Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 6.22.23

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Dive in.

PAGE 15A FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

VOLUME 19, NO. 30

YOUR TOWN

Cooling off or staying hot?

Real estate pros say data shows Sarasota resisting post-COVID price decline. SEE PAGE 3A

Ian Swaby

Henry Wilson and David Schirmer

A grand present for Father’s Day After 7-year-old Henry Wilson created a card for Father’s Day during Playground Pop Up Craft: Father’s Day Cards at The Bay Park on June 17, he immediately began working on another.

While the first card had been for his father, Tim Wilson, the second was for his grandfather, David Schirmer.

At the time, his family was visiting Sarasota from New York to see Schirmer and Wilson’s grandmother, Ginger Schirmer.

“I wanted to make one for Grandpa because I thought it would be nice,” he said. “He’s the father of my mom.”

His drawing on the card included an axolotl, an animal he likes.

The event at offered kids simple materials, including construction paper, for the purpose of creating Father’s Day cards.

Luau for wildlife Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary hosted its annual fundraiser, complete with lemurs and ligers.

SEE PAGE 4B

Works of art, made together What’s better than making a work of art?

How about creating something special with the whole family while supporting local artists?

Every fourth Saturday, Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy hosts Family Art Day. Each art project is led by a professional artist, who has a different expertise, including portraiture, pastels, photography and mixed media.

The events are free thanks to generous funding from the Floyd C. Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation. The projects are designed so the whole family can enjoy them together. The next Family Art Day is at 9 a.m. on June 24 at 927 N. Lime. Artist Lina Rincon of Lina Rincon Art Gallery & Studio will lead the project.

Ian Swaby

Kaya Paongo and other dancers perform with Echo of the South Pacific.

A+E Day dreaming in color.

PAGE 16A

Turtle Tracks AS OF JUNE 10 TOTAL NESTS: 2023 Siesta Key 42 Lido Beach 20 Casey Key 214

2022 51 15 204

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2023 2022 Siesta Key 47 53 Lido Beach 32 37 Casey Key 227 186 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Andrew Warfield

El Melvin Cocina Mexicana

Define ‘restaurant’ The line between ‘nightclub’ and ‘restaurant’ can be a blurry one. SEE PAGE 4A

2A

YourObserver.com

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

WEEK OF JUNE 22, 2023

Counties warn about mosquito-borne illness

“This community deserves an EDC that is aggressively marketing for the industries that we want. And so that’s what we’re going to do.”

The Florida Department of Health offices in Sarasota and Manatee counties issued a mosquito-borne illness alert Monday, saying two cases of malaria have been recorded. The first case was confirmed on May 26.

Officials did not report if the cases were found in Manatee County or Sarasota County.

A press release issued on Monday by the two counties said, “Residents in these areas should take precautions, such as wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants, applying bug spray and avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active.”

The release said the health departments are working with the mosquito control departments of both counties.

Aerial and ground mosquito spraying is underway in these areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

DOH-Sarasota and DOH-Manatee continue to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover.”

For more information, visit FloridaHealth.gov or call 941-861-2873.

EDC of Sarasota County president & CEO Erin Silk. Read more on page 12A

BY THE NUMBERS 3.0

Months’ supply of single family housing inventory in Sarasota County.

PAGE 3A

80

New business and expansion projects in the pipeline according to the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County.

PAGE 12A

96

The age of local jazz musician Joe Bruno Sr., who still plays music several times a week at performance venues in Sarasota.

Courtesy photo

Ron Shields, Dylan Mayes, Lisa Adams, Brenda Shields and Molly Gleason

PAGE 1B

CALENDAR

Yacht club donates new shoes to local athletes

n Sarasota Planning Board

— 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. . n Sarasota County School Board special meetingsuperintendent contract (tentative) — 9:30 a.m., Monday, June 26, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

T

he Bird Key Yacht Club raised more than $1,700 to purchase 34 pairs of tennis shoes for residents of The Haven and Tennis For Fun athletes.

The idea started with Molly Gleason, a BKYC member and Tennis for Fun volunteer, who got the ball rolling, according to Brenda Shields, director of Tennis For Fun, volunteer organization with multiple locations in Florida and around the country, including Sarasota, that partners with the Special Olympics. It enables athletes to enjoy the sport of tennis, socialize and compete.

“Molly suggested the idea of

providing new tennis shoes to The Haven athletes participating in the Tennis For Fun program.

Her fellow club members at Bird Key Yacht Club raised enough money to purchase brand new tennis shoes for The Haven’s TFF athletes along with many of their residents,” said Shields.

“This is an amazing example of local generosity and we are very excited to share this program with our friends, neighbors and the Sarasota area.”

Lisa Adams, BKYC commodore, Tammy Hackney, club general manager, and Gleason delivered the shoes to The Haven

on June 9. Once the athletes received their shoes, many began trying them on immediately.

“It has been a privilege for members of the Bird Key Yacht Club to support (Tennis For Fun and The Haven) athletes and residents. Our members have a generous heart and step up when asked to support worthwhile Sarasota community charitable initiatives,” said Adams. “When Molly suggested this idea, I immediately asked Tammy to pull a team together to make it happen.

And she did with the help and enthusiastic support of our members. And here we are today.”

SMH researchers find new cancer predictor A new prostate cancer study by local urologist Dr. Robert Carey and research colleagues Genesis Dolgetta and Dr. Tonya King from Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute and Sarasota Memorial Research Institute has pinpointed a single gene that may increase a patient’s risk of early death.

Carey said the predictive value of the AURKA gene provides new benefits to help treat patients with prostate cancer at SMH The research team is the first to identify the individual genes systematically and mathematically that are associated with progression to death by prostate cancer. The study evaluated how the expression of individual genes and groups of genomic signatures predicted actual clinical outcomes in 197 patients who underwent robotic prostatectomy.

.com e s u ho

e War

re rnitu

Fu

The

USE ONE OF THE COUPONS BELOW OR

60 MONTHS FINANCING* PICK UP TODAY OR NEXT DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE

50 OFF $100 OFF $200 OFF Perfection $ 89999 $300 OFF $400 OFF $500 OFF Queen $ 99 599 $

ANY PURCHASE OVER $499

ANY PURCHASE OVER $999

Quaint

decor

Easy to configure chaise sectional will be the perfect addition for a smaller area.

SOFA

ANY PURCHASE OVER $1999

achieved

Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

139999

$

ANY PURCHASE OVER $2999

ANY PURCHASE OVER $3999

vacation feel

Open, airy and inviting design.

Includes table, two chairs and a bench.

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

mattress

4-PC

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

ANY PURCHASE OVER $4999

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

Queen 9” gel memory foam 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

39999

$

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

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700 NOW OPEN!

*For financing for 36 months a minimum purchase of $3000 or more is required to qualify. For financing of 12 months a minimum purchase of $300 or more is required to qualify. Interest will be charged to your account from the promotional purchase date. Equal Monthly Payments are required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a nonpromotional 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 within 60 days 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.

401577-1

Beach

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

With supply chains returning to a semblance of normalcy, new home construction in Sarasota County is adding to the inventory of available homes for purchase.

Resistant to the decline

Realtor.com recently ranked Sarasota No. 5 among markets where home prices are declining fastest. But local real estate professionals say the data tells a different story.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

arasota and its metropolitan statistical area that stretches from North Port to Braden-

ton frequently appears high on national lists, almost always in a “best places to …” type of category.

But a new list produced by Realtor. com places Sarasota at No. 5 among metros across the country where home prices are falling the fastest. While that may appeal to buyers looking for a “best place to find a home bargain,” local real estate experts say home sellers should take that ranking with a drop of salt water.

To begin with, the survey listed only one metro from each state, the article reads, “to ensure geographical diversity.”

The Florida population surge during the pandemic drove prices to record levels across the state.

The median single-family home price in the Sarasota market surpassed $500,000 for the first time in the summer of 2022. The Realtor. com story cited prices falling in the nation’s hottest COVID-era markets, along with rising mortgage interest rates, as a natural adjustment.

“Those markets that got the most juiced during the pandemic — where the prices really took off — are the markets where they’re now suffering the biggest declines because affordability has been the hardest there,” the article quotes Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi. “I’d be surprised if we don’t have this same conversation a year from now and prices aren’t another 3% or 4% lower than where they are today.”

The report cites the median listing price in Sarasota at $549,900, or $305 per square foot, a decline of 4.7% in a year-over-year comparison.

Evan Danzig, a Realtor with Sarasota-based Michael Saunders & Co., said the report doesn’t paint an accurate portrait of the market here, or perhaps anywhere else.

“The analysts pick a random month and merge the average priceper-foot for single family, townhome and condominium sales, comparing it to the same month one year prior,” Danzig said. “A more accurate interpretation of market activity would

2023 YTD

Single-family home sales activity in Sarasota County for year-to-date compared to 2022 according to Stellar MLS. Closed sales: 3,326, -14.8% Median Sale Price: $509,000, +1.3% Average Sale Price: $685,707, +1.8% Dollar Volume: $2.3B, -13.7% Median Time to Contract: 24 days, +300.0% New Pending Sales: 3,653, -10.1% New Listings: 4,412, -10.3% Inventory (monthly average): 1,828, +155.1% Months supply (monthly average) : 2.9, +262.5%

be provided by viewing this on an annual basis. The housing market in both Sarasota and Manatee counties actually reported year-overyear increases in median sale prices. While the number of closed sales across the board decreased during this time, the median sale price for single-family homes in Sarasota County increased on a year-overyear basis, which is the polar opposite view that we are seeing from the realtor.com report.”

Even if they agreed that prices were falling here as Realtor.com reports, local real estate professionals are skeptical that Sarasota would be ranked No. 5 in the country. Selecting one market per state eliminates multiple markets in states that either gained value dramatically during the pandemic and are returning to preCOVID activity or those that are losing population and corresponding home values.

sota remains in a growth phase and should be for the foreseeable future.

“The author compared all residential inventory for sale in May 2022 vs.

May 2023. It is unclear if it was pulled on May 1, May 31 or somewhere in between,” Cerreta said.

Does this matter? Yes. Inventory shifted significantly in May. In an attempt to replicate the Realtor.com data set, Cerreta pulled MLS data from May 30, 2022, and May 14, 2023, and found that the inventory of all residential property was up 84.3%, well short of Realtor.com’s 128%. Further, excluding all residential property types but single-family, inventory was up 37%.

“Yes that is a big uptick, but a comparable pre-COVID year like 2018 or 2019 would have seen roughly a 15% to 20% uptick for the same period due to seasonal trends,” Cerreta said.

“Historically, if it hasn’t sold by Easter it will linger on the market until the summer buyers come back into play, and 2020 to 2022 were not normal years. They were COVID years, which defied normal patterns for everything in our society.”

Further skewing the data, in addition to single-family homes, townhomes, condos and villas, the Realtor.com story about inventory included half duplexes, condo hotels, dock-rackominiums (dry boat storage racks), farms, garage condos and mobile homes.

The latest MLS data released Thursday shows a three-month supply of single-family homes in Sarasota. Brian Tresidder, president of the Realtors Association of Sarasota Manatee, said that is still considered a sellers’ market. A balanced market is 5.5 months of supply. Anything higher is considered a buyers’ market.

That means that while prices aren’t skyrocketing as they did in

File photo

THE TOP 10

The 10 metropolitan areas in the U.S. where home prices are falling the fastest, according to Realtor.com.

1. Boise, Idaho 2. Austin, Texas 3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 4. Phoenix, Arizona 5. SARASOTA, FLORIDA 6. Salt Lake City, Utah 7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 8. Winston-Salem, North Carolina 9. Sacramento, California 10. Chicago, Illinois

2021 and 2022, single-family home closing prices are still increasing at a modest trajectory. The May 2023 median sales price of $510,000 in May is up $15,000 over May 2022.

“In May of last year, our median sales price was just under just under $500,000. From February 2023 on we’ve been at $495,000, $520,000 and $525,000, so we’ve seen a very slight but still upward trend in prices,” said Tresidder, sales manager for William Raveis real estate. “Some months are lower and some are a little higher, but when you look at the way it’s trending, it’s still a fairly slow increase in property values.”

Cerreta said more inventory is needed because people still want to move to the Sarasota area, and growth is a hedge against economic instability.

“I lived in Atlanta for 32 years while its population increased from 1 million to nearly 4 million. We barely felt the recessions of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s because we were growing,” Cerreta said. “Atlanta had economic growth while much of the country experienced economic contraction.

Sarasota is still in a growth phase and should be for the foreseeable years.

This increases the odds that Sarasota will weather the post-COVID global economic rollercoaster better than most regions.”

SLIGHT UPWARD TREND

Residential real estate prices are subject to a rollercoaster of market forces — notably interest rates and inventory — but perception of value is driven by supply and demand, and demand for housing in the Sarasota metro is not abating. Inventory, though, is slowly returning to prepandemic levels, according to Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Managing Broker Craig Cerreta.

That rising inventory, and whatever impact it’s having on prices, is healthy, he said, while contradicting yet another Realtor.com article that ranked Sarasota No. 1 in the nation in rising inventory with a 128% increase year-over-year.

While more inventory and higher interest rates are conditions that will impact prices, Cerreta said Sara-

YEAR-OVER-YEAR COMPARISONS Single family home sales activity in Sarasota County for May 2023 and percentage change from May 2022 according to Stellar MLS.

Closed Sales in Sarasota County

by Sale Price in May 2023 and percentage change from May 2022.

n Closed sales: 822, -9.7% n Median Sale Price: $510,000,

n $150,0000-$199,999: 8, 0% n $200,000-$249,999: 22,

+3.0% n Average Sale Price: $699,344, +1.8% n Dollar Volume: $574.9M, -8.0% n Median Time to Contract: 25 days, +316.7% n New Pending Sales: 665, -18.1% n New Listings: 813, -26.8% n Inventory: 1,824, +75.7% n Months Supply: 3.0, +150%

-12.0% n $250,000-$299,999: 39, -22.0% n $300,000-$399,999: 188, -6.0% n $400,000-$599,999: 251, -18.2% n $600,000-$999,999: 208, -8.8% n $1 million and up: 104, +14.3%

3A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Need Help or Want to Help?

Call & connect today!

941 . 877 . 1000

info@shsManateeSarasota.com shsManateeSarasota.com Licensed | Insured | LIC# HCS238997

Courtesy photos

Matt Hess and Mitch Good opened El Melvin Cocina Mexicana in 2019. El Melvin has recently been the subject of late-night noise complaints from nearby residents.

Residents sound off on noise during virtual meeting

Our Care Services At A Glimpse Companionship & Socialization Shopping & Errands Doctors Appointments Medication Reminders Meal Preparation Handywork Transportation Pet Care & More!

398084-1

A city planning staff workshop on zoning text amendment changes for bars and restaurants morphs into complaints over loud late-night music.

TIMELINE

ANDREW WARFIELD

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?

STAFF WRITER

What was scheduled as a virtual workshop about zoning text amendments governing restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the city of Sarasota morphed into a dialogue about loud late-night music in downtown.

On June 8, the city’s planning department made a presentation and heard public input about tightening up loose ends in the zoning code to better define how bars, restaurants

Anticipated schedule of actions for completing a zoning text amendment on restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Summer 2023 n Presentations with CCNA, DSCA, Downtown Improvement District, St. Armands Business Improvement District, Chamber of Commerce, Rosemary District Neighborhood Association, etc. n File zoning text amendment. n Development Review Committee meeting.

Fall 2023 n Planning Board consideration for recommendation. n City Commission consideration for approval.

General Surgery

WELCOMES SAFE DRINKING WATER IS FUNDAMENTAL TO LIFE

Sergio Hernandez, MD

Fehl Safe Water Treatment has more than 30 years of experience in making water safe.

Board Certified, General Surgery

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE WATER TESTING

Dr. Sergio Hernandez brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building I office a wealth of knowledge and experience in General Surgery.

941-322-8286 For all your water needs: Water Filtration & Purification Systems Softener Installation & Maintenance Salt & Maintenance Service Well & Pump Service Aerators & Pressure Tanks 24-hour Emergency Service 386921-1

fehlsafewatersystems.com

Undergraduate:

Florida International University, Miami, FL

Medical School:

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Residency:

General Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

Certification:

Board Certified, American Board of Surgery

Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Doctors Hospital; Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

l MultipleCALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise Locations

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

941-341-0042

8/26/21 3:27 PM

Cattleridge Medical Building I

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

3333 Cattlemen Road, Suite 206, Sarasota, FL 34232

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

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.

www.intercoastalmedical.com Medicare and most insurances accepted

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

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

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

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

404678-1

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

401656-1

4A

8/26/21 3:27 PM

YourObserver.com

REFINING DEFINITIONS More than noise abatement, the goal of the zoning text amendment is to clarify and administer regulations for restaurants, bars and nightclubs based on the intensity of the establishment, including elements such as amplified music and operating hours.

Definitions and standards for bars and nightclubs are tied to state licensing and seating requirements, which has resulted in establishments being classified as nightclubs that don’t operate as such while other establishments are classified as restaurants despite operating like nightclubs late into the evening.

Trouble areas to be addressed are:

5A

PERMIT GLOSSARY Definitions of Consumption On-Premise licenses.

2-COP: Permits the sale of beer and wine products by the drink or in sealed containers for consumption on or off premises where sold.

4-COP Special Food Service: Permits the sale of beer, wine and liquor products by the drink for consumption on premises or in a sealed container. The establishment must have 2,000 square feet of service area, be equipped to serve meals to 120 persons at one time with at least 120 physical seats available and derive at least 51% of gross food and beverage revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages. The establishment may not operate as a package store, may not sell intoxicating beverages after the hours of serving or consumption of food have elapsed.

4-COP: Permits the sale of beer, wine and liquor products by the drink or in sealed containers for consumption on or off premises where sold.

Courtesy photo

A view of El Melvin Cocina Mexicana, located at 1355 Main St.

RESTAURANT

Existing definition: A commercial establishment of which the principal business is preparing and serving meals selected from a menu to customers during all operating hours.

Meals are prepared within a structure and may be served and eaten on premises.

Difficulty: Clarify that meals can be prepared on- or off-site and still function as a restaurant. Some restaurants transition at night by providing live, amplified music and moving tables and seats from the main floor, creating a more intense, nightclub-like use rather than a restaurant use.

BAR

Existing definition: Any establishment devoted primarily to the retailing and on-premises drinking of malt, vinous or other alcoholic beverages and is licensed by the state to dispense or sell alcoholic beverages.

Difficulty: This definition does not provide a clear distinction between a bar and an outdoor bar. The definition should be updated to reflect this. This use also currently requires a major conditional use be obtained, which is the same requirement as a nightclub despite differing intensities.

OUTDOOR BAR

Existing definition: Any building, structure or facility — whether temporary or permanent — that is built, erected or provided as a location for the purpose of making retail sales of

alcoholic or intoxicating beverages, or malt or vinous beverages, as an accessory use to a hotel or motel.

Difficulty: Outdoor bars are only permitted as an accessory use to a hotel, motel or private club with this definition and unable to be considered as a primary use.

NIGHTCLUB

Existing definition: Any restaurant, dining room, bar or similar establishment providing food or refreshments that holds a 4-COP liquor license from the state department of business regulation, division of alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Provided, however, any restaurant, dining room or similar establishment that holds a 4-COP liquor license with the “S,” “SR” or “SRX” designation shall be deemed an accessory use to the principal use and not a nightclub.

Difficulty: This definition does not consider restaurant establishments that transition into places hosting live, amplified music and serving alcohol late into the evening. Because the definition is tied to the 4-COP liquor license, restaurants that do not act as nightclubs, but require a 4-COP license, must be classified as nightclubs and go through a more intensive review process. Smaller restaurants that are unable to meet the seating requirements for a 4-COP Special Food Service license must be classified as a nightclub as a result of this definition despite functioning as restaurants.

How any changes in the text amendments and a future noise

ordinance impact restaurants that operate into the early morning hours as quasi-nightclubs remains to be determined. For his part, Good said El Melvin is attempting to be a better corporate citizen.

“We are trying to do the best that we can for the restaurant and for our customers, and we don’t want to look past being a good neighbor,” he said.

“We have made efforts, and I believe the police department would understand that. We have taken a business that was kind of going downhill pretty badly and brought that portion of the street back.”

Cover concluded the meeting by reminding attendees that the text amendments will be brought before various community groups and organizations before being heard by both the Planning Board and the City Commission before any changes are approved.

Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA

Beauty is our Business

Try our extensive selection of treatments to bring you back to the fresh look and confidence that you deserve.

Beauty Deals

cheeks $

lips & lip lines

face & neck

treatment

FILLER FOR

499

each

(when you buy 2 or more)

MICRONEEDLING FOR

349

$

each

(FDA Approved)

FILLER FOR

499

$

each

for Forehead, Frown & Crow’s Feet

5

$

Make your appointment SRQ | 6118 S. Tamiami Trl. | 941.216.2523 LWR | 6277 Lake Osprey Dr. | 941.289.3086

per unit

today!

