Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 11.24.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

INSIDE

WHAT’S

INSIDE

GIFT IDEAS / Page 4 / Holiday SHIPPING DEADLINES

essentials to find the perfect

/ Page 10 / Make sure your

SHARE THE LOVE / Page

something for everyone

gift arrives on time

24 / Check out these great

RECYCLE / Page 38 / Earth-friendly ways

ways to give back

to dispose of your giftwrap

FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

VOLUME 18, NO. 52

YOUR TOWN

Going, going, almost gone Hurricane debris disappearing thanks to preset planning, arcane U.S. laws. SEE PAGE 3

Courtesy photo

(Really) Big Brother Carlos Bates, a Sarasota-chapter volunteer since 2010, was named Big Brother of the Year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Bates, who began as a Big Brother in 2010, has volunteered with little brother Mihretu since 2017. He shares the honor with Big Sister of the Year Harriet Thompson of Venice.

A contract administrator for Verizon, Bates puts the Big in Big Brother naturally, something he explained to his little brother from the outset.

When Mihretu and Bates met, the youngster asked “Why are you so tall?”

“I was born this way.” Carlos responded, and then joked, “Why are you so short?” At that, Mihretu pulled up a chair, climbed up and looked as squarely as he could at Carlos.

“I’m not short. I am tall like you!”

St. Armands seasonal festival launches with happy crowds.

SEE PAGE 10

Spectacularly wintry Lesley Dwyer

Shirley Matthews and Stephen Barnes are new to Longboat Key and excited about the Winter Spectacular in St. Armands Circle.

File photos

Breakfast with Santa coming Before making the rounds on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is planning a breakfast stop from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 17 in Sarasota County to meet with kids and families a week before the big night.

And because Santa is magical, he’ll be at Newtown Estates Park and Laurel Park at the same time.

Along with a chance to chat with the Jolly Old Elf, kids and their families can enjoy breakfast and holiday music at both events. Parents can sign their kids up for either of the events before Dec. 9 at TinyURL. com/57e2r7dm Also, unwrapped gift donations for the event can be dropped off before Dec. 12 at a variety of Sarasota County parks and libraries, including: Colonial Oaks; Pompano Trailhead; Longwood Park; Fruitville Library; Gulf Gate Library; North Sarasota Library and Selby Library.

Food bank shares holiday happiness Turkey and trimmings wait a week but get delivered in time for big day. SEE PAGE 19 Dariela Delgado

Volunteer Scott Weiner waits to load up the next vehicle.

A+E

Time for turducken!

INSIDE

2

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

WEEK OF NOV. 24, 2022

Airport serves 3.8M passengers in year

“A lot of these issues that we have in our community are broader than just the city limits.”

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport this week reported passenger numbers for the past 12 months were at roughly 3.78 million.

Last month alone, the airport had 308,012 passengers travel through, a 12% increase from October 2021.

Rick Piccolo, president and CEO, said in a release that he encourages travelers arrive two hours early, check flight status and look over TSA’s website before heading to the airport.

So far in 2022, there have been 3.1 million passengers. Reaching that number seemed impossible a few years ago before the airport offered 11 airlines and 53 nonstop destinations. The airport recently announced a new flight through Avelo Airlines to Raleigh-Durham International Airport that is expected to begin Feb. 13.

Outgoing City Commissioner Hagen Brody, Read more on page 4

BY THE NUMBERS $5 MILLION

Estimated cost of vegetation debris cleanup from Hurricane Ian in the city of Sarasota.

PAGE 3

36

Points allowed by the Riverview High defense in its last four games.

PAGE 14

Selby Foundation names new CEO

13,000

Number of turkeys and sides packaged to be distributed

by All Faiths Food Bank with funds from the ThankFULL campaign.

PAGE 18

7

STEAM-learning stations visited by Wilkinson Elementary students during their Trotting through Florida event before Thanksgiving break.

Courtesy photo

Jessica Fuesy, center, is congratulated by students, staff and school district officials at Brookside Middle School.

Awards surprise top principals T

PAGE 20

he principal of Pine View School and the assistant principal of Brookside Middle School were honored as Sarasota County Schools’ top school administrators and are now eligible for statewide honors.

Stephen Covert and Jessica Fuesy were both surprised on their respective campuses by school officials and well-wishers.

As the top principal and assistant principal in the Sarasota County public school district, both are among those considered for Florida Department of Education

CALENDAR n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1660 First St. n Sarasota County Commission strategic planning retreat — 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, Sarasota County Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd.

om se.c u o reh

F

The

degree in middle grades mathematics education from Florida State and a master’s in educational leadership from St. Leo College. She’s taught mathematics in seventh and eighth grades along with serving in administrative roles in Leon County.

Sarasota County Schools has received two prior Florida Principal of the Year awards.

Alta Vista Elementary School’s Barbara Shirley received the honor in 2014, and Booker High School’s Rachel Shelley received the honor in 2017.

S A L E S TA R T S F R I . AT 8 A M

Wa

ture urni

Awards. Finalists will be chosen in the spring, and winners announced in the summer of 2023.

Covert, principal at Pine View, has been an educator for 30 years. He received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature/geography from Mary Washington College in Fredricksburg, Virginia and a doctorate in education from Virginia Commonwealth. He’s served in a variety of administrative and educational roles.

Fuesy, assistant principal at Brookside, received a bachelor’s

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s board of directors announced this week the hiring of Susie Bowie as its next CEO, effective March 1.

Carol Butera will retire from the position in April. Bowie is executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation.

“I have been privileged to spend the past 17 years in philanthropy at community foundations, immersed in the work of supporting donor aspirations, building strong nonprofits, and bringing people together to contribute their lived experiences to address the challenges of our time,” she said in a prepared statement.

Before leading MCF, Bowie was vice president of philanthropic education and marketing at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, where she designed and led the first Giving Challenge events in this region. She is a 1998 graduate of the University of Florida.

The foundation supports Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties through capital grants and scholarships. To date, it has awarded more than $120 million to the community.

36 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE $ $ $ $ $ $ 50 OFF 100 OFF 200 OFF NO INTEREST 300 OFF 400 OFF 500 OFF * ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE ANY PURCHASE UNTIL 2025!

OVER $499 OVER $999 OVER $1999 OVER $2999 OVER $3999 OVER $4999 OR USE ONE OF THESE COUPONS

DOORBUSTERS FRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY!

Queen

mattress Queen 9” gel memory foam mattress.

Smart

style Includes counter height table and four pub stools.

299

$

99

299

$

99

5-PC

Euro

chair Recliner and Ottoman.

Available in 2 colors.

24999

$

F U R N I T U R E Entertain. Engage. Escape.

sectional You’ll be dreaming about coming home and lounge on this large sectional.

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

1199

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

99

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

Warmth

79999

$

and style Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in gray.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

CLOSED

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

THANKSGIVING

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

PORT CHARLOTTE Closed for Hurricane Renovation

D AY

*For financing for 36 months a minimum purchase of $3000 or more is required to qualify. For financing of 12 months a minimum purchase of $300 or more is required to qualify. Interest will be charged to your account from the promotional purchase date. Equal Monthly Payments are required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and October be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered by 12/31/22 for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys or Coupon savings. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge.

379664-1

Two-Chaise

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

3

A pile of vegetative debris left behind by Hurricane Ian awaits processing into mulch at the delivery site off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota.

MILES AND PILES Plant debris cleanup operations brought workers and equipment from across the country to Sarasota on a moment’s notice. Disaster-stricken areas have a former congressman from Vermont to thank for it.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

C

leaning up after a hurricane or other natural disaster doesn’t require an act of Congress, but there actually is one to credit for the rapid mobilization and deployment of relief efforts.

Within days after Hurricane Ian blew through Sarasota, trucks emblazoned with names of companies and area codes from across the country began to fan out throughout the city and county; massive claw trucks followed by debris haulers plucking piles of limbs, branches and tree trunks from the sides of streets and delivered them to a makeshift debris site, in the case of the city of Sarasota, off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Similar drop-off sites exist countywide, where thousands of truckloads of debris are collected and often chipped into mulch. More than a million cubic yards have already been collected. (Think 1 million boxes measuring three feet on every side.)

The efficiency of vegetative and other debris clearing is largely credited to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act — or Stafford Act for short — a 1988 federal law designed to bring an orderly means of natural disaster assistance to local governments.

Less than a week after Ian struck, city of Sarasota Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat told city commissioners that, with roughly double the debris left behind by Hurricane Irma in 2017, it could take twice as long to clean it up.

Irma debris took three months to clear.

Last week, though, seven weeks after landfall, the city of Sarasota announced the beginning of the final pass to collect remaining debris amid a noticeable reduction of crews operating on city streets. On a countywide scale, crews are making the last runs at their initial pass, with another still to come.

But where do these workers and

pieces of equipment come from, and how is an emergency operation of that size and scope mobilized? And how are their activities monitored and documented?

And who pays for all this?

“The Stafford Act is a policy guide with regard to how local governments must procure the services and how they have to operate within those guidelines,” Jeffcoat said. “The contractors that we have do this all over the U.S. These contractors try to hire as many local firms to come in and help, but the benefit to us is that they have access to crews from all over the country.”

For governments such as Sarasota’s to qualify for relief funds, paid

by FEMA, they must conform to a specific set of rules.

Not having debris cleanup vehicles in its fleet, the city contracts with debris contractors, each specializing in three specific categories: vegetative (tree limbs, tree trunks and similar); vessels (wrecked boats and cars); and household (shingles, siding, fencing, ruined drywall and carpets, appliances and furniture).

Some of the vendors in the vegetative debris contractors’ stables perform only disaster recovery work.

Others may be tree service companies that are on call as disasters loom.

Local jurisdictions aren’t bound to follow the Stafford Act protocols, as long as they don’t expect FEMA to pay for it.

“If I had to do this with our staff it would probably take nine months to a year, where we’ve been able to do this in almost two months,” Jeffcoat said.

FEMA KEEPS A WATCHFUL EYE

Qualifying for FEMA relief funds requires ongoing preparedness for disaster.

Sarasota typically enters into threeyear agreements with debris contractors with optional renewals.

“Procurement has Stafford Act guidelines, so we have to make sure that we follow that,” Jeffcoat said.

“When FEMA shows up, we then start this process of working with

Vegetative debris haulers await deployment at the delivery site off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota.

Photos by Andrew Warfield

TAKING A BREAK

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Sarasota County’s Disaster Recovery Center will be closed Nov. 24-27. It will reopen Nov. 28, operating 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended to Jan. 12. FEMA individual assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration and other resources are available at the DRC. The county’s debris contractors will break for Thanksgiving from Nov. 22-27 with debris collection resuming Monday, Nov. 28. The two public dropoff sites for vegetative debris permanently closed on Nov. 21.

FEMA reimbursement. They want to see our procurement policies, they want to see the contracts that we have and to ensure that they were done in a proper manner.”

FEMA also requires a separate contractor to monitor the debris collection, documenting that it meets requirements that include not collecting household or demolition debris or that which is bagged.

“When you see the crews out collecting, that’s one contractor, but we have to have two contractors for that,” Jeffcoat said. “We have a contractor that collects, and then we have to have a contractor that monitors and documents the collection process. That’s in keeping with the Stafford Act, and what it does is identifies exactly where the debris is coming from. It ensures that a government agency is collecting debris that is eligible. We are not allowed, for example, to go and collect debris for Sarasota County. They have their own contractors.”

Cities will typically work with multiple contractors for each category of debris although, depending on the severity of the disaster, they may deploy only one.

In multiple contractor scenarios, such as Ian, the city is divided into zones and auditors are responsible for ensuring each contractor remains within its assigned boundaries.

Because there was little damage to cars and boats here, there was no need to deploy a vessels contractor.

For Ian, the process began once the storm entered the Gulf of Mexico, days before it approached Sarasota.

Although it has been five years since Irma, Jeffcoat said the city’s contacts remained the same from 2017.

“As the storm moves closer, our telephone calls become more frequent with regard to what does it look like,” Jeffcoat said. “Are we talking about category 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; or just a tropical storm? And then we start putting together action plans as to how many crews we anticipate based on what type of storm we have. Within 12 hours after the storm is over, I’m meeting with them and we’re driving the city to determine what actual debris is sitting out there. That gives us the capability to start moving within days of bringing

A hand-painted sign marks the entrance to a hurricane vegetative debris delivery site off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Sarasota.

these trucks in to start collecting.”

All trucks must be certified.

They must carry identifying placards on the sides and their dimentions are confirmed before collection begins because payments are based on cubic yards.

All that information is typically written on the side of a truck.

“This process starts immediately for us,” Jeffcoat said. “If we did not have these contracts in place, I could not start this process for probably 45 days because I would have to have 30 contracts approved by the City Commission. Then my biggest issue would be how many resources are still available because they’re already out in other places.”

A SUPPORTING ROLE

City crews do work alongside the contractors, but in a different capacity.

They perform tasks not regulated under the Stafford Act, such as collecting debris that has been bagged or otherwise containerized, or household or demolition items stacked alongside vegetative debris.

Not carefully maintaining the FEMA protocols is not an option.

Jeffcoat estimates the cost of clearing the debris at about $5 million.

Most disaster relief contractors, Jeffcoat said, will hire as many local companies as possible. Those are typically development companies that have the trailers, skid loaders, specialty equipment and staff already in place. They then augment their stock by mobilizing vendors already under contract in other locations for localized disasters elsewhere.

“That’s why you see license plates here from all over,” Jeffcoat said. “I was talking to one of the contractors in debris management who said they have companies from all over the country.

“These subcontractors will follow them. They will be at a forest fire, then they might be at a tornado, and then they end up coming down here after a hurricane.”

STAFFORD? The 71st governor of Vermont, Robert T. Stafford (19132006) also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He is credited for ushering the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which was signed into law in 1988, amending the Disaster Relief Act of 1974. The law constitutes the statutory authority for most federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to FEMA and FEMA programs.

