. We need to gather more citizen input into development decisions. And we must find a way to build more affordable housing.

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Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

A successful program providing housing for Sarasota’s low and moderate income residents. “Successful” means that a significant number of homes are completed and occupied with many more under construction and planned, and procedures to administer the program and working partnerships with not-for-profit groups are in place.

Establish a sense of community within the city, starting at the neighborhood level and extending to City Hall. City government should consider strengthened neighborhoods to be valuable partners in addressing local needs.

A government that listens to “the people,” not “special interests.”

DEBBIE TRICE

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Carl Shoffstall Why should people vote for you?

Experience, leadership and dedication to the city. I have a track record of successfully fighting for the interests of our neighborhoods: 10 years Lido Key Residents Association president; seven years on the Executive Committee of Coalition of Community Neighborhood Associations (CCNA), three as chair; 12 years on the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board (PREP); and recently asked by the City Commission to serve and ultimately chair the Surtax IV (Penny Tax) Ad Hoc Committee whittling down over $440 million of community requested projects to fit the projected $191 million estimated tax revenue, which was reviewed and approved by the City Commission.

My dedication to the city, so far, is exemplified by the Lido Beach Renourishment Project, where as president, our Lido Key Residents Association team prevailed in a series of lawsuits filed by a group of Siesta Key residents, enabling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with a major renourishment. As a commercial pool and playground contractor, I have worked professionally with all the major developers in this community. Their respect puts me in a unique position to bridge the communication gap that exists between developers and residents.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

I have an extensive community service resume, but I have so much more to contribute. I am adequately prepared and ready to take that next natural step.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

To be successful in business, serving on a public board or commission or in everyday relationships with friends and family, you must listen and understand different perspectives and points of view. My number one goal is to listen. Also, from my career in commercial pools and playgrounds and the years I served on the PREP Board, my vision is to make Sarasota a “canopy” city

10

CARL SHOFFSTALL

supported by an urban forestry program and create more green spaces for environmental, health and aesthetic purposes.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

I respect the current board and the decisions of these volunteer residents and do not choose to either “armchair” or “Monday morning” quarterback their decisions. If there is new information that would make sense to revisit a decision, then I would review both the original and updated facts and seek public input.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

Our legacies and traditions are our community’s foundation. All growth and modernization need to keep where we came from and how we got here forefront. We are one of the leading cultural and art centers in Southwest Florida. Protecting, preserving and enhancing our environment is essential. Maintenance of those attributes requires growth.

This means both supporting our tourism industry and building toward reasonable economic development. One of the ways we can accomplish this is with clean jobs that include new tech industries.

MORE ONLINE At YourObserver.com/spotlight/elections you’ll find additional resources for making Election Day decisions:

YEAR WARRANTY

n Questions and answers with candidates for Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s board; Sarasota County Charter Review Board; Sarasota County Commission; Sarasota County School Board and more n Analysis by CEO and Editor Matt Walsh of the School Board race n The Observer’s primary election recommendations for Sarasota and Manatee counties and statewide races beyond the Sarasota area

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7A

Jen Ahearn-Koch Why should people vote for you?

I remain a strong advocate and representative for the citizen’s voice. The city of Sarasota is a desirable place to be. Growth needs to be managed in a responsible and comprehensive manner. I have been civically active for over 20 years. I served six years on the city’s Planning Board and many years as my neighborhood’s representative. As the incumbent, I have over five years of experience and have built a valuable understanding of the necessity in working with our regional partners.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for reelection?

The decision originated from the residents and businesses. One after the other, I was approached by people asking me to please run again.

With the blessing from my family, it was an easy decision to make.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office. n Improve and increase meaningful citizen input and participation in the development process while continuing the city’s efforts to streamline the permit process n Expand the Hotel House Ordinance citywide to protect qualityof-life for our residents n Update the city’s Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan from 2017 n Support businesses through continued collaboration with the Downtown Improvement District and Business Improvement District as well as continued partnership with merchants’ organizations n Update the sound ordinance n Continue to work with regional partners n Update the “Standards for Review” for our city’s Historic Preservation Board to improve our city’s historic preservation efforts Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

There are decisions that were made, that, if I had a magic wand, I would change if given the opportunity. This is evident by my “no”

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OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Traffic and pedestrian safety require realism, not slogans

JAY DERR AND ADRIAN MOORE

T

oo many drivers, passengers and pedestrians are killed and injured in accidents involving autos. We can and should be doing more to dramatically reduce those numbers. Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office data show 41 deaths from more than 9,000 crashes in just the first nine months of 2021, up from previous years.

Nationwide, an increase in traffic fatalities in 2021 led transportation agencies at all levels to begin looking for new approaches to traffic safety. One increasingly popular approach has been adopting a Vision Zero (VZ) program. Sarasota city and county staff have studied this approach and recommended it to their commissions. The concept originated in Sweden in 1997 and sets a goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries. VZ was adopted by Chicago in 2012, San Francisco in 2014, and Los Angeles in 2015.

Examples of VZ measures that cities have taken to reduce fatalities include: n requiring safety skirts on the side of the street; n adding buffer zones between bike lanes and traffic lanes, often narrowing or outright removing a travel lane in the process; n closing travel lanes during peak hours; n identifying locations with possible conflicts between pedestrians and cars to lessen injury severity.

In 2012, Chicago launched its program with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel stating a goal of “zero traffic deaths by 2022.” The city’s approach was outlined in a 100page Action Agenda, which was little more than a statement of principles. Five years later, the city

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

Although the Vision Zero program sounds like a good idea to make roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, governments should still measure its trade-offs. started work on VZ implementation and reset the 10-year counter from 2022 to 2027. Chicago aimed to improve some “300 intersections to make them safer for pedestrians.”

In September 2019, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that $6 million was being allocated to the city’s West Side VZ plan, a stark difference from a statement she made as a candidate when she said she would, “reallocate $20 million from existing Chicago Department of Transportation funding” towards VZ projects. For a city frequently finding itself short on funds, especially for projects this transformative and wide in scope, VZ’s costly approach makes little sense. Even after all of that money was allocated, Chicago’s 2020 traffic fatality rates remained about the same as in 2012, before VZ was implemented.

In 2014, San Francisco announced and implemented its own VZ program. The program, which has been relatively successful in reducing traffic deaths, began with a comprehensive push for more accountability and better data-gathering to help paint a clearer picture for policymakers looking to address traffic fatalities. With San Francisco’s clearly defined High Injury Network — defined as areas where fatalities are disproportionately high — and the city’s Quick-Build program, San Francisco was able to make changes relatively quickly and cheaply. San Francisco’s fatalities decreased significantly in 2019 and 2020. Overall, San Francisco has been more successful than other major cities in lowering fatalities.

Los Angeles’ VZ program was started in 2015 and has been the least effective at reducing fatalities.

In 2016, Los Angeles’ pedestrian death rate “was twice that of San Francisco, Chicago and New York, and four times that of Seattle,” per Bloomberg. In the 3 years following VZ adoption, pedestrian fatalities increased by 75%. Things didn’t look good for drivers either: In 2017, Los Angeles ranked as the “most congested city in the world,” the sixth year in a row it received that ranking. Conditions for drivers were already nightmarish, with drivers spending hours upon hours in congestion, but fatalities remained high on top of those conditions.

“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.”

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

Los Angeles did implement some changes, such as exclusive pedestrian traffic signal phases, which halt all vehicular traffic for a time as a means of lowering fatalities. While fatalities have been decreasing, they are still above the 2015 numbers, when the program started.

Most VZ policies in the U.S. have been expensive failures, with negligible effects on overall traffic fatalities. Outliers such as San Francisco have a few advantages that made a VZ approach more realistic — namely less reliance on driving to commute. In San Francisco in 2018, 40.2% of people drove to work, whereas in Los Angeles in 2015 nearly 80% drove alone and 10% carpooled, and 77.4% of Chicagoans in 2018 relied on automobiles for their commute. In Sarasota only 0.5% of commuters use transit, and over 90% drive alone.

The problem with Vision Zero is it wants to pretend there are no limits on resources and we can achieve zero deaths if we are just willing to spend enough. But you can never realistically eliminate, for example, bad driving. You can, however, mitigate and reduce its impact with good design and safety measures.

The key is lies in data-gathering, local partnerships, community education and re-engineering when necessary.

The VZ approach calls for discarding cost-benefit analysis and the “whack-a-mole” approach of fixing one intersection at a time.

Instead, it calls for making sweeping changes to all of a city’s high injury network. Claiming that no price can be placed on human life is a noble approach but one that is unrealistic in a world where policymakers have limited resources to solve problems.

Many of VZ’s proposed changes, such as limiting lane use during peak hours, would slow traffic and worsen conditions for drivers and lower-income commuters in these cities. By increasing the duration of

commutes and making some people late for work, cities inadvertently reduce the economic well-being of lower-income people. Instead of making roads worse for drivers, the goal should be to make them safer and more efficient for everyone involved — be they a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian.

While auto-averse solutions may work in cities that are not so reliant on cars (such as San Francisco), making conditions worse for drivers in other cities is often met with political pushback. In Los Angeles, for example, drivers are already spending massive amounts of time in slow-moving traffic. Some streets need to keep their higher speeds to allow for a shorter, more efficient commute through cities.

Making the mostly lower income Sarasota residents who have the longest commutes to affordable housing to suffer more in congestion and slower travel is not a fair way to improve traffic safety.

To reduce traffic fatalities more effectively, we should begin with detailed analyses of our high-injury networks instead of heavy-handed reform for every part of the road system. In Orlando, drivers were failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. After a partnership with local law enforcement, officers started issuing warnings near crosswalks during a 3-month enforcement period. It was determined that a few low-cost engineering solutions would be sufficient: moving yield signs 30 feet, adding medians and refuge islands and some other changes. Following two rounds of enforcement and reengineering, driver yield rates went from 5% to 28% for a price far lower than most VZ projects.

Cities do not need to take the Vision Zero all-or-nothing approach when a more customizable set of solutions is available.

Jay Derr is a policy analyst and Adrian Moore is Vice President at the Reason Foundation.

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PRIMARY ELECTION: OBSERVER RECOMMENDATIONS U.S. Congress, District 16, Republican: Flip a coin Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, Republican: James Shaw SARASOTA COUNTY State Senate, District 22: Joe Gruters County Commission, District 2, Republican: Mark Smith County Commission, District 4,

Republican: Joseph Neunder Sarasota City Commission: Carl Shoffstall School Board District 1: Bridget Ziegler School Board District 4: Safe bet: Marinelli. Reasonable gamble; Lauren Kurnov School Board District 5: Timothy Enos Charter Review Board, District 1: Les Nichols

Hospital Board, Central District, Seat 2: Thomas Dart Hospital Board, Northern District, Seat 1: Brad Baker Hospital Board, Northern District, Seat 2: Nick Altier Hospital Board, Southern District, Seat 1: Patricia Maraia Hospital Board, Southern District, Seat 2: Joseph Chirillo

MANATEE COUNTY State Senate, District 20: Jim Boyd County Commission, District 4, Republican: Misty Servia County Commission, District 6-At Large, Republican: Carol Whitmore School Board, District 5: Richard Tatem

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S E A F O O D E AT E RY I N S O U T H S I D E V I L L AG E

I read with interest your recommendations. As I usually agree with your choices, I must respectfully disagree on your comments about term limits.