Mon/Tue/Th/Fri 10am - 5pm Alternate Wed/Sat 10am - 4pm WWW.BOWTIQUEMEDSPA.COM

403128-1

by Above the Bar Hospitality Group, owner of El Melvin.

“We’ve done a lot of work in our restaurant to try to lessen that noise element, and I know people may look at that and say, ‘Well, you’re not doing a good enough job,’” Good said.

“We have invested in decibel readers.

We’ve done a lot of things that perhaps the public doesn’t realize that we’re working on. I’m not looking for sympathy or anything. What we’re trying to do is strike a balance, run a business and be in compliance with the city.”

Most attendees who commented stipulated that downtown is not just a residential area but a business district as well, that downtown dining and entertainment activities are vital to the city’s vibrancy and that both uses must coexist.

Kelly Franklin, who lives on the edge of downtown in Laurel Park, acknowledged that bars and restaurants rely heavily on weekend and late-night sales but added that their right to operate should not supersede the ease of enjoyment of those who live around them.

“It’s not like there’s a black-andwhite solution, but there are a handful of places around the city like El Melvin that have made their bottom line the only priority, and it impacts people around them,” she said.

“Every other one of the restaurants and bars downtown have the same challenges, but somehow are not having that same negative impact on the residents.”

404424-1

and nightclubs citywide may operate. The session was not about latenight noise emanating from any such establishments, but that didn’t prevent comments about finding balance between commerce and livability, and about one restaurant in particular, El Melvin at 1355 Main St. “Our definitions and standards for bars and nightclubs are really tied to the state licensing, and so we have a situation right now with our current code in which there are uses that are classified as nightclubs that really don’t operate as a nightclub and then there are other establishments that are classified as restaurants that sometimes do operate as nightclubs,” said Planning Director Steve Cover.

“This effort is to update and really be more precise with our current definitions of the various uses and then also looking into creating standards for outdoor seating and other operations outdoors.

“The goal really is to clarify and administer regulations for these different kinds of uses primarily focused on restaurants, bars and nightclubs. And this will also include elements such as live and amplified music and operating hours.”

John Simon is one of several residents of 1350 Main Condominiums, across the street from El Melvin, who has spoken before the City Commission on several occasions about the restaurant that on weekends becomes an open-air nightclub at 10 p.m., playing loud music until 2 a.m.

“Downtown we have the El Melvin situation, which is a restaurant, and late at night food is stopped, and it becomes a nightclub,” Simon said.

“This is a good change, but how does it get enforced? It’s quite loud, and the real issue is noise.”

“Noise is not part of this,” Cover replied. “That’s actually a separate ordinance. It’s being worked on by the city attorney, and that is expected to come later this year.”

El Melvin co-owner Jeff Good, who was in attendance at the virtual meeting, said the late-night operations have been crucial to the restaurant’s profitability and that he has been working to mitigate the noise complaints.

The location was formerly Two Senoritas, also a Mexican restaurant that occupied the space for 25 years before it was acquired in 2019

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

DEPOSIT REQUIRED at Booking. Available while supplies last. Must mention ad to receive promotion. Cannot combine with any other discount. Not valid towards previous purchases. All sales final. No refunds. Offers expire 6/30/2023.

6A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

School board differs on superintendent criteria but selects Connor 3-2 School Board choice of superintendent based on education experience and cultural issues.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

D

iscussions covered experience as well as cultural issues before the Sarasota County School Board voted 3-2 to select Terrence Connor as the school district’s next superintendent on June 14.

Vice Chair Karen Rose made the motion to nominate Connor as superintendent, with the motion being seconded by Tom Edwards.

Robyn Marinelli also voted in favor of Connor’s confirmation, with Chair Bridget Ziegler and Tim Enos in dissent.

Rose said she listed Connor has her top choice due to his experience in the field of education.

Connor brings a history of experience in different school districts. He currently serves as deputy superintendent and chief academic officer of Hillsborough County Public Schools and previously held the roles of chief academic officer and assistant superintendent for curriculum at School District of Clay County, after serving that district as chief of secondary education.

“This community deserves a topnotch candidate, and I will not be able to stray from that,” Rose said.

Ziegler said Connor was not equipped to deal with “culture war” issues within the district.

“My strongest belief is that issues that have plagued us prior seem very reminiscent in the potential recommendation being presented right now,” she said.

Interim Superintendent Allison Foster will remain in the role until a start date is identified for Connor and a contract implemented.

CANDIDATE POOL

Prior to the meeting, Connor had

Courtesy photo

Terrence Connor was selected as superintendent of Sarasota County Schools.

emerged as the candidate preferred by the Superintendent Search Citizen Advisory Committee, among a list that included Josiah Phillips, Charles Van Zant and interim superintendent Allison Foster.

Van Zant formerly served as superintendent of Schools for Clay County in Florida and brought a master of arts in organizational leadership from Regent University and more than 30 years of experience in the military.

Phillips has a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Liberty University and currently serves as chief information officer for Broward County Public Schools.

Foster holds a doctorate in education administration and policy from the University of Florida and has served as interim superintendent for Sarasota County Schools since the removal of former Superintendent Brennan Asplen in December 2022.

Some concerns surrounded the departure of Connor’s wife, Star Connor, from Hillsborough County Schools, where she served as a regional superintendent, amid an investigation of testing practices in the district.

During a Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting on June 12, Connor

described the accusations as false, saying she chose to leave public education so he could pursue a superintendent role and that it was preferable that someone not serve in the same district as his spouse.

REACHING A DECISION

Prior to the vote, the board members brought differing concerns to the table.

“I believe in the science of education. I know and I have lived, observed and experienced all of the layers, the multitude of layers, the education, that goes into that science and what it takes for a student to just be able to read by third grade,” said Rose.

Edwards said that based on conversations with the candidates, he found Connor’s approach would not be disruptive to the district, though he could still work with any of the candidates.

“I wanted to understand, are they coming in and looking for a continuous improvement model or are they coming in with a wrecking ball and starting over? That, in my opinion, was a big mistake if somebody presented that, and those were some of the conversations that were difficult, with the four candidates, that I had.”

He also said Connor’s experience managing a district larger than Sarasota would be useful for the district’s future.

Enos listed Foster as his first choice.

“I think that Dr. Foster does bring that piece of being here, graduated from here, started at the bottom,” he said.

Ziegler said she was tied between Foster and Phillips, also noting that she thought Van Zant, through his military background, afforded “a unique opportunity” for the district.

She said she was concerned that what she described as past issues in the district could reemerge if Connor were chosen, and that while he brought the institutional knowledge required, his approach would not sufficiently address the cultural war.

The previous superintendent, Brennan Asplen, left the district in February following the termination of his contract by the board.

“If we can’t find a way to put up barriers so that (the culture war) is not constantly creating divisions between our community, whoever can lead in that manner is what’s going to get us past all of this, and get us refocused on our common ground to our students’ success,” she said.

Initially, Enos recommended that the whole board adopt the will of the majority to offer a 5-0 vote in favor of Connor, before Ziegler said board members should stand with their preferred candidates, as whomever was chosen would still have the support of all board members.

During public comment prior to the vote, the majority of speakers favored the choice of either Foster or Connor.

Jill Marsh, a teacher with Sarasota County Schools, spoke about Foster’s work as principal at Philippi Shores Elementary School, which included collaborative relationships with local businesses and a “culture of respect.”

“She has always given us the best opportunities to help lead our students in the right direction. Her passion for Sarasota County and moving

it forward in an unstable world right now, is evident,” she said.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bornstein, a parent and volunteer in the district, said Connor would prioritize academic achievement, invigorate the district and retain highly effective staff members.

“After careful review and consideration, it is absolutely clear Terrence Connor is the most qualified for the superintendent position, and should be offered the job today,” she said.

MOVING THE DISTRICT FORWARD

Connor said he was eager to begin leading Sarasota’s school district toward its future.

Connor has served as principal at Samuel W. Wolfson High School and Oceanway Middle School, and as assistant principal of curriculum and as a comprehensive science teacher for grades seven and eight at Oceanway Middle School, all in Duval County.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from the University of North Florida and a master’s degree in administration and management from Nova Southeastern University, as well as Florida certifications in educational leadership (all levels), school principal (all levels), general science (grades five-nine), mathematics (grades five-nine) and physical education (grades K-12).

Connor also completed the National Institute of School Leadership’s Executive Development Program and holds an instructional coaching certification from University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning.

“Sarasota to me was just very attractive because of its tradition of excellence,” Connor said. “I’m excited about this opportunity. I think Sarasota is wonderful and ready to take off and be the destination district that I know everyone wants it to be. And I’m just honored and humbled that I’ll be able to help lead that work.”

FREE PUBLIC EVENT for “Baby Boomers”

Suffering with Neuropathy (Numbness/Tingling) and other Complications of Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes.

The list of Diabetic Complications is quite long and the potential symptoms are a lot more dangerous than just Neuropathy.

The good news is that we have a new FDA Cleared Therapy that can help with them all, with our patients saying

“The results are Amazing I wish I did it sooner.”

FREE LUNCH

Please Join us on one of these dates to learn more: Stonewood Grill and Tavern

415 University Pkwy, Sarasota 34201

RSVP 941-212-3398

Wed, June 28th at Noon Denny’s

3701 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota 34233

RSVP 941-231-5545

Thur, June 29th at Noon IHOP

6320 SR64 East, Bradenton 34208

RSVP 941-344-2151

INSURANCE ACCEPTED including MEDICARE

201 4th Ave E Unit D & E, Bradenton, Fl 34208 FloridaDiabetesReliefCenters.com

405401-1

High A1C Numbness / Tingling in the feet or hands Burning pain / Pins and Needles Concerned about Alzheimer’s (type 3 diabetes) Eye Sight Damage due to Diabetes Constant Fatigue Yeast Infections Erectile Dysfunction

Tues, June 27th at Noon

405116-1

Please don’t miss out on this Health Talk if you have Diabetes and especially if you are starting to show symptoms or if you have been warned by your doctor.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

7A

Every Moment Has Led You To This Point.

Introducing downtown’s newest water view community, The Owen Golden Gate Point.

An intimate enclave of 29 contemporary residences ranging from 2,265-3,073 square feet, with resort-inspired amenities and exquisite finishes. Now accepting reservations.

Priced from $2.4-$4.6 million.

GATEWAY TO THE INCREDIBLE 941-210-0987 / owengoldengate.com

405160-1

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS MAKE REFERENCE TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. COMMUNITY FEATURES, AMENITIES AND PRICING APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

8A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Big Step for the SPAF With the selection of Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation took a giant step toward bringing its vision to reality.

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Miguel Elasmar, MElasmar@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

EMILY WALSH

W

hile Sarasota’s new performing arts hall is years from reality, the selection of an architect marks a crucial step toward opening curtain and answering two big questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take?

While I know next to nothing about the process of constructing a building or architecture, I do know what steps are required to put on a show. While putting words to print, recounting the news and information you seek every week is a show within itself, a former career in the ballet world gave me experience in performing arts.

When premiering a new ballet, a choreographer first must be selected. Next the choreographer picks a concept and selects the music to which the ballet will be danced.

Then the formulation of the steps and movements the dancers will perform begins.

Following all that are countless rehearsals and coaching, costume design, set production, lighting design, stage management, marketing, ticket sales and more.

Finally: It’s curtain time for opening night. Without the choreographer, there is no show.

It’s not quite curtain time for the future Sarasota Performing Arts Center, but with the selection of the architect two weeks ago — Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation took a giant step toward bringing its vision to reality.

Renzo Piano’s selection, along with the caliber of the other 42 architects considered for the job, says a lot about Sarasota and what the other architects saw in this midsize city that is increasingly becoming discovered.

Indeed, each of the three finalists — Foster + Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Snøhetta — are all regarded as internationally acclaimed firms.

Snøhetta is currently leading the design of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s historic performance space, Powell Hall, with a 65,000-square-foot expansion to celebrate the performance hall’s centennial in 2025.

I recently visited the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, which is the center of the Dallas Arts District.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the performing arts hall is brightly lit in red with the glass horseshoe center revealing a sweeping staircase to the multilevel lobby areas and provides different plazas outside for the public.

Nearby is a Renzo Piano project — Nasher Sculpture Center, which is a museum and sculpture garden

“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.”

Stock photo

Renzo Piano Building Workshop was commissioned to be the architecture firm of the New York Times building in New York, New York, through a competition in 2000.

Emily Walsh

Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, was designed by finalist firm Foster + Partners.

that provides sanctuary among the downtown Dallas skyscrapers.

Seeing the latter two finalists’ projects firsthand in April, not knowing they would be finalists for the SPAC, I knew either architecture firm would create a worldclass project for Sarasota. Yet, this “newsie” is a bit biased. One of the most impressive buildings I’ve ever visited is the New York Times building in New York City. The Renzo Piano-designed, 52-story building takes up half a block in Manhattan and hums with people devoted to putting out a newspaper every day.

Now that Renzo Piano has been selected as the architect for the planned SPAC, the big overarching questions can be answered: n How much will it cost? n How long will it take until the first curtain rises?

Much like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and The Bay Park, before design firms and partners were selected, master plans were aspirational. Once architects and consultants were selected, budgets and actual construction costs were then developed.

“You can’t really get an estimate of costs until you have a concept,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Selby broke ground on its Master Plan in June 2021 and plans to host a ribbon cutting in November 2023. Rominiecki also shared that once an architect translates its design to reality, that’s when the costs come into focus.

After Renzo Piano goes through the city of Sarasota’s procurement process, the City Commission must vote on a concept from Renzo Piano and adopt an implementation

Courtesy photo

Newspaper executives visited the New York Times innovation lab in 2015 on the Innovation Mission through the Local Media Association.

agreement.

Having been through the same process, Rominiecki says the most important aspect is conveying the big picture vision and the need.

“The need is so important to the constituency understanding being patient,” she says. “If the need is there, the patience will be there.”

Renzo Piano’s first job will be a needs analysis to assess how to meet the needs of the community for generations to come. “They are doing a lot of diligence,” says Jim Travers, chairman of the board and interim CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. “This is much more than a building. They are engaging the entire 53-acres and how to broadcast what’s happening inside out so that children and entire families can understand the arts in an amazing way.

“To see that come to fruition is overall really exciting for the project and the community,” he says.

Travers added that the SPAC is a generational project and is expected to serve the community for the next 50 to 60 years, much like the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has performed since the 1960s.

“Sarasota’s history and reputation for the performing arts is why people are here and coming here,” Travers says. “This is about my grandkids and your kids being able to have something to support the current state of the arts and where things are going.”

Walking through Klyde Warren Park in the downtown Dallas Arts District makes the vision of having a Sarasota Arts and Cultural district more of a reality. Just think: With Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Bay Park and a world-class performing arts hall along our beautiful bayfront, our downtown core will rise to a new level, fulfilling untapped potential for decades to come.

In a former life, this ballerina couldn’t wait to step her toes on that stage. Now I’m looking forward to being an audience member.

Thankfully, the SPAF has taken the first step, or in ballet, first position, to get there.

Emily Walsh was a part of the Van Wezel Steering Committee in 2018 to help envision a new performing arts hall for Sarasota until she joined the board of the Bay Park Conservancy in 2019. She currently serves as secretary on the Bay Park Conservancy Board of Directors. Walsh served on the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Directors from 2011 to 2017.

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@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 Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@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, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily 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 | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

I am compelled to write this in response to the attacks and criticisms that have been repeatedly levied against my project, Obsidian Residences.

The first inaccuracy is that Obsidian Residences violates the zoning code. While the building requires two “adjustments” from two zoning code standards, the zoning code authorizes adjustments and provides them.

Projects that receive adjustments don’t violate the zoning code.

One of the requested adjustments addresses the zoning code standard for “retail street frontage.” The existing buildings do not provide 100% retail frontage, as there is a driveway.

More importantly, due to building code, fire code, utility requirements and the fact that it does not front on an alley and needs a driveway for parking, no new project built on this site would meet that requirement.

With respect to the second adjustment for the “habitable space” requirement along primary streets, again, no new project could meet current building and utility standards that require access from the street to spaces that are not considered “habitable.”

Furthermore, at 22 feet wide, the proposed driveway meets the 24-foot city maximum for a commercial or multifamily driveway in the downtown.

In addition, the proposed trash pickup approach does not violate any code and is the same way trash is removed from the property today as well as from many other properties in the city, including downtown.

Still, we are in talks with the Bay Plaza board of directors about a better solution that would allow the use of dumpster containers that would be picked up in the same location as Bay Plaza’s refuse. Those who are concerned about the trash pickup should lobby that board to enter an agreement with us.

While the amount of retail square footage spaces will be reduced, the claim that this will lessen the pedestrian friendliness of the block is absurd.

Does the elevator entrance to the parking garage and the open area next to it (not retail) diminish the walkability of Palm Avenue?

Does the lobby of the Art Ovation? How about the travel agency that is in the Bay Plaza commercial unit? How about the existing driveway and large setback of Bay Plaza from Palm Avenue?

The Obsidian’s proposed frontage will provide required awnings across the entire frontage that the current building does not provide, thereby improving the quality of the pedestrian experience.

Also absurd are the claims that the existing retail spaces must be preserved as “historic.” The city has already reviewed that issue and determined they are not part of any historic district and not eligible for local or national listing as historic structures.

Despite repeated attacks on its height, not one person has articulated a single reason that Obsidian Residences is not compatible with Bay Plaza or other properties.

Most claim Obsidian Residences is incompatible based on its height alone.

But the Obsidian property is zoned for 18 stories, and every 18-story building approved (or requested) in the DTC zone district is significantly taller than Bay Plaza: the Jewel, Block 6, Epoch, BLVD, Demarcay, Echelon/624 Palm, Bayso — all taller than 200 feet.

The repeated attacks on the Obsidian Residences’ use of interstitial spaces are equally nonending and fact-free.

At the time Obsidian Residences filed its application, the zoning code expressly provided that the use of interstitial spaces is not regulated.

The different uses of interstitial spaces proposed for Obsidian Residences are the same or equivalent to those proposed in other buildings under the downtown code.

Even today, interstitial space

needs only be explained and justified, and we have provided the staff with specific explanations and diagrams. Those purposes include providing space for mechanical, plumbing, electrical and structural components, all of which are completely permissible and frequently deployed uses and purposes for interstitial space.

The claim Obsidian Residences is incompatible because it will obstruct the views of Bay Plaza is simply laughable: Obsidian Residences will be located behind Bay Plaza. If it obscures anything, it will be exterior walkway entrances and elevator shaft, not the front façade and balconies. Obsidian Residences will provide a much more interesting and compelling view than the rooftop of the existing building.

Likewise, claims that Obsidian Residences will create negative shadow effects are baseless. Based on the study provided to the city, Bay Plaza has a greater existing shadow effect on Palm Avenue and the Obsidian Residences property than the Obsidian Residences will create.

With respect to safety, the concerns being voiced are illinformed or intentionally misleading. Construction will be not only regulated, but closely monitored for safety.

If the city staff holds true to a fair application of the zoning code and is not intimidated by mob mentality, I remain convinced the Obsidian should be approved.

MATT KIHNKE SARASOTA

Matt Kihnke is a resident of Sarasota, founder of 1260 Palm Properties LLC and developer of the Obsidian, Sansara and The Collection in downtown Sarasota.

Safety, aesthetic and zoning concerns on Obsidian The primary arguments against the proposed development of 1260 N. Palm (the Obsidian) are based on facts — specifically, viola-

tions of existing zoning codes and the Sarasota Downtown Master Plan. Of course, emotions are also at play because this project would adversely affect the lives of hundreds of people — and set a precedent that would affect thousands more.

The developer’s latest (fourth) submittal to the city acknowledges at least two of these violations by requesting the city to provide them with the following: A waiver of the requirement for retail, service use or office use to be present along the entire length of the building frontage.

An exemption allowing less than the required habitable space in the first two stories.

Of particular concern is the loss of seven retail spaces to be replaced by a third of the space of the existing frontage. This results in a loss of business for the city and dramatically alters the pedestrian friendliness and walkability of North Palm — key elements of the Downtown Master Plan.

There are two more items in the developer’s latest submittal that require adjustments which have not been requested: 1. An excessive driveway width 2. Very visible refuse and recycling containers to be picked up along the sidewalk.

Both deviations further detract from the walkability of North Palm and are, therefore, in even greater conflict with the Master Plan.

