Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 8.24.23

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

Toast it.

PAGE 18

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

VOLUME 19, NO. 39

YOUR TOWN

High-density hotels nixed A judge ruled two Siesta Key hotel proposals have too many units for their acreage. SEE PAGE 5

Ian Swaby

Tom Horton and Vincent Pearson

GUITAR HEROES

Frightful auditory experience Settled inside the loft at Bookstore1Sarasota the night of Aug. 18, many attendees had their eyes closed and their minds open as they mentally traveled through dark passageways and forbidding landscapes.

The bookstore hosted “The Gothic Library Presents ‘Uncharted Territories,’” a performance of live radio theater featuring the stories “Lot No. 249” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell.

Ren Pearson, artistic director of the ongoing series, said the idea arose from his desire to share his love of Gothic literature and radio theater. He said once the show begins, the audience is encouraged to simply close their eyes and listen.

“Two speakers, two mics, and a bevy of really talented actors make it work,” he said.

The Music Compound SRQ put students on stage for its Back to School Bash.

SEE PAGE 19

Courtesy photo

The real world

Earlier this month, Sarasota High School sophomore Jacki Bricker (above, left) got to explore the world of construction thanks to the Girls Inc. Eureka program.

The program empowers high school girls with mentorships and real-world experiences in STEM-related fields.

For this mentorship experience, Girls Inc. partnered with local architecture and construction companies including Jon F. Swift Construction, Kimley-Horn, Snell Engineering, and Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors, so Bricker could make site visits and learn about industry software.

Ian Swaby

Three-year-old Cameron Benfer tries out a guitar at The Music Compound during its Back to School Bash Aug. 18.

A+E

Turtle Tracks AS OF AUG. 12 TOTAL NESTS: Siesta Key Lido Beach Casey Key

Courtesy rendering

2023 2022 376 530 184 159 1,962 2,032

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2023 2022 Siesta Key 687 584 Lido Beach 328 204 Casey Key 2,410 1,918 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

A concept image showing the vision for The Bay, centered around a new performing arts venue.

Waterfront dining faces delays The restaurants baked into The Bay project are unlikely to be seen in the next phase of development. SEE PAGE 3

A company all her own.

PAGE 13

2

YourObserver.com

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

WEEK OF AUG. 24, 2023

Affordable housing workshops scheduled

“My main focus has been this one policy that said you cannot increase density and intensity out here on the barrier islands, and especially Siesta Key.”

A series of open house events are scheduled to provide information and receive input for a zoning text amendment to create four new mixed-use districts to incentivize attainable housing development along commercial corridors and in commercial centers.

The sessions are scheduled for: ■ North Sarasota — 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 24, Selby Public Library, Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St. ■ East Sarasota — 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3233, 124 S. Tuttle Ave. ■ South Sarasota — 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27, Arlington Park Gymnasium, 2650 Waldemere St. The text amendments must be approved by the City Commission, which on Aug. 7 approved on first reading such amendments applicable to downtown.

Rezonings of specific areas are not being proposed at this time.

Siesta Key hotel opponent Lourdes Ramirez Read more on Page 5

BY THE NUMBERS 1%

Cost of construction contribution now required for new developments in excess of $1 million toward the city’s public art fund.

PAGE 4

36

Hotel rooms per acre density limit on Siesta Key upheld by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

PAGE 5

1,212

SCS Superintendent goes on listening tour

Yards Booker High running back Ahmad Hunter gained on the ground last season.

The senior T­ornado hopes to run for more than 1,500 yards this year.

PAGE 24

Courtesy photo

CALENDAR

UNFI, a grocery wholesaler, broke ground on a new distribution center in Sarasota.

Grocer builds new distribution center

n Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 29, Commission Chamber, Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.

A

n Sarasota County

grocery wholesaler recently broke ground in Sarasota on a new distribution center that will employ 425 work-

ers.

Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. will replace its existing facility with the just more than 1-million-squarefoot project expected to be completed in September 2024.

The new center is located within the master planned business park SRQ Logistics Center, just north of Sarasota near the Sarasota-Bradenton

Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30, Commission Chamber, County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd.

International Airport. The company currently operates a distribution center at 6272 McIntosh Road in Sarasota.

Whether that center is being replaced is unclear, as is how many employees work at the current facility. A spokesperson said those employees will be offered the opportunity to work in the new facility.

“Distribution is our core business, so when we build a new distribution center, we want to incorporate as much automation and technology as possible to

improve our ability to service our customers while simultaneously lowering our costs to do so,” said Erin Horvath, the company’s COO, in a news release.

UNFI is a grocery wholesaler that distributes products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America. The warehouse will incorporate new technology and automation, including a repacking solution provided by logistics automation company Knapp that’s expected to reduce the cost to fill orders while improving service levels.

Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools Terry Connor is requesting the community’s feedback as he moves through Phase 1 of his 100day transition plan.

The school district has announced the following listening tours, which will provide opportunities for Connor to gather input from the public and district employees.

The school district has said attendees should bring a smartphone, as feedback will be collected using interactive software. Several laptops will be available for those without a web-enabled device.

Meetings in Sarasota are: ■ Tuesday, Aug. 29, Cafeteria at Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Ave. Employee meeting, 5-6 p.m.; community meeting, 6-7 p.m.

■ Thursday, Aug. 31, Performing Arts Center at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way. Employee meeting, 5-6 p.m.; community Meeting: 6-7 p.m.

■ Friday, Sept. 1. Virtual (details to come), 5:30-6:30 p.m.

.com e s u ho

e War

re rnitu

Fu

The

USE ONE OF THE COUPONS BELOW OR

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

50 OFF $100 OFF $200 OFF Gorgeous $ 79999 $300 OFF $400 OFF $500 OFF Queen $ 99 499 $

ANY PURCHASE OVER $499

ANY PURCHASE OVER $999

Classic

and posh styling

Give your living room an instant luxe feel with this chaise sofa. Also in cream.

SOFA

ANY PURCHASE OVER $1999

and modern

Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

79999

$

ANY PURCHASE OVER $2999

ANY PURCHASE OVER $3999

mattress

classic

Thoughtful design. Includes round dining table and four chairs. Also in gray.

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

5-PC

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

ANY PURCHASE OVER $4999

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

Queen 9” gel memory foam mattress.

All sizes available.

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

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

39999

$

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

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

9.99% APR for 60 Months. On purchases with your The Furniture Warehouse Credit Card. Fixed monthly payments required for 60 months. $2,000 minimum purchase. Down payment of tax and delivery. *Interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date at a reduced 9.99% APR, and fixed monthly payments are required until paid in full. These payments are equal to 2.1242% of initial total promo purchase amount, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Account APR is 29.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 60 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys, Coupon savings or any promotional discounts. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge.

406203-1

New

YourObserver.com

Time to dine?

Public workshop attendees learn that Phase 2 plans for the park may forego restaurants and that they will likely be smaller in size.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

A

s the Bay Park Conservancy begins planning for the first anniversary of the opening of Phase 1 of The Bay, design work on the second phase of the $200 million effort to convert the city-owned 53 acres into a multifaceted city park is underway.

Last week, the BPC held a public workshop to present an update of its plans for the $65 million second phase and to receive public input.

In an estimated three years, the finished portions of The Bay will bookend the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot to the north and south, bridged by what it calls the Cultural District along Tamiami Trail and the multiuse recreational trail along the bayfront.

The workshop follows meetings hosted by the BPC with boater and food and beverage groups and precedes several more as plans are further refined for improvements along the 10th Street boat ramp canal; repurposing and refreshing buildings and open space fronting Tamiami Trail, including Sarasota Municipal Auditorium; construction of the Sunset Pier at the western end of Phase 1; and fortifying the seawall on the bay.

What will likely be missing in Phase 2 are restaurants that were conceptualized, but following City Commission direction and further input from the public and working groups, they may move to Phase 3.

“We have been planning for over a year on funding for Phase 2, which is $65 million,” Bill Waddill, the BPC’s chief operating officer, told the Observer after the workshop. “About two-thirds of it is a $48 million bond with city and county tax dollars, and so that’s in the trust fund. The other one-third of the funding is through seven local state and federal grants.”

The capital cost of The Bay is evenly divided between city and county funding through a tax increment finance district on downtown property in the vicinity of the park and through philanthropy. Operations expenses will largely be the responsibility of the BPC, which is why revenue-generating aspects of the second and third phases are critical.

In addition to expanding the boat ramps on the north side of the canal, day docks are planned on the south side, providing boater access to what is envisioned as restaurant, retail and concession operations there as well as in Centennial Park, the 11 acres north of the canal.

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

THE BAY PHASE 2

Estimated project costs for the second phase of The Bay. Dockside/South Canal District: $15 million Cultural District: $20 million Sunset Pier: $15 million Western Shoreline: $15 million Total: $65 million

File photo

As part of Phase 2 of The Bay, the boat ramps at Centennial Park will be expanded.

U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail Courtesy renderings

The $20 million Cultural District in The Bay will retain iconic buildings along U.S. 41 and create green spaces.

“We’ve had a series of meetings with a food and beverage working group that’s helping us think about food and beverage offerings in Centennial Park,” Waddill told workshop attendees. “It’s always been a part of the master plan. That’s an important destination not only for our community, but it’s also an important revenue generator. We’re going to take 6% to 7% of the gross revenue of two or three restaurants in the district, and that revenue will be part of the funding for sustainable operating and maintenance revenue.”

COMPLEMENTARY USES

To help streamline planning for Phase 2, the BPC won City Commission approval to consolidate several zoning districts within The Bay into one, called the Bay Park Zone. Next is a zoning text amendment, which includes vacating the 10th Street right of way west of the roundabout at U.S. 41 to accommodate future rerouting of what is effectively the Van Wezel parking lot driveway for Phase 4.

“At the same time, we’re going through a process to update the master plan for the northern 11 acres where the boat ramp and the canal are,” Waddill said. “We’re in the middle of hosting six or seven working groups and public workshops to

get input on that. Then we’ll update the master plan on that 11 acres and recommend it to the City Commission for approval. Once the master plan is updated, that enables us to execute what the City Commission directs with an approved master plan in the streamlined manner that we’re getting approved as part of the comprehensive plan.”

The strategy for streaming, Waddill said, is to accelerate park development in the face of rapid inflation. He said the BPC hopes to enter Phase 3 development while Phase 2 is underway, if funding allows, to help curb rising costs.

“At 6% to 8% inflation on $60 million per phase, that’s real money,” Waddill said. “We’re trying to accelerate the pace at which we execute the phased implementation of the master plan.”

During previous meetings with the City Commission and Bay Park Improvement Board, which comprises city and county commissioners, the BPC said Phase 2 may include some permanent structures on the south side of the canal to accommodate small shops and concessions.

Also included would be an area for food trucks and other portable vendors that could be removed in the event of major storms.

Waddill said those features may be

A rendering of the Canal District shows some structures in Phase 2 that are being reconsidered for Phase 3 as plans evolve.

rolled into Phase 3 instead.

“The City Commission passed a resolution directing us to go back out to the community and update that Centennial Park portion of the park and include recommendations for brick-and-mortar restaurants, boating and anything else in that district,” Waddill said. “There was a bit of healthy discussion about how many restaurants and where they should go, and so the right thing to do is go back to the community, discuss and make sure we understand what the community wants and come back to the City Commission with recommendations based on that.”

That input includes those meetings with boaters and food and beverage groups. The input from those and others has prompted the BPC to pause planning for permanent structures on the south side of the canal in Phase 2.

“Amazingly, for a waterfront community, there’s so little access to waterfront restaurants and/or a place you can bring your boat up and come to a public park, so there’s a lot of demand there,” Waddill said. “We always hear, No. 1, people want to be by the water; and No. 2 or 3 is always get a bite to eat or grab a beverage or a to-go box and go sit in the park.

We’re working through some of the details of how to integrate that with the boaters so both can be complimentary and make the northern district a great waterfront experience for everybody.”

The restaurant discussions have been somewhat polarizing among the governing bodies, particularly regarding size and location and whether they would restrict access to any portion of the bayfront in an otherwise free park. As a result of that input, the BPC is planning to propose smaller-scale eateries.

“The concept we’re working on is that these restaurants would be relatively small, in the 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot range,” Waddill said during the workshop. “Think about a small restaurant in a park like Tavern On The Green in Central Park or something like that. These are park-scale restaurants. Whether we do 3,000- or 4,000-square-foot restaurants in this area, this is four to five football fields of land, so we’ve got a lot of land to nestle in a few restaurants and then lots of public pathways and seating areas.”

3

4

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Developers’ contributions to public art fund will double

Need Help or Want to Help?

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Call & connect today!

941 . 877 . 1000

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

Our Care Services At A Glimpse

398939-1

Companionship & Socialization Shopping & Errands Doctors Appointments Medication Reminders Meal Preparation Handywork Transportation Pet Care & More!

As Sarasota continues to grow, so will its collection of public art.

By unanimous vote, the Sarasota City Commission on Monday approved in principal the Public Art Plan 2030 developed and proposed by senior planner and Public Art Manager Mary Davis Wallace, doubling the contribution to the fund by developers.

Currently, any new development in the city, including condominiums and apartment developments, costing $1 million or more requires a contribution of 0.5% of the construction cost. To sustain and grow the city’s public art collection, Wallace proposed doubling the fee to 1%.

In lieu of the fee, developers have the option of providing their own approved public art. The fee does not apply to developments that include affordable housing.

The city’s public art fund currently has a balance of approximately $150,000. As multiple projects are completed this year, that figure is expected to grow, a necessary investment if the city wants to continue to be a state cultural and arts leader, Wallace said.

“In the arts community, $150,000 doesn’t go very far anymore,” she said.

“Just like the cost of construction has increased, $150,000 for a piece of art is not realistic. And it’s not necessarily sustainable.”

More than a dozen public speakers turned out in support of the sevenyear plan, which includes goals for growing the city’s collection and expanding it outside of downtown. In voicing her support, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch noted the absence of opposition, particularly from those who will pay for it.

“A really good indication that it’s not that impactful on the developers is that there’s nobody here to speak against this, especially from the development community,” she said.

File photo

“I didn’t see one single email from any developer. I didn’t get anybody speaking against this, and it’s just my guess, but it’s probably because the development community sees the direct and established link between public art and driving economic growth.”

Keeping the developer contribution at 0.5%, said Planning Director Steven Cover, would turn the sevenyear plan into “a 20-year plan.”

“To increase it to a 1% contribution would really bring us back up to where other cities are right now,” Cover said. “Secondly, not one taxpayer dollar goes to public art. Public art is completely funded by private development.”

Cover reminded commissioners that Wallace, who brought a background in public art when she joined the city in 2021, volunteered to develop the plan rather than hiring an outside consultant.

“She said she could do a public art master plan in house and save the city $150,000 or more,” Cover said.

“That’s in 2021 dollars, so it’s probably more than that now.”

Monday’s presentation was primarily intended to win commission approval of the increased funding for the program. City Manager Marlon Brown said some aspects of the plan still require additional commission consideration.

Mary Davis Wallace, who is the lead for the Sarasota Public Art Plan, at Garden Sculpture on the lawn at City Hall.

WEST OF TRAIL - $1,795,000 1801 Worrington St, Sarasota, FL 34231 MLS# A4572415 / 5 beds, 4.5 baths, 3,619 Sq. Ft PENDING

SHOREVIEW AT LAKEWOOD RANCH WATERSIDE - $1,259,000 8036 Grande Shores Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240 MLS # A4579441 / 4 beds, 2 baths, 2,146sqft Thinking about selling? Contact me for a complimentary consultation!

REALTOR, MBA

donate shop donate & & shop Building Materials Appliances Building Materials| |Furniture Furniture | | Appliances Art Art | Decorative | Lamps | DecorativeAccessories Accessories | Lamps

TOP 1.5%

*

of Realtors Nationwide 662-614-2783 toriturner@michaelsaunders.com www.torisellssarasota.com 1605 Main St., Sarasota, Fl 34236

3 Stores n 1 Location n Location n 1 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday Tuesday-Saturday 3 Stores n Sarasota 17th Street n 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday 2095 - Saturday n donate? large items to Sarasota 2095Have 17th Street

PUBLIC NOTICES

Call to schedule your free pick up.

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

n www.habitatsrq.org large items to donate?

(941Have ) 444-5783

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

Call toisschedule yourafree pick Our vision everyone deserves decent placeup. to live.

(941) 444-5783 n www.habitatsrq.org 396356-1

*2022 RealTrends Rankings

406249-1

408650-1

TT

TORI TURNER

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

5

Court rules Siesta Key hotels violate density caps The 1989 Comprehensive Plan trumps the 2021 approval of two hotel projects, according to Judge Hunter Carroll.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

iesta Key resident and former Sarasota County Commission candidate Lourdes Ramirez has scored another key legal victory in her effort to prevent two high-density hotels from being built on the barrier island.

In fall 2021, the Sarasota County Commission approved a new 170room hotel, the Calle Miramar, in Siesta Key Village on a 0.96-acre beachfront site and a second 120room hotel on 1.17 acres on the south end of the island at 1260 Old Stickney Point Road.

At the same time, the county changed the definition of hotels from a residential use to a nonresidential use, paving the way for approval.

County staff advised the residential density cap of 26 residential units per acre no longer applied.

The proposed density of Calle Miramar is 177 units per acre. The Stickney Point hotel would be 102 units per acre.

On Monday, 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll released his summary judgment, siding with Ramirez in a key ruling that, pending appeal, will prevent the hotels from being developed.

