Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 12.08.22

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

Party moves to City Island.

PAGE 4B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

VOLUME 19, NO. 2

YOUR TOWN

Dariela Delgado

Mischa Kirby, Diane McFarlin and Roxie Jerde.

Chatting about Sharing

The road ahead

City lays out vision for street projects to come.

SEE PAGE 3A

WINTER WONDERLAND Main Street parade takes the most direct route to holiday cheer. SEE PAGE 1B

The aroma of fresh coffee filled the room as members of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County on Wednesday listened to former publisher of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and recently retired dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Diane McFarlin speak about generosity.

McFarlin teamed up with the Community Foundation in 2000 to launch Season of Sharing, a charitable fund to help provide emergency funding for people on the brink of homelessness. The project has since been joined by other partners, such as The Patterson Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and others.

“More than 41,000 households have been helped by more than $34 million.

“There is nothing as complex and yet simple as Season of Sharing,” McFarlin said. “This complexity of partnerships that is supporting something that is so straightforward. So easy to comprehend that this is $1,500 so you can get back on your feet. Part of this is the magic of Sarasota. There’s no community like Sarasota.”

Dariela Delgado

Brooklyn Athridge, Santana Leyva and Sofia Leyva ride with Stage Door Studios’ float in Saturday’s Main Street parade.

Eric Garwood

Frosty and Buddy the Elf share neighboring yards in Sarasota.

A+E

Light, bright, holiday delight

We want to see your pretty lights Best Christmas decoration this year: An inflatable Santa in the lotus position, wearing a T-shirt that says “Oooommm for the holidays.’’

OK, maybe comedy and Christmas aren’t naturally linked in your book. Still, is your neighborhood looking merry and bright?

If so, we want to know. The Sarasota Observer is making its list and checking it twice to find the most vibrant holiday lights across the area.

If your house, or your neighbor’s, is lighting up the neighborhood, email EGarwood@ YourObserver.com by Dec. 11. It could end up in our Christmas issue. Please include the address if possible.

The keys to great theater INSIDE Dariela Delgado

Carlos Moreira in surprise by the kind gesture of FPL and USF volunteers.

Marine veteran comes home surprised to a fully decorated house and yard.

SEE PAGE 12A

2A

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

|

WEEK OF DEC. 8, 2022

City finishes storm debris collection

“The permit was finalized and approved by them, but it sat on someone’s desk for six to eight weeks and we had to call to find out why that was the case.”

Two months after Hurricane Ian, the city of Sarasota has brought to a close its vegetative storm debris collection program, and with that, regular yard-waste rules and collections have been reinstated.

More than 113,200 cubic yards of Hurricane Ian storm debris has been collected in the city over the past eight weeks, four times the amount of regular yard waste collected in all of 2021.

For collection of household items such as furniture, appliances and construction debris, residents should contact the city’s Solid Waste Division at 941-263-6170 to schedule a bulk waste pickup.

Richard Mandell, Bobby Jones Golf Course renovation architect, Read more on page 6A

BY THE NUMBERS 32

Weeks of pay proposed as severance for Sarasota Schools Superintendent Brennan Asplen.

PAGE 5A

Iconic tennis pioneer, founder of IMG, dies

$250,000

Amount by which the city’s $12.5 million Bobby Jones Golf Course renovation is under budget.

PAGE 6A

15

Years of active duty served

by Carlos Moreira in the U.S. Marine Corps.

PAGE 12A

1977

Year tennis legend NIck Bollettieri was interviewed for a job at then-iconic Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key.

File photo

Sailor Circus’ Kaylee Dutkiewicz performs high above the circus ring during the 2021 induction ceremony.

Four picked for Circus Ring of Fame T

YOUROBSERVER.COM

CALENDAR n Sarasota School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, School Board Chambers, Landings Administrative Complex, 1960 Landings Blvd. n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, Commission Chambers, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

he Circus Ring of Fame Foundation has announced four inductees to the Circus Ring of Fame Class of 2023.

The Circus Ring of Fame recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of circus throughout their career.

The induction ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 4, in the Circus Sarasota Big Top located at Nathan Benderson Park Regatta Center.

The 2023 Circus Ring of Fame inductees are:

Peggy Williams, the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in The Greatest Show On Earth. In 1980, she was the company’s first female performance director.

The Alexis Brothers, who performed their artistic hand balancing to millions of fans worldwide, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Jeanette Williams, from Germany’s famous Circus Williams family. She performed with liberty horses and multiple ani-

mals in Europe and in the United States with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Jeanette produced her own show in America and became a prominent agent for circus arts talent.

The Rev. Jerry Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston for 46 years who served for three decades as the national “Circus Chaplain” under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Jerry frequently traveled ministering to different circus troupes.

Iconic tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, founder of what is today IMG Academy, one of the most prominent youth sports training facilities in the world and a major economic driver of west Bradenton for decades, has died. He was 91.

IMG announced Bollettieri’s death in a statement released the morning of Dec. 5.

“Anyone who knew Nick knows how much he loved developing the potential in young people, coaching tennis and this academy,” Tim Pernetti, the president of IMG Academy Bradenton, says in the statement. “Even in his last days, you could often find him on campus, coaching and mentoring young student-athletes and staff with the same passion and enthusiasm as he did in his 20s. Our heart goes out to his wife, Cindi, and his children. He has made a permanent and lasting impact on all of us.”

Bollettieri founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy — now IMG Academy — in 1978 with a focus on intense physical training, total immersion and ongoing competition among the most talented players in the world, the release states.

Considered by many to be one of the best tennis coaches of all time, he would go on to train, develop and coach 10 world No. 1 players, including Andre Agassi and Boris Becker.

.com e s u ho

e War

Fu

re rnitu

The

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST*

PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

$

Simple

$

and lively Vibrant and fun pieces add a touch of nature to your living space.

elegance Perfect for smaller spaces. Round dining table and 4 chairs. Also in gray.

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

699

99

499

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

SOFA

99 5-PC

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

Modern

and sophisticated Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in brown.

Continuous

support

Beautyrest® Daydream Plush Queen Mattress. All Sizes Available.

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

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

999

$

99

49999

$

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

PORT CHARLOTTE Closed for Hurricane Renovation

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between December 8, 2022 and December 7, 2023. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by December 2023. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and December 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, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. 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.

379666-1

Bright

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Mapping out the future

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Harry Sayer

The U.S. 41 roundabout at Sarasota’a bayfront is expected to be open to traffic by the end of the year.

Sarasota City Commissioners approve a long-range priority list of transportation projects. But don’t start planning alternate routes, yet ... most have a start date of 2030 and beyond.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

The bad news for constructionweary residents of Sarasota is that there are plenty of road projects on the horizon.

The good news is that most of the projects are five to eight years — and beyond — from breaking ground.

That was the dichotomy presented to Sarasota City Commissioners on Monday by Alvimarie Corales, the city’s chief transportation planner, in her annual report of the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization 2023 Transportation Project Priority List.

Prepared by the region’s planning body, the list highlights all road projects in various stages of the pipeline, more than 20 within the city limits.

“A lot of the projects look like they’re imminent, like they’re going to happen any second now, and I know some of the residents are suffering from construction fatigue,” said Commissioner Jen AhearnKoch. “This is not all happening in the next week. These are really longterm plans and the funding and the permitting, it all takes time to get into place.”

Most of the road construction projects, not including various traffic management infrastructure upgrades, within the city show a start date of 2030 and beyond. Those range from intersection improvements at University Parkway/U.S. 41 at $2.34 million to shared-use paths between U.S. 41 and Interstate 75 along Fruitville Road and University Parkway at $14.54 million.

The report included the city’s 10 priority projects in the Sarasota In Motion plan. They include:

1

EXPAND CITY TRAIL NETWORK

The project includes walking and biking connections throughout the city. Treatments may include off-road trails, protected bike lanes, wayfinding signage and sidewalk widening.

■ Trail connections to the bay, including Oak Street, Ringling Boulevard bikeway, Alderman Trail, Lukewood Park Trail

■ Connecting neighborhoods to Legacy Trail ■ Enhance connections from North Sarasota neighborhoods to The Bay park ■ Bobby Jones Golf Club park to Legacy Trail Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike Project score: 85/100

2

STREETSCAPES FOR EAST-WEST CORRIDORS

May include wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, on-street parking, landscaping, decorative lighting, street furniture, ADA improvements, roundabouts, underground utilities and multiuse trails.

■ 10th Street from the bayfront to Orange Avenue ■ 12th Street from Orange Avenue to Tuttle Avenue ■ 17th Street from Orange Avenue to city limits Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, car Project score: 80/100

3

NORTH LEGACY TRAIL ■ Continue Legacy Trail through the city center from Payne Park and Fruitville Road to the county limit with further connection into Manatee County ■ Preserve rail line for potential future light rail connection between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and downtown Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike Project score: 78/100

4

SHADE AVENUE COMPLETE STREET

From Fruitville Road to the south city limit. Potential improvements may include:

■ Adding bike lane ■ Wider sidewalks, lighting, multiuse pathway.

■ Undergrounding of utilities ■ Landscaping enhancements Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, car Project score: 77/100

5

CORE ROUTE TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS

May include trolleys or other

Andrew Warfield

A protected bicycle lane is one of the features on the Ringling Boulevard “complete street” project, here marked in green paint as it approaches the roundabout at Orange Avenue. More complete street projects are on the city’s Sarasota In Motion transportation improvement list.

large, medium or small vehicles; covered stations; transit vehicle priority; pedestrian crossings; pedestrian access and multimodal/ micromobility hubs at key destinations. Provide high frequency service with extended hours of operations.

Transit circulators to connect:

■ New College/Airport ■ St. Armands Trolley Route. Hospital ■ Downtown Primary modes: Pedestrian, bus Project score: 77/100

6

COCOANUT AVENUE AND SECOND STREET ROUNDABOUT

Build a roundabout at the intersection of Cocoanut Avenue and Second Street to improve vehicle flow and pedestrian safety. Improvements may include: ■ Landscaped center islands ■ Public art ■ Reduced Pedestrian crossing distances ■ Traffic calming Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, car Project score: 73/100

7

FRUITVILLE ROAD COMPLETE STREET

Fruitville Road from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301. Improvements may include: ■ ADA improvements ■ Widen sidewalks ■ Narrow lane width for safer sidewalks ■ Improve crossings at Cocoanut, Lemon, Central and Orange avenues with leading pedestrian intervals at traffic signals

■ High-visibility pedestrian crosswalk markings ■ Bike detection at traffic signals ■ Enhanced bus stops ■ Parallel bikeways along Second and Fourth streets Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, bus, car Project score: 73/100

8

MAIN STREET REDESIGN

Main Street from U.S. 41 to U.S. 301. Treatments may include:

■ Conversion to parallel parking ■ Widening sidewalks ■ Landscaping amenities ■ Pedestrian mall at certain times/ locations Primary modes: Pedestrian, car Project score: 71/100

9

RINGLING CAUSEWAY/ COON KEY BRIDGE

State Road 789 from U.S. 41 to Washington Drive. Corridor bridges enhanced with dedicated lanes for walking, biking and transit vehicles.

Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, bus, car Project score: 71/100

10

BOULEVARD OF THE ARTS

From the bay front to Orange Avenue. Improvements may include: ■ Intersection improvements ■ Streetscape improvements ■ Reduced pedestrian crossing distance ■ Wider sidewalks ■ Separated bike lanes ■ Undergrounding of utilities Primary modes: Pedestrian, bike, car Project score: 68/100

Scores are based on a scale of 100 with 20 points maximum each in five categories.

The Sarasota/Manatee long-range transportation plan is updated every five years and spans a 25-year transportation project plan within Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“It also lists projects for federal and state funding to be submitted as project priorities,” Corales said.

“The MPO project priorities list gets updated annually and we submit annually. The projects need to be in the long-range transportation plan in order to be eligible for MPO funding.”

Couretsy rendering

Enhanced streetscapes and complete street concepts on 10th Street from the bayfront to Orange Avenue are among the city’s Sarasota In Motion plan.

3A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Rents rise in region nearly 35% since 2019 Although home prices are stabilizing, fair-market rents in the Sarasota-Manatee metro area are up by 34.5% over 2019 as market pressures continue.

e om H e Tak a Pie!

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

With the Holidays approaching, let us help! Swing by and Pick up a Pie!

Now - 12/23 See all that Sarabella has to offer!

All tours the week of November 14th will leave with a complimentary pie.

Schedule a tour today at 941-413-7997 or MarketingDirector2@DiscoverSarabella.com 5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233 (One block north of Clark Road)

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

ALF License #13578

391593-1

hen it comes to fair-market rent, the North Port-SarasotaManatee metropolitan statistical area finished just outside of the top 15 among midsize metro areas in increases since before COVID-19, according to a new study by trade publication Construction Coverage.

Since 2019, the region has seen an increase of 34.5% compared to a national average of 24%. Fair-market rent is an estimate of the cost of gross rents (rent and utility expenses) on 40% of the rental housing units in an area. It serves as the basis for several Housing and Urban Development calculations, including Section 8 vouchers.

Even as housing prices cool, rents continue to rise. Since 2019, some local housing markets are seeing rent increases in excess of 50%.

Although Florida has four regions ranking among the top 15 large metros and two among midsize metros, renters in Arizona and Nevada have contended with the largest rent increases in the country at 53.9% and 48.4%, respectively. At the opposite end of the spectrum, rents rose 5% in Alaska since before the pandemic.

Housing stock pressures in high in-migration states such as Florida are exacerbated by the growth in the number of households, which grew by 750,000 from 2020 to 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In addition, many would-be buyers priced out of the housing market continued renting, placing additional pressure on rental supply.

In Florida, top 15-ranked large metros for increases in fair market

Andrew Warfield

rent are: Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater: No. 3 at 46.9%; Orlando-KissimmeeSanford: No. 8 at 35.8%; Jacksonville: No. 9 at 33.8%; Miami-FortLauderdale-Pompano Beach: No. 13 at 31.5%. Among midsize metro areas are: Cape Coral-Fort Myers: No. 5 at 39.5%; Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville: No. 10 at 37.7%.

To determine the metro areas with the largest increase in fair market rent since 2019, Construction Coverage analyzed data from the HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau, ranking them according to the percentage change in costs.

Robust apartment construction activity in the North PortSarasotaBradenton metropolitan statistical area may serve to relieve pressure on rent rates in the region.

AVERAGE FAIR-MARKET RENT In the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area, average fair market rents are: n Studio: $1,065 n One-bedroom: $1,277 n Two-bedroom: $1,593 n Three-bedroom: $2,112 n Four-bedroom: $2,514 This compares to national averages of: n Studio: $1,074 n One-bedroom: $1,177 n Two-bedroom: $1,427 n Three-bedroom: $1,863 n Four-bedroom: $2,159

ThE

OSPREY

SARASOTA & SIESTA KEY

Observer

CAFE

Breakfast 8-11am

Authentic Swiss Brunch, Classic Breakfast, HouseSpecials

1970 Main St., Third Floor, Sarasota, FL 34236

Sunday Brunch 11am-2pm

PHONE: 941-366-3468 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

Live Entertainment

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

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!

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

HAPPY HOUR 3:30-5:30pm Daily Food & Drink Specials Live Music Daily 5-8pm

EARLY BIRD Dinner Special 4-5:30 for $20

Monday HAPPY HOUR ALL NIGHT!

Tuesday LOBSTER FEST 1.25 LB Live Maine Lobster 1 FOR $27.99 2 FOR $39.99 (no sharing)

Wednesday SNOW CRAB 1 lb. Snow Crab $24.99

Thursday 12oz. PRIME RIB Served with Mashed Potato and Soup OR Salad $21.99

Friday FISH FRY

All You Can Eat $18.99

Saturday 5 FRESH FISH Available for the Weekend

Inside Dining Room NOW OPEN for Dinner Thursday, Friday & Saturday and Sunday Brunch

Christmas Day Buffet Dec. 25th 11am - 6pm $ 32.49 pp Chicken Dumpling Soup Lobster Bisque | Salad Buffet Leg of Lamb | Honey Glazed Ham Atlantic Salmon 10 oz. Prime Rib +$7.49

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION

Life Entertainment | Limited Menu

NEW YEAR'S DAY BRUNCH BUFFET Jan. 1st 10am - 3pm

Book Your Private HOLIDAY PARTY! (We can accommodate up to 250 people!)

LIKE US

www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

FOLLOW US

www.instagram.com/observergroup

WATCH US

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

FOLLOW US

https://twitter.com/observergroup

New Location! at Casey Key Resort 1660 S. Tamiami Trail Osprey FL 34229

941-966-2121 WWW.CHEFROLF.US

393686-1

4A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Sarasota School Board sets meeting to vote on terms of Asplen’s departure Superintendent Brennan Asplen would be paid a total of about $170,000, along with moving expenses, upon departure.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

T

he Sarasota County School Board has set discussion of Superintendent Brennan Asplen’s departure for its next meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13 after canceling a penciled-in special meeting this past week.

According to an agenda posted on Tuesday, discussion will not only focus on terms of Asplen’s resignation but also the appointment of an interim superintendent.

Among the key points of a separation agreement between Asplen and the school board are that his departure will be considered a resignation — not a firing — and that his pay will continue for 32 weeks, along with pay from unused vacation time and sick leave.

The school district also would pay Asplen’s legal fees and moving expenses.

Additionally, the agreement calls for a period of consultancy for three months after Asplen’s departure to whomever the school board chooses as an interim superintendent, during which time Asplen would agree to be available for questions or counsel.

If the agreement, which totals more than $170,000, is agreed to by the school board next week, the next step would be to find an interim superintendent.

The agenda calls for discussions of nominations, salary determination and a vote to appoint.

