Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 11.3.22

Coming around to a public art accord

Proposal broadens with hotel, condo plan

WELCOME BACK

Our annual recap on news you missed.

Acquisition of an adjoining lot adds to developer’s ideas on Second Street.

Wicked and wheeled witches

Sometimes it’s fun to make your own Halloween traditions.

The neighbors at the Promenade Estates community recently did just that, with many dressing up in witch outfits and riding through their neighborhood passing out candy.

The “Witches Ride,” which neighbor Kristina Davis came up with after seeing other neighborhoods try out the tradition, included more than 20 parents and children riding through the streets.

Some people had trouble. Neighbor Jamie Jalwan jokes it’s not easy to throw candy with one hand while riding a bike with the other, but no one was hurt and the night ended with plenty of candy passed out.

A Walk To End Alzheimer’s

Friends, family and loved ones of those living with Alzheimer’s stepped up to participate in an Alzheimer’s Walk on Oct. 29.

The event, part of a nationwide Walk to End Alzheimer’s put on in 600 communities by the Alzheimer’s Association, attracted more than 800 Sarasota County residents making up more than 120 teams meeting and walking through Nathan Benderson Park early Saturday morning.

By the end of the walk, the organization had raised more than $200,000.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

We gather this time of year on driveways, alongside condo pools, in the frozen-food aisle and scores of other places with a familiar conversation.

How are the kids? Like that new set of irons? Get through the hurricane OK?

Winter residents expect it on their return to Sarasota and its neighboring islands. Friends and neighbors have missed you during the hot, humid months. We want to catch up and get back to our paradise-like weather, planning for the holidays and complaining about traffic.

In the interests of bringing up to speed the folks who summer in such places as Grosse Point, Tonawanda, Westport or Naperville, we bring you our annual look back at some of the big news you might have missed and a few other happenings that crossed our paths while you were away.

Like we said, Welcome Back.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

City and state agree on terms to allow sculptures in existing and new roundabouts on Tamiami Trail.

Andrew Warfield

This empty lot, formerly planed for The Beacon condominiums, is now slated for a part of a development that includes a 109-room hotel and condos.

NEW FACES City election decisions bring changes

NOW ARRIVING Airport gears up for new gates, more capacity.

TOP COP Police department gets a new chief.

FORE LOVE OF THE GAME Work moves ahead on city’s public golf course.

TABS

BY THE NUMBERS

.5%

Fee paid by developers of new construction in excess of $1 million to be donated to the city’s public art fund.

18 AND 109

Condominium units and hotel rooms proposed for a site just east of Tamiami Trail on Second Street.

25 MPH

Maximum speed of the city’s Bay Runner trolley in the shared bus-bike lane on Ringling Causeway. That lane was activated for trolley use this week.

CALENDAR

n City of Sarasota Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7, Commission chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., TuesdayWednesday, Nov. 15-16, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd. n Sarasota County School Board — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd.

Ian work elsewhere delays roundabout

The effects of Hurricane Ian have caused a delay of several weeks in the construction of the roundabout at Tamiami Trail and Gulfstream Avenue. The diverting of manpower and materials toward roadway repairs in points south meant a two-week shutdown of work at the roundabout and materials shortages.

FDOT Project Engineer Pinky Pakalapati said delays in the wake of the storm mean the roundabout lanes will not open by Thanksgiving as hoped, and will instead occur sometime be-

tween the end of November and Christmas.

“Because all the resources have been diverted toward the hurricane relief, trucking has been a problem, and it’s like pulling teeth to get concrete,” Pakalapati said.

As the circle comes closer to opening, some detours will be necessary, Pakalapati said, but are planned to occur overnight.

When the roundabout is open to traffic, it will be months before the project is completed, and periodic lane closures will occur.

In addition to traffic, another improvement resulting from the roundabout is drainage in a previ ously flood-prone location. Never was that more evident than when Hurricane Ian dropped more than a foot of rain there.

“There is all new drainage structures because the old pipe — I’m not sure how long ago it was put in — had a lot of debris and silt in it so that was reducing the capacity for the drainage pipes,” Pakalapati said. “Now it’s all new. It’s going to be full capacity.”

Red tide returns to southern beaches

After an up-and-down cycle of red tide reports last week, health depart ment officials this week have issued a new alert again for beaches in the southern half of Sarasota County.

Samples taken Tuesday at seven sites contained red tide cells, though in concentrations from very low to medium.

The beaches affected are: Venice Beach (53 cells per milliliter), Service Club Park (3), Venice Fishing Pier (16), Brohard Beach (45), and Caspersen Beach (86), Manasota Key (280), and Blind Pass (216). Levels between 1-10 are considered very low; 10-100 low; 100-1,000 medium.

Trace levels of Karenia brevis, the cells that cause red tide, were detected at Siesta Beach and South Lido Park, but not to the level requiring an advisory.

Levels were listed as 0 for areas from Lido Beach north through Longboat Key.

Signs will be posted at affected beaches. The Health Department on Oct. 26 rescinded a red tide advisory for the same region after follow-up testing revealed concentrations of Karenia brevis had returned to background levels.

Women’s baseball event in town

The inaugural All-American Woman’s Baseball Classic Tournament will be held from Nov. 19-22 at Ed Smith Stadium.

Pro-level competition will begin Nov, 19 among four teams, each wearing replica colors of jerseys worn by the 1943 All-Americans.

Misdee Wrigley Miller, the granddaughter of Phillip K. Wrigley, founder of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, will throw out the first pitch of the cham pionship game in his honor.

Sixty athletes, many of whom are members of the Women’s Baseball World Cup, will showcase their talent while recognizing the women who paved the way before them. The tournament will pay homage to the League’s history by using the names of the original four teams – Peaches, Blue Sox, Belles, and Comets.

“No matter how much I buy, I always run out.”

Barbara Pugliese, owner of Just/Because on St. Armands Circle, on candy for the shopping district’s annual Halloween trick or treaters. Read more on page 3B

Andrew Warfield

Work progresses on the roundabout at U.S. 41 and Gulfstream Avenue.

ROUNDABOUT WAY TO A DEAL

An agreement between the city of Sarasota and FDOT will permit the installation on roundabouts at U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets and sets the policy for future Art in the Roundabouts projects.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Through its Art in the Round abouts program, the city of Sarasota is blazing a trail of sorts by placing sculpture in traffic circles large and small throughout the city.

Although three pieces already stand in roundabouts on locally maintained streets in the down town core, the Trail being blazed is Tamiami as the first highway on which the Florida Department of Transportation is partnering with a city to install public art on state right of way.

During its Oct. 3 meeting, the Sarasota City Commission adopted an agreement between the city and state that allows sculpture to be installed specifically in the round abouts on U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets, a model that will be carried forward to the Fruitville Road round about, the nearly completed circle at Gulfstream Avenue and new round abouts beyond.

The agreement is a long time com ing. The city contracted with artists for sculpture at 10th and 14th streets in 2019, the entire process waylaid by COVID-19 and its residual impacts. Also time consuming were the intri cacies of the agreement that covers safety, maintenance and liability factors.

A hurdle remains for one sculpture — Poly by Hou De Sousa — which awaits City Commission approval of an additional $59,000 because of cost escalation of materials. The Commission will take up the matter at its meeting Monday, Nov. 7.

As part of the city’s public arts fund — paid for by a 0.5% fee on any construction project exceed ing $1 million — the two pieces were approved at $150,000 for Seagrass, by Casto Solano, and $148,500 for Poly.

Seagrass will be installed at 10th Street and Poly at 14th Street.

“We are blazing a trail in some ways,” said Sarasota Senior Planner Mary Davis Wallace, who also heads up the city’s public arts program. “This is a partnership that, even between two people we would even probably have to work out your role and my role in order for both of us to feel good about what we’re getting ready to do. With it being between two governing agencies, one being the state, there were a lot of details to work through.”

ON A PEDESTAL

The term of the two current round about agreements expires in 2045, which is determined to be the lifes pan of the project.

Should installation not be com pleted within 365 days of the execu tion of the agreement, it may be ter minated by FDOT.

Wallace doesn’t consider the lat ter to be an issue. Seagrass is now in progress and Poly will begin if

ART IN THE ROUND (ABOUT)

DETAILS

Included in the agreement between the City of Sarasota and the Florida Department of Transportation, the city commits to:

n Design, construction and maintenance of the project.

n Locating all existing utilities, both aerial and underground, and for ensuring that all utility locations be accurately documented on the construction plans.

n Monitoring construction operations and the maintenance of traffic throughout the course of the project in accordance with the latest edition of FDOT standard specifications; and development of an MOT plan and making any changes as necessary.

n Enter FDOT right-of-way to install the project.

n Ensure that construction of the project is performed in accordance with the approved construction documents and that it will meet all applicable federal, state and local standards.

n Perpetual maintenance of the project including all costs.

n Indemnification in all contracts with contractors, subcontractors, consultants and subconsultants who perform work in connection with the agreement. The contractor/ subcontractor/ consultant/subconsultant shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless FDOT from claims, demands, liability of any nature whatsoever arising out of, because of, or due to any negligent act or occurrence of omission or commission.

n Carry a general liability insurance policy or policies.

the City Commission approves the additional funding. Both sculptures will be shipped here — Seagrass from Spain and Poly from New York — and assembled on site by each artist’s dedicated team.

Before then, the protective ped estals must be built by the city, concrete circular pads of a 12-inch base topped by another six inches to elevate the pieces above street level.

Global disruptions notwithstanding, Wallace said the prototype nature of roundabout art on state roads required extensive scrutiny.

