Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 8.31.23

Built for Mother Nature’s worst

As of press time, Level A in Sarasota County was under an evacuation order for Hurricane Idalia. To see our latest coverage and news from the storm, including warnings, cancellations and damage reports, visit YOUROBSERVER.COM.

WEEK OF AUG. 31, 2023

BY THE NUMBERS

Sarasota Vice Mayor Liz Alpert on solid waste rate hikes.

Read more on Page 5

SMH rated fourth best employer in Florida

Sarasota County’s largest employer, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, has been named in Forbes’ fifth annual list of Best-in-State employers.

In partnership with research company Statista, Forbes evaluated more than 2 million recommendations from employees working at large companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of 1,392 Best-in-State Employers, 90 companies in Florida made the list. Of those, SMH ranks No. 4, sharing the top five with NASA, Google, Microsoft and Costco. Forbes and Statista evaluated surveys from 70,000 workers at companies with a minimum 500 employees. They were asked to rate their employer overall and in categories such as work environment, gender pay equity, opportunities for career advancement, pride in the company’s services and more.

“Our extraordinary leaders and staff, and longstanding public mission, truly set us apart,” said Sarasota Memorial Health Care System President and CEO David Verinder said in a release. “There is a sense of pride and community ownership here that has endured through decades and continues to inspire us today.”

With nearly 10,000 employees, SMH serves more than 1 million patient visits each year at its 901-bed hospital in Sarasota, 110-bed hospital in Venice and network of outpatient and urgent care centers and medical practices.

The Forbes and Statista Best-in-State Employers may be viewed at Forbes.com/lists/bestemployers-by-state.

State offers disaster sales tax holiday

For the end of hurricane season, storm preppers in Florida can take advantage of the state’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday through Sept. 8.

Sales tax will be suspended on a wide range of products that could come in handy should the state experience landfall of a major hurricane. The sales tax holiday applies to products in a range of 11 price tiers, starting at $10 or less for pet food up to $3,000 or less for portable generators.

For more details visit FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep.

Selby Gardens names archaeology director

Sarasota resident and former New College anthropology professor Uzi Baram has been named director of archaeology at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. His focus is the interpretation and representation of the archaeological and cultural histories at Selby Gardens’ two campuses. Baram will manage the archaeological resources and guide educational efforts to connect people with the region’s history.

Awarded the 2019 Archaeological Conservancy Award by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County, Baram taught for 25 years at New College. His professional career has focused on exposing and documenting local history through community-based projects. Much of his work has concentrated on nearly erased history in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Baram is known locally for the community-based effort that revealed the early 19th-century settlement of Angola, a community of people of African heritage along the Manatee River.

Beyond his Florida research, Baram is known for his work in the eastern Mediterranean and for understanding archaeology as heritage.

Baram has lived in Sarasota since 1997.

“I agree that we don’t want to raise prices any more than we have to, but what is a fee? It’s a user fee.”

ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

Wood usually isn’t a good choice for waterfront homes, according to the architects. Alternative materials that have the same look as wood from afar are commonly used because they require less maintenance and are more durable in Florida’s environment.

WINDOWS

Windows in this area of Florida need to be resistant to winds around 150 to 160 miles per hour. Even more secure are impactresistant windows, which Lear said are also becoming more popular. These windows can withstand higher rates of wind, as well as impacts from large debris that may come from storms.

Gulf Coast RESILIENCE

surge can often be a more pressing issue than wind impacts.

To combat this, Sultana said the beachfront homes need dozens of pilings — concrete cylinders that are driven as far as 30 to 40 feet into the ground to provide strength and stability to the foundation.

STRONG FOUNDATION

OUTDOOR PATIO SPACE

Raised houses can make way for extra outdoor patio space. In this design, the open space patio allows the homeowner for a view of the water.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Waterfront real estate continues to attract new construction, despite the risks posed by tropical weather.

Building resilient homes in vulnerable locations requires a number of adaptations including, but not limited to, elevating houses and building them with more durable materials.

Local architects Daniel Lear of Lear Studio and Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects agree that building up is a key to improving storm resiliency, but materials are equally important and allow for a higher degree of creativity.

Sultana’s firm DSDG has done work on both the Aria and Infinity condos on Longboat Key. The firm also has a new construction listing currently active for $16,995,000 million at 6489 Gulfside Road.

In recent years, Sultana said resiliency has been on everyone’s minds, and his office ensures that from the start there are multiple resiliency measures in place.

“These structures are made to hold up,” Sultana said.

KNOW YOUR ZONE Homes built in Zone V, i.e. on the beachfront, need to be raised to 18.3 feet off the ground, Sultana said.

These homes’ plans must first be approved through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, before getting the construction permits from the town of Longboat Key.

Another issue when building a home so close to the water is resisting scour.

Scour occurs when heavy waves, such as storm surge, surround a structure and wash away the sediment around it. Lear said that storm

Sultana said after the pilings are driven into the ground, another layer of concrete goes over top of that, yet no one ever sees these important and expensive structures.

Farther from the beachfront, homes built in Zone A don’t require pilings, but still need to be raised about 10-12 feet off the ground, according to Sultana.

“Really, the biggest challenge by the water is having (to) build up,” Lear said.

One of the challenges is the fact that having a structure built so high can seem intimidating. Lear said he can use certain strategies to make the homes feel shorter, or closer to the ground. He likes to try to make the stairs seem like an adventure, rather than an obstacle.

But at the same time, a raised house gives him more to work with in terms of finding places for water to percolate. Raised houses can be designed to allow for natural areas under the house that allow water to drain.

To Lear, having a natural landscape is better all around, both for drainage and aesthetics. Mangroves are a more desirable choice than a sea wall a lot of times, Lear said.

Having a raised house with space underneath can also accommodate outdoor living spaces, which Sultana said are increasingly common.

With that design, Sultana said hurricane doors are a popular addition, with about half of his clients asking for them. With the flip of a switch, heavy doors can be lowered from the hidden overhead storage, making patio furniture and the house more storm resistant.

EVOLUTION OF WINDOWS

With houses built near the water, current Florida Building Code requires windows in the Sarasota area to be able to withstand 160 mph winds, according to Sultana. That’s near the minimum speed of

Concrete, according to both Lear and Sultana, is the most durable and available material to use for homes that need to be weather-proof. It’s used in many aspects of modern designs, such as the underground pilings, outdoor patios and even some roofs.

sustained winds during a Category 5 hurricane.

While wind-resistant windows seemed like a big innovation years ago, they came with drawbacks at the start.

“It was really like a backward step in design,” Lear said

The issue was how small they were. The smaller panes weren’t able to cover the larger windows, which required some adapting in the design phase. Often, steel bars needed to be used in between the small panes to cover larger areas.

“Now, we’re really not limited any more,” Sultana said.

Over time, wind-resistant windows have grown enough to create large windows to allow for a view of the entire beach. Some companies even have sliding glass doors that are rated to endure these high winds.

Not only did larger, stronger windows allow for more creativity, but they also added to the sense of security for a homeowner. The added benefit is that if 160 mph winds can’t break through the windows, it makes it difficult for intruders to break through.

Even more secure are impactresistant windows, which Lear noted are also increasingly popular. Impact-resistant windows are able to withstand projectiles crashing into windows, whereas windows with a certain degree of wind resistance may not be able to stop a heavy tree branch coming at the window.

SMARTER MATERIALS

Starting from the top, Sultana said there have been many different roof designs he has implemented in recent years.

A newer trend he’s seeing is the desire for concrete roofs.

“I would say five years ago, we

never did a concrete roof on a house,” Sultana said.

Now, he said he has dozens of projects with concrete roofs given their durability in storms, though they tend to be more expensive than other roofing materials.

Overall, concrete is a durable option for storm resistance. Lear said in previous projects he has enjoyed using inspiration from other architects to make concrete feel “lighter,” in the visual sense.

Both Lear and Sultana talked down using wood in modern, storm-resistant designs. The issue with wood is that it doesn’t hold up in Florida’s climate. Whether it’s termites, humidity or storms, both architects said finding creative alternatives is essential.

But a lot of people like the look of wood. That prompts the need for materials that look like wood from afar, but are easier to maintain.

Sultana often turns to a material that is made of aluminum but gives the appearance of natural wood.

Lear uses materials like NewTechWood, a composite material that also looks like natural wood, and somewhat feels like it.

These materials are more adaptable to Florida’s climate, and are less likely to need renovations as frequently as wood, which would need to be refinished almost every year.

Whether it’s materials or laying the foundation, Lear urged the importance of adapting to the market, while also making sure the structures last.

“The question is how do we build something that’s resilient but also desirable?”