Although dozens of other routine matters also appear on the Dec. 13 agenda, consideration of Asplen’s

File photo

Joyce Peralta, Arthur Wasserman and Marc Schreiber hold signs along Tamiami Trail in protest of Asplen’s potential termination.

ouster is scheduled as the final two agenda items of a meeting that is set to begin at 6 p.m., likely ending weeks of uncertainty over what would ultimately take place.

In a five-hour special meeting on Nov. 29, a meeting that featured dozens of speakers in support of Asplen, the school board voted 4-1 to proceed with negotiations with Asplen to complete his ouster from the school district after two-andhalf years.

Without detailed specifics, board member Karen Rose cited communication problems with Asplen and an atmosphere of tumult surrounding board meetings as her motivation to begin the process, which launched Nov. 22.

In an interview with the Observer for an opinion piece published this past week, Rose said: “My sole goal was to initiate a process for how we are going to bring unity back to the district. I’ve had the opportunity to work for three decades in this district with unity. So the divisiveness has to be addressed. … There has a been a strong, consistent voice for change in the district going back to COVID. … And I’ve tried for change on the dais and in one-on-ones. But I don’t see it.”

Rose and newcomer-to-theboard Tim Enos both expressed concerns with the lack of growth in reading, science and math achievement scores.

After the Nov. 29 meeting, a follow

IF YOU GO The Sarasota County School Board will meet at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Landings Administrative Complex, 1960 Landings Blvd.

up meeting on Friday, Dec. 2 was tentatively set, but the school district announced on that day the meeting had been set aside.

In a statement from Sarasota County Schools on Dec. 2, a spokesperson wrote: “Matters were addressed during the School Board Special Meeting earlier this week

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

5A

(Tuesday, November 29) and negotiations are ongoing per the School Board’s action. No additional business items have been requested from any School Board members to warrant a meeting this evening.”

This week, the Sarasota County Teachers Association, the union that represents teachers, released results of a poll that it said drew more than 2,000 responses from its 5,000 members in two days.

Of those responses, 97% “wanted the school board to do everything in their power to retain Superintendent Asplen.”

“The decision ... made on (Nov. 29) will completely disrupt our school district and may have ramifications that will last for years,” wrote Barry Dubin, the SC/TA’s executive director. “What high-quality, Sarasotaquality, if that term still has any meaning, superintendent would come here to work under these conditions? Will we just get applicants who have no other choices?”

A consistent refrain from those supporting Asplen was a perceived political motivation by the new board majority, three of whom won contentious elections in August, defeating a trio of Democratic Partysupported candidates.

Although nonpartisan, Ziegler, Enos and Marinelli drew backing of not only the local Republican Party but also that of Gov. Ron DeSantis, who campaigned for and supported like-minded school board candidates statewide.

Also this week, the Longboat Key Town Commission considered making its opinion known on the situation with the school board and Asplen, but in the end decided against taking sides.

“We don’t have people tell us how we hire or fire our town manager,” Vice Mayor Maureen Merrigan said.

“These folks were voted in, good or bad, whether we agree or disagree.”

Mayor Ken Schneier, though, wrote a personal note to the school board, asking that more consideration be given to working out differences.

“Please try,” Schneier wrote. “You would all be heroes.”

SAVE $2 WITH CODE OBSERVER

D A I LY

T R O L L E Y

E N T E R TA I N I N G

•

T O U R S

I N F O R M AT I V E

ChristmasCarol Trolley

Holiday Lights • Carol Sing-Along • Musical Performances Enjoy A Musical Holiday Tour For The Whole Family!

Nightly December 10-30th 5:30 & 7:30 PM

$29.99 (Kids 3+) $49.99

(Adults)

Includes Fizzy Punch Before Boarding

Gift Cards Make PERFECT Gifts!

GifRDt CA

Visit The Trolley Cottage Gift Shop | 1826 4th Street | FREE Parking!

393127-1

DiscoverSarasotaTours.com • 941-260-9818

6A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Bobby Jones tee time pushed into summer, late 2023 A two-month permitting delay pushed work into the rainy season, forcing an eight-month delay in opening the restored course.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

hen the years-long redevelopment plans of the Bobby Jones Golf Course were finally approved by Sarasota City Commission in February, the ambitious goal was to have restoration of the original 18 holes designed by Donald Ross open to play by November of this year.

Nature had other plans, and a bureaucratic snafu that resulted in a two-month delay opened a cascade of circumstances that have now pushed the opening date to late summer or early fall 2023.

On Monday, golf course architect Richard Mandell, whom the city hired in 2017 to design the restoration of the city facility that was closed in 2020, told city commissioners during a project update that all the difficult work has been completed and, barring a catastrophic disaster, he sees no delays going forward.

The best news, he added, is that the project so far is coming in at more than $250,000 under the $12.5 million budget, thanks to some creative value engineering. The budget for the entire project, including the golf course, nature park and wetlands conservation is $18.8 million.

First the reasons for the delay.

“We were hoping that we could start right away and we would get done in November, but that was really only in a situation where everything was good to go,” Mandell said.

“That hasn’t been the case since we had (Southwest Florida Water Management District) slow us down with permitting. The permit was finalized and approved by them, but it sat on someone’s desk for six to eight weeks and we had to call to find out why that was the case.”

No good reason, as it turned out, but those critical two months prevented earth moving from beginning well in advance of the wet season.

When the rains did begin, construction was as much about moving water around what is otherwise a floodplain as it was about building a golf course.

Then came Hurricane Ian. Then Tropical Storm Nicole.

Finally dry again, contractor QGS Development of Plant City has been progressing at an accelerated pace as grass planting has begun on the back nine, those holes visible from 17th Street.

“Now that the rainy season has gone, QGS has picked up progress and we’re doing very well,” Mandell said.

Challenges brought by the aftermath of the COVID-19 response, he told commissioners, required unanticipated value engineering, which so far has resulted in $253,000 in savings from the original budget.

“We’ve had major challenges that none of us foresaw, such as the pandemic, which basically added 25% to 30% of cost to the golf course.

And despite that we’re able to still overcome that by being smart with what we’re doing value engineeringwise,” Mandell said.

Among those was the elimination of concrete cart paths in favor of shell paving, which not only is significantly less costly than concrete — both to build and to maintain — but also results in even greater impervious surface, which reduces storm-

Andrew Warfield

Water management is a key factor during reconstruction of the Bobby Jones Golf Course, both to prevent the formerly frequent flooding of the course and for the adjacent nature park. The entire project is designed to purify water flowing through the site through natural filtration.

water runoff. It is made of compacted pulverized sea shells.

“I was never really a fan of concrete cart paths. I always wanted shell screening for the car paths,” he said. “The cost of concrete went up and shell screening did not go up nearly as much, and we were to save a good $500,000 to $600,000 just on that move alone. And when you talk about Sarasota and Florida golf … we really sort of capture that old Florida feel.”

Some of that savings went into bunker liners, which were not originally planned, that will preserve the longevity and integrity of the sand bunkers. Mandell said he also found savings during irrigation installation — which is now operational — by identifying areas where fewer sprinkler heads covering larger areas could be used.

But don’t tuck that $253,000 in the savings account just yet, he warned.

It could easily be absorbed by other unforeseen circumstances.

The golf course renovation is only part of the overall 261-acre project.

Reducing the course to the original 1926 Donald Ross 18-hole layout from the 36 holes it became in the decades since left 153 acres to create

The practice range at the Bobby Jones Golf Course is surrounded by a stream that feeds water into the nature park adjacent to the golf course.

Development of the park will occur in phases, but is expected to open with walking trails.

Courtesy photo

the nature park and wetlands conservation area. Many of the existing cart paths there will be re-used for the nature trail, which will one day connect with Sarasota County’s expanded regional park off 17th Street.

The nature park will be accessible once the golf course opens, but full development of it, Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry Fogle told commissioners, is still years away.

“From day one in 2017, we’ve talked about the synergy between golf and nature, and we’d always planned to expand the wetlands and work on

flood control for the city with the site. This is a perfect example again of how it works together,” Mandell said.

“The dirt we’re removing to create the wetlands is being is being transferred to the golf course to build up the fairways to get it out of the floodplain.”

Earth moving is also now underway on the par-three “adjustable” golf course across Circus Boulevard from the main course.

Mandell told commissioners he expects that to open mid to late next year as well.

There’s no place like

HOME for the holidays

VOTED #1

HOSTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS? Shop our IN-STOCK & READY to DELIVER outdoor patio furniture

Outdoor Specialty Retailer in the country by the International Casual Furniture Association

VISIT OUR NEWLY EXPANDED SHOWROOM Sarasota: 7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41) • 941-217-6547

WWW.ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES FOLLOW US

391437-1

MON-SAT 10AM - 6PM, SUN 12-5PM

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

ME

VT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

7A

Number One Luxury Broker

NH

MA NY CT

|

RI

#1 Independent Luxury Broker, in Florida and the Northeast1 #1 Luxury Broker by Luxury Portfolio International | 2018 #1 Luxury Lifestyle Award Winner | 20222 #1 Overall Winner of HGTV’s 2022 Ultimate House Hunt FL

1. William Raveis is the largest independent brokerage by total sales volume ($21.5 billion) according to RISMedia, 2021. 2. Winner of Best Luxury Real Estate Agency Award in FL, CT & MA in 2022 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Featured Listings

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

Myakka City | 10 Acres

Siesta Key | Place 450

6410 Wauchula Road | $1,995,000

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

Samantha Kasprzyk-Benge | 941.650.3732

Jennifer Thompson | 941.928.0790

Keith Redding | 941.894.4216

Siesta Key | Peppertree Bay II

Lakewood Ranch | Arbor Grande

Sarasota | The Landings

1200 E Peppertree Lane #206 | $725,000

2806 Starwood Court | $1,499,000

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

Michelle Borysek | 941.413.8597

Chris Wortman | 239.273.2007

Carlos Santos | 941.735.8302 Veronika Bajtala | 941.504.0307

Explore a World of Luxury Living OU R LUXU RY LIST IN GS T H R O UG H O UT O UR NO RTH E AST FO OTP R I NT

Fairfield, CT

Scarsdale, NY

Boston, MA

1143 Sasco Hill Road | $14,000,000 Southport Office | 203.255.6841

17 Heathcote Road | $8,250,000 Scarsdale Office | 914.723.1331

1 Dalton Street #4203 | $6,675,000 Boston Back Bay Office | 508.228.9117

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

376741-1

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

8A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Eric Garwood, EGarwood@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff 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

It’s time for Florida to stop relying on ‘taxation by citation’ Relying on fees and fines as a source of recurring revenue isn’t sustainable and should be reconsidered.

ADRIAN MOORE AND VITTORIO NASTASI

A

cross the country, state and local governments use court fines and fees as a source of revenue to fund services.

This “taxation by citation” is not only a threat to individual liberty, but it can also undermine public safety and result in fiscal instability.

Fines and fees are commonplace throughout the justice system.

In many cases, fines are desirable because they are an “intermediate” form of punishment. In other words, slapping someone with a fine is less severe than incarceration but is tough punishment for many low-level offenses.

A person may be charged a fine for any criminal or civil infraction.

In addition to any fines, they might also be charged fees meant to cover court costs.

The state court system in Florida is funded through general revenues, but a large share of funding for the state’s clerks of courts is provided by filing fees, service charges and court costs that are collected from individuals when they interact with the court system.

Because fines and fees are not generally scaled based on income, they tend to disproportionately harm low-income people who are unable to pay. Failure to pay outstanding fines and fees can result in driver’s license suspensions and even incarceration. A recent report by the Fines and Fees Justice Institute found that nearly 2 million Floridians have their drivers licenses suspended because of unpaid fines and fees. Considering that approximately 80% of Floridians drive themselves to work and many jobs require a driver’s license, suspending driver’s licenses reduces the likelihood those individuals will be able to pay their fines and fees. It is counterproductive to make it even more difficult for individuals to pay off their debts and create additional administrative costs for governments.

The fact that many people are financially unable to pay may provide some explanation for why governments are notoriously bad at collecting outstanding court debts.

A report from the Brennan Center for Justice found that 36% of the fines and fees assessed in Florida between 2012 and 2018 were actually collected, resulting in over $1.13 billion in cumulative unpaid fines and fees.

Even setting aside problems with collection, fines and fees are not a particularly stable source of revenue.

In Florida, statewide fines and fees revenue have declined significantly over recent years—a fiscal issue that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Courthouses were closed during the early months of the pandemic, leading to a backlog of cases and disrupted revenue flows. Over that same period, lockdowns and stay-athome orders kept drivers off the road, reducing the number of traffic violations—a major source of fines and fees revenue in the state.

In the fiscal year ending in September 2020, clerks of courts collected $377.4 million in fines and fees compared to $432 million in the year prior. Revenues in both years represent a dramatic decline from the $539 million collected in 2009.

Declining revenues are already causing trouble for organizations and programs that depend on fines and fees revenue. Epilepsy Florida, for example, pulls in $5 from every seat belt infraction in the state.

In 2020, that translated to just $240,000 compared to $1.1 million in 2014 according to reporting by FL Keys News.

Fortunately, fines and fees revenue make up a very small portion of Florida’s budget and there are many options for reform.

Generally speaking, no program or agency should be specifically funded by fines and fees revenue.

Instead, court revenue should be sent into the general fund to avoid poor incentive structures within the justice system. Fees, which only exist to raise revenue, should arguably be eliminated. Meanwhile fines, which serve as punishment, could be scaled to account for individuals’ ability to pay. Florida could also eliminate fines and fees in juvenile cases and abandon the counterproductive practice of suspending driver’s licenses for failure to pay.

These reforms would realign incentives for law enforcement and help reduce the desperate impact of fines and fees on low-income communities. Florida lawmakers would be wise to address the fiscal challenges presented by declining fines and fees revenue and put an end to “taxation by citation” in the Sunshine State.

By Vittorio Nastasi, Director of Criminal Justice at Reason Foundation, and Dr. Adrian Moore, Vice President at Reason Foundation.

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; Lyndsey Walsh, LyndseyWalsh@ 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

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

As a lifelong Democrat, it is not often I agree with Matt Walsh’s opinions in the Observer. But I am in accord with that in the Dec. 1 edition concerning the School Board’s misguided attempt to remove of Superintendent Brennan Asplen without cause.

I never heard or read any cogent or precise reason for Superintendent Asplen’s removal. I see reported “controversy” and “communication problems and tumult” as reasons advanced by the Board for his removal.

In my opinion, those are probably curable and are too indefinite and nonsubstantive to justify 1) an extensive severance package to Asplen, 2) a lengthy and likely expensive search for his replacement who, given the tight labor market, history of this incident and inflationary climate, will likely command greater compensation than is paid to the present superintendent. Moreover, and just as important, 3) the Strategic Plan Asplen and others developed for the System over, I believe, more than a year, surely will not be implemented as it would were he still employed here. I did not hear any criticism of that work product.

While I have no personal knowledge of the operations of the school system (I am much too old to have children presently attending it.), I credit the large number of parents, faculty, staff and dissenting School Board Member Tom Edwards who discredited any argument relative to Asplen’s responsibility for ultimately enacting a school mask mandate policy a year ago. I also understand that the comparative fourth-grade reading scores in public schools of our country from 2019 and 2022 are unsatisfactory in many jurisdictions and that experts put the blame for that primarily on necessary remote learning during the pandemic.

That reason rings accurate to me. Lastly, I concur with Mr. Walsh (who, I suspect, has far more corporate expertise than I) that the School Board’s paramount obligation is to collaborate with the superintendent if they perceive there are problems in their interpersonal relations toward solving them. In that regard, I opine that at least four of them have failed us — and themselves.

LETTERS

There’s no reason to dismiss superintendent

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

9A

MY VIEW

SMH Board chair vows to impartially examine COVID-19 response Report expected on what went right, what went wrong and what the hospital system can learn.

TRAMM HUDSON

I

am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me to serve as chairman of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for the coming year.

I have said on many occasions that Sarasota Memorial Hospital is a community treasure.

Ever since 1921, when a group of citizens in Sarasota began fundraising for a hospital, SMH has grown from a 32-bed hospital that opened in 1925 to a hospital system with more than 1,000 beds on two campuses with more than 8,000 employees.

Our hospital has been led by committed citizens elected from the populace who are charged with oversight responsibility of the hospital. We serve without compensation. I am proud to be a part of that tradition as we enter our 98th year of serving the health care needs of Sarasota County.

We recently had our first board meeting with newly elected board

PAUL SARNO OSPREY

members. More than 200 citizens attended to voice their opinions on the hospital’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 33 speakers offered comments: 17 shared heartwrenching stories of patients and families affected by the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic; 16 expressed praise and support for the dedication, sacrifice and service of SMH physicians and staff during the pandemic.

As a result of over two-and-ahalf hours of public comment, the board asked that management and the medical staff conduct a thorough review of the hospital’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board wants to know what we did right, what we did wrong, what lessons were learned, and how we can be better prepared for the next pandemic, which will inevitably come.

We should not pre-judge the outcome of such a review until we can gather the information and understand the challenges facing a health care system in a future pandemic.

We expect the report to be public in the next 60-90 days.

As chairman, I pledge my wholehearted effort in working together to build on the success of our hospital system. I want you to know three things: First, the board wants to do what is best for the hospital system, for our patients, the medical professionals, the hospital staff, and the citizens of Sarasota County who elected us. We may not agree all the time, but as chairman, I promise to be straightforward and open to debate. I will conduct our meetings impartially and allow everyone, both board members and the public,

to voice their opinions with the objective of doing what is best for our system.

As a publicly elected body, our duty is to provide oversight for the hospital and, as part of that, to listen to the citizens and to our medical professionals.

Second, I am not out to disrupt the operation of the hospital or the staff. Some have called me a maverick on this board because I have been willing to ask hard questions and challenge management to be the best they can be. I have said on many occasions the administrative team and medical staff are doing an outstanding job running this hospital. The proof is in our numbers and the national recognition the hospital has received year after year.