“We are going to be making a real impact for state roundabouts and we want to make sure we’re doing it right,” Wallace said. “FDOT did require that we present a step-like, a tiered system in order to protect the art so we have walls that have been designed and engineered to provide

The city of Sarasota’s Art in the Roundabouts Program was awarded the 2021 Roundabout Standing Committee Innovative Roundabout of Merit Award by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The program has three installation of sculptures and three more in progress. They include:

n Main Street and Orange Avenue (Embracing our Differences, 2016).

n Orange Avenue and Ringling Boulevard (Bravo, 2018).

n Palm Avenue and Cocoanut Avenue (Jumping Fish, 2019).

n 10th Street and U.S. 41 (Seagrass, in progress).

n 14th Street and U.S. 41 (Poly, in progress).

n Fruitville Road and U.S. 41 (selection in progress).

n Gulfstream Avenue and U.S. 41 (roundabout under construction).

a stepped system that would further protect the art and the travelers. We had a consultant come in and design that for us, and that was one of the reasons why it took the time that was needed to be sure that FDOT agreed.”

As the pedestals are being built, fabricating of the sculptures will ensue, Wallace said. Barring supply chain complications, fabrication will take five to six months.

Wallace said the goal is to complete installation at both roundabouts by late summer to early fall of 2023.

“We’re ready to move forward,” she said. “People will see this in a way of why did this take so long or why is this such an arduous process and not yielding any results; and I think what we need to consider is this is all new, and we’re building a foundation for the future and we’re hopefully set ting an example for other cities in Florida to be able to do this.”

TRAFFIC CALMING Sarasota launched its Art in the Roundabouts program with its first installation at Main Street and Orange Avenue in 2016, followed by two others at new downtown round abouts.

The goal of the U.S. 41 roundabout sculptures is to bejewel a “necklace” of sorts of new roundabouts built, under construction or planned along Tamiami Trail through the city.

Although smaller in scale, the

sculpture in the downtown round abouts proved a successful test case for progression to larger, multilane traffic circles.

The roundabouts along U.S. 41 are in part a product of the new urbanist Andres Duany-inspired downtown master plan, which called for signifi cantly reducing speeds on Tamiami Trail by moving buildings closer to the road to create “enclosure,” which naturally encourages slower speeds, and installing traffic-calming fea tures — such as roundabouts — to create a more walkable community.

Roundabouts, bump-outs, chi canes and other devices naturally reduce speeds, the philosophy pos its, as do visual elements such as art. Size, scope and visibility both day and night are primary elements in selecting sculptures for roundabout applications.

“You want to be able to see it from a distance and you want to be able to approach the roundabout with some caution, and sometimes that means a healthy bit of visibility,” Wallace said. “There is a piece of art, there are signs, people are slowing down, there’s paint on the road … there a lot of indicators, and public art actually does serve as a signal to slow down and it has been proven to reduce traf fic accidents, so we hope that will be the case.”

Seagrass, by Spanish sculptor Casto Solano, will be installed in the roundabout at U.S. 41 and 10th Street.

Should the City Commission approve an additional $59,000 for materials cost increases since approved June 2019, Poly by New York sculptor Hou De Sousa will be installed in the roundabout at U.S. 41 and 14th Street.

Photos by Andrew Warfield

Courtesy sculpture renderings

Jumping Fish is in the roundabout at Palm and Cocoanut avenues.

Ovation is in the roundabout at Ringling Boulevard and South Orange Avenue.

Embracing Our Differences at the roundabout at Orange Avenue and Main Street.

OCT. 29

BREAKING AND EXITING

9:53 a.m., 1200 block of 43rd Street

Family dispute: An officer responded to a residence where he met with the caller who advised she was in an argument with her mother. She said during that argument, several items in the house were broken, including her TV, which she broke herself, and her mother’s glass coffee table, which her mother broke. When the officer spoke to the mother, she confirmed that each of them broke their own possessions.

The mother said the pair had lived in the same house for four months, but her daughter had become disrespectful and wants her removed. The officer explained that police could not force her to leave and that she would have to pursue legal eviction with the landlord. The officer persuaded the daughter to stay at a friend’s house for a while “just to cool off.” Because each party broke their own possessions, no crime had occurred.

MONDAY, OCT. 24

WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS

12:21 p.m., 1500 block of 24th Street

Property damage: A loud argument between two women resulted in one of them breaking windows at a residence with a metal pole. When police arrived, the caller explained her sister, with whom she lives, and her sister’s friend were the two involved in the dispute and that the friend caused the damage. She further stated her sister chased the friend from the scene after windows were broken.

The sister involved in the argument said she was not harmed and did not wish to press charges. As she was being interviewed, the friend returned to the scene, at which time the victim became uncooperative, said she did not want her friend to get in trouble and refused to complete a written statement. Based on the victim’s lack of cooperation, no criminal charges were filed.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

DUDE, WHERE’S MY BIKE?

8:50 p.m., 1400 block of 10th Street

Civil dispute: A man who left his electric bicycle locked in a rack called police when he learned it had been accidentally scrapped by the Salvation Army. The man said he informed personnel at the facility that the bike was there, and when he discovered it missing, he reported it to a representative of the organization. The employee stated she was aware of the bike and she had contacted management with regard to its disappearance.

Management confirmed that maintenance had removed a number of apparently donated old bicycles from the area, including the victim’s, for scrapping. The employee told police she informed the victim to contact management and report the incident for reimbursement.

The bike, the victim told police, was valued at approximately $2,000. The officer advised the victim to present a receipt for the property to organization management.

Second Street project plan expands to mixed use of condos and hotel

With the addition of an adjacent lot formerly planned for The Beacon, a development plan for Second Street next to the Embassy Suites includes 18 condos and a hotel.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

In the two-plus months since M2RE Partners won City Com mission approval to demolish a building on Second Street next to the Embassy Suites hotel for an unannounced project, the scope of the development has grown.

With the addition of a vacant lot next door, the project at 1225, 1233

and 1243 Second Street is now pro posed to be an 18-unit condomin ium and 109-room hotel mixeduse development steps away from Tamiami Trail.

On Aug. 1, the commission over turned a Historic Preservation Board denial to raze the nearly century-old Palm Apartments building, paving the way for M2RE Partners’ princi pal Mike Hersom to begin planning a project on the site of the structure

built in 1925 and an office building

next door built in 1996.

Since then, the developer acquired the vacant lot next door, which in 2019 was announced as The Beacon, a development of five luxury condos priced from $2.3 million to $2.7 mil lion, with a penthouse price to be determined.

That project never materialized.

“We were proceeding on this proj ect on 1225 and 1233 Second Street on its own, and then the property to the east became available,” develop ment consultant Joel Freedman told the DRC panel. “That project didn’t go forward and so our client, the applicant, picked up that property as well, which then changed the entire project.”

Now proposed is a mixed-use building of condominiums and a hotel, the property is zoned Down town Bayfront on the west — the former Palm Apartments — and the parcels to the east Downtown Core. To conform to the zoning code, the residential tower will be adjacent to the Embassy Suites above the hotel that will cover all three parcels, all perched above a parking structure.

Plans show the condos at 1,938 square feet facing the bay and 1,704 square feet facing the rear alley and over a row of existing townhomes toward Fruitville Road. The residen tial tower will top out at 18 stories and the hotel 10, including a park ing garage beneath with 104 park ing spaces. The minimum required spaces for the project is 73.

Amid discussions about landscap ing, utilities, engineering and fire safety requirements, the sticking

point between the development and the DRC was access to and from the parking structure and hotel dropoff. The plans show one two-way and one one-way curb cuts off Sec ond Street to service both the hotel and the residential.

The DRC, which is comprised of representatives of numerous city departments, suggested vehicle access be moved to the alley between Second Street and Fruitville Road to minimize pedestrian conflicts. The alley is used by the townhomes to the rear for access to individual garages, and by the Embassy Suites for deliv eries, waste pickup and other service vehicles.

Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects told the DRC that moving vehicle access off Second Street and onto a dead-end alley would require a U-turns off Cocoanut Avenue and create a noninviting entry to the hotel.

“Our feeling is you’re creating pretty significant vehicular and pedestrian conflicts by forcing that scenario,” Gallagher said. “The Embassy Suites, which is actually closer to (U.S. 41) than us has three curb cuts. The Ovation down the street has a couple of curb cuts. If your front door is on the street, the hotel operator really needs to have a place to drop off at the front, so we designed that accordingly.”

One possible solution Gallagher offered to address vehicle-pedes trian conflicts on Second Street is to turn the two-way driveway into oneway, which would reduce the width of the curb cut and provide greater visibility. Otherwise, he added, the hotel element would not be feasible.

“Clearly, the most significant issue we see is this drop off,” Galla gher said. “It pretty much destroys the viability of a hotel to suggest that we cannot put curb cuts there for the hotel.”

Once the developer addresses matters raised by the DRC, a resub mittal will be required. Because the project is planned to conform to existing zoning, it requires only staff approval.

Andrew Warfield

The former Palm Apartments immediately adjacent to the Embassy Suites hotel will be razed along with the building next door for a mixed-use development of condos and a hotel.

“Clearly, the most significant issue we see is this drop off. It pretty much destroys the viability of a hotel to suggest that we cannot put curb cuts there for the hotel.”

— Chris Gallagher

Planning underway for Bobby Jones buildings

The Sarasota Development Review Committee is working with Kimley-Horn to design three buildings for the redeveloped Bobby Jones Golf Complex, not including a permanent clubhouse and restaurant.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

While reconstruction of the Bobby Jones Golf Club continues, so does planning for three service buildings on the property. Working their way through the city of Sarasota’s Development Review Committee are structures in the design phase, not including an eventual permanent clubhouse. A temporary clubhouse will serve golfers until that is built.

The city has contracted with engi neering and design consultant Kim ley-Horn and Associates to design the structures, including the future clubhouse and restaurant building, which will be filed under a separate

site plan amendment application.

