Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 12.22.22

YOUR TOWN

Airport case lands

First Hannukah, then Christmas

As it has done to mark holidays and special occasions throughout the year, Sarasota honors Hanukkah by lighting the pillars of the Ringling Bridge. Through Dec. 24, the pillars beneath the bridge will be illuminated in blue and white.

To mark the occasion, Chabad of Downtown Sarasota led a lighting of the menorah beneath the bridge at Hart’s Landing on Sunday evening.

From Dec. 25 through Dec. 31, the bridge will be illuminated in the traditional Christmas colors of red, green and white.

Other occasions similarly recognized throughout 2022 included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Military Appreciation Month, Cultural Diversity Day, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and more.

Guidelines to request bridge lighting are available on the city’s website.

The 2023 schedule has not yet been published.

Buccaneers ‘crew’ member honored

A charter “crew” member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ was recognized at Raymond James Stadium during the second quarter of Sunday’s game, in part because he is an original season-ticket holder and because of his work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Wells Purmort has owned four season tickets since the start of the franchise in 1976. When he or his sons can’t attend, he donates them to the organization he helped found.

A crew came to Sarasota to film a one-minute video that was displayed on the scoreboard, followed by a live shot of Purmort in the stands.

“They contacted me and said they’re going to be highlighting a ticket holder and a charity during games, and they knew I sometimes donate tickets to the Boys and Girls Club,” he said. “I said I was happy to do anything I can do to promote the Boys and Girls Clubs.”

Andrew Warfield

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Participants in the Sarasota Police’s Shop with a Cop event had an extra surprise: an in-person visit with Santa Claus at Target on Fruitville Road.

Eric Garwood

Tim Clarke has been a member of Sarasota Yacht Club since 1994.

WEEK OF DEC. 22, 2022

BY THE NUMBERS

FEET

MILLION

Clarke, commodore of Sarasota Yacht Club Read more on page 17

CALENDAR

n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, City Hall, 1565 First St.

n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

n Sarasota County School Board work session — 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd.

Area among fastest growing

hile global population has topped 8 billion, 11 years after surpassing 7 billion, the United States is among some countries experiencing a slowing in population growth.

Currently at 0.1%, it’s the slowest growth on record.

In the wake of COVID-19, though, it is not surprising that most metropolitan statistical areas in Florida have experienced explosive in-migration in recent years.

Inspection Support Network recently studied market popula-

tion shifts across the country, finding the North Port-SarasotaBradenton metro area among the 11th fastest growing among the nation’s 95 midsize markets.

Researchers with the cloudbased business management system for the home inspection industry calculated the percentage change in total population in each of the country’s 390 total metro areas between 2016 and 2021.

Between 2016 and 2021, the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area gained 71,419 resi-

dents, a growth of 9.1%, which also ranked it 34th among all metros regardless of size. The total population in the market is 859,760.

The Sarasota metro’s population increase compares to a 2.8% growth for the nation, which since 2016 gained 8.9 million people according to census data for a total of 331.9 million.

Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater metro, which itself ranks 15th among the nations large metros with a population growth of 170,551, or 5.6%.

Lights

in

Bloom shines in Top 10 list

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ annual holiday light show was ranked sixth this year out of the 20 botanical garden light displays across the country that were nominated. The nominations were selected by an expert in USA Today in November, and the public then voted to produce the top 10 list.

This is the second year in a row and the third time in four years that Lights in Bloom has received this recognition. Last year, it earned the No. 8 spot on the list.

“Our incredible partner Affairs in the Air never stops looking for new ways to illuminate the gardens and delight visitors with their creativity,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “And our Selby Gardens staff—particularly our events team— works so hard to make this event wonderful. We appreciate everyone who voted for us in this competition and who visit Lights in Bloom during the holidays each year.”

Board

picks

18 to vie for design selection

Out of the 43 architectural companies that submitted applications to design a new Sarasota performing arts center, 18 have been chosen to submit proposals.

Part of what was expected to be a six-month process, the Architect Selection Task Force sent out a request for qualification in November for the project with an anticipated budget of $275 million.

The project specifications were to include a 2,100-seat main hall, a 300-seat flexible performance space and a total of 165,000 square feet of building using inside and outside education, event and rooftop spaces.

The new center is part of The Bay park project and will replace the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The Bay project is a city-owned, 53-acre site along Tamiami Trail being led by the Bay Park Conservancy in partnership with the Van Wezel Foundation.

The task force is scheduled to make its selection and recommendation to the city commission by April.

“It’s a great honor. It really is.”

Timothy

File photo

Construction trends in Sarasota have followed the growth in population.

Airport lawsuits take off

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

The legal tussle between Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and the city of Sarasota over its approval of an apartment development at the former Sarasota Kennel Club has reached the 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota County.

This month, Sarasota attorney Robert Lincoln filed a complaint with the court naming both the city and developer, North Carolina-based Aventon Holdings LLC, alleging a violation of state law “in granting a rezoning and site plan that is inconsistent with the city’s own comprehensive plan and violates their interlocal agreement by allowing residential development inside the safety noise contours of the airport.”

The airport also filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the 12th Judicial Circuit, which is an appeal of a judicial action, in this case to overturn the Sarasota City Commission’s decision made in a quasi-judicial proceeding.

On Nov. 7, the City Commission gave final approval of a site plan and future land-use rezoning of the 25-plus acres of the former dog track, which was closed in 2019 following a statewide referendum banning dog racing in Florida.

For months, the airport had alleged approving the development was in violation of a 2018 agreement with the city that prohibits development of residential property beneath the 65 decibel day-night average noise level contour from the end of the runway at SRQ, some 1,500 feet away from the site across University Parkway.

It also charges the approval is inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan, although the City Commission, with sign-off by the state, approved amending that plan, which includes a future land use designation on the site that permits multifamily residential.

Aware of the airport’s pending litigation, commissioners approved the project, citing the need to address

a citywide housing shortage justifies language in the  agreement that allows the city to approve residential there if it “must” do so. The city must, a supermajority of commissioners agreed, permit the project to address the lack of local housing stock.

Along with Lincoln, SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo argued before commissioners that “must” is more appropriately defined by binding deed restrictions that require residential development on a property within the 65 DNL noise contour.

Aventon plans to build a 372-unit rental community on the site, with most of the residential buildings located on the east side of the property closest to the runway.

The airport had suggested relocating the residential buildings to the west and out from beneath the sound contour’s boundaries, but Aventon attorney Scott McLaren told commissioners at the Nov. 7 meeting that reconfiguring the site plan would make the project unworkable, and that the developer had already spent

$1.5 million in engineering and site plan work.

The airport previously filed for a hearing before a Florida administrative law judge, that process be suspended until the city and airport complete the requisite government dispute resolution process of mediation. A mediation session is scheduled for Jan. 5.

Before the nearly complete shutdown of air travel in response to COVID-19 in 2019, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority had expressed interest in acquiring the kennel club property for use as a parking area, rental car operations or a combination of the two.

Piccolo told commissioners the nature of the airport’s opposition to the apartments is not based on acquiring the property, but rather out of concern for the health and safety of the residents and for the inevitable noise complaints it will receive from residents, the latter even though Aventon said the city and the airport would be indemnified against any future actions.

ANOTHER APARTMENT PLAN MOVES AHEAD

A new apartment community across University Parkway from SarasotaBradenton International Airport has taken a significant step toward approval, but for this project, the airport has no legal standing to oppose it.

At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Sarasota Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of a site plan for Progress at University, a 280-unit complex at 1400 DeSoto Road. The developer is MMI Development of Orlando.

The 16.5-acre site is adjacent to the former Sarasota Kennel Club, where the City Commission recently approved Aventon Sarasota, a 372-unit complex.

The airport is mounting a legal challenge to that approval, which is being partially developed beneath the 65 decibel day-night average sound level contour. Progress at University is wholly beneath the glide path and the noise contour.

The difference is the Progress at University site was approved for rezoning in 2011 for a different project — a Habitat for Humanity condominium plan — and by state law, it can be developed by right providing density does not exceed that which was previously approved.

Plus, that approval occurred years before the city and the airport entered into an agreement that in part disallows residential development beneath the noise contour, unless it “must” do so.