Ramirez’s case was specifically in opposition to the planned Calle Miramar in Siesta Village, but Carroll’s ruling applies to both. He wrote that the density and intensity of the projects violated the Sarasota County’s 1989 Comprehensive Plan, and amendments, definitions and future land use designations applied since are invalid.

First ruling that Ramirez had legal standing to request summary judgment, Carroll wrote, “The Court grants plaintiffs motion for summa-

Courtesy rendering

The proposed Calle Miramar hotel violates Sarasota County’s Comprehensive Plan, according to a ruling by 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll.

Courtesy photo

Lourdes Ramirez is challenging a 170room hotel on Calle Miramar in Siesta Key Village.

ry judgment with respect to Future Land Use Policy 2.9.1. Plaintiff is entitled to a declaration that the development order is inconsistent with FLU Policy 2.9.1 of the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The county and intervenors’ summary judgment motions on this basis are denied.”

Subsequent motions for summary judgment by Ramirez were also denied, which include challenges to housing policy compatibility, public expenditures in high hazard areas, evacuation clearance time, protection of coastal resources, and environmental and transportation policies. Carroll ruled they “cannot be resolved on summary judgment due to the existence of disputed issues of fact.”

The county and the intervenors — the hotel developers — have the option of pursuing those matters, but Ramirez said the ruling applicable to the Comprehensive Plan density limits, providing it is upheld if appealed, will prevent the hotels from being built.

“My main focus has been this one policy that said you cannot increase density and intensity out here on the barrier islands, and especially Siesta Key,” Ramirez said. “That one is the grand prize. Everything else would be icing on the cake.”

“In coming to this conclusion, the Court rejects the county’s and intervenors’ position that the Comprehensive Plan placed no density limits at all for the development of hotels on Siesta Key,” Carroll wrote. “All textual and contextual clues of the applicable ordinances in effect as of March 13, 1989, reject that argument.

The development order is inconsistent with FLU Policy 2.9.1 as to both density and intensity.”

Carroll denied Ramirez’s motion that the development violates Coastal Policy 1.2.3 or Future Land Use Policy 1.2.6 because those policies contain permissive terms such as “encourage” and “discourage” rather than mandatory terminology.

“The Court cannot address the other challenges due to the existence of disputed questions of fact,” he wrote.

Carroll wrote that the opposing parties must have a dialogue to determine whether they want the court to enter a final judgment invalidating the development order

relative to density and intensity or if they wish to adjudicate Ramirez’s remaining challenges. All parties have 30 days to respond to the court in writing.

Ramirez said she has yet to confer with her attorney on that matter.

“The important thing is to send the message to the county that Siesta Key has the highest residential density in all of Sarasota County, except for downtown Sarasota, and I really want to send a strong message that we don’t have the capacity out here,” she said. “We don’t have enough infrastructure to handle all these people, and that will hopefully preclude them from constantly going after trying to increase density out here.

“There are a lot of reasons why we shouldn’t have mega hotels. We can have hotels out here, but keep it reasonable. That would be the one reason why I would pursue it.”

The county attorney’s office declined to comment about the ongoing litigation.

Carroll’s ruling is the second legal victory this year for Ramirez. Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyck in April ruled that the county’s Comprehensive Plan “specifically discusses the barrier islands as an area of special concern,” acknowledging the “problems associated with development on the barrier islands,” including “the detrimental effect of building along the active beach areas” and ‘“difficulties of evacuating large numbers of people from the keys in time of emergency.”

An administrative hearing is a state-level process whose ruling applies only to the challenge over a violation of a Comprehensive Plan as the state does not intervene on developments, only on zoning ordinances.

That ruling has been appealed separately by the county and the developers. Ramirez has made a request to the appellate court that those appeals be consolidated, but no ruling on that request has been issued.

THE LEADERS IN SARASOTA LUXURY REAL ESTATE

1 3 5 7

White Glove Personal Service Meticulous, over-the-top care and attention.

Experience and Expertise

Pricing Accuracy

LaughlinTanner.com

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

Picture Perfect Curated, high-resolution photos, videos and 3D tours for an enhanced online presence.

Guided tours highlighting every detail of a property.

Innovative Marketing Consistent and continuous exposure across media channels.

Our all-inclusive service includes best-in-class representation, professional marketing and concierge customer care: LTG.Homes/Leaders

LTG.Homes/Sellers

LTG.Homes/Buyers

402392-1

941.356.8428

Adept at negotiating the best price to buy and sell real estate.

Personalized Showings

Knowledge of market conditions and in-depth market analysis.

For a complimentary consultation, call or text:

Direct access to full-time customer care team member.

Negotiating Skills

35+ years and $1.5 billion in Sarasota luxury real estate.

Siesta Key | 6BR/9BA/7,162sf | $14,950,000 LTG.Homes/1414PointCrisp

2 4 6 8

Concierge Customer Care

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Attainable housing planned for North Tamiami AMI N. T

All units will be priced at an attainable level for renters at 80% or below area median income.

AMI TRA

ANDREW WARFIELD

IL

STAFF WRITER

A

new attainable housing development on North Tamiami Trail made its first appearance before the Sarasota Development Review Committee on Tuesday. Blue Sky Communities of St. Petersburg is proposing a 96-unit project on Sarasota County-owned property at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail.

The county selected Blue Sky to build a four-story, 90-unit residential building and an accompanying three-story, mixed-use building with 3,040 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and six apartments above.

The development will occupy just less than 3.5 acres of the 6.3-acre site fronting Tamiami Trail. The project site has a future land use designation of urban mixed-use and will be developed under North Trail Overlay District standards. The eastern 2.8 acres is designated as Single FamilyLow Density Residential. The county currently has no plans for that portion of its property.

“The majority of the rents are going to be below 80% (area median income),” said project consultant Joel Freedman.

The L-shaped main building will partially front Tamiami Trail, separated from the mixed use building by a driveway. Consistent with the North Trail Overlay District, the parking will be located internally to the project. A retention pond will separate the north-facing frontage from adjacent single-family residential.

Planned is a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom rental apartments, all developed as attainable units per the city’s definitions at 80% AMI, which includes rent and utilities.

46TH ST.

Courtesy rendering

A 96-unit affordable housing development is proposed for county land at 4644 N. Tamiami Trail. All units will be priced attainable for those earning 80% or less of the area median income.

Although the project is required to have a minimum of 57 parking spaces, there will be 106 spaces, in addition to bicycle racks. A single vehicle access is proposed directly from Tamiami Trail.

MORE DOWNTOWN CONDOS

On the opposite end of the multifamily spectrum, the DRC discussed a new submittal for a 10-story,

16-unit condominium development at the southwest corner of Cocoanut Avenue and Fourth Street.

Also representing developer 4th Street LLC, Freedman told the DRC the project will seek Planning Board approval for adjustments once it receives staff sign-off. The 0.36acre site comprises two vacant lots and one single-family dwelling.

Zoned Downtown Core, the site has

a maximum density of 18 units, two more than planned.

As a result of input from community workshops, the project will seek Planning Board approval for vehicle access from Fourth Street rather than via a 20-foot alley on the south side.

“We have requested a Planning Board adjustment to do that,” Freedman said. “That is being driven, quite frankly, by a lot of the neighbors’ comments from the couple of neighborhood workshops. We think it will lessen the impact on the alley.”

A second adjustment is to allow for a reduction to the habitable space requirement along both Fourth Street and Cocoanut Avenue, which is necessary for the parking access and required utility access along Cocoanut.

In addition, a third adjustment will be sought to permit parking to be located on the ground floor, which will allow for two additional parking spaces. Although the project exceeds required parking, the two additional spaces are needed to minimize onstreet parking, a concern raised by surrounding residents.

To address multiple comments raised by staff, the project will require resubmittal and at least one more appearance before the DRC.

Open a Certificate of Deposit and start building your savings.

6.01% APY

*

14-MONTH CD SCAN TO GET STARTED OR CALL 833.698.2265

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame o visite un centro bancario local.

BAYFIRSTFINANCIAL.COM

NMLS ID 806183

*The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 6.01% is effective and accurate as of 8/3/2023. Minimum balance to open account is $1,000. Fees could reduce earnings. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Account must be opened by 08/31/2023. New money only. © 2023 BayFirst National Bank.

408098-1

6

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

7

We are pleased to announce

Danielle Eime

Senior Vice President – Branch Manager

Has been named the new manager of our Sarasota branch

Wells Fargo Advisors 1605 Main Street, 12th and 14th Floors • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-7400 • 800-237-9400 danielle.eime@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.wellsfargoadvisors.com

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. PM-02152025-5883330.1.1.

409098-1

Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

8

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Disheartening demise The St. Armands BID did a lot of good. But now that it’s gone, new leaders need to fill the void.

MATT WALSH

W

hat a shame. Thirty years of passion, relationship building, consensus building, compromise and improvements to St. Armands Circle — all an incalculable contribution to making a rough diamond a jewel for the city of Sarasota — and now a big part of all that is crumbling to a disheartening demise.

We’re speaking of the dissolution two weeks ago of the St. Armands Business Improvement District and of the efforts of its founder, Marty Rappaport. For 30 years, from 1987 to 2016, Rappaport was a St. Armands Circle property owner, leading advocate and visionary.

Through his and the efforts of Diana Corrigan, former executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, the two founded in 2001 the St. Armands Business Improvement District, the taxing district whose funds have been reinvested in Circle improvements and marketing. Rappaport served 14 years as chair of the BID, retiring in 2016 after a long list of accomplishments (see box).

When we saw Rappaport last week after news spread of the BID’s demise, you could see the disappointment in his eyes and hear it in his voice.

All that work. Poof!

It may be difficult for people not associated with St. Armands Circle to understand the gravity of this, but it is a big loss for the city. If the BID is not resurrected, its demise

likely will send one of Sarasota’s leading tourist attractions and economic engines back to where it was before the BID — a shopping district that was scruffy, tired and in need of a major makeover.

Back then, the upkeep of the Circle — sidewalks, trash, streetscapes — fell to the city. And you know what that means. Try as government might, its efforts did not live up to the standards needed to keep St. Armands Circle a premier destination.

But when Rappaport and Corrigan persuaded Circle property owners to take on an additional two-mill tax levy, that provided a dedicated source of cash to be reinvested for continuous, highlevel upkeep and improvements.

With the BID’s demise, that cash and level of service will disappear.

From a distance, then, you have to ask: Why would the St. Armands Circle property owners dissolve the one mechanism that can be used in their own self-interest to keep the Circle moving forward?

It’s a complicated story that revolves around conflicting personalities and motivations among every group involved — BID board members, Circle property owners, St. Armands Circle Association board members, Circle business owners, board members of the Lido Key and St. Armands residents associations; St. Armands and Lido Key residents; and Sarasota city officials.

When you talk to people in these groups, they all have stories of where things went wrong; who did this; who didn’t do that. On top of that, you have 63 property owners, many of whom are withered with rising costs and skyrocketing insurance rates.

But in short, the story goes like this: When people and groups are not in alignment, success is all but impossible, failure inevitable.

Which brings us back to BID founder Marty Rappaport.

When Rappaport invested in property in 1987 on St. Armands Circle, he had just retired as a

Why Dems hate Trump Editor’s note: Two weeks ago, we noted that since 2016, not one public figure among the Democratic Party or among the Never Trumpers has ever specifically stated why he/she has such a visceral hate for Donald Trump. So we asked Democrats and Never Trumpers to tell us specifically why they dislike (or hate) Trump.

Below are five responses. We received more, with their comments similar to these. But the writers declined to have their names in print. As one wrote: “You do NOT have my permission to publish my name for fear of the Trump crazies in the area!”

The theme here is clear: They can’t stand Trump’s personality and behavior. They say nothing of his policies.

HE IS UNHINGED

Gee, why do the MAJORITY of educated Americans hate Donald J. Trump? Let me count the ways, since you mistakenly believe this is political, like most delusional MAGA cult members.

Trump has never demonstrated ANY class or grace as a world leader; his constant mistreatment of women; the racial and anti-Semitic comments; and support from those pathetic groups of misfits; his repeated REFUSING to accept defeat; his LYING about losing an election; his obvious STEALING of classified documents; his IGNITING an insurrection.

Oh, he NEVER built a wall either.

He belongs behind bars and is a clear threat to national security.

How much more evidence do you need to comprehend the truth?

He’s completely unhinged.

That should clarify things — for even the lowest IQs out there. And sadly, more than ever before.

KEVIN COOPER BETHESDA, MD.

OUT FOR HIMSELF

Donald Trump is only out for himself and really doesn’t care about ANYone else — extreme narcissism.

The constant flow out of his mouth with no filter is not a leadership quality.

Why would OUR leader make friends and admire dictators like Kim Jung Un and Vladimir Putin?

Despicable.

He’s misogynistic to a fault — another disgusting trait.

His ideas are not clear, synthesized or thought through.

I hate bullies, and he’s a BIG BULLY. He’s great for someone’s cocktail party, not the leader of the free world.

Thanks for listening to others.

DAN BARZEL SARASOTA

FANS FIRES OF HATE

Trump has no regard or interest in learning about the constitution and laws of the country (other than tax law so he can skirt the laws).

He has sowed doubt in every institution and system we hold dear, even our election system.

He has fanned the fires of hate and led people to hold the value that any hateful attitude or action is appropriate by modeling childish behaviors such as name calling, bullying, abuse of power, winning

THE BID’s ACCOMPLISHMENTS We asked Diana Corrigan, former executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association and ex-officio board member of the St. Armands Business Improvement District, to recall the BID’s accomplishments during the period BID founder Marty Rappaport served as chair (2002-2016): ■ New lampposts, park benches, trash receptacles (partnership with the LMR) ■ Landscape uplighting in Circle Park ■ Installation of piped in music around the Circle ■ Median neck-outs and brick paver crosswalks ■ Hired consultant Bob Gibbs to do an analysis of the district and organized a dinner for merchants and landowners to hear Gibbs’ recommendations for Circle improvements ■ Master plan for the Circle (Three public workshops were held with the landowners, merchants and residents) ■ Master Plan for the parking district ■ Median landscape improvement project ■ Removal of old newspaper boxes and installation of uniform newspaper receptacles ■ Partnership with the association for marketing & advertising programs from 2005-2009 and 2013-2020

■ Partnership with the association for installation of the Christmas tree — 2007-2017 ■ Grant to install and de-install the Christmas decorations from 2018-2021 ■ Parking bond for the construction of the parking garage; bury power lines from Coon Key Bridge; enhanced entryway for the Circle and public restrooms in the garage ■ Parking Garage opened in early 2019 ■ Partnership with the St. Armands Residents Association and Circle Association for installation of the new statues on the Circle.

■ Pressure washing sidewalks, picking up litter and debris, pulling weeds, etc.

■ Obtained approval from the city for installation of two public restroom facilities on two of the city medians on South Boulevard of the Presidents and John Ringling Boulevard ■ Donation of John Ringling Statue for St. Armands 75th Anniversary ■ Worked with MPO & FDOT for a storm water drainage project ■ FiIlmore Parking Lot – (PreBID) Landowners and merchants paid for the parking lot with an ad valorem tax assessment in the amount of $140,000 for 20 years.

self-made entrepreneur who had built a 500-employee dry-cleaning business in New Jersey. He was the type-cast entrepreneur: driven, visionary, quick to make his own decisions, do things his way.

But as a St. Armands landowner, Rappaport learned and evolved. He learned that if St. Armands Circle was to move forward, it would need consensus and alignment of all stakeholders — landowners, merchants, residents and City Hall.

He constantly built and nurtured relationships. He always looked for ways by which everyone could benefit. He learned to be patient.

He did not put his interests first.

He looked at each project: Will it benefit the community?

That’s missing and has been. No one stands out as a glue to hold the St. Armands stakeholders together.

Invested leaders are needed who can build trusting relationships and alignment.

Be sure of this: St. Armands Circle will not move forward without a unified effort. This is one of those times when historical roots can provide a bridge. The St. Armands Circle Association can and should play that role.

A strong, vibrant, improving St. Armands Circle is crucial to the economic health of the region.

at all cost and being a sore loser.

Any charge against him is meant with making the same charge against the accuser. Somehow he thinks he never has to own his actions, and others have learned to do the same.

I never thought so many people in power would line up behind such a person of no character and no loyalty who holds himself and staying in power ahead of country.

For all of these reasons and many more, he is a disgrace, and those who are afraid to stand up to him will ultimately go down in history as contributors to the downfall of so much we previously held dear and certain about the U.S. The riot of Jan. 6 should have showed the country just how dangerous this man and those who unconditionally support him are to our country.

acceptable to say things out loud they’d never have said before.

Abusive, horrible, mean and ugly things. I know I can’t stop them from feeling the way they do, but I find it un-American that saying and doing the things they do have become socially acceptable. Polite society doesn’t exist anymore, because of Trump’s leadership.

2. He is a sexual predator, a crook, a narcissist, a selfish greedy man who is only concerned with what’s good for him and his cronies.

It’s beyond me how the middleand lower-classes can think he has their best interests at heart.

3. He gives a terrible impression of our country to those in other countries around the world. They can’t imagine how he ever got elected, and their estimation of the intelligence of the American people went down a lot of notches when it happened.

I know this, because every one of my international friends said to me, “What the heck?” — and I have a lot of friends in other countries.

4. His continued influence in our government would be the beginning of the end for our democracy — if it hasn’t already begun with the catering of the formerly respectable Republican Party to his whims.

These are just the reasons off the top of my head, but to me they are enough that the media and the Republican Party need to cut ties with Trump and his ilk.

Let’s get back to being a kind, polite, respectable society that truly has two political parties that work together in harmony to make our country better.

The party of less government interference MUST return to that basic premise and stop trying to regulate morality.