4

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

CONV E RSAT I O N WITH HAGEN BRODY “It’s been really the honor of my life to serve the community in this capacity. We have a great community, an involved community, and even though we’ve been at odds at times, I always appreciated that involvement and attention.”

– Former Sarasota City Commissioner Hagen Brody

Why did you become involved in local politics?

I’ve always had a draw to public service and trying to improve the community, and having grown up here only enhances my desire to make Sarasota a great place. I had a great experience as a child in Sarasota, and I wanted to ensure that future generations have a great community to grow up in like I did.

Courtesy photo

Hagen Brody served five-and-a-half years on Sarasota City Commission.

As the Sarasota native steps away from the dais, he discusses progress the city made during his five-plus years as a city commissioner.

ANDREW WARFIELD | STAFF WRITER

F

rom restoration of the Bobby Jones Golf Complex to the Bay Runner trolley to comprehensive plan amendments intended to incentivize affordable and workforce housing, Hagen Brody looks back on the accomplishments of the

city during his five-and-a-half years as a city commissioner. After stepping down from the dais on Monday following an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Sarasota County Commission, he discussed his time as an elected official during a Q&A with the Sarasota Observer.

How is the city different from your childhood?

My grandparents moved here in the ’70s and it was very much a golf and fishing town. The natural beauty of Sarasota has been discovered.

It was kind of a well-kept secret back then, but we’ve seen Sarasota become an incredibly desirable place for people to move. That’s really put us on a new trajectory, and we’re still trying to come to terms with that and figure out what kind what kind of community we want to be because there’s just no denying that people are going to continue to want to live here. That comes down to how we’re going to manage that.

What progress has been made to manage that while in office?

We’ve made a lot of changes at City Hall in our management and management practices over that period of time. We have a much more responsive and professional city government than we had and it is well-positioned to deliver for the residents. We’ve made a lot of headway in dealing with longstanding issues when I came into office that had been lingering and festering for a long time.

What were those issues?

The big ones for me were the Lido Beach renourishment, which had been going on for decades, and also the Bobby Jones golf complex. We brought both of those to positive conclusions that are going to continue to be great assets. Not just those lingering issues, but we also made progress on important issues to the community like affordable housing, bringing online a number of new units in partnership with the Housing Authority through Lofts on Lemon. We also laid the groundwork through the comprehensive plan changes to create the framework for the next commission to really make headway on improving the housing options for working people in our community.

The planning department was one of the casualties of the Great Recession when the city scaled back services. You’ve spoken in the past about the commission having rebuilt that department.

How important is that?

I just think it is critical to the intelligent redevelopment of our community. They’re now working diligently on affordable housing changes that just wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Having professional planners who work for the citizens is important because these are tough issues, complicated issues, and you need people who have the education and experience in these areas in order to get the best result possible.

The redevelopment of the bayfront has brought significant

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

SARASOTA & SIESTA KEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 2nd from 5-8pm

LIKE US

www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

FOLLOW US

www.instagram.com/observergroup

WATCH US

Looking for a break join us downtown and support local merchants!

Stroll trendy fashion boutiques, art galleries, experience wine tastings and live music throughout Main Street

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

FOLLOW US

392182-1

https://twitter.com/observergroup

Sponsored by Destination Downtown Sarasota Follow @DestinationDowntown Sarasota on Facebook & Instagram

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

The comprehensive plan amendments were among the most controversial issues during your time on the commission.

How will they eventually result in more attainable and affordable housing?

The spirit of the amendments is going to not only add more affordable options for working people, but they’re also going to improve the experience and the quality of life of the people affected by these changes whether you look at downtown where we really have an exclusionary zoning code now that only produces large luxury units — many of which are filled with part-time residents and are just unaffordable to our working class — to our commercial corridors that have just long been a problem.

The North Trail and even along U.S. 41 in the southern part of the city are in need of redevelopment, and I think everybody understands that acknowledges that. Redevelopment can be a good thing if it’s done right,

and I think that that’s what these zoning changes will ultimately accomplish.

What was your thinking behind running for the County Commission?

A lot of these issues that we have in our community are broader than just the city limits. These are things that are not just our county, but our region has to deal with. I felt good about the trajectory of the city and where the city was at both internally at City Hall and externally, and I just felt that I could make a little bit of a broader difference in the county, but it didn’t work out.

Second thoughts?

I try to not dwell on those types of decisions. I’m really just thankful that I got an opportunity to make a difference in the city.

Will you consider making another run for City Commission?

I am not running for anything in the foreseeable future. It’s a unique experience, being in an elected position. I still have a desire to make positive impact in my community, but I can do that in other ways.

What are the important matters facing the new commission?

Redeveloping some of our downtown corridors like Main Street and improving those streetscapes is going to be really important to continue to allow our small businesses and restaurants to compete with other areas that are that are doing a great job. I think that affordable housing and workforce housing zoning text amendments is going to be an incredibly important moment in the future of our city. This next Commission is going to have to address and make some tough decisions. The performing arts center is another one that I think is going to be critical to the future of our arts and cultural identity.

If a new performing arts center moves forward, should the Van Wezel be preserved?

There are some folks who are trying to drive that discussion into

it’s either the Van Wezel or it’s a new performing arts center, and I don’t think anybody at City Hall is looking at it that way. I think we all want to see the Van Wezel as an architecturally significant icon of our community evolve, but also have a next-generation, top-tier performing arts center for the future. I’ve never looked at those as mutually exclusive. I think we have the bandwidth where the Van Wezel can be reimagined into something that offers something different, or can maybe house another cultural organization, but also have a flagship performing arts center that can accommodate top-tier entertainers and performances.

As a public investment, how does bringing top-tier performances here benefit the city?

Arts and culture brings up to $350 million of economic benefit to our community. Most of it is in the city of Sarasota. If we lose organizations, that benefit is diluted.

What was the most significant challenge of the past five years?

The biggest curveball we’ve had was COVID, and so when we talk about the future you don’t know what the next big thing might be.

I think having a city government that is able to address anything that comes our way is really the most important thing that we’ve done.

One of the foreseeable possibilities is an economic downturn to some degree, and that’s why getting our fiscal house in order and building up our reserves was so important.

When I look about at my time in office, a measure that I use is what issues were at the forefront when I was first elected, and you don’t hear about those issues anymore because we really addressed them. When I was elected it was unfunded liabilities in the pension system. It was relationships between the city and county. It was homelessness, which you still hear about but we’ve made incredible progress there. Those lingering issues like Bobby Jones, a lot of that has gone away, and so it’s new issues and new challenges that the new commission will be addressing.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

MONDAY, NOV. 21

FISH STORY 9:08 a.m., 1600 block of Ken Thompson Parkway Burglary of unoccupied building: Police took a fish hook and fishing line into evidence to aid in their investigation of a burglary and a bit of improper fishing in a shark tank at a location on City Island, the name of which was redacted in a police incident report, as often is the case with burglary reports.

Marine-wildlife experts at the laboratory and aquarium reported finding a 4-foot shark in one of its tanks with a baited hook in its mouth and a length of fishing line trailing behind. Experts were able to remove the hook without injury to the shark.

Officers were told the felonious angler likely dipped the line overnight while the facility was closed, because no one noticed anything wrong with the shark at closing time the evening before.

The experts showed officers the offlimits-to-the-public area where the fishing likely took place. Additional evidence was found there.

Entry to the facility was potentially through the rear delivery door, officials said. No camera coverage of that area exists, the report said.

5

COPS CORNER

new property tax revenue to the city, but it has also contributed to the attainable housing crisis.

How has the city worked toward creating a balance between the two?

The first thing to understand is that what we have today is the product of our rules and regulations that have been in place. Some of it has produced positive change, some not so positive. Now is the time to reflect on what’s been produced and ask, ‘Do we need more of this or do we need to change course?’

The affordable housing crisis in our community really has spoken for itself that we’re not getting the spectrum of housing that either we had hoped for, or that we need. And so we’ve taken a critical look at our codes and rules and regulations and asked why haven’t we produced this important part of that process?

The direction we’re going is a change for the better in that we’ll be able to see more affordable units being produced not just through mandatory inclusionary zoning, but also through market rate units that are going to be smaller and more affordable than the large luxury units that are that are produced today.

|

THURSDAY, NOV. 17

TREE LIMBS BEWARE 8:30 a.m., Fruitville Road and North Tuttle Avenue Suspicious incident: An officer briefly detained a man with a machete on a sidewalk. The man told the officer he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, but rather was cutting tree limbs. The man agreed to not cut any more tree limbs. After checking for wants or warrants, the officer released the man and told him to leave the area, which he did.

Our warehouses are overflowing with genuine leather seating, we must LIQUIDATE IMMEDIATELY!

$5MILLION OVERSTOCK SELL-OFF For the first time in our 26 YEAR HISTORY we slashed our prices on our ENTIRE INVENTORY!

SAVE UP TO

65

%

OFF

ALL THE FAMOUS BRANDS YOU TRUST

OUR LEAXPERTS™ ARE FLUENT IN THE LANGUAGE OF L E A T H E R | www.floridaleathergallery.com

392037-1

Shown: Natuzzi Editions “Brivido” Reclining Sofa in 100% Genuine Italian Leather

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

THE PERFECT END RESULT

Planning Board OKs North Trail apartments

S TA R T S W I T H A G R E AT B E G I N N I N G

The Sarasota Planning Board has approved the plan for twin apartment developments that will bring 120 units to the northern end of North Trail Overlay District.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W Design Consultant . Wallpaper . Rugs . Upholstery . Custom Bedding

Beginning to End Interiors & Blinds 941.924.4481 | www.B2END.com | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C Sarasota, FL 34233

376852-1

22 Years Experience.

Our Physicians Lead the Nation in the Quality of Care They Deliver to Patients of Medicare Age Take charge of your health and schedule with our primary-care physicians today!

ith last week’s unanimous approval of the Sarasota Planning Board, a pair of twin, but not identical, apartment developments are coming to North Tamiami Trail. The board unanimously approved Sapphire North and Sapphire South, which combined will bring 120 apartments to the North Trail Overlay District.

The matter was continued from Oct. 12 because Hurricane Ian prevented city staff from placing signs announcing the hearing in advance of that meeting. Jarzi Realty Advisors plans to build Sapphire North at 4501 and 4415, and Sapphire South at 4229 and 4211 N. Tamiami Trail, both on property cleared of prior buildings and adjacent to the Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores neighborhood.

Sapphire North will comprise 61 units on 2.17 acres and Sapphire South 59 units on 2.05 acres, both conforming to the overlay district design standards of buildings adjacent to Tamiami Trail with parking and amenities in the rear. The buildings will be four stories.

There are no units in the affordable housing classification included in the projects.

“This is workforce housing. It’s not affordable,” said Brent Parker of the Sarasota architecture firm Parker Walter Group. “They paid full-boat retail for the property and so that opportunity wasn’t there.”

The two properties are separated by two blocks along the west side of U.S. 41.

The projects will be similar in scope and architecture to another Jarzi development, Solle Apart-

ments at North Tamiami Trail and 24th Street.

The new urbanism design concept of both projects pushes the buildings adjacent to the roadway and hides parking and amenities behind the structures. Such developments are incentivized in the North Trail Overlay District in part by requiring fewer parking spaces per unit in an effort to encourage transit-oriented redevelopment along U.S. 41.

The two properties will average a combined 1.46 parking spaces per unit, nearly 50% more than the required one space per unit.

The reduced parking in the North Trail District was a topic of discussion among the Planning Board members who wondered if parking would spill over into adjacent neighborhood streets.

“I know that’s part of new urbanism where we’re looking to require fewer parking spaces to encourage people to walk and those who don’t even have cars,” said Planning Board member Daniel Clermont. “What I want to know is have we had experience with that in the city and how is it going?”

While there isn’t enough experience in Sarasota to render an opinion on that, Senior Planner Dan Ohrenstein said the concept is incorporated across the country.

“It is commonplace in the city’s historical neighborhoods such as Laurel Park and other areas to have one parking space per unit,” Ohrenstein said. “You can look at any historical district in America and they don’t have two parking spaces per unit. It is part of the downtown code where we do have one parking space per unit, but most of the recent buildings that have been built have been luxury units and they haven’t taken advantage of the one parking space per unit.”

In addition to parking, the developer addressed concerns about how the project will impact infrastructure, particularly storm drainage. Jarzi’s Marlon Matza said the redevelopment will enhance the streetscape and the drainage there.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY TREE WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE

Roshni Patel, MD Family Medicine

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

Call for a free 15-30 min. consultation

941-315-2114

391312-1

M. Michelle Robles, Esq.

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

389695-1

941.957.9313 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 201 Sarasota, Florida 34231 391847-1

6

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Featured Listings

Siesta Key | Harbor Towers 5855 Midnight Pass Road #119 | $775,000 Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790 Taylor Thompson | 941.928.2372

Lakewood Ranch | Arbor Grande

Siesta Key | Place 450

2806 Starwood Court | $1,499,000

450 Beach Road #5 | $1,449,000

Chris Wortman | 239.273.2007

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Myakka City | 10 Acres

Sarasota | The Landings

6410 Wauchula Road | $1,995,000

5110 Kestral Park Way S | $1,675,000

Samantha Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302

Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Featured William Raveis Luxury Properties

Naples | Florida

Jupiter Island | Florida

3240 Gin Lane | $23,950,000

318 S Beach Road | $22,900,000

Naples Park Shore Office | 239.529.5451

Jupiter Island Office | 772.546.2381

Jupiter | Florida

Naples | Florida

19661 N Riverside Drive | $10,900,000

450 Gulf Shore Boulevard N | $21,900,000

Palm Beach Worth Ave Office | 561.655.6570

Naples Broad Avenue South Office | 239.307.4612

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

376739-1

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

7

8

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

THE BEDROCKS OF AMERICA Thanksgiving is much more than remembering the Pilgrims’ and Native Americans’ first feast and being thankful for what we have. It reminds us why the Pilgrims came to America: for the freedom to worship.

