Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 07.06.23

Red, white, blue in the garden’s green

While the community gathered alongside the Bayfront on July 4 for the fireworks display, a Sarasota attraction was utilizing its prime viewing location as well.

The community gathered for the Fourth of July All-American Cookout to enjoy an evening at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus amid the pyrotechnic spectacle.

Four-year-old Evelyn McLaughlin and 6-year-old Annalise McLaughlin were among the attendees enjoying the activities on offer. They both received balloons tied according to their own requests but said their favorite part was the face painting, with both siblings sporting patriotic designs.

“We just read about it online and decided to buy tickets,” said their father, Austin McLaughlin.

The evening, which featured catering by Michael’s On East, offered an All-American buffet and open bar, as well as a Kona Ice truck.

Dolphin recovering

A rough-toothed dolphin found stranded on Feb. 10 by Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium staff has officially found a new home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Rosie, as named by the CMA staff, became a new resident in May and was estimated to be 2 years old after she was stranded on Longboat Key. She was taken to CMA’s stranding station at Fred Howard Park, where she was rehabilitated and examined by experts.

They found that Rosie had become hearing impaired and lost the ability to echolocate — essential for dolphins to find food or evade predators and survive in the wild.

This led to her being deemed as unreleasable. For now, Rosie can be seen at the complex’s Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex.

WEEK OF JULY 6, 2023

BY THE NUMBERS

Condo sale sets record at $11.15 million

Taliaferro said in a press release.

“The exceptional penthouse takes full advantage of enhanced grandeur, located in one of Florida’s premier sun-soaked destinations.”

Nine companies win CareerEdge grants

Nine local companies have received a combined $205,000 in grant funding to assist in upskilling, promoting and increasing wages of their employees from CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and its Upskilling Workers Grant Program. CareerEdge and the Funders Collaborative are workforce development initiatives of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Through the grant program, CareerEdge partners with recipients to create pathways to sustainable employment, enhance career mobility and cultivate a resilient workforce capable of adapting to evolving industry needs. The grants assist employers in accelerating promotions and offering wage increases to their current employees. Companies receiving grants are:

n Adams Group

n Air Products & Chemicals

n Bartelt Packaging

n Boyd Insurance & Investment Services

n Chris-Craft Corp.

n Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

n Sarasota Memorial Health Care

n Teakdecking Systems

n Tropitone Furniture

SPD, Parks and Rec team for KOPS event

fice, represented the seller.

“This record-breaking home sale in downtown Sarasota exemplifies the prestige and desirability of the luxury real estate market in the area,”

The penthouse condo takes up the top two levels of the building with more than 6,000 square feet of interior living space. The space features a private elevator foyer and private terraces.

Additionally, on the rooftop is a 1,700-square-foot private sky lounge complete with a jacuzzi, putting green and seating area.

The Sarasota Parks and Recreation Department and the Sarasota Police Department will partner for a free program called Kids and Officers Promoting Solidarity on July 26, at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex at 1845 John Rivers St. KOPS will offer an opportunity for participants to play sports, including basketball and soccer, kickball, indoor games and more with SPD officers in a fun and safe environment. Food and refreshments are also provided free of charge. The program will be offered in two sessions by age: 6-7 p.m. for ages 8-11 and 7-9 p.m. for ages 12-15. Space is limited to 25 participants per age group. Registration is required and can be completed in person at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex. For more information, call 941-263-6562.

“It’s a lot more difficult to build a $100,000 piece of art than it used to be. It’s going to be more difficult to build a $250,000 piece of art than it used to be.”

Sarasota Public Art Lead Mary Davis Wallace. Read more on Page 3A

Courtesy photo

This recently sold penthouse in the Epoch building offers 180-degree views of Sarasota Bay.

CITY ART PLAN GOES PUBLIC

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Art is subjective and public art is subject to scrutiny.  But there’s no question about the need to increase funding for a public art program, due to rising costs, according to Senior City Planner and Public Art Lead Mary Davis Wallace.

In advance of more informational community meetings and eventual presentation to the Sarasota City Commission for adoption, the city of Sarasota has published its draft Public Art Plan 2030.

The draft plan in its entirety can be accessed on the city’s website at SarasotaFL.gov.

Central to the plan is a proposal to increase the funding mechanism for public art. Currently, the program is funded by a developer fee of 0.5% of the value of any development of $1 million or more, excluding land value. The 2030 plan calls for doubling that fee to a full 1%.

Wallace has spent more than 18 months crafting the seven-year plan to formalize the program and lay out strategies for growing the city’s collection and expanding it beyond the concentration of pieces in and around the downtown core.

Wallace presented a summary of the draft plan during an open house session in May, when she solicited feedback for the base tenets in the form of sticky notes on display boards. Most of those, just as emails received and conversations have been since, were supportive, she said.

“I had a couple of people who suggested that we not do certain things because they had a personal feeling about it, like (beautifying) alleys,” she said. “But overall, I would say 95% of the comments were incredibly, if not surprisingly, positive and supportive.”

The responses from developers, she said, have been more of a mixed bag. Increasing the funding for art is

FUNDING STRATEGIES

The Public Art Plan proposal reads:

“Nearly 40 years after the formalization of a public art vision, the Public Art Program is expanding the impacts of public art citywide. This expansion, if managed through prioritization and planning, can thrive on a small yet significant change to become a fully operating Percent for Art program. Community and foundational partnerships are also encouraged with a highintensity goal to consider the support of a nonprofit public art funding vehicle.”

a critical aspect of the plan, she said, because like the cost of construction, sculpture fabrication costs are rising as well.

“Market value is going up and the cost of art goes up, too,” she said. “Increasing this fee is going to compensate for the cost of construction for art as well, because it’s a lot more difficult to build a $100,000 piece of art than it used to be. It’s going to be more difficult to build a $250,000 piece of art than it used to be because we’re not getting the same value. Steel that builds buildings also builds art.”

Unlike the plan itself, the proposed funding method has met with mixed reviews from developers. Some of them, Wallace said, agree that the art and cultural reputation of the city is a key element for continued growth, while others are more concerned about impacts to their bottom line.

“We have agreed to work with those who are interested in a partnership to figure out ways to build in some alternatives or incentives,” Wallace said. “We haven’t gotten to that point yet because this is really just the overarching plan, but when we go into the zoning text amendments, there may be opportunities for us to build in options for smaller projects. We want to make sure we don’t have just a one-size-fits-all approach.”

The public art fund is in need of an infusion of cash. With the three appropriated roundabout projects totaling $572,800, the fund is projected to close fiscal year 2023 with $206,601.

With the completion of some significant developments on the horizon — Bayso condominiums in The Quay, The DeMarcay condos downtown and One Main Plaza to name a few — more revenue is on the way.

The 100-page plan includes a five-page executive summary that lays out the strategy for the growth of public art. The city currently has 95 pieces in its collection, the priciest of them included in the Art in the Roundabouts program. In addition to three sculptures in city street roundabouts, two more will soon be installed in roundabouts on U.S. 41 at 10th and 14th streets. In addition, the city’s Public Art Committee has selected a third  — The Sun Always Shines by New York artist Sujin Lim — to be installed at Fruitville Road at U.S. 41. The City Commission will first have to approve the sculpture, which has a budget of $250,000.

In the executive summary, Wallace writes that the plan is a living, dynamic document intended to flex with economic volatility and, like art itself, be subjective.

“I make it very clear that we want to be able to be flexible,” she said.

“We don’t know what the economy is going to do. We want to be able to say, ‘Here’s how much we have and this is the biggest impact that we’re going to be able to make with this amount of money.’ Or maybe we will hit a real sweet spot here and

PUBLIC ART PLAN PURPOSE

n Honor Sarasota’s cultural heritage.

n Maximize the potential for impactful and transformative public art.

n Recognize possibilities for extended programming, activated spaces and integrated experiences.

n Provide an overarching vision to encourage the implementation of appealing and thoughtful placemaking opportunities through elevated urban design projects.

n Provide art opportunities that are impartial and accessible.

n Connect to Sarasota’s diverse and thriving cultural groups and neighborhoods.

n Outline Sarasota’s Public Art Program development, administration and funding for the next seven years.

we’re able to expand just as the plan intends.”

The plan deliberately does not put a firm timeline on achieving specific goals.

“It doesn’t say in year one we’re going to do this and year five we’re going to do this,” Wallace said. “We really want it to lay out some high, medium and low priorities and intensities, and that way we can pick and choose and this can be a dynamic document where we can look at it every year and look at it in five years.”

There is one absolute, though.

“In seven years, we’d better have a plan for the next iteration,” she said, “because we’ll need to have the next update in 2030.”

GOALS AND STRATEGIES

The following are identified within the Public Art Plan to support the overall success and longevity of the public art program:

n Position Sarasota as a leading city for public art experiences.

n Build on Sarasota’s strong partnerships to serve the community through the arts.

n Provide opportunities for public art engagement, education and collaboration through the creation of supportive learning environments.

n Establish a deeper connection with the development community to further the program’s vision for Sarasota.

n Emphasize Sarasota’s cultural and ethnic identity to enhance community pride and civic engagement.

n Promote public art as a vehicle for public health and enhanced communitybuilding.

n Identify sustainable funding sources and systems for supporting and maintaining the public art program.

n Integrate public art into urban design projects to promote cultural tourism, creative placemaking and an enhanced quality of life.

n Provide sufficient programmatic infrastructure to advance and maintain the public art collection.

n Implement public art policy that informs, includes and streamlines public art projects for a more efficient and impactful program.

“Nobody’s Listening,” a copper sculpture by the late New College of Florida art professor Jack Cartlidge, has been at City Hall since it was commissioned in 1967.

The 100-page plan lays out the city’s strategy for expanding its public art collection over the next seven years.

City program offers shortcut to shade

Tree buyer’s assistance program helps homeowners purchase and plant mature shade trees for as little as $100.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Newly planted mature trees more quickly provide shade, wildlife shelter, help reduce stormwater runoff and other benefits than seedlings. That’s why the city of Sarasota is launching the third phase of its Mature Tree Program, which covers much of the cost of buying and planting trees for single-family homeowners.

Through the program, the city will fund up to $500 of the cost of adding an approved mature tree when a homeowner meets a $100 minimum deposit requirement. Depending upon the species, prices range from $545 to $725.

The program began with a citizens’ initiative in 2009.

“We were doing a tree giveaway with the Arbor Foundation. They came in the mail and they were very small, maybe one-foot-and-a-half trees that are basically pencils,” said Senior City Arborist Donald Ullom. “They really wanted something more robust, so this was a citizens initiative that went up to city manager and the City Commission. We have a limited budget every time we do it, but it’s to get a better tree and increase our canopy here in the city.”

That began in 2021 and has resulted in 100 trees planted with a 96% success rate. With a budget of $50,000, this phase will start with 25 trees, funded and planted on a first-come, first-served basis. In the fall, Phase 4 will be announced with an additional 75 trees funded. Palm trees are not included.

The program is limited to one tree

AVAILABLE TREES

per residence per calendar year. Program participants will purchase the tree through the city’s vendor, Tree Biotics, which will

work with city staff to determine the best placement of the tree between the front plane of the house and right-of-way. In most cases, plant-

“I’d personally like to see more in the Rosemary District where we have a lack of trees because of the large amount of commercial development there. But we’ve had a good response throughout the city so far for the program.”

Senior City Arborist Donald Ullom

ing under utility lines will not be allowed. The homeowner will own the tree and be responsible for care and maintenance.

The program is open to residences throughout the city, but Ullom said he would like particularly like to see participation from a particular neighborhood.

“I’d personally like to see more in the Rosemary District where we have a lack of trees because of the large amount of commercial development there,” he said. “But we’ve had a good response throughout the city so far for the program.”

At $545, a live oak would cost the resident the minimum of $100. A silver buttonwood, though, would cost the resident $322 including the $100 minimum and the balance beyond the city’s $500 contribution.

“The vendor does the planting, and they’ll also supply what’s called a gator bag and staking if needed,” Ullom said. “The bag is just so that you have a watering system, and the vendor will go over that, depending on the type of bag, how to keep it replenished so that the soil stays moist in that area.”

Participants will contact the vendor to order the tree. The city will then pay its share and the tree will be delivered and installed.

Program details and frequently asked questions are available in the Mature Tree Program guidelines at SarasotaFL.gov.

Courtesy of city of Sarasota Workers plant trees during earlier phases of the city’s Mature Tree Program.