LIZ BARZEL SARASOTA

SEND HIM TO PRISON

Trump University was sued for non-performance delivery.

Trump Foundation was put out of business for non-philanthropy.

Trump abuses women.

Trump instructed Pence to overturn a legitimate election.

His own family and Fox News exhorted him to stop the Jan. 6 riot.

Trump was impeached twice, and faces multiple indictments.

Hopefully, he is prison bound.

MARK GOODE DIEHARD DEMOCRAT SARASOTA

RUDE, MEAN, UGLY

Since he became president, Donald Trump set an example of rude, arrogant, sexist and racist behavior that enabled white supremacists, Evangelical Christians and the entire right wing to feel it was

LINDSAY LOMAX BAGNALL ROLLA, MO. / SARASOTA

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com Editorial Designer / Luke Reasoner, LReasoner@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

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

YourObserver.com

9

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Young professionals make impact Tiona Settles, of CenterPlace Health, and Evan Samson, of DMSI International, both received the Young Professional of the Year Award.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

T

his year, there were two clear frontrunners for the Young Professional of the Year Awards.

“When we looked at all the submissions, these two individuals were just stellar,” said Heather Kasten, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “With what they had given to their company and their communities, it was evident they were the clear young professionals of the year for YPG.” Tiona Settles of CenterPlace Health and Evan Samson of DMSI International were both presented with the award at the annual Young Professionals Summit of the The Sarasota Young Professionals Group, a program of the Sarasota Chamber.

Held at the Carlisle Inn on Aug. 18, the event was presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co. TIONA SETTLES, CENTERPLACE HEALTH

Growing up in foster care in Bradenton, Tiona Settles was homeless when she aged out of the system at 18.

“I always told myself I wanted to be somebody; I always wanted to help,” she said.

A year ago she became a community health worker with CenterPlace Health, a nonprofit that specializes in quality and affordable primary care. Immediately, she found that she fit right in with its goals.

“It was a very easy choice, because I loved what they stood for, and then just the things that they are doing in the community. They are small, but they are mighty.”

Her role is focused on outreach and engagement, as well as meeting the needs of the community and con-

SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

necting it to resources. She works with community partners to ensure that the nonprofit is addressing health equity and social determinants of health, as well as to create awareness of the organization.

A typical day is multifaceted, Settles said.

Some days she will serve on hospital duty, which involves ensuring that women who are CenterPlace Health patients have postpartum follow-up appointments scheduled for them and their babies.

This responsibility is important, she said, as often the underserved population has other needs to manage, may be struggling to make ends meet or may lack transportation. The organization will help with needs like food and transportation, she said.

“That’s where we come in. We meet them where they are.”

At other times, she will attend meetings to determine the major issues in the community, along with solutions.

One current issue, she said, is a lack of food resources in the Newtown community.

CenterPlace Health is working with organizations like the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and All Faiths Food Bank to bring a mobile grocery store to the community, she said.

Settles said she couldn’t have found her way to her position on her own. Once she aged out of foster care, there were those along the way who offered help, like her high school teacher Keenan Wooten, who made sure she filled out a college application, which put her on the path to graduation from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee in 2020.

She was also grateful to CenterPlace Health for a chance to prove her other skills, with her background

A program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Sarasota Young Professionals Group serves professionals ages 21-40 in Sarasota County.

For information, visit SarasotaChamber.com/Young-Professionals-Group.html or contact YPG@SarasotaChamber.com.

being in laboratory work. She said she felt easily accepted into the company.

“That CenterPlace Health gave me a chance to show that I had other skills and talents — they took that chance on me and allowed me to get into a position that I knew little about, and basically make it my own — helped me to grow in my professional career,” she said.

For a professional, looking after your own health is also important, she said. In her spare time, she makes sure to do what makes her happy, whether it is going to the riverwalk in Bradenton to watch the sunset, or riding her bike in Payne Park on Saturdays.

She said the most impactful part of the experience has been “being a light to people, and knowing that you can provide a solution.”

EVAN SAMSON, DMSI INTERNATIONAL

When he was hired five years ago

by DMSI International, a Nokomisbased manufacturer of fiber optics products, Evan Samson served as a production staff member.

After a month, the company promoted him to marketing communications director.

From there, he assisted the company with a major rebranding. He began updating logos, marketing materials and the company’s website — but he doesn’t take credit for the vision he realized.

Silhouette® Alustra® Quartette® Operating System PowerView® Automation

Photos by Ian Swaby

Eric Troyer, of Kerkering, Barberio & Co., presents the award to Evan Samson.

to children and families in the Philippines through its manufacturing facility in that country.

Samson went beyond leading a rebrand. He spearheaded altruistic efforts, bringing coworkers to volunteer alongside him for area nonprofits such as All Faiths Food Bank.

When it comes to promoting a less understood service such as fiber optics, one component of the work is explaining the product itself, he said.

Although such cables are now used by major companies such as AT&T, he said not everyone is aware of their uses, which include long-distance and high-performance data networking and telecommunications.

As a result, Samson worked information on fiber optics into the company’s social media, which targets other entities in the local community — government facilities, military facilities, and telecommunications companies.

Samson said his various efforts have paid off, with a growing public awareness of DMSI International. He doesn’t take any credit and said it all comes down to the work environment, including supportive managers and coworkers.

“I’m just getting started. It’s just the beginning, so I’m happy that I already got the recognition,” he said.

“But I’m just starting, so I have lots of learning to do.”

Tiona Settles

“It’s already there in the company — you just have to pull it out,” he said.

For instance, he brought his background in graphic design to the website, which he said was originally outsourced, and created an interface he said is more user-friendly that now showcases different aspects of the company including its products, services and culture.

He also introduced new points of emphasis in the company’s marketing. One of those was its work culture, which he called extremely positive and supportive.

Another was its philanthropic initiatives. The company operates a program called DMSI Cares, which, among other activities, makes four trips a year to offer food and supplies

Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch’s FAVORITE MED SPA

Beauty is our Business

Sarasota’s Best Voted One of

29 Years in a Row!

BLINDS•SHUTTERS DRAPERIES•WALLCOVERINGS heraldtribune.com

1000 five star reviews!

WINNER

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

Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings 407833-1

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACE

Facial & Dermaplaning

treatment

(when you buy 2 or more)

• DRYWALL REPAIR

179

$

• STUCCO REPAIR • EPOXY FLOORING • POWERWASHING • TEXTURING

save $130

FILLER FOR

499

$

SRQ | 6118 S. Tamiami Trl. | 941.216.2523 LWR | 6277 Lake Osprey Dr. | 941.289.3086 407012-1

941-718-1863 or email angelspainting00@gmail.com

each

(Reg. $599)

for Forehead, Frown & Crow’s Feet

5

$

Make your appointment

For Your Free Quote & 10% Off call us Today!

Licensed & Insured • Over 15 years of painting experience in Sarasota and Bradenton area

lips & lip lines

each

• INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

COMMERCIAL

cheeks $ 499 FILLER FOR

Quick Response & Timely Job Completion!

RESIDENTIAL

Summer Sale!

per unit

today!

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

403132-1

941-925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

DEPOSIT REQUIRED at Booking. Available while supplies last. Must mention ad to receive promotion. Cannot combine with any other discount. Not valid towards previous purchases. All sales final. No refunds. Offers expire 8/31/2023.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

CARIBBEAN ELEGANCE AT BIRD KEY

HARBOR ACRES ESTATE

MLS A4557763

Only owners allowed MLS A4566256

THE SAND DOLLAR

THE WINDEMERE

118 N Warbler Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236

1550 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

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

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

Stunning Waterfront Location No Bridges to Gulf

Furnished Model Home with Leaseback

WEST OF TRAIL HOME NOW AVAILABLE

COASTAL INSPIRED LIVING

STAFF WRITER

MLS A4538727

THE BAHAMA

THE NASSAU

1625 Hansen St, Sarasota, FL 34231

3934 Sunshine Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231

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

2,642 Sq. Ft. | 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2 Car Garage Study | Private Pool and Spa | MLS A4541484 $1,898,000

Estimated Completion Fall 2024 Contact for More Information

Estimated Completion Fall 2024 Contact for More Information

Legendary Luxury. Innovative Design.

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

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

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

Call to Schedule a Private Tour Custom Homes | West of Trail Homes Available Visit us at HeritageBuildersWFL.com or call (941) 328-8272

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

HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

Retail tenant will remain on Downtown Improvement District board for now, but the board will return to owners-only membership.

ANDREW WARFIELD

398390-1

Since the appointment of its newest member in December 2022, things have been less than harmonious on the Downtown Improvement District Board of Directors.

But retail business owner Harmoni Krusing will remain on the board, otherwise made up of downtown commercial property owners, at least until Dec. 31, 2025.

The rub is that unlike the rest of the five-member board, Krusing is a tenant. She serves on the board as a representative of Bob Morris, who owns the building in which her store — Lotus Boutique — is located. Morris owns other downtown commercial properties.

Although her appointment is opposed by the rest of the board, City Attorney Robert Fournier said she was eligible based on a provision in the ordinance, quoting, “if the owner of nonresidential real property within the district is a corporation, partnership or any other nonnatural person, one individual with executive authority within said entity may become a member of the board of directors.”

Krusing has such executive authority from Morris, the definition of which was deemed murky at best.

Other board members told commissioners that a retailer serving on the board will not necessarily hold the same interests as the property owners who pay additional property taxes into the district for an enhanced level of services.

During public comments, Morris argued Krusing does in effect pay all property taxes via triple net lease — a lease in which the tenant agrees to pay real estate taxes, building insurance and maintenance costs.

File photo

However, Morris admitted he and Krusing don’t always agree on DID policies.

The DID board first brought its objections to commissioners in March, when it asked for clarification of the eligibility criteria.

At that meeting, Fournier proposed an ordinance that eliminated the reference to the term “executive authority within said ownership entity.” Commissioners did not act on that but rather instructed him to prepare an ordinance to be considered at a later date.

Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch argued that permitting a tenant to be on the board of directors opens board involvement to property owners who live elsewhere.

Commissioner Debbie Trice joined Ahearn-Koch on the losing side of a 3-2 vote on Vice Mayor Liz Alpert’s motion, which struck a balance between exclusive owner board membership and maintaining the status quo, at least until the expiration of Krusing’s term.

The motion included that Krusing will not be eligible for reappointment, unlike property owners. That she was placed on the board under a previous provision, though, precludes her removal.

“I think that it should be the property owners and I also don’t think that you should make any legislation for one person, so I don’t think you put in there that (Krusing) can be reappointed,” Alpert said.

FREE LECTURE SERIES September 2023 Paul A. Vesco, MD

THE FUTURE OF ROBOTIC SURGERY Today's Technology & Tomorrow's Possibility

FEATURED DOCS

Sarasota Memorial Presents

The City Commission has approved an ordinance that only commercial property owners can serve on the Downtown Improvement District board.

Providing quality healthcare means staying at the forefront of medical innovation. And with the adoption of advanced robotic technology and techniques, surgeons at Sarasota Memorial’s Robotic Surgery Program are

Jonathan P. Yunis, MD

capable of more than ever before. Join our expert robotic surgeons as they demonstrate the latest in surgical innovation and explain the impact of the latest technology in their field. A brief Q&A will follow each presentation.

Wednesday, September 6, 4:30-5:30pm } Paul A. Vesco, MD, FACS - Robotic & Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery Still Needed in 2023

Thursday, September 7, 4:30-5:30pm } Jonathan P. Yunis, MD - Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair with Robotic Techniques

Beverly J. Long, MD

Wednesday, September 13, 4:30-5:30pm } Beverly J. Long, MD, FACOG - Robotic Surgery in Gynecologic Cancer: A Personalized Approach

Thursday, September 14, 4:30-5:30pm } Peter S. Vosler, MD, PhD, FACS - Transoral Robotic Surgery for the Treatment of HPV-Related Oropharynx Cancer

Thursday, September 28, 4:30-5:30pm

Peter S. Vosler, MD

} Robert I. Carey, MD, PhD, FACS - Prostate Cancer: Impact of Robotic Surgery, Genomics, and Sequenced Therapy on Cancer Specific Survival

SMH-SARASOTA

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Auditorium - First Floor 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 Robert I. Carey, MD

This is a FREE LECTURE SERIES with FREE VALET PARKING at main hospital entrance.

Light refreshments served. RSVP required. Reserve your space by phone at (941) 917-7777 or online at smh.com/lectures.

smh.com

408281-1

10

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

11

Every Moment Has Led You To This Point.

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

An intimate enclave of 29 contemporary residences ranging from 2,263-3,076 square feet, with resort-inspired amenities and exquisite finishes. Now accepting reservations.

Priced from $2.2-$4.65 million.

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

408820-1

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Labor Day SALE

COPS CORNER

Storewide Savings!

SPECIAL PURCHASE STYLISH PRISM DINING TABLE w/LEAVES

50%

OFF MSRP

Limited Quantities

SAVE

15%

SPECIAL DELIVERY 3300 block of Seventh Street Domestic dispute: Two officers responded to a call from a woman asking them to meet her at her home and stand by while she gathered her belongings. She explained she and her husband have been in a dispute because he believes she has been unfaithful with a delivery company driver.

The previous evening, she said the two argued over the phone, the complainant claiming he was drinking and a firearm was implied.

Officers confirmed the couple does own a handgun, which she said he had recently removed from the medical practice office they own and brought home. She said she since had removed and hidden the gun’s magazine.

The woman said she had not been threatened, and that the driver was a family friend. Neither she nor her husband , who arrived at the home while officers were present, would identify the driver. As officers spoke to the woman, her husband began to leave the home. Officers searched him to ensure he was not carrying the weapon. He said he was planning to go to the driver’s employer and file a complaint. Once he left, officers stood by while the woman gathered some belongings. No further action was taken.

SAVE Made in Norway

$500 OFF

ANY WING RECLINER

SAVE UP TO 10% ON SELECT SOFAS Rest and Recharge

NEW BEDROOM

15%

In Stock Now!

SAVE ALL COPELAND DINING FURNITURE Made Responsibly in Vermont

30%

OFF MSRP

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

SATURDAY, AUG. 12 408948-1

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

SOFA, SO GOOD 10 p.m., 1600 block of Devonshire

SATURDAY, AUG. 12

MORE THAN A THREAT 12:12 a.m., 200 block of North Shade Avenue Criminal mischief: The complainant told police his uncle damaged his truck after threatening by text to do so. He said he was in his hotel room with his girlfriend when his uncle texted him and — employing colorful metaphors — threatened to damage the vehicle. This followed an argument over the uncle accusing him of “stealing weed from him,” according to the police report.

The complainant said there was a witness who had claimed to have seen the incident occur, but officers were unable to contact that individual. They also canvassed the area for video surveillance, finding none. An officer advised the complainant to obtain an estimate to repair the damage and to contact him with the information.

Lane Civil dispute: After a moving company refused to deliver a couch, which was apparently nice enough to have moved from more than 1,500 miles away, police were called to settle the dispute over the last 50 feet of the trip. The complainant said he hired a moving company to move a sofa to his residence. When the movers arrived, he attempted to pay the remaining balance via online app, but the transfer was not completed.

One of the movers told an officer that because the payment was not transferred, he would not release the piece of furniture. He advised that if the complainant could not pay for the delivery, it would be taken to a warehouse in Tampa to be delivered later once payment goes through, at an additional charge.

The complainant contacted his bank to cancel the transaction, then drove to the bank and withdrew cash to pay the movers. Once paid, delivery of the couch was completed, and no further action was needed.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH STARTING AT $9.99

AMAZING LUNCH & DINNER at the TIKI BAR Live Entertainment Friday & Saturday at the Tiki Bar

HAPPY HOUR DAILY

Food 3:30 - 5:30pm Drinks 8am - 5:30pm

SUNDAY BRUNCH

11am - 2pm Live Entertainment

THURSDAY PRIME RIB

$24.99 - 12oz. with Salad Live Entertainment Coral Room 5-8pm

FRIDAY FISH FRY

$5 Tacos

$18.99 All You Can Eat Live Entertainment Tiki 5-9pm - 70s, 80s & 90s Live Entertainment Coral Room 5-8pm

WEDNESDAY SNOW CRAB

SATURDAY 7 FRESH FISH

MONDAY HAPPY HOUR

All Day at the Tiki and Cafe

TACO TUESDAY $22.99 - 1 LB. • $39.99 - 2 LBS. Live Entertainment Coral Room 5-8pm

Market Price Live Entertainment at the Tiki & Coral Room

BUY 1 ENTRÉE

IN THE CORAL ROOM,

GET 2 ENTRÉE HALF OFF ND

Breakfast Daily 8-11am Authentic Swiss Brunch, Classic Breakfast, House Specials

(Valid Wed.-Sat.) Expires 9/30/2023

FREE APPETIZER OF THE MONTH

Now Open Wednesday - Sunday for Dinner in our Fine Dining Room

941-966-2121 397398-1

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231 *See Sales Associate for Details

TEXT TUSSLE 8:14 p.m., 3000 block of Bay Street Dispute: A man engaged in a text message argument with the renter of a room in his home contacted an officer wishing to document a civil issue. He said he had sublet a room in a home he rents to a woman who wants to break the lease and vacate the room. The two were texting back and forth, each feeling they were being threatened by the other.

The officer determined that while the tone of the text battle was hostile, there were no direct threats made. The man was advised that if the woman decides to stay in the wake of the dispute, it will be up to the landlord to evict her.