Of course, the most obvious issue is the building’s excessive height of 342 feet — more than 90 feet taller than any other existing condo building in Sarasota and more than twice the height of any nearby buildings. This height alone justifies rejection of the proposal because it does not comply with the compatibility criteria in the Zoning Code. It is a poor fit for the small 0.28 acre lot in the Arts District neighborhood.

And how this height is achieved provides yet another reason for denial; 1260 blatantly abuses the use of interstitial space (IS) to allow nine of the 14 residential units to have a water view and command a premium price ($10 million-$15 million instead of $5

million). The proposal is essentially trying to create waterfront condos on property that is not on the water.

This abuse of interstitial space is not only in conflict with the intent and the spirit of how IS is discussed in the city’s regulations; it’s also way out of line with industry standards. The three major building associations (BOMA, IFMA and AIA) all define IS as being used in hospitals and laboratory buildings for the storage of mechanical equipment.

It says nothing about using IS to increase building height in order to command premium real estate prices.

And for those of us who love architecture and appreciate local history, the proposed building would block out two sides of an architecturally distinguished building designed by famed Sarasota School architect, Tim Seibert.

Last, but not least, is human safety, both during and after construction. Building a massive structure on a small footprint within feet of neighboring buildings in a flood zone with strong wind tunneling effects is fraught with massive risk. No matter how well-intentioned and capable the builder might be, there will be significant disruption to hundreds of people’s lives, as well as risks to their health and well-being from dust, vibration, noise and flying debris — as evidenced by problems with the construction of smaller buildings in larger spaces in downtown Sarasota.

Over 3,000 people have signed petitions opposing this project versus only a handful that seem to support it. This is not unlike the proposed St. Regis parking garage on Longboat that was recently defeated. We can only hope that sanity and the public interest will prevail on this project as well.

LETTERS

Facts, law belie the criticisms, protests

9A

RON SHAPIRO SARASOTA

3200 HIGEL AVE | $4.65M

8415 MIDNIGHT PASS RD | $5.1M

DEFINING THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF LUXURY

8008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD | $2.795M PE ND ING

1033 SHADOW LAWN WAY | $1.165M

ING

565 COMMONWEALTH PL | $1.895M

ND

W

1280 HIDDEN HARBOR WAY | $7M 778 SIESTA DR | $6M 3731 INDIAN BEACH PL | $6M 4034 ROBERTS POINT RD | $5.6M 521 CASEY KEY RD | $5M 5315 HIDDEN HARBOR RD | $4.15M 1035 SEASIDE DR #501 | $3.95M 326 ISLAND CIR | $3.9M 3423 LA PALOMA AVE | $3.55M 7340 PINE NEEDLE RD | $3.5M 7323 PINE NEEDLE RD | $3.375M 642 WATERSIDE WAY | $3.2M 713 TREASURE BOAT WAY | $3.1M

PE

NE

RECENTLY SOLD

5357 SIESTA CT | $1.695M

24 Years Connecting Buyers and Sellers Ranked in the Top 1.5% of Realtors ® in the USA

1

No.

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

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.

Judie Berger, P.A., REALTOR ® Judie.Berger@PremierSIR.com 941.928.3424 homesofsarasota.com 401630-1

$55 Million Pending & Sold In 2023 $89 Million Sold In 2022

10A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Quay project changes satisfy Planning Board concerns

Summer Worship Sundays at 10:00am Sunday Coffee Hour at 9:00am 401465-1

All Are Welcome!

40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.com

Great for 4th of July Weekend

The Ritz-Carlton II developer modifications lessen the impact on historic Belle Haven.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD MARKET Please order ahead for

4 of July Weekend! th

LIVE Maine Lobster (Take ‘em live or we’ll steam for you!)

Haddock • Cod • Tuna • Salmon • Sword • Steamers Mussels • Scallops • Stuffies & More

941-918-2529 | 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34238 | LotsaLobsterSarasota.com (Next to SkyKing Fireworks—Just south of Sarasota Square Mall)

394870-1

Florida’s Fresh Catch—Grouper, Snapper, Shrimp

THE PERFECT END RESULT

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

Design Consultant . Wallpaper . Rugs . Upholstery . Custom Bedding

22 Years Experience.

397375-1

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

100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATION $

The Home Service Pros Who Care

of Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant and Shutoff Device Saves on Homeowners Insurance Policies Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Expires 6/30/2023.

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974 SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! Air Conditioning

Courtesy rendering

the south side of Belle Haven. The developer also agreed to dedicate 12 feet of frontage along the marina to connect the multiuse recreation trail on the north and south sides of the project site, and to create a “pedestrian promenade” beneath the ramp, which rises up to the third level of the new tower.

One more key concession was offered by the developer: to make the ramp wall a green (plant) wall to soften the visual impact from the windows on the west side of Belle Haven.

“I think they did do a pretty decent job with the modifications that they made of preserving some of the view corridors that are most important to the Belle Haven,” said Planning Board Member Damien Blumetti.

Chairman Daniel Clermont agreed that Kolter’s revisions preserve and enhance the vista to the most important exterior elements of Belle ­Haven.

“The vast majority of people will enjoy the building from the front. I think this is a positive and that’s why I support it,” Clermont said. “There are things that don’t work, but I think on balance it works … and I like the fact that they’ve acknowledged the things that we were concerned about.”

A rendering of the proposed Ritz-Carlton Residences II in The Quay.

FREE WATER ANALYSIS AND $100 Credit towards a New Whole House Filtration System Installed Not valid with any other offer or promotion.

Expires 6/30/2023.

!

W O N L L A C 941.866.6210

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

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

404532-1

Sun 11-4pm | Closed Mon

403176-1

Tues-Sat 11-6pm

Seconds away from a likely recommendation of denial by the Sarasota Planning Board during its May 10 meeting, the developer of Ritz-Carlton Residences II in The Quay instead asked for a continuance to address objections.

After making several modifications, developer Kolter Urban by a 4-1 vote last week secured a recommendation for approval of its site plan and a minor conditional use application with board member Kathy Kelley Ohlrich opposed.

The matter now goes before the City Commission for final consideration.

Planned for blocks 7 and 8 along the marina in The Quay, the second Ritz-Carlton Residences tower will bring 78 more luxury condominiums to the 14.7-acre master development.

Chief among the Planning Board’s concerns in May were the proximity of a three-lane driveway onto the site from Quay Commons adjacent to the historic Belle Haven building, a ramp that includes a high wall near the west elevation of the historic building and the termination of the multiuse recreation trail along the marina.

Kolter Urban was unable to change the ramp configuration or the positioning of the project relative to Belle Haven, but it did offer enhancements to make the situation more palatable, including an extra 14 feet of separation between Belle Haven and the ramp.

The new plan includes taking an extra six feet of width from Block 10 to push the driveway farther south, and enhancing the frontage along

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

11A

ADVERTISEMENT

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

ONE PARK SARASOTA: AN EXCEPTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CENTERPIECE, DESIGNED WITH THE CITY IN MIND One Park Sarasota remains fully committed to fostering a good partnership with the City of Sarasota and the local community to bring this oneof-kind luxury development to life for the residents of Sarasota to enjoy. Nestled in the heart of The Quay, One Park has developed an unmatched presence and level of interest from those within the Sarasota real estate market. Boasting stunning residences and a high-end range of public and private amenities, it has caught the eyes of buyers looking for a wholly luxurious residential experience.

With its creatively inspired aesthetic, extensive offerings, and top-notch ambiance, One Park Sarasota is poised to not only redefine luxury, but also serve as a prime example of what luxury can be as the city expands and looks toward its bright future.

Beyond Elegant Interior Design One Park Sarasota is more than just a residence; it’s a commitment to an unparalleled quality of life for its inhabitants. Every aspect of this luxury property has been meticulously designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of its residents, creating an environment that is both elegant and inviting, exceeding the expectations of residents and visitors alike.

405158-1

One Park Sarasota’s residences, expertly designed by the renowned Hoyt Architects, exude an unparalleled level of sleek sophistication to perfectly capture the essence of elevated waterfront living.

They consist of 123 fully finished two, three, and five-bedroom units and six penthouse units that immerse residents into The Quay’s tranquil bayfront ambience. Every unit is equipped with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, a contemporary lighting package with recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control, fully built-out closets, and a midnight bar in select primary bedrooms. Notable features also include expansive outdoor terraces with glass railing and summer kitchens, as well as an unprecedented level of efficiency through PMG smart home technology, delivering seamless personalization with a touch of a button. With these aspects in hand, one’s residential experience is not only pleasing to behold, but key for a more relaxed everyday life.

“One Park will be a one-of-a-kind development, with a flawless blend of finishes and understated designs, emphasizing beauty and functionality of the building, all while staying faithful to Sarasota’s established aesthetic,” said Gary Hoyt, President & Chief Executive Officer at Hoyt Architects.

Fostering Community Engagement A key element of luxury living is an engaged and thriving community. One Park Sarasota will foster just that for both its residents and those at The Quay through a spacious and exquisitely designed breezeway above Quay Commons. This secure passageway will provide convenient access to The

Quay and The Bay Park, transforming the common space into a dynamic pedestrian walkway adorned with widened sidewalks and vibrant greenery.

This one-of-a-kind communal area will serve as an engaging hub for both Sarasota locals and One Park Sarasota residents, creating a lively and safe atmosphere for making connections or taking a moment to enjoy the surrounding scenery as one travels.

One Park Sarasota will also deliver plentiful gathering and communal spaces on the ground floor for the general public to partake in and enjoy at their leisure. The developers of One Park have planned over 13,000 square feet of retail space at the building’s base.

This dedicated area will offer top-notch retail options, dining establishments, and outdoor café seating catering to individuals seeking to socialize with friends, seek shelter during inclement weather or hot summer days, or shop for the latest trends just steps away from home. This retail space will also contribute to the area’s vitality and commercial activity, ensuring the community’s energy and stability is sustained for years to come.

feet of expansive amenity space.

Elevated offerings include a private One Park Wellness Spa, a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness studio with high-tech exercise equipment, executive office suites, a wine room, a private theater room and golf simulator room, a children’s playroom, and hospitality suites. Additional services led by the dedicated concierge staff include valet parking, package delivery, and dog walking. Daily access to this dynamic range of amenities ensures residents never are far from enjoying serenity, comfort, and enriching activities, nor experiencing the greatness of waterfront living in Sarasota.

Embracing a New Standard of Luxury One Park Sarasota is establishing a new standard for luxury living in Sarasota.

Its ideal location, purposefully designed spaces that foster a seamless sense of community, and its meticulously crafted living spaces are second to none and showcase an appealing bayfront lifestyle unlike any other.

For One Park Sarasota residents, engaging experiences do not only exist outside the property or on the ground floor. Numerous leisure activities and five-star opportunities lie within the building itself, courtesy of 63,000 square

To witness this unparalleled residential experience firsthand, interested parties are encouraged to visit the One Park Sarasota sales gallery. With the finishing touches being placed on its new model primary bathroom and various other spaces to explore, it gives a pictureperfect glimpse into this iconic property coming soon to Sarasota.

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING

To schedule an appointment at the sales gallery, located on 20 N Lemon Avenue, please visit OneParkSarasota.com or call 941-232-7036.

Amenity Spaces For Everyday Living

12A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Plans to meet demands On her first day on the job, Erin Silk, the new president and CEO of the Economic Development Corp., explains how the organization will meet the demands of the County Commission.

Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

You are invited to a special intimate performance put on by the Sarasota Jazz Project.

AldermanOaks.com 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 AL#8979

Enjoy listening to Jazz selections from this talented group either out in our gardens or indoors, depending on the weather.

405267-1

To RSVP Call 941-955-9099

FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 RAIN OR SHINE 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

PET ADOPTION

MEGA ADOPTION FEES WAIVED* June 23, 24, and 25, 2023

Open Fri 10am-6pm | Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm Help Us Find Homes for 5,000 Dogs & Cats State-Wide! | megaadoptflorida.com *Fees may vary by location

uring three of her four-plus years with the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, Erin Silk has worked under two interim executive directors who worked to transition it into the more responsive, resultsoriented organization demanded by its primary benefactor, the Sarasota County Commission.

A fourth-generation Silk in Sarasota County, she said recalls her grandfather saying the Silks arrived here on horse and buggy. The Maryland native who began her career in the Baltimore area followed the family footsteps here in 2015 when she became CEO of Venice Main Street in 2015. She joined the EDC in 2019.

Last week, Silk was elected by the EDC Board of Directors as president and CEO, succeeding Lisa Krouse, who held the role on an interim basis for 18 months. Silk takes over at a crucial time with the County Commission demanding greater communication and more measurables to justify the more than $1 million per year in county funding.

On her first day as the new leader of the EDC, Silk talked with the Observer about economic development activity in the county and how the seven-member organization will work to bring in new companies, help existing companies find new space to expand, address the shortage of light industrial sites needed to create those new jobs and meet the demands of the County Commission.

What brought you from Maryland to Sarasota?

I was ready to be in Sarasota and Venice, and I was absolutely blessed and honored to get the position of CEO of Venice Main Street in 2015.

Venice Main Street is an economic development and historic organization in downtown Venice. It was there for about four-and-a-half years before I moved over to the EDC here, and I have now held four different roles within the EDC. You joined the EDC at a time when the County Commission was questioning its effectiveness.

How do you assess the changes since 2019?

What has kept us going is a strong board of directors and a strong commitment from the community to say they expect something different from the EDC. Sometimes change brings out good. Sometimes challenge brings out the best, and that’s what I see happening. Dave Bullock was the absolute best leader for the time period that he was with us (18 months). He only thought he was going to be with us for three months. And then Lisa Krouse was the absolute best person to lead us at the time that she did. And I hope that as we look back, the same will be said about me.

The County Commission is expecting measurable results. In an endeavor that is often intangible, how will you meet that demand?

Right now in our project pipeline we have 80 projects. About 50 are out of market companies that have identified or we’ve had initial conversations with about Sarasota County, logistics companies included. There are about 30 local companies that are here and growing like light industrial and hightech manufacturing. They’re having trouble identifying sites and we’re helping them with that. These are great companies and great fits for our community. We’re all working

2331 15th St. | Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.955.4131 | hssc.org

SIMPLY THE BEST “I was very pleased with Adriana! She did a great job marketing my condo, holding open houses very professionally. She was also a big help and knowledgeable when some problems arose. I would use her and BlueSRQ Real Estate again.”

— Nikki, Nokomis.

Verified by RateMyAgent

Buy, Sell, Invest.

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

(941) 894-7248 |

bluesrq.com

386696-1

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

Summer Annuals Are Here!

Add a splash of color to your yard!

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

388097-1

We are your source for everything yard and garden!

Your

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

together for the greater good of our residents.

What we’ve done is above and beyond our contractual obligation for quarterly metrics. We are providing a monthly report to the commission that also goes to all of the interlocal partners. And it’s not just metrics, it’s also about seven projects that we are going to close (on the sites) in 2023. We have five more that are slated to close in 2024. It’s a deeper dive into our process of what is actually in our pipeline. Additionally, we are having one-on-ones with our commissioners on a quarterly basis, and that’s brand new to us. We’re also inviting them to some of the projects that we’re working with and supporting our businesses. Getting to participate in our work I hope will have a real effect when you can see the connections being made.

We can put that on a spreadsheet and it doesn’t mean anything until you actually get into our work, see it in action and hear from the people it impacts.

It sounds like you are focusing on enhancing communications with the county.

You can’t have an impact on something as large and nebulous as an economy unless you’re a collaborator, a good communicator and are able to bring people together around something. Some of the things that we’re working on, you’re not going to see an end product for five to 10 years, A really good example of our work recently has been a partnership with the city of Northport as they have about 1,000 acres that they’re putting utilities out to off of Toledo Blade Boulevard and Sumpter Boulevard. Right now that is the only area of land in Sarasota County with the potential for significant job creation. We launched a video that was underwritten by FPL in collaboration with Northport and the EDC. It shows drone footage of buildings coming out of the ground, what could be there so you know when those buildings are up and running. It might not be for five years or more, but being able to visually show that and communicate it, to tell the story and to get the com-

13A

they’re coming to us and we can’t find a site.

How is that being addressed?

The County Commission has worked over the last two years to create a new business park overlay.

This isn’t something that is brand new, but it’s been exacerbated by the demand. It’s been something that we’ve had our eye on for a while, and now there is this overlay in different corridors of unincorporated Sarasota County where if a property owner so chose, they could apply for rezoning that otherwise would have not been an option for them. I really see our team as a connector, making sure that as we hear from those logistics companies we can explain to them that this is an option. We’re helping to educate them. We’re helping to connect them to property owners, helping to try to move the needle. And again, it’s a five- to 10-year outlook on that.

Courtesy photo

Erin Silk has been named by the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County as the organization’s new president and CEO.

munity buy-in is what will make us successful.

How do you define the personality of the local economy?

What we’ve seen in downtown Sarasota is this incredible attraction to entrepreneurs who are relocating to the Sarasota area, and they’re not just brand-new entrepreneurs that are on their first start up. ... They could go launch their next endeavor anywhere in the world but they want to be here in Sarasota County.

Maybe they moved to Sarasota or Siesta Key with their family. Maybe COVID has brought them here and they find this is a great place for business. There’s been a really exciting and cool energy on tech entrepreneurialism particularly around, the downtown Sarasota area.

Northport has immense opportunities with the land that they have.

We’re talking to manufacturers and logistics companies and also high

tech-manufacturers who would be a really great fit in Northport because of the space that they have and the workforce that they have.

The beauty of our area is that it’s there’s a little something for everybody. It depends on where you want to be and different lifestyles, and that also lends itself to the diverse industries.

How do inventory levels of commercial and industrial space impact recruiting for logistics and high industrial?

Our vacancy rate is extremely low, and one of the issues that we’ve encountered is with our growing population you have more logistics needs, whether it’s food distribution or just everything that supports a growing residential population. We’ve had companies come to us and say we know we need to be in Sarasota County. They know exactly where they want to be and exactly what they need to do, and

Alustra®, Duette® Operating Systems PowerView® Motorization

What is the economic future of the county?

We have become a serious destination for business. We have built a reputation as an exciting place for business, and I see it in the conversations that we’re having, the people that are reaching out to us.

Our center of influence has gotten broader and wider where we’re having people reach out from Canada and France and they have an interest to be in Sarasota County. I think the beauty of Sarasota County when it comes to our economic direction is it depends on where you are.

Economic development means a whole lot of things, and this organization continues to evolve. It’s been about diversifying the economy. We have fantastic hospitality, tourism, construction and health care. We need to be diverse and we need to not be relying on certain sectors.

Our niche is helping to diversify the economy, and it is a long-term investment. You can’t diversify an economy over the span of six months or a year. It isn’t a five-year or even a 20-year time frame.

CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE AT BIRD KEY

Sarasota’s Best

HARBOR ACRES ESTATE

Voted One of

28 Years in a Row!

MLS A4557763

THE SAND DOLLAR

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

WINNER

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

399387-1

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

MLS A4566256

THE WINDEMERE

118 N Warbler Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236

1550 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

4,594 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 3.5 Car Garage | Study | VIP Suite | Bonus Room with Bar | Infinity Pool | $7,250,000

4,189 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3 Car Garage Study | Media Room | Pool and Spa $4,438,000 Including Furnishings & Fixtures

Stunning Waterfront Location No Bridges to Gulf

Furnished Model Home with Leaseback

WEST OF TRAIL HOME NOW AVAILABLE

FURNISHED MODEL HOME OPEN

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

MLS A4538727

THE BAHAMA

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

THE LITTLE PALM

1625 Hansen St, Sarasota, FL 34231

1616 N Lake Shore Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231

3,157 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4½ Bath | 3-Car Garage Study | Bonus Room | Spacious Outdoor Living Pool and Spa | West of Trail | $2,589,000

4,651 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 4-Car Garage TV Room with Wet Bar | His and Her Studies Split His and Her Master Bathroom

Estimated Completion Winter 2024 Contact for More Information

Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday Noon - 4pm

Legendary Luxury. Innovative Design.

Complementing Heritage Builders’ unparalleled reputation for refined luxury homes and white-glove customer service is a stunning collection of innovative custom home designs.

Homes by Heritage Builders reflect cutting edge design trends, while maintaining an eye for timeless architectural styling, unprecedented livability and flawless quality.

Please contact us today to learn about our available new homes, portfolio of plans and custom home design-build services.

Call to Schedule a Private Tour

Design•Build•Maintain

Custom Homes | West of Trail Homes Available

Professional In-House Construction

402065-1

Call today to schedule an appointment

941.927.1882

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

All designs are the property of Heritage Builders of West Florida, LLC. CBC1259307 Plans, pricing and specifications subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s conception and not intended to show specific detailing. Square footages are estimated and may vary in actual construction.

HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

398386-1

Visit us at HeritageBuildersWFL.com or call (941) 328-8272

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Your News.

Your New Way.

Read Print Digitally!

NEW APP!