Courtesy photos

This Bay Isles modern home on Longboat Key, designed by DSDG Architects, recently won the Aurora Award for Custom Home of the Year (5,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet) at the South Eastern Builders Conference. It features resilient design aspects such as faux wood made of aluminum and solar panels.

Local architects explain how resilient construction attempts to solve the risks of beachfront living.

Rear view of a Longboat residence designed by Lear Studio.

Architect selected for Payne Park Auditorium expansion

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

With a goal of completing renovations and expansion of Payne Park Auditorium by summer 2025, The Stage at Payne Park LLC has selected an architecture firm to lead the design of the new home for The Players Centre for Performing Arts.

The Stage at Payne Park, a wholly owned subsidiary nonprofit organization of The Players Inc., has chosen Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architecture of Sarasota and Tampa. It has also contracted with Stages Consultants of Highland Park, New Jersey, to serve as the project’s theater, AV and acoustics consultant.

“FG+M was selected because they were local with offices in Tampa and Sarasota, have extensive experience in this area, were very cost competitive and were willing to assist in promoting the project as we gear up to launch a capital campaign in September,” said The Stage CEO Brian McCarthy in a news release. “We are excited to work with this dynamic group to bring our joint visions to life.”

Stages Consultants has played integral roles in the programming, planning, design and construction of more than 250 academic, professional and community venues, as well as historic renovation and restoration projects.

“Stages Consultants was selected because of their incredible work on other flexible theatre projects across the country and in Florida, like the new theater at Rollins College, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Oolite Arts and the Faena District in Miami Beach,” said McCarthy.

The Stage is currently searching for a general contractor, executive director and advisory committee members. The organization has initiated a major conditional use permitting process with the city of

Sarasota, which will take approximately four to six months.

A community workshop will be held Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at  Payne Park Auditorium to gather input from neighbors and community stakeholders.   Construction is expected to start in March 2024.

The Stage will also host a focus group and design stakeholder meeting from noon to 3 p.m. on Aug. 29 to update a consortium of performing arts organizations on the progress, tasks ahead and to understand the varying requirements of each organization for inclusion in the design for the new facility.

“Since the stage will only be needed by The Players for its five-month theatrical season, we are dedicated to building something that meets the various needs of Sarasota’s other arts organizations, including physical requirements for the facility, common services to reduce costs, improve efficiency and customer service, marketing, ticketing, conference rooms and their scheduling needs for the 2025 season,” said McCarthy in a release.

City solid waste fees are going up

To meet rising operations costs and build a reserve, commissioners approve a rate hike for residential and commercial customers.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Starting next fiscal year, residential and commercial customers in Sarasota will be paying more for solid waste collection.

During the Aug. 21 meeting of the Sarasota City Commission, Erik Arroyo reintroduced a previously discussed idea of consolidating city and county solid waste operations before hearing from staff that keeping the service in-house was the least expensive option.

By a 4-1 vote, with Arroyo opposed, commissioners approved Public Works Director Doug Jeffcoat’s proposed increase of the city’s solid waste fees.

For residents, the hike is $4.42 per month, from $24.55 to $28.97. For the varying levels of service for commercial customers, the increase is 18% across the board.

During both a previous public hearing and a budget workshop, Jeffcoat told commissioners rate hikes are necessary to meet rising expenses and increasing tipping fees charged by the county at its landfill, and to build a three-month reserve.

“This is a three-year rate adjustment that provides for the establishment and sustainability of a threemonth reserve to cover the operating expenditures by year three,” Jeffcoat said.

The proposal includes a third-year hike on commercial and residential customers that will be lowered by half.

“Year three has an 8% increase that is included. During our budget workshops we talked about making the change to 4%. It still reflects 8% because the budget has not yet been approved. After approval, we will come back with the adjustment down to 4% in year three.”

The rate hike request prompted Arroyo to resurface the concept of consolidating solid waste collection operations with Sarasota County, which charges a lower rate to its residential customers.

“We have been through a contractual arrangement with a previous provider and we’ve basically not been at a point where we’re in their business plan,” Jeffcoat replied. “The cost associated with that contract was much higher than what we can do in-house. If you look around, pretty much the only contractual arrangements with outside firms is by counties. You look at North Port, Bradenton and Venice, they’re all doing it in-house because of that reason.”

Mary Ciner was the only resident to speak in opposition to the rate hike.

“I recall the last time this came before the commissioners, I or somebody else mentioned that maybe to save the cost to the residential customers we would merge with the county,” Ciner said. “At that time, we were twice-a-week pickup. Now we are only once a week. It is now time to think of the merging with the county.

One of my friends in the county is paying $19.46. I am currently paying $24.55.”

A merger is not really a merger, though. Sarasota County does not have an in-house solid waste department, contracting with Waste Management for its services in unincorporated areas. Although Waste Management pays tipping fees to the county for commercial materials brought to the Central County Solid Waste Disposal Complex, it does not pay to dump residential waste. That is paid instead by unincorporated county residents through the solid waste non-ad valorem assessment.

Before the ordinance was adopted, Arroyo listed a number of fee increases charged by city departments to explain why he opposed the solid waste hikes.

“Local governments raise funds in four different ways: through taxes, fees, special assessments and bonds,” he said. “We continue to raise fees. We’ve raised the business fees, the parklet fees, we’re talking about parking fees. There’s an old saying that if you want to go farther, you don’t need to build a bigger ship. You could build a lighter ship and accomplish the same thing. My observation has been that its seldom that we have something presented where it makes the ship lighter, but always just ‘let’s add more fuel.’”

The department’s aging fleet of trucks has a significant impact on expenses, resulting in a projected $477,600 increase in maintenance costs, up 46% over the current year’s budget, as 94% of the trucks are more than five years old, 33% of them are older than 10. A truck replacement cycle has historically been three years.

New economic and manufacturing realities have changed that. Continued supply chain issues and a 40% increase in the cost of replacement trucks, along with limited manufacturing runs by truck makers, have driven up the cost of replacement parts, according to Jeffcoat’s report.

Without the rate adjustments, the department’s budget reflects a $380,000 increase in revenues against a $1.1 million hike in expenses for next fiscal year, a deficit of $720,000.

“I agree that we don’t want to raise prices any more than we have to, but what is a fee? It’s a user fee,” said Vice Mayor Liz Alpert. “I look at it is the person who’s using it, it’s to cover the expenses so that the taxpayer who’s not using it is not paying it. It seems only fair that it be paid by the people using the service and it should cover the cost of the service.”

Courtesy photo

The city’s aging fleet of trucks and the cost of replacement parts are partially to blame for the solid waste rate hikes.

Cardiology

Antonio Moretta, MD

Board Certified, Cardiology and Electrophysiology

Dr. Antonio Moretta brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Electrophysiology medicine.

Undergraduate: Villanova University, Villanova, PA

Medical School: Saint George’s University, Grenada, WI

Graduate: Immunology, Long Island University, Brookville, NY

Residency: Internal Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Fellowship: Cardiac Electrophysiology, Stony Brook University, New York, NY; Cardiology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Certification: Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Cardiac Electrophsiology

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

Cattleridge Medical Building II

5951 Cattleridge Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232

Cash is king

City’s

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

When it comes to developer-funded public art acquisitions and installations, Mary Davis Wallace says it is best handled by the professionals.

That’s why since she joined the city in 2021 as its public art manager she has been working to “flip” the balance toward cash and away from in-kind contributions to the city’s public art collection.

Wallace won the unanimous support of city commissioners for her seven-year Public Art Plan 2023, which depends wholly on doubling the fee paid by developers of commercial projects from 0.5% to 1% of construction investment on projects that invest $1 million or more to build. Wallace, Planning Director Steve Cover and supporters told commissioners the increase would bring the city more in line with other regional jurisdictions competing with Sarasota’s lofty public art status.

“We’re in a competition, and a lot of other communities have raised the stakes to 1% and higher,” said Public Art Committee member Jonathan Parks. “It’s amazing that we’ve been able to hold on to our title as the arts city in Florida, when everybody else

public art plan seeks cash rather than art donations.

File photo

Jumping Fish is one of the installations in the city’s Art in the Roundabouts program, standing at Cocoanut and North Palm avenues.

is coming after us.”

That contribution to ensure the preservation and advancement of the city’s arts legacy and reputation can come in the form of cash into the public art fund or an installation of the developer’s own choosing on its site.

Wallace said she has been working to bring the cash, and with it more control, in house.

“We’re trying to flip it so that we have more cash, but still we’re able to work with the development community to realize their vision — if they have a vision” she said. “A lot of times they want to just support the program, but that takes outreach and community building and a lot of engagement. You don’t want to just cut them out. This is reframing the program to say let the experts take it and let us do the work. That’s where the flip is happening.”