How “must” is legally interpreted is at the heart of the airport’s case regarding Aventon.

One resident of the neighboring Tri-Par Estates cited that agreement as a reason the apartments should not be allowed.

“This one is a little different situation. I wish it weren’t so,” said Dan Bailey, the airport’s general counsel. “I wish everything that he said was true. Because it’s already zoned for 280 units and it’s addressed in your [comprehensive] plan specifically for this property, I fear that the airport is not in a position to do anything about it.”

The airport’s only leverage applies to FAA standards regarding construction techniques that mitigate noise inside the apartments, structure height and retention pond design that discourages wading birds, specifically including steep banks and fountains.

Representatives of MMI said the company has experience developing apartments near airports and understands compliance with FAA and noise attenuation regulations.

The development has no provision for affordable or attainable housing units, but the Planning Board was in general agreement that the proximity to the airport and the area’s rental-market forces will govern rents near the workforce attainable level.

With the Planning Board’s recommendation, Progress at University next goes before City Commission for approval in early 2023.

Immediately adjacent to the Aventon site is Progress at University, another apartment development working its way through the city’s planning board. That project is not challenged by the airport because the approved rezoning for multifamily uses there predates the 2018 interlocal agreement.

Until the legal matter is settled, City Attorney Robert Fournier told commissioners Nov. 7 that nothing changed with regard to the property.

“The future land use classification of this property right now is still Community Commercial,” he said.

“The ordinance approving a comprehensive plan amendment will not go into effect until this challenge now pending is over and it’s finally resolved.”

File photo

At issue in Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s legal challenge to residential redevelopment plans for the former Sarasota Kennel Club site is an agreement with the city and the proximity to the approach and departure routes taken by airplanes.

Courtesy rendering

Most of Aventon Holding’s plan involves building residential units on the east side of the 25-acre property.

Despite pending mediation, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has filed in circuit court preemptive challenges against the city over rezoning and approval of apartments at the former kennel club site.

Orchestra’s Fruitville Road plan moves toward final county OK

Out-of-city site gains Planning Board’s OK and heads to the County Commission for final consideration in January.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

Sarasota Orchestra’s plan to build a regional music center just outside the city limits will head to the Sarasota County Commission in early 2023 with an unanimous recommendation for approval from the county’s Planning Commission.

By a vote of 5-0 in early December, the Planning Commission approved a package of requests sought by the

orchestra to pave the way for development of nearly 32 acres on Fruitville Road, just west of Interstate 75.

“If you heard this random scream coming from out east, that was from me when I got this,” Planning Commission Member Teresa Mast said during the Dec. 1 meeting. “My children have been a part of this incredible organization; I cannot begin to say how excited I am. I can’t wait to get my season tickets. I am so excited.”

Among the key provisions of the approval were changes to elements of a 1980s-era set of standards in the area’s so-called Planned Commerce District. Among them, allowing the highest portion of the orchestra’s new centerpiece performance hall to rise 110 feet from ground level for optimal interior acoustics, allowing

indoor performances past 10 p.m. and some changes in landscaping buffer configurations.

“Acousticians have calculated that the building height may need to be up to 110 feet to accommodate comfortable and accessible seating, while also creating reverberation times that optimize the sounds of orchestral and choral groups,” the orchestra said in an update to members.

Also required: the establishment of a ADA-compatible bus stop and shelter at the facility, along with changes to Fruitville Road’s intersection with Paramount Drive, which will provide main in-and-out access. A traffic light already exists.

“This is an incredible project,” said Kelly Klepper, of planning firm Kimley-Horn. “It’s not only a community/county asset but it’s also a

regional asset.”

Sarasota Orchestra plans an 1,800seat concert hall on the property at 5701 Fruitville Road, in addition to a 700-seat flexible recital hall space and educational and office space, a library and instrument storage.

Sale of the land, owned by Walmart Stores East LP, is set to close in February, attorney Dan Bailey said, pending County Commission approval. The commission is set to consider the measure on Jan. 18.

The 31.7-acre plot is sandwiched between a shopping center to the west, a Sam’s Club location to the east and a residential neighborhood to the north. The land was sold to Walmart in 2005 by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

No purchase price has been revealed, but a release announcing the plans in March 2022 said private funding had already been raised.

County records indicate the land has a 2022 value of $7.6 million.

Bailey said design and construction would take about five years.

“The committee has been held in suspense for quite some time trying to figure out where the orchestra was going to land,” Bailey said. “We were kind of in suspense, too, trying to figure it out. There were a number of sites that were under consideration.”

The orchestra’s announcement in March of the site in unincorporated Sarasota County brought to a close years of conversations about

a future home for the organization. With 245 employees, Bailey said at the Planning Commission meeting, the orchestra had simply outgrown its downtown Sarasota home.

In September 2021, Orchestra CEO Joseph McKenna said the group had ruled out all sites within city limits. Since 2019, the orchestra had identified Payne Park as the lone viable site for a move in the city. Although the city initially rejected a proposal to use seven acres in Payne Park, the City Commission reversed course, empowering staff to include parkland in its negotiations with McKenna.

In June 2020, McKenna said the orchestra considered Payne Park to be “off the table,” citing legal issues and questioning the city’s openness to allowing the orchestra to use a portion of the property.

Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium is building a new attraction at Nathan Benderson Park, not far from the orchestra’s new site. The multiuse Fruitville Commons area is under construction nearby on the east side of Interstate 75 and Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside community continues to grow south deeper into Sarasota County.

“You wouldn’t hear me screaming, but I’m very excited to see this come to fruition, and I’m excited for the next iteration of the orchestra here in town,” said Planning Commission Member Kevin Cooper.

File photo

Sarasota Orchestra employs about 245 people, more than 70 of them professional musicians.

Eric Garwood

The intersection at Fruitville Road and Paramount Drive would be upgraded as part of the plan to build a new home for Sarasota Orchestra.

Cyclists officially hit the Ringling road

The $2.7 million project to convert Ringling Boulevard from Lime to Pineapple avenues into a ‘complete street’ is now open.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

With a focus on multimodal mobility and greater bicycle safety from Legacy Trail to the bayfront, commissioners from both the city and the county, staff and cyclists gathered this past week to celebrate the grand opening of Ringling Trail, a “complete street” project along Ringling Boulevard from Lime Avenue to Pineapple Avenue.

The Ringling Trail features protected bicycle lanes for the one-mile stretch in an effort to create a safer road experience for recreational cyclists and commuters. The project cost $2.7 million, with funding sources including the county penny sales tax, economic development funds, multimodal impact fees and the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The protected lanes are painted bright green to alert bicyclists and e-scooter riders that they are approaching an intersection or potential vehicle-conflict point. The color also serves as a reminder to drivers to remain in their travel lane.

The bike lanes are physically protected with 6-foot-long bright green concrete wheel stops and 4-foot-tall bollards placed between the bike and travel lanes.

To create the bicycle lanes and additional parking spaces in some locations between them and the travel lanes, one vehicle lane was removed in each direction, the capacity reduction justified by a 2020 traffic study that indicated traffic on Ringling Boulevard has declined and will continue to flow at an acceptable level during the next 20 years.

Other improvements include the addition of landscaping in traffic

islands at approaches to intersections and other conflict points, and signal timing adjustments.

Charles Hines, a former Sarasota County commissioner and the director of the Florida Gulf Coast Trail, said Ringling Trail is an important step in regional trail connectivity.

The next steps in Sarasota, he said, are to link Legacy Trail to the city’s Bobby Jones Golf Course and the county’s 17th Street Park — both under development — and eventually to Nathan Benderson Park, a proposed Interstate 75 flyover into Lakewood Ranch and beyond.

At 336 miles, the Florida Gulf Coast Trail is planned to span seven Florida coastal counties from Hillsborough to Collier.

“This is incredible,” Hines said. “What it is is a beginning. It’s a connector to fill those gaps from Hillsborough down to Naples. We’re lucky that we’re in the center, and we’re far ahead of other communities. It isn’t a dream. It’s happening.”

Sarasota Mayor and avid cyclist Kyle Battie pedaled in the bike lane to make it in time to speak.