COPS CORNER

14A

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

BAT VS. GUN 9:16 a.m., near the intersection of North Washington Boulevard and 20th Street Dispute: When a baseball bat-wielding truck driver was met with another person holding a gun, officers were dispatched to the scene where they spoke to each party separately. The complainant, a semi-truck driver, said he was having his trailer unloaded when another trucker pulled into the area, blew his horn and asked the complainant to move so the roadway was not blocked.

Taking offense to the demand, the complainant approached the second truck with a baseball bat. That driver then brandished a firearm and told the complainant to back away. The two men separated until police arrived.

Officers determined the man showing his weapon, but not pointing it at his would-be assailant, was a reasonable response. The gun owner has a conceal-carry permit with no negative reports. Officers stayed on scene until the complainant’s truck was unloaded and he departed.

Get our e-Newspaper on your laptop, smartphone or tablet all in our new, easy-to-use app. Scroll through the pages of the paper on any device, and take us with you, wherever you go.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

SUBSCRIBE NOW! YourObserver.com/subscribe

ONLY 99¢

First Month

Limited Time Offer | Cancel Anytime

DUSTY DUCT DISPUTE 12:04 p.m., 2300 block of Central Avenue Dispute: An apartment resident was engaged in a dispute with the property manager over her HVAC ductwork not being cleaned. The dispatched officer made contact with the manager who called police for assistance as the resident had been yelling at her and refused to leave.

The manager advised that the resident had been instructed to run the air conditioning during the summer, but she refused to do so until the ducts were cleaned. The officer asked the manager if she wanted the tenant trespassed from the building

but was told residents there cannot be evicted. The resident could not be located by the officer either at her apartment or on the grounds.

DASHBOARD ASSAULT 10:29 p.m., 2500 block of North Tamiami Trail Assault: A reported physical altercation inside a vehicle between a male and female at a gas station turned out to be a case of a man beating the dashboard of his car. An officer met with a woman who said she had been in a verbal altercation with her ex-boyfriend and that the argument started over him drinking.

The man left the scene before police arrived. The woman had no visible injuries. It was determined no crime had been committed; the report was filed for documentation purposes only.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

HUSBAND’S DOB UNKNOWN 6:53 p.m., 3500 block of Cheshire Square Dispute: A woman called police to her apartment in reference to a dispute. An officer met with the complainant who advised her husband had left the residence after a dispute over him smelling of cigarette smoke. The woman could not provide her husband’s date of birth to confirm his identity.

During the argument, the complainant said her husband grabbed a case of beer and left in an unknown vehicle. She said he did not possess a driver’s license and might be intoxicated. She asked police to locate him and arrest him on these offenses. The man could not be located and no further action was taken.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

LOST AND FOUND GUN 5:11 p.m., 1100 block of Ritz Carlton Drive Found property: After a hotel housekeeper found a handgun left in a vacated room, management called police to investigate. The officer met with a manager and was informed that a handgun was found in a dresser drawer. A check of a handgun database returned no negative results. The officer left a voicemail with the guest and advised him the firearm would be in property/evidence holding for safe keeping.

Get Behind the Headlines Your membership supports independent local journalism here, at home, in your neighborhood.* Membership benefits include: • Unlimited access to our email newsletters and website.

• Invitations to member-only events.

• Free access to our e-Newspaper app on your laptop, smartphone or tablet.

• Opportunities to connect with our journalists and give feedback.

G NEW EN

LA ND

FAV OR I T ES !

ER SUM M

Become a Newsie Today!

65

$

Annually

ROAST BEEF

LOBSTER ROLL

JOIN TODAY!

YourObserver.com/subscribe

400874-1

Call 941-366-3468, ext. 320 or email: CustomerSupport@YourObserver.com

YourObserver.com

Gluten Free Options & Drive Thru • Open 7 Days A Week 11am-9pm The Square at UTC Next to to CVS pharmacy · 5407 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34201

403785-1

For more than 70 years, Kelly’s Roast Beef has been the staple of the North Shore of Boston, renowned for its thinly sliced “melt-in-your-mouth” roast-beef sandwiches and generous platters of Fresh New England seafood.

Have questions?

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

15A

Breathing easy underwater Diveheart helps people with disabilities dive in to scuba.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

A

fter 17-year-old Claire Christofori took her first underwater breaths in the swimming pool at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex on June 17, she said she was looking forward to something even bigger: a body of water like Sarasota Bay where she might encounter marine life — maybe even a sea turtle.

The Diveheart Scuba Experience had left her feeling “confident,” she said.

Her mother, Dawn Callahan, said that while Christofori, who has cerebral palsy, is unable to walk, she can enjoy freedom of movement and weightlessness in the water. As a result, Callahan began searching for a way Christofori could learn to scuba dive, eventually discovering Diveheart and its programs.

Corissa Leung, the leader of the Diveheart Suncoast Team, said rarely does a medical condition prevent someone from being able to take advantage of the organization’s programs, which include paid dive certifications in adaptive scuba (scuba for those who cannot obtain a traditional certification) and paid certifications for dive buddies.

“There’s very little where we say no, in terms of people who can dive,” she said. “There are a couple of medical challenges that prevent diving, but for the most part, anyone can do it.”

The nonprofit’s Sarasota events, held twice a year at Arlington Park, are free to the community and offered to participants ages 10 and older who have physical or intellectual disabilities.

Making it possible is a three-way partnership.

Andrea King, Therapeutic Recreation and Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator for Parks, Rec-

ABOUT DIVEHEART

Diveheart is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001.

The Diveheart Suncoast Team offers programs at pools and scuba trips to open-water environments.

While active in Southwest Florida through its Diveheart Suncoast Team, Diveheart also works in the Chicago metropolitan area, Atlanta and Malaysia.

On Sept. 23, Diveheart will hold its second and final adaptive scuba event of the year in Sarasota at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex.

For information or to get involved, visit Diveheart.org or follow the Diveheart Suncoast Team on Facebook.

reation, and Natural Resources at Sarasota County, said due to the city of Sarasota offering the park facility, which includes ramps into the water, and Diveheart bringing the expertise to the event, which she herself coordinates, “the magic happens.”

For many participants, that magic is the freedom of movement and weightlessness that divers experience. Kenny Menendez, who has been involved with Diveheart extensively, including on a trip to Cozumel, said it provides him with an experience that contrasts with being in his wheelchair.

“It’s just nice to be underwater and stretch out and not be in that seated position,” Menendez said. “It’s freeing, because I’m able to position myself in different ways. I can be upside down; I can stretch out my legs.”

Yet at the same time the programs offer freedom, they also provide a helping hand. While some participants, such as Menendez, can propel themselves, he said, they still require assistance, especially getting in and out of a boat.

“Any group that takes people with

disabilities, I want to be a part of,” he said.

Griffin Black, a first-time diver, was left impressed by the experience of scuba itself.

“It’s pretty surreal to be able to breathe underwater, and it’s very relaxing,” he said.

King said she enjoys coming out to the pool to watch people who may not have had the chance to do so before discover scuba.

“It’s pretty cool to watch someone in a wheelchair get in the water and do something that maybe ablebodied people take for granted,” King said.

While the organization benefits anyone learning how to dive, Leung said, it is also for those who haven’t been in the water due to an illness or an injury.

“We love having them come out, because we can show them how easy it is to get back in the water,” she said.

Attendee Jared Beck said he enjoys spearfishing, lobstering and scalloping — activities he is looking forward to resuming.

“This will allow me to get back into that,” he said.

None of the divers’ experiences, however, would be possible without the commitment of staff at the organization, which is volunteer-driven.

Tom Trinch, who is in the process of becoming an instructor with Diveheart, said he has found the opportunity to work with participants immensely satisfying.

“It’s a little different than certifying just anybody, of course, but it’s so much more rewarding,” he said.

“Anybody can dive. You just need to get people out and show them.”

He said while many think of diving as an extreme sport, this is not the case.

“It’s easier for younger kids, because as adults, we think about it too much,” he said. “Kids — they just go out and it’s natural for them to have fun.”

“What I like about scuba is there is no lack of volunteers; anybody who helps us out gets to go diving, too,” said Menendez.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Eric Garoutte and Diveheart’s Tom Trinch

Instructors Brian Scott, Mary Pat Godigkeit, Dan Schoenenman and Clare Brunton, with Dawn Callahan, Claire Christofori and Kelly Klepanchuk

Callahan hopes that others have the chance to discover what the experience has to offer.

“This is a great opportunity for Claire. It’s a well-run organization, and I would recommend it for folks similarly situated, to give them the same opportunity,” she said.

IT’S TIME TO STOP HIDING YOUR LEGS! Florida Lakes Vein Center offers state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments with no downtime!

FREE Screening Offered in June June 23rd and 30th Appointment is required.

Space is Limited.

Call Us Today To Reserve Your Spot

We Can Help If You Suffer From...

· Bulging Leg Veins · Leg Swelling or Cramping · Heavy or Achy Legs · Restless or Fatigued Legs

941.866.8989

It’s a No Veiner!

9114 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 101 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

404422-1

Florida Lakes Vein Center offers appointments in Lakewood Ranch Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. & Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A+E INSIDE: < PUGILISTIC PREMIERE: “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven” packs a mean punch. 19A MUSICOLOGY TALE: “Black Pearl Sings” opens at FST’s Keating Theatre on June 28. 18A >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 22, 2023

YOUROBSERVER.COM

CREATING A CANDY-COLORED WORLD Venice photographer Niki Butcher emerges from the shadow of her famous husband with a book capturing her pastel-hued work.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITOR

“Y

ou’re wearing my colors,” exclaims Niki Butcher when a visitor wearing

an aqua-and-pink dress arrives at the Venice gallery she shares with her husband, photographer Clyde Butcher.

Niki’s pastel-tinted photographs have their own room in the gallery, which is dominated by the massive black-and-white works of her husband.

Clyde’s stark environmental photography is often compared to that of the legendary Ansel Adams, whom he cites as an influence on his work.

Niki’s photographs also capture nature. It makes sense since the Butchers own a home and studio in Big Cyprus National Preserve in Ochopee. They’ve also shared cars, campers and boats in their 60-year journey together, which began in Palo Alto, Calif.

Like her husband, Niki starts out by taking a black-and-white photograph. But then she applies pastel pigments to the print and uses cotton swabs and balls as paintbrushes. What’s left behind is a candy-colored dream.

A TRIP TO OLD FLORIDA

Earlier this year, Niki published her first book of photographs, “Daydreaming,” which brings together her work spanning more than five decades.

Step inside the gallery room with Niki’s photographs and you’ll discover that the much-ballyhooed Big Sky of Montana has nothing on the panoramas of Florida, especially when they’re enhanced by the artist. In addition to large photos of mangrove, cypress and palm trees and idyllic sandy beaches, Niki’s room and her book feature smaller scenes of Old Florida.

These run-down fishing shacks, general stores selling a little bit of everything and salty, sun-dried characters are still around in the Sunshine State. Long after they’re gone, these vestiges of Old Florida will live on in Niki’s photographs.

For a woman whose creations depend upon embellishment, Niki is remarkably free of artistry. She doesn’t try to smooth out the rough edges of her life.

At 78, Niki’s not in a hurry, but maybe she never was. She’s delicate

Niki Butcher

The horizon seems endless in this tinted photograph of a dock on Loggerhead Key.

but not frail and appears ready for whatever life sends her way. She’s the able first mate to Clyde’s skipper.

For many years, Niki was too busy helping with Clyde’s business and tending to her children to be a real artist. But then fate intervened.

As she recounts the story of her life, she pauses and asks: “Do you know what happens to a marriage when a child dies?”

Yes. Very few survive. What’s more, siblings also carry the weight of the loss.

Niki’s transformation from helpmeet to artist came after her son Ted was killed by a drunken driver in 1986. “Not long after Ted died, we were booked at an arts show in Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan,” she recalls. “Being around all those young people got me missing Ted so much.”

While the Butchers were in Ann

Arbor, Niki met a young man in a wheelchair who was cheerful and did not appear to feel sorry for himself because he was disabled.

BECOMING A REAL ARTIST

Shortly after that encounter, Niki said she decided to stop taking pictures of stuffed bears, rocking chairs and other saccharine subjects, work that was designed to open wallets at art shows.

She decided to create art that spoke to her. “It was Ted who helped me see what I needed to do,” Niki says.

When they got married in 1963 after meeting on a double date, Niki had studied fine art at a junior college, and Clyde was working as an architect. He was the breadwinner; photography was just a hobby.

But then he lost his job in one of California’s periodic real estate busts. According to Niki, a close

“The sun sets in the West, and I was used to sunsets over the ocean. I really liked that.

Once we moved to the Gulf Coast, I was happy again. The sun set in the right place.”

— Niki Butcher

friend suggested that Clyde take down his photographs that were hanging on the walls of the Butcher house and sell them at an upcoming art fair.

By this time, the couple had moved to Los Angeles. Clyde’s photographs found favor with Angeleno art lovers.

“He made more in that one weekend that he had in a whole month as an architect,” Niki says.

YourObserver.com

17A

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Niki Butcher uses cotton swabs and cotton balls as her paintbrushes.

Niki Butcher

Niki’s embellished photograph of a mangrove tree on Money Key.

PRODUCING FOR THE MASSES

Clyde’s photographs were so popular that a friend approached him about starting a business to sell reproductions of Clyde’s images through department stores like Montgomery Ward and J.C. Penney.

“Back then, photography wasn’t really considered art, so we put a clock in the corner of the photograph and they became wall clocks,” Niki says.

Fast forward a few years. The Butchers and their financial partner own a company called Eye Encounter based in Akron, Ohio, with 200 employees. After selling Eye Encounter to a corporation, the Butchers decided to hit the road and then the sea, all the while raising two kids. Along the way, Clyde gave up color photography and destroyed all his negatives. According to Niki, he lost the rights to most of his images when they sold their company.

As former Californians, the Butchers love sunshine, the ocean and natural beauty. They didn’t

want to go home after selling their business in Ohio so they decided to give Florida a try.

But they didn’t get it right the first time — they settled on the East Coast. The people were nice enough, Niki says, but she couldn’t get her bearings.

“I was used to sunsets over the ocean. Once we moved to the Gulf Coast, I was happy again. The sun set in the right place,” she says.

The turning point in their lives, though, was when they were able to buy a property in Big Cypress, a stepping stone into Florida’s dark and wild interior. Clyde found the landscape that would cement his reputation as an environmental photographer.

But before visitors started coming to the Butcher Gallery in Big Cypress, Clyde and Niki had to hit the road to sell their art.

Long before the #vanlife craze hit social media, the Butchers were parking their camper in places like Central Park West in New York City to attend art festivals.

ALWAYS HAPPY TO COME HOME

Wherever the Butchers travel, Niki’s always happy to come back to Florida and its “weird and wonderful people,” she says. “There’s nothing like it.”

A visitor to a crowded open house in May at Clyde Butcher’s Venice gallery, located in a warehouse district, could rightfully assume that their success was predestined. That would be a mistake, Niki says.

“When you go to art fairs, you meet so many talented people. Why did we succeed with two galleries while other people are still selling at art shows? Because we had the experience of running a business,” she says.

These days, the Butchers’ daughter Jackie and son-in-law Neal Obendorf play a major part in the business, particularly since Clyde’s recent stroke. Even the grandkids are getting involved.

As Clyde and Niki celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year, the couple knows their legacy is in good hands.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Courtesy photos

Clyde and Niki Butcher are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

THE JEAN & ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES

TIFFANY

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

BONUS!

SEE CIRCUS MUSEUMS FOR JUST $5 WITH TICKET PURCHASE!

THE PURSUIT OF BEAUTY IN NATURE

Incredible Family Entertainment

FINAL WEEKS

AT THE RINGLING

NOW – SAT AUG 12

The Ringling 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota

SELBY.ORG

401897-1

13

$

12 & UNDER

20

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

390599-1

941.360 .7399

LEAD SPONSORS

CHILD

ringling.org

TUE – FRI SAT

ADULT

TICKETS:

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Drs. Joel Morganroth and Gail Morrison Morganroth

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

‘THE MAN I LOVE’ LECTURE 11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

This Osher Lifelong Learning Institute class recounts the 10-year affair between Kay Swift and musical giant George Gershwin, which lasted until Gershwin died. Swift was the

OUR PICK

BLUESTAR BAND PRESENTS ‘REAL DEAL BLUES’ Offseason got you singing the blues?

The antidote might be “Real Deal Blues” with Bluestar Band, featuring Johnny Guitar, who claims to have been living the blues his entire life. Guitar will be joined by former retinal surgeon Oren “Doc” Plous on keyboards, Chicago blues veteran Kevin O’Connor on guitar and Sarasota radio host Velvet Hammer on bass. The band will play blues standards, plus some of Guitar’s original songs.

IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24 Where: Old Packinghouse Cafe Tickets: Free Info: Visit BlueTarBand.com.

first woman to completely score a hit musical.

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit CircusArts.org.

Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, just to name just a few.

Tickets are affordable, thanks to a partnership between the Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Runs through Aug. 12.

‘FAIRY TALE’ 4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail From $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Flutist Jasmine Choi and pianist Michael Adock play Dutilleux, while Jennifer Frautschi plays violin on Schubert’s “Piano Quintet in A Major.” The concert also features the works of Janacek, DeFalla/Kreisler and Kreisler. The festival continues through June 24.

‘REEL MUSIC’ 6 p.m. at Florida StudioTheatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Reel Music” celebrates the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century, with classics like “Singing in the Rain,” “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Runs through June 25.

‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to fulfill their dreams. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth risking one’s life for?

Runs through July 9.

THE SURFER BOYS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret,1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Runs through Aug. 13.

‘SHEAR MADNESS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

artists who have been in residence on its Manasota Key campus.

Details of the show have not been announced.

‘Traditions and Transformations’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $29 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The works of Debussy, Ligeti, Beethoven and Mendelssohn will be performed. The festival continues through June 24.

SATURDAY

There’s been a murder in a Sarasota hair salon, and it’s up to FST audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy. Runs through July 2.

‘BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. From $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

FRIDAY

Nicholas McGegan conducts piano soloist Robert Levin playing Beethoven’s Piano Concert No. 4. The works of Emily Cooley and Schumann will also be performed.

‘RISING STARS’ 2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail From $15 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The works of Fanny Mendelssohn, Brahms, Strauss, Ravel and other composers will be performed by the fellows studying at the Sarasota Music Festival. The festival continues through June 24.

SHINDIG BAND 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, Venice Free Visit VeniceFL.org/Friday-NightConcert-Series.

The city of Venice kicks off its summer season of free concerts with ShinDig, which plays popular hits from Golden Oldies to the music of today. The series continues every other Friday through Sept. 8.

DON’T MISS

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Set during the Great Depression, “Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slavery-era music and an African American prisoner who has the knowledge that the researcher needs.

IF YOU GO When: June 28, Runs through July 30.

Where: FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $25 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

SONGS FROM THE SAND: A HERMITAGE CABARET 7 p.m. at Waterside Pavilion at Lakewood Ranch, 1560 Lakefront Drive $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

This evening of song will feature original songs and words created by

Courtesy photos

“Black Pearl Sings” runs June 28-July 30 at FST. The family friendly Summer Circus Spectacular runs at Historic Asolo Theater through Aug. 12.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN

www.manasotaonline.com

385049-1

18A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Boxing meets black holes in Urbanite’s pugilistic premiere ‘That Must be the Entrance to Heaven.’

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

F

ranky D. Gonzalez’s “That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” just premiered at Urbanite Theatre. The play revolves around a quest for the title of World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

Fisticuffs aside, this isn’t your typical boxing play. It flips genre expectations. “Rocky” it isn’t. It’s more of an anti-boxing play. We’ll explain why later. For now, let’s talk about what it is.

There are four contenders vying for the heavyweight title. All happen to be Latino. All have paid a heavy price to be in the competition.

Armando (Edgar Miguel Sanchez) defected from Cuba to make the boxing big time. His father considers him a traitor to the revolutionary cause. Was it worth it? Armando’s starting to doubt it.

He’s discovered that boxers don’t age as well as wine.

Edgar (Peter Pasco) emigrated from Mexico as a child and blames himself for his mother’s death on the journey to America. He hopes that winning the title will earn him an “extraordinary ability” visa. (In the ring, Juan gives himself the visa’s name — “Extraordinary EB-1”.)

Juan (Juan Ramirez Jr.) hates the sport of boxing. But it’s the only thing he knows, and he keeps it up to support his family. Manuel (Rodney Nelson) is living in his champion brother’s shadow — and carries the weight of his sibling’s suicide after a powerhouse punch turned off his opponent’s lights.

Permanently.

The story builds from there, but I won’t spoil it. Let’s just say it’s far from basic.