One tenet of the plan, approved by the commission at its Aug. 21 meeting, is to encourage, but not require, developers to contribute cash to the program, which will not only fund art acquisition via the city’s Public Art Committee, but also to ensure care and maintenance of the pieces going forward. Otherwise, that maintenance of new in-kind installations will be codified by ordinance.

“Developers have said they want to put art on their property, and then there hasn’t been a lot of dedication to maintaining that art,” Wallace said. “Some of the art we have added over the last decade is starting to languish, and that’s one of the reasons why in the plan I talked directly

to the developer saying there’s not a lot of maintenance in our ordinance, and that’s getting ready to change because we need people to understand they’re ensuring that they’re maintaining it in perpetuity.”

How much will be contributed to public art once the doubling of the fee is implemented is difficult to estimate, and that likely won’t happen until fiscal year 2025. In the interim, the new fee has to be incorporated into zoning text amendments, which will require the usual labyrinth of workshops and public hearings.

During the commission discussion about the Public Art Plan, Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch noted she has received no pushback from the development community about the prospect of doubling the public art contribution. Wallace said that’s because, in general, developers understand that perpetuating the city’s arts reputation contributes to continued growth.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with several developers in the last two-and-a-half years — which is why there has been an increase in cash funding — who are very supportive of this process,” Wallace said. “They understand the value that public art plays in their success. I don’t know how you can’t say here is a direct relationship between having a vibrant, unique, exciting city and your product.

“I only had one developer that even questioned it, and they understood and acknowledged that this was a good move for the city.”

CASH VS. IN-KIND PUBLIC ART CONTRIBUTIONS

Idalia cannot be ignored

For native Floridians, it’s easy to get jaded and to brush off another hurricane as ‘no big deal.’ But coming off last year’s devastating Hurricane Ian, it’s no time to be complacent.

Here we go again. Our first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Idalia, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday, Aug. 30 as a Category 3 hurricane.

By 9 a.m. Monday, the Longboat Key Mobil gas station was packed with residents filling up their gas tanks. Shortly after noon, Sarasota County parents got word that schools would be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare to serve as evacuation centers.

While Sarasota-Manatee is not in the direct path of Idalia, sometimes the effects of landfall north of our area can create equally as bad storm surges and flooding, especially on the northern end of Longboat Key. Nearly 11 months to the day (Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa on Sept. 28, 2022), we must not forget lessons learned from that storm.

Before we recall some important tips to stay safe during this storm and those that may follow during the 2023 hurricane season, rest assured that we will be here to provide you news and information before, during and after the storm has passed.

First of all, you may be receiving your print copy a day early or perhaps a day later than your normal print delivery. Our weekly print editions are produced by the Villages Media Group, which is located just northwest of Orlando and east of Cedar Key, where Idalia plans to make landfall. To ensure their staff’s safety and that they have power to run the printing press, we’ve moved our deadlines up a day to get the print editions of the Longboat and East County Observers to you earlier.

Next comes the safety of our delivery drivers. Our drivers need to stay off the roads until conditions are safe, which means your Sarasota Observer will possibly arrive later on Friday. During the storm, stay informed on the latest news on YourObserver.com, which will provide you breaking news and information up to the minute. We will also be sharing this information on social media. Follow us on Facebook @Your Observer. And, in the event that print distribution is changed in the future due to storms, our e-Newspaper app will always have this week’s editions right on

time. Visit YourObserver.com/ Subscribe to learn more.

Lastly, because humans have short memories when it comes to unpleasant things, with the help of Coldwell Banker Realtor and Bird

Key resident Roger Pettingell, here is a refresher on our top takeaways from Hurricane Ian for staying safe this season:

■ Gas: Fill up your car with gas and charge your electric vehicles up to 100%. And fill up multiple gas cans for generators. When a storm makes landfall north of our area, it may affect supply chain issues, making gas scarce days after the storm has passed.

■ Generators: If you have a generator, make sure you test it before the storm. Don’t wait to turn it on for the first time after the storm is over.

■ Water: It’s not about getting thirsty and having water bottles on hand to drink. You’re really talking about what happens when your water gets shut off. You should fill up your bathtubs and all the vessels you have when your water is running, so you have it on hand when your water is turned off. This is especially important for barrier island residents, whose running water was turned off for two to three days during Hurricane Ian.

■ Cars: When storm surge is a threat, a critical lesson we learned is to park your cars on a high level of a parking garage. If you’re out of town, make sure your keys are somewhere someone can access them.

■ Hotel: Pre-book a hotel in Evacuation Zone C or higher. Also, look for a hotel that has been built in the past five years, has a

generator and is up to hurricane codes.

■ Power: Pettingell left his front door light on before evacuating Bird Key during Ian. He used his Ring doorbell app to check and see when his power came back on. The Ring doorbell is battery operated, so put in fresh batteries or fully charge it before you leave.

■ Insurance: Check with your insurance agent to make sure you’re adequately insured. Don’t wait until the last minute to do a walk around with a smartphone to video what the contents of your home are if you do have to make an insurance claim. Create a family Dropbox with all of your important documents scanned so you can access them on your phone so you’re not running around looking for insurance papers.

■ Evacuation plan: When making your evacuation plan, keep in mind that the cone of uncertainty is just that, it’s uncertain. You may want to have a couple of places available to evacuate to, for example, out in east in Sarasota, farther east in Orlando or even up and out of the state.

This morning, I asked my husband, Pat Robinson, deputy city manager and public safety administrator of the city of Sarasota, what was the most important thing I needed to do to prepare for this storm. He replied, “Fill up your gas tank.” So, just like all those smart Longboaters, I’m off to the nearest gas station. Stay safe.

“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

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File photo

An exit sign was blown onto the south end of Longboat Key beach after Hurricane Ian.

EMILY WALSH

A plea for community engagement: Sarasota’s attainable housing plan

As the city embarks on increasing density to create lower-cost housing, neighbors should still have a venue to give feedback on future developments.

11% of total units that are priced affordably.

The city of Sarasota planning staff spent nearly a year working on these detailed zoning text amendments, and many community input sessions were held.

One component requested by residents — community workshops — should be held in advance of projects being approved by the city administration without any other public input. City staff agreed in early zoning text amendment outreach sessions, and the Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend these community workshops for projects taking advantage of up to four times the increase in density. This significant intensity of use was surely not contemplated by property owners who are the “affected parties” of nearby parcels.

to directly interact with developer representatives concerning a proposed project. Residents, often for the first time, have an opportunity to understand and see what is being developed. Community workshops are required in other areas of the city and, surprisingly to most residents, are not normally mandated downtown, even though they have long been requested by residents and the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association.

ments or the State Live Local Act, an approach is needed to require community workshops for these projects should be taken as a first step to gauge downtown community workshops’ benefits. Since attainable housing will be a limited set of projects, this requirement won’t affect other large developments. Also, the costs are modest and timing can be accommodated in a multiyear planning horizon.

What separates Sarasota

A few of the things that separated Sarasota from other coastal cities and made it so special are now in jeopardy. Sarasota’s new parking director is considering making some changes that would “bring us in line” with other coastal cities. He mustn’t understand the reason residents and tourists flock to Sarasota is because it is not like these other cities. Some examples:

1. Families can go to the beach and spend a few hours without worrying about paying for parking.

2. If they are lucky enough to take advantage of the available free parking, shoppers can spend hours dining and shopping in St. Armands without worrying about parking fees.

Before the Sarasota City Commission for adoption next week are zoning changes designed to incentivize developers to construct much needed and desired affordably priced apartments and condos in downtown building zones.

The central element of these zoning amendments is to allow developers the flexibility to right-size units within their project, making them smaller and, therefore, less expensive by providing a quadrupling of density. For example, on a parcel where 50 units are currently allowed, up to 200 could be built under the new zoning. In return, the project would need to include a minimum of approximately

The logic behind this is that intensifying the use of a project, i.e., adding 400% more people to a given site near an existing building, should warrant some involvement of the affected parties who live nearby. Additionally, initial staging plans, sidewalk closure elements, and construction-noise mitigation plans need to be shared with those affected and input sought prior to final planning for a project being approved. The enormous four-fold increase in density and intensity was almost certainly not anticipated when the original administrative approval process was developed that did not include required community workshops.

Community workshops are meetings where developers present plans for new residential construction, and they typically last about 1.5 hours. This forum enables interested residents and stakeholders

Importantly, the zoning text amendments recommended by city staff at the Aug. 7 city commission meeting, to the surprise of all, were made optional by an action of the city commission (by a 3-2 vote) at the first reading of the amendments. The key argument  made by three commissioners being if community workshops are not required for normal downtown projects, why should they be required for bonus density benefit projects?