I know this will continue.

I also want to reiterate my commitment for SMH remaining a public hospital. I said this in 2016 when I was first elected and reconfirmed it when I was reelected in 2020. And I state again, this hospital is not for sale. It is a community treasure.

Third and finally, my goal as chairman is to channel the new energy of the board for the good of the hospital and the community. We will continue to deliver the very finest health care for our citizens. I ask for your help in doing that.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Tramm Hudson is the chairman of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board. He is a retired Sarasota banker, U.S. Army officer and wellknown community leader. He has been a resident of Sarasota since 1986.

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

5315 HIDDEN HARBOR RD | OFFERED AT $4.5M

NEW

7323 PINE NEEDLE RD | OFFERED AT $3.6M

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

1

No. 614 AVENIDA DE MAYO | OFFERED AT $2.3M

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

778 SIESTA DR | $6M

PENDING

RECENTLY SOLD

3288 ALEX FINDLAY PL | $1.295M

SOLD

CALL THE JUDIE BERGER TEAM TO JOIN OUR SUCCESS

PENDING

$100 MILLION PENDING & SOLD IN 2022

SARASOTA BAYFRONT | $6M

23 Years Connecting Buyers and Sellers Ranked in the Top 1.5% of Realtors ® in the USA For Your Professional Home Valuation - homesofsarasota.com

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

380453-1

941.928.3424 | judie.berger@premiersir.com

na

•

Dyson

•

ALL

BRANDS,

LIDAY 10A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

SA YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Janome • Bernina •Dyson Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • • Janome • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • MIELE Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele ALL Janome •• BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Oreck Shark Sebo The Bank Bissell Miele SEWING Janome Bernina ••Dyson Dyson ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Oreck Shark Sebo The Bank Bissell Miele Janome••••Bernina Bernina Dyson••••ALL ALLBRANDS, BRANDS,ALL ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS Oreck Shark••••Sebo Sebo••••The TheFAMOUS Bank••••Bissell Bissell••••Miele Miele•••• Janome Bernina ALL ••••Oreck Shark Bank

Miele BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Hand Quilter • Pfaff ••JUKI JUKI Brother Miele Electrolux Hoover ALL BRNDS, ALL Miele••••Electrolux •Electrolux Electrolux••••Hoover •Hoover Hoover••••ALL •ALL ALL BRNDS, ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS••• Hand •Hand HandQuilter Quilter••• Plaff •Plaff Plaff••• JUKI JUKI••••Brother •Brother Brother•••• • Miele BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS Quilter Miele Electrolux Hoover ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS Hand Quilter Plaff JUKI Brother Miele • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • Brother • Miele • Electrolux • Hoover • ALL BRNDS, ALL BUDGETS • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • Brother •

HOLIDAY SAVINGS HOLIDAY SAVINGS HOLIDAY SAVINGS HOLIDAY SAVINGS HOLIDAYSAVINGS SAVINGS HOLIDAY

Electrolux • Hoover • Hand Quilter • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Plaff • JUKI • Brother Electrolux Hoover Hand Quilter ••ALL ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS •Plaff Plaff JUKI Brother Electrolux Quilter BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Pfaff JUKI Brother Electrolux Hoover Hand Quilter ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS ••JUKI ••Brother Electrolux Hoover BRANDS, ALL ••JUKI ••Brother Electrolux ••••Hoover ALL BUDGETS • •Plaff Electrolux ••Hoover Hoover••••Hand •Hand HandQuilter Quilter••••ALL ALLBRANDS, BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS •• Plaff Plaff •• JUKI JUKI •• Brother Brother

Janome • Bernina • Dyson • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS • Oreck Shark • Sebo • The Bank • Bissell • Miele • SAVINGS IN STOCK HUGE SERVICE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION UNDERSOLD HUGE SELECTION

IN STOCK IN STOCK WE DEMO AND ASSEMBLE #1 RATED IN STOCK SAVE STOCK IN STOCK IN STOCK ININ ALL MIELE UUMS LESS Than SEWING FAMOUS 0% FINANCING MIELE MARIN HUNDREDS 0% FINANCING W E 0% FINANCING NFROM SAVINGS 0% FINANCING IN STOCK SERVICE 0% FINANCING 0% FINANCING 0% FINANCING NEVER UNDERSOLD • BEST SERVICE • LARGEST SHOWROOMS RECHARGEABLE NEVER UNDERSOLD • BEST SERVICE • LARGEST SHOWROOMS 95 NEVER UNDERSOLD BEST SERVICE ••BAGLESS LARGEST SHOWROOMS NEVER UNDERSOLD BEST SERVICE LARGEST SHOWROOMS ROM00 NEVER • BEST SERVICE • LARGEST SHOWROOMS NEVER UNDERSOLD BEST SERVICE •WE LARGEST SHOWROOMS FUNDERSOLD UNDERSOLD ••••BEST SERVICE • LARGEST SHOWROOMS DEMO AND ASSEMBLE #1NEVER RATED 99 SAVE MIELE TRI-FLEX-WOW! DYSON NEW TRIFLEX 1010 VACUUMS ThanThan 10lbs10lbs DYSON $ 9 LESSLESS NEWMIELE MIELE TRIFLEX VACUUMS MIELE MARIN

AL

•

10lbs

BES

NEW

V acuum and S hug e selection HUNDREDS 29 MIELE DYSON NEW NEW DYSONTERS DYSON MIELE TRIFLEX 10 VACUUMS NEW NEW MIELE TRIFLEX 10 VACUUMS DYSON NEW NEW 10Tops VACUUMS MIELE TRIFLEX 10 VACUUMS NEW MIELE TRIFLEX 10 VACUUMS HEADQUARTERS Vacuum and Sewing carries TERS HEADQUARTERS Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries SEWING SERVICE SEWING SERVICE TERS HEADQUARTERS HEADQUARTERS HEADQUARTERS BAGLESS RECHARGEABLE Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries TERS HEADQUARTERS HEADQUARTERS 95 Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries Tops Vacuum and Sewing carries M SEWING SERVICE SEWING SERVICE 95 SEWINGTERS SERVICE SEWING SERVICE 9 FRO 99 49$200 95 95 95 99 95 95 95 machines and MIELE TRI-FLEX-WOW! SAVE 99 99 SAVE $200 99 a ahuge selection ofof sewing 9999 $99 $ $selection $ OFF FOR ANY TRADE sewing SAVE $200 SAVE $200 2huge SAVE $200 SAVE SAVE $200 SAVE $200 Oreck, S anitiare, Simplicity, Miele, LESS Than 10lbs LESS Than 10lbs LESS Than 10lbs CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN LESS Than 10lb LESS Than 10lbs LESS Than 10lbs CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN TRI FLEX RUBY CAT M FROMFROMDyson, O Bissell and more!

RHAS CUSTOMER SPOKEN FHAS BAGLESS • RECHARGEABLE CUSTOMER SPOKEN CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN PRO CUSTOMER SPOKEN CUSTOMER HAS SPOKEN BAGLESS •HAS RECHARGEABLE

00

FROM FROM FROM FROM FROM FROM

HX1

BAGLESS •••RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS • RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS •$RECHARGEABLE BAGLESS •RECHARGEABLE

00

RED

DOG

MOTORHEAD • V11• TORQUE MOTORHEAD V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD TORQUE MOTORHEAD• ••V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD •V11 V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD ••V11 V11 TORQUE MOTORHEAD TORQUE

ahuge huge selection ofsewing sewing SAVE SAVE $200 huge selection of sewing selection of sewing aaahuge selection of SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE T ops V acuum an $20 9 9 Dyson, Bissell and more! $20 BEST TURBO EASIEST TO USE IT IS THAT4GOOD! machines and sergers. $20 machines and sergers. $20 $20 $20 machines sergers. machines and sergers.

SEWING SERVICE Sewing $ $ $ $ OFF FOR ANY TRADE machines and sergers.

SEWING SERVICE machines and BEST PLASTIC THIS ISsergers.

HOW YOU SEWING SERVICE es a huge selec SEWING SERVICE SEWING SERVICE SEWING •SERVICE Reset totoFactory •SEWING lubricate • Reset to Factory • lubricate SERVICE Tops Sewing Tops Vacuum and Sewing Reset Factory •lubricate lubricate Tops Vacuum Sewing CLEAN YOUR LOWEST ••••Reset Reset to Factory Tops Vacuum and Sewing Reset to Factory lubricate Reset to Factory lubricate • to Factory •••••lubricate SAVE BEST TURBO EASIEST TO USE Tops Vacuum and Sewing Tolerances SAVE Tops Vacuum and Sewing Tops Vacuum and Sewing Tolerances Adjust Tension SAVE Tolerances •SAVE Adjust Tension Tolerances Sewing Machines SAVE •Adjust Adjust Tension Sewing Machines and SAVE Tolerances SAVE TRY BEFORE YOU Longarm Tolerances Tension Tolerances E HOUSE EMISSIONS Machines $20 Adjust Tension huge selection BEST PLASTIC THIS IS HOW YOU Vmachines Adjust TensionBUY •••••Adjust Tension carries aaaaahuge selection of sewing $20 carries a huge selection of sewing Hook Sewing Machines $20 $20 carries a huge selection of sewing • Polish Hook Adjust Timing Sewing Machines Sewing Machines Polish Hook •$20 Adjust Timing••••Polish carries huge selection of sewing •Adjust Adjust Timing $20 $20 Polish Hook carries huge selection of sewing carries huge selection of sewing Polish Hook • PolishHook Hook CLEAN YOUR LOWEST • Timing • Polish • Adjust Timing AdjustTiming Timing • •Adjust S D N machines and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES Longarm Machines EAEmachines sergers. machines and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES Longarm Machines TRY BEFORE machines sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES SA YOU BUY Machines AASVVSVmachines E HOUSE EMISSIONS SA A and sergers.

FREE ESTIMATES Quilt ing Longarm Machines Sewing Machines FREE ESTIMATES and sergers.

FREEESTIMATES ESTIMATES machines and sergers.

FREE Longarm Machines Longarm Machines EVNVED Emachines V A S SSS S S D D A N N S A A S U Sewing Machines Embroidery Machines S S D OO S S U U Quilting Machines N Sewing Machines Embroidery Machines HHTO D D O O TTH A Machines Quilting Machines Sewing Machines Machines Embroidery Machines Sewing Machines Embroidery MachinesVACUUM TH Longarm Machines USESSAANNSewing SERVICE Quilting FREE ESTIMATES Sewing Machines Embroidery Machines OAVUHU VACUUM SERVICE VACUUM SERVICE Quilting Machines ES Quilting Machines Sewing Machines EmbroideryMachines Machines VACUUM Machines Embroidery TATAAVVSH Embroide E S V A Longarm Machines VACUUM SERVICE VACUUM SERVICE SERVICE E Sergers – – –– S V D Machines E V N E E SSLongarm D Longarm Machines A V D Longarm Machines N S Sergers S A A N A U S SS Sergers S A VACUUM SERVICE U Sergers S O U VACUUM SERVICE THOT Embroidery Machines O VACUUM SERVICE EN TH Quilting Machines H Longarm Machines Embroidery Machines S VA Embroidery Machines D SS A N D Longarm Machines DD Machines Sergers S A N N U S A A SS Longarm VACUUM SERVICE U Quilting Machines Sergers S Sergers ––– S Sewing Furniture O D U US Embroidery Machines H O OO VACUUMSERVICE SERVICE VACUUM N H TH TTTH A VACUUM SERVICE Embroidery Machines Embroidery Sewing Furniture Sewing Furniture Quilting Machines Quilting Machines Machines Sewing Furniture Quilting Machines SAVE SAVE THOUS Ser gers – Se g BROTHER, JANOME, JUKI, SAVE Sewing Furniture Quilting Machines Sewing Furniture Sewing Furniture Quilting Machines SAVE Quilting Machines SAVE SAVE SAVE Sergers g gg – Sewing g gFurniture SAVE Sergers SAVE Sergers – Sewing Sewing Furniture g Furniture $

Oreck,Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Miele,Miele, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Miele, Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Miele, Dyson, Bissell and more!

Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Miele, Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Miele, Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity,Miele, Oreck, Sanitiare, Simplicity, Dyson, Bissell andMiele, more!

Dyson, Bissell and Dyson, Bissell and more!

Dyson, Bissell and more!

Dyson, Bissell more!more!

Dyson, Bissell andand more!

SAVESAVE ALL MODELS RUBY CAT SAVE SAVE ALL MODELS SAVE HUNDREDS OM TRI FLEX SAVE RGOOD! SAVE HUNDREDS SAVE IT IS IT THAT ALL MODELS HUNDREDS MODELS ALL MODELS ISFTHAT 0 HX1 ALL ALL MODELS HUNDREDS 0GOOD! ALL MODELS ALL MODELS HUNDREDS IT IS GOOD! HUNDREDS RED HUNDREDS DOG HUNDREDS THAT GOOD! $ THAT IT IS THAT GOOD! IT IS THAT GOOD! ITIT ISIS THAT GOOD!

PRO

Expires Expires 7/15/21 7/15/21

•• lubricate • Reset to Factory • lubricate ••Reset toto factory •Reset Reset toFactory Factory •Lubricate lubricate Reset to Factory lubricate Tolerances •• Reset to Factory lubricate •••• Tension Expires 7/15/21 Reset to Factory •• Reset to Factory lubricate Tolerances Tolerances Expires 7/15/21 • Adjust Tension •lubricate Adjust Tension •Adjust Adjust Tension Tolerances Tolerances Tolerances Adjust Tension •• Polish Hook Tolerances Tolerances Adjust Tension Timing Adjust Tension •••• Adjust Tension • Polish Hook Polish Hook • Adjust Timing Adjust Timing ••Adjust Adjust Timing •••Polish Hook Expires Polish Hook •• Polish Hook Expires Timing Expires Polish Hook Polish Hook Adjust Timing Adjust Timing •••• Adjust Timing FREE ESTIMATES 10/31/21 FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES Expires Expires 10/31/21 Expires 10/31/21 Expires Expires FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES 10/31/21 FREE ESTIMATES 12/31/22 OBS FREE ESTIMATES 10/31/21 10/31/21 10/31/21

BROTHER, JANOME, JUKI, Sergers Sewing Furniture HANDI QUILTER Sergers Sewing Furniture Sergers ggg –––Sewing gggFurniture HANDI QUILTER $ 85 99 FREE LESSONS FROM FROM $9985 FREE LESSONS 10 YR WARRANTY 10 YR WARRANTY BEST SELECTION USA Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21 BEST SELECTION ININ USA Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/31/21

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $20 Clean Grease Clean ••Grease Grease Clean Clean • Grease Clean Grease Clean •••••10/31/21 Grease Clean Grease Wash/Wax • Deodorize Clean Grease Wash/Wax • Clean •Deodorize Clean Grease Clean Grease Wash/Wax •• Deodorize Wash/Wax •Grease Deodorize Expires NP Clean • Grease Expires 10/31/21 NP Wash/Wax Deodorize Clean • Grease Clean • Grease Expires 10/31/21 NP Wash/Wax • Deodorize Expires 12/31/22 OBS Wash/Wax • Deodorize Wash/Wax • Deodorize Wash/Wax • Deodorize We’ll get itin in top shape!

Wash/Wax • Deodorize We’ll get it top shape!

Wash/Wax • Deodorize Expires 10/31/21 NP We’ll get it in top shape!

Expires 10/31/21 NP Expires 10/31/21 NP Expires 10/31/21 NP Wash/Wax • Deodorize We’ll get it in top shape!

We’ll get in top shape!

Wash/Wax • Deodorize Wash/Wax • Deodorize We’ll get it in top shape!

We’llget getititin intop top shape!

We’ll shape!

Expires 7/31/21 Expires 7/15/21 Expires 7/15/21 Expires Expires 7/15/21 Expires7/31/21 7/15/21

NAPLES FORT MYERS PORT 5367N. N. Airport 12135 Cleveland Ave. 5367 5367Airport N. Airport Cleveland Ave. 12135 Cleveland Ave. Pulling Rd. CHARLOTTE 12135 5367 N. Airport Myers, 5367 N. Airport Pulling Rd. 5367 N.Airport Airport 5367 N. 12135 Cleveland Ave. Pulling Rd. 12135 Cleveland Ave. Ft.Ft. Myers, FLFL 12135 Cleveland Ave. (239) 12135 Cleveland Ave. Ft. Myers, FL 3846 Tamiami Trail 591-4422 Pulling Rd. Pulling Rd. 239-939-4445 3846 Tamiami TrailTrail Ft. PullingRd. Rd. Pulling Ft. Myers, FL Ft. Myers, FL 3846 Tamiami Ft. Myers, FL Myers, FL Next to Bed Bath and (941) 766-7118 3846 Tamiami Trail 3846 Tamiami Trail 3846 Tamiami Trail (Formerly Vac & Sew) Next to Bed Bath and 3846 Tamiami Trail

Jack, Kevin and Karen Randolph

393956-1

NAPLES NAPLES FORT MYERS FORT MYERS NAPLES PORT NAPLES NAPLES NAPLES PORT FORT MYERS FORT MYERS VACUUM FORTMYERS MYERS FORT PORT VACUUM PORT VACUUM PORT PORT CHARLOTTE VACUUM CHARLOTTE VACUUM V A CUU M CHARLOTTE VACUUM CHARLOTTE (239) 591-4422 CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE (239) 591-4422 239-939-4445 239-939-4445 (239) (239) 591-4422 (239) 591-4422 & SEWING (941) 766-7118 (239)591-4422 591-4422 239-939-4445 239-939-4445 (941) 766-7118 239-939-4445 239-939-4445 & SEWING &SEWING SEWINGSEWING && (941) 766-7118 (941) 766-7118 (941)766-7118 766-7118 (941) &SEWING SEWING & www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com NextBeyond to Bed Bath and (Formerly VacVac & Sew) (Formerly & Sew) Next Bed Bath and Next to Bed Bath and Beyond Nexttoto to Bed Bathand and Bed Bath (Formerly Vac Sew) Beyond (Formerly Vac & Sew) (FormerlyVac Vac&& &Sew) Sew) Next (Formerly Beyond Beyond Beyond Beyond

www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com

www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www.topsvacuumandsewing.com www .topsvac • Bissell • Mielewww.topsvacuumandsewing.com • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS.topsvac • Hoover Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • www • Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, ALLALL BUDGETS • Hoover • •Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI • • • Bissell • Miele • Electrolux • ALL BRANDS, BUDGETS • Hoover • Hand Quilter • Plaff • JUKI FO-AT210809_182330

FO-AT210809_182330

Bissell •••Electrolux Electrolux BRANDS, BUDGETS •••Hand Hand Quilter Pfaff ••JUKI JUKI Bissell Miele Electrolux ALL BRANDS, ALL BUDGETS Hoover Hand Quilter Plaff JUKI Bissell••••Miele Miele• Electrolux••••ALL ALLBRANDS, BRANDS,ALL ALLBUDGETS BUDGETS••••Hoover Hoover• HandQuilter Quilter••••Plaff Plaff•• JUKI•••• ••••Bissell Miele ALL ALL Hoover

le

•

Electrolux

•

ALL

BRAN

Expires 7/15/21

Silhouette® Quartette® with PowerView® Automation

Expires 7/15/21

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

Jeri Nelson and a donkey. Petting zoo animals are part of the live nativity on St. Armands Circle.