Live oak

Silver buttonwood

Mahogany

Red maple

Gumbo limbo

Pirate-themed playground on pace for fall

have control of the flow of water in the fountain area rather than the continuously running water of the prior splash pad.

Parks and Recreation Department

Director Jerry Fogle told commissioners last year that the playground structures will be made of more durable materials than previous ones.

STAFF WRITER

By fall, kids will have a new opportunity for some wet and dry fun as the rebuilt splash pad and playground is expected to open in Bayfront Park in October. The $3.22 million project approved by the Sarasota City Commission this past September will feature a new water recreation feature and pirate shipwreck-themed playground.

The 27-year-old splash pad, which had been plagued by maintenance issues for several years, was closed for good early last year as the city developed plans for a replacement, which also required a complete reconstruction of the water and drainage infrastructure beneath it.

Previously sitting at sea level, the new splash pad is elevated by several feet to provide a measure of protection from the elements and a more seamless transition to the playground. The entire park area will be ADA compatible, and children will

“That’s all artificial turf, and the playground equipment is all reinforced fiberglass concrete,” Fogle said. “It’s meant to be something that’s much more durable, so it’s not your typical aluminum plate structures.”

Originally estimated at $4 million by contractor Jon F. Swift

Construction, commissioners approved a scaled-down version of the playground project at $2.9 million in July 2022. That paring included removal of a shade structure, which drew concern from commissioners. City Manager Marlon Brown said he would scour the budget to find an additional $300,000 to include the shade, in the new total of $3.2 million approved by the commission in September.

The project will be paid for by American Rescue Plan Act funds for nonrecurring projects within the city.

ANDREW WARFIELD

Work continues on the $3.2 million replacement for the splash pad and play equipment at Bayfront Park.

Andrew Warfield

The new splash pad at Bayfront Park required a complete infrastructure rebuild.

Preliminary county budget increases spending by 36%

Personnel requests keep pace with population increase, but county administrator looks to trim $3.3 million before submitting recommended budget for fiscal year 2024.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

With a 14.46% increase of the taxable value of property in Sarasota County, the good news is the county government has more than $30 million in additional ad valorem revenue to work with for next fiscal year, should the millage rate remain unchanged.

On the other side of the budgetary coin, spending requests among constitutional and other county departments were up by 36% when County Administrator Jonathan Lewis presented the preliminary spending plan to county commissioners during their first fiscal year 2024 budget workshop.

For the benefit of the three new commissioners who had yet to experience the county budget process — Mark Smith, Joe Neunder and Neil Rainford — Lewis pointed out that the preliminary budget is just that, and is not a recommended budget. Additionally, it’s based on a preliminary assessment of the total taxable property value in the county.

“This is a preliminary budget,” Lewis said. “My proposed budget to the board doesn’t come out until after we receive the final property values

from the property appraiser. This is a preliminary budget combining the departments under my responsibility as well as the others that you are responsible for funding. I think it’s important to note that much of the actual revenues and expenditures in here are projections, three to 15 months out into the future.

“This is a plan for a budget that’s projecting that far out into the future in terms of what our departments are going to have to buy 12 months from now and how does that relate to where we are in the economy. It also tries to anticipate new needs as we go into (fiscal year) ’24 that the board has looked at and it always works to balance between revenues and expenditures as we go forward.”

Lewis based the preliminary budget on a projected taxable value of $93.4 billion, a number that was officially certified on June 27 by Bill Furst, the county’s property appraiser, at $94.2 billion.

At $93.4 billion, ad valorem revenue for the next fiscal year was projected in the preliminary budget at $255.7 million, up from $226 million in the current fiscal year. Both of those are based on 95% to budget.

Actual revenue collected in fiscal year 2022 was $195.2 million.

BUDGET SCHEDULE

July 11: Set tentative not-toexceed millage rate Aug. 25: Budget workshop (if needed) Sept. 11: Public hearing Sept. 26: Public hearing and budget adoption

Now with the property valuation complete, Lewis and staff will go about the process of finalizing his proposed budget, which is due July 11, when the County Commission is scheduled to set the tentative millage rate for next fiscal year. The board

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Fiscal year 2024 preliminary spending requests by category.

Operating: $1.26 billion

Capital: $305.41 million

Transfers & Reserves: $311.46 million

Debt: $101.32 million

Total: $1.98 billion

Should all additional FTEs be approved, that would bring the county’s total employment to 3,894.

The adopted general fund millage rate for FY 2023 is 2.9251 and total rate for all funds is 3.4463. On average, the county collects approximately 0.89% of a property’s value in taxes. For a property worth $500,000, that amounts to $4,450 per year.

can change that rate as it goes deeper into budget season, but it cannot exceed that tentative rate.

The budget growth coincides with the property value increase, largely affected by the value of new development, which brings population growth. More county citizens mean more county personnel to serve them.

The preliminary budget included an increase of 54.42 full-time equivalents across all departments. That keeps pace with the number of FTEs per capita for departments under the county commission’s purview  of 5.36 per 1,000, and 3.02 per 1,000 for constitutional officers and other boards and agencies — both ratios the same as the current fiscal year.

Costliest of the county-funded departments is the Sheriff’s Office, which this year is requesting $181.8 million in spending, up $30.37 million from last year’s $151.44 million for an increase of 20%. The Sheriff’s Office includes operating the Sarasota County Jail.  Lewis, though, is looking to trim the preliminary budget prior to submitting his recommended budget.

“It is my recommendation that we look at doing a reduction at the total general fund budget of $3.3 million,” Lewis said. “The majority of it would fall to me and the sheriff at $1.4 million each. That’s not a cut in today’s resources. That’s a cut in growth going into 2024.”

TUESDAY, JUNE 27

SIDEWALK SQUABBLE

2:16 p.m. 1400 bock of First Street

Dispute: Activism taking place on a sidewalk outside a retail establishment drew police, and eventually city legal staff, to settle a dispute between the store and the activists who had set up a table to solicit signatures on a petition.

A store manager told police it has been long been understood that all sidewalk area surrounding the store was private property, owned by the retail with sole jurisdiction over the space. The petitioners, meanwhile, claimed the sidewalk was deeded to the store with the understanding that it was treated as a public right-of-way and thus available for such use.

The responding officer contacted a sergeant, who contacted a captain, who contacted a city of Sarasota legal advisor, who then contacted the city attorney about the matter. The sergeant and legal advisor arrived on scene and ultimately determined the outer sidewalk surrounding the store was public easement; however, the sidewalk directly in front of the store’s main entrance and along its frontage are privately owned by the store. Due to the vagueness of the boundaries and potential for legal backlash, though, officers were given direction to not take any action and leave the issue for debate between legal counsels. Officers left the scene after asking the activists to take their stand to a sidewalk bordering the outer perimeter of the store property, a request that was “politely” declined.

GOING POSTAL

3:25 p.m., 2000 block of Siesta

Drive

Dispute: A woman seeking signatures on a petition at a post office location claimed she was verbally attacked by a male. While the officer was en route, the complainant advised that the subject had driven across the street to a store parking lot. The complainant told the officer the subject blocked her in and began to argue with her over the nature of her petition.

The officer then made contact with the subject, who said when

he voiced his opinion about the complainant’s petition that she became “extremely upset.” He said he proceeded to have a civil discussion with a second petitioner as the complainant made racial accusations toward him. The man then got into his vehicle and left the area. No further action was taken.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

ARREST REQUEST

8:55 p.m., 2100 block of Seventh Street Dispute: Just wanting to be left alone, a man called police because he wanted his wife “to go to jail for a couple days.”

An officer interviewed the complainant’s wife, who advised that her husband recently had knee surgery and is on medication. She keeps an eye on him, she said, but he gets frustrated and emotional. She stated that her daughter is coming to visit her, which he doesn’t like.

Interviewed separately, the complainant said he didn’t want his wife’s daughter in the home. The officer determined the man was attempting to create a problem so he could be alone and avoid his wife and stepdaughter, who arrived while the officer was on the scene.

The man stated that he did not need the police after all and he would be by himself in his room.

Spend, spend, spend

Comparatively, Florida lawmakers are loath to new taxes. But they’re not loath to spending. Florida needs guardrails.

prosperous future.”

It’s summer. It’s hot. Hopefully, you celebrated the Fourth of July patriotically. And now, as summer heats up, you just want your living to be easy.

To that end, likely among the remotest things on your mind now is how the Legislature and governor decided to spend your tax dollars during the 2023 session.

In fact, it’s probably also safe to say most Floridians don’t pay a hoot of attention to state spending unless it touches them directly. That’s why a week ago or so, there was a short burst of rancor after Gov. Ron DeSantis finally wielded his veto on $510 million worth of projects and programs around the state. Some of those vetoes stung at the local levels, including here.

But as always, after Florida governors sign the next fiscal year’s appropriations and veto what they consider wasteful, they tout how wonderful they are. In DeSantis’ case, his budget-signing release and veto letter proclaimed:

“I have signed monumental legislation that promises Floridians will enjoy fundamental freedoms for years to come.

“We have stayed the course and put the individual freedoms of Floridians at the forefront of every decision, resulting in low unemployment, record tourism and a thriving economy. Florida continues to lead the nation on all fronts, and we have laid the groundwork for generations of success. Through this year’s budget, we have cemented an economic framework which supports Florida’s families, business owners and students in the pursuit of a

Of course, the devil is always in the details. Nonetheless, when you compare Florida to the rest of the nation, you have to admit and agree: All things considered — the economy, crime, taxation, environment, recreation, individual liberty, quality of life — Florida is the place to live when compared to other states. What’s more, the public policies adopted in Tallahassee indeed play a big part in that quality of life.

Sure, we have issues — housing affordability, insurance affordability and the fentaynal epidemic. But compared to, say, California and New York, this is indeed paradise. You can conclude a lot from these few numbers:

California

n 2023-24 Budget: $310 billion

n Population: 39.2 million

n State government cost per person: $7,908

New York

n 2023-24 Budget: $229 billion

n Population: 19.8 million

n State government cost per person: $11,566

Florida

n 2023-24 Budget: $117 billion

n Population: 22.2 million

n State government cost per person: $5,270

Of course, there will be those who say Florida’s low per-person cost of state government is a negative indicator. They think more taxation is needed to solve every and all of Florida’s problems. And, they believe the governor and Legislature should be spending and taxing even more than it already is.

But the rejoinder to that is simple: Look at California and New York. What has all that government taxation done for those two states?

They have become two of the worst states in which to live and continue

to deteriorate. That should be a constant concern of legislators: to avoid all the dumb things legislators and governors have done in the declining states as Florida’s population continues to grow.

Topping those dumb things is runaway taxation and spending.

You can credit Florida’s Republican-dominated legislators for being vigilant about new taxes. And even though the sales-tax holidays are a simple strategy for cutting taxes, controlling spending is more of a challenge, especially in good times like now when all of Florida’s government entities are taking in record amounts of cash because of increased property values and federal pandemic money. There is an old saying about all governments: They will spend whatever taxpayers give them, and then some.

Florida lawmakers and governors are no different. Two factors:

1. Look at the accompanying budget table comparing the growth in state spending under Govs. Rick Scott and DeSantis. In DeSantis’ five budget years, state spending increased 36.1%. In Scott’s eight years, it went up 31.1%

Similarly, during DeSantis’ first five years, state spending outpaced the growth in a measurement often used to gauge whether government spending is out of control — that is, the combined growth rates of population and inflation. In that measurement, DeSantis, 36.1% versus 30.8% in the same period. Another one: When Scott left office, state government was spending $3,959 per person. Under DeSantis, it’s now $5,225, an increase of 32%. Adjusted for inflation, the per-person cost is still $1,030 more per person.

2. Budget turkeys

Florida TaxWatch, the Tallahassee-based watchdog on state government spending since 1979, produces an annual list of “Budget Turkeys.” These are usually lawmakers’ hometown projects. “While a project may be worthwhile,” TaxWatch notes, “Budget Turkeys tend to serve a limited area, are not subject to competitive bidding and are often not core functions of state government; they would be more appropriately funded with local or private dollars.” In the 2023-24 budget, TaxWatch identified 218 appropriations items worth $598.7 million as Budget Turkeys. But the picture is much worse. TaxWatch identified a record number of member projects — more than 1,540 projects worth $3.2 billion in the new budget.