What drove the Pilgrims to America

MATT WALSH

Editor’s note: These two editorials originally appeared Nov. 23, 2017.

K

irsten Hazelton, a secondgrade teacher at Southside Elementary School in Sarasota, gave her students an assignment for Veterans Day. One of those students, Rhys Parry, 7, wrote a letter to his uncle, a captain in the Marine Corps Raiders, its special forces division.

Parry thanked his uncle for serving. And by way of every child’s uncanny ability to state simple, direct truths and profound common sense, young Parry wrote: “Freedom is the best thing in the world.”

If only every American took that to heart. Especially today.

What a tragedy that so many don’t appreciate that truth. They take their freedom for granted, oblivious to this extraordinary gift.

So be thankful today. Block out the noise, the national politics, the cultural strife and the depravity that has consumed us. As you gather with family and friends for your traditional Thanksgiving feast, we take this space this week to urge our readers to take stock, at least for a few minutes.

If you think deeply enough about the meaning of Thanksgiving, there is so much more to this day than being thankful for the bounty on our tables. So much more to Thanksgiving than the story of the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims celebrating the harvest with the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621, or thanking God for the end of the drought in 1622.

To a great extent, the first Thanksgivings were the celebratory culminations of the miraculous journey of a small band of Europeans in search of a place to be free — to escape persecution and be free to practice their religion and their way of life.

That was their raison d’être — freedom of religion. And today, you can say that principle is the fundamental rock, the bedrock, the perpetual birthstone of America.

And yet, here we are, 400 years later, continuing to fight for that right and principle. And if you think about that, consider also what it will require to preserve that right — and the other rights granted to us in the Constitution.

Take inspiration from the courage of the Pilgrims and how they persevered through the long, harrowing journey from England to Holland to Plymouth Rock.

Freedom will always be a difficult journey.

We’ve made a tradition each year of retelling the story and roots of Thanksgiving because the story of the Pilgrims helps reset our compass. It reminds us how we came to be — the New Hope in the New World. It reminds us of why we came to be. It reminds us of the price our ancestors paid to be free and to be free to worship as they wished. It reminds us to be thankful for all the blessings we have. And it reminds us that Rhys Parry is right: “Freedom is the best thing in the world.”

Happy Thanksgiving.

MISERY WORSE THAN DEATH

But sailing 200 miles to the Netherlands was no small matter. It was a monumental ordeal. Bradford describes the fear many of the separatists had of leaving England, as bad as it was, as “a misery worse than death.”

“But these things did not dismay them — for their desires were set on the ways of God and to enjoy his

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 Writers / Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com; Dariela Delgado, DDelgado@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Spencer Fordin, SFordin@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

T

he roots of Thanksgiving Day go far deeper than the story of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in 1621. Yes, they were thankful to God for their bountiful harvest and their newfound Native American friends.

But if you can imagine yourself in the shoes of any of the original 102 Pilgrims who sailed from Leiden, Holland, for America, a land unknown, and who survived that tumultuous journey, followed by two years of near starvation, your gratitude simply for being alive would put a whole new perspective on Thanksgiving. It was far more than being thankful for a big fall harvest and feast.

Seldom, if ever, do we focus in our history texts on the details that compelled the Pilgrims — also known as separatists, Puritans and Calvinists — to set sail. The textbooks typically mention they fled religious persecution. But especially today, in this world of widespread and horrific religious persecutions, it’s instructive to remember the details of why the Pilgrims mustered the courage to cross the Unknown Ocean for freedom: for religious freedom.

In his 500-page account of Plymouth Plantation, Gov. William Bradford wrote how his fellow Calvinists in England became “hunted and persecuted on every side, so as their former afflictions were but as flea-bitings in comparison of these which now came upon them.

“For some were taken and clapped up in prison; others had their houses beset and watched night and day, and hardly escaped their hands; and most were fain to flee and leave their houses and habitations, and the means of their livelihood,” Bradford wrote.

After a year of this and meeting in secret to practice their worship of God, they saw “they could no longer continue in this condition,” and “resolved to get over into Holland.”

The people of Amsterdam, they had heard, accepted the free practice of religion.

“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.”

British artist Bernard Gribble’s painting of the Pilgrims boarding the Mayflower

ordinances,” Bradford wrote.

The trip to Holland was horrible for many. Chartered ship operators, once at sea with the separatists, robbed them, ransacked their belongings, molested many of the women and then sailed back into the original port and turned over the separatists to local authorities, who then imprisoned them.

Amazingly, the separatists didn’t give up. “Some few shrunk at these first conflicts and sharp beginnings,” Bradford wrote, “yet many more came on with fresh courage and greatly animated others. And in the end, notwithstanding all these storms of opposition, they all got over at length.”

For 12 years, the Calvinist-separatist-Pilgrims lived and practiced their religion in freedom and peace in Leiden, an area within Holland where many of them became weavers.

And then the trouble began again.

Bradford wrote of “Arminians, who greatly molested the whole state” and university professors and other preachers who began to slander the Pilgrims’ religious practices.

The tormenting rose to such a level that Bradford said some of his neighbors preferred being in prison in England than “this liberty in Holland, with these afflictions.”

Distressed by the increasing abuse, the separatists’ elders began to look ahead. They believed within a few years they “were fearful either to be entrapped or surrounded by their enemies” and unable to flee.

What’s more, they worried about their children. It was common for children to labor long hours in the

mills, “their bodies bowed under the weight.” Many children also were falling to the temptations of youthful “licentiousness” and being drawn into “extravagant and dangerous courses,” Bradford wrote. Parents saw “their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and be corrupted.”

At the same time, many of the separatists looked outward and spoke among their neighbors of “advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world,” Bradford wrote.

DIFFICULT, BUT NOT INVINCIBLE

All three of these influences — persecution, the well-being of their families’ future generations and spreading God’s word — combined to motivate the Pilgrims to seek a new beginning. As they discussed their options, Bradford wrote, “It was answered. … The difficulties were many, but not invincible.”

So they set sail to a land unknown. Bradford wrote of “winds so fierce and the seas so high” and the Mayflower “shroudly shaken” and leaky, raising the constant fear the ship would sink and that they would perish at sea.

When they finally stepped on land in the Cape Cod harbor, Bradford wrote, the Pilgrims “fell upon their knees and blessed the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof.”

Freedom and freedom of religion — these are the bedrocks of America.

— MW

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

There’s a right way to start a term Next Tuesday will be the first meeting for the four newly elected members of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board. We hope they have the good sense to begin their fouryear terms with the dignity, decorum, deference, professionalism and wisdom their new positions require.

And that they remain levelheaded when the Sarasota County Moms for America and Dr. Stephen Guffanti appear at Tuesday’s meeting. As the accompanying flyer says, the Moms plan to ask the hospital board “to launch an investigation committee to determine the bizarre medical care of the hospital covid protocols.”

Huh? To determine what?

The choice of words is, well, a bit “bizarre” in itself. And for sure, those words have the effect — whether intentional or not — of signaling confrontation is on the minds of the Moms, or at least its president, Tonya Parus.

Parus told The Observer she created the flyer after recent conversations with Guffanti. She says the flyer came about “from a request by many people in the

community” who want to know why Sarasota Memorial Hospital used the protocols it did in the treatment of patients during the COVID outbreak.

“We did the flyer so we could tell community members if they wanted to come show their support” at the meeting, Parus said.

Mind you, Guffanti has a motive for seeking an “investigation committee” as well. He has protested his treatment at Sarasota Me-

morial when he had COVID and has been an outspoken critic of hospital management.

Parus said her aim for seeking the committee is to bring about more transparency to the hospital’s protocols, particularly for “all those whose loved ones” were treated at Sarasota Memorial during the height of the pandemic.

Worth noting: Asked if she consulted with the three new hospital board members whose photos appear on her flyer, Parus said she did not.

While those three board members — Bridgette Fiorucci, Patricia Maraia and Victor Rohe — campaigned for their seats in part because they, too, want more transparency, surely they are smart enough to know that beginning their four-year terms by declaring war Tuesday on the hospital’s management and medical corps is not the right strategy to effect whatever positive changes they seek to make.

To his credit, Rohe told us: “I don’t think it will be helpful to have a lot of people there. Anything that’s done needs to be deliberative.”

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

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

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

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

File photo

Arlington Park residents have objected in the past to residential development plans at the site.

Planning Board rejects plan for Bahia Vista Apartments The Sarasota Planning Board recommends against approval of a 250-unit apartment community on the former Doctors Hospital site. The plans call for 42 affordable housing units.

ner of Bahia Vista Road and South Tuttle Avenue. The site is the former location of Doctors Hospital of Sarasota.

After more than a year of dormancy, the project resurfaced on the heels of approval of the city’s comprehensive plan amendments that allow for density bonuses as an incentive to incorporate affordable housing units in new residential and mixed-use developments. Residents of the surrounding Arlington Park neighborhood objected then as they

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Sarasota’s recently approved comprehensive plan amendments had their first test last Friday before the city’s Planning Board.

They didn’t pass.

By a 3-2 vote, the Planning Board voted not to recommend rezoning and site plan approval for Bahia Vista Apartments, a proposed four-story, 250-unit multifamily community on a six-acre site at the southwest cor-

did this past Friday that the size and the scale of the multifamily project were incompatible with the community and would only exacerbate existing traffic congestion in and around their community.

In agreement with them was the majority of the Planning Board, with Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, Michael Blumetti and Douglas Christy voting to not recommend approval of the rezoning and site plan. Assistant City Engineer Daniel Clermont, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Chairman Terrill Salem, and Michael Halflants opposed the motion to deny.

The project is the first proposal before the Planning Board that conforms to the comprehensive plan amendments that allow greater densities outside the downtown core, providing the project includes a minimum of 25% of the bonus density as affordable housing units.

The permitted density on the site is 25 units per acre. The developer seeks affordable housing density bonus of 17 additional units per acre, eight fewer than the comp plan amendment allows providing rezoning approval.

“In our case, there are 150 units that can be provided by right. That’s the 25 units per acre,” said Joel Freedman of Freedman Consulting Group, representing developer Bahia Vista Associates.

“We’re asking for 100 bonus units.

To be able to do that, we need to provide at least 25 affordable units.

In this case, nine of the units would be for people with 80% or less area median income, eight of the units would be for people 80% to 100% of AMI and then the other eight units would be for people with 100% to 120% AMI. In addition, the applicant is proffering that they will provide 10 additional affordable housing units for 30 years.”

While that exceeds the affordable housing goals for an individual project, the majority of the Planning Board sided with residents who called it the wrong project at the wrong location, being bounded on three sides by single-family homes.

Clermont warned residents, though, that something will eventually be built by-right on the site that would likely generate more traffic than the

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

apartments. The current zoning allows for medical and charitable institutional use, and multifamily with a density of up to 25 units per acre.

Medical offices that currently operate there, said Freedman, generate more traffic than would the apartments. The current 400-space parking structure would remain and be renovated.

“The 67,000-square-foot existing office building generates 233 p.m. peak hour trips. We’re going to generate 110 p.m. peak hour trips,” Freedman said. “The existing traffic out there is not fun to be around, but it’s because of the existing conditions. We believe, and these numbers show, we’re going to generate less traffic. Go to some of these apartment complexes and watch what happens with the traffic. It’ isn’t as bad as everyone perceives.”

Sarasota Senior Planner Dan Ohrenstein said 250 apartments will result in an average of two vehicles per minute during peak morning and afternoon rush hours.

Clermont attempted to alleviate traffic concerns by asking Ohrenstein about the difference in the number of vehicle trips 25 units per acre generate, the current by-right residential zoning of the site, and requested 42 units per acre.

“That would be about 70 to 80 vehicles,” Ohrenstein said of the peak hour average traffic count for the lower density model, 30 to 40 fewer than the higher density plan.

Among concessions the developer offered are the removal of balconies on one side of the building facing single-family homes, adding four feet of screening on each level of the parking deck to prevent headlight glare from leaving the structure, deeper than required setbacks on all sides of the project, and dense natural screening to buffer the parking structure from the residences.

The existence of that 400-space parking deck suggests something eventually will be built there, neighbors were told. It may still be the Bahia Vista Apartments. Assistant City Attorney Michael Connelly said he expects the matter will go before the Sarasota City Commission on Jan. 17.

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

5315 HIDDEN HARBOR RD | OFFERED AT $4.5M

7323 PINE NEEDLE RD | OFFERED AT $3.6M

1

No. 1844 OLEANDER ST | OFFERED AT $1.975M

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

778 SIESTA DR | $6M

SOLD

1280 HIDDEN HARBOR WAY | $7M 3731 INDIAN BEACH PL | $6M 521 CASEY KEY RD | $5M 3423 LA PALOMA AVE | $3.55M 7340 PINE NEEDLE RD | $3.5M | RECORD SALE 642 WATERSIDE WAY | $3.2M 5382 SHADOW LAWN DR | $3M | RECORD SALE 657 SIESTA DR | $2.5M 497 ISLAND CIR | $2.45M | RECORD SALE 7840 MIDNIGHT PASS RD | $2M 1660 SUMMERHOUSE LN #101 | $1.925M 650 CALLE DEL OTONO #C | $1.7M 5354 SHADOW LAWN WAY | $1.7M 6150 MIDNIGHT PASS RD #40 A & B | $1.55M 117 PIERSON LN | $1.525M 8700 MANGILLI RD | $1.45M

SIESTA KEY | $7M

SOLD

NEW

RECENTLY SOLD

PENDING

$95 MILLION PENDING & SOLD IN 2022 CALL THE JUDIE BERGER TEAM TO JOIN OUR SUCCESS

SIESTA KEY | $1.2M

23 Years Connecting Buyers and Sellers Ranked in the Top 1.5% of Realtors ® in the USA For Your Professional Home Valuation - homesofsarasota.com 941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com 380451-1

Wir Sprechen Deutsch Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

9

10

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

|

Nicole, Natalie and Anthony Lamberti take a train ride around St. Armands Circle Park.