“This trail does a lot for my travels, particularly from where I live on the north side of Sarasota to the gym that I belong to over here. So to be able to travel that distance and have a safe route is imperative,” Battie said. “I want to say thank you to Friends of the Legacy Trail, the county and the city working in conjunction with one another and making this happen.”

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Bicyclists take the inaugural ride on the Ringling Trail bike lane starting at Legacy Trail.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

BIKE BASHING

8:39 p.m., 500 block of North Beneva Road

Property damage: Police responded to a call about a bicycle being vandalized in the parking lot of a retail center. The complainant advised that a man had repeatedly picked up his bike and slammed it on the ground multiple times. On a later call, a subject matching the description of the bike buster was arrested on a drug charge. He admitted to slamming a bike on the ground but claimed it was his own.

The victim, who said he is traveling by bicycle while in a DUI program, had earlier told police when he told the suspect to stop damaging the bike, the man chased him into a nearby store. He estimated the damage to the bike at $300. The suspect was expected to be involved in a lineup for identification the next

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

POSITIVE ID

4:46 p.m., 1100 block of North Washington Boulevard Assault: A man who was asked for his photo ID by a store clerk while he was buying a cell phone swung his fist at the clerk and missed, prompting a call to dispatch for attempted assault. The man was issued a trespassing warning.

LOOK AHEAD TO NEW YEARS ANNUAL PINEAPPLE DROP

The Sarasota Police Department is reminding the public about practicing safety and about street closures surrounding New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The annual Pineapple Drop will be

held in downtown at Lemon Avenue and Main Street on New Years Eve.

Closures between 9 a.m. Dec. 29 and 9 a.m., Jan. 1 are:

• Pineapple Avenue from Lemon Avenue to the roundabout

• First Street from Pineapple Avenue to Central Avenue

• Central Avenue from First Street to the roundabout.

Closures between 4 a.m. Dec. 31 and 9 a.m. Jan. 1 are:

• State Street from Lemon Avenue to the public parking garage

• Main Street from Orange Avenue to the roundabout

• Lemon Avenue from First Street to Pineapple Avenue.

A TIME TO KEEP OUR PERSPECTIVE

his brother-in-law and 300 of his military leaders.

On top of this, and even though Herod allowed Jews to practice their religion without much interference, the Jews also had to contend with the Samaritans, half-Jew, halfGentile who lived between Judea and Galilee.

“The enmity between Jew and Samaritan was so intense” wrote biblical historian James Edward Talmadge, “that travelers between Judea and Galilee would make long detours rather than pass through Samaria.”

FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

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In this season to be jolly, it is, by golly, hard to be jolly.

And if you’re not all that jolly, when you think of what you, your family, your friends, your business and your work colleagues have endured in this trying year, perhaps we should put it in perspective — keep our perspective on what this season is really all about.

Compare, for instance, our lives today to those of Mary and Joseph in the year 4 A.D.

We all know what happened on Christmas — as St. Luke masterfully wrote in his Gospel (see box). But having some of the context that led up to that holy, remarkable day adds to its richness.

In truth, Jesus’ birth is a story for Jews and Christians alike. After all, Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, were Jews. And the setting for this momentous, monumental event was in the heart of the land that God promised to Abraham and Moses: Israel.

The main characters leading up to Jesus’ birth — Mary; Joseph; Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth; and her husband, Zacharias — were anything but celebrities in their day. They were as common as Iowa farmers. And yet, in reality, Mary and Joseph were indeed connected to royalty. Biblical scholars tell us they actually were both descendants from the lineage of King David, the longtime king of Israel.

But at that time — around 4 B.C. — the Jews of Judea (central Israel) were anything but a privileged, royal class. They were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus and his vast Roman empire and under a maniac ruler, King Herod, an Arab-Jew who was a client king for Caesar Augustus.

Imagine life under Herod. The biblical historian Josephus wrote that “Herod inflicted such outrages upon the Jews as not even a beast could have done if it possessed the power to rule over men.” So vile and monstrous, Herod became infamous for murdering his wife, three of his own sons, his father-in-law,

This is what Mary and Joseph faced when they received word of Caesar Augustus’ order for a census. He demanded that everyone register in his hometown.

For Mary and Joseph, this meant traveling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to Bethlehem in Judea in the south — an 80-mile, four-day journey that would have taken them right through Samaria.

And let’s not forget: Mary was nine months pregnant.

In his gospel on the birth of Christ, St. Luke was sparing on the details of Mary and Joseph’s trip. The fact there are few details must mean it was mostly uneventful. But you could imagine it otherwise: Any woman in her ninth month of pregnancy is physically miserable — can’t sit for long stretches, can’t sleep, constant heartburn, hemorrhoids. So imagine Mary and Joseph traveling in a caravan, with Mary riding much of the trip on a donkey. The nights were cold.

On Dec. 23, they had two days to go before reaching Bethlehem. And at this point, they would just be passing through Samaria. Jewish travelers who dared that route were marks for bandits.

But we know God was watching over Mary and Joseph. They made it to Bethlehem, only to find out there was no room at the inn.

Bethlehem was normally a sleepy little town, but it was bustling with Jews who had returned to register for the census.

Mary and Joseph, we know, found a stable. But this wasn’t the stable we see on the Hallmark Christmas cards. The stables in those days often were dark, cold caves with “mangers” — animal-feeding troughs carved into the stone walls. The mangers in those days were not wooden cribs padded with dry, neatly arranged hay.

With nowhere else to go, Mary gave birth — under the stars; amid the manure and muck; among the sheep, cows, goats and chickens; no doctors present to administer an epidural; with Joseph, her carpenter husband, assisting as best he could.

Editorial writer Francis P. Church’s famous response to Virginia O’Hanlon’s letter is the most reprinted newspaper editorial in history. Some of the lore of this famous letter and editorial is that the editors of the Sun didn’t think much of it initially. The letter was placed in the third of three columns of editorials that day. What’s more, the Sun didn’t start reprinting the letter until 10 years after it first appeared. It relented only because readers kept asking for it.

And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.

— St. Luke, 2:1-16, King James Bible

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Those who have witnessed birth know it’s difficult in a hospital bed. Imagine the scene in a smelly, dark, cold cave.

Yet this lowly, humble setting was the way Jesus Christ, the savior whom God sent for mankind, came into this world.

Now contrast the differences: Caesar Augustus maneuvering for worldly power and the biggest worldwide celebrity of his day; Herod, a regional celebrity, abusing his power in unspeakable ways. They were all about self-centered status, power and ego.

Mary and Joseph were the antithesis. Humble, not materially wealthy, ordinary in all appearances. And yet they were extraordinary.

God sent his messenger, the angel Gabriel, and stunned the innocent Mary, that she would conceive miraculously and bring forth a son who would “reign over the house of Jacob forever.” She would be his mother.

And Joseph, the quiet carpenter, he fretted over what would happen to Mary, his fiancee, if people found out she was pregnant before they were married. The angel Gabriel gave comfort to Joseph, just as he did to Mary.

And with humility, without complaint and far below the status of celebrity, they carried out God’s will, remembering all the while Gabriel’s assurance to Mary: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

This is our heritage.

If we do anything in this holiday season, we should keep our perspective — give thanks to God and bring “peace on Earth, good will toward men.”

Happy Hanukkah. Merry Christmas.

Editor’s note: A version of this has appeared annually since 2010.

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September 21, 1897

Is there a Santa Claus?

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

115 West Ninety Fifth Street

Virginia,

Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.

All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by

the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies.

You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no

Santa Claus.

The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there.

Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.

Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

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

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“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

CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

MATT WALSH

Virginia O’Hanlon

Editor Francis P. Church

Photos courtesy of James Temple and the Century Association Archives Foundation

Sarasota School Board Chair

Bridget Ziegler has always been clear with respect to her political and career aspirations, starting with her failed attempt to build a competing organization to the Florida School Board Association and her role as a founder of the Moms for Liberty.

We were given a road map for the future by Tiffany Justice, Moms for Liberty co-founder, when she stated in March 2022, “Once we replace the school boards, what we need to do is we need to have search firms that are conservative search firms that help us to find new educational leaders.”