THURSDAY, AUG. 10

ALL SKOVBY MODERN DINING COLLECTIONS

SAVE EXTRA

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9

WWW.CHEFROLF.US

MAINLAND 1660 S. Tamiami Trail Osprey FL 34229

409135-1

copenhagen imports

12

A+E INSIDE: < GALLERY GONE: Art Uptown is closing after 43 years on Main Street. 15 EATING WITH EMMA: Bring your bibs and wipes for the best barbecue in town. 16>

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 24, 2023

YOUROBSERVER.COM

Multitalented performer Katherine Michelle Tanner chose Barbie pink for her professional headshot, but red is in her future.

EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE Actress Katherine Michelle Tanner launches her own theater company.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

S

o far, 2023 has been a good year for Katherine Michelle Tanner.

In March, KT Curran’s “Bridge to

the Other Side,” featuring Tanner as a distraught mother of a mentally ill son, screened at the 25th Sarasota Film Festival, where it won the local audience award.

In May, Michelle Pascua’s “In Remembrance,” which Tanner directed, won the best play award at Theatre Odyssey’s Ten Minute Play Festival.

“Call me the salmon of Sarasota. I’m swimming upstream.”

— Katherine Michelle Tanner

When they handed out awards for the festival, Tanner couldn’t be there. She was on stage at the Sarasota Opera House performing in the ballet “Cinderella.” The ballet was presented by The Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, formerly the Russian School of Ballet.

In June, Tanner’s play, “Shakespeare’s Lovers,” appeared at the first Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival in Sarasota. The play, about a male poet and a female painter who meet in a river, incorporates 29 of Shakespeare’s sonnets and 19 of Tanner’s own.

At the Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival, the revelation of the body of water on stage elicited a collective gasp from the audience, but it’s SEE TANNER, PAGE 14

Courtesy photos

Katherine Michelle Tanner and Blake Lafita appear at the Lady Filmmakers Film Festival in Los Angeles to support KT Curran’s “Bridge to the Other Side.”

14

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Tanner FROM PAGE 13

impossible to steal the show from Tanner.

KMT, as those close to her often call Tanner, has been performing in Sarasota for about 20 years, give or take a few. (You know how sensitive actors are about their age.) But suddenly, she’s everywhere all at once, to borrow from this year’s Oscar-winning indie film, “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” or EEAAO, since we’re talking acronyms here.

The latest place Tanner happens to be is at the head of her own theater company, Tree Fort Productions.

Tree Fort has existed in some form for about 10 years, but in April, Tanner completed the paperwork for a 501(c)(3). That made the theater company a nonprofit officially recognized by the IRS, easing the way for donations since they become taxdeductible, more or less.

Yes, Sarasota already some wellestablished theater companies (Asolo Repertory, The Players, Florida Studio Theatre, Urbanite, to name just a few). Regional theater in other parts of the country is struggling post-pandemic due to smaller audiences and rising overhead, but Tanner isn’t discouraged.

“Call me the salmon of Sarasota,” she quips, as she is wont to do. “I’m swimming upstream.”

As Tanner hypnotically details the upcoming season for Tree Fort Productions, which is housed right now in the The Crossings at Siesta Key, and the reasons why she’s launching her own company, one is apt to fall under her spell.

Told her powers of persuasion are so great that she could easily be marketing multimillion-dollar condos if she weren’t artistically inclined, Tanner laughs and says, “I have a friend in real estate who says the same thing.”

But back to the business at hand: Tree Fort Productions. To make sure she gets her message across, Tanner says not once, not twice, but three times during a brief interview: “The best way to support a theater com-

pany is to buy a subscription.”

Duly noted. The price of a Tree Fort 2023-24 season subscription is a modest $140 for four shows, or $20 less than if tickets for each show were purchased separately.

Tree Fort’s season opens Oct. 13, with “Red,” John Logan’s play about the artist Mark Rothko, which made its debut in London in 2009. The play takes place in Rothko’s New York studio in the late 1950s as he wrestles with the ethics of fulfilling a brashly commercial commission ­— murals for the elite Four Seasons restaurant. His misgivings are fueled by his assistant.

At Tree Fort, Lee Gundersheimer will star as Rothko, a role that garnered Alfred Molina a 2010 Tony nomination for best actor when he performed it on Broadway. Alex Teicheira will play Rothko’s skeptical assistant. The play runs through Oct. 29.

The play “Red” holds a spot close to Tanner’s heart because her father was an artist. In some households, parents might ask children what they did at school that day. When Tanner was growing up, her dad would ask her, “What are you working on?”

Tanner’s father had a day job, but he was a painter, sculptor and jewelry maker. “There was always a project in the corner,” she recalls. “We were told, ‘Don’t touch Dad’s things.’”

Since Tanner’s father was a bit of a juggler, it’s not surprising to see she had a triple major (theater/dance/ education) at St. Olaf’s College in Minnesota. She earned an MFA from Asolo Theatre Conservatory-Florida State University and has been applying her talents in dance, theater, film and music at lightning speed ever since.

Asked where she gets her energy from, Tanner replies without hesitation: “Starbucks.”

The color red would appear to be the perfect theme for a black-tie event. Instead of telling guests to dress in black-and-white, as author and social butterfly Truman Capote did for his party of the century in 1966, KMT’s event could be scarletthemed.

Not a bad idea, Tanner says, but she’s keeping her fundraising finesse

Courtesy photo

Katherine Michelle Tanner performed her sonnet-filled play, “Shakespeare’s Lovers,” at Sarasota’s first Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival in June. She will reprise it for Tree Fort Productions’ 2023-24 season.

under wraps for now.

Besides the challenges of raising money and building an audience, Tree Fort also faces uncertainty about its home, The Crossings mall, which is in transition.

Some arts-oriented tenants in the mall have been forced to vacate because of higher rents. For now, Tree Fort’s theater is walking distance from CMX CinéBistro, a small, but popular destination for moviegoers.

Tanner isn’t anchored to a space for her new venture. She recalls doing readings for “Shakespeare’s Lovers” at Home Resource, Kathy and Michael Bush’s upscale modern furniture store. In Tanner’s book, the play’s the thing, not the stage.

“No space is long term,” she says.

“If we did move, it would be our fifth move. No one really knows what’s going to happen.”

What is certain is the lineup for Tree Fort’s 2023-24 season. In addition to “Red,” the lineup includes a reprise of “Shakespeare’s Lovers” starring Tanner from Dec. 1-17.

Also on the bill is Jessica Dickey’s “The Amish Project,” in which Tan-

ner performs all roles in the play about the 2006 shootings at the West Nickel Mines School for Amish girls in Pennsylvania. The massacre, which included a hostage situation, left six dead, including the gunman, and five injured.

Heavy stuff to be sure, but “The Amish Project” won favor with audiences off Broadway and on tour in its previous incarnations. It will run in Sarasota from Jan. 12-Feb. 11.

Tanner will also appear in “Lark Eden,” a one-night reading on Nov. 10, along with Roxanne Fey and Lauren Wood.

Wherever it ends, Tree Fort’s season will conclude on an upbeat note, with a cabaret devoted to the women of Broadway, not the performers, but the often overlooked female composers of the Great White Way. That show runs March 8-14.

Other events are in the works.

Tanner isn’t waiting for Broadway or Hollywood to call, especially during a writers’ and actors’ strike. She’s making things happen right here in Sarasota, one latte at a time.

LUXURY VE EH H II C CL LE EURY TO OR RA AG GE E LUX V SS T V E H I C L E S TOur ORAGE Why

Why Why

CHOOSE CHOOSE US US Customizable Garage Options CHOOSE Customizable Garage Options Water Fill & Disposal Tanks US Water Fill & Disposal Tanks

Vacuum Station Customizable Garage Options Vacuum Station 24/7 Camera Surveillance Water Fill & Disposal Tanks 24/7 Camera Surveillance Vacuum Station

Our Our

UNIQUE UNIQUE AMENITIES AMENITIES Air Conditioned Units UNIQUE Air Conditioned Units Covered & Uncovered Vehicle Storage AMENITIES Covered & Uncovered Vehicle Storage 24/7 Access Air Conditioned Units 24/7 Access 30 AMP Receptacles Covered & Uncovered Vehicle Storage 30 AMP Receptacles 24/7 Access

30 AMP Receptacles 24/7 Camera Surveillance CALL TO RESERVE YOURS!

CALL TO RESERVE YOURS!

941-263-0397 941-263-0397 CALL TO RESERVE YOURS! 941-263-0397

MOUNTAINS OF THE MIND SCHOLARS’ ROCKS FROM CHINA AND BEYOND

THROUGH JUN 23

ringling.org

5921 MCINTOSH RD, SARASOTA, FL 34238 5921 MCINTOSH RD, SARASOTA, FL 34238

FOR MORE INFO:

ELITEMOTORCOACHFL.COM

5921 MCINTOSH RD, SARASOTA, FL 34238

This exhibition is supported by the Chao Ringling Museum Endowment and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

White Taihu Stone, 21 1/16 × 9 7/16 × 7 1/2 in. Gift of Stan and Nancy Kaplan, 2019. SN11681.41

408039-1

ELITEMOTORCOACHFL.COM ELITEMOTORCOACHFL.COM

405760-1

FOR MORE INFO: FOR MORE INFO:

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

THURSDAY

JOHN PIRMAN: ‘DIVING INTO NATURE’ 10 a.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. $26 Visit Selby.org.

The retrospective presents the works of Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens.

Runs through Sept. 17.

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION FOR ‘AN ABSTRACT VIEW’ 6-8 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.

See the work of artists Lauren Mann, Iren Tete and Ry McCullough, plus Art Center Sarasota’s juried show, “An Abstract View.” Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

‘CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REMIXED!’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. $18 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“The Jersey Tenors” and “The Surfer Boys” veteran Vaden Thurgood has

DON’T MISS ‘A COMEDY OF TENORS’ Set in 1930s Paris, “A Comedy of Tenors” is a madcap romp about a concert producer trying to keep an Italian superstar from falling prey to temptation.

IF YOU GO When: Through Aug. 27 Where: FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 and up Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

OPEN HOUSE ON SARASOTA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE In connection with a free exhibit in the City Hall lobby, a lecture on the Sarasota School of Architecture will be held featuring Sarasota County Division of Historical Resources Manager Joshua Goodman, Architecture Sarasota President Morris Hylton III and Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato.

The exhibit is on display through June 2024.

IF YOU GO When: Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: City Hall, 1565 First St. Tickets: Free Info: SarasotaFl.gov.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

‘THE GRADUATE’ 7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30 Visit ThePlayers.org.

Directed by Elliott Raines, “The Graduate” is a stage adaptation of the classic novel and film that explores the unlikely sexual affair between a recent college graduate, who is adrift in life, and a friend of his parents, who knows exactly what she wants. Runs through Aug. 27.

SATURDAY ‘WORKING CONDITIONS: EXPLORING LABOR THROUGH THE RINGLING’S PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION’ 10 a.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road $25 (includes museum admission) Visit Ringling.org.

The Ringling debuts a photography exhibit that explores myriad views of labor, from the celebration of industrial progress to the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable. Among the photographers whose works are on display are Lewis Hine, Dmitiri Baltermants, Endia Beal, Walker Evans, Arthur Rothstein, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Margaret Bourke-White, Danny Lyon, Lewis Baltz, Sebastião Salgado and Bill Owens. Through March 3.

WEDNESDAY DENNIS BLAIR 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $19 and up Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

If you like your humor adult style, Dennis Blair is sure to deliver. Blair toured with iconic raunchy comedian George Carlin for 18 years, performed on “The Tonight Show” and has appeared at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. Through Sept. 3.

www.manasotaonline.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

Rising rents are pushing art galleries out of downtown, but new and sometimes unexpected spaces beckon.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

created his own musical revue for FST. The show, which features a rotating cast with three men (including Thurgood for at least a month) and a woman, follows the life of Creedence Clearwater Revival founder John Fogerty through hit songs such as “Proud Mary” and “Bad Moon Rising.” Runs through Oct. 15.

Courtesy photo

Art Uptown Gallery to close after 43 years in Sarasota

L

ong live visual arts in Sarasota.

Rising rent is forcing the Art Uptown Gallery to close after 43 years at 1367 Main St. Despite its name, Art Uptown is the second downtown gallery to close this year.

At the same time, new visual arts destinations are expanding in more affordable parts of town.

Art Uptown, which houses local artists in studios upstairs, will close permanently at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

“The building has been sold, and the gallery was unable to negotiate a lease price that would allow us to continue,” said Melanie Carlstein, gallery board president, in a statement.

Carlstein said the gallery has stocked up on the works of its artists to give patrons the opportunity to buy in the final days of operation.

In June, Dabbert Gallery closed after 18 years in business at 46 S. Palm Ave. Husband-and-wife owners David and Patricia Dabbert have maintained a sales presence online, selling fine painting and sculpture.

The Dabberts were fixtures at the First Friday Gallery Walk downtown.

In a Facebook post, the couple cited rising rent as well as new development downtown as reasons for their gallery’s demise.

“The Sarasota art scene is changing,” artist Virginia Hoffman wrote on Facebook. “High-end or highrent galleries are fading away, and more artists are finding alternative means to present their art. This is a good thing. My only concern is the market might price artists out of the alternative locations.”

While art galleries are getting pushed out of downtown, some are migrating to the nearby Limelight District, which runs along North Lime Avenue between 12th Street and Fruitville Road. The up-andcoming arts district is anchored by the popular shopping emporium, The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime, at 821 Apricot Ave. Recent arrivals and expansions in the Limelight District include the March 30 opening of the Palmer Modern at 925 N. Lime Ave. and the addition in February of a second space by arts collective Creative Liberties at 927 N. Lime Ave. Its flagship is nearby, at 901B Apricot Ave. Not far away from the recognized district, Marianne Chapel’s SPAACES gallery at 2051 Princeton St. is seeking to raise $20,000 in a capital campaign it has dubbed the Major Arts District Expansion.

MADE, for short, will expand the gallery’s footprint from 4,500 to 7,000 square feet and will include street frontage exposure, which SPAACES currently lacks.

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

File photo

Art Uptown Gallery artist Elisabeth Trostli displays digital paintings of powerful women of varying races and ethnicities in 2018.

Founded in 2018, SPAACES became a not-for-profit in 2020.

According to Chapel, the gallery’s vision is to “see Sarasota recognized as a cutting edge, visual arts town, a place where contemporary art and artists thrive.”

To raise awareness of the visual arts in Sarasota, a town where the performing arts need no help gaining attention, the Sarasota Studio Artists Association has organized Second Saturdays, where artists open their studios to the public and host other events.

Second Saturdays has been spearheaded by Jen Palmer, whose husband, Craig Palmer, owns Palmer Modern.

SSAA has published a map of local art galleries on its website, SRQArtists.com, to encourage buyers and browsers alike to come out for Second Saturdays. That’s a hard slog when temperatures are approaching 100 degrees, but foot traffic is expected to pick up during season.

One way to beat the heat is to hold evening events. In late July, Creative Liberties co-founders Barbara Gerdeman and Elizabeth Goodwill hosted a Magic & Mystery Night Faire.

The faire featured performances including stilt walking and illusions, foods including kebabs and candy apples, and sometimes spooky work by local artists. Instead of Christmas in July, the popular event hosted by Main Street retailers in Venice, think Halloween in July.

There’s no question that fine arts galleries are facing pressure from higher rents and encroaching development. But the arts are thriving in Sarasota in unexpected places — church art galleries, pop-up events at Art Ovation Hotel and even the Saturday Farmers Market, where it’s not unusual to see a plein air practitioner armed with paintbrush, palette and an easel.

Over at the Bayfront, Art Center Sarasota is making a push to get the word out that the artworks it displays are for sale. Admission is free to the center, a nonprofit that offers curated and juried exhibitions, workshops and classes.

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

407076-1

THIS WEEK

OUR PICK

15

16

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

EATING WITH EMMA

Get smokin’ with the best barbecue in town These Sarasota and Manatee hot spots are un-grill-lievable.

BY EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

O

ne of the first nights that my now husband came over to my parents’ condo on Longboat Key, my mom asked, “Do you know how to use the grill?”

My husband nodded; grabbed the meat, tongs and cutting board and proceeded down to the Gulf-facing grill with my dad.

After everything was situated on the grill my dad looked at Patrick, laughed and said, “You should have never told my wife you know how to grill. This will be your job forever now.”

Patrick now mans the grill while Dad sits back, pours a Jack Daniel’s and reminds his son-in-law of his new forever role and the one lie he should have told my mom.

In honor of this story, I set my sights on finding the best barbecue joints in town.

Whether it be for Labor Day weekend or just a family grilling night like the many I’ve experienced, these spots are beyond bar-be-cute for any foodie with a hankering for that sweet (or tangy, or hot) sauce.

MOUTHHOLE BBQ

Locations vary; 941-544-1361, Facebook.com /InYourMouthhole

Our first stop on this mouthwatering expedition isn’t brick and mortar, but I will follow the nonwinding roads of Sarasota as long as they lead to this fantastic food truck. You can follow the barbecue smells to Calusa Brewing on most Tuesday evenings. Check out Mouthhole’s Facebook page for other dining destinations (and photos that will have you drooling over your keyboard).

Flippin’ Grate: The Calusa Meat

Locker is what BBQ badasses like us beg for and Mouthhole definitely delivers. Righteously tasty ribs, beautiful brisket, perfectly pleasant pulled pork, yummy mac ’n’ cheese, sensational smoked beans, awesome slaw and can-I-fit-more-inmy-belly cornbread ($43).

All Fired Up Over: Mouthhole’s Hawaiian menu. These offerings have me feeling like I could like pineapple ever after. If you’re lucky enough to happen upon Hawaiian night at the truck, you can choose from the Shoyu chicken bowl ($14), Kalua pork plate ($15), Teriyaki tri tip bowl ($18) or the Hawaiian mixed plate ($20).