Commission members didn’t acknowledge or remember that residents have requested community workshops for larger downtown residential projects for decades, and a requirement to begin holding these for normal new construction isn’t currently on the table. What we do know is that what we are doing now isn’t working well. The current approach — administrative approval with no public input — almost all would agree, has not worked. Think of the Obsidian project, which has created chaotic events and frustrated staff, developers and residents alike.

In the case of attainable housing zoning, the needed action is clear. Whether the attainable units are to be generated by the city’s bonus density zoning text amend-

Community workshops are hosted by developers who can recommend scheduling with both their needs and the communities in mind.

This approach would show a willingness to engage with residents while considering practical implications. It’s a sensible step to reflecting a balance between community involvement and efficient development.

The important goal of incentivizing more attainable housing is something to which there is overwhelming agreement. To have these new bonus density or Live Local related projects, many of them likely to be 18 stories, planned, staged and constructed in very close proximity to neighboring buildings with no resident input would be a serious mistake.

In a thoughtful, forward-thinking city such as Sarasota, we should expect more. Constituents of the city commission are telling their elected representatives they want to have community workshops to learn about significant, high density projects being brought through the administrative approval process.

It’s my hope the commission members are listening.

3. Downtown Sarasota nightlife and dining is booming and one of the reasons may be that after 8 p.m., parking is free.

When I moved to Sarasota 20 years ago, one of the things I found most appealing is the “hometown feel.” You could go anywhere and parking was free. That was unheard of at the time, but it set Sarasota apart and was very welcoming to both residents and tourists.

With what this city collects in tourist taxes and real estate taxes, can it not leave the free parking alone? Surely the costs to run the department can be appropriated from the monies/taxes collected elsewhere.

Every day another article appears that explains why decisions (large skyscrapers, paid parking) are being made so we are more like “other coastal cities.” Can’t the decision-makers try to leave what makes Sarasota so special? Many moved here instead of the other cities because it was an intimate, small city with big city amenities. That was how it became so popular.

DAVID LOUGH PRESIDENT OF THE DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

GIGI SILVERBERG SARASOTA

GREAT SPECIALS ALL WEEKEND!

Idalia forces delay in One Park air rights trial

WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

After months of preparation and waiting for their day in court, attorneys on both sides of the proposed One Park condominium controversy will have to wait a few more days until their bench trial resumes before 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll.

The expected five-day trial, which started Monday, was adjourned until 8:30 a.m. Thursday, with Carroll sending attorneys and client representatives home — some from as far away as the Jacksonville area — as Hurricane Idalia approached.

The air rights above Quay Commons are being litigated, and whether they belong to the master association or if they can lawfully be conveyed by master developer Quay Venture to One Park developer Property Markets Group.

Should One Park be developed as planned, it would span across Quay Commons, the primary access street into The Quay, at a height of approximately 20 feet. Opening arguments on Monday focused on whether Quay Commons fits the definition of a developed street — which may have required it be conveyed to the master association at that time — and whether it is part of the Central Quay, open space located within the center of the 14-acre development between Fruitville Road and Boulevard of the Arts along U.S. 41.

Counsel for One Park developers and investors and Quay Venture argued Quay Commons is far from developed and is generally maintained as the access road for residents and construction traffic, but is constantly under reconstruction as work alongside the street requires moving curb cuts, underground utility work and more. The attorneys

added that if Quay Commons was already common property, the few property owners within the development would bear the costs of completing the street once construction is finished.

Additionally, they said a “scribner error” in the master declaration resulted in omitting language that common open space will be conveyed to the master association atwill by the developer.

Attorneys for the Ritz-Carlton Residences, collectively Block 6, countered that the street is developed by definition, also pointing out that other master declarations written by the now-retired general counsel of GreenePointe Developers, which is developing The Quay as Quay Venture, do include the at-will terminology, suggesting language in documents governing development of The Quay was intentional.

In dismissing the parties until Thursday morning, Carroll said any litigants who cannot make it back because of storm-related reasons are welcome to join the proceedings via Zoom. He urged them to stay in contact with him via email over the next two days.

“If I don’t hear anything from anybody I’m going go assume that we’re going to be back here at 8:30 on Thursday,” Carroll said.

Carroll’s decision is expected in September. Pending appeal, that ruling will either halt the plans for One Park or pave the way for a public hearing before the Planning Board.

ANDREW

Following opening day of a defining trial for The Quay, the judge called a two-day recess to ride out the storm.

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

Great Scallop Search returns

food source or any of that, it’s going to affect the scallop population. So we do the search to look at the status of the water.”

The Great Scallop Search is back.

Sarasota Bay Watch on

Aug. 26 held its first scallop search since 2019. The event was on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The citizen science event asked volunteers to spend a Saturday morning documenting data on scallops, shellfish, animals and seagrass in Sarasota Bay.

“Scallops are considered the canaries of the water,” said Ronda Ryan, executive director of Sarasota Bay Watch. “If there are changes in the water quality, the salinity, the

Volunteers got to Sarasota Sailing Squadron at 8:30 a.m. They were encouraged to bring their own boats, snorkels, sun protection and fins, but Sarasota Bay Watch provided equipment for those who needed it. As people were registered, they had bagels and coffee while they listened to Ryan’s plan for the day.

“They’re going to come and register, and we’re going to give them a transect. And the transect, it’s going to have a five-gallon bucket that consists of a weighted line, a couple buoys and some heavy weights on each end,” said Ryan.

The transect is a weighted line used to measure a meter in the water.

“They’re going to put it down in the water. That weighted line is going to lay along the bottom. Then we have

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Sarasota Bay Watch hosts first scallop search since COVID.

Petra Rivera

Ronda Ryan leads the Great Scallop Search hosted by Sarasota Bay Watch at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

a snorkeler on each side of that line. They’re going to swim along that and record what they see.”

Ryan said that volunteers recorded how many scallops and clams they saw, the type of seagrass present and if there are shells, sea horses, stingrays, fish, crabs, etc. Snorkelers will call out everything they see in the water for each meter to a data keeper on the boat, who will record it on a data sheet provided. Each boat is assigned to a different area of the bay.

The scallop searches are done along the coast annually in late summer.

Ryan said Sarasota, Tampa and Charlotte Harbor are all doing searches within a couple weeks of each other. This data will be given to Sarasota County, which has an ongoing scallop monitoring program.

FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg is also interested in the information col

lected.

“The cool thing about scallops is that they filter about 14.7 liters per hour,” said Ryan. “They suck in water and it goes across their gills and then comes out. But they are extremely sensitive, so they die very easily. In the ’60s, with the dredging and building and pollution, a lot of the seagrass beds that they require for their habitat were killed off and the scallops died. Red tides are another problem as well.”

The first Great Scallop Search in Sarasota was 2008. It was Sarasota Bay Watch’s first formal event as a nonprofit organization. It was founded in 2006.

“You can just gather so much more data this way with it being a citizen science experiment,” said Ryan.

“If you had to rely on professionals for all this, it just wouldn’t happen because there’s not enough staff or enough time. But these volunteers love doing it, so it evens it out.”

Ryan emphasized that it has always been a family fun event. She said the same families have been coming for years and their children have grown up with this event.

“It’s about getting the community out there and getting their face in the water,” said Ryan. “It helps them get a better feel for the whole living system down there. It helps to make them stewards of the water.”

Courtesy photos

Martina Belanch snorkels to count creatures.

Amber Whittle prepares for another dive.

A+E INSIDE:

< SETTING SAIL IN SARASOTA: Check out the 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta. 16

X MARKS THE SPOT: Urbanite pushes the envelope in its 10th season. 15>

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

FLYING SOLO AT URBANITE

Urbanite Theatre makes its home in Sarasota’s urban core. Its flexible performance space seats about 65 people. Its fearless performances push the limits of live theater. That was Brendan Ragan and Summer Dawn Wallace’s goal when they founded the company in partnership with Harry Lipstein in 2014.

In the years that followed, Wallace and Ragan took the road less traveled as Urbanite’s co-artistic directors — and never played it safe. They staged edgy, risky, contemporary plays like “Chicken Shop,” “Isaac’s Eye” and “Woman Laughing Alone with Salad.”

Urbanite’s “Modern Works Festival” gave a voice to emerging female playwrights. Urbanite’s internships incubated a full spectrum of theatrical talents. The troupe’s dual commitment to art and artists paid off with outstanding theater on stage and invaluable theatrical experience off stage.