TaxWatch: “The amount is even more remarkable when one considers there are 160 legislators. This means each lawmaker was able to secure an average of nearly 10 member projects worth an average of $20 million for their home district.”

As noted earlier, Gov. DeSantis vetoed projects almost worth the total TaxWatch identified. But the point to be noted is that even though so-called conservative Republicans control state spending, they are politicians. If the money is there — as it is now in gushing amounts — they will spend it.

Florida’s lawmakers need limits on spending. Colorado caps it at the growth in inflation and population; above that, Coloradans receive a refund.

Without limits and with money flowing because of growth, lawmakers can easily be tempted to do dumb things like they do in California and New York.

Lawmakers give tax breaks to some; why not to all?

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Legislature approved $2.7 billion in temporary and permanent tax cuts in the 2023 legislative session.

Nice work. Compared to other states, the tax cuts show Florida lawmakers know the importance of cutting taxes.

But being the government cynic we are, we tend to find the down side to the good. For instance, when you go through the accompanying list of tax cuts, this should become obvious: It’s a compendium of tax exemptions for special groups, not for all Floridians. This is the annual legislative gimmick — how Republican lawmakers claim they “cut taxes.” Yes, they did — for some, not for all.

Given the huge amount of tax money flowing into state coffers and that lawmakers cut an estimated $2.7 billion in taxes, why not be fair to all Floridians and lower the state’s 6% sales tax rate? Here’s why not: They political chickens.

They’re afraid of what would happen in a recession — that the state wouldn’t have enough money to cover everything they’ve built in to spending and actually would have to reduce spending.

The way it is now — with thousands of people moving to Florida, buying homes and items that fall under the sales tax, the state is gushing with cash. And as lawmakers always do: Whatever they get, they spend.

But rather than play the salestax holiday gimmick, Republican lawmakers should think like real Republicans. If they cut the sales

tax rate to, say, 5%, think how much money that would leave in Floridians pockets to spend and fuel the economy and state coffers even more than now.

TAX CUTS & HOLIDAYS

Here are the tax cuts the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved:

n $850 million — Ad valorem tax cuts, corporate income tax credits and sales tax exemption for building materials to increase affordable housing

n $500 million — Toll relief starting Jan. 1, 2023, to frequent commuters; discounts tolls 50% for drivers utilizing SunPass with more than 35 monthly transactions.

n $256 million — Reduces the business rent tax from 5.5% to 4.5%, effective Dec. 1, 2023.

n $229.9 million — Three-month sales tax holiday on outdoor recreation gear, event tickets, children’s toys — sunglasses selling for $100 or less, tents selling for $200 or less and kayaks or canoes selling for $500 or less; also includes tickets for events, museums, the arts, and more; children’s toys selling at $75 or less; children’s athletic equipment selling at $100 or less.

n $160.6 million — Two Back-toSchool sales tax holidays, one in the fall and one in the spring — covers clothing up to $100, school supplies up to $50, learning aides and jigsaw puzzles up to $30 and personal computers and accessories up to $1,500.

n $158.7 million — Permanent sales tax exemption for baby and toddler necessities — Covers

certain baby and toddler necessities such as clothing, shoes and diapers for children under 5, all baby wipes, cribs and strollers.

n $143.8 million — Two 14-day disaster preparedness sales tax holiday — Including generators at $3,000 or less; over-the-counter pet medications selling at $100 or less; and common household consumable items selling at $30 or less.

n $86.2 million — Extends for one year the current tax exemption on Energy Star appliances – Covers washing machines, clothes dryers and water heaters selling for $1,500 or less and refrigerators or combination refrigerators/freezers selling for $4,500 or less that meet or exceed the energy star standards.

n $55 million — Distributed over two years to promote horse racing and breeding and creates a credit against the pari-mutuel tax for federal assessments saving the industry $5 million annually.

n $47 million — Adjustments to ad valorem tax and tax relief for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses; properties used for education and religious purposes and refunds for damaged properties

n $45 million — Corporate income tax credits on residential graywater tax credit, Strong Families tax credit, Brownfields tax credit and human breastmilk fortifier manufacturing equipment.

n $39.8 million — Permanent sales tax exemption for oral hygiene products — toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, electric and manual toothbrushes and dental picks and irrigators.

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n $27.5 million — Permanent sales tax exemption for adult diapers and incontinence undergarments, pads and liners

n $15.4 million — Seven-day Skilled Worker Tool — covers various hand tools and power tools and accessories.

n $6.9 million — One-year sales tax exemption on gas stoves — the purchase of new stoves fueled by combustible gas such as syngas, natural gas, propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas or other flammable gas.

n $4.5 million — Permanent sales tax exemption for firearm safety and storage devices — Covers firearm safes, firearm lockboxes, firearm cases, devices to store a firearm, trigger locks and cable locks.

n $1.8 million — Two-year extension for the exemption on natural gas fuel tax — Natural gas fuel is any liquefied petroleum gas product used in a motor vehicle.

n $1.6 million — Permanent sales tax exemption for private investigative services — Covers private investigation services sold by investigative agencies employing three or fewer employees.

n $900,000 — Permanent sales tax exemption for machinery and equipment used for renewable natural gas — Covers machinery and equipment used in the production, storage, transportation, compression or blending of renewable natural gas.

n $700,000 — Permanent sales tax exemption for agricultural fencing

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MATT WALSH

Request to delay Planning Board appointments rejected

Proposal suggested it would take new board members too long to get up to speed on One Park issue.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

When the proposed One Park condominium in The Quay eventually makes its way back before the Sarasota Planning Board, it will do so before two new board members.

On Monday, the Sarasota City Commission dismissed a suggestion from City Attorney Robert Fournier and City Manager Marlon Brown that appointments for two seats being vacated by Kathy Kelly Olrich and Damien Blumetti — whose terms expired in June — be delayed because those two members will not have the same level of knowledge of the controversial project.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, attorney Matt Brockway, who represents One Park developer Property Markets Group of Miami, objected to the delay.

“The stated reason for this proposal is that the application is so complex and it will take new members too long to get up to speed,” Brockway said. “This is simply false. The complexity of the development agreement application has been greatly exaggerated. The amendment only affects two subsections of the development agreement and clarifies one single issue that building can be constructed over Quay Commons between and adjacent to blocks 1 and 9.”

Additionally, Brockway said the testimony and backup documentation for the first portion of a legislative public hearing held March 8, which has yet to be continued due to lingering legal matters, are all available online and are readily accessible. That hearing was over an

amendment to the general development agreement for The Quay that would allow consideration of One Park to be built as proposed.

“The administrative site plan application will eventually also come before the Planning Board for review and approval,” Brockway said. “It makes all the sense in the world that the Planning Board members voting on the development agreement amendment will also hear and vote on the site plan.”

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch said the city does have the ability to extend the terms of citizen board members beyond their terms so they may serve until they are officially replaced and suggested the terms be extended until One Park hearings are complete.

She received no support, though,

from the rest of the commission.

“I would be concerned about what Commissioner Ahearn-Koch said because in delaying the appointment of the two new Planning Board members, the old Planning Board members will start hearing new stuff over the next couple of months, which will then complicate things for the new ones who will not have heard that,” said Commissioner Debbie Trice. “I don’t think that Commissioner Ahearn-Koch’s suggestion will be helpful.”

Vice Mayor Liz Alpert agreed.

“It’s no different than after an election,” she said. “There’s often a new commission, so if you apply for that, part of the job is that you need to see what came before and learn what’s going on and get yourself caught up in what needs to be done

and what you need to vote on.”

With that, commissioners set about nominating and selecting two new Planning Board members, Daniel Deleo and Shane Lamay.

Ahearn-Koch nominated and advocated for current Planning Board alternate member Douglas Christie, who has served in that capacity for a year, but Alpert raised the issue of Christie having to recuse himself from future One Park hearings and votes because his wife, a real estate agent, represents One Park sales.

In that event, an alternate could step in. The problem is, because Christie’s term remains active, there was no advertisement for applications for the alternate position. For that reason, Christie was removed from consideration and, if he so chooses can remain as the alternate.

Other applicants were Carl Shoffstall, David Lewis, Michael Tatro and Jordan Allison.

OPPOSING OBSIDIAN

Monday’s meeting, the first in more than a month, also brought seven speakers in opposition to Obsidian, the 18-story, 342-foot tall condominium tower at 1260 Palm Ave. that is working its way through the city’s administrative approval process.

Before they stated speaking, Commissioner Erik Arroyo pointed out that the City Commission will have no say in whether Obsidian is built as proposed.

“As of right now, this project isn’t coming before us,” Arroyo said. “It is all going to be reviewed administratively.”

That didn’t stop those in opposition from speaking, and addressing the more than 3,500 petitions signed by residents of surrounding condominium towers who oppose the project primarily because of its height. It would be the tallest building in downtown by some 100 feet.

“The administrative approval process for this project allows no opportunity for direct public input and engagement except for emails with our city officials,” said Ron Shapiro. “So we have no choice but to communicate our concerns during these three-minute talks this morning.”

Other speakers cited exemptions sought by developer Matt Kihnke, which include allowing trash collection on Palm Avenue and reduction of required commercial space on the street level as reasons the planning department should reject Obsidian as proposed.

Obsidian has received partial sign-off from the city’s Development Review Committee. Should it receive sign-off from remaining departments in the administrative review process, final approval rests with Development Services Director Lucia Panica.

Courtesy renderings

A rendering of One Park, which is planned to span across Quay Commons on blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay.

The upper floors of Obsidian would offer bayfront views to the east and downtown views to the west.

Say cheese

AMANDA POSTMA STAFF WRITER

After 15 years since the last renovation, the Melting Pot and its franchisees are reinvesting in the brand — starting with a $30 million renovation project.

The main focus is to revamp the bar areas of the locations and make it easier for customers to connect with the main menu item, fondue, in a variety of ways.

“What we’re doing is making a more well-rounded way for guests to enjoy fondue,” said Collin Benyo, Melting Pot’s franchise growth strategist.

Before, the bar didn’t have food capabilities. Now, with the installation of peninsula tables off the bar, guests who want to visit the Melting Pot for fondue and drinks, but don’t want to sit in the main dining room, can now do just that.

The peninsula tables grant enough room for both drinks and food while allowing guests to have a less immersive experience, company officials said.

The majority of the renovations will be the same across the brand’s nearly 100 locations, CEO Bob Johnston, said. Though only a third of the restaurants have been renovated thus far, downtown Sarasota’s location included, leadership is already noticing a difference.

“Those restaurants that have already (been) renovated are seeing noteworthy increases above the stores that have not yet renovated,” Johnston said.

To wit, Johnston said sales in 2022 were up 40.5% over 2019. The comparison to 2021 was smaller,

EXTRA CHEESE

The Melting Pot is managed by Tampa-based Front Burner, a franchise management company established in 2011. Some facts about the Melting Pot include:

n 97% of the brand is franchised.

n Average restaurant size is 5,400 square feet.

n The brand’s franchise fee is $45,000.

n It costs about $1.47 million to 1.65 million to develop a Melting Pot.

at 13.4%, though it still outperformed the company’s expectation by 5%. (Company officials decline to disclose specific revenue figures.)

Additionally, guest traffic was up in 2022 by almost 10% over 2019.

Updated experiences at the Melting Pot Sarasota, on the Courthouse Centre building’s second floor, include a larger, dedicated space for the bar, the peninsula tables, a new service area and dedicated cocktail area. The wine room was removed to

n The brand requires a 5% royalty fee.

Source: Front Burner Brands

make room for these changes.

“The way one of the operators put it, people want to be seen but they don’t necessarily want to be heard,” Johnston said of the “why” behind the renovations.

Renovations also include new fabrics, carpet, paint, artwork, lighting and exterior signage. The fondue concept has been in Sarasota since 1995. The menu’s center of attention is the breads, vegetables and fruit served to be dipped into the different types of fondue cheeses.

Johnston expects the remaining third of restaurants to be renovated through the end of the this year and into next year.

“It was past due, and the customers deserved it,” he said. “We have not had any major environment updates since the early 2000s. You want to keep your customers, you’ve got to show them you’re investing in their experience so they want to come back.

“I think it’s fair to say, we were a little bit behind schedule. But we are catching up quickly.”

The company has conducted consumer research on diners before and after experiencing the renovations. “The best news is the customers like it,” he said. “Their feedback has been very affirming.”

The Melting Pot is also expanding in geography, not just renovating

existing locations. Currently, there are interested potential franchisees in Washington, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Tennessee and Connecticut.