I note there is no mention of the competence of these “new” leaders or the competence of the existing leaders they are to replace. It’s all about the politics. Just ask our recently fired superintendent, Brennan Asplen.

Ziegler is now employed as director of School Board Programs at the Leadership Institute. For those not familiar with the Leadership Institute, it is an organization whose mission is to “identify, train, recruit and place conservatives in politics, government and media.”

Is that mission at the institute aligned with Ziegler’s ethical obligation, fiduciary responsibility and sworn constitutional duty as an elected school board member to put the interests of all district students, parents and employees first? It is difficult to see how.

I would have similar reservations if Ziegler were employed by a liberal group such as the Sorosfunded Open Society Foundation.

Ziegler’s position with the Leadership Institute has placed her into an unavoidable conflict of interest: She must choose between satisfying the political goals of her employers at the Leadership Institute or serving her constituents with honesty and transparency. Unfortunately, it appears she has chosen the former.

I attended a Leadership Insti-

tute training seminar for new school board members, prospective board members and concerned citizens (I fall into the last category) led by Ziegler on Dec. 10. I left the seminar even more concerned.

It is clear to me Ziegler cannot serve two masters with divergent interests.  Ziegler’s first obligation as a board member is to make decisions based on what is best for all district stakeholders, not to instill her employer’s conservative ideology into the school district via board policy.

The objectives of the school board and the Leadership Institute do not always align, and choices must be made. With her recent vote to fire Asplen, she has clearly aligned herself with Moms for Liberty and the Leadership Institute. She has turned our children into political pawns and placed their education at risk.

I offer Exhibit A of Ziegler’s duplicity. After being confronted with thousands of community members’ emails, phone calls, public petitions, letters to the editor, public commentary at board meetings and newspaper editorials about the move to fire Asplen, Ziegler seemed to spin a rationale for her vote, one that did hinge on politics.

On Dec. 13, Ziegler attempted to pivot yet again. She said she was voting to fire Asplen for, among other reasons, his failure to communicate with her after the Nov. 22 board meeting. That’s when Karen Rose moved to terminate his contract.

But we learned at the Dec. 13 meeting that immediately following the Nov. 22 meeting, the board’s legal counsel told Asplen to lawyer up to negotiate a separation agreement. Asplen’s lawyer told him not to have any further discussions with the board, which any competent attorney would advise during a separation/termination negotiation.

As the board member responsible for negotiating Asplen’s separation agreement, Ziegler either knew or should have known that Asplen could not communicate with her directly but only through

the attorney-client channel of communication.

Meanwhile, new board members Robyn Marinelli and Timothy Enos should have recused themselves from voting on Asplen’s termination. Neither had experience working with him as a board member. I wonder how many voters would have passed on the Ziegler-Enos-Marinelli ticket had they known ZEM’s first official act would be to fire Asplen.

As for board member Karen Rose, she never did provide a valid explanation for her initial motion to fire Asplen, whom she rated as “effective” during his last evaluation in November. One can only surmise that she is the problem, not  Asplen. And her comment to Asplen to “Google it” when he asked her numerous times to explain her opposition to a certain school program will live in infamy.

We’ve reached the point where the rubber hits the road: Ziegler must decide whether she will adhere to the oath that she swore to represent the best interests of her constituents or whether she will put the interests of her employer and Moms for Liberty first. She cannot have it both ways. She must either resign from the school board or the Leadership Institute.

And perhaps the board needs to reflect on its recent decision before deciding on its future attacks. We worry that principals, teachers, administrators and local foundations will be next on the chopping block.

LISA SCHURR SARASOTA

Quit ivermectin sham and misinformation

I read a lot of your opinion pieces and disagree with most but have never written a response to any until now.

As a physician who has been treating COVID-19 patients for the past three years, I must respond to your opinion piece, “Right step for SMH board.”

People need to understand that it is just your opinion and may not necessarily be factual.

You cherry-picked your medical information from a November 2020 World Health Organization report to support your far-right, conservative agenda. “Deaths and harms” from remdesivir. Really? Here is the truth: November 2020: “WHO has issued a conditional recommendation against the use of remdesivir in hospitalized patients. A conditional recommendation is issued when the evidence around the benefits and risks of an intervention are less certain. The guideline development group recognized that more research is needed.”

More research data is in since November 2020, and you failed to include it because it does not support your misinformation. You need to include all of the information to date. Here it is:

WHO: “Remdesivir shows treatment benefit to prevent hospitalization and in treatment of severe COVID in hospitalized patients but probably not in critical COVID patients.”

It is pretty much the attending doctor’s call whether a patient is severe or critical.

Ivermectin shows no benefit to treat COVID-19 from data of multiple studies. A recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association: “The most important takeaway from the study is that ivermectin does not help improve outcomes from COVID-19 infection and thus should not be used as a treatment for COVID-19,” Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, M.D., Ph.D.

Per WHO, ivermectin treatment for COVID-19 is restricted to only being used in research studies, and in my opinion should be stopped because continuing these studies is a waste of time and money. These resources could be used to study other potential treatments for COVID-19.

Enough already on the ivermectin sham.

In addition, you failed to mention other treatments:

Hydroxychloroquine per WHO gives strong recommendation not to use in COVID-19.

There are also other effective anti-viral agents above and beyond remdesivir that can be used.

COVID-19 vaccinations have shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in COVID, so why don’t you recommend to your readers to get vaccinated and stop the misinformation?

DR. WILLIAM HAEHL SARASOTA

Editor’s note: With all due respect, ivermectin for COVID-19 is not a sham. Far from it. It would be well worth your and everyone’s time to read the extensive research, trials and studies documented on the website of the Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance: covid19criticalcare.com/ ivermectin/ and YourObserver. com/FLCCC-Ivermectin, or read Dr. Pierre Kory’s three-part series, “The Criminal Censorship of Ivermectin’s Efficacy by the High-Impact Medical Journals, pierrekory.substack.com/.

As for remdesivir, readers can find other information from the Children’s Defense Fund in an article entitled: “Remdesivir ‘disastrous’ as COVID treatment,” childrenshealthdefense.org/ defender/covid-pills-remdesivirpaxlovid-molnupiravir-cola/.

— Matt Walsh

Christmas in Sarasota

From boat parades to toy drives, Sarasota has an endless list of things to do this holiday season. But what makes this city a special place during the season of giving? The Observer asked locals what they thought was the best thing about spending the holidays in Sarasota.

CITY MANAGER

MARLON BROWN

“The best thing about spending the holidays in Sarasota is that it’s a time of the year where Sarasota holds a lot of holiday events. It’s a time where all of our differences do not matter. It’s a time where Sarasota comes together as one. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa – we put our differences aside and come together as one.”

SUNCOAST BLOOD CENTERS PHLEBOTOMIST

FRAN FOUGERE

“I’ve been in Sarasota for 22 years now. I grew sick of the cold weather, and there is nothing more the spirit of Christmas than when you see a palm tree lit up as a Christmas tree. It cracks me up every year.”

“The weather, the sunsets and the boat parades are the best.”

“Think about the weather here. It’s a great place to be for the holidays. I used to come to Sarasota every holiday season when I lived in New York City to visit my mother and father. I just enjoy this beautiful city during the holidays.”

MAYOR KYLE BATTIE

File photos

City Manager Marlon Brown was all smiles.

Mark and Victoria Strosser make their way toward Bayfront Park.

When he lived in New York City, Sarasota native and newly minted Mayor Kyle Battie returned here every year for the holidays.

Fran Fougere drives the SunCoast blood donation bus at Sarasota’s Holiday Parade.

MARK AND VICTORIA STROSSER

FROM PAGE 10

COMMISSIONER ERIK

ARROYO

”The holidays are a tremendous success in Sarasota. Most organizations celebrate in their own unique way. We have boat parades, regular parades, holiday decorations and lights, Selby Gardens’ lights in bloom, lighting of the menorah for those who practice Judaism, changing of the color of our bridge lights, Santa Claus impersonators, fake snow in near perfect 70-degree weather and so much more. We are a melting pot of so many cultures, and it’s reflected in our collective celebration, which is what makes Sarasota such a special place to be.”