Thanks to that winning combination, Urbanite Theatre carved out a niche for itself in Sarasota’s fiercely competitive live theater scene. Keeping that niche meant a lot of hard work for both artistic directors. Wallace’s job got even harder last spring when Ragan accepted a position as artistic director at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in the Chicago region.

Before he resigned, Wallace had been Urbanite’s co-artistic director for nearly a decade. Now, Wallace is Urbanite’s artistic director — period. What does she have in mind for the company? Here’s what she told us.

Are you planning a new direction for Urbanite Theatre?

Yes and no. Urbanite’s always taken new directions. That’s baked in our DNA. Contemporary theater’s always changing — and we change with it. That’s been our goal from day one.

I did an exit interview with Brendan in March.  I asked him if Urbanite had achieved its

original goals. His answer was “yes.” Do you agree?

Definitely. Creating a “black box” space for contemporary theater was what we wanted, and that’s what we did. But it’s not a one-anddone kind of thing. By definition, contemporary theater is a moving target. A play that was edgy in 2014 can still have power. But what’s edgy in 2023? That’s what Urbanite will be going for. And it’s the raison d’être of our 10th season.

It sounds like quite a ride.

There’s a ghost story rising from the South’s bloody past; a comedy about rescue dogs and classicism; a creative writing lesson that goes beyond words; and Shakespeare’s smarter sister. Is there a common thread tying these plays together?

The power of human resilience is the only common thread — but that wasn’t the basis of our play selections. Our primary focus was championing new work and artistfirst storytelling. We only noticed the shared theme after we put the season together.

“By Jove! These plays share a common theme!”

Exactly. (laughs) Our 10th season isn’t about “theme.” It’s about showcasing Urbanite’s commitment to new play development and supporting up-and-coming playwrights like Katie Bender, Brenda Withers, Terry Guest and Adam Rapp.

This season, we’ll be celebrating all the talents we’ve partnered with. That’s not limited to writers.

Over the last 10 years, Urbanite has also nurtured directors, actors, sound and lighting designers — you name it. We’ve put so many young apprentices and interns on the path.

In other words, Urbanite’s live theater isn’t a high-end consumer product. You’re not just putting on shows; you’re supporting the talents who make the shows possible. For some creatives, you’re the first rung on the ladder of lifetime theatrical careers.

That’s the Urbanite stamp. And the whole point of our intern program. So many outstanding artists got their start here.

I can tell you’re proud of that accomplishment. I am. But it’s bittersweet. It means letting go. We nurture young talent and get them ready for their next big adventure. They cut their teeth working here at Urbanite. When they move on, it’s hard for me. I know I’ll have to start from scratch again — and find more young talent to mentor. It’s a never-ending cycle, but more than worth it.

And another moving target. That’s true. But I think we’re moving in the right direction. In the 10

years of Urbanite’s existence, we’ve evolved to be an incubator — and not just on the creative talent and development side. We also incubate audience involvement. “Judith” is a perfect example of that.

How so?

Well, it’s a one-person show — and audience feedback is the heartbeat of any solo show. When an actor like Livy Scanlon takes the stage, she’s constantly in tune with what’s working and what isn’t. So, if you’re sitting in the audience, your reactions help shape her performance. You’re not just watching a show — you’re more like Livy’s scene partner. Like it or not, you’ll be a participant.

So, at the multiplex, you’re a passive spectator munching popcorn. At Urbanite Theatre, you’re part of the creative process. That’s an exciting idea. Yes, it is. And audience participation is a constant at Urbanite. We premiere a lot of new plays. Before that, we’ll do readings in the workshop process. Audience talkbacks happen at every phase of the development process. It’s priceless information to the playwright. And

they’re a great way to engage our audience.

How do you plan to expand the Urbanite audience?

By any means necessary. If there’s a way to make theater more accessible, we’ll do it! We’re planning our first ASL (American Sign Language) performance. We’ll be creating a parents’ night out with a sitting service (for their kids).

Digital marketing has always been our strong point. We’ll build on that strength with the market opportunities of print media. We’ll also keep making real-world connections. We’ll be physically present at events like farmers markets and festivals. We’ll also network with other nonprofits, form partnerships and do everything we can to get new people in the door.

“If you stage it, the audience will come” is not Urbanite’s model?

No. We’re going to get our name out there and make more community connections. We’ll be coming to you. And if you’ve got something to say, we’ll listen.

Summer Dawn Wallace talks about her singular vision for Sarasota’s ‘black box’ theater.

Courtesy photo

After sharing the artistic director role with Brendan Ragan for 10 years, Summer Dawn Wallace is running the show on her own at Sarasota’s edgy Urbanite Theatre.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

X marks the spot

IF YOU GO

Where: 1487 Second St., Sarasota

When: Oct. 20 to June 30, 2024

Tickets: $28-$42

New Sarasota County leaders meet the community

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

There’s been a changing of the guard at the organizations that support tourism, arts and economic development in Sarasota County.

Duggan noted that all three of the groups represented on the podium report to Sarasota County government. She said that in fiscal 2023, VSC had an operating budget of $5.2 million, which will increase to $8.5 million next year.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

X marks the spot for pirates’ buried treasure and math’s unknown quantities.

Both definitions apply to the plays of Urbanite Theatre’s “Season X.”

With one exception, the plays in the “black box” theater’s 10th season offer a variety of mousetraps, reversals, swerves and surprise endings. Any plot summary would ruin the ride. We’ll try to say something without saying too much. Listen up.

“In the beginning was the Word.” Our species in particular just can’t shut up. Human lives are filled with arguments, agreements, dissensions, debates, insinuations and implied contracts that are never spelled out.

Trust is the key conditional clause in these contracts. If a friend says, “Close your eyes for a big surprise,” it’s understood he won’t punch you in the face. It happens — and worse things happen too.

Adam Rapp’s “The Sound Inside” revolves around the private lessons a writing professor gives her student. Their words are all about words. Some words become deeds. Some shouldn’t. What do their words become? I have no idea — and that scares the hell out of me. (Directed by Kristin Clippard. Oct. 20 – Dec. 3.)

Katie Bender’s “Judith” is the one Urbanite play I can talk about. No trapdoor, no twist ending. Shakespeare’s sister, Judith, turns out to be a better writer than the Bard. That’s how the story goes — and it’s no big surprise. When Judith’s brother gets in trouble with the law, she dons fake facial hair and men’s clothing and bails her big bro out.

Londoners think Judith’s a powerful man in the Elizabethan theater community — and give her R-E-SP-E-C-T. She likes it — and doesn’t want to go back to the second-class status of women in her time.

Fun fact: Bender got the idea from

Info: Call 321-1397 or visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Virginia Woolf. That author had wondered, “Let me imagine, since facts are so hard to come by, what would have happened had Shakespeare had a wonderfully gifted sister, called Judith, let us say.” Bender belatedly answered that question with her one-woman play starring Olivia “Livy” Scanlon. (Directed by Brendon Fox. Jan. 5 – Feb. 18.)

Brenda Withers’ “Westminster” is a play about a rescue dog and the intricacies of classism. When dogs cross boundaries with humans, “Bad dog” is the typical human response. When human friends cross boundaries with each other, communication is far more difficult.

When is “friendly” banter a notso-friendly way of putting somebody in their place? If you don’t know by now, you’re obviously a moron, and I’ll stop wasting my time. (Just kidding.) The play’s “titular dog” exists in the mind’s eye and doesn’t compete with the actors on stage. This isn’t a play about a dog. Or is it? (Directed by Summer Wallace. March 22 – April 28.)

Terry Guest rattled cages and yanked chains with his genderbending “Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.” His “Oak” enters far more disturbing territory. This play feels a little like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a little like “Night of the Hunter” and far too much like the Confederate South’s bloody, bloody legacy.

But it’s not all nightmare. There’s also a heaping helping of cute little rascals with nicknames like “Suga,” “Big Man” and “Pickle.” “Oak” is both a ghost story and a children’s story. The kids in Guest’s Southern gothic horror show believe in the ghost. Kids are smart. (Directed by Mikael Burke. May 31 – June 30.)

On Aug. 22, the new leaders of Visit Sarasota County, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County held a panel discussion at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key moderated by Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon.

The event gave each of the three new leaders the chance to introduce themselves and their organization in three minutes or less.

Joining Gordon at the podium were incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan, Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersch and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk.

In some cases, the new leaders are filling the shoes of longtime heads of their respective organizations. When Duggan officially steps into her new job at Visit Sarasota County in September, she will replace Virginia J. Haley, who is retiring after 24 years at the helm of VSC.

Duggan has held a variety of roles at the tourism organization since 2006 and is credited with creating the successful Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.

In June, Hersch succeeded Jim Shirley, who took the helm as executive director of the organization formerly known as the Arts Council in 2009.