The planned buildings are:

n A course restroom with 216 square feet of enclosed space and a 936-square-foot footprint includ ing roof overhangs.

n A player development center with 238 square feet of enclosed area and a 839-square-foot footprint including roof overhangs.

n The Gillespie Building with 360 square feet of enclosed area and a 728-square-foot footprint includ ing roof overhangs. That will be the starter building for the short course.

According to Sarasota Parks and Recreation General Manager Sue Martin, the Gillespie Building will replace a starter booth that was razed at the site across Circus Boulevard from the primary course, but will serve multiple purposes.

“It’s going to be more than what was there previously, but it’s not really a clubhouse,” she said. “There’s going to be a little bit more room to sell items like balls and gloves and maybe a small gathering area. It’s going to be a little bit bigger than what it was, but it’s basically your starter booth.”

Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

MO

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

Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital

Dr. Mindy Ward brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building

a

of knowledge and

in

Medicine.

Andrew Warfield

The Gillespie Building, one of three auxiliary structures planned for the Bobby Jones Golf Club, will anchor the adjustable short course.

MORE GATES ON THE WAY

Have you ever arrived at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and been annoyed by those people who simply must unbuckle and get their overhead bags and stand in the aisle literally the moment the jet comes to a complete stop?

Well, that’s another story, but if you’ve been frustrated by those same people as your plane stopped and waited for a gate to open up for one reason or another, then SRQ’s plans for the future will make you smile.

With an eye toward growth and the need to better serve future customers, the airport has embarked on a $72 million project to add a ground-based boarding facility capable of serving upwards of 2.5 million passengers a year through five new gates. Combined with the current 13 gates, SRQ’s capacity will be about 5 million annual travelers.

If that number sounds outlandish, consider the airport in 2021 had more than 3.1 million passengers, 1.2 million more than in 2019.

“We’re growing so fast we need more gates, and the fastest way to do that is ground-based because you don’t have to build air bridges and you don’t have to go two stories,” said SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo. “It’s also not as expensive. We’re looking for fast and cost-effective, while at the same time making sure that we have something that looks as nice as the rest of the airport.”

ORCHESTRA MUSIC DIRECTOR DIES

The Sarasota Orchestra announced the death of incoming music director Bramwell Tovey on July 12. Tovey, 69, had accepted the position of music director in 2021, but his previous obligations did not allow him to take full control in Sarasota until the upcoming season.

Tovey, a Grammy-award winner, previously served as music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (from 2000 to 2019) and the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra (from 2002 to 2006). He was educated at the Royal Academy of Music and the University of London, and he served as principal conductor of Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet early in his career.

Tovey first conducted as part of his new role in Sarasota in October 2021, and he returned to lead the orchestra in the finale to the Masterworks season in April. Tovey made an immediate impression in April by explaining some of the musical gags in “Til Eugenspiegel’s Merry Pranks,” and the musicians were looking forward to getting to work with him on a regular basis.

“There was immediate chemistry between Maestro Tovey and our orchestra,” said Joseph McKenna, the president and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra, as part of an official statement. “We shared with him an expectation of a long partnership. Like so many, all of us at Sarasota Orchestra feel the tremendous loss of a great friend and sincere collaborator.”

A NEW POLICE CHIEF

In a ceremony packed with friends, family, co-workers and more police brass than a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago, the city named its first Hispanic police chief in late April.

City Manager Marlon Brown said he interviewed no one else but the then-acting police chief for the role but gathered a wealth of informa tion on what stakeholders said they would value in the city’s 13th top cop.

“My philosophy is to always pro mote from within if we have that talent, if we have that expertise, and Chief Troche just check all the boxes

A NEW COMMISSION

The City Commission could either look a little differ ent or a lot different in the next few weeks. It all start ed in February when at-large Commissioner Hagen Brody decided to run for the Democratic nomination for the District 2 County Commission seat instead of re-election to the city dais.

That seat, in the county’s only Democratic-leaning County Commission district, looked attractive with incumbent (and Republican) Christian Ziegler bow ing out. Recall that county voters twice affirmed their commitment to single-member voting, which meant a Democrat actually had a chance.

When the primary dust settled, former Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins was the nominee, not Brody.

So when you cast your at-large City Commission ballot next week (Maybe you’ve already done so.), you’re picking among one incumbent in Jen AhearnKoch seeking reelection and two newcomers, Dan Lobeck and Debbie Trice, for two seats.

The Commission could end up with two new faces. And, once seated, the group will pick a new mayor for the coming year.

Stay tuned.

that the community saw they wanted in a chief,” Brown said.

Troche said for his part, serving the role as interim chief simply made even clearer that the path toward the formal position was the right direc tion for him.

“I felt I was the right person for this job. I felt that I had enough expe rience; I had enough life experience; I had enough training to step into this role,’’ he said. “For me, there was no hesitation and I felt just the confi dence that the city manager exuded when we had our conversations and the belief that he had in me. There

was never a day where I felt, ‘Wow, I’m not sure I should make this deci sion because I don’t have the support of the city manager.’’’

Troche has been with the Sarasota Police since 2002, serving in each of the departments divisions and ris ing through the ranks after starting his law enforcement career in Largo in 1997.

File photos

New gates are coming to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Hagen Brody will no longer be a City Commissioner after his unsuccessful run for County Commission.

City Manager Marlon Brown, Police Chief Rex Troche and Deputy City Manager Pat Robinson pose for a photo after Troche was sworn in.

Public pensions: No to ESG

ESG RISK SCORE VS. MARKET CAPITALIZATION

ESG Risk Ratings come from Morningstar’s Sustainanalytics (pulled April 22-24, 2022) and Market Capitalization data come from Yahoo Finance (pulled May 4, 2022).

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com

Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com

Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com

Staff Writer / Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com

Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com

Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com

Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com

Arguments about activist investing are currently generating a lot of headlines, notably with President Biden’s administration, including support for activist investing in his climate change policies.

This move was cheered by many who want governments to commit to investing in securities and funds that meet certain environmental, social and governance ideals or standards and to refuse to give government contracts to companies that violate those ideals or standards.

At the same time, several governors and legislatures have pushed back with policies or laws banning state investments or contracts with businesses that pursue ESG approaches.

For example, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has forbidden state agencies from using ESG criteria when making investment decisions, saying he is protecting Florida from “woke capital.”

So, we have some governments refusing to invest pension funds in banks or investment pools that do business with oil companies or gun manufacturers, while other governments refuse to invest pension funds in banks or investment pools that WON’T invest in oil companies or gun manufacturers. It’s a triumph of populist politics over sound financial decision making.

ESG investing is also becoming more prevalent with individuals making their own investments and in the policies implemented by institutional investors and public pension systems.

Because ESG debates and activist investing look to be a significant subject of contention for the foreseeable future, it is essential to draw clear lines of when it is and is not appropriate to implement investment strategies that overstep the usual purpose of meeting specific financial objectives, especially in the case of retirement savings.

It is entirely appropriate for individuals to make whatever investment decisions they like with their assets. Giving individuals a choice in where to place their assets is healthy and consistent with longstanding American investment tradition. Look to the long history of specialized or sector funds for

examples.

Of paramount importance with these investments is that their objectives and methods are made clear to potential investors through the prospectus and other communications materials.

Individuals having the ability to invest with their conscience in a way consistent with their beliefs and objectives is laudable and is consistent with a free society.

Investors also need to understand that widespread use of ESG criteria has broader implications for the market. The accompanying figures show that large companies (those with higher capitalization shown in blue) have substantially less ESG risk than do smaller companies (in orange). This means ESG investing actually discourages investing in smaller firms and could reduce competition and increase market concentration, not because of serving their customers better, but because of politicized investment decisions.

This is even more dangerous when those decisions are being made by government investors.

There are serious concerns when activism is involved with pooled retirement investments, such as public pension systems. Public pension plans should not engage in political activism.

Unfortunately, lawmakers and officials on all extremes of the political landscape are increasingly attempting to dictate how investment funds maintained for various governmental functions must be invested. The trends, both promoting ESG and anti-ESG, are being directed at state and local government-run pension funds for public employees.

Pension fund investment managers have a fiduciary

responsibility to manage their funds exclusively to best meet the financial needs of plan participants. In the case of public retirement plans, those needs are to support the plan sponsor’s financial obligation to plan members within closely managed risk guardrails.

It is also clear that activistinvestment mandates are inconsistent with these fiduciary responsibilities and retirement plan objectives.

The demand for investments that match certain political or policy beliefs and the increasing pressure on state and local governmentrun pension systems to ignore their fiduciary responsibilities in favor of politically motivated investing, present more reasons for governments to examine alternative retirement plan designs immediately.

It has become more widely understood that the traditional public sector defined benefit pension plan no longer meets the needs of the majority of today’s public employees and other impacted groups. Employees are increasingly mobile in their careers, and traditional defined benefit pension plans cannot effectively meet workers’ portability needs.

Traditional defined benefit plans also fail to meet many employers’ needs, impacting their ability to recruit and retain qualified employees. Additionally, in many cases, traditional defined benefit plans’ funding status continues to deteriorate, putting increasing pressure on taxpayers and on government budgets.

From public pension debt to failing to serve today’s workers to misguided politically motivated investment pressures, it is clear that the public retirement space is due

for some recalibration.

Retirement plan designs that are built on a defined contribution foundation and have objectives focused on lifetime income and risk management can be the leading-edge answer to many of today’s public pension dilemmas. Sophisticated design structures incorporating defined benefit-like features into a defined contribution construct are available and in use today.

With these plans, sponsors can make available many employeeselected investment options that do not force the employee into heavy-handed, politically motivated investments or ones they oppose morally. With the help of an independent financial adviser, if desired, individual employees can build a portfolio that best meets their personal goals and objectives.