“The weather and the community – there are so many things to name. Just how amazing it is to be in south Florida this time of year and enjoying all the wonderful things south Florida has to offer.”

Dr. Logan Swaim

“Growing up, we always visited our grandparents who were snowbirds here (in Sarasota). Being here has special memories.”

Dr. Laura Swaim

CITY

File photos

THE ROOTS HEALTH CENTERS DR. LOGAN SWAIM AND DR. LAURA SWAIM

As one of his final acts as mayor, Eric Arroyo awarded college basketball announcing legend and Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale a key to the city.

Logan, Laura and Willow watch the boat parade on the Marina dock.

The Nice List

Here are nice gestures worth mentioning this holiday season.

DARIELA DELGADO | STAFF WRITER

We’ve made a nice list and checked it twice.  Jolly Old Saint Nick has been working hard on his nice list this holiday season, and we decided to help him out. His nice list is longer than ours, for sure. Now, we know we can’t fit every nice Sarasotan on this list, but here are some worth mentioning.

AGENCIES TEAM UP FOR SHOP WITH A COP

The Sarasota Housing Authority, Sarasota Police Department, Target and Sarasota County Area Transit teamed up to provide 150 underprivileged children with the opportunity to literally shop with a cop for holiday gifts in Sarasota.

The event took place Dec. 10 at Target on Fruitville Road. “This special event showcases SHA’s commitment to providing positive, uplifting experiences for our youth while promoting mutual respect with our Sarasota Police partner,” said Sarasota Housing Authority CEO William Russell. “Many of our kids who have participated in past events reminisce about what a positive experience it was to shop with and get to know SPD officers.”

A WARM CROCHET HAT MADE WITH LOVE

Ginny Hoenig, a volunteer who helped at this year’s Sarasota Ministerial Association Thanksgiving luncheon, crocheted a special hat in advance for every special guest.

The luncheon was held at First Sarasota, the Downtown Baptist Church, to give those who are experiencing homelessness a proper sitdown holiday meal.

Ginny went the extra step to make a handmade beanie for every chair that would be filled by the special guests.

Asked why she went the extra step, she said, “‘I love the homeless.’”

ENCORE OF SARASOTA

Santa is going to have a full sleigh thanks to the generosity of Encore of Sarasota members.

Lee Scipta and Jeanette Bailey, community outreach co-chairs, looked over a table full of memberdonated items.

These items will be gifted to agedout foster youth who are sponsored by Springboard/Everyday Blessings or Harvest House.

In addition to the table donations, $1,500 total in gift cards and money has been received and two anonymous donations were received from the members. One for $500 for Springboard plus another for $400 to Harvest House.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

CHRISTMAS TREES

Have you spotted a LaRocca Christmas tree in Sarasota yet?

If you have, then there’s a message that comes with each tree. The LaRocca trees are offered for rent to women-owned businesses and businesses who support women empowerment and the theme of motivating women to be strong and confident despite their hard experiences.

Cheryl and Alexis LaRocca are mother and daughter who teamed up to create these one-of-a-kind trees

with detailed designs. They hope the trees will inspire women of all ages to tap into their ability to overcome all obstacles and emerge with dignity.

SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS

Dogs can get on the nice list, too! Guide dog recipients had a moment to reflect on how their dogs changed their lives. Southeastern Guide Dogs held a Tails of Hope luncheon at the Hyatt Regency. This intimate event created a safe environment to let emotions run freely without judgment.

Keni, an ambassador dog, helps guide Vicky Cox due to her vision. Keni also attends functions to help educate people of what the organization does.

Blue, a service dog, helps Bob MacPherson with his PTSD. Blue keeps Bob grounded and likes to follow him around the house.

Merlot, a Kids Companion Dog, gives Junie a much-loved companion. He even joins Junie when he jumps on the trampoline. Buddy, a guide dog, helps Kenneth E. Hughes navigate through the world. Buddy also sits next to Kenneth while he does stand-up comedy.

SELAH FREEDOM

Alexis LaRocca is also the digital marketing advocate for Selah Freedom, a nonprofit anti-sex trafficking organization. Selah Freedom is based in Sarasota and Chicago Ridge,

Illinois.

Its mission is to end sex trafficking and bring freedom to the exploited through their five programs: awareness, prevention, outreach, residential and organization consulting.

There are 1,644 beds in residential programs dedicated to sex survivors, yet 10,836 victims were identified in 2020 alone. To this day, Selah Freedom has served more than 6,000 survivors.

More than 40 girls and women are in the Selah’s residential program right now and will all receive gifts this holiday season thanks to local church members.

ROCK THE PRESERVE FUNDRAISER

Greg Huffman made a promise to his late wife, Mary Terese Finnegan.

“Before she passed away, she told me to hold her memorial at this location, the Bay Preserve,” said Huffman. However, when Huffman went to schedule her memorial the day after she died, they said that they were fully booked until after six months.

“We ended up holding her memorial at The Point Restaurant. However, my friend Roy Peter Clark brought up the idea to do a charity in her honor. So, we are doing this event for the benefit of the Conservation Foundation [of the Gulf Coast]. This idea of doing this charity event, even though I’ve never played guitar professionally by trade, was to honor her.”

On Nov. 13, Huffman was able to organize a fundraiser at The Bay Preserve in honor of Mary Terese Finnegan.

“I want to showcase what a wonderful person she was,” Huffman said. “I want to honor her wishes. I want to do something at the Bay Preserve because I couldn’t do her memorial there.”

Huffman was one of the event producers of Rock the Preserve fundraiser and a guitarist and singer in the Second Nature Band that performed at the fundraiser.

Ginny Hoenig holds one of her handmade crocheted hats.

Photos by Dariela Delgado

Lee Scipta and Jeanette Bailey, community outreach co-chairs for Encore of Sarasota, look over a table full of member-donated items.

Alexis LaRocca poses in front of one her LaRocca Christmas trees.

Fast Break

Brian Battie keeps making history. The Sarasota High alum became the second University of South Florida player to be named All-American in consecutive seasons on Dec. 15 when he was named to Phil Steele’s All-America Third Team at the all-purpose position. Battie led the nation with 1,936 all-purpose yards during the regular season.

Craving some hoops over the holidays? Among other games, the Sarasota High boys team is playing in the Chick-filA Classic at Bradenton Christian Dec. 28-30, which is always an exciting event.

The Sarasota USL team, set to begin play in 2023, will hold a name and brand announcement party on Jan. 11 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Tickets are $14 and include food, drinks and a merchandise giveaway. Kids are welcome to attend, but all guests must have a ticket. For information or to purchase tickets, visit SarasotaUSL.com.

What sports-related happenings are you looking forward to participating in or watching in Sarasota in 2023? Let us know by sending an email to RKohn@YourObserver. com.

Next week, in lieu of a traditional sports section, we will feature our top 10 sports moments of 2022, which means no Fast Break. Since this is the last chance I’ll get to say it here: Happy holidays, everyone, and thank you for reading.

Leonardo Dal Boni, the Class of 2023’s No. 52 player nationally according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, has won 90 singles matches and 20 doubles matches since November 2021.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

The United States Tennis Association’s Florida Player of the Year Award typically goes to an extraordinary athlete, and this year’s winner, Sarasota’s Leonardo Dal Boni, is certainly not ordinary.

Take his penchant for quoting Roman emperors.

“Marcus Aurelius, he says the things that happen to you are supposed to happen,” Dal Boni said. “You have to see the positive side of things.”

Dal Boni dropped the advice from the emperor, a follower of stoicism, while speaking about the rehab he did when a string of minor injuries caused him to miss some court time.

The rehab itself was not particularly hard, Dal Boni said, but keeping his mind sharp was the bigger concern. So he followed advice from Aurelius and other historical leaders — Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a particular favorite — until he was ready to return. When he did, he dominated, as he had done before.

“It’s not just about reading them,” Dal Boni said. “It’s about being mindful of them. I always try to apply what I read the next day or next match.”

Dal Boni was given his award Dec. 16 at Payne Park Tennis Center surrounded by friends and family.

Over the last 12 months, Dal Boni has won 90 of his 120 singles matches and 20 of his 30 doubles matches.