YOUR HOME DESERVES Hunter Douglas!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

Organizers Jane Wittlinger and Ann Walborn backstage in the kitchen.

Aarya Strnad steps out in a snow princess dress.

389850-1

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings 388696-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

11A

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

P

etting zoos aren’t quite posh enough for St. Armands Circle on the average day, but once a year, the two make for a magical combination.

The sidewalk in front of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church was packed Friday night for its annual live nativity scene. Members can’t seem to settle on the year it started, but it’s been a handsdown favorite ever since.

While Jane Wittlinger says they’ve been doing the nativity for five or six years, Sandi Love says she’s been an angel for seven. Either way, Friday night was her husband David Lawrence’s reluctant debut performance as a shepherd.

“On the way over, he said I owe him big time,” Love said. “What

amazes me about the whole event is that you look out at the kids, and their little eyes light up. To me, that’s the best part of it.”

Visitors were allowed to pet the donkeys and get up close to the goats’ cage, but the camels were off limits. They were busy trimming the church’s trees by munching leaves off the high branches.

But the entertainment didn’t stop on four legs. A quartet led the crowd in a round of Christmas carols, and the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble performed throughout the evening.

This is a holiday tradition with no end in sight, even if no one can remember when it began.

— LESLEY DWYER

391462-1

Live nativity is a lasting tradition

Zach Stobaugh and Tatiana Clegg play Joseph and Mary.

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

A refreshing change for senior living EMBRACE EVERY DAY Amira Choice empowers seniors to live optimistically, confidently and with a sense of purpose.

We offer a variety of living options along a continuum of flexible support and care offerings that can be customized according to the needs of each individual.

Our wide array of dining options, engaging programming, and caring staff make for a vibrant community where everyone can flourish.

CALL CATHERINE TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR

941.208.1209

Learn more at AmiraChoice.com/Sarasota Assisted Living Facility #13560 | ©2022 Fairview Health Services 901184

393869-1

4100 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY, SARASOTA

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Sarasota Marine veteran receives a bright holiday surprise FPL teams up with the Denis V. Cooper Foundation to surprise Carlos Moreira and his family with an energy-efficient holiday light display.

DARIELA DELGADO STAFF WRITER

F

lorida Power and Light last week again celebrated an annual holiday tradition of giving back to local heroes, something it’s done for 15 consecutive seasons.

With the help of the Denis V. Cooper Foundation, a Sarasota veteran and his family received a holiday surprise to remember.

Carlos Moreira spent more than 15 years on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, plus three years as a reservist before enrolling at University of South Florida.

Since retiring from military service, Moreira has continued to give back as a veteran services administrator at USF’s Military and Veterans’ Success Center.

“I was a student at USF, and Carlos helped me out a lot with G.I. Bill and the benefits. My dad was in the military and I’m a dependent. I met Carlos through the USF Veterans Success Center. He got me a job as a work study,” said USF alumna Madison McMahon. “He’s involved

Photos by Dariela Delgado

Rayne Moreira worked with organizers to surprise her husband, Carlos, with a decorated-for-the-holidays home.

in everything. He is a great person to have on your side.”

With the help of Moreira’ wife, Rayne Moreira, the Denis V. Cooper Foundation and Florida Power and Light were able to show how appreciative they are of Carlos Moreira

and his heart of helping veterans, the nation and the community.

“FPL reached out to us and asked us to nominate a vet. I asked some people. We work with veteran organizations all throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. I knew Carlos,

but I didn’t think about it, however, he was mentioned by other people.

So we nominated Carlos to FPL, then FPL reached out to his wife, who kept it a secret and worked with her to make sure he wasn’t home so we could do this,” said Maverick John-

CARDINAL MOONEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

ENROLL NOW!

(Application Deadline is Fast Approaching)

You Belong Here!

392845-1

Call 941.371.4917 or visit www.cmhs-sarasota.org

388928-1

Experience. Expertise. Excellence.

Stunning Gulf views in The Palm Bay Club

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

Modern and Marvelous with a Tranquil Pool

3109 6th Street, Sarasota 3 beds | 2 baths | 1,500 SF MLS# A4552685 | Offered at $875,000

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.

389823-1

12A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

13A

DENTAL IMPLANTS

by Dental Implant Specialists ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

GUM DISEASE

VENEERS

IMPLANT TEETH

TEETH IN A DAY

FPL and USF volunteers give gifts to Carlos Jr. Moreira.

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

son, founder of the Denis V. Cooper Foundation.

FPL and USF volunteer “elves” started going to work converting his front yard into a winter wonderland.

After two hours of dedicated light decorating, The “elves” waited for Carlos, Rayne and two children — Carlos Jr. and Miguel Moreira — to arrive home.

When the Moreira family arrived, Carlos was in disbelief. He jumped out of his vehicle with a big smile as his co-workers and FPL volunteers cheered “Woo-hoo” and “Carlos, Carlos, Carlos.”

A snow family was part of the decorations that brightened Carlos and Rayne Moreira’s home.

The FPL and USF “elves” gifted Carlos Jr. and Miguel toys right after the grand arrival.

“I’m shocked even though I was in on the surprise,” said Rayne Moreira.

“When I saw that all my security cameras were off, I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ said Carlos Moreira as he lifted his eyebrow toward his wife.

“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people. The more you help people the more you help your community without thinking about it.”

With a smile, Moreira said now he doesn’t have to do the decorating.

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

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

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

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

382578-1

Taylor Garner, Xavier Patrick and Ray Vargas help decorate the front-yard tree.

Are you fully engaged in your investments?

As with your personal health, your wealth health should be reviewed regularly.

Unlike many firms that may deem you too small of an investor, my motivation is to respect and invite concerned, determined clients as priority and value the trust placed in me.

Unsettled global issues with more uncertainty is likely ahead. Many of the challenges we face are not new as current events are similar to past. Focus on what you have capability to influence. Flexibility and Predictability.

• Personalized investment strategies • Transparent, objective solutions (no proprietary) • Account structure dependent upon your individual needs

John Zacira, Financial Advisor Registered Principal and Owner of RMD Financial Group Call for a free consultation

(941) 552-9819

john.zacira@ceteraadvisors.com

Give the gift of a lifetime...

A COLLEGE EDUCATION If you are like many of my clients I know, you may be concerned about funding your child’s college education. With those cost persistently increasing, the task can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a newborn or children in high school, now is the time to prepare for this important life stage utilizing a 529 College Savings Plan.

A 529 offers tax advantages for qualified higher education expenses such as tuition, room, board, and books, etc.

RMD 8590 Potter Park Drive (across from the YMCA) Sarasota, FL 34238

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

392061-1

I do not compel a Minimum Investment;

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

The Perfect Gift

Photos by Dariela Delgado

Vicky Cox with her ambassador dog, Keni.

There is no better gift than a membership to The Pickleball Club

Luncheon brings together guide dogs, those they help The Tails of Hope Luncheon was held at the Hyatt Regency on Dec. 2.

Gift of healthy lifestyle Gift of membership

DARIELA DELGADO

Gift of improved play

“T

“As an ambassador dog, we are asked to attend functions like this; we are to educate people, talk to people,” Cox said. “Personally, I have bad vision. It speaks to me about helping others that are visually impaired.”

Tails of Hope was an opportunity for guide dog recipients to reflect on how their dogs changed their lives.

This event unified people who had a hand in training and raising the guide dogs with the graduates whose lives have been affected.

“Seeing a graduate come back to the Southeastern Guide Dogs independent, proud and living a fulfilling life is an incredible feeling and a beautiful moment to reflect on our mission,” said Southeastern Guide Dogs Media Relations Manager Ashlie Handy.

Three speakers from different

STAFF WRITER

hese are love dogs,” said Vicky Cox as she peered at her ambassador dog, Keni.

Southeastern Guide Dogs held its Tails of Hope Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency on Friday, Dec. 2, bringing together a special community, which includes furry tails and wet noses, for a luncheon.

More than 250 people attended to have a moment to share the ways their companions gifted them with hope.

Gift of new friends Build It and They Will Come.

DON’T DON’T MISS THE DON’TMISS MISSTHE THE th th th 25 25 SILVER ANNIVERSARY 25 SILVER SILVERANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY to the winners of the 26 DOWNTOWN OF THE DOWNTOWN OF OFTHE THECongratulations DOWNTOWN

We are the first ground up private pickleball club in the country.

Saturday, Dec.Saturday, Saturday, 4 | 7pm Dec. Dec. 44 || 7pm 7pm

th

SARASOTA SARASOTA HOLIDAY PARADE! SARASOTAHOLIDAY HOLIDAYPARADE! PARADE!

Annual

Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

BEST IN SHOW Stage Door Studios

Come Start Your Holiday Come Start Your Holiday Best Winter Wonderland Theme Season With Season With Us! Circus Arts Us! Conservatory

Lighted floats, carolers, dancers, local high school marching bands, area churches, nonprofits, local businesses, and last, but certainly not least, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Join Today!

Bring the whole family to this treasured community tradition.

Arrive early, bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a festive evening.

Membership is limited

Start: Main St. & Washington Blvd.

End: Gulfstream Ave.

S A R A S O TA

Best Walking Group The Dark Side Best School Entry Foundations Christian Montessori Academy Honorable Mention: Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences (SSAS)

Lighted floats, carolers, Lighted floats, carolers,dancers, dancers, Best Commercial Entry local high school local high schoolmarching marchingbands, bands, Longboat nonprofits, Key Builders area local areachurches, churches,nonprofits, local Honorable Mention: SeaSucker businesses, and businesses, andlast, last,but butcertainly certainly Best Church not least, Santa and Mrs. Claus! not least, Santa and Mrs. Best Nonprofit EntryClaus!

Sarasota Baptist Church Bring family Bringthe thewhole whole familytotothis this Big Cat Habitat treasured treasuredcommunity communitytradition. tradition.

Judges’ Choice Arrive early, bring Performance ArriveBest early, bringyour yourlawn lawn Project Pride SRQ chairs for Platinum Superstars chairsand andget getready ready fora a Dance Factory festive festiveevening. evening.

SPONSORS Start: Start:Main MainSt. St.&&Washington WashingtonBlvd.

Blvd.

Warren Middleton Insurance End: End:Gulfstream GulfstreamAve. Ave. S A R A S O TA S A R A S O TA

DOWNTOWN

DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN

ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION Good Neighbor… Great Rates ASSOCIATION www.warrenmiddleton.com

392972-1

Come Start Your Holiday Season With Us!

EARLY HOLIDAY

DEADLINES 2022

Take a virtual tour of the club.

DON’T MISS

Call 941-208-9760 today to inquire about our membership options.

These Special Editions!

DECEMBER 22

Christmas issue: Letters to Santa, Holiday Traditions Deadline: Wednesday, 12/14, 4pm

DECEMBER 29 Year in Review Deadline: Thursday, 12/15, 4pm

Join.TPCLWR.us | membership@thepickleballclub.us 1300 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240

RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE TODAY! Contact your OMG representative at 941.366.3468 or email advertise@yourobserver.com

JANUARY 5 Issues to Watch in 2023 Deadline: Tuesday, 12/20, 4pm 394054-1

The Observer Media Group offices will be closed starting December 23 returning on January 3.

Play For for Life Play Life

389717-1

14A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

backgrounds shared their stories to inspire others like them and spread awareness of the type of services this organization provides to people free of charge.

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bob MacPherson was one of the three to share his story about how receiving his service dog, Blue, changed his life.

MacPherson was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, a result of a set of circumstances brought on as a Marine Corps officer and 20 years of humanitarian work.

“If a little 10-minute speech does something for somebody else, if I can wake one person up who is at the end of their ropes to grab somebody with PTSD and give them some hope and say hope never dies, it’s out there.

Just speak up,” said MacPherson.

Junie Fiaschetti, 6, is blind. When his mother, Destiny Fiaschetti, first received the call to foster 2-year-old Junie, they advised her that he was nonverbal and could be aggressive at times.

Destiny took Junie in with no hesitation. She adopted Junie in 2020 and applied for Southeastern Guide Dogs Kids Companion Program.

The Kids Companion Program was created for visually impaired children to have a gentle and skilled companion dog at no cost.

This helps children gain confidence by learning how to care for a dog and have a sense of ownership, responsibility and maturity before transitioning to a guide dog.

“We just wanted to spread our message on how Southeastern Guide Dogs has given me hope for Junie’s future as a blind child and the potential for him having a guide dog in the

future to have his independence as an adult,” said Destiny Fiaschetti.

“We want the world to recognize that blindness is beautiful, too.”

Merlot is Junie’s companion dog.

Now, Junie is giggly, likes to sing and is confident in social settings.

Stand-up comedian Kenneth E. Hughes was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that causes vision loss, in his 20s and left him almost completely blind by the late 2000s.

“Ever since I received Buddy, I wanted to play my part and everything I can to bring awareness to the organization. I was invited here to speak of my story, what my life was like before I lost my vision, how losing my vision affected me and the difference getting a guide dog has made in my life,” Hughes said.

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

15A

Destiny and Junie Fiaschetti with Kids Companion Dog, Merlot.

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

ORDER ONLINE ReefCakes.com

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

393813-1

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

More Than A PLAN...

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

Mission:Thrift supports kids and youth organizations locally and nationally. Your gently used items can make an impact in the life of an at risk child.

For more than 30 years, the Toale Brothers family has helped people make their choices now, so those decisions don’t fall on their families later.

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

DONATIONS NEEDED Donate your gently used clothing, general household items, decor, toys, furniture, and more!

Dropping off your donation at our Sarasota store?

Just look for the “DONATE HERE” sign!

717 Cattlemen Rd. Sarasota, FL. 34232 We offer FREE donation pickup!

Call • 941-343-2954 •

NOW HIRING: MISSION:THRIFT SARASOTA FL. Full time or part time positions available.

Call (330) 231-8577 for more information.

370885-1

Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912.

393942-1

941.343.2954 • www.missionthrift.com

941.955.4171 • www.ToaleBrothers.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

WELCOMES WELCOMES WELCOMES

Andrew Marple, MD, PhD

COPS CORNER

16A

TUESDAY, NOV. 29

HE NEEDS A TALKING TO 8:28 p.m., intersection of Myrtle Street and Iroquois Avenue Reckless driving: A woman claimed she was run off the road by a pickup truck as she was driving north on North Orange Avenue near Myrtle Street. She said she followed the truck to see the license plate number to report to dispatch.

When officers arrived, she said she followed the truck so she could tell the driver to stop driving recklessly.

No damage was done to the woman’s vehicle and she said she did not wish to press charges, only that the other driver be spoken to regarding his driving.

An officer spoke with the driver of the pickup truck, who was unable to provide any details of the incident and that no dispute occurred. It was determined no crime was committed.

Andrew Marple, MD, PhD Andrew Marple,

Board Certified, Hematology/Oncology MD, PhD

WELCOMES

Board Certified, Hematology/Oncology Board Certified, Hematology/Oncology

David G. Mohr, DO

Dr. Andrew Marple brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Board Certified, Family Medicine CattleriDr. dge MedicMarple al Builbrings ding Ito I office a wealth of knowledge Dr. Andrew Marple brings to Intercoastal Medical Group Andrew Intercoastal Medical Group at at the theand East C a t t l e r i d g e M e d i c a l B u i l d i n g I I office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Oncology.

Avenue office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Oncology. experience in Oncology.

Undergraduate: University of Maryland, Park,MD MD Undergraduate: University of Maryland,College College Park, Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park, MD Medical School: Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ NJ MedicalDr. School: Rutgers, JerseyMedical Medical School, Newark, David Mohr brings toNew Intercoastal Group at the Cattleridge Medical School: Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ Residency: Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, office a wealth of knowledge and experience inHaven FamilyHospital, Medicine.

Residency: Internal Medicine, Yale-New Hospital, Residency: Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven New Haven, CT NewNew Haven, CT Haven, CT Undergraduate: University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, Johns Hopkins University Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, Johns Hopkins University Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, Johns Hopkins University Medical School: Midwestern University - Chicago College School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, IL School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine; Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine; Residency: Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine; Medical Oncology Medical Oncology La Grange, IL Medical Oncology Fellowship:

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

UNWELCOME BABY SITTER 4:05 p.m., 3000 block of North Orange Avenue Dispute: A woman arriving back in town after her arrest in Jacksonville called for police assistance after she arrived home to find her ex-boyfriend at the location. The man told police he had been at the residence for two days with their child and the woman’s other child.