Kathleen Capdesuner’s direction makes the most of Gonzalez’s shattered structure. In boxing, keeping an opponent off balance is a tried-and-true technique.

You feint, get the opponent to lunge, make them lose their center of gravity. That’s what the text demands. That’s what Capdesuner does.

Tom Hansen’s set isn’t a realistic boxing ring; it’s more like a boxing ring turned inside-out.

(An accurate re-creation would make it hard for the actors to move around on stage.) Caroline Eng’s sound design and Ethan Vail’s lighting smartly evoke the playwright’s half-worlds. The black hole is a key motif in this play. Vail brings it to life without elbowing you in the ribs.

The actors make me forget that they’re actors. This doesn’t feel like looking at a performance. It feels like I’m looking at different people. I don’t mean it as a compliment. It’s just a fact.

Diego Villada’s fight choreography is brilliant. It’s possible to fake contact — championship wrestling proves it. But Villada takes a different approach. He shows you the movement patterns without impact. But this is boxing not ballet. The fight direction conveys the brutal, visceral violence of the sport. The actors’ moves feel real.

(And so does their sense of pain and physical damage.)

You can tell that Villada’s fiercely trained them. Beyond accuracy, their punches, blocks

Courtesy photo

Edgar Miguel Sanchez and Rodney Nelson are two of four boxers in “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven,” which runs through July 9 at Urbanite Theatre.

IF YOU GO

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven.” Through July 9. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $25-$39. Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

and dodges are characterization.

The boxers’ moves tell you who they are. (That’s baked into Gonzalez’s script — and he has a keen grasp of boxing’s in-the-moment strategy.) Villada gets it. And makes sure you get it.

Gonzalez’s work is a higher level of difficulty. The playwright has a long list of bravura techniques. Mundane realism isn’t

CAT CARE CLINIC

LORNA BIEBER

Affordable Veterinary Services

Open to the Public

401590-1

By Appointment Only - 941.366.CATS (2287) 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 For pricing and services, go to www.catdepot.org

one of them. Gonzalez’s speech is heightened. His dialogue feels like poetry — and sometimes feels like a contrapuntal fugue.

His well-drawn characters don’t sound like each other. His boxers often talk to people who aren’t there — ghosts, memories.

It’s soliloquy in disguise. These X-rays of the soul remind me of Chayefsky at his best. Or Shakespeare. Technique aside, Gonzalez’s implied philosophy sets his work apart. Yes, you heard right.

“Philosophy.”

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” is a philosophical play with boxing gloves.

Its philosophy is why it flips genre expectations.

Boxing plays (and movies like

REVIEWS

Punching on heaven’s door

“Rocky”) typically get you rooting for one boxer to follow their dreams and win. Even if they lose, they’re still a winner. It’s a feelgood genre, with some notable exceptions like “Raging Bull.”

“Entrance to Heaven” is more of an anti-boxing play. (Anti-genre, not anti-sport. Just to be clear.)

Gonzalez makes you root for all four contenders. Then he makes you question their dreams of boxing glory. And all dreams, for that matter. “ ... The weight of a dream suffocates the soul,” says the boxer Armando. The price the pugilists pay just to be contenders doesn’t seem worth it. Winning the title doesn’t magically solve anyone’s problems. There are no winners.

Even if you lose, you win.

“Boxing” is clearly a metaphor for the human condition on this Earth. Life is a struggle. If you’re a Latino on the outside looking in, the struggle is harder. There are winners and losers. Your choices determine which one you are.

Time is a one-way street. There’s no going back.

Gonzalez contrasts that with another metaphor. A special kind of black hole (i.e., heaven’s entrance) that Juan’s mother told him about when he was a kid.

Within its singularity, life isn’t a struggle. Here, every possible choice happens simultaneously.

There is no time. And no need to go back.

And that’s just the short version.

This play has a lot going for it. Sometimes it feels like too much. And that’s my only beef. I sometimes lose the metaphysical thread in all its various complications — and keeping the thread is what I’m good at.

Gonzalez needs to play a game of creative Jenga and take out some of the philosophical meandering without making the narrative structure collapse. That’s a surface criticism. A matter of style, not the heart.

“That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” has miles and miles of heart.

It’s not afraid to break your heart.

19A

NAtuRAL WORLd

MAINSTAGE SUBSCRIBE 3 shows for as little as $49!

“KEEPS THE LAUGHS COMING”  SARASOTA HERALDTRIBUNE

THR HELD O OUG VER H JU LY 2 !

BY PAUL PÖRTNER

THROUGH OCT 15

405261-1

INFORMATION + TICKETS

KEN LUDWIG’S

A COMEDY OF TENORS

941.366.9000 FLORIDASTUDIOTHEATRE.ORG

PICTURED: GINA MILO, JORDAN AHNQUIST, LISA MCMILLAN, GIL BRADY, SHAUN MEMMEL, AND LUIS E. RIVERA. PHOTOS BY JOHN JONES.

1241 NORTH PALM AVENUE

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. Additional support provided by the Amicus Fund. This exhibition is part of the Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan Photography and Media Arts Program at The Ringling.

Lorna Bieber, Ordinary Day (detail), 2016-2019. Ultrachrome II ink on Hannemuhle canvas.

116 x 253 in. Image courtesy of the artist (c) Lorna Bieber. Photo credit: Brad Trent.

380874-1

BLACK PEARL SINGS!

ringling.org

20A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Look No Further 1915 Clematis Street Nancy Endara & Peter Laughlin

$3,150,000 941.323.1700

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

SIESTA KEY 319 Ogden Street Judie Berger

$1,825,000 941.928.3424

RUSTIC LODGE 2415 Floyd Street Robert Sherman

LAKEWOOD RANCH & COUNTRY CLUB 7134 Beechmont Terrace Laura Stavola

4197 Boca Pointe Drive Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

$949,000 941.587.6660

101 Wayforest Drive Debi Cohoon

$649,000 941.920.6818

$1,475,000 941.587.4894

$2,329,000 941.525.2740

19912 Bridgetown Loop Martha Pike

13021 Steinhatchee Loop Kim Vogel

MOTE RANCH

$1,150,000 941.716.4392

6232 Cypress Bend Court Tom Hedge

$849,900 941.254.1996

5904 Wake Forest Run #104 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

GRAND PALM

$850,000 941.877.2550

STONEYBROOK AT VENICE 11425 Dancing River Drive Crystal Cosby

4904 Higel Avenue Mike Warm

OASIS OF THE WEST VILLAGES

THE VENICE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

LAGUNA AT RIVIERA DUNES 611 Riviera Dunes Way #108 Cindy Pierro

PRESTANCIA

$1,525,000 941.447.4875

NOKOMIS 801 Sandpiper Lane Tom Hedge

HARMONY SIESTA KEY $1,699,000 941.313.1301

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

VILLA D’ESTE

$649,000 941.882.0070

7231 Villa D’Este Drive Cindy Taliaferro

$975,000 941.587.6660

$649,999 941.374.5010

THE PRESIDENTIAL $640,000 941.894.7269

845 Benjamin Franklin Drive #208 Allison Werner

$635,000 941.961.3212

RESIDENCES FROM $840,000

Located in Sarasota’s eclectic Rosemary District, Villa Ballada will feature 22 contemporary residences above two ground-level retail spaces. Residents will enjoy exceptional urban living moments and excitement being in the midst of downtown dining, shopping and cultural happenings.

430 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

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. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

396071-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

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

JUNE 22, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS A family legacy at center stage A love of music has been passed down in the Bruno family for generations.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

F

or Joe Bruno Sr. and Joe Bruno Jr., a Father’s Day evening spent in the ambiance of Cassariano eatery in Venice was just another day in their lives as musicians.

While the Bruno family has been performing at the eatery since 2014, their lineup spans three generations of fathers and sons, with the performers frequently including Joe Bruno Sr., Joe Bruno Jr., Joe Bruno Jr.’s wife Christine Allen-Bruno, and their son, Nick Bruno.

Music has been a part of Joe Bruno Sr.’s life as long as he can remember.

In 1937, Joe Bruno Sr. sneaked into the attic, where his father, Tony Bruno, stored his eleven musical instruments, and blew into the trumpet. He expected to find himself in trouble, but as his father entered the room, he simply inquired as to whether he liked the instrument.

Joe Bruno Sr. replied that he did.

“That’s what you’re going to play,” his father said.

Today, at 96 years old, Bruno is still performing at three to four events per week, and at seven to 10 during high season.

“People say, it’s in your genes,” said Joe Bruno Jr. “My philosophy is being part of a musical family, the opportunity is there. That’s why we play music, because we have the opportunity.”

JOE BRUNO SR.

Tony Bruno was “the big guy in Boston,” said Joe Bruno Jr. — a contractor and orchestra leader who led singers like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Wayne Newton.

Therefore, he said, it was only natural that his son and grandson would be influenced by his work.

“It was really neat seeing (my grandfather) working with these guys like they were all buddies, because they had done so many shows together,” Joe Bruno Jr. said.

Tony Bruno also performed at Cocoanut Grove before the location was destroyed by the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history in 1942, and he relocated to Boston’s Latin Quarter.

Joe Bruno Sr. began playing for Tony Bruno’s band while he was in high school, alongside many

renowned performers. Yet, even outside of concerts, music still colored his life.

“There was music all the time, and on Saturday afternoon in the den, (my father) would put on the opera, and we had to sit there and listen. He made sure we did that.”

Music was still his obligation after he enlisted in the Navy at age 17, submitting his age as 18, and served as a bugler on the USS Midway. He left the Navy after the war ended, before returning during the Korean War and then becoming stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.

While sailing in a sailboat down the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, he was struck by the beauty he saw and resolved to live in Florida, although it would take 20 years for him to make his return.

“He’s a phenomenal performer,” said musician Joni Adno, a Sarasota resident who leads a Joni Mitchell tribute project. “He’s like Jaco reincarnated.”

JOE BRUNO JR.

Joe Bruno Jr. also became absorbed in the musical scene that surrounded him, his father, and his grandfather.

“As a kid, I would grow up into all this, and I would see all these (famous) people and all this music was just going into my ears,” he said.

At age 16, he received a bass and began lessons, playing in rock bands with his cousins. While living in

FIND OUT MORE

To view the Bruno family’s livestream performances, visit YouTube.com/c/ JoeBrunoBass.

To contact the Brunos and for more information, visit BrunoConnection.net.

Courtesy photos

Joe Bruno Sr.

Florida, at age 17, he was asked by Joe Bruno Sr. to fill in for another player at a New Year’s Eve concert.

It was the first time he’d ever played in a jazz band, but the experience stuck with him.

“At that point, I decided I wanted to play that kind of music,” he said.

Within six months, he was playing in a band with his late sister, Anne Marie Bruno.

His path then converged even more closely with his father’s.

He’d known he wanted to be part of the Navy ever since watching a signoff on late night TV in which the Navy played “Eternal Father, Strong To Save.” He resolved to audition for the U.S. Navy Band on trumpet.

Although he could play by ear, he hadn’t learned to read music, and ended up needing to practice more than 60 hours a week to graduate.

Joe Bruno Jr. and Joe Bruno Sr. perform at Senior Friendship Centers.

Since 1990, Joe Bruno Sr. has played at least once a week there.

Just Listed...

D

NICK BRUNO

Like his grandfather, Nick Bruno couldn’t resist trying out the instruments he found in his home.

Joe Bruno Jr. was pleased when he came home from performing one day to find Nick Bruno playing the drum set, having assembled it on his own.

“Drums was the completion of the triangle for a full rhythm section,” Nick Bruno said.

Nick Bruno went on to offer his first public performance at the age of 8, alongside his father. At the same age, he went on to perform with John LaPorta and Jack Peterson, two wellknown educators at the Berklee College of Music, before he had his first official drum lesson at age 10.

“I was growing into it at a very, very early age, having professional musicians as parents, my grandfather and everything, and so being born into the household with all of that influence, it was hard not to get involved,” he said.

Now, the 30-year-old plays instruments including tuba, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, piano and organ.

He received a master’s degree in percussion from University of South Florida but said he felt drawn to law enforcement, and ultimately chose a career with the Sarasota Police

Department, around which his family arranges performances.

He also teaches the drum line at Riverview High School and is a member of the Venice Symphony Orchestra.

CHRISTINE ALLEN-BRUNO

In 2020, the Bruno band brought on its newest member.

Although Christine Allen-Bruno had limited experience playing jazz in college, she’d stayed mainly confined to classical music after she married Joe Bruno Jr. in the early 1990s.

The pandemic changed that.

After a church at which she’d been planning to perform closed down, she decided to hop onto the piano in one of her family’s livestreams.

“I’m having a great time playing jazz with them, and I’m still learning,” she said. “I’m thrilled that I had this opportunity that in a way, forced me to jump into the deep end of the pool with jazz.”

Allen-Bruno, who majored in piano performance, and theory and composition at Georgia State University, also taught piano to Nick Bruno when he was young, and helps the group with tasks that include packing and organization.

“She’s like the glue,” said Joe Bruno Jr. “She’s an amazing musician.”

She is currently teaching Brian Rudolph, the son of Anne Marie Bruno and his son, Cameron Rudolph, the great-grandson of Joe Bruno Sr. Now, she’s joined the lineup, performing at events in the community.

A few of the numerous organizations for which the Brunos have performed include the Ringling Circus, Sarasota Orchestra, and Circus Sarasota, Sarasota Jazz Festival and RocknRoll Revival in Brooksville.

Y OUR LITTLE PIECE OF PARADISE

!

SOL

“If I didn’t, I would have been on a ship chipping paint,” he said. “That was the threat. But I was following in (my father’s) footsteps.”

He went on to perform for four years in the Navy band.

During the 1980s, Bruno became a stockbroker, and although he made a six-figure salary, it left him with little time for music. Eventually, he made up his mind to return to what he most loved.

WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING... YOU CAN COUNT ON US

AY D E N

JENNIFER THOMPSON, P.A., REALTOR, GRI

IN O

941.928.0790 Jennifer@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

TAYLOR THOMPSON, P.A., REALTOR 941.928.2372 Taylor@ThompsonGroupSarasota.com ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

404420-1

445 REID STREET | SIESTA KEY | FL 34242 This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single-family home features a heated saltwater pool, outdoor shower, and updates including renovated kitchen and bathrooms, new flooring, and new interior paint.

Scan the QR Code to Visit our website ThompsonGroupSarasota.com

6021 Midnight Pass Road | Siesta Key

2B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Community and progress

A

mid the lively celebrations at the Juneteenth block party in Newtown on June 17 were thoughts of the progress of the Black community over time.

“It means everything to me,” Anthony Johnson said of the holiday. “It speaks to our progress within society.”

Juneteenth takes place on June 19, the anniversary of the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people would be freed, two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The event brought together local food vendors, including CJ’s Barbecue and Inga’s Catering & More and organizations like Second Chance Last Opportunity, along with live music.

Preceding the block party was the Juneteenth Freedom Day Cookout held at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library on June 16.

Johnson, a youth literacy advocate and former county employee for whom the library is named, was in attendance.

“For (Juneteenth) to be celebrated at the library here in the Newtown community, that’s just awesome,” she said.

Lisa Gilbert, whose 8-year-old granddaughter, Aubrie Stilwell, is biracial, said she makes a point of attending the block party each year.

“We just look forward to this,” she said. “Aubrie needs to understand her heritage.”

April Glasco, the founder and CEO of Second Chance Last Opportunity, said the event offered an opportunity for the whole community to be involved.

“It doesn’t matter the color of your skin. We’re all here to help support and care for one another,” she said.

Latoya Wright stocks the supply at Toya Jay’s Collard Green Egg Rolls.

Malcolm Gaudin, 12 years old, 13-year-old Mac Gaudin, 9-year-old Malik Gaudin and Mac Gaudin celebrated Juneteenth at the event, including with their attire.

Davis Furlow of Neighborhood Juice

Photos by Ian Swaby

Led by Amy Raspiller of Amy’s Hoop Circle, Kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties play at the library during the cookout event on June 16 at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library.

— IAN SWABY

402378-1

Meet Amy. She’s worked at FPL for seven years managing customer outreach for our Storm Secure Underground Program, an initiative that replaces overhead neighborhood power lines with underground lines to improve storm resiliency and reliability. To Amy, family and community are everything. Providing reliable energy is just one of the many ways she feels she can make a real difference for her family and yours. Learn more at FPL.com/Value

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

3B

JEFF RHINELANDER 941-685-3590 | jef f@jef frhinelander.com

COURTNEY TARANTINO 941-893-7203 | cour tney.tarantino@floridamoves.com

RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES 401 QUAY COMMONS #1101 | $7,695,000 | ACTIVE LISTING

WATER CLUB 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, UNIT 808 | $3,395,000 | ACTIVE LISTING

KANAYA 505 S ORANGE AVENUE, UNIT 401 | $2,215,000 | ACTIVE LISTING

398053-1

443F John Ringling Blvd | Sarasota, FL 34236

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

de Mani Manioo Eberley GROUP

A wild evening

NEW LISTING

T

19341 Yellowtail Ct, Venice

he social scene at Charlie’s Third Annual Liger Luau included a mixture of humans, lemurs, foxes, a sloth and more on June 17 at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary.

“It’s a wonderful event — animals and people here all together,” said Kay Rosaire, who founded the sanctuary in 1987. “We’re very much in favor of the human-animal bond, and this is just a great way to put it out there.”

Amid a scene of vibrant Pacific-style decor, the fundraising event also offered energetic performances by Echo of the South Pacific, a Tampa Bay-area Polynesian entertainment group; a specialty drinks and beverage bar; a silent auction; raffles; and a performance by That Bald DJ. As with past years, food was provided by Charlie Haney, owner of Rodizio Grill and Butcher’s Mark, and cooked

by Perry’s Original Roadside BBQ, with this year’s event named in Haney’s honor due to his culinary contribu-

$630,000

Pool Home Caribbean Village. MOVE-IN READY 3 BR/2 BA in gated community. Gorgeous views of lush preserve, beautiful gas heated cocktail pool complete with fountains and a water tanning ledge, spacious screened pool lanai for entertaining. community center with fitness facility, club room, pool and bocce ball court. Low HOA fees. Few miles to Venice for dining and shopping and Nokomis beaches. Turn Key furnishings available to purchase. MLS A4573992

PENDING

22 Sandy Cove #502

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

$1,699,000 1030 Sylvan Dr

SIESTA KEY PENTHOUSE. Gulf front private beach. Panoramic views of the Gulf and Cedar Lake. 3 en suite bedrooms. Completely renovated unit in coveted Sandy Cove. Kayak storage, fishing pier. Near the Village. Big dogs welcome.

MLS A4533408

tions all three years.

Attendees said they enjoyed supporting the rescue while also experiencing the event scene.

“It’s wonderful,” said Michele Edgerley, a neighbor of Haney who said she and her husband, Lee Edgerley, invited as many of their other neighbors as they could. “All our neighbors get together to support Big Cat Habitat, which is such a wonderful cause. They did a great job — really well done.”

“I’m here for just about everything,” said Max Strong, a volunteer with the organization. “Definitely, fundraising is important for sure. It allows us to do what we do … I think it’s important to keep the human-animal bond alive, and they do a good job of it here.”

The event was also a chance for humans of all ages to come together, Rosaire said.

“It’s open to the whole family, so it’s a lot of fun.”

— IAN SWABY

$1,899,000

SYLVAN SHORES. Waterfront investment opportunity. Build your dream home or rent the existing cottage on Whitaker Bayou, just north of Downtown Sarasota. Direct access to the Bay. MLS A4536183

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

Voted Sarasota Magazine’s Five Star Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” 17 Years in a Row 405344-1

BETSY DE MANIO | 941.914.5540 JACKIE EBERLEY | 201.233.1959 deManioEberleyGroup.com

Photos by Ian Swaby

Big Cat Habitat founder Kay Rosaire and employee Nancy Nallin allow one of the resident lemurs to show its appreciation.

5145 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key, FL 34242 Coldwell Banker Realty Owned and Operated by NRT,LLC

2023 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

June 28 | July 19 | August 23 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Michael’s On East, Sarasota Only $39 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

1 1Bedroom startingatat Bedroom Apartments Apartments starting under underApartments $5,000 per month 1 Bedroom starting at under $5,000 per month Available Now! 1 Bedroom Apartments startingNow! at under $5,000 perINDEPENDENT month Available Available Now! MEMORY CARE LIVING ASSISTED LIVING

$5,000 month Available Now! MEMORY CAREper INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING

1 Bedroom Apartments starting at under INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING $5,000 per month Available Now!

MEMORY CARE

MEMORY CARE

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Rebecca Klein AJC’s Director of National Political Outreach WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023

Finding Common Ground in a Hyper-Partisan Environment In an increasingly polarized political climate, finding areas of common interest can be challenging. Issues of concern for the Jewish community often bridge the partisan divide and provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations.