Keeping good conservatives in office during this tumultuous time in our country is essential.

When the left gets rid of the trouble makers, we can decide on term limits. A proven record is what we can look at.

Here is why I will vote for Vern Buchanan again: n By email, he gives me a daily report of what Congress is doing. n He votes the way I want my Congressman to vote. n He polls me on current issues.

It makes me feel involved, and it lets him know what his constituents want. n He will become head of Ways and Means when we win in November. This is awesome for our district, state and country.

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Vern Buchanan is running for re-election for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lauren Kurnov for school board.

It is now absurd that although you have withdrawn your initial endorsement for Ms. Kurnov you still offer tepid support for her — “reasonable gamble,” you say — although it is clear that you now believe Robyn Martinelli is a better candidate.

Your naive belief that Ms. Kurnov was acceptable in face of massive Democratic support, her immense campaign chest raised almost all from the usual suspects, and her insincere answers to direct questions should have given you a clue. When several weeks ago in an interview Ms. Kurnov stated in response to a question about CRT with the usual refrain that it is not taught in public schools but only in high level graduate programs, or that she did not want to get involved in the “culture wars,” your attention should have been stirred.

So, despite that she again failed to ask direct questions about recent Florida legislation involving schools in response to your own inquiries in your own newspaper, you again cannot bring yourself to admit that you were wrong and shamefully credulous toward her public positions.

Ms. Kurnov is woke, through and through, and will join Tom Edwards if she is elected, in pushing the malignant CRT nonsense in our public schools.

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City and FDOT officials are negotiating an agreement to place public art in roundabouts along Tamiami Trail, delaying recommendations for this roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.

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or months, Sarasota’s Public Art Committee has been circling a selection of preferred artists to create a sculpture for the center of the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road.

Poised to choose three recommended artists at its early August meeting for consideration by the City Commission, the committee hit

a roadblock. That’s when Mary Davis Wallace, the senior city planner and public art lead, told the committee that negotiations with the Florida Department of Transportation are ongoing, and until an agreement with the state is reached to place public art in the state’s right of way, moving forward was premature.

In May, the committee recommended the City Commission approve Dwell, a multicolored sculpture depicting coral, in a departure from prior protocol of providing commissioners three selections from which to choose. Commissioners not only rejected Dwell but also passed on the other two finalists and sent the project back to the committee.

As they revisited favored submissions and reconsidered others in the months since, discussions between the city and FDOT for a Community Aesthetics Features agreement

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Not only impacting the Fruitville Road roundabout, the agreement delay also has previously approved sculptures for the traffic circles at U.S. 41 at 10th Street and at 14th Street in a holding pattern.

“There are two artists still in orbit waiting for this agreement to be approved, and they’ve been waiting for over two years,” Wallace said.

“The contract is starting to become slightly dated. We’re going to have to revisit the cost estimates, and there are going to be some issues when we finally are able to mobilize.”

Meanwhile, Wallace encouraged the committee to refine its selection process for future projects. Opting to recommend a single piece, as it did for the Fruitville roundabout, rather than following the prior request for proposal process — and the resulting rejection — may have caused concern among the public and art community.

“We have another roundabout coming up,” Wallace said, referencing the under construction roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue. “We need to think a little broader on this whole package and how thoughtful we’re going to be moving forward because if we start going back and forth like a roller coaster, we are going to make a lot of people seasick just watching us do this.

“Anything we can do to make this a soft landing for the public and a softer landing for the artists is really what we’re here to do.”

In May, city commissioners rejected Dwell, a sculpture of coral, for the roundabout Fruitville Road and U.S. 41.

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to allow artwork in roundabouts on roads owned and maintained by the state lagged.

“We have received some information that, to be honest, has caused us to reconsider whether or not the timing of today’s vote is appropriate,” Wallace told the committee.

“We are still in deliberations and discussions with FDOT, so in my professional opinion … I would just rather not have to go down this road involving three more finalists and potentially a finalist in November per our timeline, to then not know really how we’re going to proceed.”

Specific sticking points have not been disclosed, but PAC member Jeff Davidson asked Wallace if public art on a state-owned right of way is a novel concept in Florida and whether the development of this first agreement is the reason for the delay.

“We are blazing the trail. There are a lot of roundabouts in our state and across the country, but many of them are on private roads that are maintained by a municipality,” Wallace said. Simply installing signs on state right of way requires an agreement.

“Because this is a large work, it’s not as easy for us to just take it out,” she said. “One of the expectations is that the piece would be removed if something happened, and we’re having a hard time understanding how we can agree to certain provisions within the contract.”

Wallace advised that selecting finalists, paying a stipend and having them develop concepts before the establishment of state guidelines, only to perhaps delay the process further or invalidate their work, could be a waste of money and the artists’ time, possibly tarnishing the city’s reputation.

By a 5-0 vote, with Joanne McCobb absent, the committee agreed.

The delay in selecting finalists for City Commission approval is a bitter pill for two PAC members — Leslie Butterfield and McCobb — who are rotating off the panel at the end of the year.

Their replacements will be appointed by the City Commission in December. The current committee, though, could still vote on its finalists in the event an agreement is reached in the interim. The piece will be paid for with $175,000 set aside by the developer of The Quay.

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Thank you Sarasota for voting Lakehouse West Reader’s Choice Best Retirement Community & Best Assisted Living 5 Years in a Row!!!

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TUESDAY, AUG. 9

FREE RIDE 6:07 p.m., 100 block of Watergate Drive Dispute: The owner of a taxi service called police over an unpaid fare that resulted from confusion over who was supposed to pay. The driver had picked up the rider from a car dealership and upon arrival at the destination, the rider did not pay for the $45 fare. The rider instead stated the dealership was supposed to cover the cost, he had no money and had believed it to have been settled.

The driver said he did not wish to pursue payment, adding that similar situations happen often. The dealership was not called, and the cabbie stated he did not want to be contacted by the passenger for future service.

FRIDAY, AUG. 12

TRIGGERED DRIVER 5:27 p.m., 1300 block of Main Street Dispute: A case of road rage and a claim of a brandished handgun brought police to a call made five minutes earlier from Fruitville Road at Orange Avenue, where the complainant said she blew her horn at another driver. In response, she said the driver appeared to wave a handgun, pointed upward and not at her. The complainant said she could not provide a description of the driver because of the tinted windows but was certain she saw the shape of a weapon.

The woman was able to provide police with the license plate number of the offender’s vehicle. Officers canvassed the area and were unable to locate it.

SUNDAY, AUG. 14

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10

STAY(AWAY)CATION 9:04 p.m., 400 block of South Polk Drive Dispute: A caller told 911 operators she needed help, although on call back she told the operator all was fine. Still, an officer met with the caller who said her family was renting a home while on vacation, and that an altercation had gotten out of control.

Her brother-in-law became intoxicated, she reported, causing an argument with his wife. The man was not at the scene at the time.

The caller told the officer some family members had already packed and were leaving in an effort to keep the peace. The officer was advised that the family would lock the door to prevent the inebriated relative from returning. Although the officer offered to remain on the scene while the family separated, the woman who placed the call initially advised him that his presence would only further upset the family.

The incident was reported to property management company.

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HE SAID, SHE SAID 1:30 p.m., 100 block of North Tamiami Trail Property damage: A dispute between a couple while driving over the John Ringling Bridge led to alleged fisticuffs — with slaps and fingernails added for good measure — resulting in police response to a nearby location on Tamiami Trail.

Officers responded to a call from a male passenger, claiming he was battered by his girlfriend, who was driving.

The man claimed the woman, during what began as a verbal altercation, punched him in the eye, and upon covering his face with his hands was scratched several more times on the forearm. The woman disputed the claim, saying her boyfriend sustained his injuries as she attempted to pull him from the car while he was causing damage by punching the dashboard, a speaker and a mirror. The man’s injuries, police concluded, were consistent with her claims. There was also no apparent evidence of a slap or punch to the face.

Police noted obvious damage to the woman’s vehicle, including a broken speaker and passenger side mirror, estimating the cost at $150.

The man was taken to Sarasota County Jail, where he was booked for criminal mischief.

Police union, city draw closer to agreement Officer starting pay and anti-discrimination policy remain unresolved as the Oct. 1 end of 3-year contract period approaches.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

ith an Oct. 1 deadline, negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement between the city of Sarasota and the International Union of Police Associations Local 6045, which represents Sarasota police officers, sergeants and criminalists, are about 75% complete.

That’s the assessment of local union chapter President Eric Urbain, who said the primary sticking points for the next three-year deal are an approximately $5,000 gap in starting pay and a demand for legal representation in cases of discrimination.

The two sides met for two days last week, and Urbain said he is hoping for another two-day session soon.

Once that is accomplished, he said it takes about three weeks to complete a ratification vote.

Until a new agreement is reached, Urbain said the current contract would still apply.

Urbain said SPD is not competitive with salary scales offered by law enforcement agencies in nearby jurisdictions, where he said many officers already live because of the lack of attainable housing in the city.

The union’s initial request was for a starting pay of $67,000 a year for patrol officers, while the city’s current position is approximately $62,000.

First-year pay for an SPD patrol officer is $52,621.

“I think going into the contract negotiations, it was a bit of a sticker shock to the city, and quite frankly, to us as well,” Urbain said, who added

File photo

the ask is based on the pay scale in other area jurisdictions, including the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

As for the anti-discrimination policy, Urbain said the city investigates itself when complaints are filed with no legal representation available to the aggrieved union member.

On that point, the city replied in a statement, “The city of Sarasota does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability or marital status. These classes are already protected under state and federal law as well as local ordinance, and the city abides by those regulations in all its employment-related decisions.”

Negotiations began in February.

According to the city, talks typically have taken more than a year to complete.

“From the beginning, we have negotiated in good faith and in accordance with Florida Statute 447, which outlines collective bargaining practices,” reads the city’s statement.

“We have been active participants, responded to numerous proposals and listened to the IUPA members during the negotiations … We do not see this as a win/lose proposal but an opportunity for both sides to present information and come to acceptable agreements. While negotiations began in February, previous police collective bargaining agreements have taken 1.5 to 2 years to finalize.”

The collective bargaining agreement between the union chapter representing the Sarasota Police Department and the City of Sarasota expires at the end of September.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Photos courtesy of Ryan Gamma

The Elling Eide Center has developed into a premier research library in the field of China studies.

A Diamond in the Woods It’s more than 7,000 miles away from Beijing, but because of the passions of its former resident, a Sarasota estate has become a center of China studies.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

E

lling O. Eide’s most fervent wish has become reality a decade after he died.

Eide, a Sarasota native and lifelong student of Chinese history, dreamt of opening the gates of his 72-acre estate and turning it into a repository of knowledge.

Now, nestled in a remote stretch of Tamiami Trail, his former home has become a leading regional resource for Chinese studies and a place people in the community can come to appreciate both art and nature.