Winter Spectacular wows St. Armands Circle visitors Kate Guerin takes a moment to smile on the skating rink at the St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular.

Anna Gorelova and Chloe Perez enjoy the carousel during a visit from New York.

F

ans of all things festive enjoyed Friday night’s opening of the six-week Winter Spectacular in St. Armands Circle.

Shirley Matthews and Stephen Barnes are new to Longboat Key from Hawaii and wanted to get in the Christmas spirit, so Matthews arrived wearing an elf sweater dress and light-up glasses. Her outfit summed up the energy of opening night.

Not all the spectacular has to offer was on display yet. The virtual sleigh ride with Santa was still en route, along with the Elfie Selfie station, Letters to Santa mailbox and a “Disney-grade” snow machine that launches 75 feet.

There was still plenty to enjoy. The carousel and a ride-on train were in constant motion. First-time skaters were hitting the synthetic ice rink, and foam filled the air from the temporary snow machine. Not nearly Disney-grade, the bubbly snow caused audible delight in children and adults alike each time it turned on.

For the tourists, the holiday stop was a happy

surprise after dinner in the circle. Three generations of Fletchers were visiting from Orlando.

“This is awesome,” Susan Fletcher said, “We were so excited to see this for the grandkids.”

Locals agreed. Melody Kroth had little ones in ballet class and needed something to do with her teenagers. And Sam Wade saw the event on Facebook.

“I thought, what are we going to do Friday night?” Wade said. “They love the carousel. We went on three times.”

Most evenings feature live entertainment from local school children and area arts organizations.

Movies play on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. The website includes a complete list of performances.

The Winter Spectacular will be in the circle until Jan. 3 and is a cashless event. It’s easiest to book online at WinterOnTheCircle.com before going, but there are tablets and staff members at the entrance to help with purchases.

—LESLEY DWYER

Home Care Services Customized to your

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

needs

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

15% OFF Entire Purchase*

30

on Black Friday only (11/25/22) In-store sales only and excludes hard goods.

YEARS

of EXPERTISE

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

Caring starts here. Contact me today.

941.925.9532

SIESTA KEY

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.

Nicci Kobritz, President

Scan for Article.

Steps to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s

youthfulaginghomecare.com License 299991326

370112-1

www.SwimCity.com

375305-1

nkobritz@youthfulaginghomecare.com

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

LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT

392041-1

$2395 Implant, Post, & Crown

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

OVER $189 MILLION SOLD AND PENDING IN 2022 OVER $216 MILLION IN CLOSED SALES IN 2021

JUST LISTED $16,800,000

8218 SANDERLING ROAD SANDERLING - SIESTA KEY

LUXURY REAL ESTATE DEFINED

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11/27 | 1 – 4 P.M. $5,890,000

$3,450,000

3954 ROBERTS POINT ROAD SIESTA KEY

709 TREASURE BOAT WAY SIESTA KEY

$4,900,000

$575,000

3726 FLAMINGO AVENUE SIESTA KEY

6535 41ST COURT EAST CASCADES

NO. 1 TEAM in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Donna Soda, REALTOR® Donna.Soda@PremierSIR.com 941.961.5857

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR RECORD-BREAKING LUXURY SALES AND HOW WE CAN WORK FOR YOU, SCAN THE QR CODE.

Joel Schemmel, J.D., REALTOR® Joel.Schemmel@PremierSIR.com 941.587.4894 SCHEMMELSODAGROUP.COM With expert market knowledge and unparalleled team resources, we can provide the highest level of service throughout the buying and selling process for customers on the barrier islands, in mainland neighborhoods, and in the area’s golf course and master-planned communities, including Lakewood Ranch and Palmer Ranch.

CONTACT US TODAY!

392930-1

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

12

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

National project blooms at ODA

Nancy Wellford - 100th Birthday

ODA students are the first in Florida to be part of the Ten Thousand Flowers project.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

C

Nancy Wellford (nee Clark) is a long-time Sarasota resident, having moved from Tennessee with her husband Marion and their children in the 50s. She grew up in Michigan during the Depression, and her parents, Randall and Marie Clark, were both artists. Nancy came of age during WWII, during which time she left Colorado College and joined the WAVES (Women’s Navel Reserve).

She developed an early love of travel and, after the war, went to Mexico City alone to study silversmithing. She met her husband Marion Wellford in Memphis, Tennessee, where she gave birth to their children Robin, Lin, Karen, and Philip, before moving the family to Sarasota, where their youngest son, Eric, was born. In Sarasota, she became involved in the local arts community, dividing

elia Rayman, a sophomore at the Out-of-Door Academy, carefully applied paint to her brush before dabbing pink on a flower petal on the mural in front of her.

It might only be one flower among 10,000, but this one was going to be as good as possible. Every time she walks past the mural in the stairwell of the upper school’s arts center in Lakewood Ranch, she will know she was part of something special.

That something special is the Ten Thousand Flowers project of Pennsylvania artist Tim Gibson.

So far, Gibson has traveled and completed murals in 17 states. Once he reaches 10,000 flowers, his mission will be complete. After the contributions of ODA’s lower school Nov. 9 and upper school Nov. 11, the flower count stands at 2,860.

“It doesn’t matter what state you’re from, what your background is, who you are,” Gibson said. “We’re here having fun painting flowers and connecting everything.”

ODA’s lower school in Siesta Key was his first stop in Florida.

Gibson outlined the mural for the students who then painted the mural using a paint-by-numbers method.

Every ODA student had an opportunity to paint the mural.

Senior Harper Campbell was surprised to take part.

“I have a class upstairs, so I walk up the stairwell every day,” Campbell said. “I thought it was crazy, seeing all the outlines. Then one of my classmates actually told me we were going to be the ones to actually be able to paint it. I thought it was so cool.”

Leslie Garasic, an ODA high school art teacher, was scrolling through Facebook looking for a group activity for middle and high school students

her time between raising her children and creating beautiful sculptures out of clay and marble. Later, she turned her skills to basket-weaving. Nancy continued to travel the world into her 80s, visiting Egypt, the Galapagos, Morocco and Thailand. Her beautiful Sarasota school of architecture home reflects her varied interests and artistic sensibilities.

She has a longtime involvement in the Sarasota Succulent Society, and was the president of that organization into her 90s. Nancy is still an avid gardening enthusiast and bird-watching hobbyist as well as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother: the matriarch of her family.

Happy 100th birthday to Nancy Wellford! She will be celebrating this special day surrounded by friends and family.

392941-1

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

Liz Ramos

Sophomore Travis Novak works on the mural with artist Tim Gibson and sophomore Collin Dillingham. The Ten Thousand Flowers Project has 2,860 flowers and growing.

when she stumbled on the project.

“I thought, ‘What a cool idea,’” Garasic said. “He’s bringing all these murals together as puzzle pieces.”

For ODA, the mural serves a dual purpose. It’s an opportunity for all students to work together, but also it links the school’s two campuses.

“Our roots are from the lower campus,” Garasic said. “Our history was made there. Sometimes I think we forget about that little magical place down on the key that feeds into here, where it becomes more of a collegiate type of atmosphere.”

Georgia Henry, a sixth-grader, said participating in the mural project gave each of the students an opportunity to leave their mark.

Sixth-grader Mason Hunn said it was a privilege to be a part of a national project.

At the upper school, a small group of middle and high school students would go into the stairwell for about 15 minutes to paint before another group would paint.

Campbell said being able to paint the mural was a good break from the day and a mindless activity where they could have fun.

M RANDOAY S! W GIVtECAertificates Gif

TEN THOUSAND FLOWERS Tim Gibson, who is from Pennsylvania, started the project in 2018 in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

Gibson, whose love of art started when he was 6 years old, wanted to help community leaders find a project that could be done with the community’s help.

He pitched the idea of painting a mural of simple flowers. He saw the potential to have the project be more than just one mural.

Gibson decided to travel across the country to get schools and communities together to create floral murals.

The murals, if put together like puzzle pieces, would create one giant mural stretching more than a mile long and filled with 10,000 flowers.

Gibson starts a mural by creating an outline. Then people come to paint in a paint-by-numbers fashion, matching the color paint in their cup to the dots on the wall.

The mural is a simple design so anyone can paint.

22ND ANNUAL

Raffledur! o Every H

NAUTICAL SALE

15% OFF

Design•Build•Maintain

All In Stock Merchandise

Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

9:00 am - 3:00 pm BURSTING At The Seams With Boat Parts, We Are Ready To BLOWOUT!

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

$1,525,000 1030 Sylvan Dr

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

7070 15th ST. E, SARASOTA | 941.758.3552 | MARINE-SURPLUS.COM

$1,899,000 51 N Tamiami Trail

SYLVAN SHORES. Waterfront Investment Opportunity.

Build your dream home or rent the existing cottage on Whitaker Bayou. Direct access to the Bay. MLS A4536183

$400,000

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

MLS A4542553

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

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

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

392355-1

Marine Surplus is your source for hard to find boat parts, equipment & accessories.

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

6300 Midnight Pass Rd #1107T

Nov. 26 , 2022

382338-1

390679-1

941.927.1882

SATURDAY th

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

13

Join Us As We Celebrate The Season Of Creating Memories

FURNITURE & MAT TRESS Our Sleep Experts are trained to help you choose the perfect sleep system for your needs.

Join Us As We Celebrate The Season Of Creating Memories

FREE Next Day Delivery SAVE UP TO $800 OFF FURNITURE & MAT TRESS

*

Our Sleep Experts are trained to help you choose the perfect sleep system for your needs.

Plus, FREE Set-Up + FREE Removal Select Adjustable Mattress Sets

FREE Next Day Delivery

*

Plus, FREE Set-Up + FREE Removal

Select Adjustable Mattress Sets

UP TO $800 OFF

*Next day delivery available on mattress orders placed before 2PM previous day.

Subject to zip code and stock availability.

Limited time available.

We’ve curated the best selection of mattresses mattresses based on technology, comfort based on technology, comfort and price point. and price point.

We’ve curated the best selection of

FREE

Select Adjustable Mattress Sets

HOLIDAY 2022

UPWeTO $800 OFF stocked our warehouse with the all latest

50 50

trends - which there's no wait required!

We’ve curated the bestmeans selection of mattresses based on technology, comfort and price point.

% %

®

Delivery 100% Genuine Italian Leather Sofa Set-Up NOW ONLY $1988 Removal

*Next day delivery available on mattress orders placed before 2PM previous day.

Subject to zip code and stock availability.

Limited time available.

*Exclusions apply. See store for details. Valid on orders of $799 or more.

HOLIDAY 2022

OFF

We stocked our warehouse with the all latest trends - which means there's no wait required!

®

100% Genuine Italian Leather Sofa

NOW ONLY $1988

Our Entire Collection Of Natuzzi Editions

OFF matterbrothersfurniture.com

FURNITURE & MAT TRESS

|

Our Entire Collection Of Natuzzi Editions

matterbrothersfurniture.com | 392032-1

FURNITURE & MAT TRESS

NOVEMBER 24, 2022

SPORTS

“I’m more vocal now and I try to take charge. I just want to lead the team to wins any way possible.”

— Riverview High’s Demarcus Abner SEE PAGE 16

Fast

Break

File photo

Michaela Mattes.

C

ardinal Mooney High senior Michaela Mattes made it four for four Nov. 18 at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A state swimming championships. Mattes won the girls 500-yard freestyle in 4:43.80, 9.20 seconds faster than second-place Adele Sands of Carrollwood Day School. With the win, Mattes has now captured a gold medal in the event each of her four years at Mooney. … Not much is cooler than a hat trick. Congrats to Sarasota High girls soccer sophomore Zitlaly Salinas-Sanchez on achieving the feat (plus two assists) in the team’s 9-0 win over Lehigh High on Nov. 18. … Former Booker High running back Marlon Mack has bounced around this NFL season, but he seems to have found a home with the Denver Broncos. Because of injuries, Mack looks set to be the primary backup to Latavius Murray when the Broncos play Carolina on Sunday, meaning he should get at least a handful of opportunities to shine. … Think you have elite stamina? Test yourself by participating in the Last Paddler Standing event at Nathan Benderson Park on Dec. 3.

This stand-up paddling event challenges athletes to paddle a 3.33-mile loop in less than an hour or face elimination. Those still paddling will face another 3.33 miles in the following hour, and so on. The event will continue until there is one paddler left standing, however long it takes. Registration is $125. For information or to register, visit LastPaddlerStanding.com. … Putting out another call: If you know of any area athletes doing something charitable during this holiday season, let us know by sending an email to RKohn@YourObserver.com. We love to feature athletes doing right by their community.

SOCCER, SOON PAGE 15

Next rival, please Photos by Ryan Kohn

Rams wideout Marshall Thompson fights through a tackle from Sailors safety Nick Wasowicz.

The Rams meet their South County nemesis Venice on Friday after stopping Sarasota High 28-7.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

A

nother week, another rematch for the Riverview High football team.

After defeating neighboring rival Sarasota High for the 12thstraight time, 28-7, on Nov. 18 in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4S regional semifinals, the Rams (5-6) will face another familiar foe in the regional final (Elite Eight). This time, it is Venice High (7-3), with whom the Rams share much history. Riverview has dropped five straight to the Indians, including a 31-21 loss on Oct. 21 and a 56-14 loss in last year’s playoffs.