Benjamin Rogers AJC’s Director, Middle East and North Africa Initiatives

ASSISTED LIVING

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

Transitioning a senior living apartment be overwhelming.

Transitioning to to a senior living apartment can becan overwhelming.

Transitioning atosenior apartment Fromcoordinating coordinating ato move, to selling a and home and even unpacking!

From a move, selling aliving home even unpacking!

can be overwhelming. From coordinating a move,

Transitioning a senior livingand apartment can be overwhelming. toto selling aLet home even !unpacking! us HELP ! even unpacking!

From coordinating a move, to selling a home and

Let us HELP

Tour today to see Sarasota’s best valued

Tourtotoday seeapartment Sarasota’s best valued Transitioning a seniorto living can be overwhelming.

1 Bedroom Apartment and all of the other From 1coordinating a move, to selling a home unpacking! ! and Bedroom Apartment and all even of the other

Let us HELP lifestyle amenities that it includes.

The United States, Israel, and the Arab World: Where do we go from here?

As we prepare to celebrate the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords, where have there been successes, and where have there been challenges? Join us as we discuss the ever-shifting dynamics of U.S. – Middle East relations.

Belle Yoeli AJC’s Chief Advocacy Officer WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023

lifestyle amenities thatbest it includes.

The State of Jewish Affairs: Around the World with AJC Tour to see Sarasota’s valued Call ustoday at 941-413-7997 to schedule your appointment!

There is never a dull moment for the Jewish people and the Let us HELP !

Call us at 941-413-7997 to schedule your appointment!

State of Israel. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we tackle 1 Bedroom Apartment and FLall of the other 5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, 34233 some of the most challenging current events and how they are Tour todayamenities to see Sarasota’s (One block north of Clark Road) best valued lifestyle that it includes.

5650 Gantt Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233 impacting our community.

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com 1 Bedroom Apartment (One blockand north ofall Clark of Road)the other Call us at 941-413-7997 to schedule your appointment!

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com lifestyle amenities that it includes. ALF License #13578 Reservations Required.

941-413-7997 DiscoverSaraBella.com 5650 Gantt• Rd, • Sarasota, FL 34233

ALF License #13578

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

ALF License #13578

(One block north of Clark Road)

405038-1

5650 Gantt Rd, Sarasota, FLyour 34233appointment!

Call us at 941-413-7997 to •schedule (One block north of Clark Road)

402890-1

ALF License #13578

RSVP Online at AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2023 Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org Or Call AJC at 941.365.4955

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

5B

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

seniortransport.org | Call: 941-296-6960 or 888-295-2376

DRIVE A NEIGHBOR TO A BRIGHTER DAY! CALL TO VOLUNTEER TO DRIVE.

405044-1

Non-profit serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Rides to medical appointments, grocery store, or other errands for adults 60 and over who are unable or feel unsafe driving.

Also, those of any age with vision difficulties.

Home Care Services Customized to your needs Sasha Kenyon gives Ellen Matos and 4-year-old Mason Romero a chance to meet Sparky, a North American red fox.

30

YEARS

of EXPERTISE

Continuity of caregivers and oversight to ensure your satisfaction.

Caring starts here. Contact me today.

941.925.9532

Marco and Victoria Sousa

Scan to Learn More: Don’t leave this big decision to your children.

Stella the sloth relaxes at the Liger Luau.

youthfulaginghomecare.com License 299991326

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

395376-1

Nicci Kobritz, President

FRrEbE al

Ve isals ra App

We Buy & Sell All Precious Metal Coins & Bars

Did you inherit a collection? Eastern makes selling your valuables for top dollar easy and worry free. Our experts will work with you to quickly evaluate your collection. For more information visit our website : 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.

12 Years at the Same Location

Call For The Current Price

402652-1

WE BUY IT ALL

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

SARASOTA 4645 Ainsley Place 7 Beds 6 Baths 4,272 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4561241 $14,750,000

SIESTA KEY 8324 Sanderling Road 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,674 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4562963 $9,000,000

SARASOTA 1514 Hillview Drive Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4546764 $7,495,000

SIESTA KEY 7340 Point Of Rocks Road 6 Beds 6/1 Baths 4,676 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei 941-685-3198 A4564248 $6,800,000

SIESTA KEY 3722 Flamingo Avenue 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 4,985 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4546740 $6,750,000

SARASOTA 2040 Alameda Avenue 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 3,993 Sq. Ft. Thomas Arthur 941-400-7970 A4560986 $5,091,075

SIESTA KEY 3920 Roberts Point Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,070 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger & Jason Turner 941-404-2722 A4565405 $4,999,000

SARASOTA 4521 Bay Shore Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,801 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4561288 $4,995,000

SARASOTA 1739 Cherokee Drive 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,538 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4565142 $4,885,000

SIESTA KEY 9269 Blind Pass Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,920 Sq. Ft. Tammy Mast 941-256-6543 A4568691 $4,500,000

SIESTA KEY 1250 Sea Plume Way 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,917 Sq. Ft. Ian Addy, PA & Gail Wittig, LLC 941-961-8850 A4559353 $4,400,000

SIESTA KEY 8223 Midnight Pass Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,783 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams & Brian Loebker 941-232-2868 A4562629 $3,950,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences 1002 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,751 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4562409 $3,795,000

SARASOTA 1335 2nd Street 501 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4562465 $3,699,900

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Tower Residences, 701 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,751 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4552951 $3,600,000

SARASOTA 2704 Bay Shore Road 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,900 Sq. Ft. Klaus Lang & Nora Johnson 941-320-1223 A4553534 $3,500,000

SARASOTA 111 S Pineapple Avenue 1206 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,507 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4563430 $3,445,000

SARASOTA 1718 Bay View Drive 6 Beds 5/1 Baths 4,644 Sq. Ft. Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4536016 $3,295,000

SARASOTA 3200 Signet Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,934 Sq. Ft. Sara Boudarga & Linda Driggs 941-321-6352 A4555298 $3,275,000

SIESTA KEY 701 Treasure Boat Way 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 3,574 Sq. Ft. Richard Perlman 941-228-8580 A4563062 $3,200,000

SIESTA KEY 472 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4568053 $2,650,000

SARASOTA The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Residences 1107 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,173 Sq. Ft. Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson 941-914-0496 A4562310 $2,500,000

SIESTA KEY 7309 Pine Needle Road 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,600 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4570824 $2,500,000

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 301 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4562751 $1,850,000

SARASOTA 660 Golden Gate Point 32 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. Fred Sassen & Barbara May 404-408-5956 A4572846 $924,900

SARASOTA 1405 Kimlira Lane 4 Beds 6/2 Baths 12,724 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4571477 $13,000,000

SIESTA KEY 1250 Hidden Harbor Way 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 7,506 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Melissa Gissinger 941-376-1717 A4565141 $9,995,000

SIESTA KEY 5131 Jungle Plum Road 6 Beds 6/1 Baths 6,369 Sq. Ft. Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4564288 $9,980,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

401884-1

6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in San Remo Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Michael and Suzanne Watkins sold their home at 1447 Tangier Way to Stephen Pollack and Lora Pollack, trustees, of Sarasota, for $8.45 million. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,040 square feet of living area. It sold for $4.15 million in 2017.

SARASOTA

AVONDALE Carolyn Van Helden, trustee, sold the home at 1905 Alta Vista St. to Bruce and Kimberly Peterson, of Sarasota, for $3.2 million. Built in 1927, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,813 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 2005.

BOOTH PRESERVE Maurice and Vanessa Opstal, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3960 Elysian Woods Lane to Matthew and Alexandra Lawson-Baker, of Sarasota, for $2,134,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, threeand-two-half baths, a pool and 4,806 square feet of living area.

SCHINDLERS Melissa Suarez, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 635 and 633 N. Osprey Ave. to ZF SPV LLC for $1.5 million. The property at 635 was built in 2019 and has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 2,090 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2019 and has one bedroom, one bath and 473 square feet of living area. They sold for $735,000 in 2021.

10th & Osprey LLC sold the home at 1770 10th St. to Matthew Cunningham and Colleen Owens, of St. Petersburg, for $625,000. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,320 square feet of living area. It sold for $136,000 in 2018.

BUNGALOW HILL Bruce and Kimberly Peterson, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1122 Pomelo Ave. to Martha Mumma, of Sarasota, for $1.45 million. Built in 1924, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,878 square feet of liv-

JUNE 5-9

REAL ESTATE

San Remo Estates home tops the week’s sales at $8.45M

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

7B

SIESTA KEY: $2.4 MILLION

Siesta Gulf View Beth Ann Segal and Andrea Ferstan, trustees, of Tarrytown, New York, sold the Unit 807 condominium at 420 Beach Road to Donald and Lisa Effinger, of Sarasota, for $2.4 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,002 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 1997.

PALMER RANCH: $844,000 Courtesy photo

A home at 1447 Tangier Way tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $8.45 million. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,040 square feet of living area.

ing area. It sold for $1.32 million in 2022.

LAWRENCE POINTE Edwin Holstein and Sherry Moss, of Belmont, Massachusetts, sold their Unit 203 condominium at 101 Sunset Drive to Louis and Linda Talarico, of Sarasota, for $1,425,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $845,000 in 2016.

RIDGEWOOD Carmen and Madelon Difiglio, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2220 Pine Terrace to Weam Joseph and Manal Abuyousef, of Sarasota, for $1.2 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,875 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2021.

$950,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,024 square feet of living area. It sold for $235,000 in 2017.

HARBOR HOUSE SOUTH Tillman Investments LLC sold the Unit 21 condominium at 400 Golden Gate Point to Annika Sandstrom, of Sarasota, for $900,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,245 square feet of living area. It sold for $540,000 in 2020.

ONLINE

ORANGE PARK Merkl Kaiser LLC sold the home at 2719 Stanley Place to Gary and Harumi Donoyan, of Sarasota, for $975,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,442 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2017.

PAYNE PARK VILLAGE Robert and Marie Sherman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 459 Wingfield Drive to Brenton and Careen Yarnal, of Sarasota, for $975,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,108 square feet of living area.

It sold for $561,400 in 2021.

SINGLETARY’S Amber and Joshua Taylor, of Harrison, Tennessee, sold their home at 2460 Hillview St. to Eric and Patricia Blanc, of Sarasota, for

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch Neraj Tuli and Mamta Vora Tuli, of Sarasota, sold their home at 5704 Sunflower Circle to Jaime Armando Cervantes and Ana Irene Cervantes, of Coldwater, Ohio, for $844,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,676 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2020.

OSPREY: $1,147,000

The Woodlands at Rivendell Frank and Jean Freestone, trustees, of Venice, sold the home at 1188 Mallard Marsh Drive to Anthony and Susan Oliveri, trustees, of Osprey, for $1,147,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,333 square feet of living area. It sold for $687,000 in 2005.

NOKOMIS: $795,000

Mission Valley Estates Linda Larisch, trustee, of Venice, sold the home at 1530 Sweetland St. to Joanna and Taylor Field, of Nokomis, for $795,000.

Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 2000.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Downtown St. Petersburg

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 June 5-9, in order of dollar amounts.

Longboat Key

CITY OF SARASOTA Permit

Applicant

Amount

422 S. Osprey Ave.

Addition/Alterations Brian McInnis II

$200,000

935 Whitakers Lane

Pool/Spa/Deck

Charles Ruggiero

$150,000

1363 Tangier Way

Addition

Sherill Sutton

$116,319

956 Pattison Ave.

Remodel

Ben Troyer Jr.

$95,000

2541 Hyde Park St.

Pool/Spa/Deck

Dana Ott

$85,000

1718 Seventh St.

Pool

John Pratt

$72,350

1711 Spring Creek Drive

Pool/Spa/Deck

Joseph Cool

$72,069

2987 Browning St.

Solar System

Oscar Delgado

$42,682

3414 Old Oak Drive

Pool Cage

Manuel Martinez

$37,300

2419 Hillview St.

Solar System

Jane Miller

$36,750

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From $2.4MM to $10.9MM | Call for appointment | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com 1 FINAL OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Address

Applicant

Amount

176 Coastal Hammock Court Renovations

Permit

Nathan Davis

$275,000

1118 Casey Key Road

Re-roof

Sailendra Upendram $225,000

8735 Midnight Pass Road

Dock/Kayak Launch Loretta Kille

$200,000

828 Placid Lake Drive

Alterations

Cynthia Petti

$160,000

3699 Casey Key Road

Re-roof

Katherine Kane

$129,766

3412 Mineola Drive

Remodel

Worth Graham

$90,000

1113 Kings Way Drive

Re-roof

Barbara Jaehne

$86,717

8967 Bloomfield Blvd.

Re-roof

Thomas Young

$85,900

4536 Riverwood Ave.

Solar System

Adam Shapiro

$80,984

#101-B

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 December 2022

Licensed Real Estate Broker

401836-1

Address

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

YOUR CALENDAR

DENTAL IMPLANTS

by Dental Implant Specialists ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

IMPLANT SURGERY

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: ‘SING 2’ 7:30-9:30 p.m. at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free.

Enjoy a free movie under the stars at The Bay Park. This night’s film is “Sing 2” (PG). Buster Moon, a koala, must persuade the reclusive retired star Clay Calloway to join his theater for a new show. A free scoop of Rise & Nye’s ice cream will be offered to the first 100 attendees. Food and beverages will be available at Simply Greek Food Truck and The Nest at the Bay. For information, visit TheBaySarasota.org.

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

RADD UPCYCLING DAY: CLOTHING SWAP 5-8 p.m. at DreamLarge Office, 513 Central Ave. Free.

Refresh your style by exchanging your unwanted clothing items for items new to you. Up to 20 lightly used items can be exchanged. The event is part of International Upcycling Day, part of a global initiative to reduce landfill waste by upcycling items. For information visit Eventbrite.com.

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

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

941.957.6444

397060-1

MONDAY, JUNE 26

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

CITY ISLAND TRIATHLON 7 a.m. at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island. $45-$135.

Run, bike and swim in a variety of race formats to suit different competitors. The main triathlon consists of a quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike and three-mile run. There are also super sprint, duathlon (run/bike), aqua bike and swim-run categories available.

For information and to register, visit RunSignup.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

RAINBOW RELAY 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Rosemary District $45.

In a fundraising event for the ­LGBTQ+ community, perform team scavenger hunts throughout the Rosemary District, visiting local murals and completing fitness challenges. This event is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. For information and to register, visit SeawardCrossfit.com.

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

FREE RPG DAY 2023 Noon to 9 p.m. at The Dark Side Comics and Games, 935 North Beneva Road. Free.

Try a new game system or rediscover familiar titles at an event which also features free giveaways. Games on offer include Avatar Legends, The Call of Cthulhu, Warhammer 40,000 and more. For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com.

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

BEST BET

SEAS THE SUMMER (FIELD EXPLORATION CLASS) 10-11:30 a.m. at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Members $22.50; nonmembers $25.

Kids can learn about ocean animals and protecting the oceans by exploring field techniques and finding and catching creatures in Sarasota Bay. To register, visit Mote.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 27

MENTAL HEALING: THE POWER OF A POSITIVE MINDSET 10-11:30 a.m. at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way. $10 Senior Friendship Centers members; $15 nonmembers.

This program helps seniors obtain the latest information on maintaining optimal health, as part of Senior Friendship Centers’ initiative to highlight Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. For information, visit FriendshipCenters.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

MUSIC BINGO & TRIVIA 7-10 p.m. at 600 N. Beneva Ave. Free.

Test your trivia knowledge at this event held every Wednesday night at Hot Sands Tiki Bar. Prizes will be offered, with food and drink specials available throughout the night. For information, visit HotSandsTiki.com.

VACATION

365 You’re closer to home than you think.

Just east of the Gulf Coast is Lakewood Ranch. A community filled with shopping, dining, nature, entertainment and all the new home options you can imagine. Come see for yourself and spend a day on The Ranch – You won’t want to leave!

20+ V IL L AGE S | 100+ MODEL HOME S | V IL L AGE & COMMUNI T Y A MENI T IE S | GOL F & R ACQUE T SPOR T S | SOCI A L & SPOR T S CL UBS | 300+ COMMUNI T Y E V EN T S A Y E A R PA R K S & T R A IL S | T HRI V ING BUSINE SS COMMUNI T Y | 3 T OW N CEN T ERS W I T H SHOPPING & DINING | T OP -R AT ED SCHOOL S & HE A LT HC A R E

NEW HOMES FROM THE $300S TO OVER $1 MILLION * | The #1 Communit y in the U.S. for All Ages – 5 Years Running!

*Prices subject to change without notice. © 2023 Lakewood Ranch

.com 404434-1

8B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

9B

ADVERTISEMENT

The Owen Golden Gate Point

A Luxurious Lifestyle in Downtown Sarasota

Ideally situated in one of downtown Sarasota’s most cherished historic locations, The Owen Golden Gate Point will put Ronto’s legendary commitment to creating a luxurious lifestyle on full display. Designed by MHK Architecture and Planning, the building’s contemporary design will be awash in the neutral tones of the shore with gentle curves suggestive of its setting on the Point. The site encompasses the southern tip of the Point, gracefully arcing from east to west while providing partial bay and marina views from the residences. The peninsula’s smart, relaxed personality is distinctive and perfectly suited to a luxury lifestyle. Urban dwellers appreciate Golden Gate Point’s easy access by foot, bike, car, or trolly to St. Armand’s Circle, the beaches, and the shopping, dining, and gallery venues that continue to proliferate in the Sarasota downtown district.

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s kitchens will be equipped to satisfy even the most discriminating gourmet.

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s amenities and common areas are being designed by Riley Interior Design Principal Carrie L. Riley, ASID. Around the clock secured building access and semi-private elevators with controlled access will ensure that residents will enjoy a welcomed sense of privacy. Owners and their guests will be

greeted in a grand two-story rotunda lobby with a reception desk, a concierge, and separate mail and package rooms. The lobby/amenity level will feature a club room with comfortable seating and a bar. A fitness center will offer state-of-theart equipment, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. A massage suite will allow residents to invite their favorite massage therapist to provide an on-site session. The fitness center will also include a separate stretching/yoga area, a steam room, and a spa. Residents may also invite

The Owen Golden Gate Point’s flowing great room and dining areas opens to a spacious covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill with a hood.

personal trainers to work with them within the fitness center. Social seating and an indoor/ outdoor bar will be featured in a games room outfitted with an assortment of table and arcade games. Zoom rooms, work from home station areas, and a board/conference room will also be included. Secure parking under the building with two spaces per residence, one of which will be pre-wired for a 40-amp power outlet for electric vehicle charging using the vehicle owner’s charger, climate-controlled resident storage rooms, and secured bike storage are also included.

An infinity edge saltwater pool will be the centerpiece of The Owen Golden Gate Point’s expansive landscaped outdoor amenity deck.

Billowing palm trees and tropical container gardens, lounge chairs, a separate spa that will be ideal for soothing aching muscles or enjoying a perfect moonlight plunge, a fire pit seating area, and an outdoor bar and grilling area with seating will also be featured. Additional outdoor amenities will include a fenced dog walk/park area, guest parking, and bicycle storage.

Each residence at The Owen Golden Gate Point will showcase a private elevator lobby, an entry foyer and spacious island kitchen, and a flowing great room and dining area that opens to a spacious covered balcony with glass railings and a built-in stainless-steel Artisan Professional Series grill with a hood. Expansive impactresistant doors and windows will bathe the living areas with abundant natural light. The kitchens will be equipped to satisfy even the most discriminating gourmet. Standard appliances will include a SubZero side-by-side panel ready

refrigerator/freezer with an internal dispenser. A Wolf single wall oven, a transitional five-burner gas range top, a vented exhaust cooktop wall hood, a wall microwave, and a Bosch panel ready dishwasher will also be included. A designer collection of Del Conca floor and shower wall material as well as a designer collection of flat panel or shaker style Miralis cabinets in a wide assortment of colors are available. Quartz countertops are also available in a wide selection of colors. A Blanco Quatras 18-gauge stainless steel super single bowl undermount kitchen sink will be equipped with a House of Rohl pulldown faucet. The residences will also feature ten-foot ceilings except where dropped, recessed LED lighting in the kitchen, hallways, and baths per plan, contemporary five and one quarter-inch baseboards, smooth finish drywall walls, and ventilated wood shelving in the guest bedroom closets. Sensitive to the comfort of each resident, Owen Golden Gate Point’s concrete block walls and ample airspace between floors will make noise transmission nearly non-existent.