His singles success included taking the title at the 2022 USTA Florida “Bobby Curtis” Championships in Orlando, one of the game’s biggest annual junior events.

Dal Boni’s success has him ranked by the Tennis Recruiting Network as a five-star player and the No. 52 player in the national Class of 2023.

Though much of Dal Boni’s success has happened in Florida, his story does not begin in the Sunshine State. Dal Boni was born in Milan, Italy, and lived there with his family until he was 9, when the Dal Bonis moved to the United States.

“I knew the language, but I had a big accent,” Dal Boni said. “So that was interesting.”

Now 17, Dal Boni said he considers the U.S. his home. It is where he feels most comfortable, he said, and provides the most opportunity to follow his tennis dreams. Earlier this year, he and his parents, Alexa Scanziani and Fabio Dal Boni, became American citizens and received passports. Leonardo Dal Boni said he is proud to represent the American flag.

Dal Boni takes classes through Dwight Global Online School. Dal Boni said the school’s classes don’t start until 6 p.m. each evening, which gives him the daytime to train

on the court and in the gym. It is during these sessions that Dal Boni has fine-tuned his craft; Dal Boni said he feels there are no “weak” areas any more, and that being well rounded is what has given him success.

That, and being left-handed.

“It lets me use an out-wide serve,” Dal Boni said. “Then, every time (opponents) go to my forehand, they think it’s a backhand, but no. I’m a lefty. It’s a big key for me.”

The USTA Award Dal Boni received has previously gone to players such as Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, players who not just turned professional but found success. The award was given to Dal Boni by Dana Andrews, a past president of USTA Florida, who said the USTA selected Dal Boni not only for his sparkling play, but also for the sportsmanship he displays.

“It’s about how well you did as a person and your character,” Andrews said to Dal Boni.

Dal Boni is  uncommitted to a college, but would like to go to a “Power Five” conference school before taking a shot at the professional ranks.

No matter where he lands or what happens after that, Dal Boni will see the positive side of the result.

Reading Marcus Aurelius made sure of that.

Courtesy photo

In 2022, former Sailor Brian Battie became the sixth USF Bulls running back to record 1,000 rushing yards in a season.

Ryan Kohn Leonardo Dal Boni, standing with USTA Florida past President Dana Andrews, received the 2022 USTA Florida Player of the Year Award on Dec. 16 at Payne Park Tennis Center.

Hip, hip, hooray

With the holiday break upon us, here are the players who have made a big impact on their teams thus far in the 2022-23 season.

stepping up for their teams this winter sports season.

This list, like usual, is not comprehensive; in fact, I found it harder than ever to narrow things down. It is also not purely the “best” players in the area; when making these under-the-radar lists, I try to find unique stats to highlight or provide new perspectives on established area players. Because of that criteria, if you feel I left a deserving athlete off the list, it’s because I probably did.

Sanchez has nine goals and 21 total points through the team’s nine games, helping the team to a 4-4-1 record. That is three more points than second-place Sierra Sprink of North Port High.

After the holiday break, SalinasSanchez will have four games to pad her stats before district tournaments start Jan. 25.

of Class 7A according to MaxPreps. With Williams distributing the ball to Boyle, junior Daniel Munn (12.4 ppg) and others, the Sailors are averaging approximately 63 points per game as a team, which has contributed to the team 6-2 record, a big turnaround from years past.

When I saw the Sailors play ODA on Nov. 29, Williams  added nine points of his own, getting buckets when Sarasota needed them. Other players may fill the scoring column more, but Williams is as important to the team’s success as anyone else.

At Riverview High, the girls basketball team — which was coming off a 20-2 season — got off to an uneven start to the season but has won three games in a row as of Dec. 16, making their record 6-5 before Christmas break. The post play of senior Krystal Montas has helped steady the Rams. Montas is averaging 10.5 points per game, second on the team, and leads the Rams with 6.0 rebounds per game. That’s 2.5 rebounds more than anyone else, on average.

Montas, who is 5-foot-10, isn’t the tallest post player around, but she makes life difficult for every opposing player who is assigned to her anyway, on offense and defense. She’s a mismatch the Rams have taken advantage of using, and if the Rams continue their improved play after the break, she will assuredly be a large part of their success.

On the soccer pitch, sophomore boys goalkeeper Lucca Stefenoni has been a force. Stefenoni is seventh in Class 7A with a 0.222 goals against average; he’s allowed one goal in 360 minutes in net. Stefenoni averages 4.1 saves per game, too, so it’s not like he’s just standing there the whole time.

Olivia Davis isn’t a new name; she’s been playing ever since returning from an ACL injury that ended her freshman year before it began. This year, she’s averaging the most points per game in her career (16.7), while still averaging 2.5 assists per game. The Cougars were thought to be one of the more experienced teams heading into this season, but after some offseason graduations, transfers and other departures, Davis is the Cougars’ lone senior.

She, alongside sophomores Kali Barrett and Sy’monique Simon, have made sure the changes haven’t affected the program’s success; Mooney is 5-1 through six games as of Dec. 15.

The Mooney boys soccer team is 4-1-1 as of Dec. 15, though they have not played a game since Dec. 2 and won’t until a Jan. 5 game against Bradenton Christian. But through six games, sophomore Mark Yencik has led the way on offense. Yencik has six goals and an assist this season. All soccer teams need a good finisher — just ask the U.S. Men’s National Team how the 2022 World Cup knockout stage went without a reliable one — so Yencik’s contributions are important.

At Booker High, Chariot Johnson has used her senior season of girls basketball to take her game to the next level. Johnson is averaging 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.9 steals per game for the Tornadoes — who, by the way, are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A by MaxPreps. A year after reaching the Final Four when no one thought they could, the Tornadoes are among the favorites to get back there again in 2022-23. With Johnson leading the way, they certainly have a shot.

do is give some shout-outs to the high school athletes who have been

According to MaxPreps statistics as of Dec. 15, Sarasota High sophomore Zitlaly Salinas-Sanchez is not only the top soccer scorer on the Sailors but also the top scorer in Class 7A District 8. Salinas-

Sticking with Sarasota, boys basketball senior Khalil Williams isn’t the type of point guard who leads the team in scoring — that would be sophomore Oliver Boyle at 14.0 points per game — but is instead an old-school, assists-first point guard. Williams leads the Sailors with 4.8 assists per game. That is the 12th-best average in all

The Rams are not the most offense-forward team in the area. They have scored just 15 goals this season through eight games. But thanks to Stefenoni’s great play, as well as that of the Rams’ defense, Riverview has yet to suffer a loss; they’re 4-0-4 with two games left before the team’s Christmas break begins.

At Cardinal Mooney High, senior

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

Courtesy photo

Sarasota High girls soccer sophomore Zitlaly Salinas-Sanchez leads her district in scoring.

File photo

Cardinal Mooney senior Olivia Davis is averaging 16.7 points per game.

File photo

Sarasota High boys basketball senior Khalil Williams leads the team in assists.

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OF THE WEEK

Oliver Boyle

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

Oliver Boyle is a sophomore guard on the Sarasota High boys basketball team. Boyle scored 15 points on Dec. 16 in the Sailors’ 62-24 home victory over Lakewood Ranch High.

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.

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JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com Total Renovation! Custom Home Overlooking the Oaks Club 110 North Creek Lane • Oak Creek • Osprey • 3 BR + loft • 3.5 BA • 4071 SF • MLS # A4549599

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ATHLETE

Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing seriously in seventh grade. I have been on and off between basketball, soccer and football for most of my life. In middle school, I decided to play AAU basketball, and since then it has been my main sport.

What is the appeal to you? It’s about family. I have a lot of close friends in the people who go here and are on the team, as well as people I’ve met on past teams. Basketball just creates a different kind of brotherhood.

What is your best skill?

us go from ‘me, me, me’ to ‘we, we, we.’ Everything we do is about each other. We’re not playing for ourselves but for our teammates and coaches. Like I said before, this sport is all about family. That’s what I love about it.

What is your favorite food?

What is your favorite movie?

Which superpower would you pick?

I want to fly. I’m 15, so I can’t drive yet. Being able to fly would make things easier for me.