The Rams believe the version of their team that will take the Venice field at 7:30 p.m. Friday is not the same one who took the field against the Indians in October. After playing four games in 12 days to end the regular season, losing the finale against Cardinal Mooney High (4-7), the Rams were tired and thought their season was over. But after it turned out Riverview did just enough to impress the FHSAA algorithm and sneak into a No. 7 seed, Rams coach Josh Smithers said the team came back to practice with a renewed focus.

“Credit to our seniors,” Smithers said. “They have been unbelievable this year with all the adversity we had to go through. Our kids are resilient.

“They are an unbelievable group of young men. I love them.”

Even though Riverview lost the season’s first matchup with Venice, the Rams feel like they played well, even holding a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. Venice is undefeated against fellow Suburban-class teams in 2022. The only Suburban team to keep the game closer was Naples High (9-2), which lost 12-11 on Sept. 2.

The Rams’ defense has played the biggest part in the team’s increased level of play. Riverview has allowed 36 points over its past four games.

Football fans know about Charles Lester III, the Rams’ cornerback with offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and Florida, among many others.

Lester is the No. 22 player in the Class of 2024 on the 247 Sports Composite ranking. But the defensive success has been the result of a unit working in sync. Against Sarasota High last week, an interception from senior safety Lauriel “Scoota” Trotman, returned to the Sailors’ 20-yard line, led to a touchdown run from sophomore DJ Johnson. Meanwhile, the team’s run defense, led by senior end/tackle Demarcus Abner,

senior linebacker Deshaun Olave and others, left the Sailors’ trio of backs little room to maneuver, holding them to 97 yards on 24 carries.

The Rams will need the unit to stand strong again Friday. After a slow start, the Venice offense has caught fire of late; the Indians dropped 39 points on Lehigh High (5-4) last week and a video gamelike 87 points on Riverdale High (4-4) the prior week. Senior quarterback Brooks Bentley has thrown 16 touchdowns to one interception, with seven of those touchdowns going to senior wideout Keyon Sears.

Sears is 5-foot-7 but uses his speed to find space over the middle and is difficult to catch in the open field.

On the ground,junior Alvin Johnson III and sophomore Jamarice Wilder have gained 1,222 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Lester is typically in a class by himself on the field, but this time around Venice’s defense has two players who could argue their way into his echelon. Senior defensive back Elliott Washington is committed to Penn State; Washington is the No. 142 player in the Class of 2023 on the 247 Sports Composite. Senior linebacker Damon Wilson is uncommitted, but is No. 19 on the composite and holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, Miami and more.

Getting points on that unit is a must if Riverview is to advance to the state Final Four. While Riverview’s offensive production has not been elite, but has picked up the pace in the postseason. DJ Johnson ran for 163 yards against the Sailors and 182 yards the week before against Gulf

Coast High (8-3). Junior quarterback Jeremiah Dawson threw two touchdowns against the Sailors, one to Lester on a 53-yard screen pass and one to senior Marshall Thompson on a red zone pass that Thompson caught over multiple defenders while tapping his feet in the back of the end zone.

The Rams also got a touchdown in tricky fashion. Facing a fourth and 10 from the Sailors’ 11-yard line, Smithers said he considered kicking a field goal, but was worried about his special teams unit’s ability to fend off Sailors rushers. Instead, the Rams had Dawson throw another screen pass to Lester — who this time did not sprint upfield but turned and threw the ball again himself. The pass found senior tight end Luke Petitta open in the end zone.

The Rams will take points however they can get them. All that matters at this stage of the season is the result.

“We have to keep our wits about us,” Smithers said. “We can’t turn the ball over. Defensively, we have to stay in our gaps. I’m proud of our guys. If we can keep getting a little bit better this week, we’ll see what happens.”

IF YOU GO What: Riverview High football (5-6) vs. Venice High (7-3) When: 7:30 p.m.

Friday Where: Venice High At stake: A spot in the FHSAA Class 4S state semifinals Last meeting: Venice won 31-21 on Oct. 21

Rams coach Josh Smithers congratulates his team on reaching the third round of the postseason after a 28-7 road win over Sarasota.

“They have been unbelievable this year with all the adversity we had to go through. Our kids are resilient.”

— Head coach Josh Smithers

Rams defensive lineman Henry Fioriglio dances after his team secured a 28-7 win over Sarasota.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

PROSE AND KOHN

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

15

RYAN KOHN

Sarasota nets soccer team The as-yet-unnamed team will begin play in the United Soccer League’s League Two in May 2023.

W

ho is ready to embrace a new city sports team?

Starting in May, Sarasota will be the home of a United Soccer League team, classified into the USL’s League Two. The U.S. soccer pyramid is a complex beast, but it can be helpful, if a bit reductive, to think of it in baseball terms.

If Major League Soccer is the equivalent of Major League Baseball, then the USL’s Championship division is akin to triple-A baseball — minus the “farm system” aspects — the USL’s League One is akin to double-A baseball and the USL’s League Two is single-A baseball.

The Tampa Bay Rowdies play in the USL’s Championship division.

Like I said, this is not a perfect comparison. The USL has more leagues than this, and there are other leagues outside of the USL umbrella that also slot into these levels at various places. The important thing to know is this: Sarasota is getting a “pre-professional” soccer team. The league is meant to help young players with their development and, ideally, have them reach higher levels of the sport.

The league is mostly a U23 league, though teams can carry eight players older than that restriction to serve as mentors for their young teammates.

NO NAME YET

The Sarasota team, right now still unnamed, will play games at Sarasota High during its initial 2023 season.

The club launched itself with a small gathering Nov. 19 at the Sarasota Art Museum. The gather-

ing, made up of club and USL staff and people in the Sarasota soccer and business communities, was kicked off by club founder Marcus Walfridson and served as both an initial opportunity to secure ticket purchases and a chance for the club to pitch itself to the community.

“What is Sarasota?” Walfridson said. “It is beautiful. There are a lot of awesome people. A lot of art, a lot of culture. Those are good things. But I’ve been looking for the identity. I think we as a club, all of us here, can help form the identity.

We can make it possible for people who move to Sarasota to come to our games, put up a scarf and say, ‘We are Sarasotans.’”

Over a little more than six years on the beat, I have seen a handful of semi-pro sports teams try to use the Sarasota-Bradenton area as a base.

Most of them have failed. The fact is, unless you’re a die-hard sports fan, you probably don’t care about seeing mid-talent athletes with no big-time prospects play games on high school athletic facilities.

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The USL seems to get that and pledges that its league is different, that this team will give fans a reason to watch. It’s why the club is appealing to a sense of community, but it is also why USL Vice President Joel Nash mentioned in his presentation that eight of the 26 U.S. national team players in Qatar for the World Cup players played in USL2, as it is commonly referred.

That group includes goalkeeper Matt Turner, who on Monday started in net for the United States as the team tied Wales 1-1.

That, to me, is a compelling narrative. These players will not be adults looking to relive their glory days for some cash. They will be kids with real talent looking to better themselves for a shot at something more, a dream that not only can be achieved but has been

achieved by others. And, to top it all off, Walfridson promised that the club would try to fill its roster with as many players native to Sarasota as possible. It shouldn’t be a problem; Walfridson said that the club has had approximately 60 players reach out with interest. Based on last year’s Olympics, we know the city can produce world-class talent, but in my time here, not much of that talent has gone to soccer. How cool would it be to cheer on a Sarasota native at the World Cup, still the world’s biggest sporting event, in 2030 or 2034, after watching them learn their craft here?

TRYOUTS IN 2023

The club will hold tryouts early next year, as soon as it hires a coach, which Walfridson said it hopes to have in mid-January.

There’s no logo or uniform designs available for the club yet, but the club’s creative director, Liam Murtaugh, gave a leng thy presentation on the things he and the club are taking into consideration while building the team’s brand. Those things include physical things like the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and public art like the newly created Buck O’Neil mural, but they also include more abstract ideas like the city’s changing population size and demographics. This will be a modernlooking club, staff promised.

It was a thoughtful presentation.

That thoughtfulness permeated the whole event and is the main reason I am optimistic about the club’s future. Nothing about this club is being thrown together on a lark.

The USL itself is headquartered in Tampa. Whatever support the Sarasota club needs at the start, I’m confident the USL will provide it. This initial presentation made it clear that the club wants to be entrenched in the community for a long time.

It will need fan support to do

Ryan Kohn

USL Vice President Joel Nash said eight of the 26 players on the U.S. Men’s National Team played in the USL2.

that, of course. Walfridson said the team will host at least seven regular-season matches in its inaugural season, with a preseason match likely. It will play other USL2 teams based in Florida. Season tickets are already available: a seasonlong seat in the west-side stands costs $149 while a seat on the east-side stands costs $79. Those packages come with a T-shirt and other goodies.

If you’re feeling especially bullish, you can secure one of 25 “Founding Member” packages for $1,499, which will get your name featured

on the team website and in the stadium, a jersey, VIP credentials and other perks.

A full breakdown of the packages is on SarasotaUSL.com.

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

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE.™

TILE & STONE

|

|

MOSAICS

CABINETRY

|

COUNTERTOPS

|

FLOORING

FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE. ™ 941.355.2703

|

4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234

386890-1

VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

CONDO ON THE BAY LONGBOAT KEY

2,315 SF LIVING AREA + 1,835 SF PRIVATE PATIO/GARDEN AREA SARASOTA BAY | ICW

What is your favorite memory?

Earlier this season against Venice High, I retuned a blocked punt for a touchdown. It was my first varsity touchdown.

Open Bay front- this unit is like a home in a condominium community with all the amenities.

Ground floor spacious Rembrandt end unit. Split 3BD/2.5BA, 2,315 Sq’ living area, 10’ ceilings, 1,835 Sq’ private outdoor open patio overlooking unobstructed Sarasota Bay, ICW and Longboat Key. Steps to heated pool, fitness room and covered parking. 24-hour gatehouse attendants. Concierge service. Boat docking, 2 pools & 2 tennis courts/ pickleball courts.

Near Van Wezel, CBD, St Armands, the Arts, SRQ Airport and Publix. Must see!

COME

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.

many penalties. If we do that we can come out with a win.

What is your favorite food?

I love macaroni and cheese.

What is your favorite movie?

I have to go with “Major Payne.”

What is your favorite subject?

I have to go with history class. It’s crazy to me that all the stuff we learn about really happened.

Which superpower would you pick?

Invisibility. You could do whatever you wanted if no one could see you.

What is the best advice you have received?

Don’t take anything for granted.

That’s real. Take things seriously because not everyone has the same opportunities that you have, and when they’re done, they’re done.

Finish this sentence: “Demarcus Abner is …” … Goofy. Ambitious. Outgoing. Let’s go with those.

What have you been working to improve?

It’s about the team, really. Everyone can improve everything. That’s the biggest thing I’ve focused on. I need to help the team win more, as many games as possible.

OPEN THURS-SUN 10-6 - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY CALL BROKER FOR ENTRY

941-374-1671 rstahlrlty@aol.com

When did you start playing football?

I have played since I was 4 years old.

I started with the Sarasota Gators as soon as I could and have been playing ever since. I was actually a linebacker through my freshman year here, but after that I moved to the defensive line.

What is your best skill?

I think it’s my leadership, which had improved a lot since I first joined the team. I’m more vocal now, and I try to take charge. I just want to lead the team to wins any way possible.

988 BLVD OF THE ARTS, UNIT 109 DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT

$1,695,000

Demarcus Abner is a senior defensive end/defensive tackle on the Riverview High football team. Rams coach Josh Smithers said Abner has been a difference-maker for the team’s defense in 2022.

What is the appeal of football to you?

It’s a legal way to hit people and get some aggression out. You can do whatever you want out here.

9 4 1 . 3 4 3 . 9 3 9 6 | w w w. G r a n t s G a r d e n s . c o m

What is the biggest key to Friday’s playoff rematch against Venice?

Execution. That’s it. We just have to execute our plays and not take

HOME

F OR T H E H A PPI E S T S E A S ON

Stop By Our Holiday Pop-Up Info Center at the Farmers’ Market on November 20TH

FOR KIDS FROM 1 TO 92 (AND UP!) There’s no better feeling than home, especially around the holidays. But we’re not talking about a house. Home is a feeling. And at Lakewood Ranch, we celebrate that feeling. Our annual traditions are simply a part of life for us and for the families who cherish them. If you have guests or are a visitor yourself this holiday season, we invite you to join in some of our favorite traditions and see why so many people choose to call Lakewood Ranch, home.

MAK E OUR TR ADITIONS YOUR OWN! THE FARMERS’ MARKET, EVERY SUNDAY | RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER THROUGH MAY MAIN STREET MARKET, 11/26 & 12/17 | MUSIC ON MAIN, 12/2 | 300+ EVENTS ANNUALLY

Find Your Home for The Holidays – New Homes from the High $300s to Over $1Million.*

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2022 Lakewood Ranch

.com

Explore All Events & Traditions 391339-1

Ron Stahl Ron Stahl Realty

Demarcus Abner

392605-1

383376-1

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

16

Classifieds 27 Games 26 Real Estate 23 Weather 26

NOVEMBER 24, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Luca and Enzo Tuero demonstrate their finished laser-engraved pie.

Enzo, Roman and Luca Tuero work with Fab Lab staffer Steven Piskoty to create their designs.

FOCUSED ON DESSERT

Photos by Dariela Delgado

Lab. But no, this was not a baking lab or an experimental dessert scheme.

Families were engraving pumpkin pies with lasers.

The educational site annually hosts a special kind of workshop during the holiday season.

This year, STEM enthusiasts were able to get hands-on experience choosing a graphic design and having it etched onto their pumpkin pie using the lab’s laser cutter and engraver.

“This is hands-on. They will learn about things they wouldn’t normally learn at school,” says Roman Tuero who participated with his two sons, Luca and Enzo Tuero.

Fab Lab staff and volunteers helped attendees with picking a graphic. After the graphics were been picked, they were programmed into a laser that would engrave a pumpkin pie.