Matthew Wells, the Elling Eide Center’s director of research, said the focus of the institution will always remain fixed on ancient China. That was Eide’s passion, said Wells, and you can’t really understand modern China without getting your arms around its roots.

“This was the place where he was going to live,” said Wells, gesturing at the building, completed by Sarasota architect Guy Peterson. “He was going to put his collection of books in here — have his own kind of personal library — and basically invite all his buddies to come down and translate and talk about China and all the other things that he was interested in.”

Eide, said Wells, was a polymath.

It would be impossible to quickly summarize all the things he spent his life learning about, but Wells said he

Courtesy photo

Elling Eide in China

was greatly fixated on Asian studies, languages, horticulture and Florida history.

Eide, born in 1935, was a graduate of Southside Elementary, Sarasota Junior High and Sarasota High School, and he earned a degree in Far Eastern Languages from Harvard in 1957. He later served in East Asia in

the U.S. Marine Corps and studied in Taiwan before returning to the USA and serving as a professor at the University of Illinois in 1970.

Eide’s life brought him back to Sarasota. His parents were ill, and he had to decide how to take care of the sprawling estate. Over time, he planted hundreds of trees and plants

and continued his burgeoning studies from the place he had grown up, making this remote and beautiful property a center of an exotic and rare field of scholarship.

“It was more a niche kind of study, but it was also a very different field at the time,” said Wells of China studies during Eide’s day. “He was interested back when it was a much smaller community … Somebody getting their doctorate in the ’60s was probably trained by somebody who had been trained by someone who was a missionary in China in the 1900s.”

Wells said Eide was an early scholar of the T’ang Dynasty, and he played a large role in founding The T’ang Studies Society.

His personal collections — books, art and souvenirs — became the basis of the Elling Eide Center’s treasury of Asian knowledge. Eide died in 2012, and the Eide Center opened its doors for research in 2016.

Wells said the center has more than 60,000 books in its collection, many of which are only really available to specific scholars of Asian languages and literature. For Wells, who arrived in Sarasota a year ago, the hard part of the job was making Eide’s mission more public-facing in 2022 and beyond.

“One thing I started doing when I started booking conferences was thinking about the relationship between the scholars that come here to do research and to share research and the rest of the community,” Wells said. “That’s where the public lecture series comes in. I request from the scholars somebody to fall on their sword and give a lecture for the public, and we work with them SEE ELLING EIDE, PAGE 14A

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Elling Eide FROM PAGE 13A

to make sure they pitch it right and it’s not too specialized but also not dumbed down.

“We respect our audience. They’ve been around. They know what’s up.”

Even with their interest level established, though, Wells wants to make sure they’re properly prepared for high-level lectures.

For instance, the Elling Eide Center will welcome award-winning author and professor John Balaban to present a lecture on Vietnamese poetry in September, and Wells wants to give the local community a chance to attend presentations like that and fully understand them.

That meant, in this case, designing an entirely new lecture series. Wells, a former associate professor of Chinese at the University of Kentucky, wanted to craft an introduction to Chinese thought that would give its attendees a base of knowledge they could build on. He called it “Coffee and Confucious,” and it will return for another showing this fall.

The attendees are mostly older, he says, and perhaps more interested in the subject than you might imagine.

“There’s a shocking amount of interest in Chinese culture in the area,” he said.

“I think a lot of people, especially the older people, have had enough lifetime where they’ve been to Japan or they’ve been to China.

“Maybe they have business in China. Maybe some of them have relatives there; maybe somebody adopted a child from China or something like that. At the last Coffee and Confucius, I asked them, ‘Show of hands, who’s been to a Chinese speaking country?’ About two-thirds of the audience raised their hand.”

That was music to Wells’ ears. He was hoping to give people an entry point into Eide’s world, a primer on Chinese writing, on religion and philosophy, on history and China’s place in the modern world.

He found that not only were people interested, they were clamoring for more. Wells said the initial lectures sold out the lecture hall, which can sit about 50 people.

IF YOU GO

ELLING O. EIDE RESEARCH LIBRARY AND PRESERVE Where: 8000 S. Tamiami Trail When: Arboretum Tour on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Tickets: $5 Info: EllingOEide.org

The lectures take on the form of coffee and conversation, and Wells said he was surprised by the public’s attention to detail.

“It’s like a college lecture, in that I approach it as if people are educated but maybe not informed in that particular area,” he said of the series.

“What I want to do is quickly move people to a point where they feel like they understand Chinese writing a little bit. My goal was to have 25 people who are full-timers living in Sarasota who then have this baseline of knowledge, and then they would find any of our other lectures a lot easier to absorb.”

That lecture series will return in the fall, but the Elling Eide Center is hoping to develop even more opportunities for the public. Now, said Wells, the plan is to do more research on the property and its history.

He said there is a New College research project looking into Helen Smith, one of the property’s owners before Eide, and there also will be an archaeological survey conducted on the grounds.

There’s also a need to study the property’s flourishing gopher tortoise population. The gopher tortoise is currently listed as vulnerable but not endangered.

The Elling Eide Center currently has an arboretum tour hosted by a former botany instructor that informs people about the hundreds of species of trees on the property, and Wells hopes that eventually the tour will better include information on the center’s artistic holdings.

“If you come take the tour, at the very least, you’re going to see probably one of the most amazing horticultural collections here outside of Selby,” said Wells of the tour.

“Then you’ll come in and get some exposure to the kind of art and culture we have here. But with this lecture series and course series, we’re

Photos courtesy of Ryan Gamma

The Elling Eide Center was designed by local architect Guy Peterson.

trying to be more active in giving people the opportunity to learn.”

The popularity of China studies — like any other field of academic endeavor — is cyclical.

Wells said he’s seen a flourishing and a regression in the interest of Asian Language study courses during his career, and he said with China’s increasing prominence in the world, there’s an ever-present need for more people to understand the country’s history and art.

Even with someone like Confucius, a worldwide symbol of knowledge and learning, there’s a natural ebb and flow to their popularity.

“When I first went to China in the mid-’90s, you really didn’t hear much about Confucius or interest in classical China,” said Wells of the ancient philosopher who is now back in vogue. “You get up to about 2006 or 2007 and you start getting some interest then in what are traditional values? I used to show my students the same wall 10 years different; one would say, ‘Build a strong socialist society.’ Then 10 years later, I went back to the same place and it was like a mural about all these different Confucian virtues. It’s amazing.”

The library at the Elling Eide Center contains both books and art.

The greenhouse was built to house an amherstia tree from Burma.

MUSIC ON THE PLAZA When there’s a cost-of-living crisis, healthy food can be the first to go.

Help your neighbors balance things out.

To support our produce program, visit

SPIN Featuring Stumble Creek 8/24/22 | 5:30 pm - 8 pm

allfaithsfoodbank.org 941.379.6333

SPIN invites you to socialize and experience the contemporary genre of sound through the exploration of musical notes, movement, and engagement.

Join us for SPIN every Fourth Wednesday this summer in the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza for our live music and movement program.

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THIS WEEK

serving notice to the world that he has a lot more to say. Guest, the playwright who wrote “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen,” will deliver a sneak peek at his new play, “Pageant on White American Memory,” which examines the arc of some of America’s most prominent families and how they got to be in that position.

GET THE BUNK OUT TOUR 8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $10 Visit WSLR.org/Fogartyville.

THURSDAY ‘SHREK: THE MUSICAL’ 7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts Center, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $17-$32 Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

Make way for a charming ogre and his irreverent donkey pal. Shrek, which won an Academy Award as an animated feature and a Tony Award for best costume design as a musical, will be taking over the stage at the Rise Above Performing Arts Center. Kyle Ramon stars as Shrek, and Jaquavien Jones stars as Donkey.

Runs through Aug. 28.

ART TALK: A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A CURATOR 4-6 p.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $10 members, $12 nonmembers Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

Mark Ormond, the former senior curator of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, will take

tardly lengths they’ll go to realize their own vision. Who will win?

And will they get away with it?

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 18; runs through Aug. 28 Where: Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $25-$36 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

you through his 25 years of experience in the art world and what it means to be a curator on a regular basis. Ormond, who curates the Arts Advocates’ collection, will discuss planning, fundraising, acquiring and even transporting art.

SUMMER IN THE CITY 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St. Free Visit ArtUptown.com.

This show, which will wrap up on Aug. 19, features work from all 26 Art Uptown Gallery artists. You’ll find painting, sculpture, photography, glasswork, pottery and more.

FRIDAY THE LATEST FROM TERRY GUEST 6:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $5, registration required Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Hermitage Fellow Terry Guest is

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘DOUBLE INDEMNITY’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

It’s the classic film noir that launched 100 imitators. “Double Indemnity” stars Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson in a tale of murder, betrayal and intrigue. “Double Indemnity” was nominated for seven Academy Awards and didn’t win any, but it was chosen as the No. 29 film in the American Film Institute’s “AFI’s 100 Years, 100 Movies” list in 2007.

SATURDAY FLORA IMAGINARIA 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Free with admission Visit Selby.org.

Are you amazed at the many ways framing and lighting can change the perception of an image? Then come on down to Selby Gardens and look at flowers through the lens of some of the most accomplished photographers in history. You’ll see a variety of methods and techniques employed to render natural beauty in its simplest form.

WE’RE DOOMED 7:30 p.m. at Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

They may not have the special effects budget of “2012” or “The Day After Tomorrow,” but the Florida Studio Theatre improv troupe has all their disaster bases covered. Throw them a title and watch how they swish it around in their minds and throw it back to you as a fully packaged disaster flick.

SUNDAY HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘RUSALKA’ 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House $22 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

It’s a Dvořak classic brought to you from across the globe. This performance was recorded at the Teatro Real in Madrid in 2020, and it stars Asmik Grigorian and Eric Cutler. This timeless tale, created in 1901 and based on Hans Cristian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid,” has become one of the most performed operas in the world.

Florida: Deco & Desire in Japan’s Jazz Age,” which will be on display until late September.

IF YOU GO When: John And Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Where: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays Tickets: Free Info: Ringling.org.

ASSISTED LIVING THE MUSICAL: THE TALES GRANNY WILL NEVER TELL 3 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $35-$50 Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Rick Compton and Betsy Bennet both created and will perform in this play, which centers on the untold tales from an active senior living community called Pelican Roost.

These aging seniors are taking their Golden Years in stride, and they’re finding comedy in some of the least likely places you’d imagine to find it.

BIG AND LITTLE CHEF: BAKING 11 a.m. at Publix Aprons Cooking School, 2875 University Parkway $80 Visit ApronsCookingSchool.publix. com.

Here’s a wholesome family experience for parent and child. This Aprons Cooking School class will focus on baking and it will cater especially to enterprising parents and children who want to learn how to bake together. They’ll make unicorn biscuits, mojo pork empanadas, pizza dough garlic knots and marble cookie Yoyos over the course of the class, and they’ll eat them all too!

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‘SMOKE AND MIRRORS’ How does a Hollywood director get hold of a production when a screenwriter stands in their way?