STOTTLEMYER’S SMOKEHOUSE

19 East Road, Sarasota; 941-3125969, StottlemyersSmokehouse.com

Steve and Terry Stottlemyer are pioneers when it comes to the Sarasota eat-and-drink history pages.

Steve’s father developed the property where the smokehouse stands in 1955. In 1995, Steve and Terry served home-cooked breakfast and lunch at the adjoining Fruitville Texaco that they built, and in 2009, the Chickee Hut was formed. With Old Florida charm being hard to come by these days, it’s a sure bet that this pecan-wood smokery will always carry on tradition — and treat our tastebuds time and time again.

Flippin’ Grate: The BBQ sampler ($26.99). Ready for a list of lipsmacking, finger-licking deliciousness? Order long bone ribs or a half-rack of baby backs, 6 oz. brisket and half a smoked chicken.

Or choose the BBQ pork combo ($28.99) with two long bone ribs or a half-rack of baby back ribs and the 6 oz. pulled pork.

All Fired Up Over: The smoke stuffed bacon-wrapped jalapenos ($8.99). Filled with savory seasoned cream cheese, wrapped in beloved bacon and as it says on the menu, “smoked to perfection.” I wish that these little bites of sweet heat were on every restaurant menu, but this Stottlemyer starter is special and should be devoured by all patrons.

SMOQUEHOUSE

1701 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, 941-242-5340, SmoqueHouse.com

This is not your average smokehouse. Based on Anna Maria, the Kubes family has conceptualized their restaurant menu in a unique fashion — it depends on what the cook is inspired by that day. The fast, casual atmosphere is tran-

Emma Jolly

Can I have some more of Mission BBQ’s pulled pork with Smokey Mountain sauce?

scended by the barbecue fusion food smells as you walk up to the front door. The menu, in addition to daily delectable specials, has seven craft sandwiches accompanied by a choice of seven craft sides that will make you wonder why it took you so long to get to the island.

Flippin’ Grate: If any of the spe-

cials I’ve bitten into over the years are offered when you plop down to partake in BBQ, order them all.

Leftovers are always a good decision. Grab a fork for the Piggy fries tossed in signature rub, Andy’s BBQ beans, house smoked pulled pork, smoked cheddar and BBQ drizzle.

Fancy a sammy? The mushroom Swiss brisket burger is a culinary treasure. Each bite brings garlic sauteed crimini mushrooms, smoked Swiss, red onion and a gracious heap of garlic and thyme aioli.

All Fired Up Over: The Pimento burger. It blends the beyond

Bringing the

AM I

to

408819-1

5405 UNIVERSITY PWKY #110 • OYSTERBAR.NET

399173-1

RAW BAR HAPPY HOURS LATE NIGHT

bonkers-tasting brisket patty, ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, crisp red onion, phenomenal fried banana peppers and house-made pimento into a perfect package for the senses.

MISSION BBQ

5231 University Parkway #109, Sarasota; 941-841-9279, MissionBBQ.com

In seventh grade, growing up outside of New York City, I witnessed the Twin Towers fall on Sept. 11, 2001. Two boys in my class lost their fathers that day. I tell this story because Mission BBQ opened exactly 10 years later when two patriotic friends wanted to run “a business with meaning and purpose.” They drove all over the nation from Texas to Kansas City and St. Louis to the Carolinas to give us foodies the best BBQ. I am here feeling patriotic (and stuffed to

the gills) for every offering they got.

Flippin’ Grate: Keep it simple, keep it sweet. That’s what makes this pulled pork sandwich ($8.89) great. Slather the tender pork with sauce that will effortlessly drip down your fingers and more than likely onto your shirt. Be sure to ask for the Smokey Mountain sauce and make it an XL combo ($5.25) with a side and drink or an XXL combo ($7.25) for two sides and a drink. Sides include Maggie’s Mac N Cheese ($2.99-$13.39) and baked beans with brisket ($2.99-$13.19), to name a few.

All Fired Up Over: The ribs. You can order by the bone, by five bone or by 10 bone. Trust me, you might want to order more. Choose from BAY-b-Back ribs that fall off the bone, spare ribs St. Louis style and more. It makes for a finger-lickin’ good time.

Classifieds 27 Games 26 Real Estate 21 Sports 23 Weather 26

AUGUST 24, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS Principal Fayth Jenkins

MORE ON SSIS

Suncoast School For Innovative Studies. 845 S. School Ave. Visit SunCoastSchool.org.

do have interpersonal skills, or this makes me feel good, and I can communicate that,’” she said.

The school modifies its approach to meet students where they are, Jenkins said. This could mean that if a student is skilled at playing Pokemon — not realizing the game is based on math — Pokemon-related materials could be included in their learning.

“The main vision is that every single child can learn, but you’re not going to learn it like the next person, and that’s OK,” she said.

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

Photos by Ian Swaby

GROWTH MINDSET The Suncoast School is growing opportunities in and out of the classroom so students can find their talents.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

P

rincipal Fayth Jenkins is on an educational mission in her first full school year in the role — a mission involving multiple intelligences.

The Suncoast School for Innovative Studies is rooted in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences developed in the 1980s by psychologist Howard Gardener. That means the staff’s aim is to help students discover their unique talents and interests, while elevating their existing talents, Jenkins said.

“You don’t have to be great at reading; you don’t have to be great at math; you don’t have to be the best scientist; but your talents or your natural interests can actually help you in some of those other areas, and through having a growth mindset and having exposure, you actually can find that you have many intelligences, not just one,” she said.

To further this mission, the school has been seeking new resources and partnerships since Jenkins became principal in October 2022.

The school, located on School Avenue north of Sarasota High, has introduced a sports program during its new after care, as well as other partnerships related to subjects including music, science, dance and more.

After opening in 1999, SSIS was, until last year, the only Title I public charter school in Sarasota County, and served the highest percentage of students on free and reduced lunches, Jenkins said.

ADAPTABLE APPROACH

Jenkins said the school, with its multifaceted approach, has been successful at closing the learning gap, with most students making one to two years of gain.

Part of working with multiple intelligences is understanding the different fields intersect, she said.

For instance, all teachers are trained in the Math & Movement program, which integrates counting and numbers sense into sports and is also used by P.E. coach and teacher Keron Gordon.

When it comes to art lessons, there’s more than meets the eye.

Instructor Wesley Tippett delves into history by introducing an artist through a book, then moves onto geometry, discussing angles and lines. Finally, he arrives at a music component as students create art.

“He’s an amazing resource to our school, and I’m really hoping to continue to expand his program to some after school offerings and some more community things too, because our kids enjoyed that immensely,” Jenkins said.

She said the school has benefited

THE MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES ■ Visual-spatial ■ Linguistic-verbal ■ Logical-mathematical ■ Body-kinesthetic ■ Musical ■ Interpersonal ■ Intrapersonal ■ Naturalistic

many kids struggling with interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

“Through some of the other intelligences, like the linguistic or the music, they actually start to learn, ‘Oh, I’m a really likable person; I

Due in part to the school’s commitment to teaching across a range of areas, it was important for it to be innovative with the programs it offers, Jenkins said.

This year, the school will hold flag football competition as part of a series that will feature a different sport each quarter, moving onto basketball and then to a new sport, pickleball, that the school is now testing.

Gordon, a former Louisiana State University athlete with a background in football and baseball, said he thinks pickleball will be easier than tennis for the students, with its small paddle, teams, and a shorter court.

The community has seen a demand for after care, Jenkins said, while the program activities have resulted in students being more excited to attend school. The co-ed program is offered for kindergarten through fifth grade for $25 a week.

Jenkins credits its vision to Gordon, who said as a child, he found that when the same students played against each other, certain students became dominant, which discouraged competition.

“If you play against somebody you don’t know, you’re always going to try to be your best,” he said.

Autumn Latortue and Zarina Choibekova speak with coach Keron Gordon in fifth grade teacher Keanna Newman’s class.

Gordon also hopes that by introducing kids to sports earlier, and preparing kids for what it takes to succeed in them, it will help students maintain the grades required to play sports when they reach high school.

Last year, the school played four games — two football and two basketball games — with the Bradenton public charter school Visible Men Academy. Jenkins hopes to expand the competition to other clubs.

NEW OPTIONS

After care programs and sports are not the only new offerings.

Modern Marimba will be attending the school once a month for music exploration, bringing drums and xylophones and teaching how to establish a rhythm and beat.

The school is working with FUNducation, a nonprofit focused on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education for kids from underrepresented groups, which will teach topics like coding, robotics, drones, and motors, through an enrichment block and an after-school program.

Jenkins said kids have expressed a great interest in this offering.

“Kids really wanted something else. They wanted to work with Legos and robotics and motors and coding.”

Another activity she said many kids are interested in is time outdoors (naturalistic intelligence is one of the intelligences), which is why the school will be visiting the site of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, in Osprey, which has offered to develop a curriculum for the school.

The school is working with Sarasota Ballet so students can participate in Dance — The Next Generation, the ballet’s community engagement program. Students who remain in the program receive a college scholarship covering needs including tutoring, transportation and mentoring.

This year in May, the school took part in the Art Center Sarasota North County K-12 Spring Art Show. Tippett said it would help the kids take ownership of their work, and to help supplement that goal, he tasked them with creating an invitation for their friends and family.

For the first time, the school has two full sensory rooms, giving a space devoted to occupational therapists and speech therapists for those students with Individualized Education Program, 504 plans, functional behavior assessments and behavior plans.

The school sustains needs beyond academics. Since last year, it has worked with All Faiths Food Bank to offer a food pantry, allowing everyone in the community free access to offerings that range from steaks to full Publix meals.

With all the progress, Jenkins said she is looking forward to what the future brings.

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS SO LD

CRYSTAL SANDS | $1.495M

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

406997-1

$71 Million Pending & Sold In 2023 $89 Million Sold In 2022

HOUSE OF THE SUN | $1.039M

SIESTA KEY | $2.675M

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

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

18

YourObserver.com

YOUR CALENDAR

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

Cheers to charity

BEST BET

AUGUST KARAOKE AT HAMLET’S EATERY 5-8 p.m. (karaoke begins at 6 p.m.) at The Courtyard at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. Hamlet’s Eatery welcomes both seasoned and first-time performers for a karaoke event featuring songs for everyone. For information, visit HamletsEatery.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

SARASOTA’S BIG GAY WEEKEND KICK-OFF HAPPY HOUR 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Golden Host Resort Sarasota 4675 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. This happy hour kicks off a weekend of Pride events, including the Pride Luau, which follows the kickoff and takes place at 8 p.m.; the Rainbow Pool Party and Red Light, Leather & Lace on Saturday, Aug. 26; and Pride T-Dance and Drag Queen Bingo at the Bahi Hut on Sunday, Aug. 27. Tickets for events range from $15 to $50. For more information on times and to purchase tickets, visit EventBrite.com.

SUPER MOON + BLUE MOON SOUND BATH AT THE BAY 7-8 p.m. at Sarasota Garden Club, 1130 Boulevard of the Arts. Enjoy this rejuvenating and relaxing session on the date of the blue supermoon, a phenomena that will not occur again for almost a decade. The experience, intended to offer rejuvenation and relaxation, will include instruments such as a planetary tuned gong, crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, and Buddhist Tingsha bells. For information and to register, visit TheBaySarasota.org.

A

s attendees raised their glasses during the first annual Toast Local event by the Rotary Club of Sarasota, held on Aug. 20 at Robarts Arena, their presence was not only benefiting local craft cocktail and beer brands, but local charities as well.

Nicholas Iannitti, fundraising chair for the Rotary Club of Sarasota, said he hoped the public would leave with an understanding of what the club, which has been in the area for 97 years, accomplishes through its charity arm, the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation.

“Everybody we’ve talked to is really enjoying themselves and having a good time, so that was really the biggest thing,” he said. “And I think we’ve actually been pretty successful in raising awareness of what Rotary is and what we do.”

He said the proceeds of the event will go toward almost a dozen local charities, benefiting causes such as the programs of All Faiths Food Bank and Mayors Feed The Hungry, as well as hurricane relief efforts, senior well-being and

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

BEAT THE HEAT — CHALLENGE ACCEPTED 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle. Kids $25; adults $69. Test your abilities in a race featuring rowing, rucksacks, sandbells and bodyweight challenges, held by Camp Gladiator. To register, visit RaceRoster.com.

UF/IFAS EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC 10 a.m. to noon at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. Free. This informational session for adults helps attendees understand more about gardening, whether their topic of interest is Florida-friendly gardens, composting or citrus trees. Staff can identify a plant or insect or provide research-based help in lawn, landscape and pest management. For information, visit SCGov.LibraryMarket.com.

ODDITY TATTOO 20TH ANNIVERSARY & ART SHOW 7 p.m. at Oddity Tattoo UTC, 6307 Center Ring Road. Free.

Oddity Tattoo celebrates its 20th anniversary with a mystical-themed art show filled with original artwork

by its own artists. There will be prize giveaways, special 20th anniversary merchandise available for purchase, and complimentary treats and refreshments by Mouthole BBQ and Calusa Brewing. For information, visit OddityTattoo.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 30

SUPER BLUE MOON ROOFTOP YOGA 7 p.m. at The Westin Sarasota $15 per person. Experience the rare blue supermoon with this outdoor yoga class under the full moon taught by a certified yoga instructor.

For information, visit Facebook.com.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Julie Martin pours SALT Tequila.

more.

Meanwhile, the event helped to raise awareness of local brews.

Toast Local drew some 20 vendors offering a variety of drinks.

“I like bitter beer, very dark beer, so it’s nice to taste something in between, something bitter, something milder,” attendee Shirley Aschenbrenner said. “It’s giving me ideas for where to buy beer.”

— IAN SWABY

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

RADD RUNNERS 6 p.m. at DreamLarge Office, 513 Central Ave. Held the last Thursday of each month, this community event allows attendees to discover the Rosemary Art & Design District and The Bay Park while connecting with Sarasota’s community. For information, visit RosemaryDistrict. org.

Ian Swaby

Tricia Bolds, of Gulf Coast Custom Designs, and her mother, Cindy Wilds, showcase Bolds’ kitchenware to Dawn Lansing.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Save up to $7,995!

Call us today for more information.

by Dental Implant Specialists ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

IMPLANT SURGERY

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

11 Bedroom Apartmentsstarting starting Bedroom Apartments atat unde underApartments $5,000 per month 1 Bedroom starting at under $5,000 per month Available Now! 1 Bedroom Apartments startingNow! at under Available Now! $5,000 perINDEPENDENT month Available MEMORY CARE LIVING ASSISTED LIVIN

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

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

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

MEMORY CARE

MEMORY CARE

INDEPENDENT LIVING

ASSISTED LIVING

Transitioning senior living apartment be overwhelmin Transitioning totoa a senior living apartment can becan overwhelming.

Transitioning to a senior living apartment From coordinating coordinating a move, to selling a home and even unpacking!

From a move, to selling a home and even unpackin

can be overwhelming. From coordinating a move,

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

From coordinating a move, to selling a home and

Let us HELP

Tour today to see Sarasota’s best valued

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

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

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

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

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

Transitioning to a senior can be overwhelming.

Tour today toliving see apartment Sarasota’s best valued 1 Bedroom Apartment and all of the other From to selling a home unpacking! ! and 1 coordinating Bedrooma move, Apartment and all even of the other

Let us HELP

lifestyle amenities that it includes.

Tour to see Sarasota’s best valued lifestyle amenities that itappointment! includes.

Call ustoday at 941-413-7997 to schedule your Let us HELP !

1 Bedroom Apartment and all of theappointment! other Call us at 941-413-7997 schedule your 5650 Gantt Rd, •to Sarasota, FL 34233 Tour today to see Sarasota’s (One block north of Clark Road) best valued lifestyle amenities that it includes.

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com 5650 Gantt Rd,and • Sarasota, FL 34233 1 Bedroom Apartment all Road) of the other (Oneschedule block north of Clark Call us at 941-413-7997 to your appointment!

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

ALF License #13578

941-413-7997 •that DiscoverSaraBella.com lifestyle amenities it includes.

5650 Gantt Rd, Sarasota, FLyour 34233appointment!

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

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

www.drmisch.com

941.957.6444

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

ALF License #13578

941-413-7997 • DiscoverSaraBella.com

ALF License #13578

(One block north of Clark Road)

397069-1

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

ALF License #13578

407030-1

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

19

Kristen Emmons, Rick Emmons and Brittany Emmons applaud the student performers.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Sophia Emmons, Jersey Baldini and Silvanna Escobar of Blazer Babes.

Students take center stage Shae Benfer, 5, and 3-year-old Cameron Benfer took front-row seats.

munity out and together and enjoying music on a Saturday morning, early afternoon,” she said.

Because students get the chance to perform on a monthly basis, they find a spark that keeps them improving and returning to the stage, said Martin.

Martin said she herself can attest to the excellence of the instruction. The 43-year-old had never had the patience to learn music when she first started as studio manager, but she finally found the opportunity when Harris insisted on teaching her. She made her guitar debut on Aug. 18.

Event attendee Katie McHugh said her four children love Music Compound because it offers the chance to try multiple instruments.

Four-year-old Jude Musmar, Muhammad Musmar, 7-year-old Zane Musmar, Chada Musmar, and 9-yearold Maya Musmar all had an excellent time at the Back to School Bash.

— IAN SWABY

Great for Labor Day Weekend

Stuff Lotsa Try to

Exclusive OPHTHALMOLOGY Downtown Sarasota’s

NEW EN GL AND SEAFOOD MARKET Please order ahead for

Labor Day Weekend!