The EPILOG Mini Laser Cutter and Trotec Speedy 400 Laser Cutter are the two machines that participants use to engrave their design onto their pies.

“This is something fun to do with the kids for Thanksgiving and get them out of the house.

It’s something we get to do together,” says Casey Williamson who participated with her son, Riley Williamson.

Marketing and Communications Director Jenn Sam Scott helps Shawn and Christopher McCullough choose designs while Sue McCullough looks on.

— DARIELA DELGADO

David Li and Lawrence Zhang show their masterpiece.

The Epilog Mini Laser was used to engrave a cat on a pumpkin pie.

Amara Weiner shows her masterpiece.

Giving Thanks

At this special time, we want to thank you, our clients, for placing your confidence in us and supporting our business with your friendship and referrals.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving; may the joy of the holidays extend to you and your family now and throughout the coming year!

Jennifer & Taylor Thompson

Finding you...

YOUR LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE

Jennifer: 941.928.0790 Jennifer@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

Taylor: 941.928.2372 Taylor@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

Scan The QR Code To Visit Our Website ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

380270-1

T

he smell of toasty pumpkin perfumed the air at Faulhaber Fab

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

All Faiths distributes turkeys

Do You Suffer From Chronic Lower Back Pain?

A

ll Faiths Food Bank had to postpone its turkey distribution from this past week to Thursday evening at Ed Smith Stadium, but the delay brought about because of Hurricane Nicole had little effect.

Florida has faced a set of challenges in these recent months, especially Sarasota County. Hurricane Ian made its mark on Florida in late September — affecting thousands of Sarasota residents — making the holiday season stressful.

“As our community continues to face challenging economic conditions and recover from Hurricane Ian, we find already stretched resources reaching the breaking point,” said All Faiths Food Bank’s CEO Sandra Frank.

The thought of not being able to feed one’s family shouldn’t cross one’s mind.

However, it is the reality of many Sarasota families.

All Faiths Food Bank is determined to help alleviate this concern for the fast approaching holidays. Funds from the ThankFULL campaign will enable the distribution of more than 13,000 turkeys and sides — the largest number ever — in advance of Thanksgiving, and a total of 3.6 million holiday meals.

According to the All Faiths Food Bank website, this campaign was created with the intention to turn empty plates into thankful ones by providing meals for the community and neighbors who struggle with hunger during the holidays.

YO U A R E I N V I T E D !

Join Philip Meinhardt, M.D., our board-certified spine questions about the latest innovations and minimal invasive procedures to eliminate your discomfort.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 4:30 pm

Please register to attend this in-office forum: events@sforzodillingham.com or 941.378.5100 ext. 214 Philip A. Meinhardt, M.D. is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship trained spine surgeon. He specializes in adult spinal surgeries including reconstruction of spinal deformities, minimally invasive/microscopic spinal procedures, decompression, spinal instrumentation, fusion procedures and microscopic cervical disc replacements.

— DARIELA DELGADO

Photos by Dariela Delgado

Jo Jadin loads vehicles with side dishes and a turkey.

Volunteers get ready to load the next vehicle.

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

EAT LOCAL

EAT FRESH

DENTAL IMPLANTS GUM DISEASE

VENEERS

IMPLANT TEETH

ORDER ONLINE ReefCakes.com

1812 S. Osprey Ave. Sarasota, FL 34239 941-444-7968

Learning Event

by Dental Implant Specialists ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

392512-1

393039-1

Open Tuesday - Friday 11am to 9pm Saturday 3 to 9pm Closed Sundays & Mondays

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

TEETH IN A DAY

10:30 AM

Feature Speakers/Presentation:

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

Financial Planning & Solutions

Andrew Cardone Vice President- Investments

Michael J. Callahan Financial Advisor

Investment and Insurance Products NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. CAR 1022-01878 NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value.

Senior Living Costs and Road Map for Care

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

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

Over 30 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

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

RSVP by December 3rd at 941-413-7997

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

SAVE THE DATE: SECONDARY EVENT

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 2023 • 10:30 AM 5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233 (One block north of Clark Road)

ALF License #13578

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

391591-1

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

382576-1

18

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Grant Brewer, Kristina Richardson, Hannah Mazkour and Eduardo Gantus check in cars.

Jacob Teeter, Christian Frias, Kyle Brnovich, Brian Roberts and Jennifer Grondahl worked at the distribution event.

Elodie Ward, Sandra Frank, and Denise Cotler

All Faiths Food Bank held its turkey distribution Nov. 17 at Ed Smith Stadium.

Cindy Morris and Kathy Martin get ready to load the next car.

LIMITED

TIME

30-MONTH CD S P E C I A L

24-MONTH CD S P E C I A L

17-MONTH CD S P E C I A L

APY*

% APY*

% APY*

Free Interest Checking ** Free Mortgage Appraisals†

Bradenton • 3901 Cortez Road W. 941.202.6405

392844-1

4.40 4.30 4.20

%

Venice Sarasota • 1697 Tamiami Tr. • 8383 S. Tamiami Tr. 941.344.2699 941.698.6891 • 4103 S. Tamiami Tr. • 2323 Stickney Pt Rd. 941.313.8547 941.263.8869

*CD Special rates require a minimum deposit of $25,000 or more, new money.

Rates as of 11.20.22. This is a limited time offer and subject to change without notice. Penalty for early withdrawal.

APY=Annual Percentage Yield. **Free checking has no minimum balance requirements. Overdraft/returned item fees may apply.

The account requires $100 to open. Fees could reduce earnings. †Appraisal promotion available only in Sarasota-Manatee County and applies only to mortgages approved and closed with Liberty Savings Bank, FSB. Borrower is required to pay full appraisal fee when appraisal is ordered. Actual cost of appraisal, up to $545.00, will be refunded at the time of closing. Availability is subject to change without notice.

Liberty Savings Bank, F.S.B., Member FDIC.

SIMPLY THE BEST “Heide is caring, responsive, and a very good listener. She listened to what I needed specifically for my comfort level and was never pushy.

She really takes the time to get to know her clients on a one to one basis. Pleasure to work with her and BLUE SRQ.” - Erica, Sarasota We use Rate My Agent to gather many reviews. The reviews are verified to be true transactions handled by the realtor.

Adriana Giambruno, realtor | Whitney Silfies, realtor | Anne Friedland, broker | Heide Crino, realtor

386680-1

Buy, Sell, Invest.

Siesta Key, Sarasota, Bradenton, Lido, LBK, Venice and Lakewood Ranch.

129 Edmondson Ave, Siesta Key | (941) 894-7248 |

bluesrq.com

388870-1

ASK US A BOUT

OFFERS

20

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

The Little Medical station shows students how to assemble their own first-aid kit.

Photos by Dariela Delgado

At the Everglades Literacy Exploration station, Tate Vangellow teaches the importance of the Florida Everglades.

Wilkinson kids learn before the holiday

T Landon Minnis, Geken Farlin and Cristopher Cardenas gather around the moo-vie star to give it gentle pets.

Wilkinson students hug each other as they sing with the school.

Alayna Becker, Tessa Healy, Nathan Dasilva and Janalee Klinger take the stage to sing “Try a Little Kindness.”

he Friday before the Thanksgiving holiday was an energetic day for students at Wilkinson Elementary. They did their version of a turkey trot with a twist. Wilkinson Elementary did a STEAM-focused event for its students before their school break.

“This year’s theme is Trotting through Florida. All the handson learning spaces are Floridathemed. We have people from our community that are here to help and reinforce what the kids are learning about Florida nature and wildlife with hands-on fun,” said Wilkinson Elementary’s Turkey Trot Coordinator, Tessa Healy.

The day started off with a school-wide gathering in its courtyard where students sang their signature tune, “Try a Little Kindness.” The students then headed off to their first learning station, where they spent 40 minutes before they rotated and headed off to their next station.

HAIR • NAILS • SPA

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

WELCOME

YOUR HOME DESERVES

BACK!!

Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

C I S E A U X 392266-1

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings 388694-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

www.LCSalonSpa.com

6 N Blvd of the Presidents | St Armand’s Circle | Above Columbia | 941-388-2176

— DARIELA DELGADO

Silhouette® Alustra® Quartette® Operating System PowerView® Automation

NOW OFFERING Biosculpture Gel and Dazzle Dry

L E S

Students spent the day visiting seven science, technology, engineering, arts and math learning stations throughout the campus.

Each station contained a lesson that was STEAM-focused and related to the Sunshine State.

Principal Susan Nations started this turkey trot four years ago as a kickoff to the holiday break in an effort to keep the last day before Thanksgiving focused on learning.

“This whole day is about working together. It’s about being kind and going into the Thanksgiving holiday with gratitude. It was a way for us to fill this day with meaningful learning while having fun. It’s a way to get our students involved with STEAM learning,” she said.

Students from all grade levels worked together and participated in hands-on learning with experts as they learned more about the state they live in.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

Experience. Expertise. Excellence.

5966 Midnight Pass Rd, #G-103, Siesta Key

2 beds | 2 baths | 1,164 SF MLS# A4548143 | Offered at $1,650,000

941.234.3991 Rudy@RudyDudon.com

Updated Island House Beachside Villa

6150 Midnight Pass Rd, Villa 19, Siesta Key

2 beds | 2 baths | 1,044 SF MLS# A4550298 | Offered at $900,000

Vibrant Beachfront Living in Gulf & Bay Club

5770 MPR Unit C310, Gulf & Bay Club

2 beds | 2 baths | 1,435 SF MLS# A4552116 | Offered at $899,000

If you have been thinking about buying or selling on Sarasota Area or other areas, scan the QR code and connect with Rudy to discover the advantage he brings to your goals.

389822-1

Stunning Gulf views in The Palm Bay Club

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

21

Introducing...

We are excited to be offering, EmFace, the first and only needle-free procedure that simultaneously treats facial skin and muscles in 20 minutes.

+30%

Muscle Tone

+23%

More Lift on Average

You’re Invited

to our EmFace Launch Party!

Be the FIRST on the Suncoast to see what all the hype is about!

-37%

Wrinkle Reduction

November 30th, Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.

Check out the new revolution in facial treatments, EmFace.

EmFace is the first and only needle-free procedure that simultaneously treats facial skin and muscles in a 20-minute session.

RSV P

Scan the QR Code or

Call 941.866.8989

Receive $500 off of a 4 treatment package when you book the night of the party! Offer is only eligible on November 30th, and must be prepaid upon booking.

9114 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

4T reat ent m

Schedule your visit 941-866-8989 | FLSPA.com @FloridaLakesSpa

392237-1

Welcome to our new suite!

00 $5off

s

Special Offer

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

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

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1910 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,870 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4540125 $4,295,000

SIESTA KEY 5400 Ocean Boulevard 14-2 & 14-3 3 Beds 4 Baths 2,463 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4549634 $3,650,000

SIESTA KEY 472 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4526972 $2,895,000

SIESTA KEY 4193 Roberts Point Circle 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,250 Sq. Ft. Kim Eskew 941-587-5999 A4542367 $2,665,000

ST. ARMANDS KEY 315 Jackson Drive 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,514 Sq. Ft. Terri Derr & Rita Holbrook 941-356-6694 A4546074 $2,450,000

SARASOTA 1734 Hansen Street 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,762 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4550638 $2,350,000

SIESTA KEY 5400 Ocean Boulevard 14-1 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941-349-3444 A4552109 $2,150,000

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4540753 $1,999,999

SIESTA KEY 525 Treasure Boat Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,097 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4550615 $1,995,000

SARASOTA 988 Blvd Of The Arts 1916 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,555 Sq. Ft. Michael Prisco & Eileen Prisco 941-812-1291 A4549566 $1,950,000

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard E7 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,277 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson & Ethel Lovelace 941-404-9347 A4552026 $1,850,000

SARASOTA 1731 Seminole Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,855 Sq. Ft. Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997 A4552533 $1,850,000

SIESTA KEY 5966 Midnight Pass Road G-103 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,164 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4548143 $1,650,000

SIESTA KEY 5880 Midnight Pass Road 310 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,713 Sq. Ft. Linda Stowe 941-228-5685 A4536003 $1,195,000

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

SIESTA KEY 5740 Midnight Pass Road 207 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,340 Sq. Ft. Melba Jimenez PA 941-356-3970 A4548376 $999,000

SIESTA KEY 5760 Midnight Pass Road 404D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,361 Sq. Ft. Joseph McDonald 941-375-9646 A4531860 $945,000

SIESTA KEY 6150 Midnight Pass Road VILLA 19 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,044 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4550298 $900,000

SIESTA KEY 5770 Midnight Pass Road 310 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,337 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4552116 $899,000

SIESTA KEY 38 Sandy Cove Road 4A 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,471 Sq. Ft. Robin Leonardi 941-685-6270 A4536541 $879,000

SIESTA KEY 8750 Midnight Pass Road 106 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,650 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson 941-404-9347 A4541462 $829,900

SIESTA KEY 1265 Dockside Place 114 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,217 Sq. Ft. Matthew Voss 941-237-0877 A4550487 $790,000

SIESTA KEY 1219 Siesta Bayside Drive 1219-C 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,280 Sq. Ft. Kevin Wiegand 941-350-7345 A4549339 $769,000

SIESTA KEY 1200 E Peppertree Lane 202 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,163 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4551406 $725,000

SIESTA KEY 4205 Higel Avenue 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 8,571 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4539090 $7,250,000

SIESTA KEY 3722 Flamingo Avenue 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 4,985 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4546740 $6,500,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1803 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,276 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4550107 $4,899,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373719-1

22

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Coral Cove property sells for $2 million

|

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

REAL ESTATE

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 7-11

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Coral Cove tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Anthony Minicucci and Celeste Gruenstein, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1707 Caribbean Drive to Suncoast Opportunities LLC for $2.05 million. It has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,012 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2013.