The Ronto Group is now accepting reservations for residences at The Owen Golden Gate Point. For additional information about this extraordinary opportunity, contact the LRM Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty located at the Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Suite 110 in downtown Sarasota. Call 941.544.3332.

owengoldengate.com

GATEWAY TO THE INCREDIBLE

405280-1

The Owen Golden Gate Point, a new midrise boutique building being developed by the award-winning Ronto Group in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, has been designed to provide a select group of just 29 condominium owners with a highly amenitized, luxurious lifestyle in downtown Sarasota. Situated on a coveted 1.18-acre site, the building’s four three bedroom, three and a half bath open concept floor plan choices will range from 2,265 to 3,073 square feet under air plus a balcony with a gas grill. Three of the plans also include a study.

Framed by Sarasota Bay, the gated Owen Golden Gate Point will be the ideal spot to capture gentle bay breezes and the ever-changing colors of Southwest Florida’s glorious sunsets. The residences are fully customizable during the preconstruction phase of the project and extensive finish selections are available. The Owen Golden Gate Point is the only new downtown Sarasota building offering full customization for preconstruction buyers. Pre-construction pricing starts in the low $2-millions.

JUNE 22, 2023

SPORTS Fast

Break Riverview High offensive coordinator Brody Wiseman, former head coach of Sarasota High, expects big things out of DJ Johnson in 2023.

“In our spring game, he was the best player on the field for us. He had nearly 100 yards rushing on 11 carries and he had a pick six. He’s just one of those guys.”

Courtesy photo

Nico Villalobos controls the ball for the Sarasota Paradise.

A

s of June 20, the Sarasota Paradise pre-professional soccer team has won four straight games and holds an overall record of 4-2-0 to lead the South Florida division of the United Soccer League’s League Two. The team’s next home game is 7:30 p.m. June 24 against Weston FC. … Former Booker High football wide receiver Shawn Bane Jr. is now playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League after spending the last two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.

Bane had six catches for 132 yards June 16 in the Roughriders’ 45-27 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. … New College of Florida announced June 16 that the school was hiring Aly Bermudez as its first head softball coach. Bermudez previously was the head coach at Bishop Verot High. … Former Sarasota Crew rower and Tokyo Olympian Clark Dean and his Harvard University teammates finished third (05:40.932) in the Men’s Collegiate Varsity 8+ Final 2 at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships, held June 2-4 in Mercer, New Jersey. … Former Sarasota High and Sarasota Tsunami swimmer Drew Vanden Heuvel signed with Old Dominion University in May. … Former Cardinal Mooney High indoor volleyball coach Kristen Rohr was named the head coach of the Arizona State University beach volleyball program on June 2. Rohr, who coached Mooney from 2011-2015, was previously the head coach at Grand Canyon University and was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Beach Coach of the Year in 2022. … Former Sarasota High girls basketball coach Dave Gaulman was named the head of player development for the Palmetto High boys basketball program June 13. Gaulman coached the Sailors for one season in 2022-23, leading the team to a 15-14 record.

— Brody Wiseman

File photos

Rams running back DJ Johnson slams through the Venice defense in 2022.

The battering Ram DJ Johnson will play on both sides of the ball for the Rams this fall.

D

J Johnson runs downhill, and he runs to hit.

It’s part of what makes coaches like Riverview High offensive coordinator Brody Wiseman so excited about his potential. Johnson was the Rams’ most effective runner last year, totaling 661 yards and eight touchdowns on 168 carries, approximately half of the team’s total carries. He did so with teams keying in on the running game: The Rams’ passing attack generated just 805 yards in 2022.

Yet Johnson was overlooked, partially because of other backs in the area, partially because of the Rams’ 5-7 record and partially because when people watched Rams games, they often watched for fivestar cornerback and wide receiver Charles Lester III; Lester has since announced his transfer to Venice High.

In 2023, Johnson plans on changing the narrative around himself while also elevating his team. And he has big goals.

“I want 1,500 yards and the school record,” Johnson said.

Johnson isn’t just planning on an elite year on offense. The Rams are going to play him at safety, he said, and he’s just as

Riverview’s DJ Johnson has set a goal of 1,500 yards for the 2023 season.

TOP TALENT. PAGE 11B

excited about laying hits on people as he is pounding in touchdowns at the goal line.

Can he achieve all his goals?

Wiseman believes it’s a possibility.

“He’s one of the better players in the area, but no one talks about him,” Wiseman said. “In our spring game, he was the best player on the field for us. He had nearly 100 yards rushing on 11 carries and he had a pick six.

He’s just one of those guys.”

The Rams won their spring game 35-21 over Lehigh High on May 26.

Johnson and the Rams hope it was just a taste of what he’ll bring to the field come fall.

Johnson attends Sarasota Military Academy for school but represents the Rams athletically, since SMA does not have a football program.

Wiseman said Johnson’s military training has helped him become vocal in the team’s locker room despite just now entering his junior year.

“He’s figuring out how to lead,” Wiseman said. “He has all the qualities and abilities. Moving forward, he’s going to be a huge piece of that for us.”

It shows in Johnson’s words and actions. Johnson said his favorite moment from last season was not any particular play he made, but the team’s win over Lehigh on Sept. 16 — a game in which he did not play because of an injury.

“We had a bad start to the season last year,” Johnson said. “The Lehigh game was our first win. We needed that one. After we got it, we came back and won some games and finished well.

Johnson said he spent the game encouraging his teammates on the sideline while also giving them space when necessary. Learning that balance is crucial to becoming the leader he wants to be, he said.

Part of that is staying on the field.

Johnson, who is 5-foot-10 according to MaxPreps, does not want to miss any games because of injury, as much as he enjoys seeing his teammates succeed.

By his own admission, he took a beating last year. That’s why he is spending the offseason bulking up, both in strength and in weight, with a goal weight of 185 pounds. He’s at 180 pounds as of June 20. The extra weight, Johnson said, will allow him

to maximize the number of hits he’s able to take — while also amplifying the damage he’s able to do while lowering his shoulder, both on offense and defense.

If he can do that, his teammates will help take care of the rest.

“I have a great offensive line in front of me,” Johnson said. “I just have to run behind them.”

Johnson has been playing football since he was young, starting his career with the Sarasota Seminoles youth organization. He played safety first, he said, and added running back to his resume when he was 12. He played other sports, like basketball, baseball, track and field, even wrestling. He still plays some of them for fun. But football, Johnson said, takes precedence.

“We’re brothers out here,” Johnson said. “The coaches connect with us well. It’s just different.”

Wiseman, who in his first season with the Rams after serving as the head coach at Sarasota High for three seasons, said Johnson’s running style is a mix of two backs he coached with the Sailors last season, Jaden Judge and Joe Ziegler, taking Ziegler’s bruiser tendencies and Judge’s elusiveness. In Wiseman’s offense, the backs combined for 1,477 yards in 2022, so Johnson’s goal of 1,500 yards is no pipe dream.

“I’ve known about him for a while,” said Wiseman, whose Sailors teams played rival Riverview every year. “He’s such a physical player. I remember on one run in the playoff game (last season), one of our safeties — who was a really good player for us — came up and met DJ in the hole.

(Johnson) knocked that kid into the next week. Even last year, he wasn’t the biggest kid in the world, but he played like he was 200 pounds. He’s a throwback in that way.”

Wiseman compared Johnson to Jimmy Butler of the NBA’s Miami Heat, in that both Johnson and Butler will fight for every yard or basket they get with high intensity, never letting their motor drop and sometimes willing themselves to success.

Don’t expect Johnson to get 30 carries a game for the Rams. Wiseman said the team wants to keep his load manageable, especially since he’ll be playing safety as well. But as he showed in the spring game, Johnson can do a lot with only a handful of carries.

By the end of the season, Wiseman expects that Johnson’s name will be in a lot more people’s heads than it is now, and that the program will be the well-oiled machine it has been for several seasons.

“I’m excited,” Wiseman said. “I like where we are at. I think we’ve had a little disrespect. People seem to think there’s not a program going on here anymore. But we have a good football team and a lot of good kids.”

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

PROSE AND KOHN

11B

RYAN KOHN

Notes on Sarasota’s sports scene A high-quality league begins play, a former Ram earns a top ranking and a baseball star keeps finding success in Korea.

S

ummer is here, and it’s sweltering, but the heat hasn’t killed the sports scene — at least not completely.

This week, I’ve broken up my column into three sections: one on some actual, live games that you should make time to see; one on the latest updates from a big-time basketball prospect who once called Riverview High home; and one on a local baseball alum who continues to be a lesson in perseverance.

THE FGCL BEGINS PLAY

If you’re not ready for the diamond sports to be over, look no further.

The collegiate Florida Gulf Coast League’s softball division began play last week at Lakewood Ranch Park.

Since the league started in 2020, taking in a game here and there has become one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful summer day. No, the games are not technically in Sarasota proper, but I think the quality of the action is worth the drive.

Not only are the FGCL rosters filled with some of the best softball talent in the country — including players from three-time defending NCAA National Champion Oklahoma — but some of it is local. Riverview High alum Shelli DiPuma, who played at the University of Central Florida in 2023 but is currently in the transfer portal, is on the Manatee Squeeze. Through four games as of June 19, DiPuma has just one hit, but she also has three runs scored, one RBI and two stolen bases. Plus, it’s a

small sample size. I am confident her offensive output will increase as the summer season goes along.

Playing in the FGCL certainly helped one notable Rams alum in the past: Current Florida State University star Devyn Flaherty played in the FGCL in 2021 to keep her hot streak alive after reaching the NCAA Women’s College World Series finals. It worked: Flaherty had her best offensive season in 2022, and she wasn’t bad this year either — finishing with a .317 average, 12 doubles, 26 RBIs and a spot on the AllAtlantic Coast Conference second team — while helping the Seminoles to yet another WCWS Finals appearance. (Oklahoma was just too good.)

While it’s unrealistic and unhelpful to put those kinds of expectations on a player, it would not shock to see DiPuma follow a similar path and improve greatly in 2024.

FGCL softball games are free for fans to attend, which is a steal. They are high-level action, yet because they carry lower stakes than an NCAA game, you can tell the players are enjoying themselves while playing. It’s a great vibe.

UPDATE ON A TALENTED FORMER RIVERVIEW HIGH RAM

Since former Riverview High boys basketball player Jamier Jones transferred to IMG Academy last offseason, I haven’t been following his day-to-day updates as much as when he was dunking on people’s heads as a Ram. The preternaturally gifted wing is still doing his thing, though: Jones, 6-foot-6, is ranked as the 11th-best player in the national Class of 2025 by the 247Sports Composite and is the No. 1 wing. A quick Google search will bring up dozens of his highlight reels. As soon as I saw him play once as a freshman, it was obvious he was destined for big things. The offers he’s now receiving are big time:

Jones recently told 247Sports that he’s received offers from the universities of Kansas, Texas A&M and Houston.

Jones may not play in Sarasota anymore — or Bradenton, for that matter, as he recently announced that he’s leaving IMG for Oak Ridge High in Orlando — but he was born here, and he wore a Rams uniform, which means, at least in my book, that once Jones reaches the college ranks, and probably the NBA, the sports community here can claim him as our own.

CASEY KELLY’S KOREAN BASEBALL CAREER

I continue to be inspired by the story of former Sarasota High pitcher Casey Kelly, whose career has had ups and downs but ultimately turned into a beautiful story of redemption.

If you’re a local, you probably know the story. If not, here’s a quick refresher: Kelly was a high school phenom and was selected in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Kelly was expected to do big things in the MLB, so much so that other teams were willing to give up a lot of proven talent to gain his prospective future returns. He was the centerpiece of the trade that sent All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to Boston from the San Diego Padres after the 2010 season.

But Kelly never lived up to his lofty expectations. After going through Tommy John surgery in 2012, he appeared in 26 total MLB games with the Padres, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants, holding a career ERA of 5.46.

After the 2018 season came and went with little progress, Kelly opted to try his luck in the Korea Baseball Organization League, known as the KBO, instead of staying in America.

He signed with the LG Twins in 2019 and he has not looked back. Kelly has a career 3.08 ERA in the KBO

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THIS PERSON IS?

File photo

Jamier Jones played for Riverview High in 2021-2022.

and holds a strong 69-35 record.

He’s also, for some reason, become something of a folk hero to KBO fans. Maybe it’s his bushy beard, or his absurdly long hair, or the fact that he’s from the U.S. Maybe it’s just because he’s a good pitcher. Whatever the reason, he gets a warm reception over there. He’s even received big-time endorsements: On June 1, Kelly posted a picture to his Instagram showing him standing in front of a billboard for Hanmac beer. His face is plastered all over it.

Even though 2023 has not been Kelly’s best KBO year — his ERA is 4.69 — who cares? The guy has made

something of himself and seems to be greatly enjoying his time in the KBO. Isn’t that what all of us ultimately want: to find stability and happiness?

That, to me, is the mark of success.

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

WANT TO LEARN ABOUT

BITCOIN?

WANTED KING, MATTHEW SUSPECT ALAN

JOIN THE CLUB!

UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR, WORKERS COMPENSATION FRAUD

CASH REWARDS FOR ANONYMOUS TIPS THAT LEAD TO AN ARREST

941-366-TIPS

SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com

SCAN HERE TO SUBMIT A TIP OR DOWNLOAD OUR FREE MOBILE APP

402847-1 402842-1

PD BY CSTF

GRAND OPENING EVENT June 25 • 1-4pm Open to the Public

SOCIAL MIXER NIGHTS New Boats, Exhibits & More.

Tampa Bay’s Largest Boat Show!

Mix and Mingle with top influencers in the industry and fellow crypto curious. Learn about the benefits of Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club.

FREE ADMISSION

FREE ADMISSION June 23, 24 & 25

June 23, 24, 25

M-Sa 9am - 9pm Su Closed

Fri., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-6pm • Sunday 10am-5pm Florida State Fairgrounds halls and grounds are filled with boats and exhibits.

4800 US-301, Tampa,The FLexpo 33610

(941)960-1180

www.tampabayboatshows.com

Florida State Fairgrounds

2738 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota

4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610 www.tampabayboatshows.com

404610-1

0000278608-01

The expo halls and grounds are filled with boats and exhibits.

[Register--> Subscribe --> Browse Products --> Join A Membership]

bitcoinbencryptoclub.com

404686-1

Presented by

Every Thursday in June 6pm - 8:30pm $9.99 - includes open bar

YourObserver.com

SPORTS

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

File photo

SHOP NOW!

Members of the Survivors in Sync dragon boat team, alongside members of other Nathan Benderson Park teams, will compete for Team USA at the 2023 International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Thailand.

National recognition

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

W

SIESTA KEY

1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

DOWNTOWN

50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

LONGBOAT

3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

397817-1

www.SwimCity.com

hen the International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are held in Pattaya, Thailand, on Aug. 7-13, 10 paddlers from Nathan Benderson Park teams will be participating as part of Team USA, per a June 20 release from the park.

NBP’s Paul Hoffmann is now a three-time Team USA member, making the roster in 2019, 2021 and 2023. Steerer Angela Long, who also serves as the dragon boat coach for Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and paddlers Mandy Boyers, Doreen Clyne and Don Bickel made the team for the second time. Paddlers Brian Long, Dana Trimble, Duneska Grant, Joni Carone and drummer Paula Murray will make their world-stage debuts.

Team USA members are chosen in age groups and for boat size, which includes standard boat crews of 10 paddlers and small boat crews of five paddlers. Each boat also has a drummer at the bow and a steerer who stands in the stern of the boat

WHEN IT COMES TO THE

HIGH COST OF AGING...

Locally Owned “Mom didn’t anticipate Medicare not covering her care and she does not qualify for Medicaid.”

with a long oar.

“The 2021 event in Hong Kong was canceled due to the pandemic, so we’re ready and excited for this opportunity to compete at the world championships,” Long said.

“We started with one member making the U.S. team and have steadily improved over the years to now have 10 contenders selected. Everyone on this roster has proven that they can be competitive on the world’s biggest dragon boat racing stage.”

In alternate years to these biennial championships, entire club teams qualify for the club crew national and world championships. The next national club crew championship will be held at Nathan Benderson Park on July 21-22.

The selected paddlers had help in getting this far. Long said Beth Turconi, a two-time Team USA veteran, was “instrumental to the paddling program’s growth and success.”

Turconi was the only NBP athlete to make the cut in 2019 and was selected again for Team USA in 2021. This year, she’ll be sharing her experience and encouragement to help get the group ready for the summer event.

Residential & Commercial Services

Live bug free with

The unknown can be scary. A little action now can save you a lot of money later.

• Enjoy Peace of Mind

5-STAR GUARANTEE SERVICE

• Maintain Lifestyle Longer

Celebrating 10 years of service!

• Protect Your Life Savings READ FULL ARTICLE

Helping families protect their portfolio and lifestyle for over 30 years!

Full Service Pest Control including TERMITES • MOSQUITOES • RODENTS • FUMIGATION

JAMES P. BALL CFP, ChFC, CLU 211 Nokomis Ave S. Venice, FL 34285

Get a Free Estimate Today 941-556-9019 CareFreePestSolutions.com

399894-1

CALL TODAY! 941-486-0305

404205-1

For Sale in the Sarasota Area Siesta4Sale.com 941.234.3991

1630 S Orange Ave Harbor Acres $4,995,000

5310 Avenida Del Mare Siesta Key $4,500,000

5300 Avenida Del Mare Siesta Key $4,250,000

1912 Wisteria St Desota Park $3,200,000

1252 Riegels Landing Siesta Key $2,425,000

4185 Roberts Point Cir Siesta Key $1,900,000

45760 Midnight Pass | D307 Siesta Key $1,350,000

836 Fallcrest | Amberlea Sarasota $950,000

389837-1

12B

YourObserver.com

13B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

LOWEST PRICES WE GUARANTEE IT!!

Elite Hearing Centers of America

Rated

Our professional staff of DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY and LICENSED HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALISTS

FREE FREE FREE FREE

LOWEST PRICES FOR ALL MANUFACTURER’S

Digital Computer Analysis of Your Hearing Aid’s Performance While It’s in Your Ear Cleaning & Maintenance of Your Hearing Aids with Our State-of-the-Art Hearing Aid Diagnostic Equipment Hearing Evaluation...

Receive an Up-to-Date Test & a Copy for Your Medical Records Computerized Adjustment of Your Hearing Aid (Any Make or Model) To Fit Your Present Loss

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS SPECIAL �REE �REE LOWEST COST DIGITAL HEARING AIDS ANYWHERE (In-the-Ear) (4 PK)

Fits up to 40db loss $

Limit 2 pks. per person.

WAS 795

NOW

Expires 2/10/23.

�EARIN� AI� ANA��SIS

Analyze your current hearing aid performance in real life conditions with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment (Reg. Value $89)

395

$

100% Digital ITE (In-the-Ear)

Fits up to 40db loss

WAS $795 $

Fits up to 40db loss

WAS $995

NOW

NOW 395 each

Fits up to 40db customized for loss your hearing loss at no $ charge.

100% Micro CIC Fits up to 40db loss

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

100% Digital CIC (Completely-in-Canal)

WAS $995 $

WAS $995 $

495 395

$

Fits up to 40db loss

Fits up to 40db loss

WAS $1995

NOW

NOW 495 each

NOWeacheach

OPEN NOW:

DB-AT230602_122431

595 595

$

Fits up to 40db loss

WAS $1995 $

NOW each each

OVER 50 LOCATIO N NATIONWIDS E

Rated

In Publix Plaza at University Walk

100% Micro CIC (Completely-in-Canal)

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

of America

2807 University Pkwy

each

LOWEST COST DIGITAL (Completely-in-Canal) HEARING AIDS ANYWHERE

Elite Hearing Centers

SARASOTA 941-491-4036

395

$

WAS 995

Expires 2/10/23.

each

OTHER DIGITAL SPECIALS

Try our best hearing aids for 30 days -

(Behind-the-Ear) no cost, no obligation. Hearing aids are

NOW

Expires 2/10/23.

100% Digital CIC (Completely-in-Canal)

RISK��REE �� �A� 100% Digital TRIA� Open-Fit BTE

!

BRADENTON 941-269-4768

DELRAY BEACH 561-915-0201 4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

ROYAL PALM BEACH 561-858-3599 11985 Southern Blvd (In between Publix and Sal’s)

(Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

BOYNTON BEACH 561-916-2922 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER 561-941-3844 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104

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

405046-1

4�

AIR 100% � ZINC BATTERIES Digital ITE

14B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 22

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 90 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 24%

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 High: 91 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 24%

Thursday, June 22

6:35a

8:27p

Friday, June 23

6:36a

8:28p

Saturday, June 24

6:36a

8:28p

Sunday, June 25

6:36a

8:28p

Monday, June 26

6:36a

8:28p

Tuesday, June 27

6:37a

8:28p

Wednesday, June 28

6:37a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 24 High: 90 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 31%

July 3 Full

July 9 Last

July 17 New

July 25 First

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 High: 89 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 49%

Lisa Sherry took this photo of a magnolia fully open at Dolphin Bay on Siesta Key.