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

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

PRACTICE

Florida’s Fresh Catch—Grouper, Snapper, Shrimp

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

394872-1

Tues-Sat 11-6pm Sun 11-4pm | Closed Mon

Harper Weyant, 13, offers a solo performance.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists are fellowship-trained to provide a lifetime of specialized care for your eyes.

Stay Cool, Stylishly.

NEW SARASOTA LOCATION!

Murray Friedberg, M.D. Robert Edelman, M.D.

Located at Mark Sarasota 111 S. Pineapple Ave., Ste. 301 Sarasota, FL 34236

Scott Silverman, M.D. Robert Sambursky, M.D.

We are following CDC guidelines for your safety. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Pooja Khator, M.D. Jeffrey Davis, M.D.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Cataract Surgery Advanced Lens Implants Glaucoma Care Macular Degeneration Pediatric Eye Care Neuro-Ophthalmology Dry Eye Treatment Diabetic Eye Care Oculoplastic Surgery

Jody Abrams, M.D. Paul Brannan, M.D.

JUST FANS OFFERS EXPERT INSTALLATION ON ALL MODELS.

Selina Lin, M.D. 402213-1

Philip Ames, M.D. Neal Kansara, M.D.

25 YEARS IN SERVICE

CoastalEye.com • 941-748-1818 • Most Insurance Plans Welcomed 402221-1

5900 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota | 941-921-6441 justfansinc.com

111 S. Pineapple Ave., Ste. 301 Sarasota

217 Manatee Ave. E. Bradenton

6310 Health Pkwy., Ste. 340 Lakewood Ranch

397798-1

I

nstructor Iain Harris calls his job at Music Compound the best in the world.

Teaching children is no different from teaching adults, he said.

“When you walk in the door, we know who you guys are. We’re you, but just older,” he said.

The studio’s student talent was on display at its Back to School Bash, which took place at its Sarasota location, as well as its location in Bradenton.

Studio Manager Alyssa Martin said the event allows the community to learn more about the performance-based music school and its programs.

“They can see with their own eyes and hear with their ears, our student performers, and how amazing they are, and it’s just a fun way to get people in the com-

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

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

SIESTA KEY 7340 Point Of Rocks Road 6 Beds 6/1 Baths 4,676 Sq. Ft. Denise Mei 941-685-3198 A4564248 $5,999,900

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

SIESTA KEY 5310 Avenida Del Mare 5 Beds 5/2 Baths 3,759 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4563770 $4,500,000

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

SIESTA KEY 5300 Avenida Del Mare 4 Beds 4/2 Baths 3,234 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4563903 $4,250,000

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

SIESTA KEY 5215 Hidden Harbor Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,497 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4555269 $2,850,000

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

SIESTA KEY 1252 Riegels Landing Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 3,777 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon & Denise Mei 941-234-3991 A4564438 $2,425,000

SIESTA KEY 7309 Pine Needle Road 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,600 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4570824 $2,400,000

SIESTA KEY 361 Avenida Leona 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,614 Sq. Ft. Sherri Mills 941-350-7112 A4573754 $2,249,500

SIESTA KEY 6326 Midnight Pass Road 508 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,318 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4568357 $1,999,999

SIESTA KEY 763 Siesta Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,269 Sq. Ft. Maria Beck PA & Jalina Beck 646-531-4118 A4568874 $1,775,000

SIESTA KEY 4708 Ocean Boulevard E1 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,277 Sq. Ft. Ethel Lovelace 941-586-7390 A4562351 $1,699,900

SIESTA KEY 1660 Summerhouse Lane 302 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,110 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg & John Garmong 941-544-6103 A4565356 $1,465,000

SIESTA KEY 3484 Hamilton Avenue 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,658 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4571423 $1,399,000

SIESTA KEY 19 Whispering Sands Drive 404 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,282 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg & Pat Rodriguez 941-544-6103 A4577353 $1,125,000

SIESTA KEY 6480 Midnight Pass Road 503 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,265 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4573746 $1,099,000

SIESTA KEY 6300 Midnight Pass Road 4 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,253 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4577626 $990,000

SIESTA KEY 8773 Midnight Pass Road 506G 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,768 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941-302-8157 A4579356 $899,000

SIESTA KEY 6415 Midnight Pass Road 510 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,290 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson & Ethel Lovelace 941-404-9347 A4579054 $849,900

SIESTA KEY 4822 Ocean Boulevard 2D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. David Anthony 941-786-4282 A4578011 $739,000

SIESTA KEY 9393 Midnight Pass Road P3 1 Bed 1 Baths 970 Sq. Ft. Gladys Carrasco 941-400-1520 A4554500 $560,000

SIESTA KEY 9011 Midnight Pass Road 228 1 Bed 1 Baths 783 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Lin Dunn 941-238-8119 A4566083 $498,000

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

SIESTA KEY 8324 Sanderling Road 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,674 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie 941-376-1717 A4562963 $7,995,000

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

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

406084-1

20

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

ADAM HUGHES

A

SARASOTA

POINSETTIA PARK Kevin Gordan Cooke and Julie Cooke, of Osprey, sold their home at 1850 Magnolia St. to Thomas Alan Jennings and Elizabeth Jane Jennings, of N. Little Rock, Arkansas, for $2,085,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2018.

BAY PLAZA Susanne Pluhm, trustee, and Michael Guenther Pluhm, of Clearwater, sold the Unit 804 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Robert Lachkar and Emilia Karsh Lachkar, of Sarasota, for $1.5 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,822 square feet of living area. It sold for $247,000 in 1995.

THE LANDINGS Arpad Miklos Polgar, of Budapest, Hungary, sold his home at 4809 Peregrine Point Circle W. to Raymond and Donna Polito, of Sarasota, for $1.5 million. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, three-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 4,127 square feet of living area. It sold for $771,500 in 2015.

OYSTER BAY ESTATES Robin Greeson, trustee, sold the home at 4431 Camino Real to K & H SRQ Properties LLC for $1,275,000.

Built in 1958, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,616 square feet of living area.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL Jaclyn Kim Brunckhorst, of Siesta Key, sold her Unit 1408 condo-

AUG. 7-11

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

two-unit sale in Royal St. Andrew tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Alexis Ann Romano, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the units 501 and 502 condominiums at 555 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Mark Zarb and Rebecca Lynn Hing, of Sarasota, for $2.9 million. Built in 1969, the units have four bedrooms, four baths and 2,700 square feet of living area.

They sold for $2,955,500 in 2022.

REAL ESTATE

2-unit deal in downtown condo tops sales at $2.9M

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

21

SIESTA KEY

Jamaica Royale Thad Bradley Browning sold the Unit 202 condominium at 5830 Midnight Pass Road to Barnes Rental Property SRQ LLC for $1,375,000. Built in 1976, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,285 square feet of living area. It sold for $667,000 in 2020.

PALMER RANCH

Courtesy photo

A condominium in Royal St. Andrew tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $2.9 million. Built in 1969, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,700 square feet of living area.

minium at 1350 Main St. to Charles Vaughn Strimlan and Janet Strimlan, of Pittsburgh, for $1.2 million.

Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.36 million in 2022.

BAY HAVEN Michael Edwards, trustee, of Dade City, sold the home at 2814 W. Tamiami Circle to Toni Cusumano, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, for $1.2 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,997 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2018.

1926 and has one bath and 342 square feet of living area.

SOUTH GATE Rodolfo Sperandeo, of Bradenton, sold his home at 2400 River Ridge Drive to Ivana Angelieva Radeva and Boris Raev, of Sarasota, for $765,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,554 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2014.

ONLINE

BENEVA OAKS Christopher and Sharon Bonnet, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3775 Beneva Oaks Blvd. to Ivan and Caitlyn Ross, of Sarasota, for $1,149,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,743 square feet of living area.

ORANGE PARK Joanna Roberti, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2711 Blossom Drive to Ramona Gwynn, of Sarasota, for $1.05 million. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,282 square feet of living area.

It sold for $755,000 in 2019.

WASHINGTON PARK Peter Hafner, trustee, sold two properties at 543 Madison Court to Albert Hafner and Yvonne Hafner, trustees, and Karilea and Kevin Rhea, of Sarasota, for $940,000.

The first property was built in 1926 and has two bedrooms, one bath and 928 square feet of living area.

The second property was built in

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Deer Creek Kurt Hummel, of Ontario, Canada, sold the home at 8142 Shadow Pine Way to Anne Larson and Andrew Larson, trustees, of Sarasota, for $850,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,884 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2011.

OSPREY

The Villas at Osprey Harbor Village Christopher Cumpton and Susan Cirocki, trustees, of Osprey, sold the Unit M3 condominium at 14041 Bellagio Way to Stephen Cable and Rebecca Roberts Cable, trustees, of Osprey, for $902,100. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,988 square feet of living area. It sold for $425,000 in 2017.

NOKOMIS

Mission Valley Estates Craig Giodano and Nicole Elle Smith, of Punta Gorda, sold their home at 1255 Mustang St. to Charles Noland and Lori Kern, of Nokomis, for $650,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $637,500 in 2022.

In with the new NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Downtown St. Petersburg

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

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

Longboat Key

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

3400 Hamilton Ave.

Remodel

Craig Conti

$200,000

1886 Bougainvillea St.

Pool/Spa

Robert Livengood

$89,040

1695 Arlington St.

Pool

Allison Gregory

$58,642

3940 Bay Shore Road

Pergola

Greg Anderson

$53,041

1907 Magnolia St.

Pool

Edward Hasler

$47,000

1301 Vista Drive

Garage Expansion

Sandra Malamud

$46,500

4420 Bay Shore Road

Re-roof

Beverley Murray

$38,000

2843 Bay St.

Solar System

Brian Schoenberg

$32,380

839 Windsor Drive

Solar System

William Kavanaugh

$31,732

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

Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA COUNTY Permit

Applicant

Amount

6414 Midnight Pass Road

Alterations

Doug Oberlee

$400,000

199 Whispering Sands Drive

Remodel

Mark Rosato

$80,000

5174 Siesta Woods Drive

Pool/Deck

Kathryne Ernest

$62,350

5506 Azure Way

Dock

Robin Rash

$62,335

5500 Merrimac Drive

Addition

Bradley Smith

$60,000

#105

1640 Summerhouse Lane #51 Remodel

Janet Gorby

$58,715

373 Avenida Madera

Seawall

Heath Polachek

$53,780

8280 Nice Way

Re-roof

Philip Hohmann

$47,900

1938 Baywood Terrace

Windows/Doors

Stephen Dangelo

$41,100

1064 Eisenhower Drive

Windows/Doors

Frank Maglio Jr.

$40,800

Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | thecollection1335.com

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

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

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

Licensed Real Estate Broker

406132-1

Address

22

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

TF-081023-1100advp

A FREE EVENT!

Challenge accepted Sarasota-area natives Alyssa Lopez and Alyssa Snider team up on ‘The Challenge’ TV series.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Alyssa Lopez and Alyssa Snider have more in common than first names.

They are both former contestants on the reality TV series “Big Brother” and both hail from the same area — Lopez from Sarasota and Snider from Siesta Key. And now, they represent their hometowns while playing on the same team on “The Challenge: USA.” The CBS reality series brings together contestants from other reality shows on the channel for a competition designed to test participants physically and mentally.

The show resulted in Snider and Lopez meeting for the first time and forming a close friendship.

Protecting the President on 9/11 The unknown backstory from the cockpit of Airforce One

The Commander and Pilot for Air Force One on 9/11, Col. Mark W.

Tillman, will share his experiences on that day, and in the days

ALYSSA SNIDER

that followed, in a riveting FREE

Snider said ever since she was a child, she felt she would one day appear on reality TV, but she was still intimidated joining “The Challenge.”

“I didn’t win a single competition on Big Brother, so I felt like I had something to prove,” she said.

Whenever she feels stressed, she tells everyone that she is in her “happy place,” watching the sunset in the park at Marina Jack. She recalls an answer she gave when participants on “Big Brother” were asked to discuss what they missed most from home.

“I’m like, ‘I miss Sarasota sunsets, because there is literally nothing better than a Sarasota sunset, and I will die on that hill,’” she said.

She describes herself as “a pretty anxious person,” but said she couldn’t ask for a better companion than Alyssa Lopez.

“Having somebody who understands me, and ‘Big Brother,’ and ‘The Challenge’ is something that’s irreplaceable,” she said, calling the two a team who always look out for each other and saying that Lopez’s strong and commanding voice inspires her as well.

Snider works out six days a week, but that didn’t stop her from feeling humbled by challenges like a capsizing, which saw her swimming through ice cold water as she nearly sank beneath the weight of a helmet and boots.

The best part of the experience, she said, was meeting personalities like longtime contestant Johnny Devenanzio, also known as Johnny Bananas.

In her personal life, Snider is a Pilates instructor. She also enjoys

program at the Van Wezel

Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

The program begins at 10 a.m. and includes a

special tribute to our military veterans and first responders. REGISTER TODAY!

TidewellFoundation.org

RIDA’S FINEST SHOWROOM

(941) 552-7569

NOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

M THE PLUMBING PLACE

ce

This program is presented by Tidewell Foundation in partnership with Tidewell Honors Veterans program, and with support from a $30,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through the Walter Haskins Fund in memory of Stacey K. itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs Haskins, and a gift from the Eluned and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation. er

407047-1

Beautiful AND Durable Exterior Door Hardware

ur

oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets

ur• Bath Furniture & Accessories It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast For over 30 years The Plumbing Place has worked hard to earn the trust of our

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

150 years of combined experience, our

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh

rs customers and contractors. And with over friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers exceptional customer care.

salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

of items,There friendly staff…” and selection repair. is a practical solution to this - RANDA Z.

RIDA’S FINEST SHOWROOM

common problem – Bronze or Stainless Steel.

LEDGE. SERVICE. Both materials offer excellent salt

“This is me, Danee in both pictures. I know my program works because I’ve done it myself. I lost 28 pounds, went from size 12 to size 6 AND kept it off for over 15 years!

Let me help you. It’s easier than you think!”

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

M THE PLUMBINGstyles PLACE Straightforward Name. and finishes provide a perfect match to Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN, 5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Convenient Location.

Beautiful AND Durable

Exterior Door schemes Hardware existing color including rich patinas of

Beautiful AND Durable Outstanding Showroom.

Exterior matte nickel, andDoor black. Hardware It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

classic bronze, contemporary polished or homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished

itchen & Bath Fixtures • Sinks & Tubs

oilet & Bidets • Kitchen & Bath Lighting

exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

TRUST. KNOWLEDGE. SERVICE.

r & Cabinet Hardware • Mirrors & Cabinets brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast Beautifully craftedlocated bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished has worked hard to earn the trust of our fittings and accessories from leading designers.

“Everything about the place is beautiful, we should customers and contractors. And with over inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom door hardware caused by our harsh and style showcased Masterpieces of functionality 150 call yearsitofthe combined experience, our pluming boutique, soexterior clean, organized, big friendly and knowledgeable staff delivers lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for accessories from leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality in an astounding showroom.

- RANDA Z. air. selection of items, friendly staff…” salt-rich exceptional customer care. and style showcased in an astounding showroom. your home that are well suited for our and repair. There is a practical solution to this

• Bath Furniture & Accessories

WHERE TO WATCH

THE CHALLENGE: USA 10 p.m. Thursdays and 9 p.m.

Sundays on CBS. For information visit CBS.com/Shows/ TheChallenge-USA.

writing poetry, which she said allows her to exercise her softness and sensitivity. She volunteers with Olive Branch Animal Rescue, because she loves animals “literally more than anything.”

ALYSSA LOPEZ

Lopez, who hails from Sarasota, describes herself as possessing a small frame and is far from an imposing figure physically.

Yet while her role pits her against contestants who have competed for many seasons, she decided to return to “The Challenge: USA” after appearing in Season 1 in 2022.

Lopez, who currently lives in Tampa, was born at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and spent her childhood between Sarasota and Bradenton.

“It’s definitely cool to have Sarasota on the map,” she said. “Whatever they ask me, ‘I’m Alyssa, from “Big Brother,” from Sarasota.’ So it’s cool to be able to show people where I grew up, and show people how pretty it is and how nice it is, and make it more of a staple city.”

The friendship the two have formed made the trials of the experience easier.

“We already kind of had a connection,” Lopez said. “And almost like an alliance within itself, to look out for each other.”

Voted Best Weight Loss Center Our Results Tell You Why!

Steel.

Actual patient, age 56 - See his interview at daneebarnett.com

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

Over 72,000 Pounds Lost • Over 4,000 Success Stories 30 Day Detox • Burn Fat • Build Muscle • Eliminate Cravings Lower Cholesterol and Blood Sugar • Learn the REAL Mediterranean diet based on YOUR metabolic rate and NEVER diet again.

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located

demanding environment, and will create the We eventually learn that the Road teaseorof “lifetime 5678 Fruitville •call Sarasota • Florida 34232 Visit our showroom to arrange an appointment. first “Everything impression your front door deserves.

941.378.5678 5678 • Sarasota • Florida 34232 • 941.378.5678 about the place isFruitville beautiful, we should Road brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance inside The Plumbing Place, displays many

Women Age 72 lost 14 pounds in 30 days Age 23 lost 18 pounds in 30 days Age 61 lost 16 pounds in 30 days Age 81 lost 17 pounds in 30 days Age 25 lost 23 pounds in 30 days Age 68 lost 17 pounds in 30 days Age 73 lost 14 pounds in 30 days Age 48 lost 20 pounds in 30 days Age 66 lost 24 pounds in 30 days

lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our

demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.

call it the pluming boutique, so clean, organized, big

of items,There friendly staff…” and selection repair. is a practical solution to this - RANDA Z.