SARASOTA

PAYNE PARK VILLAGE Mary Beth Anderson, of Dewitt, Michigan, sold the home at 381 Gowdy Road to William Jackson McAdams and Kristin Marie McAdams, trustees, of Sarasota, for $959,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,444 square feet of living area.

It sold for $636,400 in 2020.

THE VILLAS ON LAUREL Charlene Guller, of Boca Raton, sold her Unit 9 condominium at 1685 Laurel St. to John and Janice Shelton, of Sarasota, for $935,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,891 square feet of living area. It sold for $571,000 in 2016.

RUSTIC LODGE Carolyn Lowell, trustee, and Michael Mansfield, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2569 Prospect St. to Man Van Truong and Dieu Vuong Hong Ha, of Woodstock, Georgia, for $810,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,241 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000 in 2021.

WILLOWBROOK Sheila Povoski-Butler and William Butler, of Sarasota, sold their home at 9144 Willowbrook Drive to Ian Zukauskas and Andrea Acuna Alsina, of Fairfax, Virginia, for $650,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,249 square feet of living area.

It sold for $395,000 in 2016.

23

Eric Garwood

The home at 1707 Caribbean Drive has four bedrooms and more than 5,000 square feet.

SOUTH GATE David Bishop and Kirsty Gough, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 2523 Sheridan Drive to Gideon and Rhonda Lapp and Jacob and Rebecca Blank, of Lewisville, Texas, for $560,000. Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,811 square feet of living area.

It sold for $173,000 in 2009.

Other top sales by area SIESTA KEY: $1.3 MILLION

RIDGEWOOD Mainstreet Homes LLC sold the home at 2310 James Lane to Kristen Leigh Hilligoss, of Sarasota, for $545,000. Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,696 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,000 in 2021.

Sara Sands Darren Gallo, trustee, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 5174 Sandy Cove Ave. to TNC SRQ LLC for $1.3 million. The first property was built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,233 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2003, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,144 square feet of living area. They sold for $450,000 in 2013.

OSPREY

OSPREY: $990,000

BAY OAKS ESTATES Alonso and Areka Gomez, of Covington, Louisiana, sold their home at 594 Pine Ranch E. Road to Erick Thai Branton and Lucia Branton, of Osprey, for $675,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,298 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,900 in 2014.

Meridian at the Oaks Preserve Greg and Connie Carlson, of The

Colony, Texas, sold their Unit 902 condominium at 409 N. Point Road to Geoffrey White, of Osprey, for $990,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,055 square feet of living area. It sold for $637,500 in 2018.

NOKOMIS: $855,000

Sorrento Woods Terri and Hector Melendez, of Venice, sold their home at 1117 Wyeth Drive to Rochelle Larue Gallo and Pasquale Lorenzo Gallo, of Nokomis, for $855,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,922 square feet of living area. It sold for $485,000 in 2020.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Downtown St. Petersburg

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Nov. 7-11, in order of dollar amounts.

400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com SOLD OUT

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

541 Norsota Way

Remodel/Generator Laurence Saslaw,

Amount $435,869

trustee 1731 Cunliff Lane

Addition

Andrew Tanner

1837 Orchid St.

Solar System

Theodore Wilson II

$245,000

2748 Wisteria Place

Alterations

Les Fox

$58,000

990 Blvd. of the Arts #1103

Alterations

Debra Isaac

$43,000

1255 N. Gulfstream Ave.

Doors

Marguerite Coppa,

Longboat Key

$76,872

$40,571 The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

#1005 trustee 1936 Grove St.

Alterations

Jonathan Dean

11 Sunset Drive #502

Doors

Marino Basadur, trustee $30,971

$38,675

1846 Lincoln Drive

Renovations

Robert Jordan

$29,517

2403 Hillview St.

Re-roof

Alice Battaglia

$17,500

SOLD OUT

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Permit

Applicant

3031 Goodwater St.

Alterations

Mark Theiler

$450,000

1547 Bayshore Road

Alterations

John Christy

$150,000

200 Roberts Road

Solar System

Stephen Pettee

$136,938

133 W. Bay St. #4

Dock/Boatlift

Christopher Dubs

$100,000

1109 Kings Way Drive

Pool/Deck

James Burgin

$96,398

5861 Ferrara Drive

Pool/Deck/

Christopher Erb

$75,077 $75,000

Downtown Sarasota

Amount

Pool Cage 2539 Bispham Road

Addition

Stephany Montes

5722 S. Lockwood Ridge

Pool/Spa

John Bontrager

$70,173

917 Key Way

Pool/Spa

Stephen Morrison

$69,711

608 N. Casey Key Road

Dock/Boatlifts

Nathan Ayala

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

$61,028

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

mscdeveloperservices.com | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of October 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373680-1

Road

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

YOUR CALENDAR

24

Podiatry

WELCOMES Logan T. Shannon, DPM

SATURDAY, NOV. 26 BEST BET: ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR Noon-7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Get a head start on holiday shopping with quirky, whimsical and unusual crafts Admission for adults is $6; children 12 and younger admitted free.

For information, visit AtomicHolidayb Bazaar.com.

Podiatric Surgery File photo

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

SUNDAYS AT THE BAY FEATURING TREVOR BYSTROM 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Bay Sarasota.

1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Enjoy a free outdoor performance from Trevor Bystrom alongside the water.

This is a free event. For information, visit TheBaySarasota.org/event/ Sundays-At-The-Bay-Featuring-Trevor-Bystrom.

Dr. Logan T. Shannon brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Beneva Professional Center office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Podiatry.

Undergraduate:

Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Medical School:

Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines, IA

Residency:

Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, Alliance, OH

Fellowship:

ACFAS Reconstruction and Limb Salvage Surgical Fellowship, Professional Education and Research Institute, Roanoke, VA

Certification:

Board Qualified, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery, American Board of Podiatric Medicine

FRIENDSGIVING AT THE MEADOWS FARMERS MARKET 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Meadows Farmers Market. 5041 Ringwood Meadow. Enjoy a Thanksgiving with your neighbors at The Meadows.

Shop local gifts, food, music and art for your family. Free admission. For information, call 315-7773.

Hospital Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital l National Expertise l Multiple Locations A PatientAffiliations: Focused, Multi-Specialty Group Lakewood Ranch Medical Center A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

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

941-316-0133

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

MONDAY, NOV. 28 8/26/21 3:27 PM

8/26/21 3:27 PM

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

Beneva Professional Center

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

943 S. Beneva Road, Suite 113, Sarasota, FL 34232

8/26/21 3:27 PM

TUESDAY, NOV. 29

www.intercoastalmedical.com

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

391936-1

Medicare and most insurances accepted

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

CORESRQ AT THE BAY: BOOTCAMP 7:30-8:15 a.m. at The Bay, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Don’t wait until the new year to start getting fit. CoreSRQ will lead this fitness event for the community. Free. For information, call 203-5316.

THE ELIXIR ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC 7-10 p.m. at The Elixir Tea House.

1926 Hillview St. Spend your evening surrounded by music. If you are a musician and are interested in play-

ing a song, don’t be shy and sign up.

Admission is free. For information, call 373-1800.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

YOGA UNDER THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS 5:30-6:30 p.m. at The Green in UTC. Stretch your muscles and de-stress during the holidays under the UTC holiday lights. Free. For information, visit UTCSarasota.com/event/YogaUnder-The-Holiday-Lights-3.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

TOYS FOR TOTS 5-8 p.m. at John Ringling Museum.

5401 Bay Shore Road. Join the Ringling in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Toys that are donated will be gifted to children less fortunate in the Sarasota community. Admission is free with one unwrapped toy. Regular admission is $15 per adult; $5 per child. For information, call 359-5700.

THURSDAYS AT THE BAZAAR 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. Come out and shop for the holidays by shopping locally. Admission is free. For information, call 445-1938.

8/26/21 3:27 PM

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

Hot Water Heater Installation* *Must be purchased through Aqua Plumbing & Air* Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing and Air for details.

Offer Expires 11/30/2022.

50 OFF

$

GARBAGE DISPOSER Installation of PRO750 Garbage Disposer Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 11/30/2022.

100 OFF

Reme Halo Air Purifier The Reme Halo is more effective than most air purifiers and filter technologies on the market.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details. Offer expires 11/30/2022.

FREE Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

&

$100 Credit towards a New Whole House Filtration System Installed Cannot be combined with any other offers. Must be present coupon at time of service. Offer expires 11/30/2022.

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! Air Conditioning

Plumbing

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

Electrical

Veterans & First Responders HVAC Discount First Responders & Veterans receive a 10% discount on all HVAC service labor only.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Offer expires 12/31/2022.

No Interest* Financing Available on Select Carrier A/C Systems Call today to learn about our no interest or low interest financing options. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Offer expires 12/31/2022.

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

Water Treatment

393041-1

99 OFF

$

$

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

25

F L O R I D A

E ES

RVE • ABSO

L

U

R

TE

UC T I ON • N A O E

S A R A S O T A ,

|

T I ON • AUC N

ABS

T

O

A U O LU CTI TE ON RE

V E • ABS O SER LU

TREND-INSPIRING M O D E R N L U X U RY, J U S T S T E P S F R O M T H E W H I T E SAN D S O F L I D O K E Y B E AC H

ABSOLUTE AUCTION SELLING TO HIGHEST BIDDER • NO RESERVE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2022 AT 11:00 AM LOCAL TIME 15 N Polk Dr • Sarasota, Florida 34236

Designed by the highly renowned DSDG Architects, 15 N Polk Drive, The Pirate House is an influence of the modern Miami Beach Art Deco movement, a trend-inspiring design that is first of its kind on Lido Key. This contemporary masterpiece, with expansive beach views from all angles, is mere steps to the white sands of Lido Key Beach, with unparalleled views of the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

B R O K E R PAR T I C I PAT I O N I N V I T E D, 2% C O- O P Visit DeCaroAuctions.com for details.

Call the DeCaro offices at 800.332.3767 to schedule a private appointment.

392883-1

Daniel DeCaro Real Estate Auctions, Inc. is a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker #BK3055172 and a licensed Florida Auctioneer #AU3074 In Cooperation with Roger Pettingell - BK499842, Coldwell Banker Realty - BO2005460

26

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, NOV. 24 High: 81 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 9%

FRIDAY, NOV. 25 High: 81 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Nov. 24

6:57a

5:35p

Friday, Nov. 25

6:58a

5:35p

Saturday, Nov. 26

6:59a

5:35p

Sunday, Nov. 27

6:59a

5:35p

Monday, Nov. 28

7:00a

5:35p

Tuesday, Nov. 29

7:01a

5:35p

Wednesday, Nov. 30

7:02a

5:35p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV. 26 High: 81 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 23%

SUNDAY, NOV. 27 High: 71 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 33%

Nov. 30 First

Dec. 7 Full

Dec. 16 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Nov. 14

0

Tuesday, Nov. 15

0

Wednesday, Nov. 16

0

Thursday, Nov. 17

0

Friday, Nov. 18

0

Saturday, Nov. 19

0

Sunday, Nov. 20

Becky Edwards captured this cow posing for a quick picture off Sawyer Loop in Sarasota.

Dec. 23 New

0.98

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 51.50 in.

2021 45.79 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 2.48 in.

2021 1.44 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, ARI. O, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher briefly 50 Broadcaster Turner 53 *Nietzsche’s ideal human 57 “Everybody knows that!”

59 The “E” of QED 60 Shinbone 62 Soft ball brand 65 Show up at 67 Crimp in a hose 71 *Green or white liqueur 136 Tennis legend Monica 72 Schoolyard retort DOWN 73 Taj Mahal’s locale 1 Of the kidneys 75 ___-friendly 2 “Yech!”

76 Milk, in Madrid 3 Investigate something 77 Filling that may be gold thoroughly 79 Bar patron’s running bill 4 “Garfield” canine 81 Joint above a 60-Down 5 *Repairing of a damaged 83 Boggy tract relationship 84 Very dark 6 National park near Bar 86 CD predecessors Harbor, Maine 87 USC, e.g.

7 Drops in 89 Homeland, affectionately 8 ___-Magnon 91 Olay rival 9 Novel devices?

94 Highlight of a trumpet 10 Buffalo hockey pro concerto 11 Close angrily 96 *Orange citrus hybrid 12 Bogus 100 PBS documentary 13 *Carried out series 14 HI fashion?

101 Qatar, for one 15 The Matterhorn and Mont 103 Taken together Blanc, for two 105 Popping pills 16 Hightail it 107 Crops up 17 Restaurant offering 110 Floated leisurely down20 NBC sketch show river, say 21 Campaign season grp.

111 Typo, e.g.

26 Resolves one will 112 Long parts of geese 28 Predicted 114 Kicks back 31 Worth having 115 Caustic cleaners 33 Spanish cheer 116 Yearning 35 Fish packed in a tin 117 Acer machines 37 Coll. dorm overseers 118 Word before “check” or 39 Typewriter roller “cloud” 41 Very, very beginning 119 “Picnic” playwright 42 Vapers’ devices, for short William 43 Sixth ___ (intuition) 121 Make simpler 44 Circumstance’s partner 123 Trident part 45 Change for a five 126 Not just “a” 46 Determine democrati128 Pigpen gunk cally 130 “So ___ heard” 47 Minor dent 49 Pranks with white rolls, 125 “I don’t believe it!”