Smoke and Mirrors. This wickedly funny romp takes you behind the scenes as an actor, director and screenwriter compete to control an upcoming production, and it lampoons the sometimes das-

FREE MONDAYS AT JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART You can enjoy your art without opening your wallet. The John And Mable Ringling Museum of Art opens its doors free of charge on Mondays, allowing visitors to take in its rich collection of paintings and exhibits. It’s a perfect time to stroll in and check out “Ballroom

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DON’T MISS

Join Steve McAllister for his oneman tribute to Will Rogers, the actor, author and social commentator who had an outsized role in shaping American thought in the early 20th century. McAllister will move you with words uttered by Rogers nearly a century ago, but he’s also added original poetry and songs that help to supplement the Rogers voice.

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Creative Differences How do you like your theater renditions of Hollywood movies? With a side of intrigue? ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ at Florida Studio Theatre has you covered.

MARTY FUGATE THEATER CRITIC

N

ovelists and screenwriters often paint an unflattering portrait of Hollywood.

Judging by movies like Robert Altman’s “The Player” and novels like Nathaniel West’s “The Day of the Locust,” Tinseltown is a heartless exploitation machine that grinds up writers and their words.

Will Osborne and Anthony Herrera’s “Smoke & Mirrors” falls squarely in that tradition at Florida Studio Theatre.

The first act opens with a screenwriter’s grievance.

Clark Robinson (Alberto Bonilla) is the scribe in question; a creative if highly nervous screenwriter.

Clark’s in a movie-making partnership called “Three Happy Fellas.”

Director Hamilton Orr (Ben Cherry) and movie star Derek Coburn (Jack Gerhard) are the other two fellas, but Clark’s a most unhappy fella. He bemoans Hamilton’s Procrustean mutilation of his creative vision.

“Vicksburg” is the most recent outrage. The company’s last film was a hit. Clark wrote the screenplay, and it was his passion project.

But Hamilton got the studio to green light the flick with the promise that Hollywood hunk Derek would play the lead role.

(Hamilton got him to sign by making him a creative partner.)

After that, the meathead proceeded to rewrite his lines and deliver them just as badly.

The result? Critical scorn — and boffo box office numbers.

Three Happy Fellas is now work-

Photo courtesy of John Jones

Alberto Bonilla and Ben Cherry star as a writer and director trying to protect their product in “Smoke & Mirrors.”

ing on a sequel. The creative team’s ensconced in the Mississippi state governor’s mansion on an isolated private island in the Gulf of Mexico.

The film deal is a package deal.

By studio decree (and the terms of his partnership), Derek stays in the picture — or there’s no picture.

The writer’s outraged. The director claims to feel the same artistic outrage. This crowd-pleasing dummy is ruining his creative vision, too! For an added twist of the knife, there’s a serious actor who’d love to take his place!

Hmmm…

Hamilton jokingly suggests that they kill Derek — for their art.

Ha-ha.

Then you realize he’s not joking.

Clark initially resists Hamilton’s murderous pitch but eventually agrees to his scheme for Derek’s final exit. How will they kill him and get away with it? Hamilton’s got it all figured out.

They’ll tell the dim actor they’ve written a new ending to “Vicksburg II” — a scene where Derek’s character commits suicide.

Then they’ll get him to rehearse the scene and switch the unloaded gun with a loaded gun.

Bang! No more Derek. A tragic accident! And that’s a wrap.

Or maybe not.

They don’t call this play “Smoke & Mirrors” for nothing.

All I can say is somebody either does or doesn’t die. And somebody’s scheme either goes or doesn’t go as planned.

This play is a Mousetrap, as in the Parker Brothers’ board game, not the Agatha Christie play.

Giving the ending away really would be a crime.

Suffice to say it’s smart and very, very funny. Director Catherine Randazzo finds just the right tone to keep you laughing. Her tightrope walk is no cakewalk.

“Smoke & Mirrors” walks the line between parody and homage.

(The play’s elaborate bits of business echo half the classics on PBS’s “Mystery Theatre.” But the bits are always just a wee bit off. Something’s happening, but you don’t know what it is. Aside from the fact

it’s funny.)

The actors are equally great at high-wire silliness. Bonilla’s highstrung Clark is the low fella on the totem pole. He stammers and stutters like a standard issue nebbish.

Then you realize his commitment to creative vision isn’t a joke.

Cherry’s Hamilton has one key feature — he’s a manipulator. (One who gleefully sees himself as a puppet master.) He can be charming when he has to be, or a bully when he can get away with it.

Alanna Smith plays Hamilton’s wife Barbara as one of his willing puppets. (Maybe.) She delivers a highly cinematic portrayal as a languorous femme fatale.

She’s exactly what Hamilton wants her to be. (Or maybe just what he expects her to be.)

After the deed is done, Justin Ness makes the scene as Sheriff Leroy, a country bumpkin lawman investigating the crime scene.

You figure, like Peter Falk’s Columbo, he’s just playing dumb.

Then you realize he’s just plain dumb. That equally applies to Gerhard’s Derek. He’s a tool, and not a sharp one. But moviegoers love him — and he agrees with their opinion.

The action on stage is a few steps away from realism. Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay’s overstuffed set has more stuffed, dead animals than Linger Lodge. It’s impressive and slightly creepy. (Where did they get those crispy critters anyway?)

Erin Barnett’s costumes look like costumes. For this play, that’s a compliment. Because its world is not the real world.

Osborne and Herrera’s script sparkles with fast-paced dialogue in the Preston Sturges tradition.

A recent revision scrubbed away the 1991 anachronisms. (Floppy discs become flash drives; Eleanor Roosevelt is now Barbara Bush!)

The only oversight was a reference to film photography.

“Smoke & Mirrors” tickles your funny bone without insulting your intelligence. Smart and funny is a great combination — and a rare one.

With murder mysteries (comic or otherwise) I usually see the twist ending coming a mile away.

With “Smoke & Mirrors,” I didn’t.

Nice trick.

IF YOU GO ‘SMOKE & MIRRORS’ When: Through Aug. 28 Tickets: $25-$39 Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org

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During this time we will be offering $25 off all adoptions, Donate now at catdepot.org to support all the kitties we care for and help!

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Courtesy photo

The Players Studio isn’t just for kids. The Players Follies is a free community theater group for actors aged 50 and up.

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941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org

The Players Studio is looking forward to another fall season of theater education and enrichment.

SPENCER FORDIN A+E EDITOR

Y

ou might be a player and not even know it.

The Players Studio, an educational program from The Players Centre for Performing Arts, reaches more than 200 kids and aspiring actors of all ages, and it’s hosting its annual Back to Studio Bash open house on Aug. 20 in hopes of reaching more in the future.

Brenna Wickstrom, the studio’s director of education, says the open house will feature the best The Players has to offer. There will be performances from production groups, mini classes and games, as well as a chance to register for future enrollment.

The Players Studio, established in 1995, has been teaching the art of theater for decades. Wickstrom and the studio instructors and performers are coming off a busy summer full of theater education. From May

IF YOU GO

BACK TO STUDIO BASH When: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 20 Where: The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 Tickets: Free open house Info: ThePlayers.org

through the first week of August, the studio was overrun by kids enrolled in the theater’s mini-camps.

The children — aged 5 to 10 — learned songs, dances and scenes from movies and plays, and then they put on a mini-production for their families in the studio. There was also a 4-week musical theater production camp for kids aged 11 to 17, and they worked all month to perform in “We Will Rock You” on Aug. 4 and 5.

But the fun isn’t just for kids. The Players Follies is a free community theater group for ages 50 and up, and Wickstrom says it’s great to work with actors of all ages.

“We start as young as 6 months all the way to 106,” Wickstrom said. “If you’re 107, we’ll make an exception for you.”

What does daily enrollment at the studio look like? That depends on which classes you take.

“We could be working on scripts, we could be working on scenes,” Wickstrom said. “We could be exploring theater history or oncamera acting. We could be exploring the foundations of tap and jazz.”

Wickstrom said many of the younger students are first-time actors, but the older students are active in their school drama departments. Most of the action at the studio occurs on Saturday and the studio might have as many as 40 or 50 aspiring actors in it at the time.

“We’ll have kids who are here as bright and early at 8:30,” Wickstrom said of the Saturday classes. “They start at 9, and they do not leave here till 2:30 in the afternoon. They’re here all day having fun taking backto-back classes.”

Heirloom-quality solid wood furniture custom built by Amish woodworkers

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Players Studio hosts open house

ELEANOR MERRITT

REMEMBRANCE LAST CHANCE—CLOSES AUG 21

INFORMATION + TICKETS

dents' Day

ringling.org

Summer's End Sale

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August 18-23 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota Monday - Saturday 9 AM - 6 PM, Sunday Noon - 5 PM 941.894.6747 | dutchcrafters.com

This exhibition was paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Support for this exhibition was provided by the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation and Ringling Museum Endowment.

Eleanor Merritt, Remembrance (detail), Mixed media on paper, 36 x 28 in. Gift of the Estate of Eleanor Merritt, 2022. Collection of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. 380830-1

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s TOP PRODUCING TEAM in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

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U N D ER C O N T R AC T

WEST OF TRAIL 6 4 20 HOLLY WOOD BOULE VARD | $6,6 4 5,0 0 0 This private bayfront estate is located just off Siesta Key’s south bridge.

LO N G B OAT K E Y 4 5 0 0 GULF OF ME XICO DRIVE #202 | $ 8 4 5,0 0 0 Updated island getaway with beach and bay access.

U N D ER C O N T R AC T

SI E S TA K E Y 3 3 6 0 G U L F M E A D D RI V E | $ 5 , 8 0 0,0 0 0 Located in an ideal location on the preferred north end of the island, and boasting stunning panoramic views.

From the ISLANDS to the GREENS Joel Schemmel, J.D., REALTOR® 941.587.4894 Donna Soda, REALTOR® 941.961.5857 SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.COM

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

Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

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18A

AUGUST 18, 2022

Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 7B Sports 10B Weather 14B

YOUR NEIGHBORS Jason Smith as 1990s character, Daredevil

Travis Ray

Tim Von Cloedt

Kristopher Paul

Lauren Treadaway and Rae Schultz

Tara Chestnut

Jesper Sallander as Boba Fett

Bruno Collington, Visa Harris and Rona Torres

Photos by Harry Sayer

A DIFFERENT WORLD HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

P

arker Wilson has always loved Spider-Man. That’s been the case since he was a boy. As long, in fact, as he knew what superheroes were, Spider-Man was the character to beat. It helps that he partially shares a name with the wall-crawler’s alter-ego, Peter Parker.

Wilson, now 23, recently took his appreciation of the web-slinging hero to a new level. When he heard that Sarasota was hosting its own

comic convention, he decided to attend in style by wearing his very own Spider-Man costume to join in on the fun.

“It just feels cool. You can hear people talking about Spider-Man all around you,” Wilson said.

Wilson wasn’t alone in trying out the convention, and he wasn’t alone in wearing a costume, either. Countless costumed characters attended the first SarasotaCon on Aug. 13 at the Carlisle Inn. The daylong event featured several vendors selling art, comics, hand-crafted designs and other collectibles to around 3,000 attendees.

The event’s been about a year in the making. Organizer and promoter Carmine DeSanto hails from Fort Myers and hosts one-day conven-

tions across the state. Those shows have been in Orlando, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale, but DeSanto has long noticed a trend in his attendees’ home bases.