The woman advised police the four traveled to Jacksonville the previous Friday. When she returned, she requested an SPD officer escort her home after learning the ex-boyfriend had been staying at her residence.

After being contacted by police, the man said he would leave after gathering his belongings. He then left the residence without incident, and no further action was taken.

Sports Medicine; St. Anthony North Hospital, NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! NOW Westminster, ACCEPTING CO NEW PATIENTS!

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Certification: American Board of Family Medicine TO AN PLEASE CALL CALL TO SCHEDULE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, APPOINTMENT, PLEASE Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-200-1125 941-200-1125

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! 941-200-1125 East Midtown Plaza) Plaza) East Avenue Avenue Office Office (Behind (Behind Midtown

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 1217 South, 201, Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 34239 1217 East East Avenue, South, Suite CaAvenue, ttleridge MedSuite ical 201, Building II FL 34239 www.intercoastalmedical.com 941-379-5121 5951 Cattleridge Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232 Medicare accepted Medicare and most insurances accepted

Cattleridge Medical Building

www.intercoastalmedical.com 3333 Cattlemen Road, Suite Sarasota, Florida 34232 Locations l Multiple l National l AA Patient Multi-Specialty Group208, Multiple Locations Patient Focused, Focused, Expertise

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

392876-1

Medicare and most insurances accepted www.intercoastalmedical.com Medicare and most insurances accepted

SHE’S NOT AN ATTORNEY 3 p.m., 2200 block of North Washington Boulevard Property dispute: A dispute over the release of a vehicle by a repair

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

shop brought police to a service center. The complainant said the proprietor would not release her car to her unless she signs some documents. She refused to sign because she said she is “not an attorney” and did not understand them.

The woman said she has previously called police for assistance regarding the matter and was initially told by the shop owner that he would release the vehicle once payment was made for services rendered. She did return on Dec. 1 to make a payment and was still denied her vehicle.

Officers spoke with the shop owner, who said he needed the document signed because the vehicle required additional analysis and he believed the vehicle would be further damaged if driven. The document spelled out the analysis that was needed, as well as a warning to the woman that the vehicle repair warranty would be voided if she drove away after being advised of the risks of damage. After simplifying the document, both parties signed and the vehicle was released.

SIMPLY THE BEST There is no place like Home for the Holidays!

Wishing you and yours all the best for the Season.

Our Sarasota market is strong and vibrant.

Reach out to Blue SRQ Real Estate for Holiday Home Shopping or Selling.

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

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

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

bluesrq.com

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION & X-RAYS $2395 Implant, Post, & Crown

(941) 260-2712 LOCATED OFF STICKNEY POINT

392043-1

386682-1

Buy, Sell, Invest.

DECEMBER 8, 2022

SPORTS

“Being unable to play for 11 months made me miss it and love it even more.”

— Cardinal Mooney High’s Olivia Davis SEE PAGE 19A

Fast

Break The Booker High boys basketball team huddles during a time out against North Port High on Tuesday. The Tornadoes came back from and eight-point deficit to tie the game at 40 before ultimately losing.

C

ardinal Mooney High junior defensive back Teddy Foster picked up an offer from Boston College on Monday and the University of Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Foster, rated a threestar player by Rivals, has also received offers from Tennessee, Indiana and Rutgers, among other schools. … Football is great, but after a season of covering those three-hour-plus games, it’s wonderful to be covering a slew of soccer games, capped at 80 minutes of game time, and high school basketball games, the quickest of which can be over in approximately an hour of real time. … Don’t forget to sign up for the Christmas Glow Run, scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at Nathan Benderson Park. Bright lights and holiday music will accompany runners as they complete their 5Ks. Registration is $45 and parking is $5. For more information or to register, visit RunEliteEvents.com. … Sarasota High freshman Paisley Binswanger is having an impact on the Sailors girls basketball team. Binswanger dropped 25 points in a 72-68 loss to Lake Gibson High on Nov. 17 and 18 points in a 58-42 win over Palmetto High on Saturday. She is one to watch. … Putting out a final call — If you know of any area athletes doing something charitable during this holiday season, let us know soon by sending an email to RKohn@YourObserver.com. We love to feature athletes doing right by their community.

The Tornadoes are inexperienced and on their third coach in three years, but a talent base is there to spin up success.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

C

IF YOU GO What: Booker High boys basketball (1-3 as of Dec. 6) vs.

Venice High (2-1) When: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 Where: Booker High Why: The next Booker home game is a chance to see if the young Tornadoes can put it all together against a quality opponent.

Booker player to watch: Junior guard Jovan Palavra, who plays aggressive defense and can get to the basket.

arl Williams turned and stared at the Booker High gymnasium rafters.

“All you have to do is look up,” he said. “You see a national championship and state championships. There’s tradition here. We want (our players) to understand that, man, they’re part of something special. It has to be special.”

Williams is the Tornadoes’ third boys basketball coach in three seasons. He’s a veteran of the SarasotaManatee coaching scene, with stints at, among others, the Riverview High and Sarasota High girls programs.

Most recently, Williams was the boys coach at the Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences. Wherever he’s been, he’s won; Williams has amassed more than 200 varsity wins in his coaching career.

Williams has the pedigree to turn around the Tornadoes, whose fortunes have wildly fluctuated of late. As recently as 2017-18 under coach Markus Black, the Tornadoes reached the state Final Four.

In 2021-22, the team went 4-22.

Williams’ first priority after taking over in August — a late start for a coach — was letting his players know he wasn’t going anywhere and neither was his staff Williams said he wants to lock onto what made Booker great back when those rafters were hung.

The Tornadoes won the 1966-67 national high school title and have won five state championships, most recently in 2005-06. To get back,

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Williams said, the Tornadoes will need to play hard-nosed defense — something that always comes before good offense — but also bring passion and fun to the floor.

“Sometimes with young teams, the lights turn on for a game and the kids put undue stress on themselves,” Williams said. “We need to get to the point where they realize it’s the same thing, games and practice.”

Pressure might have handed the Tornadoes a loss on Tuesday night.

Booker hosted North Port High and found itself down 8-0 to start the game.

The Tornadoes were rushing shots and not getting any to fall. Eventually, that changed, and the rest of the quarter — and the next three — saw the teams play even: Booker trailed by eight, 38-30, entering the fourth quarter.

That’s when the Tornadoes turned things around. A breakneck run to start the quarter, spurred by steals and put-backs off missed shots, saw Booker tie the game at 40 with six minutes left in the game. The gym got raucous.

The players, like their coach wanted, were playing with passion and a lack of pressure.

But as quickly as the Tornadoes were able to tie it, they let it slip. The Bobcats went on a 13-6 run to end the

game and won 53-46. Booker now stands at 1-3 on the season, the win coming in the Nov. 21 season opener against Riverview High. Williams said the team could be, and perhaps should be, 3-1, but tiny mistakes and lapses in concentration add up.

He’s confident the team Booker fans see at the end of the season will win games like the North Port contest. The only returning Tornadoes player to get significant minutes on the varsity team is junior guard Jovan Palavra, a sticky defender. Even two of the team’s seniors, Eliseo Dawkins and Johari Jones, are new, coming over from Sarasota Military Academy. The team is also giving significant minutes to freshmen such as wing/forward J.P. Lattimore, who led the team with 13 points in the Riverview win.

Getting this group of players to gel together will help the team immensely, Williams said.

“It’s a nice little melting pot right now,” Williams said. “We’re going to get it. It’s just going to take some time.”

Williams said it with a smile, an embodiment of how he wants his team to play: cool, calm, collected and enthusiastic. With that attitude, the Tornadoes hope to add another addition to their gym’s rafters soon enough.

Booker High junior Jerry Olaince scores on a put-back against North Port High.

391313-1

Courtesy photo

Cardinal Mooney High defensive back Teddy Foster.

SPIRALS OF POTENTIAL

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Winter has arrived for college athletes With football finished, now is the time to watch a new batch of talented players.

N

ow that the college football season is more or less over — though the transfer portal is open and quite active — fans can turn their gridiron focus to other sports that deserve attention.

As much as I love college football, I do enjoy a chance to step back and see what else is happening on the college landscape, especially in regards to Sarasota-area athletes.

So many Sarasotans excel at other sports. Sure, there is plenty of basketball talent here, too — not exactly an underground sport — but what other communities could boast athletes who shine in rifle, volleyball and swimming, let alone all three?

Here’s a look at some winter sports athletes you can follow over the next few months, plus some fall athletes for whom attention is overdue, as well as two former coaching superstars who are continuing their journey at the next level.

Riah Walker, the former Riverview High volleyball captain, is now a junior at Kentucky, where she leads the No. 12-ranked Wildcats in sets played with 103. Walker, a libero, does not accumulate a lot of stats owing to the defensive nature of her position, but it’s telling enough that Kentucky (22-7) plays her more than anyone else.

As a 12 seed in the NCAA tournament, the Wildcats play the University of San Diego (29-1) on Dec. 8, with the winner playing either Stanford (26-4) or Houston (30-3) on Dec. 10 in the quarterfinals (Elite

Eight).

A full NCAA Tournament bracket can be found at NCAA.com, and the San Diego match can be watched on ESPNU at 8 p.m.

Mary Tucker, the former Sarasota Military Academy student (and Olympic silver medalist) transferred from Kentucky to West Virginia this offseason.

While it is still early in the collegiate rifle season, Tucker, a senior, has already found some 2022 success on the international circuit.

Tucker won gold in the 50-meter three-position event and took silver in the 10-meter air rifle at the Continental America Championships, held Nov. 8-12 in Lima, Peru. The event doubled as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Her college events have gone well, too: Tucker set a Mountaineers record by recording an overall score of 1,196 — four points off a perfect score — at the team’s meet against North Carolina State University on Nov. 18. Tucker was named the school’s Student-Athlete of the Week for her performance.

Brion Whitley, the former Rams boys basketball star, is a senior at Southern University and has earned a starting role in each of the Jaguars’ eight games. Whitley, a senior, is second on the Jaguars at 10.6 points a game and 13 total steals as of Dec. 6. While Southern is 3-5 on the year, their losses include tough games against big schools such as Arizona, UNLV and Louisiana Tech.

The Jaguars did defeat California 74-66 on the road Nov. 18 in the Emerald Coast Classic, which was an impressive win. Once Southwestern Athletic Conference play begins for the Jaguars in January, expect their record to look a lot better — and for Whitley’s stats to get

Courtesy photo

Former Riverview High volleyball star Riah Walker leads Kentucky in sets played with 103. The Wildcats are ranked No. 12 in the country.

even bigger.

Like his former Riverview teammate Whitley, A.J. Caldwell has started all eight games for University of Tennessee-Chattanooga this season — and like usual, Caldwell is doing a bit of everything for his team. The ultimate “glue guy,” Caldwell, a senior, is averaging 4.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, and he’s third on the Mocs with 19 assists and six steals. The Mocs are 5-3 but have won three straight games as of Dec. 6. They will begin Southern Conference play Dec. 29 on the road at The Citadel.

Caldwell’s stats likely won’t balloon when that happens. But he’ll do a lot of things, some of them

Visit our New Showroom for SALE prices all through December!

invisible to box scores, that help the Mocs win games.

The Commodores are on a break in their schedule, but Mercedes Traba, a sophomore women’s swimmer, had a strong fall season and should be one of Vanderbilt’s top scorers when its season resumes next month.

The former Sarasota Sailor set a program record in the 1,000 freestyle (10:04.12) on Oct. 7 and finished second in program history in the 400 individual medley (4:19.81) as a freshman at the SEC Championships.

OK, technically golf is classified as a spring sport by the NCAA, but it has a fairly prominent fall season,

so I’m comfortable including it here. Plus, Wyatt Plattner’s performance for University of Cincinnati, which improved as his freshman season progressed, deserves recognition enough to fudge the rules (that I made up anyway).

Plattner, a Cardinal Mooney High alum, made strides with the Bearcats. At the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Championship, held Oct. 9-11 in Jonesborough, Tennessee, Plattner tied for seventh overall (seven-under par, 209) as the Bearcats took the event’s team title, squeaking by the University of Missouri by four strokes.

Plattner improved his finish in every fall season event he played, a sign that he’s taking his coaching to heart and getting better.

University of Arkansas’ Markus Black, who coached Booker High boys basketball to a state championship game appearance in 2018, is a graduate assistant with the Razorbacks, who have started the season 7-1 and are ranked No. 11 in the NCAA as of Dec. 6. It is Black’s second season with the program after leaving Booker in 2021.

Chad Sutton isn’t technically an area alumnus, but because he did coach the Cardinal Mooney High volleyball team to a state championship in 2018, I think he’s worthy of an update. After spending a year with Purdue University as a volunteer assistant coach, Sutton is now on staff as an assistant with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, who went 17-13 in 2022, bowing out of the Sun Belt Championship tournament in the quarterfinals.

If the trajectory continues, Sutton could be running a program of his own sooner or later.

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

10%-50% OFF!

Enter to win a 3 Tiered Italian Fountain

Submit raffle ticket at any location. Winner will be drawn on New Year’s Eve.

• Fountains • Decorative & Glazed Planters • Garden Statuary & Table Sets • Fireplaces • Pergolas

now featuring om Standard & Cust ucts od Pr al Architectur as, arbors, including pergol , fences, es enclosures, trellisern posts nt la l/ gates, mai & more!

• Outdoor Kitchens

Treasure Cove II InC. CasT arChITeCTural ProduCTs & naTural sTone

New Showroom Treasure Cove II...North Sarasota | 8165 25th Ct. East | Sarasota, FL 34243 | Phone: 941-556-0202 Treasure Cove, For The Very Thing | 4429 S. Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL 34231 | Phone: 941-924-3400 www.treasurecove2.com

393803-1

18A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Olivia Davis is a senior on the Cardinal Mooney High girls basketball team. Davis, who lives in Lakewood Ranch, leads the 4-0 Cougars with 19.3 points a game scoring average and 3.8 assists a game as of Dec. 5.

She is signed to play for the University of Tampa next season.

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing so young that my parents (Jodi Davis and Nate Davis) don’t even remember. It was probably around 4. My parents played basketball, so it was just one of those things that happened. I started on boys’ teams and eventually switched to girls’ teams and now I’m here.

What is the appeal to you?

Ever since I tore my ACL as a freshman I have seen the game from a different perspective. Being unable to play for 11 months made me miss it and love it even more. The gym is somewhere I go to have a safe place.

I don’t have to worry about anything but basketball there.

What is your best skill?

I think it’s my leadership. It’s not a physical skill but as the only senior on the team, I feel like I have to lead the younger girls. It’s a big priority for me. I’m trying to get everyone involved in each game, putting them before myself.

What have you been working to improve?

I am always trying to increase my basketball IQ, especially now that I have signed to play at the next level.

I still am working on the defensive side also, things like foot speed and lateral quickness.

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.

Why did you sign with the University of Tampa?

I could tell right away it was a special place. It was right for me. On my official visit, I bonded with the girls on the team and coach (Tom) Jessee, I feel like he prioritizes me even outside of basketball. He knows what I can do and embraces me as a point guard.

What is your favorite memory?

Last year we played Carrollwood Day at home in the regional finals.

It was a packed house. We won that game by 19 (62-43) and it was like, ‘Oh shoot, we have a chance at a state title this year.’ It didn’t work out, but we’re getting closer each year.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

19A

Total Renovation!

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Olivia Davis

|

Custom Home Overlooking the Oaks Club

Total renovation overlooking th

Total renovation overlook

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

What is your favorite movie?

‘Hoosiers.’ I was born in Indiana and it’s a classic to me.

110 North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • $ 1.39M • MLS # A4549599 Extensive custom home renovation just completed! As soon as you cross the threshold, you’re greeted by a grand 2-story tall foyer, and long golf course views of the Oaks Club main clubhouse. Trees, ponds, and fairways are your rear sightlines – not homes. The first floor features a master suite on the main level, formal living and dining at the of the home, separate family room at the rear facing the golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls of windows, 110 front North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • $ 1.39M • MLS # A4549599 kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s Extensive custom home renovation completed!

As soon as you pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets,just and an immense laundry/craft room/home office cross that’s 11’ the x 19’ threshold, you’re greeted by a grand in itself. The second floor features a sizable loft/sitting room at the top of the stairs and two large guestrooms (with 2-story tall foyer, and long golf course views of the Oaks Club main clubhouse.

Trees, ponds, and fairways are your ensuite full baths). Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details.

Finish this sentence: “Olivia Davis is … ” … A competitor.

rear sightlines – not homes. The first floor features a master suite on the main level, formal living and dining at the STERN front of the home, separate family PAUL room at the rear facingJAMIE the STERN golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls of windows, 110 North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • $ 1.39M • MLS # A4549599 941.330.3051 210.612.6654 M both a large eat-inby kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s paul@sarasotabrokers.com jamie@sarasotabrokers.com Extensive custom home renovation just completed! As kitchen soon as youwith cross the threshold, you’re greeted a grand 2-story tall foyer, and long golf course views of the Oaks Club main clubhouse. Trees, ponds, and fairways are your pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ rear sightlines – not homes. The first floor features a master suite on the main level, formal living and dining at the front of the home, separate family room at the rear facing the golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls of windows, in 110 itself.

The second features sizable • loft/sitting at the top •of3.5 the BA stairs two guestrooms (with North Creekfloor Lane • Oaka Creek Ospreyroom • 3 BR + loft • and 4071 SFlarge • MLS # A4549599 kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s ensuite full baths).

Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details. pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ Extensive custom home renovation just completed! As soon as you cross the threshold, you’re in itself. The second floor features a sizable loft/sitting room at the top of the stairs and two large guestrooms (with greeted ensuite full baths). Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details. by a grand 2-story tall foyer, and long golf course views of the Oaks Club main 110 North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • $ 1.39M • MLS # clubhouse. Trees, ponds, and fairways are your rear sightlines – not homes.

The first floor features PAUL STERN As soon as you cross JAMIE Extensive custom home renovation justliving completed! theSTERN threshold, you’re PAUL STERN JAMIE STERN a master suite on the main level, formal and dining at the front of the home, separate familygreeted by 110 North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • $ 1.39M • MLS # A4549599 941.330.3051 210.612.6654 M 941.330.3051 210.612.6654 M 2-story tallrear foyer, and the longgolf golfcourse, courseapaul@sarasotabrokers.com views of theroom Oaks Club mainofclubhouse. room at the facing breakfast with 2 walls windows, Trees, kitchenponds, with and fairway Extensive custom home renovation just completed! As soon as you cross the threshold, you’re greeted by a grand paul@sarasotabrokers.com jamie@sarasotabrokers.com jamie@sarasotabrokers.com 2-story tall foyer, and long golf course views of the Oaks Club main clubhouse. Trees, ponds, and fairways are your both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long rear sightlines – not homes.

The first floor features a master suite on the main level, formal living and din rear sightlines – not homes. The first floor features a master suite on the main level, formal living and dining at the front of the home, separate family room at the rear facing the golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls of windows, butler’s pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/ front of the home, separate family room at the rear facing the golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s home office that’s 11’ x 19’ in itself. The second floor features a sizable loft/sitting room at the top pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ with both largeguestrooms eat-in kitchen island andfull additional of kitchen the stairs and twoalarge (with ensuite baths). serving counter for the family room, a 22’ lo in itself. The second floor features a sizable loft/sitting room at the top of the stairs and two large guestrooms (with ensuite full baths). Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details.

PAUL STERN 941.330.3051 paul@sarasotabrokers.com

JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654 M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com

1.39M

pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft $ room/home office that in itself. The second floor features a sizable loft/sitting room at the top of the stairs and two large guestro ensuite full baths). Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details.

Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details.

paul@sarasotabrokers.com

393965-1 XNLV21244

PAUL STERN • 941.330.3051 PAUL STERN JAMIE STERN 941.330.3051 Paul@sarasotabrokers.com 210.612.6654 M

jamie@sarasotab

First Physicians Group Welcomes

Mario Azuero, MD

We are pleased to welcome a new family medicine specialist to the First Physicians Group (FPG) network. As a board-certified specialist in family medicine, Dr. Azuero provides medical services for all ages.

He utilizes his clinical expertise to manage acute and chronic medical conditions. He performs annual wellness exams, as well as comprehensive and preventative screenings. Dr. Azuero has a true passion for communitybased care. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

donate & shop

Specialty & Board Certification: Family Medicine

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

Medical School: Universidad MexicoAmericana del Norte, Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico Residency: University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, Fort Smith, Arkansas

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota

To schedule an appointment, call (941) 917-2300

Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

(941) 444-5783 392299-1

5880 Rand Blvd., Ste. 200, Sarasota, FL 34238 firstphysiciansgroup.com

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

370409-1

Clark Road Health Care Center

20A

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13706 Matanzas Place Laura Stavola

SARASOTA

VUE SARASOTA BAY

8218 Sanderling Road Joel Schemmel

SARASOTA $1,479,900 941.228.9206

3914 Prairie Dunes Drive Joel Schemmel

DEL WEBB 6956 Gosport Cove Charles Totonis

1155 North Gulfstream Avenue #207 $1,639,000 Moriah Taliaferro 941.504.9910

$16,800,000 941.587.4894

BOCA ROYALE 1523 Raphis Royale Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$1,798,000 941.447.4875

$1,185,000 941.587.4894

SARASOTA $1,090,000 941.524.8299

1642 Bahia Vista Street Joel Schemmel

SIESTA KEY $990,000 941.587.4894

5315 Hidden Harbor Road Judie Berger

$4,500,000 941.928.3424

SOUTH GATE 2714 Valencia Drive Nathan Mathers

RAINTREE INLET $849,900 941.720.0408

2204 68th Drive East $820,000 Jaci Krawtschenko & Jennifer Garrabrant

941.284.3789

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14738 Como Circle Laura Stavola

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5814 Wake Forest Run #103 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

REGENCY HOUSE

$769,000 941.374.5010

DEL WEBB 16920 Pelham Place Mary Northrup

PALMER RANCH

435 South Gulfstream Avenue #802 $815,000 Fernando Viteri 941.400.7676

$2,999,999 941.447.4875

4100 Ilaria Avenue Jackie Kleppinger

$800,000 941.320.0049

SARASOTA NATIONAL $759,900 941.544.0763

10414 Medjool Drive Elke von Oertzen

$725,000 941.441.7073

View a rea lis tings

23 CONTEMPORARY TOWNHOMES

It’s Better

uptown

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

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

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

WORTH MORE

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

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

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

392779-1

your home has never been

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

DECEMBER 8, 2022

YOUR NEIGHBORS Parade of cheer L

et it foam! Let it foam! Let it foam!

Bubbles and foam were launched in the air to resemble snow at Sarasota’s 26th annual holiday parade on Dec. 3.

The parade’s theme was winter wonderland. Tens of thousands gathered along Main Street for the Florida-style holiday cheer.

Holiday music blasted through speakers as paradegoers applauded and cheered. School marching bands played rhythmic beats at a fortissimo. Countless dance groups did back handsprings and shimmied into a choreographed Christmas routine.

From Storm Troopers to alligators in Christmas hats, paradegoers hollered at every float. Children stuck out Christmas stockings as they waited for parade cars to hand out holiday candies.

The annual holiday parade was hosted by Sarasota Holiday Celebrations and featured many local businesses, schools, groups and community members. Santa Claus made his appearance in the holiday parade before his busy day on the 25th.

Leah Nicole, Santa and Leah Pagh rejoice in holiday parade spirit.

Kayleigh Pritchett, Alexandria Maulfair and Zoey Selby participate in the parade with Sarasota High School Theater float.

— DARIELA DELGADO

The Grinch rides in style.

Max Estrada shows his zebra muscles.

Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs wave at the Sarasota paradegoers.

As we approach this festive season of community and gatherings, we’d like to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday season.

To our clients... We thank you for continuing to let us help you... Find Your Little Piece Of Paradise.

Cali and Petunia walk with Cat Depot’s entry in the parade.

Happy

Holidays

Jennifer & Taylor Thompson

Finding you...

Jennifer: 941.928.0790 Jennifer@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

Taylor: 941.928.2372 Taylor@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

Scan The QR Code To Visit Our Website ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

380271-1

YOUR LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE

2B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

New tree brightly lights up St. Armands

S

arasota city leaders and fans of all things bright and sparkly rocked around the Christmas tree last week at Sarasota’s ceremonial tree lighting on St. Armands Circle.

Hundreds gathered along to watch the super-sized tree light up as the kick off to the holiday season in Sarasota.

The evening radiated with holiday spirit as families gathered together for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to make their arrival in front of the tree in a vintage Mercedes.

Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie and Vice

Mayor Liz Alpert gave their holiday greetings to the crowd. The Rev. Kenneth Blyth of Church on the Circle gave a brief prayer before the big countdown.

Battie and Santa stepped on the podium and said, “Starting at 10.” The crowd counted down with the mayor and Santa as they pressed the button to bedazzle the 60-foot tree.

Future of Dance immediately followed the tree lighting as they performed various choreographed holiday routines.

— DARIELA DELGADO

Mrs. and Santa Claus make their stylish arrival in a vintage Mercedes.

Photos by Dariela Delgado

L I M I T E D

T I M E

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

4.40 4.30 4.20

Christina Denuijl, Brenda Watty and Devron Minion came out to support Sarasota Mayor Battie.

TAI CHI GUNG CLASSES FIRST CLASS IS FREE

O F F E R S

Regenerative System of

%

Health and Longevity

APY*

Go online to sign up for classes at www.doctorjillmorris.com Create your own group and I will come to you!

% APY*

% APY*

NOW HIRING: STORE MANAGER FOR SARASOTA FL. Full time salaried position. Retirement plan. Monthly medical bonus.

Call (330) 231-8577 for more information.

Bradenton • 3901 Cortez Road W. 941.202.6405

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.

SHOP.

DONATE.

VOLUNTEER.

All Proceeds from Mission Thrift benefit

Your gently used items can make an impact in the life of an at risk child. Donate extra items from your fall cleaning, garage sale, or auction.

Whether its sorting, cleaning, or pricing for one hour or three hours, volunteers play a vital role in making a difference in the lives of kids locally and nationally.

Volunteer Opportunities: Individual, Church Group, or Business, contact us to learn more at (330)449-9949.

Waterfront masterpiece on Cocoanut Bayou.

RELATIONSHIPS UNE RELATION

4205 HIGEL AVENUE | COCOANUT BAYOU | SIESTA KEY — 4 BR | 4.5 BA | 8,571 SF | $7,250,000 | MLS# A4539090 Reminiscent of a 17th-century Palladian villa in the south of France, this North Siesta Key waterfront masterpiece offers an extraordinary living experience. The elegantly appointed custom-built home on Cocoanut Bayou offers 120 feet of waterfront, with a private deep-water dock offering easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.

391083-1

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

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

for life

pour la vie.

11-Year Recipients of the

Maurice Menager

Lin Dunn

941.238.8119

941.809.2154

REALTOR ®

REALTOR ®, SRES, LSS, LSE

TeamDunn@michaelsaunders.com | TeamDunn.michaelsaunders.com

393943-1

Free Interest Checking ** Free Mortgage Appraisals†

388872-1

A SK U S A BO U T

Eden Williams, Rian Dunn, Jane Goins and Lincoln Dunn are excited for the St. Armands tree lighting.

393431-1

Mr. Claus and Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie begin the countdown to light the tree.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE HOLIDAY STROLL 5-9 p.m. at Southside Village, between U.S. 41 and Opsrey Avenue. Join the evening festival filled with face painting, rock climbing and more. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Girls Inc. Free. For information, visit SouthsideVillage. org.

HOLIDAYS AT THE BAY: FESTIVE DOUBLE FEATURE MOVIE NIGHT 6-9:45 p.m. at The Bay Sarasota, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Catch two family-friendly holiday movies by the water. “Polar Express” and “Elf” will show at The Bay Sarasota.

Free. For information, visit The BaySarasota.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 11

SUNCOAST RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Step back in time with Sarasota’s renaissance festival. Tickets are $26 for adults; $17 for youth (ages 5-11); free for children (under 5). For information, visit SuncoastRenaissanceFestival.com.

BEST BET

- F O R

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

SARASOTA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE 6 p.m. on Marina Plaza, 2 Marina Plaza.

Enjoy a holiday parade by the bay.

Watch this annual holiday event full of boats decorated with colorful lights.

Free. For information, visit SuncoastCharitiesforChildren.org.

A NOVEL IDEA! 3-5 p.m. at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Join in for one or all fiveparts novel writing series to jump start your book. Free. For information, call 861-1100.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

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

1926 Hillview St. Join in for an evening of acoustic music. Players of all levels are welcome in this intimate listening environment. Free. For information, call 373-1800.

B E G I N N E R S -

10 am - 12 pm Courtyard Marriott - Sarasota Airport

LIMITED SEATING reserve your space NOW

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

CORESRQ AT THE BAY: TAI CHI 8-8:45 a.m. at The Bay Sarasota, 655 North Tamiami Trail. Come out and enjoy this outdoor group class using ancient forms of Chinese exercises. Free. For information, visit TheBaySarasota.org.

49

$

Nationally recognized cryptocurrency educator, John Higgins, CPA is coming to Sarasota to share his knowledge on how to participate in Bitcoin safely and securely in an easy to understand presentation.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

• • •

THE ELIXIR COMEDY OPEN MIC 7:30-10 p.m. at The Elixir Tea House.

1926 Hillview St. Whether you are an aspiring stand-up comedian or a comic veteran, you’ll find an appreciative audience at The Elixir Teahouse. Free. For information, call 373-1800.

DECEMBER WINE TASTING 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Reserve Retreat, 1322 N Tamiami Trail. Enjoy six Argentinian wines while mingling with other wine enthusiasts. Tickets are $15. For information, call 2536003.

3B

Monday December 19, 2022

Understanding Bitcoin for beginners How to purchase Bitcoin safely Protecting your Bitcoin investment

VISIT www.smithandhiggs.com/btc TO REGISTER 393961-1

MONDAY, DEC. 12

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

BIT COIN

File photo

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

SUNDAY SONGS IN THE PARK 3-5 p.m. at Cafe in the Park, 2010 Adams Lane. Come out and listen to local hip hop music by Sarasota artist Treedomm. Free. For information, call 361-3032.

|

SPONSORED BY

Smith & Higgins, LLC

GETTING PAID IS EASY

Sell Us Your Valuables For The Highest Price

Coins l Currency l Diamonds l Gold l Jewelry l Military l Platinum l Silver l Sports Cards l Comic Books l Better Watches

FRrEbE al

Ve isals ra App

We Buy & Sell All Precious Metal Coins & Bars

Attention Attorneys: Eastern offers Estate Appraisals for all items we purchase. We are a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer and provide firearms removal, storage and appraisals. See us at www.USCOINS.com

Call For an Appointment

Eastern Numismatics The Coin & Jewelry Exchange 1-800-835-0008

5275 University Pkwy. Ste. 129, University Park, Fl 34201

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

393165-1

WE BUY IT ALL

11 Years at the Same Location

Call For The Current Price

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

City Island hosts party LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

A

sunny day and a new location made the annual Kiwanis Lawn Party by the Bay bigger and better than

ever.

The fundraiser for the Children’s Guardian Fund was held on the traditional first Saturday in December, but for the first time, it was not on Longboat Key. For years, the party has bounced between locations on the island. Last year, 800 people attended the event at the Town Center Green. Because that location is still under construction, organizers moved the party over the bridge to City Island.

“Ken Thompson Park really proved to be a tremendous location for our event,” event Chair Michael Garey said. “We were able to have more restaurants participate. There was more space for the guests to enjoy, and we even had more space between the restaurants.”

Last year, 22 restaurants participated. With this year’s larger location, six more joined the roster.

There were also five wine supporters, and Gold Coast Eagle provides the beer each year. Attendance rose by 100 guests.

Despite the location change, the

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Rick Rone and Chef Roberto Dominguez

FRESH NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD MAR-

Robyn Marin and Amy Goldman accessorized for the day.

SMITTEN WITH KITTENS

OP

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day orders must be pre-ordered by Dec. 21st - 6pm • New Year’s Eve orders must be pre-ordered by Dec. 28th - 6pm. | Closed January 1st, 2nd & 3rd LIVE Maine Lobster ( Take‘em live or we’ll steam for you! ) Florida’s Fresh Catch - Grouper, Snapper, Stone Crabs, Shrimp!

Christma EN Christmas Eve 11- 7 s Day 2-5 New Year’ s Eve 11- 7 Tuna, Cod, Haddock, Salmon, Sword, Steamers, Mussels, Hard Clams, Scallops, Chowders and Crabcakes.

941-918-2529 | 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238 (Next to SkyKing Fireworks - South of Sarasota Square Mall)

LotsaLobsterSarasota.com

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

FOLLOW US

379626-1

concept remained the same — eat, drink, be merry and give.

The final donation numbers haven’t been tallied yet, but last year’s event raised more than $90,000.

Brian Costello spent $750 on raffle tickets alone. His generosity paid off when he won the $5,000 grand prize.

By a twist of fate and history, Scott MacDonald of Crab & Fin won second place. MacDonald’s family has supported the event since it was called the St. Judes Gourmet Lun-

MUST PRE-ORDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Normal Store Hours: TUES-SAT 11-6, SUN 11-4 CLOSED MONDAY

Guests dine under a tent in Ken Thompson Park for the Lawn Party by the Bay on Saturday.

390930-1

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

99 OFF

$

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 12/31/2022.

50 OFF

$

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

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 12/31/2022.

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 12/31/2022.

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 12/31/2022.

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

393139-1

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

5B

HAIR • NAILS • SPA NOW OFFERING Biosculpture Gel and Dazzle Dry

WELCOME

BACK!!

L E S

C I S E A U X

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

Jason Berzowski and Tim Haas, of Longboat Key Fire-Rescue, serve up their award-winning firehouse chili.

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

No dog food vendors, but it didn’t stop a few pups from attending the Lawn Party.

Design•Build•Maintain

ties have been in four different locations,” Garey said. “I can tell you with certainty, anything gets better with repetition and practice, and we are already working on improvements for next year.”

6300 Midnight Pass Rd #1107T

Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

390680-1

cheon more than 40 years ago. His father was one of the founders.

Regardless of its name, food has always been the main event. La Norma plated 600 meatballs, and Columbia served its famous 1905 salad, which Rick Rone called the “best salad anywhere on Longboat Key or St. Armands Circle.”

The father-and-son team of Robbie and Robbie Ball from the Blue Dolphin served up a dish that’s featured on their lunch menu. Their chilled gazpacho is grandma’s recipe.

Another favorite plate was the Longboat Key Fire Rescue’s firehouse chili. It would be easy to give these lifesavers a pass on their cooking skills, but they don’t need one. In their downtime, the amateur chefs have perfected an award-winning recipe they bring to the Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-off each year.

“We place almost every year,” firefighter Jason Berzowski said. “I’m the main chef, but everybody helps.

This is not a one-person event. We just keep tinkering with it over the years.”

One thing that looks like it won’t be tinkered with for next year’s lawn party is the new venue on City Island.

“Our biggest challenge, in my opinion, is the last four lawn par-

393875-1

www.LCSalonSpa.com

941.927.1882

Lic# CPC1458597

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

$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

of West Florida, Inc.