But the brand aims be careful about where it places a new franchise.

“When we place a Melting Pot, the reach of that store is extremely large,” Benyo said. “We can get guests to visit us from hours away. So when we’re looking at cities, we’re making sure that we’re not going into areas that we have brand awareness and locations in existence because we don’t want to disrupt what those franchisees are doing.”

Johnston hopes to have eight to 12 new restaurants in the development pipeline by the end of this year. In Florida specifically, he’s looking to expand in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg and Lakeland. The St. Petersburg Melting Pot will be on Central Avenue and is likely to open next year.

“We’ve just reentered a period of new store growth,” he said.

The last few years, because of COVID-19, the focus has been on helping the existing restaurants make it through the pandemic. But with that out of the way, Johnston expects to get close to 130 locations over the next five years.

“The reattribution of saying ‘Let’s now focus on that,’ has been paying off because we can showcase a brand that’s doing extremely well,” Benyo said.

The brand has also been trying a new kind of fondue concept called the Melting Pot Social. The first in Tampa opened in May.

“It’s a younger, hipper cousin to Melting Pot,” Johnston said.

While all of the traditional fondue favorites are still featured, the menu extends to non-fondue items as well, like ribs and potstickers.

Trying to reach a younger crowd, the Melting Pot Social is less of a time and money commitment. On average, food and drink costs around $30 for each person, Johnston said, and people are there for a little over an hour. Comparatively, the average time spent at a Melting Pot is an hour-and-a-half or longer, he said.

The Melting Pot Sarasota wrapped its renovation around a new focus on the bar area.

Courtesy photos

Renovations at Melting Pot Sarasota included new fabrics, carpet, paint, artwork, lighting and exterior signage.

Collin Benyo says the reach of a Melting Pot is large, which is why the brand is careful about what cities it expands into.

Bob Johnston hopes to reach 130 Melting Pot locations in the next five years.

Local artist and arts advocate Peppi Elona dies at 86

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

“You only live once” is the expression people often use when making a leap of faith. That wasn’t the case for Peppi Elona. She had two lives.

The first began July 18, 1936, in Paterson, New Jersey, when Isabel Gruber gave birth to Elona “Peppi” Gruber, daughter of Jack Gruber and the sister of Joan.

The second life ended on May 29, when the Sarasota artist and philanthropist died at home.

In her first life, Elona was married to International Business Machines executive Edward Henig for 17 years. They had four children and lived in several places back when IBM was shorthand for “I’ve Been Moved.”

In her second life, Elona was known as Peppi Elona. She lived in Sarasota for 23 years and was an artist who helped raise the city’s cultural profile.

“Peppi was a deeply genuine and honest person,” said Wendy Surkis, Elona’s wife. “It was refreshing to be in Peppi’s presence.”

She met Surkis at the University of Louisville in 1973. During their 47-year relationship, Surkis was first Elona’s classmate, then her confidante and finally her companion.

In 2003, Elona and Surkis were two of 13 founding members of the Sarasota Art Museum, where Surkis became founding president.

“Wendy was the leader of the effort when we started the journey to convert the historic Sarasota High School into a contemporary art museum. Peppi was there with Wendy, but more behind the scenes,” said Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson.

Thompson recalled how Elona came up with the idea of converting a bathroom in the school into the “Artful Restroom” to wow potential donors, Thompson said.

Elona also found time to create her own art. The venues that exhibited her work included Art Center Sarasota, Towles Court Gallery and the Selby Gallery at Ringling College.

In an artist’s statement on her website, VisualInnovator.com, Elona wrote, “As long as I can remember — as far back as my childhood — I have been fascinated by materials, touching them, thinking about them, wondering about their origins and ultimately reimagining them.”

Despite her devotion to the arts, Elona’s first love was her family. She remained friends with Henig after they divorced and helped orchestrate get-togethers for her blended family with Surkis.

“Peppi was the family’s treasured gift,” said Surkis. “Peppi and Wendy — the Grammas — journeyed with each grandchild to places around the world.”

Elona was buried in Totowa, New Jersey, next to her parents. Surkis asked those who want to honor Elona’s memory make a donation to the Sarasota Art Museum in her name.

Peppi Elona

Ringling College media maestro Rich Schineller dies

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Sarasota has lost a tireless advocate for the arts and the environment when Rich Schineller, longtime media counselor to Ringling College of Art and Design, died on June 21. He was 63.

Schineller’s daughter, Amy, said in a Facebook post that he “passed away peacefully.”

“Known and loved by his family and friends, the magnitude of his influence and engagement in our lives is beyond measure,” Amy Schineller wrote. “Nothing brought our dad greater joy than forging connections. He was a spirited, tireless, visionary model of inclusiveness and possibility.”

For 21 years, Schineller was managing director of Perception Management Inc., a Sarasota strategic communications and business development firm.

“We were so fortunate to have Rich working behind the scenes, representing Ringling College of Art and Design and telling our stories for over 20 years as an independent contractor,” Ringling College President Larry Thompson said.

When filmmaker KT Curran heard the news that Schineller had died, her first thought was, “Sarasota has lost its sunshine,” she said. “He seemed to exude it — but in the coolest way possible — never forced — just a laidback warm kindness and sincere love of people that seemed effortless.”

In a town filled with dashing gentlemen, Schineller stood out. With his blazing blue eyes, thick silver hair and prominent nose, he resembled a better-looking cousin of the late Anthony Bourdain, the chef, author and TV host. But unlike Bourdain, Schineller was always smiling.

“He was the coolest guy in town, gorgeously handsome and sexy with the most piercing eyes,” says Robert

Plunket, author of “My Search for Warren Harding” and retired gossip columnist for Sarasota Magazine.

“We were constantly scheming to get his picture in the magazine,” Plunket says. “He lit up every issue he was in. As if that wasn’t enough, he was a wonderful human being, tirelessly working to publicize the arts and other good causes.”

Members of Sarasota’s arts community took to social media in the days following Schineller’s death to mourn his passing. “It’s hard to imagine Sarasota without Rich Schineller,” said writer Phil Lederer.

“I don’t know if Sarasota really knows what it had in this adopted champion,” Lederer wrote on Facebook. “There is no Sarasota without Rich, and there is no Rich without Sarasota.”

“Rich was an intrinsic part of the fiber of our Sarasota community and of all of our hearts — wrapping his brilliant eye and lens around every piece of humanity he could find,” wrote Jamie Coffey, director of external relations at the Savannah Philharmonic in Georgia. Coffey was previously special assistant to the president at Ringling College.

“He loved his family so much. He valued his friendships deeply. I always knew I could call on him anytime and he would show up,” Coffey wrote.

Schineller also was involved in pro bono efforts to promote the arts. Curran, whose latest film, “Bridge to the Other Side” — shot in Sarasota — was one of the artists Schineller helped.

“He encouraged so many artists, writers, photographers, filmmakers and students, and not just with words,” Curran said. “He actively looked for ways to help promote local artists to a larger stage.  His loss is immeasurable for our community.”

Richard J. Schineller Jr. was one of five children of the late Richard

J. Schineller Sr., a successful technology corporate executive, and his wife, Eileen, who retired to Sarasota.

Schineller Jr. graduated from Bronxville High School in New York and earned a Bachelor of Science in international economics from the London School of Economics in 1981. After his graduating from LSE, Schineller lived in New York and held corporate, film and TV jobs.

In addition to advocating for the arts, Schineller was an environmentalist. For nearly 12 years, he was director of communications and outreach at Save Our Siesta Sand. In 2020, the group lost its lawsuit to prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from dredging Big Pass to replenish South Lido Beach. With Schineller’s death, the group lost a powerful voice for its crusade to protect Siesta Key beaches and waterfront property and to preserve navigation in Big Pass.

On Facebook, Schineller’s family said details of a celebration of his life would be forthcoming. Amy Schineller asked that contributions be made in her father’s name to the anti-human trafficking and social justice group More Too Life.

Hematology/Oncology

Dr. Galina Vugman brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Hematology/Oncology medicine.

Undergraduate: Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Medical School: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Residency: Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Hospice and Palliative Care, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Certification: Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Hematology/Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Care.

Hospital Affiliations: Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Submitted by: Jack Kelley

Courtesy photo

Rich Schineller with his mother, Eileen Schineller

The PR guru helped raise the profile of the arts, the environment and social justice in Sarasota.

DAR keeps history present

Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates ancestral ties to patriots and supports local causes helping students and veterans.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

The connection between members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Sara De Soto Chapter goes beyond lineage to a patriotic outlook, from which springs the group’s philanthropy that involves the school system and veterans.

Many DAR members said their interest began with a love of history, one of three tenets of the organization, along with education and patriotism.

Indeed, history can be found throughout the Daughters of the American Revolution house on 12th Street off North Tamiami Trail, with objects on display such as a Freemason robe and artifacts that belonged to the Whitaker family, who were some of the first settlers in the area. Just outside the house lies the Whitaker Cemetery. Among the generations of Whitakers buried there is Mary Wyatt Whitaker, who gave birth to the first child of Sarasota

TO FIND OUT MORE

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Visit: FSSDAR.com/

SaraDeSoto

Email: SaraDeSotoNSDAR@ gmail.com

SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Visit: SaramanaChapter.org

Email: SaramanaSAR@gmail. com

settlers in 1852. Next door is historic Pioneer Park, which features two 1800s buildings. Since the 1950s, the DAR has ensured the cemetery is maintained.

It is a fitting setting for an organization steeped in Sarasota history. Regent Pat Rook said the group, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, is the area’s oldest nonprofit.

DRAWING CONNECTIONS

Barbara Wilkes Asony’s interest in the group didn’t start with tracing her lineage to John Stagg, a commissary of forage for the Continental Army in New Jersey during the American Revolution. It began with her mother, Jean Wilkes, who had wanted to join the group but could not prove her lineage.

“I wanted to honor her because it meant so much to her,” Asony said.

As she learned more about her history, Asony found that her family had arrived in America in 1622, almost two centuries earlier than the date of 1803 she had previously believed.

The most difficult part of her DAR application was proving the identity of her mother’s father, whose birth certificate was created in 1894 and listed his grandfather’s name instead of his own, as a substitute.

For the past eight years, Asony has helped verify the lineage of potential members, collecting documents and transmitting her findings for review at the national level.  There are intricacies to working with genealogies, Asony said.

The most accurate documents are typically wedding registrations, while death certificates rely on secondary information. The census often spelled names phonetically and recorded incorrect ages, with its administrators interviewing one individual for the names of all families who lived in a flat, said Asony.

For Honorary Regent Rebecca Morgan, her genealogy work has branched out into the community. She has worked on genealogies for many locals — former city of Sarasota Mayor Fredd Atkins, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan and a family tree for sports commentator and Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale.

COMMUNITY CAUSES

Making up the organization are more than 30 committees, each with a different focus.

The group brings its patriotism to education, working with schools in addition to participating in events like History in the Park each year.

The DAR’s annual “Adopt a Classroom” initiative offers money to teachers so they can purchase classroom supplies and books for students and school libraries.

The group works with schools to teach about the Constitution and offers the $100 Good Citizenship Award to seniors of local high schools, while an essay contest each year offers $1,000 for first-place students and $500 for second-place students. The DAR also honors

teachers.

Near the end of March each year, the group holds History Awards Night, for which students create media of their choice — such as a play, website or poster board display — around a topic provided by DAR.

DAR members work with Manatee Village in Bradenton to offer gift bags, The Pines of Sarasota to offer backpacks, and Goodwill Manasota on University Parkway to provide items for homeless veterans.

Meanwhile, Morgan said DAR has been performing environmental work “for a long time, before other people got on the bandwagon.”

“There’s so much to do, you don’t get bored — that’s for sure,” Morgan said.

Ian Swaby

DAR members Shawna Smith, Gina Wilcox, Bonnie Calliotte, Sue Asony, Barbara Wilkes Asony and Sara De Soto Regent Pat Rook.

TRIBUTES

Peppi Elona Neé Elona Peppi Gruber July

Peppi Elona, a vibrant, colorful, unconventionally imaginative and kind woman passed away peacefully at her home on Siesta Key.

Peppi’s children, her life as an artist and her wife made every day meaningful for her; fulfilling and enriching her 86 years.

Peppi had an innate sense for bold, creative thinking in her artwork and how she lived her life. If there was an artwork on display that was out of the ordinary, that was a Peppi piece. Making art and being an inspiration to other artists was very gratifying to her. She was quick to help and advise her art colleagues. She showed a kind heart and generous spirit with her eloquent and honest art critiques.