“When we do our show in Fort Myers, everybody from Sarasota comes to us,” DeSanto said. “It felt like an untapped market.”

DeSanto has been in the comic convention business for decades.

David Hess has assisted DeSanto with selling comics at his conventions for some time, and the first SarasotaCon was no different. Hess sells a number of comics, including some that feature the first appearances of Marvel and DC characters, which have gone on to appreciate in value when those characters appear in movies or television shows.

“You’ll get somebody who’s a collector of a particular character, and they’ll be looking for (those books),” Hess said.

Percy Bennett, a first-time convention-goer but a consistent renaissance fair attendee, brought a fantasy-inspired costume of her own design to the show.

She was pleased to find the amount of enthusiasm and engagement among attendees with their costumes and creations.

“It’s a different vibe in terms of camaraderie,” Bennett said. “A lot of people here want to know what people are dressed as and share their love of the content.”

DeSanto said the next convention for Sarasota is planned for April.

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Comic convention makes its debut in Sarasota.

2B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

LEGACY ADVISORS

, INC.

Investment Counsel $5,000,000 account minimum Kristina L. Saperston Willard B. Saperston 1966 Hillview Street Sarasota, FL 34239 941-359-2604 941-366-1252 FAX ksap@saperstonlegacy.com

172 Lake Street Hamburg, NY 14075 716-854-7541 716-649-9875 FAX 1-800-879-7541 Photos by Harry Sayer

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Martice, Brayden, Maliyah, Anna and Aurora Nicks warm up working on a jigsaw puzzle.

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Puzzling weekend

W

hat’s the value in a puzzle?

They can be challenging; they can be relaxing.

For Studio Arts Program Coordinator Liv Scully at the Sarasota Art Museum, it’s a way to test your brain and work on your problem solving skills.

“Art and art-making can be a puzzle,” Scully said. “You’re figuring things out, and you’re problem-solving.”

Puzzles were on full display at the Sarasota Art Museum’s Puzzlelicious event, which ran July 29 and 30. The event made its return for the second year and featured all sorts of puzzles with which children and families could test themselves.

Families warmed up putting together jigsaw puzzles in the museum before heading over to Scully’s workshop, where she had a series of coloring pages depicting famous art figures and creators.

The largest project of the day was a depiction of the Sarasota Art Museum composed of several coloring pages that children took to work on. When all the pages had been taken and colored in, kids returned them to the board and rearranged them so it properly conveyed the museum.

—HARRY SAYER

Sarasota’s Only Locally Owned Community Bank 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.

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.

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

Meet your new banker. Call us today.

Mila Didovic colors in her page.

Courtesy photo

Kids picked up pieces of a Sarasota Museum Art puzzle and colored them in.

Studio Arts Program Coordinator Liv Scully lays out the rules for the students.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

3B

Amazing Properties for Sale

111 S PINEAPPLE AVE, #1102

12416 BAYPOINTE TER

5770 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD #301

$1,499,900 – Designer finished luxury condo located in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

Sprawling 1,602 SF with 2 bedroom/2.5 bath.

$2,495,000 – 3 bedroom/3 bath waterfront custom home, built in 2015 is nestled inside the gated, boating community of Harbour Landings Estates.

$1,199,000 – Bring your flip-flops, swimsuit and toothbrush because that’s all you will need in this beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bath beachfront condominium.

James Tassell : 941.726.0723

Carl & Deborah Marino : 941.920.6655

Jason Wood : 941.993.6565

101 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR #26

1111 N GULFSTREAM AVENUE #11B

2523 SHERIDAN DR

$1,275,000 – Views of crystal blue waters are seen from every room. This spacious 1,275 sqft condominium includes 2 bedrooms, and 2 baths. Close to restaurants, shopping, and directly across from Lido Beach.

$1,354,900 – Spectacular panoramic views of Marina Jacks and Golden Gate Point from this 11th floor unit at One Watergate.

Sprawling 1,575 SF with 2 bedroom/2 bath.

$610,900 – Beautifully maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath single-family pool home in the highly desirable South Gate neighborhood. Enjoy the proximity to beaches, shopping, great restaurants, and downtown amenities.

Ingrid Walker : 941.330.4680

Ingrid Walker : 941.330.4680

Ana Bredt : 941.400.9108

7472 BROUGHTON ST

2122 TEMPLE STREET

194 GRAND OAK CIR

$897,000 – Gracious residence located in the renowned Whitfield Estates. Sprawling 1,402 SF with 3 bedroom/2 bath, pool, and minutes to the airport and historical venues.

$499,000 – Located in Arlington Park.

Opportunities are endless with this well lit floor plan featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, family room, laundry room, enclosed patio, private fenced backyard.

$749,000 – Updated 3 bedroom/2 bath home in the coveted community of Hidden Lakes Club in Venice, Florida. 4 miles from historic downtown Venice, 6 miles to Venice Jetty Park and only a short 30-minute drive to downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key Beach.

Marnie Matarese : 941.809.8099

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Jason Wood : 941.993.6565

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©2022 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

4B

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 Silhouette® Quartette® Operating Systems PowerView® Automation

28 Years in a Row!

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BEST BET

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TUESDAY, AUG. 23

2022 SARASOTA SLAM Runs through Aug. 27 at Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza. The annual fishing tournament begins with a captain’s meeting, a sponsor party and other events throughout the week before finishing with a weigh-in and awards ceremony on Aug. 27. Visit SarasotaSlam.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 18

LADIES DAY OUT All day in St. Armands Circle, 15% discounts will be offered, along with raffle prizes and refreshments at participating shops. Call 941-3881554 for information.

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

FRIDAY, AUG. 19

GEM, JEWELRY AND BEAD SHOW 10 a.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

The showcase returns to Sarasota after a summer away. Admission is $5. Visit FrankCoxProductions.com.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Enjoy our Hydrating Facials with ISDIN and ISCLINICAL products, or our Anti-Aging facial with YONKA.

TEMPLE SINAI’S WELCOME BACK SHABBAT AND BBQ 6 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road. Shabbat services will be followed by a barbecue featuring dancing, games and snow cones for families. Free.

Call 924-1802.

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TEMPLE EMANU-EL’S WELCOME BACK SHABBAT 6:45 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road. Students and parents are welcomed back with a Shabbat dinner followed by games, crafts and a community project.

Free. Call 371-2788.

Ask About PRE-WEDDING FACIALS for a flawless airbrush palette

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from our friends at Sassy Hair

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FRIDAY, AUG. 19 AND SATURDAY, AUG. 20

SUP CHAMPIONSHIPS Begins at noon Friday and at 8 a.m.

Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The 2022 Special Olympics Florida StandUp Paddle Championships will see approximately 150 athletes

10% OFF for Military and Siesta Key Service People. Parking Available.

In the Davidson North Plaza | 5138 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key | 941-952-3686

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compete in a variety of SUP races for medals, and for the fun of it. The event is free for spectators. Visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org or call 352-243-9536.

SATURDAY, AUG. 20

MUSIC COMPOUND BACK TO SCHOOL BASH 10 a.m. at Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Road. Music, games, bounce houses and other activities are planned for students and families to mark the return to school. Visit MusicCompound.com.

3RD SATURDAY LIMELIGHT MARKET 10 a.m. at Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. The monthly pop-up market will have vendors showcasing dog rescues, tie dye designs, clay creations and more. Free. Visit BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 24

REC DAY Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Nathan Benderson Park hosts Rec Day, which offers participants the chance to try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Meet at the base of the finish tower. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org. The fee is $10 a person or $5 for an adult who brings a child. The event is free for children 6 and younger.

Fishing licenses are required for all participants who choose to fish.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

5B

Set Your Sights on Bluer Horizons.

Tamina Aratari represents buyers, sellers, and investors in pre-construction and resale homes and condominiums throughout Southwest Florida, with a focus on luxury and ultra-luxury properties in Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Downtown Sarasota.

From market research and strategic negotiation to her passion for beautiful places, architecture, and design, Tamina navigates every aspect of the real estate process and maximizes client goals in the shortest amount of time.

Paired with the powerhouse Compass technology and service offerings, Tamina offers in-depth insights into the market, allowing her to advise clients on the best areas that meet their lifestyle.

Let Tamina put her expertise to work for you.

Tamina Aratari 941.286.9647 tamina.aratari@compass.com

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

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 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

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

SIESTA KEY 4193 Roberts Point Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,250 Sq. Ft. Kim Eskew 941-587-5999 A4542367 $2,850,000

SIESTA KEY 5613 Cape Leyte Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,852 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4540750 $2,575,000

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

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

SARASOTA 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue 608 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,700 Sq. Ft. Deborah Beacham & Bibi-Ann Allard, PA 941-376-2688 A4543821 $1,900,000

SARASOTA 1646 7th Street Valarie Wadsworth 941-780-3858 A4531752 $1,369,000

SARASOTA 1648 Bonita Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,585 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4542361 $1,350,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7015 Lancaster Court 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,717 Sq. Ft. Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4542575 $1,325,000

SARASOTA 770 S Palm Avenue 901 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,532 Sq. Ft. Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4538482 $1,250,000

SARASOTA 8918 Bloomfield Boulevard 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,736 Sq. Ft. Susan Elkins & Priscilla Adams 941-374-6016 A4537328 $1,200,000

SARASOTA 7554 Links Court 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,024 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4543380 $1,195,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 1003 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,305 Sq. Ft. Marybeth Flynn 941-704-1477 A4535832 $1,050,000

SARASOTA 1756 Sugarberry Trail 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,579 Sq. Ft. Steve Hagan 941-900-4126 A4542325 $1,049,999

SARASOTA 3031 E Forest Lake Drive 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,270 Sq. Ft. The Collier Group 941-313-1212 A4538419 $995,000

SARASOTA 4655 Baycedar Lane 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,869 Sq. Ft. Denise Gagne 941-400-6358 A4539566 $985,000

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

SARASOTA 5733 Wild Sage Circle 5 Beds 4 Baths 3,477 Sq. Ft. Robert Krasow 617-840-1181 A4534677 $899,000

SARASOTA 7325 Villa D Este Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,992 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4539368 $859,000

SARASOTA 8555 Park Shore Lane 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,380 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941-374-0196 A4532950 $825,000

SARASOTA 469 Magellan Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,786 Sq. Ft. Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4543794 $749,900

SARASOTA 2210 Kara Chase 12 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,969 Sq. Ft. The Collier Group & Ron Collier 941-313-1212 A4544692 $749,500

OSPREY 250 Hidden Bay Drive A201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,168 Sq. Ft. Susan Katanic 941-400-0601 A4543265 $740,000

SARASOTA 309 Ringling Point Drive 5 Beds 3/2 Baths 7,009 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4535001 $8,950,000

SARASOTA 3300 Old Oak Drive 4 Beds 4/3 Baths 6,428 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4520464 $8,495,000

SIESTA KEY 4205 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 8,571 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4539090 $7,900,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373705-1

6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

ADAM HUGHES

A

home in Harbor Acres tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Henry Philip Frieder, of Fort Lauderdale, sold his home at 1500 Hillview Drive to SRQ Home Holdings LLC for $12 million. Built in 1949, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 3,245 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 1991.