It should seem obvious that retirement plans must focus on meeting the objectives of several interested parties, most notably the public employee participants. Attempting to impose politically motivated investment controls on public pension plans violates core fiduciary standards and is a gross over-reach by governments.

Instead, lawmakers and workers should seek to modernize public retirement plans in ways that give individuals the flexibility to vote with their feet, have plan portability when they change jobs and invest as they see fit.

Adrian Moore is vice president of the Reason Foundation and a regular contributor to the Observer. He lives in Sarasota. Richard Hiller is a senior fellow with the Reason Foundation and veteran designer of retirement plans.

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— Vote yes to retain Justices Charles Canady, John D. Couriel, Jamie Grosshans, Jorge Labarga and Ricky Polston Florida Second District Court of Appeal — Vote yes to retain

Judges Patricia Joan Kelly, Nelly N. Khouzam, Suzanne Y. Labrit, Matt Lucas, Robert Morris, Stevan Travis Northcutt, John K. Stargel, Craig C. Villanti

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Amendment 1 / Limit on Assessment of Real Property — Yes

Amendment 2 / Abolish Constitution Revision Commission — No Amendment 3 / Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption — No

MANATEE COUNTY County Commission, District 2 — Amanda Ballard County Commission, District 4 — Michael Rahn County Commission, District 6 (At-large) — Jason Beardon School Board, District 2 — Cindy

Spray Economic Development Tax Referendum — No SARASOTA COUNTY County Commission, District 2 — Mark Smith County Commission, District 4 — Joe Neunder

Charter Review Board, District 1 — Alexandra Coe

Charter Review Board, District 2 — G. Matthew Brockway Charter Review Board, District 4 — No recommendation Hospital Board, Northern District, Seat 2 — Victor J. Rohe County Referendum to Continue One-Cent Sales Infrastructure Surtax — Yes County Bond Referendum to Accelerate Community Infrastructure Projects with OneCent Sales Tax Bonds — Yes Charter Amendment Question One: To Amend Section 7.1

Charter Petition Procedures — No

Charter Amendment Question Two: To Avoid Conflicts with the Constitution, General Law or the charter — Yes

CITY OF SARASOTA Commissioner At-Large — Debbie Trice

Charter Amendment: Increase City Commissioners’ Annual Salary — No Charter Amendment: Allow Option to Purchase Insurance Coverage or Surety Bonds — Yes Charter Amendment: Charter Review Committee’s General Recommendations — No Charter Amendment: To Require Referenda on City Charter Amendments to Be Held Only on the Dates of General Elections in Even Years and Prohibit Special Charter Elections — Yes

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ADRIAN MOORE AND RICHARD HILLER

More and

and engaging

governments.

NEW GOLF COURSE AT THE SAME OLD SITE

There were a few months there when all indications were that we’d be tee ing up Titleists at the city’s restored Bobby Jones Golf Course this fall.

Well, that’s not happening but work on the project to reset the for lorn 36-hole layout to Donald Ross’ original 18-hole layout, with such modern-day improvements as, oh, drainage. Also in the offing, a nature park that will one day occupy the remainder of the acreage and serve as a filtering agent for storm water runoff from miles around.

Work is progressing, but that first tee shot will likely come in the spring of 2023.

A NEW STREET WITH MORE TO COME

What initially looked like a bewil dering collection of arrows, stripes, temporary traffic barrels, perma nent traffic islands, traffic signs and emblems painted on the pave ment along Ringling Boulevard has matured of late into the first seg ment of the city’s complete streets program.

Workers got started over the sum mer in converting the eastern seg ment of the thoroughfare from a four-lane street with conventional parking and no accommodation for bikes or scooters. Now, it’s a twolane road with designated space for two-wheelers, along with plenty of buffering. Work now is progress ing west of U.S. 301 with the goal of safely linking Legacy Trail with the bayfront. The $2.76 million project is scheduled for completion soon.

Project Manager Camden Mills said Ringling Boulevard is a suitable route for the project, because the street, which runs parallel to Main Street, it is not an evacuation route.

Because traffic declined from an average of 14,000 vehicle trips per day in 2002 to 7,900 trips in 2019, losing one travel lane in each direc tion would have minimal impact.

City leaders over the summer also listened to citizens to help formulate similar complete streets plans for Shade Avenue. Soon, results will be shared and three proposals rolled out for additional review.

A LONGER LEGACY

One doesn’t have to look far to find county and city plans to keep build ing on the rails-to-trails success of the Legacy Trail. Both governments are keen to add connecting points, spurs and access to other areas. Even as far away as Lakewood Ranch.

One notion that doesn’t seem to be working is a proposal to keep the original concept of following a rail line north to Manatee County.

City officials found officials with Seminole Gulf Railroad uninterested in co-locating a trail alongside the tracks as they head north out of the city, leading toward a second pro

posal to perhaps develop a series of neighborhood access points.

Pivoting in a new direction, City Engineer Nik Patel said, has pre sented new opportunities for Legacy Trail.

Rather than a single artery to Uni versity Parkway along the railroad, planners are exploring more of a capillary system to connect mul tiple points both east and west to an urban trail network through neigh borhoods, such as Newtown, that completes the trail northward.

CONCERN ABOUT THE BEACHES

Though experts say it’s difficult to find a smoking gun when it comes to higherthan-acceptable levels of bacteria at bathing beaches, one thing they can agree on is what to do about it.

They post no-swim advisories to be safe.

That’s exactly what health authorities had to do several times this summer when concentrations of enterococcus bacteria climbed.

The stakes are high when no-swim advi sories are posted, and they are not posted lightly, health officials say, adding the outof-bounds levels of the bacteria can be indicative of several conditions ranging from routine to serious. Health officials also stress that concentrations of enterococcus bacteria are not related to red tide outbreaks.

Still, the microscopic organisms can lead to health problems.

“When these bacteria are found at high levels in recreational waters, there is a risk that some people may become ill,” Sarasota County Health and Human Services spokes person Steve Huard said.

While the high levels of bacteria can orig inate from a number of sources, the true source of the bacteria is hard to determine as that level of testing is extensive and costly, Executive Director of the Sarasota Bay Estu ary Program Dave Tomasko said.

“The source does matter,” he said. “It’s so expensive to do the source assessment that they rightfully use the bacteria as an indica tor.”

File photos

Work is under way on the Bobby Jones Golf Course make over.

Traffic moves through the eastern segment of Ringling Boulevard over the summer.

Beach-water health is a frequent topic of concern.

The Legacy Trail runs through the city of Sarasota.

MOTE DEAL CLOSES IN BENDERSON PARK

In mid-July, the Sarasota County Commission unanimously voted to convey the site near Interstate 75 to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquar ium for $100. There, the nonprofit marine research organization plans to build a new 110,000-square-foot aquarium, a project years in the making. Days later, Mote closed on the property.

Construction is underway on the 11.76-acre site, once owned by Sara sota County.

Branded Mote Science Education Aquarium, Mote reached a $90 mil lion fundraising milestone in Octo ber 2021.

Michael Moore, special advisor to the office of the president who has led the fundraising campaign for the Mote SEA, said donations have picked up pace since the land was conveyed, adding an announcement about the next milestone will come this fall.

“The community’s response to the project is accelerating with prospec tive donors as they see the project is starting to materialize,” Moore said. “Definitely when it comes out of the ground in a few months, we know that’s going to help us toward the goal.”

NO SMOKING AT THE BEACH

The city in September joined the ranks of counties and municipalities around Florida banning smoking on beaches and in parks, empowered by a state law that sunsetted a state ban on local governments mak ing such rules.

The town of Longboat Key did the same, while Sarasota County officials are still looking at the possibility. Discussion of topic was tabled recently.

City Commissioners left open the possibility of setting aside a place to puff in parking lots or other designated sites as a means to accommodate those who still want to fire up while along the shore.

Built in 2005, the home at 1423 Hillview Drive has six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half baths, a pool and 11,588 square feet of living area.

RECORD HOME SALE

Arrivederci, Serenissima, there’s a new highest sale price for a residential property in the Sarasota-Man atee-Charlotte county region after the sales closing of a home in Sarasota’s Harbor Acres.

The 12,000-square-foot home, which sits on almost 2 acres at 1423 and 1435 Hillview Drive, sold for $17.5 million, $1 million more than the 2020 sale of a Longboat Key home, named “most serene” in Ital ian and the 2021 sale of a Gulf-front home on Casey Key.

“This is not only a record-breaking sale but tru ly one of the finest properties offered in Sarasota,” said Linda Driggs, of Michael Saunders & Co., who worked with the company’s Kim Ogilvie to represent the sellers. “The owners created a park-like water front setting and curated every detail imaginable inside and out.”

Driggs sold the same home at 1423 Hillview Drive in 2007, which then set a record at $7.287 million.

The property offers nearly 250 feet of bayfront, two docks, downtown views and plenty of outdoor space for recreation and large-scale entertaining.

File photos

Construction is underway on the 11.76-acre site for the new Mote aquarium.

Sarasota County has continued a discussion about a possible smoking ban on the county’s beaches and in parks.

From stories originally reported by Eric Garwood and Andrew Warfield

“Our family and our entire organization are committed to the recovery efforts to rebuild our community. We have partnered with The United Way to serve as drop-off points to collect donations. We will also provide furniture and mattresses to the United Way in partnership with our valued vendors. We are ready when you are.”

Francis

Eugene was born May 18, 1924 in Bronx, NY.

At 18, after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. Serv ing during WWII, Eugene was in the Atlantic and Med iterranean Theatre. His ship arrived in the English Chan nel the day after D-Day.

On November 4, 1944, while still in the Navy, Eu gene married his wife Sheila. They had four children together. After his discharge from the Navy, Eugene worked in the New York City area as a draftsmen until he retired.