Peppi’s almost 23 years in Sarasota were filled with showcasing her artwork as an exhibitor and/or member of Women Contemporary Artists, The Petticoat Painters, Art Center Sarasota, Longboat Art Center, Manatee Art Center, Palmetto Art Center, Morean Art Center, Towles Court Gallery, Harmony Hall, State of the Arts Gallery and Selby Gallery at Ringling College.

Peppi was selected twice to be on the Fine Arts Creators and Collectors Tour. Her artwork was also exhibited

at the Newark Art Museum, The Johnson & Johnson Art Gallery at their corporate headquarters, and at galleries in New York City.

Peppi was one of the 13 Founding Members of the Sarasota Museum of Art (SMoA). Her gift for creating promotional materials and her masterful writing helped move the project from idea to reality. She made SMoA look professional and real. The ArtFul Restroom was her brainchild that many still talk about. Peppi devoted many hours to SMoA including hosting ArtMuse artists, members of the art community and donors in her home. When she wasn’t in her studio or at SMoA, she was home preparing meals for visiting artists and their guests. This energy, time, and devotion was second only to playing an integral support role to her wife, SMoA Founding President Emerita, Wendy Surkis. They were a remarkable duo. Family was Peppi’s glow and deep heartbeat. She always wanted to be a mother to four children –and she did it!

Married at 19 years old, this Paterson, New Jersey gal and her former husband, Edward Henig, had four children together. They lived in several cities during their 17 years of marriage as an IBM couple. Each time her family moved, though still busy rearing children, opportunities arose for Peppi to further her art studies, earning her Bachelors of Arts from Rutgers in 1966, Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington University in

1973 and her Master of Arts from Montclair State College in 1983. Though they divorced, Peppi and Ed always remained close friends.

During her life she briefly taught in the New Jersey school system; worked as a licensed commercial real estate agent with Cross & Brown; and helped her father and his associates in his real estate development business in Paterson, New Jersey.

Peppi impacted the lives of numerous people who had a myriad of life challenges. She was quick to step forward when she perceived that they could benefit from her help. She was a philanthropist and generous soul. Peppi helped and gave without being asked. She never sought a thank you.

Peppi met her best friend and classmate, Wendy Surkis, in 1973 at the University of Louisville. They shared 47 years of a mutually wonderful life; supporting each other’s goals, desires and dreams. This twosome was each other’s confidante, companion, cheerleader, project partner, adventurer, support system and helper. They were genuine soul mates.

Peppi was the family’s treasured gift. She was the initiator of gatherings for the blended family. Peppi and Wendy, the Grammas, journeyed with each grandchild to places around the world. These were trips for the three of them – no parents! It was a time to get to know each other much better, and to adventure to a place of the grandchild’s interest.

The idea for these trips was all Peppi’s. Each grandchild reflects on their trip as a very special moment in their teenage life. Peppi and Wendy dabbled in this with Wendy’s three nephews.

Peppi loved and was beloved by her wife, Wendy Surkis; her children, Robert Henig (Sara Mrsny), Lee Henig-Elona (John Orenczak), Jane Fellows (Philip Fellows) and David Henig (Dr. Noreen Henig); her bonus children, Jennifer Deare (Christopher), Susan Schneider, and Neil Schonwald (Virginia); her sister, Joan Faust; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, niece, nephew, cousins, relatives, friends, and Wendy’s nephews and their

families and the many, many people who comprise Peppi’s blended family.

Peppi’s final resting place is at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Totowa, New Jersey. She is buried next to her mother and father, Isabelle and Jack Gruber, to whom she was very close.

The cruelty of dementia stole Peppi from us. We ask that everybody remember Peppi for the sparkle and exuberance that she brought to our lives.

Thank you for enriching PEPPI’S life.

www.VisualInnovator. com

Those who have asked where they can send a donation in honor of Peppi may do so to the Sarasota Museum of Art (SMoA), a division of Ringling College. 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Attn: Virginia Shearer, Exec Director.

DONATIONS:

Those who have asked where they can send a donation in honor of Peppi may do so to the Sarasota Museum of Art (SMoA), a division of Ringling College. 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Attn: Virginia Shearer, Exec Director.

She was a philanthropist and generous soul.

< COME TO THE CABARET: Enjoy a night of divas at FST’s Court Cabaret starting July 11. 19A

RETROSPECTIVE: John Sims lived to challenge the status quo. This exhibit honors his legacy. 18A

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT SHAKING UP

ART CENTER SARASOTA

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

If she wasn’t an arts administrator, Kinsey Robb would be a good shrink. The executive director of Art Center Sarasota is adept at maintaining a neutral expression. Not like someone who has had one too many Botox injections. Just calm but curious. You feel as if you’ve entered a judgment-free zone.

The ability to convey neutrality is an enviable quality when dealing with artists, donors and other stakeholders who might not all share the same vision for Art Center Sarasota.

The only time you might see a flicker of annoyance on Robb’s face is when someone describes Art Center Sarasota as “amateur.”

Then she patiently explains, not for the first time nor for the last, that many of the exhibitors are indeed professionals and if they weren’t when their work was exhibited on the walls of Art Center Sarasota, they will be later.

About those walls. During a recent walkthrough, Robb tells a visitor that the first thing she did after starting as executive director in May 2021 was to get rid of the carpet on the walls and the linoleum on the floors.

When the carpet was removed, the art center found messages from former directors and artists underneath. “You’ve heard the expression, ‘If these walls could talk,’” Robb said. “Well, our walls do talk.”

She repeats the story later in the week during a presentation at Arts Advocates in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall. Both times she notes the upgrade was made possible due to a grant from the Selby Foundation.

“We renovated our space to be more respectful to artists,” she says. That same attitude also prompted the art center to hire professional installers to hang the shows and to limit the number of submissions in its juried shows.

Not all the changes Robb has made have won favor with artists.

Submissions for the center’s juried show must now be done electronically, which has been anxiety-producing for artists who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy. In the past, pieces were dropped off at the center to submit for a show.

During her Arts Advocates talk, Robb said electronic submissions give artists the freedom to submit an artwork elsewhere since it’s not sitting in the center’s offices at 777 N. Tamiami Trail.

Christina Baril, Art Center Sarasota’s exhibitions coordinator, is happy to help artists with the electronic

submission process, Robb said.

But Robb is not a proponent of change for the sake of change. Art Center Sarasota’s logo remains the same as when she arrived. Black aprons and hats adorned with a white modified capital “A” are sold in the lobby and on the website.  “You gotta have good merch,” she says.

Everything about Robb and her plans for Art Center Sarasota exudes professionalism. That’s to be expected, given her blue-chip credentials in the art world. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Visual and Performing Arts program, Robb worked at high-powered art galleries in New York before moving to Sarasota — big names, like Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Perrotin. Her international art street cred was on display front and center during her Arts Advocates presentation. Robb regaled an enraptured audience with war stories from the trenches,

Executive Director Kinsey Robb works to elevate Sarasota’s oldest visual arts institution.

Photos by Monica Roman Gagnier Art Center Sarasota Executive Director Kinsey Robb stands in front of George Zebot’s prize-winning “Healing Democracy.”

Perry deVick’s oil on wood panel “Memento Mori, Memento Vivere,” won an honorable mention in Art Center Sarasota’s 2023 Annual Juried Regional Show.

including “Bananagate.”

That incident took place in 2019 at Art Basel Miami, when a performance artist ate a ripening banana that was part of Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian,” a piece that had already been sold for $120,000.

“Art is spectacle,” Robb said with a smile, as she showed a picture with dozens of cellphones capturing David Datuna eating the banana.

Still, art’s not all fun and games. Robb’s mood turned serious when she talked about how artists need to keep their pricing consistent. If Art Center Sarasota has priced a piece at $1,000, the artist shouldn’t sell a similar work out of their home or online for $200.

STRONG FOUNDATION

Art Center Sarasota has bragging rights for being the first arts organization in town, but it is surely one of the most misunderstood. Founded in 1926, its inception predates that of the John & Mable Ringling Arts Museum.

The building that houses the art center’s Gallery 3 was designed in 1949 by father-and-son team T.R. and Frank Martin in the Sarasota School of Architecture style. While midcentury modern design is respected these days, the art center’s building seems humble, especially compared to the majestic Ringling Museum.

But the comparison isn’t fair. Art Center Sarasota wasn’t founded by a circus magnate and it is not a museum. It doesn’t charge admission and the work on display is for sale.

Although it sells art, Sarasota Art Center is not a gallery. It is a nonprofit dedicated to arts education and raising the profile of area artists.

On a recent day, the art center was filled with children attending a summer camp. In May, it hosted an art exhibit by Sarasota County Schools students. Ringling College of Art

and Design students, including fine arts photographer Jesse Clark, have exhibited at the center.

Now that Robb has elevated Art Center Sarasota’s interiors, she’s ready to tackle its technology. A $6,000 grant from the John and Tana Sandefur Foundation and the Gus Lobenwein Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County was recently used to purchase a new donor management system.

Next on her checklist: hiring a director of development to add more names to the ranks of those donors.

Robb may not have the financial heft of some of Sarasota’s well-heeled arts organizations, but the center’s sitting pretty. That’s because its building is located within the confines of The Bay, the new 53-acre bayfront park.

Robb literally had a seat at the table when decisions about the giant park were being made. “One day, A.G.

(Lafley, the chairman and CEO and first president of the Bay Park Conservancy) referred to me by name, and I was shocked that he knew who I was,” Robb said.

But she is no stranger to rubbing elbows with C-suite types and philanthropists, nor to Sarasota. The daughter of a former fashion industry CEO has been coming to Sarasota ever since her parents retired here.

Despite her worldly connections, there’s something down to earth about Kinsey Robb. Dressed in rolled-up Levi’s, she still looks like the girl next door even if she’s paired the jeans with four-inch designer heels and a filmy cream-colored blouse that reveals a black bra underneath and a tattoo on her back.

Don’t be fooled by Robb’s placid demeanor and fresh-faced looks. She gets exactly what she wants.

Art Center Sarasota is located on Tamiami Trail within The Bay, Sarasota’s new 53-acre bayfront park.

Up close and personal with John Sims

The late Black artist’s creations sparked arguments, but they also forged connections.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

This story is a portrait of an artist. The late John Sims is the artist in question. What kind of artist? Well, that’s a tough question. Like Walt Whitman, Sims was large. And contained multitudes.

This Black artist was a true polymath. Sims’ creations covered the multimedia map. He expressed himself via spoken word poetry, digital art, music, video game creation, installations, conceptual art and clever pranks.

Sims’ obsessions included mathematics, racial justice, the codes of national and tribal symbols (i.e., flags), and political action and Pi — the most irrational number of all. This artist had a lot to say. And he said it in many different ways.

But Sims also liked to give others a voice.

Artistic collaboration was Sims’ style. And not just with other creative individuals. His projects brought groups of people together across cultural ethnic and political divides. Bringing people together has its risks. Failed attempts lead to fights, feuds and factions. Sims didn’t flinch and kept trying. Risktaking was also his style.

You can see Sims’ work at “From the Chambers: Honoring John Sims” at the John and Mable Ringling Museum. It’s on display until Aug. 6.

A BIG HEART WITH COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Sims’ recent conceptual art series buried and lynched Confederate flags. That infuriated white supremacists armed with plenty of hate.

But Sims had plenty of love. His big heart drove his connections with communities and individual creators in his world — and sometimes the next. Sims honored the artists who came before. His final artistic creation honored one in particular.

For nearly a decade, Sims lived a few blocks away from me in downtown Sarasota. My house was on 14th Street; his home/studio was on 10th Street, which was on my way home.

Every few days, I’d see him on the sidewalk. I’d drive by; we’d wave at each other. That two-second connection was pretty much it. What a waste. I could have easily popped into Sims’ studio all the time. I rarely did. But Sims wasn’t the only artist in the neighborhood.

Sculptor John Chamberlain also had a 10th Street studio. He was an Abstract Expressionist who worked in the medium of salvaged auto parts. Chamberlain bent, folded and mutilated that junk, fused it together, then splashed the result with candycolored paint. I couldn’t visit this artist, because he’d moved to the next world. But I talked to him once.