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

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

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

We can fill your sleigh with beautiful poinsettias!

Largest selection of plants & flowers Including those unique to our area • Locally Owned Beautiful Garden Accessories & Gifts • Statues & Containers

FARM & GARDEN 941-366-4954 • YourFarmandGarden.com 735 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

388081-1

We are your source everything yard and garden!

Your

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

SARASOTA 1378 Harbor Drive 4 Beds 5/3 Baths 6,238 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays 941-376-1826 A4546357 $14,000,000

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

SARASOTA 1567 Eastbrook Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,574 Sq. Ft. Michael Hays 941-376-1826 A4552232 $4,298,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, 701 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,751 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4552951 $3,800,000

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

SARASOTA 1919 Irving Street 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,956 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4546099 $3,499,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1204 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 3,582 Sq. Ft. Michael James & Laurel James 941-724-4034 A4544975 $2,995,000

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

SARASOTA 1233 N Gulfstream Avenue 504 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,906 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger 941-404-2722 A4549527 $2,690,000

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

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

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard E4 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,277 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace & Mina Johnson 941-586-7390 A4553335 $2,150,000

SIESTA KEY 525 Treasure Boat Way 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,097 Sq. Ft. Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4550615 $1,895,000

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

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 $950,000

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 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,471 Sq. Ft. Robin Leonardi 941-685-6270 A4536541 $874,900

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

SARASOTA 3300 Old Oak Drive 4 Beds 4/3 Baths 6,428 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4520464 $8,750,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 373721-1

6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 21-25

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

two-property sale on Siesta Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Adam and Morgan Zanotti, trustees, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, sold two properties at 7303 Midnight Pass Road to Michael Andrew Sanchez, of Sarasota, for $5.25 million. The first property was Courtesy Sara Ferguson/Compass Realty built in 1978, it has three The driveway at 7303 Midnight Pass Road leads past tennis courts and guest house on its way to the main house. bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,547 square feet SIESTA KEY SARASOTA BEACH of living area. The secNorine Cohen, of Siesta Key, sold ond property was built in her home at 5406 Avenida Del Mar Lawrence and Tina Landry, of 2000, it has one bedroom, to SARASOTA: $1.3 MILLION OSPREY: $653,000 Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in The Landings Treehouse Rivendell 1970, it has three bedrooms, two one bath and 1,583 square Richard and Lynn Hammett, of Roanoke, Dianne Enger sold the home at 727 Shadbaths and 1,644 square feet of living feet of living area.

Virginia, sold their Unit 17 condominium ow Bay Way to John and Ina Krebsbach, area. It sold for $216,000 in 1999.

7B

REAL ESTATE

Two-property Siesta Key sale totals $5.25 million

|

Other top sales by area

SARASOTA

VALENCIA ROSEMARY PLACE TOWNHOMES Ronie and Krista Ashley, of Sarasota, sold their home at 126 Boulevard of the Arts to Joseph Albano and Susan Marie Beatty, trustees, of Sarasota, for $985,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,088 square feet of living area. It sold for $750,000 in 2021.

GULF GATE EAST Sharron Elizabeth Guthrie and Walter Branch Guthrie, of Naples, sold their home at 6635 Easton Drive to Jacqueline Conroy, of Sarasota, for $660,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,789 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 2018.

PHILLIPPI LANDINGS Taylor Morrison of Florida Inc. sold the Unit 4102 condominium at 5589 Cannes Circle to Robert Scott Dautel and Sharise Dautel, of Winter Garden, for $544,900. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,745 square feet.

BRIARWOOD Marilynn Reason, of Sarasota, sold her home at 3084 Grafton St. to Dan and Cheryl Dirmeyer, of Highland, Michigan, for $500,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,603 square feet of living area. It sold for $138,000 in 1997.

WHISPERING SANDS Barbara Powers, trustee, of Oakwood Hills, Illinois, sold the Unit 1202 condominium at 19 Whispering Sands Drive to Joseph and Jennifer Jo Lower, of Palm Beach Gardens, for $1.35 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,564 square feet of living area. It sold for $910,000 in 2017.

CRYSTAL SANDS Morgan Florida Properties LLC sold the Unit 3 condominium at 6300 Midnight Pass Road to Reliable Ready Mix Inc. for $990,000. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,253 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2007.

at 1303 Landings Drive to Peter Max Buehler and Liza Ilona Buehler-Konradt, of Wollerau, Switzerland, for $1.3 million.

Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths and 2,260 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2016.

PALMER RANCH: $735,000 Esplanade on Palmer Ranch Alyssa Mae Desario and Jonpaul Desario, of Morristown, New Jersey, sold their home at 5359 Cicerone St. to Theodore and Anita Lieb, of Sarasota, for $735,000.

Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,918 square feet of living area.

It sold for $500,700 in 2022.

Editor’s note: County offices were closed on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, limiting the number of transactions available for this report.

of Osprey, for $653,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $214,500 in 2001.

NOKOMIS: $690,000

Mission Valley Estates Nicholas Zeoli Jr. and Jessica Polchinski, of Long Beach, New York, sold their home at 1720 Mission Valley Blvd. to Ilirian and Valdete Duro, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, for $690,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,994 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in February.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Downtown St. Petersburg

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1MM’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com SOLD OUT

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Nov. 21-25, in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

2715 Sydelle St.

Pool/Spa/Deck

Christina Erazo

$121,970

3109 Hatton St.

Pool

Nathalie Barr

$68,682

1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. #504 Door

Alan Sprintz

$67,513

993 Charlotte Ave.

Patio

Harry Yoder

$60,000

2482 W. Milmar Drive

Pool/Deck

Lisa Ostlander

$48,500

3139 Bay Shore Road

Generator

John Szabo Jr.

$31,987

1731 Hillview St.

Demolition

Dalal Fram

$19,048

3731 Indian Beach Place

Mechanical

Timothy Moravits

$18,672

2186 Sunnyside Lane

Demolition

Karen Nielsen

$13,500

625 Norsota Way

Mechanical

Hesham Elnaggar

$10,297

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

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

8109 Midnight Pass Road

Re-roof

Tim Wilson

$118,000

1620 Mission Valley Blvd.

Remodel

Robert Long

$115,000

2722 Grove St.

Solar System

Paul Tarantino

$100,000

2158 Sonoma Drive E.

Re-roof

Craig Jacobson

$82,652

431 E. Rossetti Drive

Pool/Deck

Craig Somers

$70,065

1630 Kenilworth St.

Art Studio

Matthew Eckert

$60,000

513 Casey Key Road

Wall/Gate

Jeremy Ruccio

$58,000

1196 Mallard Marsh Drive

Screen Cage

Kevin Boggess

$45,202

1080 Scherer Way

Solar System

Aurelia Hrab

$43,000

1848 Amethyst Lane

Re-roof

Ken Green

$41,700

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

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

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

373682-1

Address

Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

8B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

Pictures THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022 with Santa

YourObserver.com

AGE L L I O U T H S I D E V I L L A G E V E D I S H THSIDEVILLAGE.ORG UT O S O U TS H S TI HDS E ASGG OU I D EVVI ILL L LA E E Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Treats & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

Sarasota Memorial HospitalHouse at 41 and Hillview St. Hot Cocoa & Castle Bouncy FREE Parking available in the South Parking Garage of Unbelievable Raffle Return of the Snow Slide!

Exhilarating Trampoline Adventurous Climbing Wall

PET troll SPICS

oliday Stroll y Holiday Stroll a d i l o H Holiday Stroll

Have photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!

Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview St. TO BENEFIT FREE Parking available in the South Parking Garage of

THSIDEVILLAGE.ORG

Fun ly d n ie r F y il m a F t The Mos ge la Most Family Friendly Fun il V e id s th u o S Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

Time The in Southside Village Time in Time in Southside Village . 9 • 5-9 p.m.

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORSFun The Most Family Friendly The Family Fun SO U TMost ETime IinLFriendly L AV G SHOS UI D TH SVI D ESouthside I LELVillage AGE

Holiday Stroll Holiday Stroll Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

Friday, Dec Pictures with Santa Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Treats & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

Hot Cocoa & Castle Bouncy House Unbelievable Raffle Pictures with Santa Return of the Snow Slide!

Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Pictures with Santa Exhilarating Trampoline Adventurous Climbing Wall Treats & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert

Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

nta Pictures with Sa ay Concert d’s annual Holid un o p m o C ic es! us M r Kids of ALL ag fo s e iti tiv c A & ts Trea ouse astle Bouncy H Hot Cocoa & C ffle Unbelievable Ra ow Slide! p.m.

Return of the Sn mpoline Exhilarating Tra bing Wall Adventurous Clim

The Most FriendlyFriendly Fun TheFamily Most Family Fun THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Time in&Time Southside VillageVillage infor Southside Hot Cocoa & Castle Bouncy House Treats Activities Kids of ALL ages!

TO BENEFIT

Unbelievable Raffle BENEFIT HotTOCocoa & Castle Bouncy House THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 Friday, Dec. 9p.m.

• 5-9 Return of the Snow Slide!

Unbelievable Raffle Adventurous Climbing Wall Exhilarating Trampoline Return ofwith theSanta Snow Slide!

Pictures Pictures with Santa Exhilarating Trampoline Adventurous Climbing Wall Exhilarating Trampoline

Music Compound’s annual Concert Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Return of the SnowHoliday Slide!

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Adventurous Climbing Wall Treats & Activities of ALLfor ages!

Treatsfor & Kids Activities Kids of ALL ages!

Unbelievable Raffle FREE Parking available in the South Parking Garage of TO BENEFIT THSIDEVILLAGE.ORG Cocoa & Castle House Hot TO Cocoa &Hot Castle Bouncy House BENEFIT Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41Bouncy and Hillview St. Unbelievable Raffle Unbelievable Raffle Treats TO & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

BENEFIT THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS Return of theSPONSORS SnowHoliday Slide!

Return ofWall the Concert Snow Slide!

Music Compound’s Adventurousannual Climbing Exhilarating Trampoline Exhilarating Trampoline Pictures with Santa THANKS TO OURTrampoline GENEROUS SPONSORS Exhilarating AdventurousAdventurous Climbing Wall Return of the Snow Slide!Climbing Wall

TO BENEFIT THANKS TO OUR

NSORS

GENEROUS SPO

Friday, Unbelievable Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

Raffle

BENEFIT TO BENEFIT Hot TO Cocoa & Castle Bouncy House Treats & Activities for Kids of ALL ages!

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS Music Compound’s annual Holiday Concert Pictures with Santa

Time in Southside Village The Most Family Friendly Fun Friday, Dec. 9 • 5-9 p.m.

FREE Parking available in the South Parking Garage of Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview St.

SOUTHSIDEVILLAGE.ORG

Time inStroll Southside Village Holiday The Most Family Friendly Fun

SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE

Holiday Stroll Parking S O U T HFREE S IParking D Eavailable V I inLtheL South AG E Garage of Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview St.

T H S I DSEO VU I LTLHASGI D E .EO V RI LGL A G E . O R G

G

E . O RGarage of L A GParking FREE Parking available I LSouth T H S I D EinVthe U O S Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview St.THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Penny takes a walk around the Rosemary District.

393196-1

GE.ORG IDEVILLAGE.ORG

Garage of e South Parking th in e bl la ai av and Hillview St. FREE Parking l Hospital at 41 ia or em M ta so Sara

FREE Parking available in the available South Parking Garage of FREE Parking in the South Parking Garage of Sarasota Memorial Hospital at 41 and Hillview Sarasota Memorial Hospital at St. 41 and Hillview St.

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

386896-1

VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

9B

The natural choice for luxury coastal living.

Wild Blue at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch by Stock Development is a natural choice for those who appreciate luxury living, a connected and relaxed coastal vibe and an array of social and active lifestyle amenities. Here, a verdant waterfront setting, along with quality design and construction, blend seamlessly to create a naturally beautiful community. Featuring a collection of single-family homes by some of the region’s most acclaimed builders.

Sales Center Now Open: 8307 Lake Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.313.3852 Join our VIP Priority list at WildBluelwr.com Coming early 2023 ANCHOR BUILDERS • ARTHUR RUTENBERG HOMES • JOHN CANNON HOMES LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

392220-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING Proudly presented by HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

10B

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 8

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.

High: 75 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 High: 67 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 19%

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, Dec. 8

7:12a

5:37p

Friday, Dec. 9

7:12a

5:38p

Saturday, Dec. 10

7:13a

5:38p

Sunday, Dec. 11

7:14a

5:39p

Monday, Dec. 12

7:14a

5:39p

Tuesday, Dec. 13

7:15a

5:40p

Wednesday, Dec. 14

7:15a

5:40p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 High: 71 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 17%

SUNDAY, DEC. 11 High: 71 Low: 57 Chance of rain: 18%

Dec. 16 Last

Dec. 23 New

Dec. 29 First

Jan. 6 Full

RAINFALL Monday, Nov. 28

0.15

Tuesday, Nov. 29

0

Wednesday, Nov. 30

0

Thursday, Dec. 1

0

Friday, Dec. 2

0

Saturday, Dec. 3

0

Sunday, Dec. 4

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Michael Papson captured this photo of a tiny frog on a lily in Village Walk in Palmer Ranch.

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 51.65 in.

2021 45.79 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 0.00 in.

2021 0.00 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

crossword

celebrity cipher

THERE SEEMS TO BE A MIX-UP HERE by Paul Coulter, edited by Amanda Rafkin 59 Pittsburgh pro 62 Prepared to propose DOWN 63 Sewing edge 1 Expansive 64 Good point?

2 Part of a ruler’s break65 Like iris scanners and down? smartwatches 3 Shrek or Fiona, e.g.

66 Experiencing emotional 4 Certain interest collector upheaval 5 Pitcher’s pride 67 Scare greatly 6 Buffalo’s hockey team 69 Stuff to be crunched 7 Caught some Z’s 70 Blown away 8 Gives a hand to 72 Houses, in Spanish 9 Beetle juice?

73 Uma’s role in “Pulp 10 “Who ___ to argue?”

Fiction” 11 One-dimensional 77 “It’s ___ real!”

12 Less populated 79 Brooch 13 “The Persistence of 80 Time between birthdays Memory” artist 81 Poi source 14 Take care of a friend’s 82 Big name in ice cream kitty 84 Attempted 15 Highest card in most 86 Confidentiality contrick-taking games tracts (Abbr.)

16 “Sorry to hear it” 87 Like slasher films 17 Basic dog command 88 Part of UCLA 18 Part of some sweat89 Web design language shirts 92 “From what you’ve told 24 Dryer debris me ...”

25 Door in a fence 96 Warbles 30 Fail-proof course 97 Nonverbally complains 33 Glossary entry 98 Famed English prep 95 *Rages?

34 Pockets for falafel 68 *Sate?

34 Piece of land school 99 Sporty Chevys 36 Feels crummy 71 Canine expert’s deg.

35 Oatmeal bath target 99 Pulled parachute part 101 U-shaped string instru38 Most verdant 72 Movies 37 Worked hard 100 Anticipates 41 *Tastes?

74 A-line line ment 38 Mascara site, informally 103 Words on a teddy 45 Union station?

75 Works with a needle and 102 Like craft shows 39 Beauty chain with a bear’s shirt 46 Voting group thread 103 Wolves’ cries salon inside each store 104 Therefore 47 Surname in “Succes76 Asteroids maker 104 UFO crew 40 Store away 105 Garr of “Mr. Mom” 77 Waist band 106 “Same” sion” 41 Pie ___ mode 107 Cuatro y cuatro 78 “Malcolm X” director 108 Movie star’s vibe 48 Anjou alternative 42 MDs 108 Mystery writer, for Spike 109 Take a tumble 49 *Wreathe?

43 College application short?

113 Fight off 54 Rear end of a train or a 79 Unit of computer parts 110 Russo of “Ransom” storage 115 *Aspired? person 44 Part of an act 111 Eats at 83 Fixed fee 119 Give the third degree to 56 Peddle 46 Word before “Alps” or 112 “Check this out!”

85 *Dearth?

120 Layer of a farm?

57 Canal locale “mountain dog” 114 Antlered animal 58 Conical chocolate treat 90 Three-syllable smoothie 121 Motel offering 50 ___ mate (tealike drink) 116 (Back away from my berry 122 Comes up with ideas 60 Opposite of rural 51 Sob loudly bone!)

91 Big name in outdoor 123 Sty cries 61 Curling venue 52 Scraped (out) 117 Note acknowledging gear 124 Surgery sites, 63 Weight 53 Breaks in relationships a debt 93 A speakeasy’s is hidden for short 64 “On it, captain!”

55 Believe 118 “It’s finally clicked!”

94 Like some goodbyes 125 Ancient mystical letter 65 Bestseller 126 Most sensible

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Midsize string instruments 7 Lengthy account 11 Cause of some trips 14 Come down with 19 Fluffy sweater material 20 Neeson of “Nell” 21 Draft pick?

22 Allergy season sound 23 *Aligns?

26 “I love you,” in Spanish 27 “In that case ...”

28 Features of distressed jeans 29 Homes that sound like the first sign in the zodiac 31 Big name in talks 32 Tube inserted into a blood vessel

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“FL FZTLR VEL BZRUPVRPHK VP FVE FJPD ZIE YZOJLU, JP JU DVEO PZ WJRO VTRLUPK WZE ZIEULHMLU.” TVEXVELP BDZ

“ULFW ORHW ZMDP XRT ZDAW. DPG GR LZ GWCSLZW ZMW VDIZ ZMDZ XRT RPKX HWDKKX KLAW DNRTZ CWFWP RTZ RV 500 SWRSKW.”

BTGG DSDZRJ

“FNWBW JBW IM TBWJF ZWMZCW XI FNXO UMBCK, MICV TBWJF YNJCCWITWO UNXYN MBKXIJBV ZWMZCW BXOW FM RWWF.”