He then moved to Sarasota, Florida in the late 90s. He lived there happily and com fortably for nearly three de cades. He spent his last two years of life at Heron Club at Prestancia, an assisted living facility in Sarasota.

In his later years, Eugene enjoyed watching soccer and hockey on the weekends. He never missed a beat. He could tell you all the players and who scored a goal.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sheila Lyons and his eldest daughter, Patricia Lyons. He is survived by his three other children Frank Lyons, Colleen Brown and Christopher Lyons, his 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Joes beat the pros

The event, held at PopStroke in Sarasota, saw Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer have a lot of fun despite the loss.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

The headliners of PopStroke’s $25K Showdown, part of its PopStroke Tour Championship, held Oct. 26-28 at the venue’s University Town Center location, were PGA Tour golfer Rickie Fowler and LPGA Tour golfer Paula Creamer. The winners were Chris Johnson and Jacob Stasiulewicz.

The two amateur golfers, but pro fessional putters, took down Fowler and Creamer in the $25K Showdown, which consisted of one 18-hole round on the venue’s Tiger Red course. Johnson and Stasiulewicz finished 3 under par while the pros finished 1 over par. To get into the Showdown, Johnson and Stasiulewicz had to win the PopStroke Tour Championship’s team competition, which was com pleted Thursday evening. That win netted the pair $20,000 to share, with the $25K Showdown prize money an added bonus.

The loss did not seem to bother Fowler. In fact, he expected it. Speak ing before the event, Fowler said he and Creamer were the underdogs because Johnson and Stasiulewicz had played the course more than 100 times. It was Fowler’s and Creamer’s first time on the course.

Considering all of that, Fowler said he was at the event to have fun, not necessarily to win.

He was impressed by PopStroke’s greens, even if they were somewhat different than the greens he plays on the PGA Tour.

“These speeds are actually similar to what we saw last week (at The CJ Cup at Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina),” Fowler said. “But there’s a lot more slope (on the tour). I would say a 3- or 4-four footer is fairly sim ilar to what you see here. Outside of

ABOUT THE PROS

Chris Johnson and Jacob Stasiulewicz took down Rickie Fowler and Paula Creamer in the $25K Showdown. Here’s an overview of what Fowler and Creamer have accomplished on their pro tours.

RICKIE FOWLER

n Five PGA Tour wins, most recently at the 2019 Phoenix Open (17 under par)

n Eight top-five finishes at major championships (three second-place finishes)

n Two European Tour wins n One Asia Tour win n Finished No. 1 in the PGA Tour’s Strokes Gained: Putting statistic in 2016-2017

PAULA CREAMER

n 10 LPGA Tour wins, most recently at the 2014 HSBC Women’s World Championship (10 under par)

n One major championship win at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open (3 under par)

n Two LPGA of Japan Tour wins

that, you’re hitting different stuff.” Creamer took a different approach to the event, stating that she was playing to win, though she laughed her way through the round like Fowl er did when something went wrong.

“It’s not many times you can inter

mix like this in terms of competition, pros and amateurs,” Creamer said. “I think putting is a great way to do it. Normally it’s not a fair challenge (for the amateurs), but here it is.”

That was evident in the win by Johnson and Stasiulewicz. Also evi dent was that the winners have seri ous skill. Johnson, originally from Columbia, Missouri, said he and Stasiulewicz, who is from Colum bus, Ohio, met while competing in a Major Series of Putting event in Las Vegas in 2017. The pair then played together at the same event in 2018 and 2019. Johnson said they would only play together once per year, and the COVID-19 pandemic put their events on hold for two years.

“We actually thought this was not going to happen again,” Johnson said. They jumped at the chance to play together again when they heard about the PopStroke Tour Champi onship. Being putting professionals, they were not intimidated by Fowler and Creamer’s skills — but they were nervous. They wanted that prize money.

“I had a big putt on hole No. 8, and I could actually feel my hand shake,” Stasiulewicz said. “I have never felt that before.”

The pair said Fowler and Creamer were cordial and asked for advice.

The $25K showdown was taped and will air on Bally Sports Nov. 20 and on The Golf Channel Dec. 19 and Jan. 4.

Eugene Francis Lyons passed away in his sleep on October 15, 2022 in Sarasota, FL at the age of 98.

Ryan Kohn

Chris Johnson, Jacob Stasiulewicz, Paula Creamer and Rickie Fowler pose together after the $25K Showdown. Johnson and Stasiulewicz won by four strokes.

W.

SARASOTA - W. Howard

Rooks, 88 of Sarasota died peacefully at his home on October 20, 2022, surrounded by his loving daughter and grandchildren.

Howard was born on February 8, 1934, in Turkey, North Carolina, the sec ond of two children born to William and Orpha Rooks. The son of a North Carolina tobacco farmer, Howard was the first from his town to attend college. He continued to work the fields with his family and hitchhiked rides to East Carolina University where he became class pres ident. He received his BA in 1956 and, years later, became a Trustee of the University. Howard served two years in the U.S. Army before be coming a high school teacher in Alexandria, Virginia where he met his wife of 25 years, Sue Gilliam Rooks.

One evening, after closing on their new home in Alexandria, Howard noticed the real estate agent earned more on one transaction than he made teaching school for an entire year. Howard decided to get his real estate license and try to sell houses on the weekends to supplement his salary. He quickly fell in love with the business, gave up teaching, and in 1968, founded Mount Vernon Realty in Alexandria. Over the next 25 years, he grew the company to over 3,000 agents and 62 offices.

Before he sold the company to Weichert Realtors in 1991, Mount Vernon Realty became the 10th largest privately owned real estate company in the United States. He was an inspiring and charismatic leader, driven by helping his agents create their own dreams and meet their goals.

Following the sale of his business, Howard began to spend more time in Sarasota where he had purchased a small home on Lido Key in 1970. He was passionate about Sarasota and knew one day he would retire there. He spent the last 30 years of his life in Sarasota, but never really retired.

An admitted “deal junkie,” Howard was soon creating, developing, partnering, and investing full-time in Sarasota. He was quickly joined by his daughter Lisa and her husband Bob Morris in many of these real estate investments. He was also involved in several related business pursuits including The Plaza restaurant on Longboat Key, Cork and the Bottle Shop on St. Armands Circle, and Amore restaurant in downtown’s Burns Court neighborhood. His initial passion was the real estate itself, but he came to love the process of creating a community, spending time with the staff, and enjoying meals, drinks, and great music with his friends and regulars at the piano bar.

Howard was also passionate about the modern architecture of Sarasota and his Lido Shores neighborhood. At a time when Mediterranean style homes

were in favor, he sought to bring more classic modern architecture to Sarasota. Having no experience in building, construction, or design, Howard sought out the best people in each field; he partnered with Guy Peterson, Pat Ball and Rick Carlisle to help bring his vision to life. He restored and improved several of the most important Sarasota School of Architecture houses and built several high-end waterfront spec homes.

He measured his success by his relationships with others, what he was able to create, and how he made others feel.

While Howard always hoped to make a profit, sometimes he didn’t, especially during times of recession. What was most important to Howard was creating projects that were fun, beautiful, and interesting; projects that would create delight and benefit others. He had big ideas and knew how to connect with people who could do what he could not. Howard was the ultimate optimist and a fearless risk-taker, always motivated by the creative process. He measured his success by his relationships with others, what he was able to create, and how he made others feel. Over the years, money came and went, and came again, but never seemed to influence who he was and how he

treated other people. He had a deep inner faith that all would be well. He was extraordinarily grateful for his life and for those in it.

Howard was an active Rotarian for decades. He was a member of St. Armands Lutheran Church and served as a Stephen minister there. He served on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels, Sarasota. He was a two term Trustee of East Carolina University and served on many other charitable and business boards during his professional careers in both Alexandria and Sarasota.

Howard was predeceased by his beloved son, Gregory Kent Rooks.

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Rooks Morris of Sarasota, his grandchildren Kathryn “Kate” Morris and Robert “Tripp” Morris, his big sister, Janice Tolar, and his niece, Jacki Cavenaugh both of Newport, NC.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 7 at 10:00am, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236. He will be buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.

Condolences can be sent at Toalebrothers.com.

SERVICE: Monday, November 7, 10AM St. Armand’s Key Lutheran Church

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 (SAKLC. com) or Meals on Wheels of Sarasota, 421 North Lime Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237 (mealsonwheelsofsarasota. org).

Fast Break

University of South Florida running back Brian Battie, a former Sarasota High athlete, has a new gig: He’s the face of Moore Resources, an independent insurance agency in St. Petersburg. Finally, college athletics’ Name, Image and Likeness rules benefit someone who deserves it.

Speaking of Battie, he had 12 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns, plus four catches for 47 yards, Oct. 29 in the Bulls’ game against Houston — which they lost, 42-27. The Bulls are 1-7 in 2022. Someone get this man some help. Even Battie can’t do it all on his own.

A reminder for runners that the Tidewell Trot is at 7 a.m. Nov. 5 at Nathan Benderson Park. The annual 5K and mile run/walk benefits the Tidewell Foundation. Registration is $45 for the 5K and $40 for the mile run/walk. For information or to register, visit TidewellFoundation.org.

The Riverview High Kiltie Band always sounds good at football games, but its rendition of “Love Drunk” by Boys Like Girls this season is a particular delight to hear while going over stats and photos at halftime. Kudos.

It’s a ways off, but there’s no reason not to mark it on your calendar since some flyers have been sent and received (like mine): The 2023 Dick Vitale Gala will be held May 5, again at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The honorees will be former San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, NBA Hall of Fame center David Robinson and U.S. tennis players and personalities John and Patrick McEnroe. The John Sanders Courage Award will be given to North Carolina State University Hall of Famer Dereck Whittenburg (basketball), and the Dick Vitale Spirit Award will be given to University of Tennessee men’s basketball Coach Rick Barnes. The event has raised $55 million for pediatric cancer research since its inception. For information, visit V.org/Vitale or call 350-0580.