I interviewed Chamberlain in the mid-1990s. He quickly turned it

IF YOU GO ‘FROM THE CHAMBERS: HONORING JOHN SIMS’

When: Through Aug. 6.

Where: John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road

Tickets: Free with $25 museum admission. Info: VisitRingling.org.

around and interviewed me. I stubbornly worked my list of questions. He kept going off-script. Our chat became a verbal chess game. And Chamberlain was a verbal chess master. As I recall, he was smart, cagey, guarded, profane, hilarious, unpredictable and always one move ahead. It was one of my best interviews ever.

10TH STREET STUDIO

BECAME A RUIN

Chamberlain left town in 1996, and left this world in 2011. His 10th Street studio stayed in place for years. A hulk. A shell. A memento mori. Eighteen thousand square feet of waste. That 10th Street ruin was also on my way back home. I’d pass it after waving to Sims, but rarely looked. The building had been part of my landscape since childhood. I took it for granted. Sims didn’t.

Like most true artists, Sims was an ancestor worshipper. Even if you’re only halfway good, you know you stand on the shoulders of giants. You also know the debt you owe these giants. Nothing less than the techniques in your hands and ideas in your head.  There are only two ways to pay

the giants back. Remember their names. Make sure others do. And make damn sure nobody tosses their art and legacy in a dumpster. That’s not just a metaphor. I found that out last September. I was driving by the site of Chamberlain’s studio. It was missing from the landscape. No studio. Only a gutted shell remained, but not for long. Cranes were ripping through the wreckage like giant carrion birds. I parked my car, got out and took an iPhone video. I sent it to Sims, then called him.

DOCUMENTING EVERY STEP

“Hey John. They’re demolishing … ” “John Chamberlain’s studio. Yeah, I know, Marty. I saw it.” “You don’t sound surprised.”

He wasn’t. A few weeks back, Sims had read the city’s demolition order posted outside the studio. He’d come back to with a digital video camera. Not just once. Sims documented the destruction every step of the way.

“What’ll you do with the video?”

“I don’t know yet. But I will do something. And I’ll still be going back … ”

Sims’ video was better than mine.

He did do something.

To quote Sims’ essay in “Sculpture” magazine:

“I pour some coffee libation to the ground in memory, in honor and respect for the spaces that bring forth the best evidence of our humanity and capacity to create. Now, I am ready to get to the studio and work on my newest piece.”

The “piece” Sims refers to is a liberated (and transformed) shard of disrespected history. A work of art, but not conceptual art. It’s a physical object. And heavy as hell.

DOING WHAT MUST BE DONE

Sims did go back to Chamberlain’s gutted studio. That’s where he found that shard. A rusty metal spike painted a happy shade of chrome yellow.

Sims pulled that spike from the ruin. Now what?

The junk was too big for his car. His studio was 1,056 yards away. There was only one way to get it there. Artists sometimes suffer for their art, right? This was one of those times.

Sims dragged that heavy metal down 10th street up to his own studio. Then got to work hammering it into the shape of a spike crowned by an infinity symbol — and magically turned junk into sculpture. Sims named it “From the Chambers.” It would be his final artistic creation.

Sims died on Dec. 11, 2022. So it goes.

You can see his tribute to John Chamberlain at the exhibition that shares the sculpture’s name. Steven High curated this show. It’s minimalistic and stripped down. And it hits you like a slap to the face.

A TALE OF TWO SCULPTURES

Sims’ sculpture stands on one side of the gallery. Chamberlain’s sculpture hangs on the opposite wall. The two pieces initially seem to reflect each other. But they’re radically different.

Sims’ “From the Chambers” (2022) looks like 3-D steel calligraphy. A punk rock glyph, with a rough, raw texture. Chamberlain’s “Added Pleasure” (1975-1982) is painted and chromium-plated steel. Slick and shiny.

Sims’ sculpture is a Chamberlain homage, not an imitation. It’s made of banged-up metal, sure. But that’s its only resemblance.

The two artworks aren’t mirror images.

They face each other. But they’re not reflections.

They’re looking each other in the eye. And having a dialogue.

Sims’ art always sparked dialogue. It’s seems he’s done it one more time.

In an adjoining gallery, Sims’ video documentary plays in an endless loop. The giant carrion cranes erase history, again and again. His poem also plays from a speaker on the ceiling. Sims’ words, Sims’ voice. Half manifesto. Half mournful elegy. “No man is an island.” John Donne said it. John Sims knew it.

My continent of self is a little smaller now that Sims is gone. Along with John Chamberlain, Kevin Dean, Allyn Gallup and so many others.

Nothing lasts forever. That applies to both buildings and people. Including the smart, creative artistic ones who make our world a little better.

Courtesy photos

John Sims in the 2021 presentation of his “Recolorized Confederate Flag” project at Historic Asolo Theater.

John Chamberlain’s “Added Pleasure” (1975-82).

John Sims’ sculpture from recycled metal “From the Chambers” (1982).

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$15-$20

Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Runs through Aug. 12.

‘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 achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrifices required to win the

OUR PICK

22ND PLAYERS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

For more than two decades, The Players Centre has provided local playwrights with the opportunity to read their plays in front of an audience. The winner will see their play produced with full sets, costumes, lighting and sound, with a local director and actors. The plays in competition have not yet been publicly announced. Runs through July 14.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 10

Where: The Players Centre, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 Tickets: $10 Info: ThePlayers.org.

championship belt worth it? Runs through July 9.

THE SURFER BOYS

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

Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

‘SHEAR MADNESS’

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

There’s been a murder in a local hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 16.

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Florida Studio Theatre

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. From $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a musicologist who wants to record

undocumented slave-era music and an African American prisoner who has the knowledge needed for the project. Runs through July 30.

FRIDAY

‘THE MANTLE’

7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 $17 Visit ThePlayers.org.

“The Mantle” follows Benny Craft on what could be the last day of his life. Craft plans to post a suicide note on social media at midnight, but is he really looking for somebody to talk him out of it? Runs through July 9.

TUESDAY

DIVAS THREE

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other performers who have won the coveted title of “Diva.” Runs through Sept. 3.

WEDNESDAY PAT GODWIN

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

A quick-witted comedian who is also a singer/songwriter, Godwin is a veteran of “The Howard Stern Show,” “Last Comic Standing” and “The Tom & Bob Show.” Runs through July 16.

DON’T MISS

JAZZ HAPPY HOUR

The Tamas Nagy Trio performs folk jazz with Eastern European influences. A native of Hungary, vocalist Nagy plays guitar and brings a personal note to his interpretations. He is joined by Jack Berry on bass and Jared Johnson on drums. Jazz Happy Hour continues July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23.

IF YOU GO

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 12

Where: Selby Library, 1331 First St. Tickets: Free. Registration required. Info: SarasotaMusicArchive.org

JULY 22 –

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Marcy and Michael Klein

MEDIA SPONSOR

Jazz Happy Hour returns to the Selby Library on July 12, with The Tamas Nagy Trio featuring Jack Berry on bass and Jared Johnson on drums.

even save lives.

Courtesy photos

Summer Circus Spectacular is playing at Historic Asolo Theater through Aug. 12.

Boat racers power through big waves

Despite the heat of the summer, the 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix saw plenty of racers who were loving the energy of the event, which was held July 1 and 2 after kicking off with a downtown block party on June 30.

Karleigh Alday, a member of the Sarasota-based team OC Offshore Racing, said that to cope with this year’s weather conditions, the crew of their boat placed frozen bottles and cooling gels inside the bridge and in life vests and helmets.

Held by P1 Offshore, the event featured more than 60 teams, some of them from outside the U.S., engaging in highperformance racing along Lido Beach, and drew spectators who lined a section of the shoreline

“I love it. It’s just my passion. I love the adrenaline rush,” said OC Offshore Racing team member Joey Olivieri.

Despite the team’s boat ultimately breaking down and not finishing the race, he said he was eager to return next season.

The beach was the place to be to follow the action, as Lido Beach bustled Saturday with people from

across the country.

Many people swam or set up beach chairs in the water to watch the speeding boats pass by. A variety of genres of music could be heard from under almost every beach umbrella.

Leilani Danks came to Lido Key from Miami to support her boyfriend, Christopher Hopgood, who was driving the Celsius.

“It’s a little bit scary,” said Danks. “You may think it’s not that choppy, but it’s extremely choppy and windy for conditions to be driving a boat and these boats run about 120 miles per hour.”

James Watson from Tampa has been coming every year for 10 years along with going to a couple of the races in the ’90s.

“I used to race in lower class,” said Watson. “People don’t understand what it’s like to be (going) across the water in high speed. You’ve got to pull your throttles back when you come out of the air. It’s like being on a giant surfboard. So you’ve got that feeling when the boat’s trimmed out, just perfect and that’s what it’s all about.”

— IAN SWABY AND PETRA RIVERA

Photos by Ian Swaby

The Gladiator Canados boat, piloted by Ervin Grant of Massachusetts and Michel Karsenti of Miami Beach, races against the Waves and Wheels / Doug Wright boat piloted by Logan Adan of Melbourne, Florida, and Ricky Maldonado, of Palmetto, Florida.

The T/S Motorsports / Marine Technology boat piloted by Taylor Scism of Missouri and Johnny Tomlinson of North Miami passes crowds of spectators on the beach.

Members of the Sarasota-based team OC Offshore Racing Jack Fowler, Karleigh Alday, Joey Olivieri and Chris Volosin

A support boat offers supervision as a race begins.

People seek the shade while watching the Powerboat Grand Prix.

Petra Rivera

Lighting up the bay

Sherry and Jay Clark both moved to Sarasota from Connecticut a week ago, but they quickly discovered the scope of the Sarasota community on July 4, when they were among the crowd who came to Bayfront Park for the annual fireworks show.

“We loved them. We thought they were great,” Jay Clark said. “They were beautiful and so was just the whole atmosphere.”

Attendees gathered on chairs and picnic blankets, on boat rooftops and on the rocks at the shoreline to watch the fireworks display, which was held by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack, with fireworks by Pyrotecnico.

“It was really, really great,” said attendee Nate Kennelly. “It was a long show, as well.”

“We enjoyed it so much,” said Lubabah Hasan, who said she enjoys traveling to different areas to see fireworks, having traveled all the way from Tampa to watch the show.

— IAN SWABY

Visitors were impressed with the many fireworks at the event.

Paul Goevel, Ginny Goevel and Cari Vinci wait for the fireworks to start.

Doug and Victoria Thayer

Nate Kennelly and Alex St. Lifer enjoy a boat rooftop view of the fireworks.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Heather Odom, Jennifer Clewis, Coen Clewis, Timothy Clewis, Emma Ibarra, Gabrial Solis, Ayden Ibarra, Abby Maldonado and Samantha Solis

Silver streaming fireworks dazzled the crowd.

SARASOTA AREA

DIRT RIDERS

ASSOCIATION

Office: Hap’s Honda, 2530 17th

St., Sarasota, Florida

For information visit: Facebook.com/SadraSarasota AreaDirtRidersAssociation

A NEED FOR SPEED

Colton has never let physical challenges deter his love of moving fast, said Chris Lawson.

Initially, Colton struggled to ride a bicycle without training wheels, and his shoes had to be attached to the pedals with Velcro. Then one day, amid his father’s objections, Colton surprised him by effortlessly riding a bike.

Inspired by his family’s involvement in dirt riding, Colton’s interest in racing was piqued when Chris Lawson took him to the final race of the 2022 season at the Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Association.

That prompted them to purchase a four-wheeler and enter the world of racing.

Offroad warrior

As Colton Lawson circles racetracks while riding with the Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Association, many spectators may not notice his prosthetic legs. Likewise, 7-year-old Colton Lawson is undeterred by his physical difference; for him, racing at high speed simply feels natural.

“It’s easy,” he said, explaining that he enjoys the experience of overtaking fellow racers, the thrill of traveling on his four-wheeler and the friendships that have resulted from the sport.

Colton said completing his inaugural season with the Sarasota Area Dirt Riders Association, which saw him receiving the Quad Pewee B Championship, filled him with a sense of pride knowing he could inspire others by demonstrating “anything is possible.”

In June 2018 when he was 2, Colton lost the lower parts of both legs after

a mowing accident.  He had always enjoyed riding in the mower with his father, Chris Lawson, as he mowed the family’s 28-acre property in Myakka City. One day, Colton’s mother, April Costello, arrived with groceries.