What is the best advice you have received?

110 North CreekLane OakCreek • 4071 SF MLS # A4549599

What have you been working to improve?

How you hold yourself matters. Who you are in life is more important than what you do on the court or on the field.

Finish this sentence: “Oliver Boyle is …” … A leader.

PAUL STERN 941.330.3051 paul@sarasotabrokers.com Total renovation overlooking the Oaks Club

separate family room at

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 front of the home, separate family room at the rear facing the golf course, a breakfast room with 2 walls of windows, kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s pantry hallway with both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/ home office that’s 11’ x 19’ 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

I have been working on my shot, my outside game. I’m always trying to get more shots up so I can catchand-shoot or shoot off the dribble.

Paul Stern at 941.330.3051

Call Paul Stern at 941.330.3051 for further details.

for further details. $1.34M PAUL STERN • 941.330.3051 Paul@sarasotabrokers com PRICE JUST REDUCED.

JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com

JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com

What is your favorite memory? My eighth-grade year, my team won the middle school basketball cham pionship. I think we went 9-0. That whole year was a great memory.

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, kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s pantry hallwaywith both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ 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.

P

$1.34M

What has led to the Sailors’ strong start?

We have changed our mentality this year. The coaches have helped

PAUL STERN 941.330.3051 paul@sarasotabrokers.com

PAUL STERN 941.330.3051 paul@sarasotabrokers.com

PRICE JUST REDUCED. 394081-1 XNLV21244

JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com

JAMIE STERN 210.612.6654M jamie@sarasotabrokers.com

110 North CreekLane OakCreek

4071 SF MLS # A4549599

– 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, kitchen with both a large eat-in kitchen island and additional serving counter for the family room, a 22’ long butler’s pantry hallwaywith both upper and lower cabinets, and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ in itself. The second floor features a sizable

and an immense laundry/craft room/home office that’s 11’ x 19’ 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

I’m kind of like a coach on the court. I take the coaches’ words and spread it to our players during a game, especially when it’s loud and people are not even thinking.

ERIC GARWOOD MANAGING EDITOR

Timothy Clarke has nothing to do with Vanderbilt University nor did he play a role in the band that made Lionel Richie famous.

And forget about that entry-level computer from the 1970s.

Still, the Longboat Key banking and advertising executive is every bit a commodore, one with the responsibility over the next year of helping Sarasota Yacht Club thrive as one of the world’s most respected organizations of its kind.

In plain terms, he’s recently been elected to serve in a CEO-like role for the 800-member club on Ringling Causeway, leading the way on a slew of initiatives that include philanthropic outreach, growing the membership base and working toward physical improvements.

The position is voluntary and unpaid, but he and commodores past

MEET THE COMMODORE

ON THE JOB WITH THE COMMODORE

A look at Timothy Clarke’s

career highlights:

Gulfside Bank: Founding director and chair of the board (2018-present)

Clarke Advertising and Public Relations: Founder (19872005)

Saga Communications: Board of Directors and chair of the Audit Committee (2013-present)

Sarasota Bank: Founding director (1992-2003)

Insignia Bank: Founding director (2006-2017)

FCCI Insurance: Past director Tervis Tumbler Co.: Past Director

ing etiquette and other life skills. Older kids, Clark said, take on their own role of philanthropy, recently raising about $35,000 with a dogfashion show.

“They raised an enormous amount of money,” he said. “The kids do it all. I mean, they recruit it, they sell it, they, raise the money they put on the program.”

The kids aren’t the only ones working for others.

Clarke said one of the centerpiece efforts of the Sarasota Yacht Club puts on are charitable events that drive annual grants of about $50,000.

Boating and sailing, though, are the prime focus of any such club.

say it’s a gratifying one to keep the yacht club sailing straight and true.

“Our job is policy, setting strategic direction,” he said in an interview recently in the club’s boardroom.

“And as commodore, I am also the chair of the board of directors, and the board is made up of nine members in good standing. So, we really set the policy and the direction for the club. And then management executes.”

While Clarke, a founding director of three banks and the founder of his own advertising and public relations company, sometimes makes the yacht club sound like a business – it is, by the way, with publicly reported revenue of about $7.5 million in 2020 as a nonprofit 501 (c)(7) organization – a major portion of his tenure revolves around looking to the future on several fronts.

Among them, keeping club’s standing in the yachting community.

Forbes magazine includes Sarasota Yacht Club in its list of 50 “platinum-rated” clubs worldwide, alongside the likes of Royal Thames Yacht Club in London, Yacht Club de Monaco and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club in India.

“For members, we want them to have, you know, the time of their

life here,” Clarke said. “It’s about socializing and entertainment and networking and meeting people. A lot of our members come here as newcomers to the community, and they look to create a social network for themselves. And a club is a wonderful place to do that.”

A boater himself, Clarke says the club experience, by default, involves the boating world, but beyond that, Sarasota Yacht Club is many things: n It’s an entertainment destination. n It’s a gathering place for many of the club’s other sub-clubs: Clarke said one of the yacht club’s most

popular subsets is a group who fancy classic cars and enjoy monthly drive-up gatherings.

n It’s a fine-dining location n It’s a place for kids to learn about getting along in the world.

Clarke said he’s especially proud of the programs put forward for youngsters, either at the helm of small boats — often competing in the Optimist class, the largest youth racing class in the world — or away from the water entirely.

For children 6-12, Clarke said there are events and gatherings meant to guide them toward learn-

The club’s location is perfect, he said, plotted by John Ringling for its depth and proximity to New Pass and Big Pass, tidal action through which keeps nearby waters sparkling.

The docks themselves, though, have been around since the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations.

“The center dock is 70 years old, the other two docks are pushing 50, probably over 50,” he said, adding that designs for renovations are done, and permits could be granted in the next few months. “So, we’re sending it out for bids. We don’t know how much it’s going to cost and if we can afford it or if we have to do it in pieces or anything like that.”

Also on the horizon, 2026 is the club’s 100th anniversary.

“That’ll be a major milestone, a big marker,” he said. “And we have many exciting things planned, but we’re starting to push ahead on that one.”

Looking forward is a big part of the club commodore’s job, one that Clarke said he relishes. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but . . .

“It’s a great honor. It really is,” Clarke said. “I just love the club. It’s been a great experience for me. I’ve had wonderful friends, have had wonderful experiences here since I’ve always been a boater and I enjoy all of that aspect of it. It’s been an easy thing for me to step into and to say it’s a high honor.”

Longboat Key exec takes helm at Sarasota Yacht Club.

Photos by Eric Garwood

Commodore Tim Clarke relaxes in the bow of his boat at Sarasota Yacht Club.

Sarasota Yacht Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

DreamLarge hosted the Rosemary Arts and Design District Holiday Bash on Dec. 15.

The RADD Holiday bash invited the community to celebrate an evening of holiday cheer while supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties through a toy drive.

“Essentially, what we are trying to do is activate the Rosemary District because it’s so near and dear to our hearts,” DreamLarge Director Julia Groom said, adding that the company believes the Boys & Girls Club is a “wonderful organization and one that is worth supporting in our community.”

Because of lingering rainy weather, the scheduled group bike ride was canceled, but the festivities continued inside the DreamLarge office building. Guests mingled with drinks in hand and food by Sarasota Eatz and Cookies by the Graham.

“We want to celebrate Rosemary District and bring the community together. That’s why we do all of our events,” said DreamLarge Founder Anand Pallegar.

The

Sarasota Music Conservatory gave a live performance, playing holiday tunes, and kids wrote letters to Santa.

— DARIELA DELGADO

Sydney Baulier takes pictures of the crowd in a Santa hat and glasses.

Photos by Dariela Delgado

DreamLarge Director Julia Groom and DreamLarge Founder Anand Pallegar welcome the community to the RADD Holiday Bash.

Sid Friedman, Akasha Smith and Mayor Kyle Battie join the crowd in listening to a live performance from Sarasota Music Conservatory.

Becky May plays festive tunes on her violin.

Ulrich and Mimi Gunthart with David Lough watch the live performance by Sarasota Music Conservatory.