127 Kitchen drawers?

129 One may be naturalized 131 Sounded resigned 132 Sugar in tea, e.g., to a chemist 133 Jacks in a deck 134 Has to have 135 Chips away at

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

36 *Like yeast (Hint: Each starred clue’s answer con1 Finally free from 6 What a key card provides tinues through a block and a 12 Middle Eastern seasoned neighboring answer) 38 Hold off on discussing rice 39 *Places to stroll 17 Stop waffling 40 Fruit drink suffixes 18 Horse’s pen 44 Intrusive online promo19 Seems fishy tions 21 Cocktail colored by 48 Kid-lit turtle Angostura bitters 50 Slightest amount 22 Simple life form 51 Burden 23 Device for a severe al52 In ___ (where unearthed) lergic reaction 54 Relaxing getaways 24 Fresh-daisy connector 55 Newsman Newman 25 Crack, like a cipher 27 Load of library books, say 56 Doled (out) 58 Poker player’s “Pass” 29 Salt, in Paris 61 Rankings by win-loss 30 Actress Sevigny records 32 Soap opera unit 63 LAX winter hours 34 Verses of praise

64 Comfy Australian boot 66 Composer Satie 68 She-sheep 69 Spectacles’ support 70 Dos + seis 72 Horse from the Middle East 74 Shallow water hazard 76 Untrustworthy person 78 *Bothering and bothering 80 Wineglass-tapping sound 81 Fast-food chain with buckets 82 “I don’t need the deets!”

85 Greeting card holders 88 City south of Cleveland 90 It’ll make a chef cry 92 Tread heavily 93 Make a lasting mark 95 Smart fellow?

97 Reassuring comment after a fall 98 Cannot tolerate 99 Not a chance 102 Labor’s partner 104 Looked at 105 Ear-related prefix 106 Marinara sauce tomatoes 108 U-turn from WSW 109 Mountain over Vulcan’s forge 111 *How green choices are beneficial 113 Count up 117 *2, 3, 23 and others 120 Earthy tones 122 Head for, on a motorcycle 124 Sailor’s assent

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“ZX AFE PVCO OF GVTS UFGSONZCW NVLLSC ONVO NVUC’O NVLLSCSH YSXFIS ... VJJFP AFEIUSJX OF GVTS V JFO FX GZUOVTSU.”

YRFIT

“DKEBMGF USDG DMG GXM WVGBDG HVMM GK HKAAKN XBD PBDBKR NXMVMPMV BG GWLMD XBU.” IKXR H. LMRRMCF

“WKLZL HGO IL G ZLGRPJ BKO RPHLPJL ER KGNEJM G IGC CGO, WKLZL’R PSWLJ RPHLWKEJM WKGW BL UGJ’W RLL.” ZPIEJ ZPILZWR © 2022 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

391425-1

MEN IN BLACK by Morton J. Mendelson. Edited by Ross Trudeau

Puzzle Three Clue: S equals F

crossword

391670-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: E equals C

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue:W equals G

CARPET

11-24-22

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

RED PAGES Rentals Wanted

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

RECENTLY RETIRED VP Property Management Executive & wife living in Siesta Key seeking immaculate LONG TERM 2 bed/2 bath condo with Gulf View, building elevator and garage. No Pets, non-smokers, excellent credit & landlord references. Beginning December but no later than January 1st.

Owners only please.

Call or text 1-808-277-7470

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

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

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

Announcements

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Cleaning

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

YOUR HOME DESERVES VIP TREATMENT Edla’s VIP Cleaning is a local cleaning company that has been in business for over 24 years.

We are very committed to quality housecleaning and highly recommended. 5 star reviews.

941-400-2866

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

Between

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Pets POMERANIAN TRICOLOR puppy w/ blue eyes! Born 8/6, Sarasota, cash $995. (303) 4442721

BRAND NEW Wolf Counter Top Oven. Great for outdoor kitchen.

Retail 749. Sell $200.

416 564 7779.

CANDLELIGHT TEA CUPS and sauces service for 12. Exc condition $15 per set OBO. Photos available. 203-650-0070

Autos for Sale

GIRLS 26'' Huffy Bicycle, used only twice $95.

Pioneer AV Receiver VSX-1023 520 W $50. 330-323-5081

2016 RAM 1500 Clean - Loaded - New Everything. Call for details $24,500 OBO. (941) 315-1582

CALL 941-955-4888 PICTURE: FRAMED/MATTED, 10”X14”, (“Siesta”) Very unique, asking $150. Call 941-952-1097 SANYO DORM refrigerator, like new. $60. Waterford 13" footed vase $125. Art work Trevi fountain framed $15. 941 727 5924 SHOWER CHAIR-$30, fertilizer spreader-$25, pool towel holder$30, metal crane 2ft tall-$50, patio serving cart waterproof-$50.

941-359-8460 UGREEN T3 Active NoiseCanceling Earbuds, $25. (Retail $39.95) UGREEN X6 Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds, $35. (Retail $49.95) 941-321-9138

Announcements PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB Crafts/Art Fair, 25 vendors.

Thursday December 1st, 11am - 6:30pm; 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota, FL

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! GOLF HOLE official wanted.

Watch golf, part-time work, make money, have fun!

For more information, call Matt: 908-635-1897

CHANDELIER, BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $30.

(941) 920-2494

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

BRADENTON, FL, Co. seeks Mechanical Engineer. BS in mechanical engineering & 2 yrs. exp req. Send detailed resume to: Pet Doors USA, Inc, 4523 30th St W #E502, Bradenton, FL 34207. No calls pls.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

auto

BICYCLE, ROADMASTER adventure. 7 speed, as new, $70.

(941)993-0950

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! Advertise items less than $200 for FREE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Commercial Property for Rent ST ARMAND'S CIRCLE 5000 sq. ft. Corner with three faces, first floor 5000 square-foot roughly,192 chairs inside, 94 outside (around 1500 square-foot more outside) 362 parking spots close to the property, Direct deal with the owners. Contract Starting in January 2023. $37,000 (561) 931-9727

Homes for Rent FURNISHED HOME for Rent annually on Longboat. 3BR/2BA, laminated floors in bedrooms, 2 car garage, heated pool, screened in lanai & boat dock.

Walk to the beach. No smoking or pets. Available Feb 1, 2023. $6,500/mo. Owner 941-504-1492

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES

Painting

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Help Wanted

941-955-4888

2 NEW GOODYEAR TIRES 235/55/18. $199 firm. CALL NICK IN VENICE. 941-740-1210 ANTIQUE SIESTA KEY beach picture from the 1930’s in a beautiful frame. 25” X 28”. $175.

(941)924-9501

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

ES HANDYMAN & REMODELING. Hardwood flooring, kitchens, drywall, painting and electrical.

Honest and best prices.

30+ years exp. Fully ins/lic.

716-474-8492.

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 Pressure Cleaning PRESSURE WASHING Houses, pool/patio areas, paver cleaning & sealing, driveways, fences.

Mobile homes. Prompt & reliable.

30 years experience, owner operated. I take pride in my work. Thank you. (941) 402-6376

BUY & SELL HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

Adult Care Services ©2022 Universal Uclick

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

You’re only cheating yourself.

Merchandise Wanted

Visa/MC

jobs

RED BIRD BLEIKRYSTALL COLLECTION over 150 pieces like new $3,000 (over $5,000 value) David 202.215.0523

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com

Professional Gardener Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

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

peekers’ place

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

Antiques/ Collectibles

Reservations 941-383-5577

home services

Items Under $200

Current price $6,000 - $24,000+ Selling price $15,000 for all!

941-953-4186 941-539-9435

Houses or Condos

real estate

stuff

FOUR BURIAL PLOTS “Adjoining” in Garden of Prayer Sarasota Memorial Park, Section 5W1-4. In a beautiful courtyard shaded by oak trees with fountains, statue benches for comfort “setting” with easy access (no walking)

Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “If you want to make something happen that hasn’t happened before ... allow yourself to make a lot of mistakes.”

Bjork Puzzle Two Solution: “Society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

John F. Kennedy Puzzle Three Solution: “There may be a reason why someone is having a bad day, there’s often something that we can’t see.”

Robin Roberts

This week’s Sudoku answers

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

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

©2022 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Computer

Handyman

STEVE PANEBIANCO

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

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters” Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

391223

391222

Auto Service

GET YOUR LIFE BACK! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Concrete

BOLAS

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

• Driveways CALL TODAY • Sidewalks FOR AN • Patios ESTIMATE! • Stamped Concrete • Slabs RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • Foundations LICENSED & INSURED

CONCRETE UNLIMITED

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

813-417-0981

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Doors

5-Star Rated

Sliding Glass Door Repair

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

392005

HoHoBuysCars.com Beauty

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

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make

ZIPPYZ

Estate Sales

AMANDA

Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing

Gulf Coast EstatE auCtions

424.333.0713

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

Mobile Concierge Services Available 392593

Cleaning

AM Art of Cleaning

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

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691

zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com

Furniture Repair

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

(941) 822-3036

Home Watch

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

amartcleaning@gmail.com

941-504-0903

• Residential & Commercial • Post-Construction • Move In / Move Out • AIRBNB

391214

392921

Home Services 391213

Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com Located in salons by jc 200 Central Ave. Suite 15, Sarasota

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

392915

Golf

Golf Cart Repair Lithium Battery Conversion Lift Kits Blue Tooth Speakers General Repair

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888 Computer

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

392014

941-929-9095

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS® Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Find anything in the RED PAGES

6968 Beneva Road (Next to Beneva Flowers)

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

392474

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

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

CHASE COURNAN (941) 704 - 7512

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

941-955-4888

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Doors

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

RED PAGES

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

391226

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

392495

FREE

ESTIMATES!

Health

941-735-3362

YoderAluminum.com

(941) 809-7311

24/7 SERVICE

Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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

392013

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

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

391215

Aluminum

392016

|

392015

SARASOTA OBSERVER

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

CALL 941-955-4888

392922

28

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Insurance

Movers For $149 per hour you get:

392017

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

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

941-923-8140

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

Trees

Pressure Washing Paver PrSealing essure Washing Painting & Staining Paver Sealing Tile & Grout PaCleaning inting & Staining Window TileCleaning & Grout Cleaning Rescreening Window Cleaning

TUTOR DOCTOR LAKEWOOD RANCH

Call TODAY For a Free Quote • Florida Owned & Operated

Call TODAY For a Free Quote · Florida Owned & Operated

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

GLENN KROECKER Licensed & Insured

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

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

$100 COUPON

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

PRESSURE WASHING

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

392302

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

SOFT WASH

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

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

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

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

392490

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

941-345-5264

Lawn Care

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Curt’s Lawn Service

Made for where you live. Here.

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

RED PAGES

392923

(941) 345-5264

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

ROCK STARS found here.

Fill the job here where you can actually meet and greet your next employee.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

Serving Students in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Parrish

941-273-8811

tutordoctor.com// lakewoodranch

FREE CONSULTATION

Windows Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing n s a S u n u n w r o i s n e k Wind S erly Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

Rescreening & Repairs

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

In-Home, One-on-One, Personalized Tutoring

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

THE GRAB BAR GUY

$100 COUPON

392120

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

724-2945

Tutoring

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

392491

392019

DRGRABBARS.COM

392020

Power Washing

364556 392497

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

Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

941.966.0333

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs

392018

392927

Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial Serving the area since 1993 No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL!

392926

Building & Roofing Contractor

Plumbing

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Fully Insured

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

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

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

392499

Joe Murray, Owner

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

(941) 966-2960

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

392011

941-228-9850

Melanie Gates

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

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

3687676-01

by

All Work Guaranteed

391221

Pet Care

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Lic. & Ins.

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

Pet Services

TEXT 941-993-4137 EMAIL steve@setohealthgroup.com VISIT Setohealthgroup.com

373-9299

38 Years Experience

392925

Licensed and insured #IMT708

ü WIDE RANGE OF DEDUCTIBLES & COPAYS ü NATIONWIDE PPO NETWORKS ü 12, 24 OR 36 MONTHS POLICIES ü CUSTOMIZE YOUR AFFORDABLE QUOTES FROM:

249 235

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

make your moving day a pleasure.

Individual/Family • Medicare • Group

* $ $235

Roofing

A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

Get Virtual Health Insurance Quotes, Quickly and Direct To You!

$

29

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Wizard Moving SRQ

Too busy to chat?

Of course, you can call me anytime!

|

30

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

SARASOTA 4634 Higel Avenue Joel Schemmel

SIESTA KEY

SARASOTA

3726 Flamingo Avenue Joel Schemmel

1543 Eastbrook Drive Joel Schemmel

$4,900,000 941.587.4894

CASEY KEY

$4,390,000 941.587.4894

BRADENTON

4005 Casey Key Road $3,680,000 Lisa Napolitano & Valerie Dall’Acqua 941.993.0025

7910 Staysail Court Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

LIDO BEACH CLUB

$2,995,000 941.961.5857

HAMMOCK PRESERVE

1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive #1202 $1,500,000 Nancy Endara & Peter Laughlin 941.323.1700

12403 Marsh Pointe Road Robyn Sadlo

WEST OF THE TRAIL

$1,375,000 941.812.4219

1844 Oleander Street Judie Berger

$1,975,000 941.928.3424

BLACKBURN ESTATES ON THE BAY 4955 Topsail Drive Martha Pike

UNIVERSITY PARK 7305 Barclay Court Peg Davant

RIVER CLUB $949,900 941.587.1776

SARASOTA

$1,300,000 941.716.4392

723 Benjamin Franklin Drive #2 Joel Schemmel & Donna Soda

$1,300,000 941.961.5857

261 Corelli Drive Kim Vogel

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8205 Championship Court Donna Soda & Joel Schemmel

$1,550,000 941.356.4552

SAWGRASS 644 Egret Walk Lane Tamara & Todd Currey

$4,595,000 941.587.4894

9510 Royal Calcutta Place Charles Totonis

$1,300,000 941.587.4894

ARIA $1,150,000 941.254.1996

SAVANNA AT LAKEWOOD RANCH $930,000 941.524.8299

13720 Saw Palm Creek Trail Charles Totonis

$925,000 941.524.8299

View a rea list ings

RESIDENCES FROM $840,000

Located in Sarasota’s eclectic Rosemary District, Villa Ballada will feature 22 contemporary residences above two ground-level retail spaces. Residents will enjoy exceptional urban living moments from the endless entertainment in downtown.

430 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

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

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

392776-1

your home has never been