THE PLAYOFF PICTURE

ing Mooney might not have to have a better record than Zephyrhills to jump the Warriors in the standings.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

With the high school foot ball season approaching the regular-season’s end point Friday, the post season fortunes of two area football teams shifted seismically on Tuesday night.

The Riverview High Rams, back at the Ram Bowl for the first time since Hurricane Ian more than a month ago, hosted Cardinal Mooney High for a crucial midweek contest. It was the first time the two programs had played each other. Being a Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4S program, and being at home, conventional wisdom would have labeled the Rams the favorite over the Class 1S Cougars.

But conventional wisdom doesn’t decide the outcome of football games.

The Cougars (3-6) used punishing defense — and just enough offensive scrappiness — to walk away with a 14-7 win over the Rams (3-6). Car dinal Mooney intercepted Rams junior quarterback Jeremiah Dawson three times in the second half, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Cougars junior linebacker George Leibold. The Cougars also caused Rams sophomore running back DJ Johnson to fumble at the Rams’ 27-yard line. The Cougars turned that mistake into the team’s other touchdown, a four-yard reverse by senior receiver Ryon White.

The win gives Cardinal Mooney a spark of hope when it comes to the playoff picture. As of Nov. 1, the latest FHSAA power rankings were released Oct. 26. In those rank ings, the Cougars were ranked fifth in Class 1S Region 3; the top four teams advance to the postseason. But since those rankings were released, Mooney has beaten St. Petersburg Catholic (2-7) 35-0 on the road, in addition to the win over Riverview, while Zephyrhills Christian Acade my (4-5), the No. 4 team, lost 34-22 to Northside Christian (8-0).

The FHSAA ranking algorithm — a version of MaxPreps’ formula — is not public, making any potential predictions difficult. However, the algorithm is known to incorporate strength of schedule, which already favors the Cougars (6.63) over Zeph yrhills (-1.29). The win over a largeschool team such as Riverview should only enhance that difference, mean

The Cougars’ season is also not over. Mooney will host Bayshore High (0-8) at 7 p.m. Friday in its reg ular season finale. A win would get the Cougars to 4-6 and potentially playoff bound, a feat that seemed a distant dream when the team fell to 1-6 on Oct. 21.

“The credit goes to these guys (the players),” Cardinal Mooney coach Jared Clark said. “Everybody told them that there was nothing left to play for. Everybody told them that they were out of the playoffs. They said we have nothing left. These guys didn’t listen. They tuned everybody out. They got closer to each other, bonded with each other. And they came out here and they played a heck of a football game tonight.”

On the other side of the Ram Bowl field, emotions were not as joyous. The Rams were attempting to com plete a similar playoff push; the game against Mooney was Riverview’s fourth in 12 days, an all-out effort to both make up games in the wake of Hurricane Ian as well as jockey for postseason positioning after start ing the season 1-4. Rams coach Josh Smithers said he asked his players whether they wanted to attempt the jam-packed schedule, and they did.

The Rams ended up 2-2 in those final four games, which included an

11th-straight win over rival Sarasota High (4-4), the No. 5 team in Class 4S Region 4 in the most recent rank ings, on Friday. In the 4S class, eight teams per region make the postsea son, so the win significantly boosted the Rams’ postseason resume; River view was the 10th team in the region in the rankings. A win over Mooney would have solidified the team’s case. Instead, the Rams will have to play the waiting game: Final post season-determining rankings will be released Sunday. Unlike Mooney, the Rams will not play Friday; Smithers said it would be too much following the team’s recent stretch.

Like the Rams, the Sarasota High football program will be forced to wait and see its fate. Sailors coach Brody Wiseman said after the loss to the Rams that he was going to try to schedule a game for Friday to attempt one last resume-building win, but as of Nov. 1 no additional Sailors game has been announced. Wiseman also said he believes the team will still be in playoff position when the next rankings drop, perhaps in the No. 7- to No. 8-seed range instead of the No. 5 seed.

While frustrated with how the game against the Rams went — the Sailors had two touchdowns called back on penalties among other missed opportunities — Wiseman was adamant that his team has what it takes to compete with Riverview and other prestigious programs.

“Our kids played well,” Wiseman said. “On defense, that’s the best we have played all year. We’re close. We’re close.”

The only Sarasota-area team with a winning record is Booker High (5-4), which has won three straight games and plays Lakewood Ranch High (6-3) on the road at 7 p.m. Friday. Yet in the Oct. 26 rankings, Booker was still on the outside of the playoff picture, slotted ninth in Class 2A Region 4 behind Lake Placid High (4-5). Since the rankings were released, Booker has a 33-22 win over Lemon Bay High (3-5), while Lake Placid has lost 29-22 to Hardee High (1-6). The Dragons play Neumann High (4-4) on Friday. Regardless of that game’s outcome, a Booker win over Lakewood Ranch would seem to solidify the Tornadoes’ postsea son spot.

COUGARS-RAMS KEY PLAYS AND STATS

CARDINAL MOONEY

n The Cougars forced four Rams turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) — Junior linebacker George Leibold scored on a pick six n Senior receiver Ryon White scored on a four-yard reverse n Junior quarterback Johnny Antonucci completed nine of 12 passes for 107 yards

RIVERVIEW n Sophomore running back DJ Johnson scored on a oneyard plunge n Senior Jaydon Tarohocker recovered a Mooney fumble

“ ... That feeling of chasing people is one of my favorite moments.”

—

Photo courtesy of USF Athletics Brian Battie.

Cardinal Mooney got a key 14-7 win over Riverview on Tuesday night to help its case for the postseason.

Cardinal Mooney junior quarterback Johnny Antonucci completed nine of 12 passes for 107 yards against Riverview.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Rams junior Charles Lester III (1) races through the Cougars defense.

“On defense, that’s the best we have played all year. We’re close. We’re close.”

— Brody Wiseman

Always have the memories

Ahighly successful era of Cardi nal Mooney High indoor vol leyball is over.

The Cougars (18-10) lost 3-1 to host Clearwater Central Catholic (19-7) in the Florida High School Athletic Associations Class 3A regional final on Tuesday night. Mooney took the first set 25-18 before dropping three straight. With the loss comes the end of the season and the end of the high school careers of Mooney’s seniors. That group includes Jordyn Byrd, Madeline Carson, Gracie Page and Sawyer DeYoung.

Byrd, who will play for the University of Texas next fall, was the only freshman on the Cougars’ 2019 team that finished 22-10 and won a state championship 3-2 over Westminster Christian. But all of the seniors have had a positive impact on the program: The Cougars have gone 79-37 over the last four years, despite a coaching change, moving from Chad Sutton to Chad Davis after the 2020 season. And even though this year’s group could not quite get back to the Final Four, it did bring home one of the best individual wins of the era. That came on the road Oct. 28 when the Cougars stunned top-seeded and defending state champion Calvary Christian (24-4) with a 3-1 victory.

“So incredibly proud of my girls and my coaching staff,” Davis said following that match. “The girls did an amazing job following the game plan. The toughness they showed when the score was tied 22-22 (in set four) to pull out the match was inspiring. Every girl contributed tonight, and Jordyn (Byrd) was incredible lifting our offense.”

I’ve been lucky to cover the Cougars for all four years of these seniors’ high school careers. I was usually watching them win, but even on the rare occasions they did not, they were always a blast to witness for the sheer emotion on their faces as they played. Though one class’ time is up, the Cougars should return plenty of talent to the court next season, including setter Helena Hebda, libero Katie Powers and middle hitter Riley Greene.

There is plenty of story to be written in Mooney volleyball’s pages in the future, but the book closes on the Cougars (and all area volleyball programs) for now. Other area fall sports programs, however, are still alive in the postseason.

That includes Mooney’s cross-

country program, where junior Addison Dempsey has the third fastest 5K time in the state across all classes (17:29.90). It was set at Dempsey’s district meet at North Port High on Oct. 22. In Class 2A, Dempsey’s time is second to Bolles High’s Jillian Candelino (17:16.23), the defending Class 2A state champion. That’s not an insignificant difference, but also not an impossible difference to make up at the state meet, which will be held Saturday at Apalachee State Park in Tallahassee. The park is notorious for being tough, particularly a section of the course known as “The Wall,” a sharp uphill section that is enough to punish the legs of any runner accustomed to running on flat Florida ground. It can be an equalizer.

Dempsey has already shaved off a lot of time this year — she finished the state run in 19:27.3 last year as a sophomore. Who’s to say she can’t shave a few more seconds for a state title?

And as always, watch out for Sarasota High’s boys and girls teams in Class 4A. The Sailors boys finished fifth in their region, while the girls finished third — and that was with the Sailors not pushing themselves to their limits, assuming coach John Stevenson followed through on his plans from last month. At regionals, the boys were led by senior Alec Miller (third place, 15:22.6) and the girls were led by sophomore Indy Grajalez (fifth place, 18:52.7).

The state swim meet is also Nov. 5, at Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center in Stuart. Once again, the Sarasota High boys program and the Riverview High girls program, both defending Class 4A state champions, have a chance to repeat. Sarasota will enter the meet seeded No. 1 in the boys 200-yard medley relay (1:33.95), the 200yard freestyle relay (1:25.89) and the 100-yard breaststroke (senior

Liam Heary, 56.17); No. 2 in the 100-yard butterfly (Heary, 48.95); and have eight other entries in the top 10 in various events. Like usual, the team’s depth gives the Sailors a massive advantage.