Bird Key Yacht Club lights, blesses the fleet

The Bird Key Yacht Club has been busy stringing lights and collecting toys. On Dec. 3, members carried on a 62-year-old tradition by blessing and lighting their fleet. The Rev. Hurst, of Church of the Redeemer, blessed the fleet first, then members danced the night away to the music of the Vocalitas.

On Dec. 9, the club made its annual donation to Toys for Tots. All the toys were donated by members.

LESLEY DWYER

—

Retired USMC Veteran and BKYC member Rob Harlan, BKYC Commodore Lisa Adams, BKYC member Dr. Janet Allgair and BKYC General Manager Tammy Hackney

Diane and Bo Fairey

Courtesy photos

Char Creel, Jim Hanes and Bob and Pat O’Connell

Siesta Drive home sells for $6 million

Ahome in Bay Island Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Timothy and Jeri Moravits sold their home at 778 Siesta Drive to Paul and Kathryn Smith, of Sarasota, for $6 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 6,395 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.6 million in 2014.

SARASOTA

POINSETTIA PARK

Judy Turner and Cynthia Johnson, trustees, sold two properties at 1907 Magnolia St. to Edward and Karen Hasler, of Sarasota, for $1,135,000. The first property was built in 1951; it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,680 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2014; it has one bedroom and 144 square feet of living area.

SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS

Vincent Panico and Derrick Czapia, of Kildeer, Illinois, sold their home at 4917 Remington Drive to Belt Capital LLC for $800,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,060 square feet of living area. It sold for $615,000 in February.

SCHINDLER’S

Megan Metcalf, of Sarasota, sold her home at 1738 Seventh St. to Toby Jeffery Wade and Nicole Renee Desantis, of Sarasota, for $701,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,624 square feet of living area.

CITYSCAPE AT COURTHOUSE CENTRE

Ashley Gabbert, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 15 condominium at 1990 Main St. to Holly Ann Incitti, trustee, of Punta Gorda, for $700,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,562 square feet of living area. It sold for $319,500 in 2016.

W.B. HARVARD’S

Linda Holland, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 634 Gillespie Ave. to Elizabeth Sublette, trustee, of Sarasota, for $633,800. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, one

bath and 1,115 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2005.

GULF GATE

Lucy and Robert Feldkircher, of Venice, sold their home at 7125 Antigua Place to Arturo and Suzanne Jimenez, of Sarasota, for $625,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,807 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,500 in 2019.

GULF GATE WOODS

Anthony Ledford and Richard Campbell, of Lexington, North Carolina, sold their home at 7234 Bounty Drive to Steven Kirshoff, of Port Chester, New York, for $600,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,657 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in July.

SIESTA KEY

222 BEACH ROAD

Richard McCampbell, trustee, and Linda McCampbell, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 3 condominium at 222 Beach Road to Matthew Gebhardt and Alisha Gebhardt, trustees, of Montrose, Michigan, for $3.9 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,980 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA BEACH

James Matthew Dara and Audrey Leigh Dara, of Bloomfield, Michigan, sold their home at 535 Beach Road to Siesta South LLC for $2.5 million. Built in 1958, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,728 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2015.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Caridad Moro McCormick and Elizabeth Gronlier, of Miami, sold their Unit 303 condominium at 116 Vista Hermosa Circle to Eric Williams, of Sarasota, for $515,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 980 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 2021.

PALMER RANCH

COBBLESTONE ON PALMER RANCH

James and Mary Beth Kelly sold their home at 8717 Trattoria Terrace to April Stutler, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,697 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in June.

Other top sales by area

SARASOTA: $1.5 MILLION

Mark Sarasota

Donald Angelo Chiusa Jr. and Ekaterina Chiusa, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1018 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Marc Joseph Bebawi, of Sarasota, for $1.5 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,498 square feet of living area. It sold for $944,000 in 2020.

PALMER RANCH: $1 MILLION

Esplanade

on Palmer Ranch

Joan Marie McNally, of Columbus, Ohio, sold her home at 5361 Salcano St. to Michael Eugene Jasin and Brenda Garcia Jasin, of Sarasota, for $1 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,420 square feet of living area. It sold for $521,300 in 2019.

OSPREY: $2.9 MILLION

Oaks II Jeffrey and Joan Williams, of Osprey, sold their home at 550 Dove Pointe to Sharon Wechsler, of Osprey, for $2.9 million. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 7,059 square feet of living area.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

VISTA HERMOSA

File photo

The property at 778 Siesta Drive last sold in 2014 for $3.6 million.

Riverview students thank first responders

Bryan.

Bryan also oversees Riverview High’s Young Americans for Freedom Club, which organized the cards writing.

Sophomore Sebastian Girstl is the Young Americans for Freedom’s chair and Annabelle Ramalho, a freshman, is the co-chair.

DARIELA DELGADO STAFF WRITER

Thank you cards decorate the walls of the Sarasota Police Department. These cards are not a collection that was kept throughout the year, but from a delivery from Riverview High School.

On Nov. 14, the Sarasota Police Department received a hefty package consisting of handwritten thank you cards from Riverview High School in regards to a lockdown that was prompted by a threat made against the school a month earlier.

“There was a call that came into dispatch that there was an active shooter on the school property,” said Capt. Robert Armstrong of the Sarasota Police Department. “That is the reason there was such a response to the school because if there’s a call that comes out through dispatch that there’s an active shooter in a school, that is going to elicit a massive response — a critical response for a lot of law enforcement. Including us, even though the school is not within our jurisdiction.”

The Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Fire Department Station 11, Florida Highway Patrol and Sarasota County Schools Police all responded to the call. Riverview High School made sure to deliver thank you cards to all five agencies.

“The whole point is that we wanted to show appreciation and love to these fine people,” said Riverview High School English teacher Deb

“As a club, we saw an opportunity to thank our law enforcement officers and the first responders in our county. As a matter of fact, every year, the club does a first responders lunch for the deputies and nurses here on campus,” said Girstl. “But, this year, because of what happened we decided to up that by 10 times.”

Girstl said that more than 100 cards were made by all the Riverview’s clubs and staff members then distributed to all five agencies.

“Those students really stepped up and wrote incredibly heartfelt notes,”  Bryan said.

The club is planning something big this coming February.

“Because of what happened we are going to do a lunch for all of the law enforcement agencies in the county,” said Girstl. “We want to show them the appreciation they deserve.

That’s been the mission of this club for a very long time to show the law enforcement especially since they get disrespected often.”

Armstrong said the single call about potential trouble at the school was confirmed as a fake.

“We still assisted the Sheriff’s Office and the School Board Police by clearing the rooms and making sure that there was no danger on the campus. I think that’s why the children and the school were thankful for us.”

“I was really thankful that they took the time to make the cards and to thank us. Even though we would do the job without expecting anything in return,” Armstrong said.

Riverview

High

School students write handmade thank you letters to the law enforcement agencies that responded to a reported threat in October.

Dariela Delgado

Riverview High School English teacher Deb Bryan and her two students, Sebastian Girstl and Annabelle Ramalho.

Bringing influencers from the world stage to our stage in Sarasota

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 High: 75 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 69%

FRIDAY, DEC. 23 High: 72 Low: 43 Chance of rain: 83%

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 High: 53 Low: 35 Chance of rain: 3%

SUNDAY, DEC. 25 High: 51 Low: 41 Chance of rain: 7%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 22 7:15a 5:40p

Friday, Dec. 23 7:16a 5:40p

Saturday, Dec. 24 7:16a 5:41p

Sunday, Dec. 25 7:17a 5:42p

Monday, Dec. 26 7:17a 5:42p

Tuesday, Dec. 27 7:17a 5:43p

Wednesday, Dec. 28 7:18a 5:43p

MOON PHASES

Monday, Dec. 12 0

Tuesday, Dec. 13 0 Wednesday, Dec. 14 0

Thursday, Dec. 15 0 Friday, Dec. 16 1.81 Saturday, Dec. 17 0 Sunday, Dec. 18 0

YEAR TO DATE: 2022 53.46 in. 2021 45.79 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2022 1.81 in. 2021 0.00 in.

by Chris Moss, edited by David Steinberg

By Luis Campos

Homes for Sale

Rentals Wanted

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