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

JOHN SMITHMAN, OWNER

5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

WNER

NER LEDGE. SERVICE. | SARASOTA, FL 34232 Both materials offer excellent salt

mSARASOTA, for the FL 34232

MBINGPLACE.COM BINGPLACE.COM

n Anywhere.

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

Men Age 49 lost 29 pounds in 30 days Age 70 lost 19 pounds in 30 days Age 55 lost 36 pounds in 30 days Age 69 lost 27 pounds in 30 days Age 58 lost 21 pounds in 30 days Age 22 lost 22 pounds in 30 days Age 46 lost 19 pounds in 30 days Age 48 lost 33 pounds in 30 days Age 61 lost 38 pounds in 30 days

And these results ARE typical!

with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of

Shop our 6,000 sq.ft. Showroom for the

SUMMER SPECIAL - $100 OFF

Best & Most Extensive Collection Anywhere.

• TUBS • VANITIES FAUCETS SINKS •• • TUBS • VANITIES • SHOWERS styles and finishes provide a perfect match to FAUCETS SINKS Beautiful AND Durable • • • • SHOWERS MIRRORS STEAM MIRRORS STEAM ROOMS • SAUNAS WHIRLPOOLS Exterior Door Hardware existing color schemes including rich patinas of ROOMS • HARDWARE TOILETS • TOILETS • BIDETS • LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES SAUNAS• BIDETS classic bronze, contemporary polished or DOOR AND CABINET HARDWARE matte nickel, and black.

LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES www.theplumbingplace.com

FROMOWNER THE PLUMBING PLACE JOHN SMITHMAN,

Partners Save $200! - Now through September 30

5678 FRUITVILLE ROAD | SARASOTA, FL 34232 941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

(Do it with someone you love!)

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast

homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime

brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance common problem – Bronze or Stainless

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located www.theplumbingplace.com “Everything about the place is beautiful, we should inside The Plumbing Place, displays many and kitchen fixtures, fittings and Beautifully crafted bathroom Steel.

Both materials offer excellent salt

tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance

a minimum of maintenance. A variety of call it the pluming boutique, so clean,with organized, big

lines of door hardware infrom beautiful styles for accessories leading designers.

Masterpieces of functionality and style showcased in an astounding showroom. styles and finishes provide a perfect match to

existing color schemes including rich patinas of Z. selection of items, friendly staff…” - RANDA classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Dr. Danee Barnett

Functional Medicine • Acupuncture • Herbs • Nutrition • Since 1998 330 S Pineapple Ave Suite 101 Sarasota • (941) 365-0812 daneebarnett.com

404248-1

and repair. There is a practical solution to this

388132-1

L 34232

Alyssa Lopez

common problem – Bronze or Stainless

For over 30 years The Plumbing Place

t. Showroom for the common problem – Bronze or Stainless Showroom for the ve Collection Anywhere.

Steel. e Collection Anywhere.

COM

Photos courtesy of Paramount

Alyssa Snider

AUGUST 24, 2023

SPORTS HUNGRY Break for a challenge

Fast

The Cardinal Mooney High Cougars have NCAA Division I talent on both sides of the ball.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

I File photo

Markus Black is now an assistant coach at California State UniversitySan Bernardino.

F

ormer Booker High boys basketball head coach Markus Black was named an assistant coach at California State University-San Bernardino on Aug. 15. Black spent the previous two seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas, where he was on staff with new CSUSB head coach Gus Argenal. Black led Booker to a Florida High School Athletic Association state Final Four appearance in 2017-2018. … The Pickleball Club has named Scott Brynski as its new general manager. Brynski brings more than 10 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including five years at Bird Key Yacht Club in Sarasota. Brynski will formulate the club’s overall strategy and manage its team. … The Riverview High boys golf team finished third overall (315) at the John Ryan Memorial Golf Tournament, held Aug. 21 at Capri Isles Golf Club in Venice. The Rams were led by junior Kyle Souchak, who finished tied for 11th as an individual (75). Four Rams finished in the top 30. Cardinal Mooney High finished seventh at the same event, though junior Nicolas Bencomo finished tied for sixth overall (73). … The high school football regular season kicks off this week. It’s a different type of week one in that no Sarasotaarea teams play rivals or state powerhouses. One game in particular to watch: Riverview High hosts Southeast High at 7:30 p.m. The Rams beat Hillsborough High 24-6 in a preseason game last week. Can the team’s new-look offense keep it going into the regular season?

READY FOR MORE. PAGE 24

f college interest is a measure of a high school football team’s talent, it’s not a stretch to call Cardinal Mooney High’s roster the most talented the program has ever had. The talent is found on both sides of the ball, and it could allow the Cougars to reach a level they never have.

But as Mooney learned in 2022, a paper roster only goes so far. On the field, teams still have to perform at a high level to come home with victories. Mooney struggled early in the season: After escaping with a 10-9 home win over Booker High in week one, the Cougars lost six straight games, four of which were by 20 points or more. Mooney managed to turn things around at the end of the year, closing the regular season with three straight wins — including a gut-check 14-7 road win over Riverview High — and did just enough to reach the Class 1S postseason, but lost 38-7 to John Carroll Catholic in the first round.

The Cougars believe 2023 will be different.

“We’re excited for the season,” head coach Jared Clark said Aug. 12 at a Suncoast Media Day press conference, held at The Mall at University Town Center. “We worked our tail off this summer. It was hotter than heck. (Strength coach) Jon Haskins does a great job with these guys, giving them a bunch of functional lifts and movements and comes up with ways to get these guys in shape.

I think we’re an incredibly talented group, no doubt about it.”

For Mooney, it starts on defense, particularly in the secondary. Senior cornerback Teddy Foster committed to the University of Florida on July 14. Foster, who is 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, is a three-star player and the 68th-ranked cornerback in the national Class of 2024 according to the 247Sports Composite.

On the other side of the field will be 6-foot-1 junior Chris McCorkle, who is uncommitted but holds an offer from Florida, as well as Michigan State University, West Virginia University, Boston College and other NCAA DI schools.

The program is also excited about defensive back Macaiden Brown, a sophomore, who picked up his first NCAA offer from Georgia Tech University on July 27. Brown, who is 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, had a pick six in the Cougars’ 24-20 preseason win over Booker High on Aug. 18.

The team’s pass-defending abilities are enhanced by its defensive front seven. Senior linebacker George Leibold had 117 total tackles (eight tackles for loss) five interceptions and two sacks in 2022. He holds an offer from Stetson University. Senior linebacker Jacob Brown also returns after racking up 68 total tackles (three tackles for loss), a sack and two passes defended in 2022. On the line, sophomore Blake Roulund (34 tackles), junior Scott Silva (30 tackles) and senior Lorenzo Walls (17 tackles) should provide a steady base.

The players in the front seven may not have the external hype the secondary carries, but they’re just as hungry for results.

“I just like playing football,” Leibold said at Suncoast Media Day. “I like it all. Blitzing and making plays.”

On offense, Foster and McCorkle will use their natural athleticism at wide receiver, and they won’t be alone. Zy’marion Lang, a transfer from Palmetto High, will be another dangerous option on the outside.

Lang, who is 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, is a three-star player and the No. 76 wide receiver in the national Class of

File photos

Cardinal Mooney senior linebacker George Leibold had 117 total tackles in 2022.

CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH FOOTBALL: AT A GLANCE 2022 record: 4-7 (lost 38-7 to John Carroll Catholic in the first round of the postseason) Head coach: Jared Clark, fourth season Key to the season: Getting the ball in the hands of offensive playmakers. New quarterback Michael Valentino will be charged with spreading the ball around to elite athletes like Teddy Foster, Chris McCorkle, Zy’marion Lang and Carson Beach, among others. If Valentino is able to command the offense like Mooney hopes, things could fall into place for a special season.

SCHEDULE (All games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted): Aug. 25 vs. Avon Park High Sept. 1 vs. Lakewood Ranch High Sept. 8 vs. Evangelical Christian Sept. 14 vs. Riverview High Sept. 22 at Space Coast High (7:30 p.m.)

Sept. 29 vs. Sarasota High Oct. 13 vs. John Carroll Catholic Oct. 20 at Bishop Verot High Oct. 27 vs. SmartEn Sports Academy Nov. 3 at Bayshore High

2024 on the 247Sports Composite.

He committed to the University of South Carolina on July 30. He had 28 catches for 470 yards and five touchdowns at Palmetto in 2022. The team will also feature running back Carson Beach, a senior who earned the starting job as a freshman and has produced ever since. The 5-foot10 Beach had 952 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 and holds offers

from West Virginia, the University of Tennessee and the University of South Florida, among other schools.

Getting all these weapons the ball will be senior quarterback Michael Valentino, a transfer from Charlotte High. He threw for 1,090 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022. At Suncoast Media Day, Clark said Valentino won the job over the course of spring practice, beating out sophomore Devin Mignery — though Clark also said the team will find ways to get Mignery on the field this season, as Clark believes Mignery is varsity-ready right now and wants him to get game experience for the future.

At Suncoast Media Day, Valentino credited seven-on-seven tournaments with developing chemistry between him and his wide receivers, which led to improved learning during spring practice. Valentino completed six of 17 passes for 64 yards in the team’s preseason win over Booker, but he also added 99 rushing yards.

The Cougars also made a signifi-

cant addition on the sidelines, bringing in former Palmetto High head coach Dave Marino as the team’s offensive line coach.

Marino stepped down from head coaching duties following the 2022 season. Marino went 100-57 over 13 seasons at Palmetto.

Along with the Cougars’ talent explosion comes an increase in strength of schedule, something Clark said was intentional, as a challenge to his players and a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

“One of the knocks on Cardinal Mooney is that we’re a small school and we can’t compete with the big schools,” Clark said during his press conference. “We wanted to play all the area schools that we could. So we’re playing Booker and Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota and Riverview this year, and we’re going to see what happens.”

The Cougars will also play district foe John Carroll Catholic again, plus rival Bishop Verot High, who went 10-3 and reached the Class 2S state semifinals.

Cardinal Mooney senior running back Carson Beach will try to eclipse the 1,000yard mark in 2023.

24

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Booker built for postseason run In year two under head coach Scottie Littles, the Tornadoes want to make a leap.

Y

ear one under head coach Scottie Littles was about setting the foundation.

In 2021, the program finished 0-8. There was some individual talent around, but it never coalesced into anything on the field, and the program was struggling to find depth. Then Littles arrived and instantly changed the culture — plus almost everything else. More success on the field soon followed.

Booker senior running back Ahmad Hunter was the area’s leading rusher in 2022.

Locally Owned

At a Suncoast Media Day press conference, held Aug. 12 at The Mall at University Town Center, Littles talked about some of the changes around the program since he took over in early 2022. The biggest change? Roster size. When Littles first arrived, there were 20 kids who wanted to play football, he said. Entering 2023 fall practice, that number had ballooned to 90. The increased roster size gives Littles more options and more depth, and it allows for a real junior varsity team to get experience for future development.

The overall talent level has increased, too. That was evident as soon as Littles’ team took the field in 2022. The Tornadoes finished 6-5, including a 34-31 loss to Frostproof High in the first round of the Class 2S postseason, but four of the five losses were by eight points or less.

They were close to something special, Littles said. Their goal for the upcoming season is to get on the other side of close games.

“We’re trying to find a way to finish at the end (in 2023),” Littles said. “I’m looking forward to a big year from our team.”

The Tornadoes will enter the season with a new quarterback under center. Junior signal caller Alex Diaz comes to Booker from Sarasota High, where he was the Sailors’ starter for much of the 2022 season. Diaz thew for 911 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year.

He’ll have plenty of talent around him. Senior running back Ahmad Hunter had a breakout 2022 season, running for 1,212 yards and 12

touchdowns thanks to his physical style of play, often busting through defenders’ tackle attempts. Hunter, who is 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, according to MaxPreps, said that his goal is to run for 1,500 yards in 2023. Hunter had touchdown runs of 30 and 60 yards in the team’s 24-20 preseason loss to Cardinal Mooney High on Aug. 18. “(Hunter) represents what Booker is about,” Littles said. “Doing what you’re supposed to do in the classroom. Becoming the best version of yourself. Putting the school and your teammates first. We’re excited to get him back for his senior year.”

On the outside, senior receiver Josiah Booker is a true deep ball threat. Booker, who is 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, caught 58 passes for 957 yards (16.5 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns in 2022, and had a 45-yard touchdown from Diaz in the team’s preseason game against Cardinal Mooney High. Booker is a three-star player and the No. 165 wide receiver in the national Class of 2024, according to the 247Sports Composite. He holds offers from Duke University, Purdue University and Coastal Carolina University, among other schools.

The offense will also feature players who are talented but less proven at the varsity level. Junior wide receiver Rashawn Peterson didn’t compile many stats in 2022, but has shown enough promise at camps during the offseason that he received an offer from the University of Central Florida in May. Similarly, sophomore wide receiver/ safety Karaijus Hayes saw action in just one varsity game as a freshman, but earned a scholarship offer from the University of Miami in April.

Both Peterson and Hayes should

Residential & Commercial Services

File photos

have more opportunities to show off their skills in 2023.

On defense, the Tornadoes have a healthy mix of rock-solid veterans and impactful underclassmen.

A massive season could be in the works for sophomore defensive lineman Kevontay Hugan, who had 38 total tackles (10.5 tackles for loss) and 2.5 sacks as a freshman. Hugan, who is 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds, holds offers from Miami, Penn State University and the University of

Booker High senior wideout Josiah Booker is a burner on the outside.

2023 FALL FELINE FUN RUN! Help us Save Lives and Run for the Kitties!

Join us for our 4th annual virtual run in support of the cats and kittens we serve each year Early Bird Registration is now open and is $35 per registrant until August 31st. After August 31st, registration is $45 per registrant. All registrations will include a commemorative t-shirt, souvenir race bib, and certificate of completion.

406190-1

Live bug free with

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 941.366.2404 | www.catdepot.org

REGISTER NOW AT CATDEPOT.ORG

5-STAR GUARANTEE SERVICE Celebrating 10 years of service!

Summer Worship

Full Service Pest Control including TERMITES • MOSQUITOES • RODENTS • FUMIGATION

Sundays at 10:00am Sunday Coffee Hour at 9:00am 399898-1

CareFreePestSolutions.com

All Are Welcome!

401474-1

Get a Free Estimate Today 941-556-9019

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

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!! $100 OFF REME HALO AIR PURIFIER*

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

The Home Service Pros Who Care

NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE ON SELECT CARRIER A/C SYSTEMS* *Not valid with any other offers or promotions expires 9/30/2023. Some restrictions may apply.

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

!

W O N L L A C

941.366.7676

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

407666-1

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Maryland. He’ll team with senior defensive end Rah’shad Hill (49 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss) to cause disruption in opposing backfields. In the middle of the defense is junior linebacker Daijen Walton, who had 50 total tackles in 2022.

In the secondary, senior safety Jayson Evans provides speed — he’s a track star on the side — as well as strong hitting. Evans led the Tornadoes with 66 total tackles in 2022, with eight tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and an interception. Junior cornerback Anthony Brown III returns after a sophomore season with 17 total tackles, an interception and two passes defensed.

The Tornadoes also have a new face on the sidelines. Carlos Woods was brought in as the defensive coordinator. Woods is a former assistant linebackers coach with the Cincinnati Bengals and a former assistant defensive line coach with the Indianapolis Colts among other stops.

The team’s 2023 schedule will be a challenge, but one that a talented Booker team is capable of overcoming. The Tornadoes will play a mix of bigger area schools like Braden River High, Lakewood Ranch High and Sarasota High, and district matchups against Lemon Bay High, DeSoto County High and Bayshore High. If things go how Littles believes they can, matching and exceeding 2022’s 6-5 record should be achievable — which in turn should mean another trip to the postseason.

But as Littles and his team know, the Tornadoes have to finish.

“It was good for our kids to get that taste of success (last year),” Littles said. “Our district this year will be much improved, but I think we’re improved. It’s not going to be a cakewalk. We’re going to have to be disciplined and mature. We have to play hard and find ways to win close games at the end.”

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

25

We’re ready for storm season.

Are you?

Coach Scottie Littles is in his second year at Booker High.

BOOKER HIGH FOOTBALL: AT A GLANCE 2022 record: 6-5 (lost 34-31 to Frostproof High in the first round of the postseason) Head coach: Scottie Littles, second season Key to the season: Finishing. The Tornadoes were competitive almost every week in 2022, but lost a handful of games in which they held early leads.

If Littles’ team wants to go deeper into the postseason, Booker has to learn to close out games.

SCHEDULE (All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted): Aug. 25 vs. Immokalee High Sept. 1 at Southeast High (7 p.m.)

Sept. 8 at Sarasota High Sept. 14 vs. Berkeley Prep (7 p.m.)

Sept. 22 vs. Braden River High Sept. 29 vs. Bayshore High Oct. 13 vs. DeSoto County High Oct. 20 at Wiregrass Ranch High Oct. 27 at Lemon Bay High Nov. 3 vs. Lakewood Ranch High

Family Practice

Florida is no stranger to the power of storms. The mere mention of names like Ian, Nicole, or Andrew evokes strong memories. But amidst the destruction, there are unsung heroes who embody the spirit of strength and unity – individuals who have come together and shown extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. Their stories and commitment to Florida, highlight the unbreakable spirit of the Sunshine State. Together, we can weather any storm.