Horizons West Pavel and Susan Hillel, trustees, of Osprey, sold the Unit 801 condominium at 6140 Midnight Pass Road to Robert Franklin Bossard, trustee, of Siesta Key, for $2,625,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,192 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2015.

PALMER RANCH: $1.9 MILLION

The home at 1500 Hillview Drive was sold in 1991 for $800,000.

AQUA Thomas Tyler Jr., trustee, of Venice, sold the Unit PH-2 condominium at 280 Golden Gate Point to Brian and Loren Donovan, of Sarasota, for $6,495,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 4,101 square feet of living area. It sold for $5.2 million in 2021.

PINE BAY Steven and Meg Wittmer, of Park City, Utah, sold their home at 1419 Pine Bay Drive to Joseph and Margaret Stauffer, of Sarasota, for $4 million. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,514 square feet of living area.

BAYWOOD COLONY WESTPORT Randy Scianna and Kim-Anh Nguyen, trustees, of Nokomis, sold the home at 5800 Tidewood Ave. to Richard and Emily Crowley, of Sarasota, for $2.85 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, fourand-two-half baths, a pool and 5,167 square feet of living area. It sold for $3 million in January.

HIGH POINT CIRCLE William and Cynthia Webb, of Dunedin, sold their home at 1912 High Point Drive to 1912 High Point LLC for $1.9 million. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,941 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2016.

THE RESIDENCES Nicola Kobritz, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 1008 condominium at 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive to Robert Snyder, trustee, of Camp Hill,

AUG. 1-5

SIESTA KEY: $2.6 MILLION

Eric Garwood

SARASOTA

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

7B

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

REAL ESTATE

Harbor Acres property sells for $12 million

|

Pennsylvania, for $1.6 million.

Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 1,768 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2016.

AKIN ACRES Adam and Erin Kabinoff, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2174 Bougainvillea St. to Nicholas Straface, of Morgantown, West Virginia, for $930,000. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,418 square feet of living area. It sold for $436,600 in 2021.

RIVO AT RINGLING Taylor Victoria LLC sold the Unit 703 condominium at 1771 Ringling Blvd. to Walter Dalon, trustee, of Sarasota, for $700,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $420,000 in 2019.

Lorraine McGovern, of Methuen, Massachusetts, for $580,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,325 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2021.

The Robert J. Burkhard Living Trust sold the home at 6730 Easton Lane to Valeriy Valeryevich Bolotin Jr. and Lizet Bolotin, of Everett, Washington, for $530,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,024 square feet of living area.

POINSETTIA PARK Joanna Mazur, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, sold the home at 1871 Magnolia St. to SKFL Assets LLC for $600,000. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,678 square feet of living area. It sold for $25,900 in 1971.

LA LINDA TERRACE Dean and Linda Thompson, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2233 Hillview St. to WB Hillview 2233 LLC for $650,000. Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,203 square feet of living area. It sold for $118,000 in 2001.

Prestancia Joseph and Maura Breen, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4287 Escondito Circle to Robert Suda and Joanne Connelly, of Sarasota, for $1,899,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,347 square feet of living area. It sold for $860,000 in 2015.

NOKOMIS: $960,000

Sorrento Woods Jeffrey Aubin and Kristen Michelle Gonter-Aubin, of Nokomis, sold their home at 1225 Sorrento Woods Blvd. to Kevin Perrault and Cynthia Perrault, trustees, of Hampton, New Hampshire, for $960,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,957 square feet of living area. It sold for $569,800 in 2020.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GULF GATE EAST Axios Property and Investments LLC sold the home at 3646 Kingston Blvd. to Barbara Carbone, of Sarasota, for $620,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,802 square feet of living area. It sold for $129a,000 in 1993.

Ruth Taylor, of Sarasota, sold her home at 6659 Easton Drive to

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Remodel

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Pool

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Remodel

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Addition

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$190,000

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Solar System

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Alterations

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Renovation

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$99,546

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$95,753

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Re-roof

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JOIN THE MOVEMENT AT OUR 2022 KICKOFF!

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Attendees picked up drinks and snacks from food trucks and sat out to enjoy the music as the sun set.

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Photos by Harry Sayer

Lismary Vicente plays Jenga.

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AUGUST 18, 2022

SPORTS HIGH

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2022

5

Hopes run deep for postseason Riverview High has another strong squad, this year led by five-star defensive back Charles Lester III. RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

C

1

Cardinal Mooney senior Michaela Mattes won the Women’s 200 freestyle at the 2022 USA Swimming Futures Championships (1:59.64), held July 27-30 in Cary, North Carolina. Mattes, who also swims for the Sarasota Sharks, finished third in the 400 meter individual medley (4:48.13).

2

Former Sarasota High baseball player Harrison Long committed to Virginia Commonwealth University on Aug. 16. Long played at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota last season and hit .281 with 44 RBI.

3

Former Riverview High football star Richie James, a wide receiver on the New York Giants, caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown Aug. 11 in the Giants’ 23-21 road preseason win over the New England Patriots.

4

Riverview High junior golfer Aksel Moe won the UHY Baltimore Junior boys event Aug. 8-11 at Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, Maryland. Moe shot 1-under par (217) over three rounds.

5

The Sarasota Sharks Masters won the men’s team title at the 2022 U.S. Masters Swimming Summer National Championship, held Aug. 3-7 in Richmond, Virginia.

GEARING UP PAGE 11B

onsistency is the name of the game for Riverview High.

The Rams football team has been a postseason regular under coach Josh Smithers, who is entering his sixth season in charge.

In 2021, Riverview went 9-4, which included two losses to Venice High (one in the postseason). Before elimination, the Rams managed to knock off Steinbrenner High 31-7. Of the teams in Sarasota, Riverview has had the most natural talent in recent years. In 2022, the program will seek a way to translate that talent into a deeper postseason run.

The Rams will be led, on both sides of the ball, by Charles Lester III. The junior had 19 catches for 298 yards and five touchdowns in 2021, acting as a No. 2 receiver behind Jaron Glover, who is now playing for Michigan State. Expect his offensive numbers to skyrocket in 2022 now that Glover, as well as starting running back Jay’den Birch, are gone. Lester is lightning quick and can turn a screen pass into a big gain with ease.

On the defensive side, Lester’s contributions may be even greater.

The 247 Sports Composite, which pulls together national recruiting rankings from all major scouting organizations, puts Lester as a fivestar recruit and the 23rd-best player in the country (the third-best cornerback).

Lester, who is 6-foot-1, 171 pounds, holds offers from just about every power in college football, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan, which are all in Lester’s top 10 list he released in July. Lester’s length and range make him an invaluable asset to the Rams’ secondary, who can count on him to take away an opponent’s best receiving option.

The Rams are more than just one player, of course. The person tasked with getting Lester and others the ball on offense appears to be junior Jeremiah Dawson — in fact, he’s the

RIVERVIEW RAMS FOOTBALL 2021 record: 9-4 (reached the second round of the playoffs) Head Coach: Josh Smithers, sixth season Key to the season: Getting depth contributions. The Rams best players, like all-world CB/ WR Charles Lester III, will show up. But beating the best teams in the state requires solid play from everyone on the field. If the Rams get that, they can do damage.

Schedule: All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted Aug. 19 vs. Tampa Bay Tech (Preseason Classic, 7 p.m.)

Aug. 26 at Seminole High (7 p.m.)

Sept. 2 at Buchholz High Sept. 9 at Palmetto High (7 p.m.)

Sept. 16 vs. Lehigh Senior High Sept. 30 vs. Venice High Oct. 7 vs. Osceola High Oct. 14 vs. Clearwater Academy International Oct. 21 vs. Lake Gibson High Oct. 28 at Sarasota High Nov. 4 vs. Charlotte High

“They were motivating each other and getting ready, working on their craft. It started in spring ball and carried over into summer workouts.

They’re excited about the season.”

— Amp Campbell

only player listed as a quarterback on the team’s MaxPreps or HUDL rosters. Dawson got limited looks in 2021 but did throw a long touchdown pass in the team’s playoff loss to Venice High and hit Lester for a touchdown in the Rams’ spring jamboree against Sarasota High. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Dawson has the physical tools coaches look for in a successful quarterback.

The Rams’ passing attack will benefit from the arrival of junior Anthony Campbell, a receiver who spent his first two seasons at Braden River High. Campbell caught 11 passes for 169 yards and four touchdowns for the Pirates despite Braden River’s numerous injuries affecting their passing game. He’s joining Riverview to play under his father, Amp Campbell, who was hired this offseason as the team’s wide receiver coach. Amp Campbell, a former Riverview High star himself before playing at Michigan State, has previously been an assistant coach at Western Michigan and Kent State among other colleges.

The elder Campbell represented the Rams’ coaching staff at an Aug. 6 Suncoast Media Day event held at the Mall at University Town Center.

“This offseason, the guys locked in,” Campbell said. “They did an excellent job of coming into the weight room and also conditioning.

They were motivating each other and getting ready, working on their craft.

It started in spring ball and carried over into summer workouts. They’re excited about the season.”

The Riverview offense will also feature tight end Luke Petitta, a senior who committed to Holy Cross in July. While Petitta has not had much of an opportunity to show off his receiving ability, at least to this point, he is a strong blocker on the edge of the line and will help the Rams’ running backs find room to maneuver. The lead back may be senior Lauriel Trotman, who came to the Rams from Sarasota High. He was used a safety first, running back second by the Sailors, but is listed as purely a running back by the Rams.

Expect him to get plenty of carries.

Senior receiver Marshall Thompson and junior receiver TJ Smith should also see passes come their way, Amp Campbell said at media day.

Defensively, the Rams lose most of their top tacklers from last season, but their replacements should be able to fill in well. Senior defensive linemen Da’Marcus Abner and Dont’a Abner can cause havoc in the backfield. Senior linebacker Deshaun Olave can rack up tackles in the middle of the field. Senior safety Triston Parsons showed an ability to make game-changing interceptions in 2021. Turnovers sometimes come down to luck, but if that ability can carry over to 2022, it will be a big help. Senior defensive end Frank D’Antonio can also be a contributor; he had a pick six in the team’s spring jamboree.

The Rams also have a secret weapon in senior kicker Stone Springman, SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 12B

File photos

Riverview senior kicker Stone Springman is rated 4.5 stars by Kornblue Kicking.

Riverview High cornerback Charles Lester III is being recruited by most every national college football power in the country. He’ll play defense and offense for the Rams in 2022.

Josh Smithers is entering his sixth season as the head coach of the Riverview High football team.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

11B

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2022

New coach, new approach

2021 record: 0-8 Head Coach: Scottie Littles, first season Key to the season: Discipline.

Littles believes it is the difference between winning and losing. Hearing him talk, it is hard to disagree. The Tornadoes have the talent to surprise people this season. They could beat a number of their opponents — if they don’t beat themselves with mistakes first.

Scottie Littles is injecting the Booker High football program with discipline, and he hopes teaching the Tornadoes how to win.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

S

cottie Littles does not tolerate mistakes.