JKR. UXCCXJR L. NJCOWV SB.

© 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

391427-1

941.748.4679 | Venice

Puzzle Three Clue: Y equals C

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals B

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue: Y equals B

394153-1

STOP BY ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TO SEE OUR COLLECTION OF PERGO® EXTREME™ LUXURY VINYL - WHERE TOUGH MEETS TASTEFUL

12-08-22

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

11B

FDA APPROVES OTC’S (OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING AIDS)

NO PRESCRIPTION NECESSARY! AS SEEN ON

“A ‘GAME-CHANGER’ FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS” - CNN*

SELF-FITTING OTC HEARING AIDS

SAVE

THOUSANDS!

* Christensen, Jen. “A 'Game-Changer' for Millions of Americans: You Can Now Buy Hearing Aids over the Counter.”

CNN, Cable News Network, 17 Oct. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/17/health/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-available.

393318-1

ENHANCE PLUS™ SELF-FITTING OTC HEARING AIDS

12B

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

YourObserver.com

SELF-FITTING OTC HEARING AIDS

A TRUSTED NAME IN AUDIO SOLUTIONS! Long Battery Life Up to 70 hours of continuous use.1

Personalized to Your Hearing Easily set up and personalize your hearing aids with the Sony | Hearing control app2.

Prescription-grade Sound Quality Sony’s technology offers excellent sound quality similar to traditional hearing aids.

Comfortable Fit to Your Ears Comes with four soft ear tip sizes specially designed to maximize comfort and ease.

High-quality Noise Reduction Earbuds are linked wirelessly to deliver effective noise reduction for your environment.

Adjusts to Your Environment

393319-1

Automatically analyzes, adjusts, and optimizes sound based on your surroundings.

Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage. 2Sony | Hearing control app – Use app on smartphone to personalize settings. Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require registration.

1

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

13B

ENHANCE PLUS™ SELF-FITTING OTC HEARING AIDS 3-IN-1 EARBUDS FOR HEARING ENHANCEMENT, MUSIC AND CALLS These pioneering hearing-enhancing earbuds have been specifically engineered with advanced medicalgrade technology, to help you focus on what you want to listen to, without just turning up the volume.

Innovative design uses 4 dedicated microphones to reduce background noise and improve speech clarity, so whether you’re chatting with your partner in a busy café or catching up with friends over dinner, the sounds that matter will be crystal-clear.

Small Buds, Big Difference Medical-grade hearing enhancement that fits seamlessly into your life.

Enhanced Audibility Powerful, world-class hearing enhancement.

Fully Rechargeable Lasts 24 hours on a single charge.

Advanced Technology State-of-the-art signal processing for incredible audio clarity.

Elite Hearing Centers of America

Rated by top hearing care professionals at Elite Hearing Centers of America.

393320-1

O T C H E A R I N G A I D R AT I N G S

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

YOUR OTC EXPERTS Elite Hearing Centers of America

Rated

WALK IN & WALK OUT WITH YOUR NEW HEARING AIDS THE SAME DAY! E SAV ANDS!

THOUS

UP TO 45-DAY 100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!*

WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES FREE!

Reprogram your current hearing aids with your new hearing prescription and up-to-date software improvements at no charge.

FREE

HEARING AID CHECK UP

It is important to have your hearing checked at least once a year.

Our Video Otoscope can detect if ear wax may be the reason you are experiencing hearing difficulty.

FREE

FREE

HEARING EXAM & CONSULTATION! NO OBLIGATION!

VIDEO EAR SCAN MAKES SURE IT’S NOT EAR WAX

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS 100% Digital Open-Fit BTE (Open Fit Behind-the-Ear)

100% Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

100% Digital CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

100% Micro CIC (Completely -in-Canal)

WAS $795

WAS $995

WAS $995

WAS $1995

NOW 395 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

NOW 395 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

Elite Hearing Centers

NOW 495 $

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE

Rated

!

OPEN NOW: 2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

each

(Up to 40 db Loss)

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

of America

SARASOTA 941-210-4310

NOW 595 $

BRADENTON 941-201-6076

DELRAY BEACH 561-501-4392 4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

ROYAL PALM BEACH 561-631-8757 11985 Southern Blvd (Publix at Crestwood Square - next to Carter Healthcare)

(Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

BOYNTON BEACH 561-619-9274 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER 561-529-3011 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104

*Return period varies by device. Contact us to find out more about the device you are interested in.

SOUTH CAROLINA LICENSE NUMBERS: HTP-1029, HTP-1024, HTP-1031, HTP-1023, HAS-0573, HAS-0642, HAS-0637, HAS- 0638, HAS-0633

GEORGIA LICENSE NUMBERS: HADS000995, HADS000996, HADS001001, HADS001003

393321-1

14B

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Autos Wanted

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages 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.

COLEMAN 6 P. Skydome Tent, NEW in Carrier $60.

TARP- Gray, Heavy Duty- 12' x 20' New in pkg. $25.

Call 941-924-2431 Leave name/# CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING EARLY DEADLINE

December 22 •East County & Longboat: Thursday, 12/15 noon •Sarasota / Siesta Key: Friday, 12/16 noon December 29 •East County & Longboat: Friday, 12/16 noon •Sarasota / Siesta Key: Monday, 12/19 noon

FILE CABINET w/ drawers& shelves $20, rattan/white end table $5. Red/metal patio set $25.

New twin mattresses, $25 each.

(941)358-6001 LADIES 26" mountain bike, Mongoose, red $25.

941-408-6770 MEN’S 26” bicycle, good condition. Schwinn Sidewinder.

New 198. Sell $50.

941-413-6097 WATCHES 20+ men's wrist watches (some new in box).

All need batteries. $20 or best offer. 941-921-1815

January 5 •East County & Longboat: Thursday, 12/22 noon •Sarasota /Siesta Key: Tuesday, 1/3 11am

WEBER GAS Grill, New, Spirit2 burner. $200. (941)350-5651

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE on December 23rd at 4:00pm for the Holidays.

We will reopen on January 3rd at 9:00am.

WOLF COUNTERTOP oven, brand new, retail 749. Sell $200.

416-564-7779

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOURS!

WHIRLPOOL LARGE capacity gas dryer. Under two years old. $199 firm. 575-649-3405

ZILDJIAN CYMBALS polished bronze, 20” gen 16, ride cymbal $120 OBO. (941)928-7708

I BUY Vintage Costume Jewelry & Clothing, porcelain, China & art...Jane (941) 356-1568 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 WANTED: TOY TRAINS, old toys, cast iron banks, old guns, whathaveyou? Cash buyer.

941-374-2288 dwilsen@hotmail.com

Pets EXPERIENCED DOG WALKER/PET SITTER Available anytime- short or long term. Call Lauren (631)953-7292 POMERANIAN TRICOLOR puppy w/ blue eyes! Born 8/6, Sarasota, cash $995. (303) 4442721

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 2 HENREDON ARMOIRS, mirror and overhead lighting $20, wool rug from Rugs aA Art black/beige, $10. (941)358-6001 2 IKEA Poang armchairs + 1 footstool. Beige washable cover. Like new. $60. 941-758-7847 2 IKEA Poang armchairs + footstool, beige washable covers, like new. $ 60. 941-758-7847 2013-2014 Ford Focus wheel $125 good condition, do not text. 941-879-7105 42 LIBBY Cocktail Glasses $85(941) 356-2657

Antiquesandchatchkes.com For More Information Call Ken at: 941-356-3318.

MULTI-HOME GARAGE SALE Easton Ct. 34238 Saturday 12/10 Starts at 9:00am Christmas decor, tables, tools, household items, furniture, miscellaneous items.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

auto CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

GOLF HOLE official wanted.

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

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

Use the

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 941-955-4888

Commercial Property for Rent

Autos Wanted

peekers’ place

stuff

HOLIDAY ESTATE SALE 1815 Buccaneer Terrace Sarasota, FL 34231 December 9th , 10th & 11th 9 am to 5pm Numbers go out at 8am Fine Jewelry, High-end Designer Accessories, Shoes and Clothes for Men & Women, Deuce 75 Pitching Machine Model DC799, Batting cage with artificial turf and a multitude of baseball equipment. Also lots of equipment for other sports like Golf, Bowling, High-End Fishing Equipment, Skateboarding, boating, Paintball Guns plus supplies, Basketball Hoop, Cricket equipment, name brand sporting apparel, athletic footwear and 4 Mountain Bikes with brand names like Schwinn Signed Sports Memorabilia with COAs, NFL Jerseys and other collectables, Exercise Equipment, weight benches, weights, Exercise bike, Treadmill and elliptical machine.

High-end Home Furnishings from Z Gallerie, Artwork, Furniture for the Dining room, Bedroom, Living room, Office, Outdoor Bar, High-End Outdoor Patio Furniture, Kitchen Items and Holiday Decorations.

Mechanic Tool Chest, Pressure washer, automotive tools, Air Compressor, Saws, Jacks, Lawn maintenance items, lots of other garage items and Aluminum Power Boat Lift.

Ping-pong table, Dartboard, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo systems, Foosball Table, Pool sticks and Balls.

Help Wanted

POMERANIAN TRICOLOR puppy. Female, hard of hearing, Sarasota, cash $100.

(303) 444-2721

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

“reindeer mouse needs a house”

Condos/Apts. for Sale OPEN HOUSE Saturday, December 10 1 pm - 4 pm 9122 Midnight Pass Road #54 Siesta Key, FL 34242

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

This unit has it all!

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

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

REDUCED PRICE $1,800,000 Murphy Stevens, Realtor 941-587-8879

the tranquility of being on the water your boat’s just steps away build your dream home in this historical village on the island of longboat key on 521 broadway you are the star only $956,000 call for details jerry cunningham, jr 941-321-8848 shortstorieslongboatkey@gmail keller williams on the water

Want Some Mad Money?

Alan J Stevens, Broker 941-925-1818

Sell Your Item for Free! $200 or less YourObserver.com/RedPages

VILLAGE BROOKE 3269 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34232 Walk to grocery stores, shops, restaurants and Legacy Trail.

Quiet, 1B/1B, 1st floor, partially furnished, steps to tennis court and heated pool with seasonal rental potential.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

2BR/2BA WHITNEY BEACH, 1st Floor Condo for Sale.

North Longboat Key- Large living and bedrooms. Peaceful gardens on Bishops Bayou, boat docks, beach access across street, tennis courts, heated pools, 2 dogs allowed. $769,000. jm.higgins@mail.com

2BR/3BA LONGBOAT KEYFurnished FAIRWAY BAY 2 bedroom condo, a double unit with additional den/office.

Beautiful unobstructed Bay views from the bedrooms, living room, dining area, and 2 outdoor terraces overlooking the Bay. Luxury furniture and decor, all utilities included in the rental rate. Covered parking, with community features including pool/spa, fully equipped gym, and shared community clubhouse. No pets, no smoking.

2450 square feet, beach-club access. Gated community.

Minimum 5-month rental.

Available January 1st, 2023. $10,500 (941)928.0079

Rentals Wanted

WEEKLY MONTHLY

$209,000 941-650-1292

Homes for Sale

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

GET RESULTS! PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE TODAY

SEASONAL RATES Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Visit the

RED PAGES

YourObserver.com/RedPages

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “We women are constantly at war with our bodies, it is hard to find amnesty for ourselves.”

Margaret Cho Puzzle Two Solution: “Give more than you take. And do it despite the fact that you only really like about seven out of 500 people.”

Judd Apatow Puzzle Three Solution: “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.”

Adm. William F. Halsey Jr.

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2022 Universal Uclick

©2022 NEA, Inc.

CHANDELIER, BROWN METAL, MANY BULBS, LIKE NEW $25.

(941) 920-2494

Merchandise Wanted

jobs

Items Under $200

“SHORT STORIES” by jerry cunningham, jr

521 broadway longboat key

real estate

HOLIDAY EARLY DEADLINES FOR DEC 22, 29 & JAN 5

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Land for Sale

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

Auto Transport

Adult Care Services

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

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

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.

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

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

A POWERFUL COMBINATION

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Aluminum

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.

Cleaning

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

(941) 822-3036 amartcleaning@gmail.com

Dustin Yoder

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

393469

392915

393467

YoderAluminum.com

Auto Service

393854

813-417-0981

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Call A Geek

call-a-geek.net

Computer Repair & Service Virus & Malware Removal / Protection New System Set Up / Data Transfer Networking: Wired/Wireless Installation Data Recovery / Remote Support One-On-One Tutoring / Training

393606

Computer ServiCeS

(941) 351-7260

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

Over 18 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

Located in salons by jc 200 Central Ave. Suite 15, Sarasota

Mobile Concierge Services Available

Find anything in the RED PAGES

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

Gulf Coast EstatE auCtions

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

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

941-955-4888

ESTATE SALES • DOWNSIZING SENIOR TRANSITIONS • ONLINE AUCTIONS

392593

424.333.0713

Estate Sales

6968 Beneva Road (Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

Doors

393857

AMANDA 392921

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

Doors

Let Us Fix It!

Beauty

gulfcoastestateauctions.com • Free Consultations 941-274-6537

Furniture Repair

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

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

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

392495

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Is Your Computer Feeling Sick?

5-Star Rated

HoHoBuysCars.com

rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

CONCRETE UNLIMITED

Computer

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

BOLAS

Find local business and service professionals in the Observer Red Pages.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

FAST • EASY • SAFE

941-735-3362 Concrete

NEED HELP?

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

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

Computer

AM Art of Cleaning “Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

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

393471

Call for a FREE Evaluation!

941-536-6372 Epichomecareprovider@gmail Rosa Torres- Owner

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

Painting

RED PAGES

CALL 941-955-4888

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

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

YOUR HOME DESERVES VIP TREATMENT

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

EPIC HOME CARE Personal Care-Respite Care Alzheimer’s Care Light Cleaning Med Administration Meal Prep Shopping, Errands & More

RED PAGES AD RATES

Landscaping/ Lawn Services

393858

Adult Care Services

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Golf

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

CHASE COURNAN (941) 704 - 7512 2007 Whitfield Park Ave. Sarasota, FL 34243 | cwccustomscarts@gmail.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

393473

|

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

392474

SARASOTA OBSERVER

home services

16B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER

Handyman

Insurance

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

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

393859

FREE

ESTIMATES!

393864

Too busy to chat?

eRvice

(941) 809-7311

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Call TODAY For a Free Quote · Florida Owned & Operated

$100 COUPON

Individual/Family • Medicare • Group ü WIDE RANGE OF DEDUCTIBLES & COPAYS ü NATIONWIDE PPO NETWORKS ü 12, 24 OR 36 MONTHS POLICIES ü CUSTOMIZE YOUR AFFORDABLE QUOTES FROM:

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

392490

941-345-5264

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

Roofing

Manufacture and workmanship

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

249 235

* $ $235

$

393474

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

Warranties

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

(941) 345-5264

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

Home Services

All Work Guaranteed

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

Roof Cleaning Pressure Washing Window Cleaning Paver Sealing

941-228-9850

THE GRAB BAR GUY

941-416-0811 • 941-536-7691 393860

Joe Murray, Owner

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

392499

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

Wizard Moving SRQ

393865

393861

Movers For $149 per hour you get:

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS

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

®

make your moving day a pleasure.

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Tutoring 392925

Watching your home while you’re away

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

Pet Care 392922

by

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

Melanie Gates

941-273-8811

tutordoctor.com// lakewoodranch

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

Res./Com.

Lawn Care

Curt’s Lawn Service

941-923-8140

393862 Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES 392923

Free Estimates Lawn & Landscape Maintenance

724-2945

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

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

393863

393470

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

For

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

Plumbing 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!

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s i Sun merly known as Sunrise Windo ng

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

General Plumbing Services Inc.

FREE CONSULTATION

Windows

(941) 966-2960

Lic. & Ins.

TUTOR DOCTOR LAKEWOOD RANCH

Pet Services

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

Trees

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Dave and Connie Grundy

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

393852

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

392926

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

GLENN KROECKER

Home Watch

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

393866

zippyzexteriorcleaning@gmail.com

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

DRGRABBARS.COM

393464

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

38 Years Experience

364556 392497

941.966.0333

ZIPPYZ

3687676-01

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

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

392936

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

373-9299

FREE INSTANT ESTIMATES when you Call RICK for SCHEDULING

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

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

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

Rescreening & Repairs

Of course, you can call me anytime!

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

PRESSURE WASHING

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

$100 COUPON

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

$100 COUPON

SOFT WASH

WE ARE THE SOFT WASH PRESSURE WASHING PROS

392302

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

$100 COUPON

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

Health

Call TODAY For a Free Quote • Florida Owned & Operated

STANDARD WINDOWS

ws

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

24/7 SERVICE

Pressure Washing Paver PrSealing essure Washin Painting & Staining Paver Sealin Tile & Grout PaCleaning inting & Stainin Window TileCleaning & Grout Cleanin Rescreening Window Cleanin

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

epaiR

Power Washing

$100 COUPON $100 COUPON

ome

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

17B

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

|

SARASOTA OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2022

YourObserver.com

UROLOGIC CARE We’ve got this down to a ‘P’ Excellence is never a one-time thing. And consistency is the difference between practice and perfection.

At Sarasota Memorial, our multi-disciplinary team of urologists and urologic surgeons knows this. And armed with the latest in diagnostic technology and trained in the latest interventions — including minimally invasive robotic surgery — they have consistently led the way in treating everything from chronic kidney disease and acute bladder dysfunction to troublesome prostate enlargement and complex genitourinary cancers, earning national recognition for both innovation and excellence along the way.

So it’s no surprise U.S. News & World Report has named SMH the #1 hospital in Florida for urologic care.

After all, we’ve got this down to a, well, you know.

smh.com/urology 393722-1

18B