Hersch spent more than 20 years in nonprofit arts administration. Prior to joining the Alliance, Hersch led Sarasota County Public Schools’ strategic approach to arts education.

At the EDC, Silk in June succeeded Lisa Krouse, who retired after leading the agency since August 2021. Silk joined the EDC in April 2019 and was most recently chief operations officer.

At the panel discussion, Duggan, Hersch and Silk all acknowledged the contributions of their predecessors to the growth of tourism, the arts and new business in Sarasota while also acknowledging the town’s considerable built-in attractions, from beautiful beaches to friendly, laidback charm.

Sarasota County’s tourist development tax of 6% generates more than $42 million a year, with the majority (23%) going to beach replenishment. The arts receives 8% of the total.

VSC works to attract visitors to Sarasota County year-round, Duggan said, and divides arrivals into three categories — those who are here for leisure, to participate in sports and for meetings.

She applauded the county’s approval of an indoor sports complex at Nathan Benderson Park. In May 2022, county commissioners unanimously approved devoting $20 million toward a new boathouse and a 100,000-square-foot event center on the second floor.

The Arts Alliance, which administers the tourist tax dollars allocated to the arts, has more than 200 arts organizations on its rolls, Hersch said, and that doesn’t include hundreds of individual artists. Sarasota is “Florida’s Cultural Coast,” he said.

Hersch believes the Alliance can help leverage the arts to promote health and wellness in the community, but he also says the organization’s goal is to support the well-being of artists who live here.

In her remarks, Silk noted the EDC’s mission is to promote a diversified Sarasota area economy that protects “against economic volatility resulting from pandemic, red tide and hurricanes.”

Her group targets CEOs on vacation in Sarasota who might consider relocating or expanding their company’s operations here. “Chicago is a big area where we market” the benefits of moving to Sarasota, Silk said.

Since 2019, the EDC reckons its marketing efforts have been responsible for $108 million in new capital investment and $85 million in new annual payroll in Sarasota, she said. That was the year that the agency launched its “Work Where You Want to Live” to encourage job creation and remote work in Sarasota.

Both she and Duggan noted that after a frenzied recovery post-pandemic, spending and tourism remain strong but are continuing at more sustainable levels.

The experimental ‘black box’ theater takes daring risks in its 10th season.

Courtesy photo Olivia “Liv” Scanlon stars as Shakespeare’s sister in “Judith” at Urbanite Theatre from Jan. 5 to Feb. 18, 2024.

Monica Roman Gagnier Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County President and CEO Brian Hersch, incoming Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan and Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Silk

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

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

$26

Visit Selby.org.

The artwork of Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman is displayed both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens. The show includes Pirman’s signature Sarasota views as well as his earlier work from three decades as a freelance illustrator in New York. Runs through Sept. 17.

DIVAS THREE

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.

$18 and up

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other women who have earned the coveted title of “Diva.” Runs through Sept. 17.

‘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

OUR PICK

75TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY REGATTA

Hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, the Labor Day Regatta draws hundreds of sailors from 8 to 80 years old along with a thousand visitors. Activities include five race courses, a fish fry, refreshments and an awards ceremony.

IF YOU GO

When: 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Where: Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway Tickets: Free Info: SarasotaSailingSquadron.org

created his own musical revue for FST’s summer cabaret series. 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. 22.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

MUSIC ON MAIN

6 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch Free Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Dance to the funky sounds of the Taylor Opie Band, as well as today’s hits played by a DJ. Wander the streets lined with food vendors, beer trucks and sponsor booths, as well as rides and kids’ activities. Chairs

are welcome, but coolers are not. Dogs must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

GALLERY TALK ON ‘WORKING CONDITIONS’ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

11 a.m. at John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road $30 ($5 plus museum admission of $25) Visit Ringling.org.

Celebrate Labor Day at The Ringling by examining photographs of labor and work with Christopher Jones, Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan, curator of Photography and Media Arts. The exhibit runs through March 3, 2024.

DON’T MISS

SUNCOAST COMPOSER

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

CONCERT

Chamber music group

ensembleNEWSRQ has teamed up with Soundbox Ventures for the Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program. The group is producing the first concert of the new residency program for six emerging composers and nine classical musicians. The ticket includes a pre-concert lecture.

IF YOU GO

When: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5

Where: at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave.

Tickets: $25 Info: ENSRQ.org

SAILING SQUADRON TIMELINE

Selected events from the history of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron:

Late 1930s: The squadron is formed by a group of young Sarasota men, partly as an extension of the Sarasota Yacht Club and partly for those unable to afford membership in SYS.

1942: The squadron becomes inactive with the onset of World War II, as many members leave to take part in the war.

1946: The squadron is reactivated under the local YMCA. It hosts its first Annual Labor Day Regatta, drawing more than 100 boats and 5,000 spectators.

1948: During the annual regatta, a ketch (a type of two-masted sailboat) called Bonnie Kaye, runs aground on a sand shoal and sinks. Its owner, Matthew Van Leeuwen, a World War II veteran who lived aboard the vessel and wore an artificial leg, survives by clinging to a buoy overnight. Squadron members and other sailors begin a fundraiser for Leeuwen.

1950: The fifth annual regatta is canceled due to strong winds and rains from Hurricane Easy, although the year is still counted toward the total of regattas.

1957: The city of Sarasota prepares to demolish the city pier, and the club plans a relocation to its current home of City Island. Contract negotiations with the squadron make the northeast corner of City Island available to boating groups. Members had formerly met in the commission chambers.

1958: Construction on the clubhouse begins.

1961: During the 16th annual regatta, a storm capsizes 55 boats.

1967: Planning for a

LEGACY ON THE BAY

Sailing Squadron Labor Day Regatta is the oldest of its type in the region, according to organizers.

As the public gathers on the shores of City Island to watch the Annual Labor Day Regatta, spectators can often be heard reminiscing about their childhood experiences in the event, which dates back to 1946, said Regatta Chair Dave Hillmyer.

Held by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, the event, which the organization says is the oldest continually held regatta in the Southeast, on Sept. 2-3 will host competitors ranging from 8 to about 80 years old, during its 75th anniversary this year.

Canceled only three times in its history, the event maintains a steady popularity, drawing clubs from areas like St. Petersburg, Davis Islands in Tampa and more distant locations such as Jacksonville, and even some individuals from other states.

“Everybody just knows about this regatta,” Hillmyer said. “This is such a historic sailing venue.”

CALLING ALL SAILORS

While the regatta originally featured about 50% adults, the last few years have been youth-focused, with about 150 kids signed up out of 175 competitors this year, Hillmyer said.

IF YOU GO...

A dinner catered by Nancy’s BBQ will be held at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s facilities at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 2. To purchase a ticket for the event, open to both regatta participants and nonparticipants, visit RegattaNetwork.com.

He said the occasion, which involves four different race courses in the bay, as well as racing closer to shore for the youngest participants, holds particular importance for youth.

For some younger people, it’s the first regatta of the school season, while for other kids, it may be their first regatta ever.

“This is the first time that they get to put their skills to the test on the water,” he said. “It’s kind of a big deal.”

Dave Hillmyer and his wife, Donna Hillmyer, who have both been involved with the club since about age 10, are no strangers to youth sailing, but they’ve also had the chance to watch other participants enjoy an experience similar to their own.

“We watch these kids like we

follow them throughout their lives,”

Donna Hillmyer said.

Yet the event excites adults as well. An inaugural sailing event, of sorts, for the fall season, it follows the relative lack of activity during the heat of summer, Dave Hillmyer said. What really makes the event special, said Hillmyer, is the number of volunteers it receives.

None of the individuals assisting with the event, which includes about 40 on the water and 100 on land, are paid, he said.

Volunteers will staff the 15 to 16 support powerboats and will also help on shore through activities like serving food and drinks, monitoring parking, or taking out trash.

He believes participants will have a pleasant experience out on the bay or at the squadron’s clubhouse on City Island, where it has leased the land from the city of Sarasota.

“Out in the middle of the bay, you don’t see a lot of boat traffic, so it’s really nice,” he said. He said members have even camped out at the clubhouse site in the past.

“I think people find it very comfortable here because we have such a low-key atmosphere,” he said.

Although there are other Labor Day events, such as a Labor Day night race on Davis Islands, the Sarasota event holds a special meaning for the public, he said.

“Everybody knows if you say ‘the Labor Day Regatta’ in Florida, it means Sarasota Sailing Squadron.”

new clubhouse begins. Among the renovations are an additional wing, a new roof, and the relocation of the hoist.