Big or small, on the field or in the classroom, his Booker High football players will be held accountable for their actions.

It has been a primary focus for Littles since he was named the Tornadoes coach in February.

“We need to build our structure, our discipline,” Littles said after an Aug. 16 practice. “(These are) the things that matter, the things that create winning. Family, love, sacrifice. We’re trying to teach that every day. It’s been a roller coaster, but that’s what you expect when you take over a program. We’ll get there.”

Littles said that while there has been an infusion of talent into the program this offseason, the team lacks consistency. Sometimes, practices are effective and efficient.

Sometimes, they’re lackadaisical.

Littles’ goal is to eliminate the latter, he said. It’s part of why he’s not letting anything slide at practice, even critiquing how in sync the team’s clapping is while they warm up and stretch.

Teams play how they prepare. If Booker is not disciplined, Littles said, the Tornadoes won’t win many games. And Littles, who holds a 54-19 career record at two schools, does not plan on losing.

The new looks at Booker do not stop with its coach. The Tornadoes will be quarterbacked by Will Carter Jr., a Riverview High transfer. Carter, a senior, split time with Joe Borchers for the Rams in 2021. He threw for 618 yards and nine touchdowns

BOOKER TORNADOES FOOTBALL

Schedule: All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted n Aug. 19 vs. Hardee High (Preseason Classic) n Aug. 26 at Cardinal Mooney High n Sept. 2 vs. Southeast High n Sept. 16 vs. North Port High n Sept. 23 at Braden River High (7 p.m.) n Sept. 30 at Bayshore High n Oct. 14 at DeSoto County High n Oct. 21 vs. Wiregrass Ranch High n Oct. 28 vs. Lemon Bay High n Nov. 4 at Lakewood Ranch High (7 p.m.)

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Scottie Littles talks to his Booker High football team after an Aug. 16 practice.

Littles is emphasizing discipline in his first season at the helm.

while completing 54% on his passes.

He also ran the ball 62 times for 270 yards and a touchdown. With another year of experience and a starting job all to himself at Booker, fans can except to see Carter use all his skills to move the Tornadoes offense down the field.

“Everyone is excited for this year,” Carter said. “We have high hopes and the school has a great atmosphere (at football games). We are excited to put on a show.”

When Carter throws, he’ll have an explosive target in sophomore receiver Rashawn Peterson, who transferred from Braden River High.

Peterson did not put up massive numbers as a freshman — the Pirates had their passing game derailed by injuries — but he has shown enough natural explosiveness at various camps this summer to earn scholarship offers from six NCAA Division I schools including Florida State, Penn State and South Florida. Peterson is listed as a running back (and free safety) in addition to wide receiver

on the team’s MaxPreps roster, so do not be surprised to see him get a number of carries this season as well.

The Tornadoes also will have sophomore athlete Ahmad Hunter, another Riverview transfer who showed flashes at running back, plus returnees such as seniors Omarion Patterson and Gavin Stanford and junior Josiah Booker. Like Peterson, this trio and many others on the Booker roster have multiple position designations, meaning fans can expect to see a wide variety of formations and play calling from Littles and his staff, with players lining up all over the field. If it works, it could make for some exciting football.

On defense, senior defensive tackle Brandon Bass — who also plays on the offensive line — can be a 6-foot2, 285-pound terror for opposing linemen. He caused havoc in the Tornadoes’ spring game against North Port High and should rack up a bunch of tackles for loss in 2022.

Junior defensive end Rah’shad Hill is also primed for a big year. Hill made

Booker High sophomore receiver Rashawn Peterson has picked up six NCAA Division I offers this offseason.

a number of plays against North Port from a stand-up position on the end of the line, getting to ball carriers in a hurry.

On the back end, senior Gavin Stanford will use his versatility to play the free safety position. At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Stanford is a hard hitter and one of the team’s locker room leaders. The Tornadoes also have Lakewood Ranch High transfer Dior Keys, a cornerback/free safety who can create impact plays and is a lively presence at practice.

Since taking the Tornadoes job, Littles has said that Booker needs to show it can compete with area teams before it can compete on a state level.

That philosophy plays out in Booker’s scheduling. The Tornadoes play one game against a team outside of Sarasota, Bradenton and Charlotte counties that is not in their district: an Oct. 21 game against Wiregrass Ranch High. All of their other opponents either call one of those three counties home or are in the Tornadoes’ district, such as DeSoto County High.

A season-opening game against Cardinal Mooney High, another team with high expectations, will be a good barometer for the Tornadoes’ 2022 outlook. If Booker wins or is at least competitive, the Tornadoes could find many winnable games on its schedule.

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who is rated a 4.5-star kicker by Kornblue Kicking and is ranked No. 5 on the organization’s Fab 50 list. In tight games, Springman’s ability to make kicks under pressure can come in clutch.

A look at the team’s schedule reveals a tough slate.

Under Smithers, Riverview has not been shy about seeking the best opponents possible, even if it means the Rams’ win-loss record is a game or two different than it would be with

an easier campaign.

The 2022 season is no different: The Rams play local rival/juggernaut Venice High at home, but they also play Lehigh Senior High, which features the No. 2 running back in the country in Alabama commit Richard Young, and Seminole High, which went 11-2 in 2021 and beat the Rams 35-6.

But this is what they do. Iron sharpens iron, and the Rams hope playing these tough games gets them ready for the postseason, where they will likely have to get past Venice once again.

It is a task easier said than done, but Riverview has the necessary players to give them a chance.

Rams quarterback Jeremiah Dawson throws a touchdown pass against Venice High in the playoffs last season. He is the only QB listed on the team’s roster as of Aug. 17.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, AUG. 18 High: 87 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 45%

FRIDAY, AUG. 19 High: 88 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 24%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Aug. 18

7:02a

8:04p

Friday, Aug. 19

7:03a

8:02p

Saturday, Aug. 20

7:03a

8:02p

Sunday, Aug. 21

7:04a

8:01p

Monday, Aug. 22

7:04a

8:00p

Tuesday, Aug. 23

7:05a

7:59p

Wednesday, Aug. 24

7:05a

7:58p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, AUG. 20 High: 92 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 52%

SUNDAY, AUG. 21 High: 92 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 55% Gordon Silver captured a ruddy turnstone and two willet sandpipers feeding along Sarasota Bay near Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Aug. 27 New

Sept. 3 First

Sept. 10 Full

Sept. 17 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Aug. 8

0.99

Tuesday, Aug. 9

1.38

Wednesday, Aug. 10

0.51

Thursday, Aug. 11

0 0.05

Friday, Aug. 12 Saturday, Aug. 13

0

Sunday, Aug. 14

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 30.65 in.

2021 40.44 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 3.98 in.

2021 7.19 in.

The Observer’s

Weather ENTER: &Nature

Sponsored by

YourObserver.com/contests KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

386433-1

2022-23 PHOTO CONTEST

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY

celebrity cipher DOWN

1 Crisscross pattern 2 Connector of oxen 3 ESPN’s Kimes 4 Schedule opening 5 Green onion 6 Diamond-patterned socks 7 Grayish-brown color 8 One-named Celtic singer 9 Flap of skin on an animal’s neck 10 H.S. class with dissections 11 ___ Stadium (D.C. venue) 12 Charged particle 13 Post-haircut request 14 ___ Enninful (editor in chief of British Vogue) 15 Grader’s stack during finals week 16 “Best in Show” animals 17 Surplus 18 Toy on a string 24 Stimulated, like an appetite 25 ___ Kitchen, Manhattan 26 Sign of a popular Broad©2022 Universal Uclick 84 Miss piggy?

61 NFL six-pointers 34 ___ McDaniel (first way show (Abbr.)

ACROSS 85 Some public transit aids 31 Can of worms, maybe?

African American to win an 62 “Slow your roll!”

11 Places to work out 63 Bit of ink from a parlor 87 Film with a sequel sub- 32 Bruins’ school Oscar) 5 Absolutely stuffed 66 People at the top of a 37 Public poster titled “The Way of Water” 33 Screw up badly 10 Pay off, maybe podium 38 Asexual, for short 88 “Bye for now!”

34 Called, like a cab 15 Avant-garde 67 “Yeah, me too” 41 Bad breath 90 “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” 35 People on your side 19 Stir up 68 Start to fidget 44 Soft and smooth kid 36 Measured with a 20 Construction machine 71 Scottish lakes 45 It might dig up some 91 Remove in postproducstopwatch 21 “This hand stinks” 72 Improvises, in jazz tion 39 Mobility aid 22 Hairless Mexican dog, dirt 73 “That’s a thumbs-down 94 Currently being fixed 47 Crude guys?

40 Garden with the tree informally from me” 48 Get ___ of (throw out) 100 “This is the least of life 23 “Let me ask my connec74 Filmmaking device, for 50 ___ Bo surprising thing ever” 41 Lift up tion to ask his connection” short 51 Embarrassing public 104 Not doing anything 42 “And that proves it!”

27 Like a vampire’s com77 Facilities in Britain displays 105 Gooey campfire treat 43 “Precious” star plexion 78 Final tallies 52 “OK, it wasn’t true” 106 Legal scholar Hill Gabourey 28 Starts liking 79 Strong point 53 Entered, like data 107 Author Moody 45 Frightening 29 Palindromic French 80 Game also called 55 Clear to see 108 It falls from an eye 46 Superlative suffix pronoun knucklebones 57 NCAA bracket position 109 “Absolutely, ” in modern 49 Chopped into little 30 Event that might be 82 NorCal region home to 58 Game where you don’t lingo cubes hotly anticipated by a Oakland want to be left standing 110 Pitched shelters 51 Rods for roasting band’s fans

53 Provides with money 54 Like “m” and “n” sounds 56 They might be checkered 58 Very, in Italian 59 “lmaoooo” 60 Spanish for “boys” 62 “No Man Is an Island” poet John 63 “Private Life” director Jenkins 64 More abundant 65 Thompson of “Sorry to Bother You” 66 Online subculture with many “Drag Race” memes 67 Occupied, like a table 68 Animated image 69 Spanish for “those” 70 Bubble tea flavor 72 Went on a journey 75 Highest point 76 “You got it?”

78 Small Greek cafes 80 “One sec” 81 Teapot part 83 Elizabeth ___ Browning 85 “The ___ Eye” (Toni Morrison novel) 86 Piece of summer headwear 89 High-arcing tennis shot 90 Phrase a hitchhiker hopes to hear 91 Exude 92 “Bro ...”

93 Actress Fisher 95 Copenhagen resident 96 “Don’t text and drive” spots, e.g.

97 Indigenous people of Japan 98 Quaint stopovers 99 Marbled loaves 101 URL punctuation mark 102 “___ you gonna eat that?”

103 Word that establishes consent

“EN RLTI L XKUR KJ ILJM; EN RLTI L BNNF XKUR KJ VLW. EN RLTI L CIWM BNNF XKUR KJ L RKWLSUI.” – LUIPLGFWN BNGYLUIY KGLWWKEO

“ORT CYAPL BGTWV’O LGCT EMGC DPORPV ORT BPMTLOGM’W CPVB, PO LGCTW EMGC DPORPV ORT RTYMOW GE ORT YLOGMW.”