As Chris Lawson was letting Colton down from the mower to run to her, his foot slipped the clutch, and Colton was dragged under the

mower. He had to be flown to Tampa General Hospital, where he had six surgeries, ultimately having his legs amputated below the knees. Despite his setback, his passion for vehicles with wheels and engines remained steadfast from a young age, as did his desire for activity. Sometimes Colton will remove his prosthetics and shoes and dart across the grass on just his legs.

To aid in their practice, Chris Lawson and his friends developed a track within the wooded section of their property, which soon became a popular spot for Colton’s friends, as well.

‘BRAVENESS, PROUDNESS’ As Colton embarked on his first four-wheeler race of the season, his nerves were running high; at the first corner, a multivehicle crash took place. The situation worsened. Two more crashes involved Lawson himself, the second of which resulted in staff having to remove his vehicle from the bushes.

Yet in the final lap of the race, as Lawson was lagging behind in last place, his nerves suddenly fell away and his love of the sport took over.

“I was thinking of braveness, proudness,” he said. “I was still a little bit nervous, and people were still crashing.”

Colton gained speed to ultimately finish in third place. In his next race, he earned first place.

In multiple races, his leg passed through the vehicle’s nerf bar, a netted foot platform, and became jammed in the front tire. In one of those instances, he hit his chin on the dashboard, busted his lip and lost his shoe. Without his shoe, he went on to finish that race.

While racing presents its own share of challenges, Colton’s determination has never wavered, leading to him being promoted from a B-class to an A-class racer.

Chris Lawson said any time Colton encounters an obstacle, he is only encouraged to push forward.

“It makes him angry, and he really pushes through,” his father said. “It

makes him just try harder. It just makes him go faster.”

Another issue Lawson faces is that he is not able to feel the foot brake with his leg and must use the handbrake instead. His newest vehicle will be modified to place the footbrake on the left handlebar.

Costello said due to the risks inherent in the sport, watching Lawson race can be nerve-inducing.

“Once he gets through the first lap, then I know he feels comfortable and that he’ll be OK for the rest of the time, but yes, it is definitely nerve-wracking for me,” she said. “It’s the risk that you take. You know that there’s a risk. There’s a risk with anything you do.”

She also said it helps that the organization’s medic team is “top notch.”

By coincidence, it contained a welcome face for the family. Its head medic, Donny Richardson, led the Aeromed flight crew that transported Colton after his accident.

On the last race of the season, the anniversary of Lawson’s accident –June 14 – Richardson brought along some guests to the Port Charlotte racetrack: the other members of the flight crew.

“That was a good surprise,” Chris Lawson said.

Although Colton Lawson wasn’t able to complete the race due to carburetor issues, he came away with the Quad Pewee B Championship.

THE ROAD GOES ON Colton’s sights are now set on gaining as much time on the four-wheeler as he can before the next season starts in early September. Due to moving up to a new class, he now must familiarize himself with a vehicle equipped with a motor three times as fast.

“They’re older kids, bigger kids. They’ve been riding a lot longer, so we’re going to have some competition,” Chris Lawson said.

The family has plans for a trip to Georgia in November, where they will explore the mountains and ride on dirt bike trails.

“I love mountain riding,” Colton Lawson said. “I want to be a mountain rider.”

Yet Chris Lawson knows his son has already come a long way.

“A lot of people are surprised at what he can do,” he said.

One of those people is Colton Lawson’s sister, Taylor, who is 14 and will be starting in dirt bike racing next season after Colton inspired her.

Later this year, Colton will participate in the Grand National Cross Country race held outside the state.

“I’m proud of him every single day,” said Costello. “For the most part, he doesn’t let much bother him. He is one of the most resilient children I’ve ever met in my life. He’s loving, he’s kind, he’s driven. He’s a lot to be proud of.”

Seven-year-old Colton

Lawson never lost the need for speed after losing the lower part of both his legs in 2018.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Colton Lawson rides his four-wheeler on his family’s property.

April Costello, Colton Lawson and Chris Lawson

Condo in The Tower Residences tops sales at $2.9 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

JUNE 19-23

Other top sales by area

SIESTA KEY:

$1.87 MILLION

Siesta Key Beach Residences

Secure Capital USA Properties LP sold the Unit 612 condominium at 915 Seaside Drive to Lucy Street South LLC for $1.87 million. Built in 2009, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,750 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,337,500 in 2014.

PALMER RANCH: $899,000

Esplanade on Palmer Ranch

FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

ESTATES

Acondominium in The Tower Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert Freeman Cahn Jr., of Sarasota, and David Payne, of Atlanta, trustees, sold the Unit 905 condominium at 35 Watergate Drive to William and Kristin Gardel, of Sarasota, for $2.9 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,659 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,335,000 in 2006. sold the Unit 8-G condominium at 101 S. Gulfstream Ave. to 101 Tower LLC for $650,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, two baths and 965 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 2021.

Life Properties of Sarasota LLC sold the Unit 1114 condominium at 988 Boulevard of the Arts to Mark Stubits and Susan Loraine, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, for $1,585,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,729 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2021.

Bradley Root and Cathy Abrams sold their Unit 1615 condominium at 988 Boulevard of the Arts to Nathan Berns, of Alpharetta, Georgia, for $1.55 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $715,000 in 2021.

LONG MEADOW

Huntland Homes LLC sold three properties at 2069 Bougainvillea St. to Michael and Alida Brinkmann, of Sarasota, for $1.5 million. The first property was built in 1957 and has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,945 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1972 and has one bedroom, one bath and 616 square feet of living area. The third property was built in 1975 and has one bedroom, one bath and 616 square feet of living area. They sold for $500,000 in 2022.

MANDARIN PARK

Sean Sanford, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1348 Tearose Place to Michael Corley and Stacey Corley, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.17 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,227 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2022.

Timothy and Nancy Olson, of Greenville, Wisconsin, sold their home at 2118 Riviera Drive to Mervin Yoder, of Arcola, Illinois, for $830,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,463 square feet of living area. It sold for $296,800 in 2003.

INDIAN BEACH

Kim Ching, of Sarasota, sold his home at 3140 Bay Shore Road to John and Christina Warner, of Sarasota, for $750,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,775 square feet of living area. It sold for $579,900 in 2021.

SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS

Eastchester LLC sold the home at 4724 Eastchester Drive to John Dennis, of Nashville, Tennessee, for $750,000. Built in 1958, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,674 square feet of living area. It sold for $389,000 in 2018.

BAY’S BLUFF

Walter and Ilze Henry, of Spring Lake, New Jersey, sold their Unit 401 condominium at 1100 Imperial Drive to Cynthia McPherson, of Sarasota, for $695,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,195 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2018.

WOODBURY Sally Ann MacFadden, of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, sold her home at 2650 Davis Blvd. to Jose and Erica Rios and Edgar and Norma Herrera, of Bristol, Indiana, for $682,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,496 square feet of living area. It sold for $349,000 in 2019.

THE 101 Irene Tuttle, trustee, of Sarasota,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of June 19-23, in order of dollar amounts.

HUNTINGTON POINTE Eric Jacobsthal and Susan Hansen, trustees, sold the home at 4121 Hearthstone Drive to Jarett and Jeannie Whipple, of Sarasota, for $639,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,733 square feet of living area. It sold for $215,900 in 1993.

ONLINE

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Edward and Judith Copland, trustees, sold the home at 5301 Popoli Way to Jeffrey Henry, of Dallastown, Pennsylvania, for $899,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,918 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,900 in 2019.

OSPREY: $1.1 MILLION

The Woodlands at Rivendell William and Eucarice Richmond, of Trinidad, California, sold their home at 792 Placid Lake Drive to David and Heidi Cook, of Osprey, for $1,075,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,360 square feet of living area. It sold for $516,500 in 2003.

NOKOMIS: $2.85 MILLION

Casey Key

John Laforge II, of Bradenton, sold his home at 3727 Sandspur Lane to LVS Properties LLC for $2.85 million. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,001 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2020.

File photo

A condominium in The Tower Residences tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $2.9 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,659 square feet of living area.

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COMMUNITY

SATURDAY, JULY 8

NAMASTE AT THE BAY WITH MEG METCALF

9-10 a.m. at Sarasota Garden Club, 1130 Boulevard of the Arts.

Free. At this week’s Namaste at The Bay, join instructor Meg Metcalf, a 500-hour certified yoga instructor and a licensed massage therapist, for a yoga session in the tranquil venue of the Sarasota Garden Club. Bring your own mat and water. For information, visit TheBaySarasota. org.

GIVING TREE DRUM CIRCLE

11 a.m. to noon at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave.

Free. Participants will join in a circle of traditional African drum music. This program is open to all ages on a first-come, first-serve basis. For information, visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.

MONDAY, JULY 10 LUNCH & LEARN: PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

DURING HURRICANE SEASON

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Senior Friendship Centers Sarasota Campus, 1888 Brother Geenen Way.

Free. This educational session serves as part of Senior Friendship Centers’ efforts to prevent the impacts to seniors observed during Hurricane Ian due to their limited mobility and isolation. The session is presented by Jenda Cosgrove, a crisis counselor for Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery and Project HOPE. For information, visit FriendshipCenters.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

TO AUGUST 9

POETRY OUT LOUD! A WRITING

WORKSHOP

4-6 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $40 (all five sessions). This fivesession poetry and writing workshop hosted by local poet Doug Knowlton will involve discussion as well as spoken performance of each writer’s work. Additional sessions will be held 4-6 p.m. July 19 and 26, and Aug. 2 and 9. For information, visit SarasotaBooks.com.

BEST BET

THURSDAY, JULY 13

RAAD BBQ BASH

Bike ride 6-6:45 p.m. (check-in starts at 5:30 p.m.) at Rosemary Park, 1386 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. DreamLarge and Rosemary Art & Design District will host an evening that combines barbecue and bike riding.

First, guests will hop on their bikes in a ride led by Bill Waddill, chief operating officer of The Bay Park Conservancy to experience the Rosemary District and The Bay Park. The event concludes with the BBQ Bash. For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com.

PET PICS

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

•

THURSDAY, JULY 13

ROBOTICS WORKSHOP

2:30-4 p.m. at meeting room, Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road.

Free. Those ages 9-18 will learn how to code and program real robots. Visit the youth desk starting one hour ahead of the event to obtain a ticket. Limit of 20 attendees. For information and to register, visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

CINEMA AT THE BAY: ‘MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE’

8 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Bring a chair and your family or friends and join The Bay Park for a free movie. The featured film for this event is “Mission Impossible” (PG-13). Food and beverages will be available at the Simply Greek Food Truck and The Nest concession booth.

2023 SUMMER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES

Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

July 19 | August 23

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

To RSVP: Call AJC at 941.365.4955 or Online at: AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2023

Benjamin Rogers

AJC’s Director, Middle East and North Africa Initiatives

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

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

Dr Kotcharian is a very thorough, compassionate physician. Takes detailed history, paying attention to complaints and symptoms. Not a physician who will dismiss your symptoms and complaints. Listens amazingly well and responsive. Highly recommended. After seeing three different physicians for my back and six MRIs this is the physician who accurately diagnosed me and ordered the correct imaging to reveal my pathology. As a fellow physician, this is who I trust with my back.

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 evershifting dynamics of U.S. – Middle East relations.

Belle Yoeli

AJC’s Chief Advocacy Officer

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023

The State of Jewish Affairs: Around the World with AJC

There is never a dull moment for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we tackle some of the most challenging current events and how they are impacting our community.

Reservations Required.

WILD ABOUT WALKING: Shanti and Sadie love their walks in Glen Oaks Manor, Sarasota.

File photo

Cyclists participate in a past BLVD Bike Ride.

Fast Break

Former Riverview High softball star Holley Peluso is having a breakout summer in the Florida Gulf Coast League, which is playing games at Lakewood Ranch Park through July 14. Peluso, who attends Florida Atlantic University as a rising senior, is hitting .405 in 42 atbats, with six doubles, a home run and eight RBIs.

… Former Riverview High football star Richie James signed with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason after a career year with the New York Giants when he had 57 catches for 569 yards and five touchdowns; he previously had 38 catches for his entire career. James also led the NFL in Catch Rate Over Expected at +11%, according to Next Gen Stats. James appears to like his new home: per the Kansas City Star on June 30, James called Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid “the smartest and the greatest head coach you can possibly ask for.”

… Registration is now open for FC Sarasota youth soccer’s Fall 2023 Recreational and First Kickers (born in 2017/2018) leagues, as well as Foot Skills practices, which have players working individually and in small groups on soccer dribbling moves and technical touches. For more information, visit FCSarasota.com.