Meanwhile, the Riverview girls have the chance to be even more dominant. The Rams are seeded No. 1 in the 200-yard freestyle (junior Addison Sauickie, 1:47.89), the 200-yard individual medley (junior Gracie Weyant, 2:00.05), the 100yard freestyle (Sauickie, 50.08), the 500-yard freestyle (junior Bailey O’Reagan, 4:50.62), the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:35.20), the 100yard breaststroke (Weyant, 1:01.85) and the girls 400-yard freestyle relay (3:24.99); No. 2 in the 200yard medley relay (1:46.31); and have 12 other top-10 entries in various events.

Somehow, that’s not all. The Mooney boys golf team plays in its FHSAA regional meet Wednesday at The Eagles Golf Club in Odessa.

A top-three finish would result in a trip to the state tournament Nov. 11-12 in Howey-in-the-Hills. The Riverview boys team, the other potential state qualifier, just missed out on a spot, finishing fourth (304) at its regional meet Monday at Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs, four strokes behind East Lake High. Got all that? Good. Because championship season is upon is. There’s the potential for a lot of unforgettable moments to be made in the next few weeks.

happy place

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

After region loss, Mooney’s connection to its 2019 state title fades, but there’s still lots more ahead.

The Cardinal Mooney volleyball season came to an end Tuesday against Clearwater Central Catholic, but not before defeating defending champion Calvary Christian the round before.

File photos

Cardinal Mooney junior Addison Dempsey has the third-fastest girls cross-country time in the state entering the FHSAA Class 2A state meet Saturday.

Toby Schwenk

Toby Schwenk is a junior at Sara sota Military Academy who swims on the Booker High boys team, as SMA does not have a swim program. Schwenk won the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.16) and 500-yard freestyle (4:57.96) at the Tornadoes’ Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2A district meet, held Oct. 28 at Arlington Park and Aquatic Com plex. Schwenk also swims for the Sarasota Tsunami club team.

When did you start competitive swimming?

I started swimming when I was 4 years old. My family got me into the sport early. I didn’t start competitive swimming until I was 6. But I always loved being in the water and doing whatever I could in it: swimming, skiing, water polo, diving, snorkeling, everything.

What is the appeal to you?

When I started, swimming was a safe space for me to focus on myself. It still is, but now I’m also swimming to possibly get a college scholarship. Mostly, though, I just love the sport. I love competing.

What is your favorite event?

I like the 200 freestyle and, recently,

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

I have been getting into open-water swimming. After my short-course season is over, I plan on doing more open-water swims. I like those a lot.

What is your favorite memory?

It’s probably my first open-water swim, which was at Fort Myers Beach in April. It was the Open Water Junior Nationals. There were probably 30 15- 17-year-olds swim ming against each other. I started at the back at the pack because ev eryone sprinted up front. I just held on and kept passing people, one by one. Each time, I got more motiva tion to pass the next one. I got up to the top three, but then I injured my shoulder and fell back again. But that feeling of chasing people is one of my favorite moments.

What is your favorite food?

Mac and cheese. It’s a versatile food. You can put meat in it, lobster, pretty much anything.

What is your favorite TV show?

I have to go with “Family Guy.”

What is your favorite subject?

I like both physics and current events. Physics because I can use it in the real world. Current events because I think it’s good to know what’s going on in the world, to stay informed.

Which superpower would you pick?

Probably flight. If I could shoot up to north Georgia or Tennessee for a day and come right back? That would be awesome.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

NEIGHBORS

DRESSED UP DOGS

The Sarasota Farmers Market went to the dogs over the weekend when dozens of costumed owners walked with their costumed pets during a Halloween contest for a good cause.

The 14th annual Dog-O-Ween attracted people in colorful costumes with their pets alongside to downtown Sarasota on Oct. 29. Owners arrived early and mingled before walking together to the competition’s judging area. Money raised at the event benefited the Donte’s Den Foundation adoption programs.

Out and About Sarasota’s Tyler Butler hosted the morning and asked pet owners to walk their costumed contestants down the runway.

Mayor Erik Arroyo, Donte’s Den Foundation president Marsha Panuce and ABC-7 meteorologist Bob Harrigan served as this year’s judges and carefully studied each dog as they stopped on the runway.

The winner was Winston the dog with his owner, Donna Bridge.

This was actually the second year that the pair won the Halloween competition. It was also the second time Bridge, a Tampa resident, made the drive to participate.

“The competition is outside, it’s wellattended and it raises funds for a great cause,” Bridge said. “Winston is very forgiving; he’ll do whatever (costume).”

Winston was a representative of the Jamaican bobsled team, made famous in the 1993 film “Cool Runnings.” To complete the look, Bridge wore a Jamaican shirt. It was all in tribute to Bridge’s husband Peter’s family history with Jamaican athletes in the Olympics.

“I thought it’d be nice to do something about us,” Bridge said.

— HARRY SAYER

Bianca Roberts donned a Queen costume and brought her two Corgis, Kirby and Cricket.

Small Ivy strolled along as a bee.

Henry the lion-dog licks Taylor Ashley in the first row.

Abby Ashton and Bradshaw donned some throwback costumes.

Ham, Chicken and Gnocchi represented Selby Gardens.

Arn Wold ing, Stefanie WoldingJarvis and Waverly Wolding-Jarvis embraced Egyptian culture with their dog Shadow.

Kati Schlabach gives Willa the spotlight.

Photos by Harry Sayer Big Ivy takes the stage.

St. Armands Circle gets Halloween makeover

The shop owners agree. No matter how much candy they buy, they always run out.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

St. Armands Circle trans formed from suave to spooky on Monday to prepare for its annual Fright Night. The clas sic statues that call the circle home were noticeably out of costume. But some merchants were dressed up and decorating their storefronts, all while trying not to eat too much candy.

“I’ve bought a couple bags, but I’ve only eaten two pieces so far,” Just/ Because owner Barbara Pugliese said. “No matter how much I buy, I always run out.”

Pugliese decked her gift shop to the fright-night nines. Eyeballs accented the display window and a skull wreath hung on the door. With spider lights hanging overhead, it was perfectly creepy.

Pugliese’s “couple bags” of candy added up to about 400 pieces, but she doesn’t own a candy shop. Kil wins had 10 boxes set aside, each filled with 500 miniature candy bars in a variety of milk, white and dark chocolate.

The confection shop has also run out of candy on Fright Night, but they just grab it off the shelves. They’re certainly not turning anyone away on Halloween.

“We just grab random things. How are we a candy shop and we don’t have candy on Halloween?” laughed Vanessa Hunter as she dipped a pret zel stick into melted white chocolate.

Kilwins wasn’t sweating the demand, but owner of Le Macaron Veronique Moussier spent $300 and said it still won’t be enough.

“It’s a circle,” she said. “The kids come around many times.”

One thing Moussier didn’t have to buy this year was another costume. Each year, she took great care to dec orate one of the statues. A tradition formed through the St. Armands Circle Association; the merchants were responsible for those classic statues wearing capes.

But after vandals were stealing fin gers and a reckless climber knocked over the Music statue in January, beheading it, the association decided to leave them all bare this year.

“Basically, there was some con cern about setting a bad example,” Executive Director Rachel Burns said. “We want to show the statues the proper respect.”

Especially after an anonymous donor gave $25,000 to a fund set up through the Community Founda tion of Sarasota County to repair the one that was left lying on the ground headless with two broken arms.

Because it is such a fond, long standing tradition, one lone statue at the entrance to the circle donned a black cape and bird mask, but the costumer remains anonymous.

Robert Parelhoff, operations manager of Crab & Fin, dresses up as a sick patient.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Karen Garrison, Tabitha Jongebloed and Anthony Carneglia in front of their pumpkin creations. Garrison carved the crab.

Finnan,

Higson

Quinn

This

•

•

Trick-or-treaters visit Siesta

Siesta Key again played host to costumed trick-or-treating families during daylight hours at the Safe Treats event on Oct. 31. It was the 38th year of the event. Employees of Siesta Village and South Siesta Key shops wore costumes of their own to pass out candy to excited children. Many businesses put up balloons to show candy was available. Participants were encouraged to ride the free Siesta Key Trolley to connect between both trick-or-treating venues.

Children dressed up as vampires, witches, skeletons, astronauts and more.

you know that

P.A. | Kimberly Tocci | Williams Parker

ANNUAL PARTNERS & SPONSORS

— HARRY SAYER

Photos by Harry Sayer Oliver and Emily Jones walk through Siesta Key Village.

Vico Clark and Ava Stadler rest in the shade.

Andrew Butherus, Michele Olup and Jodi Milam embrace the Halloween spirit.

Baker Henry wears a hat to keep cool.

Justin, Amber, Jensen, Jayden and Kayler Poole were an excited group.

IMPLANTS

Trick-ortreating at the Bazaar

The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime brought spooks, scares and plenty of candy to families during its “Boo! at the Bazaar” event on Oct. 29. Families entered the Bazaar and trick-or-treated with vendors. They later went into the courtyard to pick up snacks, play and listen to children’s stories from Read Aloud.

— HARRY SAYER

Kim Livengood sits with Skylar.

Rose Panik and Ross Godwin dressed up as cows.

Photos by Harry Sayer Akoya, Tru and Sceno Robinson pet Dixie the dog.

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET

SATURDAY, NOV. 5 SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIRE Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 5-27 at 29847 State Road 70 E. The Sarasota Medieval Faire promises swords and shining armor fun in Myakka City. $10 for kids, $22 for adults. For information, call 888-303-3247.

SATURDAY, NOV. 5

NAMASTE AT THE BAY 9 a.m. at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. Instructor Jes sica DiLorenzo McHugh leads a yoga class near Sarasota’s bayfront. Free. For information, call 203-5316.

LE MARCHE BOHEMIAN MARKETPLACE 10 a.m. at Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave. The annual market showcasing eclectic creations and oddities returns to downtown Sarasota with music by Michelet Innocent. Free.