1972: Member Lilly Kaighin arrives in Sarasota from Tampa. Shortly thereafter, she would persuade a group of six members to found the women’s sailing group “Sarasota Sailing and Sinking Society,” which quickly expanded in size and was later renamed to “Luffing Lassies.” The organization is still active today.

1976 to 1978: Amid slumping finances and attendance, the club enters a phase of relative inactivity, becoming primarily a storage facility for boats.

1978: Member Pat Murphy, who joined the club at age 13, accepts the role of commodore following his proposal to reinvigorate the club, which included restarting its youth sailing program and opening every Saturday and eventually every Sunday.

1980: The Sarasota Sailing Squadron incorporates as a nonprofit.

1984: Susan Pether is elected as the first and only woman commodore in the history of the squadron. She bans alcohol at board meetings, a measure which increases the productivity of discussions.

1985: The 40th Annual Labor Day Regatta is canceled due to Hurricane Elena.

2003: Chris Branning is nominated as the club’s top youth sailor of the year. The nomination allows him to compete in the ISAF Youth World Championships and the U.S. National High School Singlehanded Championships. He goes on to race in over 50 major races. In 2007, he serves as navigator of a Disney-sponsored team aboard the 52-foot racer Morning Light and is featured in the 2008 documentary “Morning Light.”

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

The Sarasota

Courtesy photo

The 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta will be held Sept. 2 and 3.

Hula dancing and hunger prevention

Behind the hula dancing and Hawaiian attire at Senior Friendship Centers’ End of Summer Bash this year was an important cause.

Senior Friendship Centers decided to loop in the event on Aug. 25 as its annual fundraiser for the Mayors Feed the Hungry program, a resource and partner of the organization, which also works with 24 other area nonprofits.

Participants enjoyed cookies, Hawaiian punch, fruit and veggies amid entertainment from Aloha Nui Hula Dancers and music from Krazy Karaoke

Live as well as a 50/50 raffle. Volunteers from Embassy Suites by Hilton Sarasota also assisted at the event.

Proceeds from the event will go toward food gift cards and help finance food insecurity programs for Mayors Feed the Hungry, ultimately returning to its community partners. Issues with food security are “absolutely” a problem for seniors, said Scott Biehler, executive director of the program.

All the food pantries of the organization, which is supported by all Sarasota and Manatee county mayors, are experiencing increasing requests for food, not only from seniors but also working families as well, he said.

The nutrition program at Senior Friendship Centers offers a nutritious meals on-site, as well as home delivery meals for homebound clients.

— IAN SWABY

Barbara Winsten, of Aloha Nui Hula Dancers, offers the audience an introduction to a dance, standing alongside fellow members Irene Hagnan and Ria Prowling.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Guests at the event take to the dance floor.

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Beyond the chalkboard

Science teacher Justine Holcomb and math teacher Eric LoStorto self-published children’s books to educate

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Fifth grade science teacher Justine Holcomb and fifth grade math teacher Eric LoStorto teach just a doorway apart at Tuttle Elementary School and have shared a friendship over many years.

So it wasn’t surprising that last year, after LoStorto began working on his second educational book, “Unlikely Superheroes,” illustrated by Melanie Brustad, Holcomb had an idea of her own and wrote “Cutie Pie the Pumpkin and Her Pollinating Pals,” illustrated by Jason Fowler.

After the two teachers self-published through the same local company, The Peppertree Press, the books arrived at their houses on the same day last week.

With the books now approved by Sarasota County Schools, the teachers are excited to share the results, which will include an after-school parent night and a potential inschool reading for all students and staff.

Patti Folino, Tuttle Elementary School principal, has expressed support for the teachers’ work.

“At Tuttle Elementary, our goal is to instill a love for reading and learning in all we do,” said Folino in a media release. “Having two teacherauthors serves as an impactful inspiration for our students. I am thrilled to share both Mrs. Holcomb and Mr. LoStorto’s recently published books with our Tuttle students and their families. I am so proud of their relentless efforts to bring their dreams to fruition.”

‘CUTIE PIE THE PUMPKIN AND HER POLLINATING PALS’

Justine Holcomb’s book “Cutie Pie the Pumpkin and Her Pollinating Pals” was drafted in two days during the last days of the 2022-23 school year as the story swirled in her mind. She took the text to LoStorto, who confirmed that she did indeed have a book on her hands.

“He’s a poet, but I’m not a writer,” she said. “He inspires me to want to try.”

“I was very proud of her,” he said.

The book, illustrated by Jason Fowler, centers on a grandmother and granddaughter who use scientific thinking to become hand pollinators and grow their own pumpkins by Halloween. The book is inspired by her three-year journey with her own granddaughter.

Once Holcomb started bringing pictures of the pumpkins she was growing into class and saw the interest of the students, she realized she

and inspire students.

Ian Swaby Eric LoStorto and Justine Holcomb

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOKS

To purchase “Cutie Pie the Pumpkin and Her Pollinating Pals” visit: BarnesAndNoble.com, or JustineHolcombAuthor.com.

To purchase “Unlikely Superheroes”: visit BarnesAndNoble.com. For more information on The Peppertree Press visit: PepperTreePublishing.com.

should write a book, and she created the draft of the story, which covers material for fourth and fifth grade curriculums.

Just seven weeks later, at the end of July, she was presented with a proof of the book at the office of The Peppertree Press.

“I was so stinking excited. I was like, beyond excited,” she said, stating she even burst into tears.

It was a process that had involved many edits, yet still another was needed; her mother, Margot Joy, who was once an art student, told her the yellow flowers needed to be retinted as orange, which required numerous pages to be revised.

Holcomb said she is eager to read the completed book to students.

“They’ll hear the words, but when you see it on the page, it just comes to life,” she said.

After that, there’s still more to look forward to. Amid her ongoing work with the pumpkins, she found further inspiration after one pumpkin decomposed in January. She now plans to release a sequel, having drafted the text during the summer.

Yet even as the enterprise grows, it’s all about helping the students.

“I’m not in this to make money. That’s not the purpose of this.”

‘UNLIKELY SUPERHEROES’

LoStorto’s inspiration to write books like “Unlikely Superheroes,” came from a time when he was teaching science and another educator came to the school, engaging students through songs on topics like the water cycle.

Later on, LoStorto began to think

about putting math concepts into rhyming verses and wrote three rhyming stories in the span of six months, one of which, “Rounding Rescue,” was published in 2013.

The latest story to be published, “Unlikely Superheroes,” tells of unlikely math superheroes. LoStorto described them as unlikely because most people don’t expect superheroes in math concepts, which led to the creation of Equivalent Fraction Kid and Least Common Multiple Man, who come to the rescue of a teacher.

The illustrator, Melanie Brustad, is Principal Patti Folino’s daughter. Brustad, too, is a product of Sarasota County Schools.

“There are kids who understand the reading process, and the math is challenging, but if you can read it, instead of just doing the math, you might have a better grasp on it,” he said.

The third story, which he hasn’t released yet, covers the order of operations.

In writing the verses, LoStorto would turn to Rhymezone.com to fill out the next words of the story. He also found inspiration from the school itself.

“I tried to find something that rhymed with, ‘The teacher knew who was just right for the job.’ And I thought, wait a minute, Ms. Schwab rhymes, so I used her name.”

A retired teacher at Tuttle Elementary who taught grades K-12, Joanne Schwab also vetted the content of the book.

She offered her own input, suggesting it should include that denominators should not be added or subtracted at the end of the problem — a common mistake. She also suggested it include simplifying fractions, in case it was required by fifth grade curriculums in other states.

LoStorto said kids may find the material more engaging considering it is included in a real book. The ultimate goal has always been to help the students, he said.

“If it can help one child learn fractions, it was expensive to get there, but it was worth it.”

Mark Sarasota condo tops sales at $3.35M

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Acondominium in the Mark Sarasota tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Carolyn Patten, of Fort Pierce, sold the Unit 1210 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Andrew and Judith Economos, of Longboat Key, for $3.35 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,803 square feet of living area. It sold for $2,599,000 in 2021.

SARASOTA

THE LANDINGS

Timothy and Judith Crowley, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4884 Peregrine Point Circle to Carol Horton, of Sarasota, for $1.74 million. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,434 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2009.

THE CONDOMINIUM ON THE

BAY

Leighrob Corp. Inc. sold the Unit

512 condominium at 988 Boulevard of the Arts to Joseph Bernard Petrizzi III and Noreen Patricia Petrizzi, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, for $1.6 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,729 square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in April.

DESOTA PARK

Marc and Renee Preininger, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 1851 Datura St. to Michele Finizio and John Albert Meehan, of Philadelphia, for $1,285,000. Built in 1925, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,218 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,000 in 2020.