Jeffrey S. Lyons, DO Board Certified, Family Practice

Dr. Jeffrey S. Lyons brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Beneva Family Practice office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Family Practice medicine.

Undergraduate:

Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN

Graduate:

Marshall University, Huntington, WV

Medical School:

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Residency:

Family Practice, Sun Coast Hospital, Largo, FL

Certification:

Board Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians

Get ready for storm season at FPL.com/Storm

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

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

941-365-7390

8/26/21 3:27 PM

Beneva Family Practice

921 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 www.intercoastalmedical.com Medicare and most insurances accepted

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

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

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

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

407804-1

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

8/26/21 3:27 PM

407801-1

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

26

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST THURSDAY, AUG. 24

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 202324 Weather and Nature photo contest.

In February 2024, you will be able to vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

Sunrise Sunset

High: 94 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 42%

FRIDAY, AUG. 25 High: 96 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 11%

Thursday, Aug. 24

7:04a

7:58p

Friday, Aug. 25

7:05a

7:57p

Saturday, Aug. 26

7:05a

7:56p

Sunday, Aug. 27

7:06a

7:55p

Monday, Aug. 28

7:06a

7:54p

Tuesday, Aug. 29

7:07a

7:53p

Wednesday, Aug. 30

7:07a

7:52p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, AUG. 26 High: 95 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 34%

Aug. 24 First

Aug. 30 Full

Sept. 6 Last

Sept. 14 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, AUG. 27 High: 95 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 36%

Monday, Aug. 14

0.23

Tuesday, Aug. 15

0.06

Wednesday, Aug. 16

0

Thursday, Aug. 17

2.12

Friday, Aug. 18

1.01

Saturday, Aug. 19

0.07

Sunday, Aug. 20

0.01

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Pat Howell captured this photo of a baby sandhill crane in Lakeshore Village.

YEAR TO DATE: 2023 15.99 in.

2022 28.94 in.

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

Flooring Made for your Family

celebrity cipher

DOWN

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

a distinctive snout 30 ___ Speedwagon (rock 1 Road rescue group) 4 Everglades plant 31 Ancient Andean 9 President who became 33 In favor of Chief Justice 34 “Brokeback Mountain” 13 Via, briefly 17 Eisenhower’s nickname director Lee 36 Richard Henry ___ Jr. 18 On a staycation (“Two Years Before the 19 Betelgeuse’s constelMast” writer) lation 21 Chomsky of linguistics 38 Latin dances 42 Prohibition-era rule 22 “Deck the Halls” syl45 Swiss miss name lables 46 Has a yen 23 “Please don’t trouble 47 Marked down yourself” 48 “Friday the 13th” genre 24 Value 49 “You can take this job 25 Go bad and shove it!”

26 Govt. air quality 50 “Schindler’s List” star watchdog 27 Burrowing mammal with Liam

43 Balm ingredient 44 Took off 45 Ado 48 “Love It or List It” channel 52 In a snit, in old slang 54 “Spenser: For Hire” star 58 “Spy vs. Spy” magazine 60 Palindromic Nabokov title 64 Sch. in La Jolla whose mascot is King Triton 65 Seemingly forever 66 Coasted at the Olym-

1 Scrabble piece pics?

2 Animal with striped legs 67 Combat vet’s affliction, 3 “Rushmore” director perhaps 4 Little brat 69 Person who might do 5 European erupter the Electric Slide 6 Person who takes action 70 Superstar squads 7 Broadway star Verdon 73 Neutrogena dandruff 8 Historical transition point shampoo 9 Eddie Murphy/Ben Stiller 74 Foreshadow 2011 caper film 75 Rest periods ... and a 10 Longtime Yankee punny alternate title for nickname today’s puzzle 11 Al dente 76 Rack and ___ steering 12 Baum barker 77 Conflicted 13 Atlanta-based station 78 “___boy!”

14 Old timer ... and what’s 80 Peaceful protest 79 Exhibits endurance 51 Deteriorate, in slang depicted in the middle of 82 Petty, pickable problems 81 “Please enter” 53 Talk smack about today’s grid 83 Relaxing Marienbad 83 Creations by cummings 54 German conjunction 15 Pink, as a steak spot 85 Bettered the bet 55 Band performance 16 “Yeah ... hard pass” 84 D.C. VIP 86 Lady Mountbatten’s first 56 Even if, briefly 18 Tricks of the trade 95 One hundred clams name 57 Abound 20 The Blues are played in 96 Politician Emanuel 87 Appear before 59 Farm animal? it (Abbr.)

97 ___ cheese 60 “Entourage” agent Gold 88 Work, to make bread 28 Dad’s footwear that 99 Surgery sites (Abbr.)

89 High-protein bean 61 Delivery vehicle evokes eye rolls 100 The latest 90 Bay of Bengal’s ___ 62 Mex. miss 29 Deserved 101 Blackthorn plum Islands 63 “Mon ___!”

32 Where “Aida” premiered 102 Cork’s country 91 Norse war god 65 Matterhorn, for one 35 Nasdaq competitor 103 Caesar’s “I conquered” 92 Chinese food general 68 Java 37 One of many at O’Hare 104 Brio 93 Key sometimes below 69 “Acid” (Abbr.)

38 Phi follower 105 Carnival attraction 71 “Back in Black” rockers “X” 39 Male deer 106 Falling flakes 94 Where to find FBI HQ 72 Rip out the interior 40 “I’m so frustrated!”

108 Material that’s trickling 96 Slugger’s stat 73 As of yet undecided 41 Common ID through 3-, 18-, 28-, 64-, 98 Whimsical Edward Lear (Abbr.)

42 Jake Gyllenhaal film and 65-Down specialty 76 Spot on a domino about a sleepwalking teen 110 Pub pick 107 Balaam’s beast 77 Beauty pageant wear

“OXUW MYW OXYO JCPCAW RM NUGBUDO. OXUJ OXUW OUTT WCI NGYDORDU VYZUM NUGBUDO. R HRMX OXUW’A VYZU IN OXURG VRJAM.” HRTO DXYVPUGTYRJ

“EDMHM NW HMVFFB XK KXM IDK DVWX’E UVCM UNWEVPMW NX EDMNH GVHMMH. ... UVHENX WGKHWMWM DVW ... IDB GVX’E N?”

LVUMW GKHCMX

“NVFLJ XTVXIT, DUST ATUZD: DAT VIPTZ NVF JTD, DAT YTMTZ BVOOULPOTLDE NVF MHII AUCT DAT EDZTLJDA DV RZTUS.” © 2023 NEA, Inc.

OUZS ZFEETII Puzzle Three Clue: B equals C

109 ___ mater 111 Find at a dig 112 Not doing so hot 113 Fig. on a transcript 114 Command to a dog 115 Cursed a blue streak 116 1975 NBA MVP Bob 117 Long, long time 118 Clio or Erato 119 Sibyl or Nostradamus 120 Tendon 121 Avg.

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: P equals K

TEMPUS FUGIT by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: I equals U

crossword

399481-1

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

MONTH TO DATE: 2023 4.85 in.

2022 5.15 in.

sudoku

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

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

8-24-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

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

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

RED PAGES LABOR DAY EARLY DEADLINES

Boat Memberships for Sale

Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals

Adult Care Services

WEEKLY MONTHLY

IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE

SEASONAL RATES

Houses or Condos

•Meal Prep •Daily routines •Respiratory Therapy & Hospice Background •Doctor appointments

Reservations 941-383-5577

15+ yrs exp. Exc local ref.

Call Robyn: 941-685-7199

Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between

wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101

Motorcycles

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

M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Asking $250,000 -55' x 20' with only 44' two tiered finger dock allowing bow or stern in docking. Membership to Longboat Key Club is optional and not required.

CALL 941-955-4888

HOOVER RUG shampooer, like new. Excellent cleaner, solution and instructions included. $60941-927-3805 PANINI MAKER Cuisinart, like new, stainless steel $35 (941) 920-2494

RED PAGES IN PRINT AND ONLINE

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

real estate POOL STUDIO, one room, completely furnished with private entrance/bath.

Non-smoker, no pets, clean & quiet.

Must call, no texts!

941-345-6762

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

A POWERFUL COMBINATION

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

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

941-955-4888

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Room for Rent

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

You’re only cheating yourself.

CASSIO PIANO w/ a stand & seat-$100. Christmas quilt (king) 2 shams, brand new-$99.

Text 315-723-3493

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES

peekers’ place

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

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

WANTING TO Buy Vintage & Old Costume Jewelry in large amounts. Jane (941) 356-1568

auto

stuff Items Under $200

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

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

sadlerLjames@gmail.com, Phone or text 954-336-7936

Merchandise Wanted

Use the

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

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

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Auto Transport

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

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

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

RED PAGES

Cleaning

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

ARELIS CLEANING Services Inc. Residential & Commercial cleaning, powerwashing and interior/exterior painting.

Licensed, bonded & insured.

941-822-4114

Home Services Advertise your business or service in the Observer

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

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

RED PAGES

www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Financial Services

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED Fully Insured / Free Estimates (941) 413-9185

Adult Care Services AMISH RAISED, helping hands.

Need care for your loved one?

We are here to help.

4 hrs up to 24/7 care.

Personal care, doctor appointments, shopping, cooking, companion.

We have references plus CNA and HHA licensed.

Please call us (941) 400-9743

Painting ATTENTION RETIREES: Take Control Of Your Financial Future With Precious Metals Today!

Gold can help you broaden your retirement savings and reduce reliance on any single asset type.

Visit our website to get started on a Gold IRA today!

(860) 712-0509 https://www.gold-retirement-solutions.com/

This week’s Crossword answers

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

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

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they’d make up their minds.”

Wilt Chamberlain Puzzle Two Solution: “There is really no one who hasn’t made mistakes in their career. ... Martin Scorsese has ... why can’t I?” James Corden Puzzle Three Solution: “Young people, take heart: The older you get, the fewer commandments you will have the strength to break.”

Mark Russell

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 NEA, Inc.

Deadline for the September 7th editions will be due Friday, September 1st at 2:00 pm.

DOCK C-6 Longboat Key Moorings Marina For Sale

home services

The Observer Media Group will be closed on Monday, September 4th.

OLD MOTORCYCLES WANTED *Before 1985* ALL Makes & ModelsAny Condition!

Running or Not! $Cash Paid$ Call 845-389-3239 cyclesndmore10@gmail.com

RED PAGES AD RATES

Paint the town RED! Paint the town RED!

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages

©2023 Universal Uclick

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

28

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

Aluminum

Carpentry

Health

McKnight Construction

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Remodel & Home Improvements

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

YoderAluminum.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Computer

Divorce without Lawyers

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

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

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

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

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

Home Watch

6968 Beneva Road 408639

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

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

We have mediated divorces involving up to 10 million dollars of assets over past 27 years.

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

William J. Leininger, JD

408630

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

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

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

407647

Auto Service

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

Doors

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Sliding Glass Door Repair

FAST • EASY • SAFE

WE COME TO YOU “FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Autos Wanted

DESPERATELY NEEDED

FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Furniture Repair

Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

941-504-0903

(941)544-0475

408229

407641

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

YourObserver.com/RedPages

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

408631

HoHoBuysCars.com

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

Handyman

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

408401

941.270.4400

5-Star Rated

407648

Attorney

408640

408227

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

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

408238

941.650.9790 Mike McKnight Free Estimates 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com Sarasota and surrounding areas 941~400~6786

408633

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Professional Craftmanship on Carpentry • Cabinets Plank Floors • All Trims and Moldings Pressure Cleaning Services

407649

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579 408863

www.ezslider.com

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

249 235

* $ $235

$

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

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

364556 408864

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

408230

Doors

DRGRABBARS.COM

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

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

Movers

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Wizard Moving SRQ

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

For $149 per hour you get:

Building & Roofing Contractor

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

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Pet Services

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

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

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

Transportation

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

ROCK & SHELL LANDSCAPING

408243

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

Landscaping & Lawn

TIME TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

SARASOTA NATIVE

941-248-4734

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com

10% off

Trees

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

408646

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Windows Res./Com.

Plumbing

BODY WORK FOR YOUR

General Plumbing Services Inc.

health & well-being

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

• Swedish • Deep Tissue• Reiki • Thai • Shiatzu • Sports Massage

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

SPECIALIZING IN:

941-923-8140

EASY ONLINE BOOKING: zenmassageworks.com

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

408642

Massage

Roofing

941-204-7717 • 777 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, 34236

(Located across the street from the Botanical Gardens) 407650

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Lic./Ins.

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing as Sunrise Wi n w o n k Sun y l nd er Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Gulf Gate RoofinG inc.

38 Years Experience

$

All Work Guaranteed

941-228-9850

Joe Murray, Owner

Fully Insured

State Licensed Contractor #CCC057066

TREASURES

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

SPECIAL 00 5

Specializing in Re-Roofing & Repairs

WITH THE RED PAGES Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

1/1

408643

WITH THE RED PAGES

FREE ESTIMATES CALL DAVID 941-228-6479

MM41568

Luxury for Less

408641

(941) 966-2960

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

407652

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

408858

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

408243

Licensed & Insured

Washed Shell • River Gravel Boulders • Pavers Driveways • Patios Plants • Palms

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

407651

make your moving day a pleasure.

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 408865

Roofing

408636

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

GLENN KROECKER

408634

29

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

30

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023

THE ACKERMAN GROUP 941.387.1820 TOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY

www.ackermansrq.com

RYAN ACKERMAN

ryan@ackermangroup.net

BARBARA ACKERMAN

barbara@ackermangroup.net

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY AT GRAND BAY I NEW LISTING NEW LISTING W

NE

ICE

PR

GRAND BAY I - LONGBOAT KEY

$2,399,000

3060 GRAND BAY BLVD. #126 | 3 FULL BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SF Protected | 2 Side-by-Side Parking Spaces with EV Charging Station WATER CLUB ISouth Side Location in Bldg. I | 10 FT Ceilings $3,495,000 THE SEA BREEZE Open Kitchen & Views Spanning Over the LBKC Golf Course, Sarasota Bay & Downtown | Pet-Friendly 9008 MIDNIGHT PASSSkyline RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL Community 1241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL

$3,199,000

3BR/3.5 BA • 3,700 SF • Private 2-Car Garage

3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF

Breathtaking sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico from this 7th floor residence with two terraces.

Rare 2-story Penthouse with a private roof-top terrace on Siesta Key with private elevator access, deeded boat slip, hurricane rated windows and sliders, and oversized private 2-car garage.

WHY GRAND BAY???

“Love the ever-changing unobstructed panorama of the Bay from every room and our large terraces!”

– John & Mary P. LA BELLASARA $4,289,000 SIESTA COVE $4,250,000 5212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 , SARASOTA, FL “...the special recreational activities Golf Course, Bay & City Views Clubhouse / Bar 3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage 5BR/6 BAperfect + 2 Halffor Baths • 5,133 SF • Situated on 1.5 lots and the private beach are Rarely available 5th floor residence offering expansive bay and city views, an open floor plan & Spacious, beautifully landscaped 2-story waterfront point property on a clu-de-sace, with my husband and me andboat even full concierge services in a gated, pet-friendly community. a 120’ dockour & 10,000 lb. lift. Exceptional open water views. grandchildren!”

– Julie & Steve R.

NOW PENDING NOW PENDING “Our apartment in Grand Bay lives like

NOW PENDING

State-of-the-Art Fitness Center

AQUARIUS CLUB

$1,260,000

1701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY 2BR/2BA • 1,551 SF • St. Regis Membership

a home & the elevator coming straight up from the garage gives us ultimate privacy and convenience.”

– Frank & Rebecca M.

NOW PENDING

Private Beach

“Love the extra security of Grand Bay’s $1,899,000 24/7 guard gates and proximity COREY’S LANDING LA BELLASARA $3.395,000 LIDO REGENCY $549,000 the bestKEY Longboat has GATE to PT., #202, SARASOTA 1700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA 3414 FAIR OAKS LANE, to LONGBOAT 464Key GOLDEN 4BR/4BA • 3,729 SF • Bay, Golf Course views the 1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF • Bay and city views 3BR+DEN/3.5BA • 3,153 offer... especially short bike ride to SF • 2-Car garage Publix!”

– Melinda & Charles L.

CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?

DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 Two Har-Tru Tennis Courts

Heated Olympic Size Pool wth Lap Lanes & Hot Tub

PRE-CONSTRUCTION

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY AT GRAND BAY II

SOTA 1703 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Summer 2025

THE EVOLUTION 111 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Fall 2023

GRAND BAY II - LONGBOAT KEY

THE EDGE 290 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

PENINSULA SARASOTA 223 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Spring 2026

THE DEMARCAY 33 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2023

688 GOLDEN GATE PT 688 Golden Gate Point Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: TBD

$2,495,000

3040 GRAND BAY BLVD. #221 | 3BR/3.5BA | 2,925 SF Furnished | 2 Garage Parking Spaces | Beautiful Bay & City Skyline Views | Wraparound Terrace | 10 FT Ceilings Resort-Style Amenities | Pet Friendly Community | Includes Private Beach Club Membership THE COLLECTION EN POINTE ZAHRADA 2 ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES VILLA BALLADA ONE PARK SARASOTA 1355 2nd Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2023

509 Golden Gate Point 1546 4th Street 1100 Blvd. of the Arts 1100 Blvd. of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 Sarasota, FL 34236 ARMANDS OFFICE LOCATION | 433 JOHNCompletion: RINGLING BLVD., STE. F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 Completion: Winter 2024 Fall 2025 Completion: Fall 2026 Completion:ST.Fall 2026

430 Kumquat Court Sarasota, FL 34236 Completion:: Fall 2025

406011-1

W

NE

G

TIN

LIS