… Former Sarasota High baseball outfielder Lance Trippel, who now attends Florida State University, is putting on a show in the summer Northwoods League, which is based in Rochester, Minnesota. Trippel is hitting .366 this summer, the second-highest average in the league, for the Kenosha Kingfish. Trippel also has four doubles, a triple, a home run and 11 RBIs.

Seize the day

The six-time MLB All-Star and Sarasota resident surprised fans at 99 Bottles on July 1.

For baseball fans, and in particular New York Mets fans, Independence Day is not the first holiday of July.

That would be July 1, Bobby Bonilla Day.

It’s a day that has its origins in 2000, when the Mets bought Bonilla out of his contract. That move itself is not unusual; players have their contracts bought out all the time, even star players, which Bonilla, a six-time All-Star selection, was. What was unusual were the terms of the agreement: Instead of paying Bonilla the $5.9 million he was owed at once, the Mets decided to pay approximately $1.2 million of that at the time, while deferring the rest with 8% interest. The result was that every year for 25 years, starting on July 1, 2011, Bobby Bonilla would receive approximately $1.2 million, turning that initial $5.9 million into $29.8 million over time.

It is not an unprecedented move for a team to make. Ken Griffey Jr. is currently receiving $3.59 million from the Cincinnati Reds each year through 2024 from money deferred from a nine-year, $116 million deal signed in 2000, and Todd Helton received $1.3 million from the Rockies every year through 2023 because of $13 million deferred from a twoyear extension he signed in 2010. Even Bonilla himself is receiving an additional $500,000 from a second contract he signed, with those payments beginning in 2004 and coming from the Mets and Baltimore Orioles.

For unknown reasons, Bonilla’s Mets deal is the one that resonated. Now, every July 1 is known as Bobby Bonilla Day. The day started as an inside joke for Mets fans, lamenting the team’s poor financial planning (and overall performance), but over time, it has become a celebration of Bonilla’s feats as a player, as well as a silly look at how much

BOBBY BONILLA CAREER STATS

n .279 batting average

more he earns each year than other active players. In 2023, for instance, Bonilla has earned more than two All-Stars from the Texas Rangers, catcher Jonah Heim ($745,600) and outfielder Adolis Garcia ($747,760).

This year on July 1, Sarasota’s 99 Bottles Taproom and Bottle Shop decided to hold a special celebration for whom the bar’s Facebook page called “the most baller contract buyout king of MLB history,” offering $1.19 pints of Captain Lawrence Orange Crusher.  To the surprise of the people in attendance — and the bar itself — the event was crashed by the event’s honoree, Bonilla, who entered with a smile on his face.

“Bobby!” a face in the crowd shouted. “We’ve been waiting for you for years.”

Bonilla, a Sarasota resident, came to the event with his wife, Christina Solomon-Bonilla. It was SolomonBonilla, Bonilla said, who convinced him to make an appearance. Usually, the couple is out of town on July 1, he said, either on a trip or watching his son, Roman Solomon, play in a golf tournament. But since they were home, the couple thought it would be a fun surprise for the Mets fans in attendance.

During the event, Bonilla walked up and down the bar, talking to anyone who wanted to chat; he even got behind the bar to hand out a few beers. Bonilla said he has embraced his “day,” even though it stems from a buyout.

“I get more texts and phone calls on this day than I do on my birthday,” Bonilla said with a laugh. “It’s become a famous thing, and everyone gets a kick out of it. In a way, it’s the one day where nobody’s pissed off (about the deal).”

Bonilla said the financial aspect of the day does not bring much excitement. He’s earmarked the money from his Mets contract to be put away, he said, so he’s not making

n .358 on-base percentage

n .472 slugging percentage

n 287 home runs

n 1,084 runs scored

n 1,173 RBIs

n 6X All-Star game appearances

n 3X Silver Slugger awards

n 1997 World Series win with the Florida Marlins

n 2nd National League MVP

1990

n 3rd National League MVP

1991

any big purchases the day after his annual allotment arrives. He tries not to make a habit of big purchases or investments in general, he said; the biggest investment he’s made is one he made recently, buying into Soleta Golf Cub, a private residential club community in Myakka City that will feature a Nick Price-designed golf course, David Leadbetter practice and performance facilities, and family focused sporting and social activities. The golf course is expected to open for play in late 2024.

Bonilla’s interest in golf aligns with his son’s. Bonilla said watching Roman Solomon’s potential sports career blossom has been a rewarding experience, and he’s proud of Solomon, who won the 2022 Underrated Golf Curry Cup, for putting in the work necessary to potentially make it a reality.

“Since I played at such a high level, I know what it takes,” Bonilla said. “I tell him every day, ‘You want to play this game? It’s going to take a great deal of patience and a consistent mindset.’ You have to say, I’m going to work on my game and I’m going to get better every day. And he’s in a good place with that, mentally.”

Bonilla retired from baseball in 2001, but he still follows the game — though admittedly, his interest typically is piqued after the All-Star break.

There’s nothing like watching guys play in the dog days of summer, Bonilla said, while fighting for a spot in the postseason. Bonilla said he’s a baseball traditionalist at heart, but understands why MLB has made some of the changes it has in recent seasons, such as adding a pitch clock or starting extra innings with each team receiving a runner on second base.

“You have to make sure you attract the younger crowd,” Bonilla said. “If they felt like the game was too slow, then OK, speed it up — within the context of not ruining the game. And it seems like they were able to do that. It didn’t ruin the ambience, which is what baseball is all about.”

Courtesy photo

Florida Atlantic softball player Holley Peluso.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Bobby Bonilla said he received more texts and calls on July 1 than he does on his birthday.

Bobby Bonilla served and chatted with fans at 99 Bottles Taproom on July 1.

“I don’t really set expectations for myself or keep times or anything. I just like to see me go fast. ”

— Drew Vanden Heuvel SEE PAGE 9B

On the ascent

Mattes finished 15th overall in the Women’s 1,500 freestyle (16:33.74)

— there were no final heats in that event — and second in the C final of the women’s 400-meter freestyle (4:10.73), among other results.

The Sarasota area had athletes making noise locally and across the country in the past week, so let’s waste no time in getting to their accomplishments, which were impressive — and in some cases, may lead to even bigger ones in the next few weeks.

PHILLIPS 66 NATIONAL

CHAMPIONSHIPS

So many swimmers with elite talents have come through the Sarasota area in recent years, it’s easy to take their accomplishments for granted. But we shouldn’t do that, especially when swimmers are competing at events like the Phillips 66 National Championships, held June 27-July 1 in Indianapolis. The best swimmers in the country gathered to prove themselves against each other, and the Sarasota-area swimmers in the competition held their own.

Let’s start with the swimmers still based in the area before moving on to a decorated alum. Sarasota Sharks junior swimmers Gracie Weyant, Addison Sauickie, Michaela Mattes and Amadeusz Knop all represented the area at the championships and performed admirably. Of the four, Sauickie had the highest individual finish, taking third in the B final of the women’s 400 freestyle with a time of 4:10.16, which was good for 10th among all swimmers in their respective finals. She also finished sixth in the B final of the women’s 200-meter freestyle (1:59.00) among her other results.

Weyant finished seventh in the C final of the women’s 400 individual medley (4:51.58), fourth in the D final of the women’s 200-meter individual medley (2:16.43) and fourth in the D final of the women’s 200-meter breaststroke (2:33.94).

Knop finished fifth in the D final of the men’s 200-meter backstroke (2:02.29) among other results.

Then there was Emma Weyant, Gracie Weyant’s sister, the former Olympian and current University of Florida Gator. Weyant swam her silver medal-winning event, the women’s 400-meter individual medley, at the championships, but unfortunately was disqualified during a preliminary race for an illegal dolphin kick. She did finish second in the B final of the women’s 400-meter freestyle (4:09.78) — one spot ahead of Sauickie — as well as 20th overall in the women’s 200-meter freestyle (1:59.78).

ALL-STARS SHINE ON DIAMOND

While it may not have as much at stake as the swimming national championships, Little League All-Star baseball can be just as exciting. And as it turns out, our All-Star contingent might be just as successful.

The Sarasota Little League 8-9-10-year-old All-Star team won its Section 6 tournament on July 1, winning its two games by a combined 36-5 score. Now that’s what I call domination — on both sides of the scoreboard. The team will now move on to the state tournament, held July 7-8 in Winter Garden.

The league’s 50/70 team also reached the sectional stage but failed

to advance.

The state tournament is a different beast, as you never know what caliber of teams you’ll be facing, but I’d put the Sarasota 8-910 team’s chances of advancing to regionals as being as good as anyone else’s after its sectionals performance. If it does advance, it would head to Bridgewater, Virginia, on July 28-Aug. 1 for the regional tournament.

FORMER SAILORS CONTINUE

MINOR LEAGUE ASCENT

Going from Little League baseball to Minor League Baseball, two former Sarasota High stars have continued their strong play in 2023 as they attempt to climb their respective organization’s farm systems.

It’s easy to forget that Vaun Brown was drafted in the 10th round of the 2021 draft by the San Francisco Giants organization out of Florida Southern College. He was the 296th overall pick that year, and yet, as

of July 3, Brown was ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the entire Giants system, and the No. 3 outfielder. It is a testament to how thoroughly Brown, 25, has beaten the stitches off the ball since becoming a pro: He’s hitting .332 for his career and .286 in his first full season with the AA-level Richmond Flying Squirrels. (Goodness, do I love a wacky minor league team name.) He has some pop and some speed to boot. Brown has six home runs and 13 steals this season.  His age makes him a somewhat unusual prospect, or at least one ranked so highly by scouts, but that’s how good his tools are. MLB.com projects Brown to reach the major leagues in 2024, and that feels right to me as well.

Not to be forgotten, Satchel Norman is off to a torrid start for the Arizona Complex League Brewers in 2023. Norman was drafted out of Florida SouthWestern State College in the 15th round by the Milwaukee

Brewers in 2022 and had a good start to his career last fall, hitting .344 over 10 games in a taste of Rookie League action. He’s back in the league now, and in his first 10 games, Norman is actually doing even better than he did in 2022, hitting .364 with one home run and seven RBIs. It’s a small sample size, but those kind of results are always good to have. At just 20 years old, Norman likely has a ways to go before reaching the upper levels of the system, but he’s doing everything a prospect should do in the meantime.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

A group of swimmers competes at nationals, Little League All-Stars shine and minor leaguers continue their ascent.

Courtesy photo

The Sarasota Little League 8-9-10 All-Star team won its Section 6 championship on July 1.

Drew Vanden Heuvel

Drew Vanden Heuvel is a Sarasota High grad and a boys swimmer with the Sailors as well as the Sarasota Tsunami club team. Vanden Heuvel committed to Old Dominion University on May 8.

When did you start competitive swimming?

I started doing summer league swimming when I was 6. My family just wanted me to try it. I got hooked on it.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the team aspect of swimming. You swim with some of your best friends who you see every day at practice and you get better together and you grow and you have fun.

What is your favorite event?

I love the 400 individual medley. It’s also my best event. I like it because you cannot only be good at one thing, you have to be good at all the strokes.

What is your favorite memory?

All of the state championships we won at Sarasota High were great, but my favorite was probably my junior year. We were not sure if we could win it again. We didn’t know if we had enough people. But we were well-rounded enough to do it. That was a memorable one.

Why did you commit to Old Dominion?

When I went on my visit up there in the winter, it just felt like I was home. It’s a sports cliche to say a team feels like a family, but I do think I’ll fit in well there. It will be good for me athletically and academically.

What are your goals for the summer and next season?

I don’t really set expectations for myself or keep times or anything. I just like to see me

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

go fast. As for next season, I think a top-eight finish at our conference championship meet would be a good start as a freshman.

What is your favorite food?

I’ll go with Italian food. I don’t know if I can get more specific than that. I like it all.

What is your favorite movie? I like “Ford v. Ferrari” a lot.

What is your college major? I plan on majoring in marketing.

What are your hobbies?

I like to play golf, and I like to go fishing.

Which superpower would you pick?

I would want teleportation so I could go anywhere instantly.

Finish this sentence: “Drew Vanden Heuvel is … ” … Competitive and persistent.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

by Dental Implant Specialists

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SIGNATURE SONGS by Pam Amick Klawitter, edited by Jeff Chen

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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.