Monday, June 12

0

Tuesday, June 13

0

Wednesday, June 14

0

Thursday, June 15

0

Friday, June 16

0

Saturday, June 17

0

Sunday, June 18

0.06

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2023 9.12 in.

2022 14.85 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2023 1.46 in.

2022 4.96 in.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

Don’t fur-get the best flooring for everyone in your Family

celebrity cipher

40 Hammarskjold of the UN 41 Average fellow 1 Bolts and hitches?

42 Capable of performing 7 Gives a hard time 43 Alum 14 Dine-in drink freebie 44 Four quarters 20 Porto d’Italia 45 Ripken of the Orioles 21 Words of grave impor48 Bobby of the Bruins tance?

49 Exam for an aspiring doc 22 Sheep 50 “___, Brute?”

23 Dirt, so to speak 51 Dreidel letter 24 Michelle’s successor 52 Hullabaloo 25 Didn’t hit 53 Hawaii’s Mauna ___ 26 “Leap onto Grandma’s 54 Hawaiian dish of slicedlap!” up fish 28 Hobbit hunter 55 Guide lines?

29 Reluctant 57 Rubbed some elbows 31 ...

60 Ceremonies 34 Canonized Mlle.

35 “The Man Who Knew Too 61 Metric measure of speed (Abbr.)

Much” actress 63 Rich, materialistic work39 Key point?

ers, colloquially 64 “I’m so good at sleeping, I can do it with my eyes closed,” say 65 Flowers also known as violets 69 First name in cosmetics 70 Reggae style combining vocals with a DJ’s patter 74 Bird on Australia’s coat of arms 75 Codon carrier (Abbr.)

76 Hobbit helper 77 Seventh Greek letter 78 Writing in the sky?

80 Peons on a manor 85 “Are we there yet?” setting 87 ___ value 88 Banned boxing move

90 Gorges 91 Driver’s licenses, say (Abbr.)

92 “You some kind of smart aleck?”

94 Squeeze (out) 95 Trigonometric function 97 Small songbird 98 “Don’t ___ stranger!”

100 Bronte heroine 103 Teeth on a gear 104 Apartment building divisions 107 Matter 109 Between continents, perhaps 110 Pot starter 111 Bob of “Fuller House” 112 Carne ___ 113 “On the double!”

HLFYXH TEY TYIIGEC VK GYFUAFUM TYEC HLI JSD ET ... LNHYIG.” CNYHFU PSHLIY AFUM ZY.

“UGBBHLS HL BRDW ... HO G XRTKBWAWBJ AMGLOXWLVWLA WCKWMHWLXW. HA’O BHEW WGAHLS KHFFG-UBGDRMWV HXW XMWGT.” THEW YHMYHSBHG

“DZKKYW TD PWHOJ NRTJPD TJ REZTDTHJH, REJS OTJPD TJ OUEKTJS, DXHPY EC YRKD HJP KHGRYD TJ JYO YJSRHJP.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

HWVXTNHRP KHVRYTDX

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

402031-1

ACROSS

“PIH SX UEH XIIA HE XNHFXTK ESY

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals B

©2023 Universal Uclick

38 Some pledge drive 114Prideful look? rewards 116 Stations for the Hog45 David and the like warts Express?

46 Take in, as a rescue dog 118 Maiden fair 119 Grp. with many conveyor 47 Sarge’s superior 56 Corkscrew shapes belts 58 ___ and cry 120 D-Day commander’s 59 Board game reviewer nickname Garcia of “The Dice Tower” 121 One way Alaska ranks 60 Frolic without limits first among U.S. states 62 Three-time Olympic 122 [Achoo!] gold-medal-winning skater 123 Word screamed while Sonja jumping 64 Rice ___ 124 ___ Vegas 125 Nobel-winning Einstein 65 Fleshy fruit 66 French female friend DOWN 67 Unabridged Nightingale 1 Liberia’s official lang. treatise?

2 Mekong River native 68 Mule working the Erie 3 Photo ___ Canal, in song 4 More extravagant NBA 70 “Hang on a ___!” jams?

71 British dairy cattle seller?

5 Author T.S. 72 Busy as a bee 6 Savored, as wine 73 High-pitched barks 7 Pot shop?

79 Sounded reasonable 8 Chimpanzee, for one 80 . . . - - - . . .

9 Farm buildings 81 Fleecy mama 10 End’s opposite 82 Notorious ___ (nickname 11 Jouster’s weapon of a late Supreme Court 12 Front for center? justice) 13 “Q: How is a chicken 83 Seasonal scourge coop like finely stratified 84 Edamame essence sedimentary rock? A: 86 Try They’re both full of layers,” 88 Go a-courtin’? and the like?

89 Surfing spots?

14 Caesar’s time 92 ___ all costs 15 “Don’t Cry for Me Argen- 93 Swiss miss tina” musical 95 Burns 16 Problem in an undersized 96 Ithaca’s sea aquarium?

97 Little skirmish 17 Partners of outs 99 Thorny tree 18 Director Ang 101 Grim ___ 19 Acid, initially 102 Really rankles 27 Seventh planet 105 Curt 30 Smelly 106 Fajita option 31 Groundskeeper’s tool 107 Language whence 32 Decadent cake “catamaran” and “curry” 33 Central American animal 108 Japanese 1970 World with a ringed tail Expo city 36 Disney’s ___ Center 115 Remarks, slangily 37 Tent securer 117 NBC hit skit show

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: U equals F

COIN FLIPS by Alex Eaton-Salners, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: D equals P

crossword

399841-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

6-22-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

RED PAGES Help Wanted

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

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

MOVING SALE June 23-24 7am-3pm 4234 Pasadena Circle, 34233.

stuff

Entire household. Furniture, clothes, linens, kitchenware, Christmas, fishing.

Items Under $200 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

MOVING SALE Saturday June 24, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Rain or Shine 1683 Eagle Nest Court One day only. Many items from a 4 BR/2.5 BA house. Cash or Venmo accepted. Outdoor patio furniture, Bedroom furniture incl. king-sized bed and bedframe, dressers, etc; Office furniture incl. desks, chairs, file cabinets; Living room furniture, incl. couch, chairs, coffee tables, side tables; Clothing; Outdoor tools, other tools; Potted plants; Other items

Merchandise Wanted 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

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

941-955-4888 DRIVE WHEELCHAIR, 18”W, black & blue. Never used. $100 941-928-2855 HEAVY DOUBLE door dog crate; 42x31x28 $40.00. 941-922-4994 Leave message; we check calls.

NANTUCKET BASKET purse, $75. (4) Longaberger baskets, $25 each. 941-924-5770 NEW DIGITAL convection oven/toaster. Black+Decker, stainless steal. Model CT06335S 13X22X15. $85. 941-387-0567 RCA TV, 55” with remote, cable ready, great bedroom TV. $50 (941)724-9044 RUBBERMAID DUEL action commercial carpet/floor sweeper.

New in box. Model 4213-88 $30.

941-387-0567

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages Motorcycles

Condos/Apts. for Rent OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *Before 1985* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition!

Running or Not! $Cash Paid$ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

UNIVERSITY PARK RIDGE 2BD/2BA CondoExcellent location, garage, gated, heated pool, second floor, W/D. $1,700/mo.

Association credit and background check required.

941-966-6813

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word .......50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE!

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

auto

COCKTAIL TABLE & end table.

Wood, bevelled glass & rod iron base. $200. 941-539-1596

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Autos for Sale CARPET CLEANING VAN 2014 Ford van, 85,000 miles, 50 HP, Kubota engine.

813-645-7723

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES

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

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning ARELIS CLEANING Services Inc. Residential & Commercial cleaning, powerwashing and interior/exterior painting.

Licensed, bonded & insured.

941-822-4114 BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

EUROPEAN HOUSEKEEPING

Houses or Condos

•Reliable •Top to bottom disinfecting •High-quality final touches •Linen service available

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!

FREE ESTIMATE 941-928-5801

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

WANTING TO Buy Vintage & Old Costume Jewelry in large amounts. Jane (941) 356-1568

B&D IRON $10, Kitchenaid hand mixer $40, Mr Coffee $10, Oster toaster $10. (941) 966-6816 BRIGHTON CHERIE Italian leather purses, (bundle of 3) silver, white & brown, like new. $125.

941-504-0165

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

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

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

Health Services CNA-- CAREGIVER Daily routines, meal preparation, doctor appointments, shopping and companion.

Excellent local references.

Call Lisa 845-544-3243

Adult Care Services IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE •Meal Prep •Daily routines •RT Background •Hospice Experience •Doctor appointments

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED Fully Insured / Free Estimates (941) 413-9185

Landscaping/ Lawn Services PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Design, installation, maintenance, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and exotic gardens.

Regular weekly lawn maintenance and restoration 40+ years experience.

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

Painting

15+ years experience.

Excellent local references.

Call Robyn: 941-685-7199

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages

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.

This week’s Crossword answers

Home Services

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.

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of ... hatred.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Puzzle Two Solution: “Falling in love ... is a completely transcendent experience. It’s like eating pizza-flavored ice cream.”

Mike Birbiglia Puzzle Three Solution: “Summer is drawn blinds in Louisiana, long winds in Wyoming, shade of elms and maples in New England.”

Archibald MacLeish

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 Universal Uclick

©2023 NEA, Inc.

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

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

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

jobs

Deadline for the July 6th editions will be due Friday, June 30th at 2:00 pm.

48’X21’ BOAT SLIP P07, at Long Boat Key moorings FOR SALE! Slip runs north and south, and provides views of Sarasota Bay. Asking $250,000 and will consider respectful offers.

Slip does not require membership at the moorings.

PH: 941-724-9486

Autos Wanted

You’re only cheating yourself.

The Observer Media Group will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

Boat Slips for Rent/Sale

peekers’ place

RED PAGES EARLY DEADLINE

CIV. ENGG. needed to assess site/clt req. and avail. bldg. materials. Plan, design, verify 2D/3D struct. engg. designs using tools like AutoCAD/ MathCAD/AutoDesk, Revit, Risa 3D, WoodWorks. Comply with FBC, ASCE7 and other engg. standards. Collaborate on proj. design and const. with our engg. team/outside stakeholders such as architects., designers, bldg. contractors. Review/ revise/ recommend changes to engg. plans. Particip. in meetings, address civ. engg. issues through all proj. phases, prvd reg rpts to Engg. Mgr. Req: Masters deg. in Civ. Engg. or directly related field + 1 yr of exp., or alternatively, a Bachelors deg. in Civ. Engg. or a directly related field + 5 yrs of progressively responsible exp. req'd. Req: Any qualifying deg. must be from an ABET accredited Univ.

Mail resumes ATTN: HR, to Young & Hedrick Engg., LLC, 6771 Professional Pkwy W, Ste. 201, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

real estate

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Auto Transport

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

Carpentry

Furniture Repair

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

McKnight Construction Remodel & Home Improvements

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

Professional Craftmanship on Carpentry, Cabinets, Plank Floors, All Trims and Moldings Pressure Cleaning Services Free Estimates

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Sarasota and surrounding areas

Mike McKnight

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

941~400~6786

YoderAluminum.com

Insured

Attorney

Computer

Is Your Computer Feeling Sick?

Divorce without Lawyers

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

Let Us Fix It!

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

Call A Geek Computer ServiCeS

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

(941) 351-7260 call-a-geek.net

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

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

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Over 18 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties

We have mediated divorces involving up to 10 million dollars of assets over past 27 years.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

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

William J. Leininger, JD

Home Watch

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

405295

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

6968 Beneva Road 405081

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

Made for where you live. Here!

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

RED PAGES

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages Auto Service

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

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

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

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

Pegatronics.com

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

941-735-3362

404377

SELL YOUR CAR!

Doors

FAST • EASY • SAFE

Sliding Glass Door Repair

WE COME TO YOU

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

5-Star Rated

405073

HoHoBuysCars.com

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

Autos Wanted

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

405074

941.270.4400

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

(941)544-0475

404782

Find anything in the RED PAGES

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

941-955-4888

404791

404969

404499

Owner /Insured Operator

404515

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

404970

Health

404379

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

941-504-0903

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

405075

Aluminum

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

405076

16B

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

Doors

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

404971

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

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Call us today! 941.628.8579 404378

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

405077

www.ezslider.com

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

Painting

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

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

High-End Interior Painting Services

THE GRAB BAR GUY

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

10% off

941-248-4734

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Trees

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

Licensed & Insured

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

ROCK & SHELL LANDSCAPING

(941) 966-2960

SARASOTA NATIVE

Massage

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

941-923-8140

BODY WORK FOR YOUR

health & well-being

• 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 Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

405083

404792

FREE ESTIMATES CALL DAVID 941-228-6479

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

SPECIALIZING IN:

WITH THE RED PAGES

• Swedish • Deep Tissue• Reiki • Thai • Shiatzu • Sports Massage

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

EASY ONLINE BOOKING: zenmassageworks.com

Roofing

404793

Movers

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

941-228-9850

Licensed and insured #IMT708

404794

make your moving day a pleasure.

Joe Murray, Owner

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

NEED HELP?

All Work Guaranteed

For $149 per hour you get:

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

25

UP TO

5

38 Years Experience

Wizard Moving SRQ

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

$

941-204-7717 • 777 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, 34236

(Located across the street from the Botanical Gardens)

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d

Plumbing

General Plumbing Services Inc.

Windows Res./Com.

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

Washed Shell • River Gravel Boulders • Pavers Driveways • Patios Plants • Palms

1/1

405084

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

Landscaping & Lawn

MM41568

Luxury for Less

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

Pet Services

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Transportation

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

GLENN KROECKER

404381

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

404786

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

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

405082

941.966.0333

941-922-3996 941-822-4270

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

364556 404383

249 235

* $ $235

Building & Roofing Contractor

Free Estimate

405079

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

404796

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

YourObserver.com/RedPages

404385

Faulkner’s

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Painting & Pressure Cleaning

405080

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

Roofing

404785

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

$

17B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

18B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023

STANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE THE ACKERMAN THE GROUP ACKERMAN

GROUP 941.387.1820 941.387.1820

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY 941.387.1820

RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net

TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY www.ackermansrq.com

BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net

www.ackermansrq.com www.ackermansrq.com AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

CRYSTAL SANDS - SIESTA KEY

6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #101, SARASOTA, FL • 2BR/2BA • 1,240 SF • $1,395,000 Turnkey furnished walkout residence with split plan, porcelain wood floors & new hurricane impact sliders. A great investment opportunity!

WATER CLUB I

$3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE

NEW PRICE 3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF WATER CLUB I

$3,199,000

$3,495,000 9008 THE SEA BREEZE MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL

1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL

1241VISTA GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL BAY POINT

$3,199,000

9008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL $3,550,0003BR/3.5 SIESTA | THE SEA BREEZE BA KEY • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage 3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

128sunset GOLDEN PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA 3,477 SFwith two Breathtaking viewsGATE over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor| residence Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACE terraces. terraces.

$2,900,000

Rare 2-story PenthousePASS with a private terrace Siesta Key with private elevator 9008 MIDNIGHT #5roof-top |roof-top 3BR/3.5 BAon | 3,700 Rare 2-story Penthouse with RD., a private terrace on Siesta SF Key with private elevator access, deeded boat slip, hurricane rated windows and sliders, and oversized private 2-car garage. access, deeded boat GARAGE slip, hurricane rated windows and sliders, and oversizedBOAT private DOCK 2-car garage.

PRIVATE 2-CAR & ROOF TOP TERRACE | DEEDED

LA BELLASARA - DOWNTOWN

$3,995,000

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503, SARASOTA, FL 3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage Rarely available 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, outdoor grill, an open floor plan, and full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

LA BELLASARA

$4,289,000

LA 464 BELLASARA GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 , SARASOTA, FL

$4,289,000

464 3BR/4.5 GOLDEN BA GATE PT., #503 SARASOTA, FL • 3,490 SF •, 2-Car Garage

SIESTA COVE

$4,250,000

SIESTA COVE 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

$4,250,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

5BR/6 BA + 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated on 1.5 lots

3BR/4.5 • 3,490 2-Car Garage BA +beautifully 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated 1.5property lots RarelyBA available 5thSF floor• residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & 5BR/6 Spacious, 2-story waterfront point on a clu-de-sace, with WATER CLUB I landscaped - LONGBOAT KEY on $3,495,000

SARA5thSANDS $2,290,000 MAINLAND |&SORRENTO SHORES $899,000 fullavailable concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community.

Rarely floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & a 120’GULF boat dock 10,000 lb. lift.

Exceptional openpoint waterFL views. on a clu-de-sace, Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront property with 1241 OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, full concierge services in aBEACH gated, pet-friendly community. a3BR/4BA 120’ dock & 10,000 lift. Exceptional open water views.

5182 SANDY AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF 449 boat S. SHORE DRIVE, | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SF • 3,045 SF lb.OSPREY 116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT

NOW PENDING

Breathtaking views over MINUTES sunset TO SIESTA KEYthe Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two terraces.

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NEW P EPRICE NDING PENDING

AQUARIUS CLUB

$1,260,000

COREY’S LANDING

$1,899,000

3414 FAIR OAKS LANE, LONGBOAT KEY 1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY $1,899,000 2BR/2BA •CLUB 1,551 SF • St. Regis Membership COREY’S AQUARIUS $1,260,000 4BR/4BALANDING • 3,729 SF • Bay, Golf Course views

1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY 2BR/2BA • 1,551 SF • St. Regis Membership

3414 FAIR OAKS LANE, LONGBOAT KEY 4BR/4BA • 3,729 SF • Bay, Golf Course views

NOW PENDING

NOW PENDING PENDING

LA BELLASARA

NOW PENDING PENDING

$3.395,000 LIDO REGENCY

464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202, SARASOTA

$549,000

1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA

THE SEA BREEZE - SIESTA KEY LIDO NEW MOTIVATED LA BELLASARA $3.395,000 REGENCY 1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF •PRICE Bay and$2,900,000 city $549,000 views 3BR+DEN/3.5BA • 3,153 SF • 2-Car garage

9008GOLDEN MIDNIGHT PASS #5,SARASOTA SARASOTA, FL 464 GATE PT.,RD., #202, 1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA 3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage 981full SF floor • Baypenthouse and city views 3BR+DEN/3.5BA SFsunsets • 2-Car 360 degree views •& 3,153 glorious ongarage the Gulf of 1BR/1.5BA Mexico from• this with a

SIESTA COVE $3,495,000 FAIRWAY BAY $934,000private LA BELLASARA $3,699,000 WATER CLUB I and sliders. $3,495,000 roof-top terrace, deeded boat slip, and hurricane impact windows 5212 SIESTA COVE DR. 1930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704 5BR/6BA/2HB | 5,133 SF 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF 3BR/4.5BA | 3,490 SF 3BR/4BA | 3,045 SF

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS? DEMYSTIFY EXPERIENCE CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 DEMYSTIFY THE THE EXPERIENCE —-CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

SIESTA COVE- SIESTA KEY

$3,987,000

5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA

5BR/6 BA + 2 Half Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated on 1.5 waterfront lots THE EVOLUTION 111 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 THECompletion: EVOLUTIONFall 2023

111 Golden Gate Point 1703 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Summer 2025 Completion: Fall 2023

THE COLLECTION 1355 2nd Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023

ONE PARK SARASOTA 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2026

THE EDGE PENINSULA SARASOTA THE DEMARCAY 290 Cocoanut Avenue 223 Golden Gate Point 33 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026 PENINSULA Completion: Spring 2026 THE Completion:: Fall 2023 THE EDGE SARASOTA DEMARCAY

290 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

223 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

33 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2023

688 GOLDEN GATE PT 688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: TBD PT 688 GOLDEN GATE

688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: TBD

SORRENTO $949,000 EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 SHORES - MAINLAND ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES VILLA BALLADA 449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 430 Kumquat Court 3BR/3BA • 2,564 SF • Minutes toSarasota, Siesta Key Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 FL 34236 styled lap pool, Fall waterfall spa, a large, covered Completion: Winter 2024 Contemporary Completion: Fallhome 2025with oversized Completion:: Fall 2025 Completion: 2026feature, patio with gas grill and private backyard with firepit.

THE COLLECTION EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES VILLA BALLADA ONE PARK SARASOTA 1355 2nd Street 509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 430 Kumquat Court 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE. F | SARASOTA, FLSarasota, 34236 FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023 Completion: Fall 2026 Completion: Winter 2024 Completion: Fall 2025 Completion:: Fall 2025 Completion: Fall 2026

595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236

404543-1

SOTA 1703 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Summer 2025 SOTA

Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront point property on a clu-de-sace, with a 120’ boat dock & 10,000 lb. lift. Exceptional open water views.