– XYCTW LYCTMGV

“YLHCW PYL SC Y XWNSKCF, SOM TM ZYJ MWCFCLINOJ XNMCLMTYK, MNN. TM’J ROJM ETHOWTLH NOM VZYM MN IN VTMZ TM.”

– JCYL XCLL

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals C

111 ___ out (deduce)

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals G

JUMBO FREESTYLE 3 by Will Nediger. Edited by Amanda Rafkin

Puzzle One Clue: R equals M

crossword

© 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

8-18-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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

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

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Antiques/ Collectibles

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

LIONEL TRAINS 027- 5 cartons for sale. $300 for all. Call for appt. 941-758-8253 or 941-224-6424

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Boats DOCK BLOCKS Floating Lift , drive-on / drive-off. Set up for 18' skiff. Tow it by water to your slip. North end of LBK. $2,000.

(813) 476-1074.

We are looking for individuals in the local community that are interested in working 20-25 hours per week in a part-time position on our 1st Shift with start times varying between 6a-10a ranging from 4-5 hours per day on a Monday-Friday schedule.

We have positions available in our Sub-Assembly and Packaging areas. The roles will dress our parts with O-rings and package our product to be shipped to our customers around the globe!

If interested, please call 941-362-1811 to learn more about the positions!

Tmpry Daycare Tchr in Sarasota, FL. 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, M-F. Strt dte: 09/01/2022, End dte: 05/31/2023. Wge: $16.71/hr.

Posts avlble: 1. Care fr childrn in schl. Kp rcrds on childrn inclng dly obsvs & info abt actvits, mls & meds. Idntf sgns of emtl or dvlptmtl probs & brng to prnt/gdns attn. Instrct chldn in hlth & prsnl hbts, incl etng, rstng & tlts. Obsv & mntr ply actvts. Spprt emtl & scl dvlpmt. Mntn sfe play envrmt. Drss chldrn & chng dprs.

Tke dly attndnc. Crte lssn plns. Rd & tch pntng, drwng, hndicrfts & sngs. Dscplne & recmd othr msrs.

Ptcpt in gms & fld trps. Hlp chldrn w/ schlwrk. Req. 3 mths trng in chldcr & frst aid + 6 mos exp in jb ofrd & verif refs. Snd rsms to: GCJ Investments, LLC dba Little Einsteins Academy, 3631 Tallevast Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

3 MANNEQUIN torsos- 2 female, 1 male. all 3 for $100.

941-360-0653 CHANDELIER, BROWN METAL, LIKE NEW $40. (941) 920-2494 DOLPHIN KAYAK for sale- blue, 1 seater. Good condition.

Contact Rich 708-466-8815

Westerbeke Diesel engine, 35 Horsepower, off Gemini Catamaran. Around 600 hours.

Stillete drive train available. $3,500 OBO. 239-327-1491

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

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

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

OFFICE CHAIRS, White and black soft cushion chairs, like new, each $20 (941) 920-2494 PITTSBURGH PRESS Newspapers (7) from the earth to the moon 1958-1969, $10.

941-741-9727 STUDIO COVERS for twin beds.

New, custom-made, rust coloreddenim. 38”x75”. $75 each.

941-349-8130 VINTAGE ROYAL Gallery Flatware 7-Piece Setting, Gold, Photo Like New, $20 per Setting (973) 356-8898

auto

FLAT TV mount Sanus ALT 1 $30 and Duvet insert (Full) $20 email greytreelane@outlook.com

Autos Service

Announcements

Job Vacancy Positions: •1st SHIFT - LATHE, GRIND •2nd SHIFT - LATHE, GRIND Schedule times vary depending on work areas voluntary Saturday option schedule Benefi fitts: •Competitive Salary •Matched 401K Program •Comprehensive Health Benefits •Growth ability in the area of Lathe Work Culture: Named one of America’s best mid-sized companies by Forbes in 2022, Sun Hydraulics has remained at the forefront of fluid power innovation. Leadership and Inspiration, Communication, Continuous Improvement, Meeting Commitments, Respecting Others and Doing The Right Thing are the Core Values that provide the moral blueprint of our company.

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

Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F M-F Ask about our special rates!

Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Wagner Realty Since 1939 Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com www.rentalsonlongboat.com

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

WANTED: GARAGE SPACE annual rental for one vehicle.

W. Bradenton/ Sarasota area.

Contact Joseph - 845-304-0911

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

GARAGE SALE Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888

BUY & SELL HERE!

Auto Transport

Condos/Apts. for Rent

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

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

LONGBOAT KEY beachfront Seaplace 2BR/2BA turnkey furnished condo with with beautiful greenbelt & bay views, W/D in unit, guard gated, heated pools, no smoking/pets, longterm, $4100/mo + elect & internet, avail now 440-623-9068 Jim

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

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

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

Tomlarsen559@gmail.com farmgirlfarmboyorganics.com Please call 334-739-3409

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Crossword answers

WEEKLY MONTHLY WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL Rates SEASONAL Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Between Houses or Condos Houses or Condos

RED PAGES AD RATES

Reward up to $10,000 upon the arrest and conviction and successful prosecution of the person who stole this bicycle off the 99 SCAT bus on July 12th around 2:30 p.m. Call Leon 239-327-1491

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.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals CAREER FAIR Saturday, August 27th 701 Tellevast Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 10 am- 2 pm Attire: Closed toed shoes and long pants

DVD SETS:10 Johnny Carson/Tonight Show, $25. 13 Victor Borge, $13. (941) 966-6816

FOR SALE: Columbia Grafonola, Type K-2 record player and 35 records. Good condition, works. 20"x19"x45" $170.00.

Call 941-981-9680.

Help Wanted

real estate

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

jobs

Items Under $200

1BR/1BA 1350 Main St, in heart of Downtown Sarasota. Beautiful 3rd floor, turn key, furnished condo in upscale building overlooking main street. Amenities include: concierge, reserved in-building parking, pool, fitness center, and more. Available for seasonal rental starting September 1 through month of April for $4000/mo. Includes all.

Call George: 516-993-3324.

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

stuff

VENDORS WANTED! Fall Arts, Crafts and Food Truck Fair St. John's UMC Sarasota 10/21 & 22 Spaces $50 donation.

Applications due by 9/6. Please contact church office for more information. (941) 925-2661

Autos Wanted

SUN HYDRAULICS – PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

peekers’ place

Announcements

Help Wanted

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

Adult Care Services

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “To make a film is easy; to make a good film is war. To make a very good film is a miracle.”

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Puzzle Two Solution: “The magic doesn’t come from within the director’s mind, it comes from within the hearts of the actors.”

James Cameron Puzzle Three Solution: “Anger can be a problem, but it has tremendous potential, too. It’s just figuring out what to do with it.”

Sean Penn

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

©2022 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Aluminum

Computer

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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

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

6968 Beneva Road

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

386625

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

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

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

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

Pegatronics.com

5-Star Rated 386320

941.270.4400

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

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH! 386861

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

386851

HoHoBuysCars.com

941-735-3362

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

386322

|

Estate Sales

Gulf Coast Estate Auctions ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

We get you the highest rate of return on your items gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

Furniture Repair

Patio Furniture Repairs.com Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

386323

SARASOTA OBSERVER

385788

16B

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Doors

Handyman

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

385779

FREE IN-H ESTIMOATMEE S

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

STEVE PANEBIANCO

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

24/7 SERVICE

(941) 809-7311

FREE

ESTIMATES!

Neighborhood heroes found here.

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

Closer is better.

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

386862

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Rescreening & Repairs

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

GLENN KROECKER

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

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

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

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

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC 386852

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

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

941-345-5264

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Lawn Care

Dave and Connie Grundy

Manufacture and workmanship

724-2945

Lic. & Ins.

Movers

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

Melanie Gates

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936 386864

Trees

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

386326

386329

Building & Roofing Contractor

(941) 966-2960

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

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

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs Joe Murray, Owner

Pet Services

by

38 Years Experience

941-228-9850

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

make your moving day a pleasure.

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

All Work Guaranteed

Wizard Moving SRQ

Pet Care

Watching your home while you’re away

386327

373-9299

386863

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS

®

LEAKY ROOF? (941) 345-5264

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

Licensed and insured #IMT708

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Warranties

386328

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

3687676-01

Home Services

Roofing

Curt’s Lawn Service

386325

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

Insured

941-270-1561

Licensed & Insured

385780

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

“No Job Too Small”

386630

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

385783

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

17B

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

386621

Health

|

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!

Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing

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

941-923-8140

386895

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

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

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

385784 364556

941.966.0333

PAVERS & TRAVERTINE

DRGRABBARS.COM

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

RED PAGES

249 235 235

$$

ALL YOUR PAVER NEEDS

STUFF found here.

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

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

CALL 941-955-4888

The Red Pages is the perfect store to buy and sell locally! You’ll find a wide selection from antiques to furniture to condos!

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

25

Licensed & Insured

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

385733

6771 Professional Pkwy., Suite 101 Sarasota FL 34240

Lic./Ins.

indow & Pressure Clea W t e nin s wn as Sunrise Win g o n k Sun y l r e d

STANDARD WINDOWS

Dustyn McCauley

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Res./Com.

UP TO

941-725-4344 FREE ESTIMATES

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Windows

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

GULFCOAST EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

$

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Professional Services

941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691

zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com

• 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

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

385862

General Plumbing Services Inc.

386865

ZIPPYZ

386866

Plumbing

18B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

MARKET REPORTS Our complimentary reports are your best resource to make informed real estate decisions — offering detailed, highly visual and easy-to-interpret local data.

SCAN CODE TO ACCESS YOUR LOCAL MARKET REPORT

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

SIESTA KEY 3360 Gulfmead Drive Joel Schemmel

CARDINAL SHORES 512 Casey Key Road Valerie Dall’Acqua & Lisa Napolitano

635 North Osprey Avenue Frank Lambert & Anita Lambert

$1,445,000 941.920.1500

$999,999 941.877.2550

2606 Heatherwood Circle Courtney Green

LAKE GERALDINE $2,495,000 941.780.7474

9020 Falcon Court Brad Tritschler

$2,000,000 941.716.1042

$1,125,000 941.809.8432

HIDDEN BAY 236 Hidden Bay Drive #404 Andrea Beacom-Blackwell

GROVE HAVEN 5206 24th Avenue Drive West Holly Switow

607 Bayshore Road Louise Hamel

$2,600,000 941.961.5857

VENICE ACRES

THE VENICE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 384 Cedarbrook Court Debi Cohoon

17109 Verona Place Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

NOKOMIS $6,800,000 941.445.7295

GILLESPIE PARK

THE LAKE CLUB $5,800,000 941.587.4894

SOUTHPOINTE SHORE $949,900 941.786.8023

VILLAGE GREEN $899,000 941.735.3186

1309 63rd Street West Nathan Mathers

1733 Little Pointe Circle Roger Grenier & Nancy Grenier

$3,259,900 941.993.2908

BAHAMA HEIGHTS $790,000 941.720.0408

2651 Jamaica Street Robyn Sadlo

$382,000 941.812.4219

View a rea list ings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

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

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

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

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

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

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