HISPANIC FALL FESTIVAL 10 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th St. The St. Jude’s festival returns with live music, food, dance routines and more. For information, call 941-357-4068.

SUNDAY, NOV. 6

SUNDAYS AT THE BAY

6 p.m. at the Bay Park, 655 N. Tamiami Trail. The Jamie Temps Trio brings folk and jazz to the Bay Park at the Common Ground. Free. For information, TheBaySarasota.org.

MONDAY, NOV. 7 MASTER GARDENER PLANT

CLINIC

10 a.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. If you’re looking to get gardening, this clinic put on by the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partnership will get you up to speed on Florida-specialized gardens, composting and all other sorts of green-thumb knowledge. Free. For information, call 861-1230.

SOCRATES CAFE 12:30 a.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. People from different backgrounds meet to exchange ideas and learn new perspectives at this library series. Free. For information, call 861-1230.

TUESDAY, NOV. 8

OPEN LAB IN THE CREATION STATION

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

File photo

Southpointe Shores home sells for $3.1 million

HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Southpointe Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Richard and Emily Crowley, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1733 Little Pointe Circle to Tammi Gustafson, of Hibbing, Minnesota, for $3.1 million. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,199 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,055,000 in 2018.

SARASOTA

THE HOMES OF LAUREL PARK

Martin Hyde, of Sarasota, sold his home at 1655 Alderman St. to William and Meike Dooley, of Sarasota, for $2,025,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,698 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.14 million in 2018.

VUE

Jeremy Nelson and Richard Corey, of Charleston, West Virginia, sold their Unit 206 condominium at 1155 N. Gulfstream Ave. to One Gulfstream LLC for $1.73 million. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,827 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in July.

GROVE HEIGHTS

Jonathan Dean and Mary Colleen Brennan, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 1936 Grove St. to Tracy Lucido and Lauren June Lucido, of Woodstock, Maryland, for $1,453,500. The first property was built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,311 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1926, it has one bedroom, one bath and 380 square feet of living area. They sold for $680,000 in 2018.

SARASOTA-VENICE CO.

Jerzy Sewerynski and Justyna Sewerynska, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2820 Alliance Ave. to Tammi Gustafson, of Hibbing, Minnesota, for $1.3 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,158 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2006.

Andrew Michael Gross and Donna Beth Dobbs, of Barefoot Beach, sold their home at 4250 Swift Road to

Aldo Sharon Wilson and Michael Anne Vender Woude, of Sarasota, for $720,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,330 square feet of living area. It sold for $585,000 in 2008.

THE CONDOMINIUM ON THE BAY

988 Boulevard ARTS LLC sold the Unit 1115 condominium at 988 Boulevard of the Arts to Tommye Elam Barie, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $367,500 in 2011.

OSPREY AVENUE

Wesley Scott Holdings LLC sold two properties at 651 Ohio Place to Mark Joseph Sneider and Meredith Joy Marsh, of St. Louis, for $1,095,000. The first property was built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 1,091 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1925, it has one bedroom, one bath and 432 square feet of living area. They sold for $469,000 in 2005.

GRANADA

Robert Rottkamp, of Venice, sold the home at 3800 Flores Ave. to Christopher and Sophann Bretz, of Sarasota, for $965,000. Built in 1948, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,924 square feet of living area. It sold for $89,500 in 1988.

RIVO AT RINGLING Mark and Anthea Gawel and Xenia Mathews, trustee, of Nokomis, sold the Unit 1004 condominium at 1771 Ringling Boulevard to Frederick Joseph Insogna and Martha Insogna, of Sarasota, for $785,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,735 square feet of living area. It sold for $563,000 in 2006.

PINE SHORES ESTATES

Sheila Auer sold the home at 1818 Ridgewood St. to Valdir Barion and

PERMITS

Carolina Siqueira, of Chicago, for $607,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,665 square feet of living area. It sold for $94,900 in 1996.

PITTMAN-CAMPO

John and Kerry Shkor sold their home at 2358 Milford Circle to Amy Berk, of Sarasota, for $580,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,447 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2021.

ROBIN HOOD WOODS

Luke and Rachel Beilke, of Mankato, Minnesota, sold their home at 930 S. Allendale Ave. to South Point Holdings LLC for $575,000. Built in 1962, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,691 square feet of living area. It sold for $122,600 in 2016.

Other top sales by area

SIESTA KEY: $1.85 MILLION

Ocean Beach Joshua Scott Marcus and Bat-Chen Sarit Marcus sold their home at 515 Reid St. to Robert Young and Deborah Nelson Young, of Medford, New Jersey, for $1,845,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,300 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,299,000 in 2021.

PALMER RANCH: $1.18 MILLION

Deer Creek Walter and Sue Snow, of Venice, sold their home at 8500 Woodbriar Drive to Thomas Chambers and Rosanna Sutherland, of Sarasota, for $1,175,000.

Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,935 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2010.

OSPREY: $820,000

Oaks II Fredric and Barbara Evans, trustees, of Margate City, New Jersey, sold the home at 232 Saint James Park to Allen Angell Jr., of W. Olive, Michigan, for $820,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,128 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2003.

NOKOMIS: $599,000

Sorrento East Thomas and Jerilyn Struzinski, of Bradenton, sold their home at 393 W. Rossetti Drive to Michael Andrew Dickison and Karen Ann Irons, of Nokomis, for $599,900. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,930 square feet of living area. It sold for $349,000 in 2016.

Haas $84,653 2285 Roselawn Circle Pool/Deck Clifton Dunn $80,000

3178 Regatta Circle Pool/Deck Douglas Ehrlich $71,000 5735 Isanda Place Pool/Spa/Deck Rodney Matthews $63,100

Casey Key Road Windows/Doors Richard Miles $62,800

Palos Verdes Drive Re-roof Gail Ward $59,100

Bay Road Pool/Spa/Deck Mario Bringas $57,256

Eric Garwood

The home at 1733 Little Pointe Circle was built in 1970.

timetables while managing expectations. No pressure, no hard sell. Just a genuine desire to make such a big purchase the absolute right one for their buyer.

would certainly encourage anyone looking to buy in the Sarasota market to talk with Lin and Maurice. You will not be disappointed.

Lin and Maurice are the most incredible

PINEHURST PARK

Adam and Faith Schlabach, of Akron, Ohio, sold their home at 2233 Hively St. to Colleen Morrissette, trustee, of Sarasota, for $520,000. Built in 1945, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,982 square feet of living area. It sold for $477,000 in March.

INDIAN BEACH

Steven and Arwen Spinosa, of Sarasota, sold their home at 728 41st St. to Mark Blocker, of Sarasota, for $515,000. Built in 1954, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,435 square feet of living area. It sold for $161,000 in 2013.

SIESTA KEY

CRYSTAL SANDS

Ioannis Ionel Antoniadis, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 1201 condominium at 6300 Midnight Pass Road to Reliable Ready Mix Co Inc. for $1,625,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,240 square feet of living area. It sold for $42,500 in 1972.

TURTLE BAY

Regina Margaret Henricks and Susan Hammond, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 107-B condominium at 8735 Midnight Pass Road to Edward and Heidi Horne and Derek and Heather Burch, of Cornelius, North Carolina, for $925,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,769 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2008.

GULF AND BAY CLUB

Windsor Gulf and Bay Condominium LLC sold the Unit 208 condominium at 6780 Midnight Pass Road to David Watkins, of Sarasota, for $875,000. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,361 square feet of living area.

WHISPERING SANDS

James and Barbara Aylor, trustees, sold the Unit 205 condominium at 225 Hourglass Way to Matthew

and Tisha Rapol, of Newark, Ohio, for $550,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,271 square feet of living area. It sold for $149,500 in 1999.

PALMER RANCH

VILLAGEWALK

Harry Craig Lawson and Mary Kathleen King sold their home at 5773 Valente Place to Robbie Deryl Jones and Shannon Leigh Jones, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,521 square feet of living area. It sold for $488,400 in 2005.

Edmond Ralph Martin and Carolyn Martin, of Palmetto, sold their home at 8864 Etera Drive to Pamela Overmiller, trustee, of Sarasota, for $510,000. Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,534 square feet of living area. It sold for $369,900 in 2005.

VINEYARDS OF SILVER OAK

Andrew John Grindrod and Victoria Grindrod, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 5178 Cote Du Rhone Way to Rafael Bao and Anne-Marie Laroche, of Ontario, Canada, for $789,000. Built in 2002, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,533 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2009.

SANDHILL PRESERVE

Susan Vinocour, of Pittsford, New York, sold the home at 5373 Sundew Drive to Nancy Dyrek, of Sarasota, for $775,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,107 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,500 in 2014.

VILLA PALMERAS

Grace Jaffee Munchel, trustee, and Richard Munchel, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, sold the home at 440 Calle Serena to James Brumbaugh and Mary Donnelly, of Sarasota, for $750,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 3,288 square feet of living area. It sold for $360,000 in 2003.

Kathleen L.

have ever worked with!

THURSDAY, NOV.

FRIDAY, NOV. 4 High:

Chance

SATURDAY, NOV. 5 High:

Chance

SUNDAY, NOV.

High:

Chance

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 3 7:42a 6:44p

Friday, Nov. 4 7:42a 6:44p

Saturday, Nov. 5 7:43a 6:43p

Sunday, Nov. 6 6:44a 5:43p

Monday, Nov. 7 6:44a 5:42p

Tuesday, Nov. 8 6:45a 5:41p Wednesday, Nov. 9 6:46a 5:41p

Monday, Oct. 24

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Thursday, Oct. 27

Friday, Oct. 28

Saturday, Oct. 29

Sunday, Oct. 30

YEAR TO DATE: 2022

2021

MONTH TO DATE:

OH, GOODIE! by Guilherme Gilioli. Edited by Ross Trudeau

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.