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS RESIDENCES

Jing Li and Zhihong Liu, of Cupertino, California, sold their Unit 11B condominium at 50 Central Ave. to Evan and Wendy Parker, of Fairfield, New Jersey, for $1.21 million. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,671 square feet of living area. It sold for $999,000 in 2021.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA

Lisa Helene Schroeder-Bevis sold

her Unit A319 condominium at 1709

N. Tamiami Trail to Joshua Clay Spivey and Deidre Mace Spivey, of Orlando, for $825,000. Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,193 square feet of living area. It sold for $587,300 in 2022.

SOUTH GATE

SRQ5 LLC sold the home at 2515 Grove St. to One Life Properties LLC for $710,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 2,640 square feet of living area. It sold for $472,000 in March.

FLORENCE 5863 Briarwood LLC sold the two properties at 5863 Briarwood Ave. to Steven and Heather Randazzo, of Sarasota, for $525,000. The first property was built in 1955 and has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,622 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1983 and has one bedroom, one bath and 400 square feet of living area. They sold for $229,000 in 2011.

WOODPINE LAKE

Keith and Thalia Crane, of E. Syracuse, New York, sold their home at 2911 Woodpine Court to Jonathan Ospina, of Sarasota, for $519,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,275 square feet of living area. It sold for $400,000 in 2022.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

These are the largest city of Sarasota and Sarasota County building permits issued for the week of Aug. 14-18, in order of dollar amounts.

CASTEL DEL MARE

Janis Pratico, of Pittsburgh, sold her Unit 208 condominium at 1608 Stickney Point Road to Barry and Marilyn Offen, of Sarasota, for $500,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,016 square feet of living area.

Other top sales by area

SIESTA KEY

Beach Villas at the Oaks

Joleigh Enterprises LLC sold the Unit 304S2 condominium at 304 Calle Miramar to Globevest Capital Real Estate US LP for $2.76 million. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,236 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,831,000 in 2021.

PALMER RANCH

Prestancia

Diane Schultz, trustee, of sold the home at 4197 Boca Pointe Drive to Robert and Cindy Lawrence, of Sarasota, for $1,475,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $950,000 in 2021.

OSPREY

Oaks II

Julianna Cigerza Mallmann and Alexandre Mallmann, of Irvine, California, sold two properties at 871 Macewen Drive to Brandon and Courtney Konkel, of Osprey, for $1,995,000. The first property was built in 1990 and it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,652 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1995 and has one bedroom, one bath and 656 square feet of living area. They sold for $1.47 million in 2021.

NOKOMIS

Sorrento South

Bryan Swilley, of Nokomis, and Michelle Watkins, of Kennesaw, Georgia, sold their home at 423 Bellini Circle to Michael Karlsson, of Nokomis, for $1.12 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2020.

Sarasota County, city of Sarasota

Courtesy of Mike Warm, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

The Unit 1210 condominium in the Mark Sarasota, 111 S. Pineapple Ave, tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $3.35 million. It has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,803 square feet of living area.

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

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

Let us HELP!

Let us HELP!

Let us HELP

CALENDAR

YOUR

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1 UF/IFAS EXTENSION: ENERGY UPGRADE WORKSHOP

Noon to 1 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. Learn strategies for saving on energy, water and other costs in this one-hour workshop. Attendees will receive a free energy saving kid including Energy Star LED light bulbs, WaterSense faucet aerators, a smart power strip, weatherization materials, outlet insulating gaskets and other materials. Advance registration is required. For information, visit SCGov.net.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

BREAKFAST WITH THE SHARKS

8-9:30 a.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. $27 to $40. Begin your day at with the sharks at Mote in this monthly event. Enjoy a light continental breakfast, learn about the aquarium’s sharks, and have your questions answered as you watch a narrated feeding of bonnethead sharks. For information, visit Mote.org.

MONDAY, SEPT. 4

SARASOTA SUCCULENT SOCIETY

LABOR DAY PLANT SALE

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Educational program at 10 a.m.) at North Lawn on the Garden, 1310 38th St. Free. This annual plant sale features bargain prices on many types of succulent plants, as well as an educational program with the theme “All About Orchids” hosted by Mickey Carnell, owner of Blue Pagoda & Evolution Orchids in Englewood. For information, visit SarasotaSucculentSociety. org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

9:30 a.m. (arrive at 9:20 a.m.) to 10:30 a.m. at Selby Garden Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St. Members, $10; nonmembers, $20. This mind and body experience for all ages and skill levels focuses on alignment, breathing techniques, and relaxation. It is recommended that participants bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and a towel or yoga mat. For information and to register, visit Selby.org.

BEST BET FRIDAY, SEPT. 2 TO SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

75TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY REGATTA

Best viewing locations include the tip of City Island; Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway; and Bird Key Park, 200 John Ringling Causeway. Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosts its signature event, now celebrating its 75th anniversary. The regatta draws hundreds of competitive sailors from across the U.S. and Canada. For infor-

DANCE AT THE BAY: ¡BAILANDO! AT THE BAY

6:30-8 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. Beginner and advanced dancers, singles and couples can enjoy a free dance lesson from Fred Astaire instructors, followed by a Latino-inspired dance party hosted by DJ Benny. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

READ WITH THE DOGS

4-5 p.m. at Meeting Room AB, Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Children can develop reading and communication skills by reading with certified therapy dogs. For information, visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

CINEMA AT THE BAY: ‘MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING’

7:30-9:30 p.m. at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy this romantic family comedy (PG) about a young Greek-American woman who falls in love with a non-Greek person, in anticipation of the Sept. 8 release of “My Big Greek Fat Wedding 3.” Food and beverage available at the Simply Greek food truck and The Nest concession booth. Bring your own chairs and blankets. For information, visit TheBaySarasota.org.

THE SUN SHINES BRIGHTER

the bay.

The calming quiet of the water. The refreshing warmth of the Florida sun. This is your slice of paradise. Picture yourself here, ideally situated on Sarasota Bay at Plymouth Harbor.

With so much to explore and experience so close to Downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and beyond, you’re never far from a new adventure.

Imagine a home where there is less reason to hurry or worry and more occasions to breathe, laugh, and drink it all in.

Learn more about Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay by calling (941) 200-0254 or visiting plymouthharbor.org.

SPORTS

Fast Break

the 2023

Championships

Siesta Key gymnast

Benjamin Aguilar com-

peted at the 2023 U.S.

Gymnastics Championships, held Aug. 24-27 in San Jose, California. Aguilar finished 22nd overall in the Junior Men’s division. His best event was the pommel horse, where he finished ninth overall. Aguilar, who is in the Class of 2024, represented EVO Gymnastics at the event.

Cardinal Mooney High cross-country senior Addison Dempsey (18:04.7) won the girls division of the Lemon Bay Invitational, held Aug. 16 at Lemon Bay High. Dempsey’s time was approximately 1:42 faster than second-place finisher Malia Hambrick of North Port High. The Cougars finished eighth out of 18 teams at the event. On the boys’ side, the Sarasota area’s top finisher was Riverview High in eighth place as a team. The Rams were led by junior Ben Skaggs, who finished 12th individually (17:21.40).

Three Sarasota Sharks swimmers have been named to 2023 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships rosters. Addison Sauickie will represent the United States, Sienna Angrove will represent Canada and Finn Kemp will represent Luxembourg. The Championships will be held Sept. 4-9 in Netanya, Israel.

Riverview High junior volleyball player Nevaeh Babich had seven kills, eight digs and two aces Aug. 22 in the Rams’ 3-0 win over Palmetto High. As a team, the Rams had a kill percentage of 32.9%.

The Cardinal Mooney High boys golf team (152) won a three-way match against Bradenton Christian School (160) and Admiral Farragut High (195) on Aug. 24 at Bradenton Country Club. The Cougars were led by junior medalist Nicolas Bencomo (36).

“As far as leadership, I’m telling others to do the best they can. I’m trying to be super encouraging and a good role model for my younger teammates.”

— Helena Hebda, Cardinal Mooney High volleyball senior. SEE PAGE 27

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

The Cardinal Mooney High indoor volleyball team knows what the outside perception of the program is in 2023.

The Cougars, perennially one of the top programs in Florida and the 2019 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A state champions, have lost a lot of proven talent via graduation since last season ended. That includes two-time Gatorade Florida Player of the Year Jordyn Byrd, who is now playing for the University of Texas. Byrd led the team with 571 kills and 52 aces in 2022. She is not the only key loss. Also gone is Madeline Carson, who had 163 kills and 43 blocks; Sawyer DeYoung, who had 127 kills, 38 aces and 257 digs; and Gracie Page, who had 51 aces and 109 digs.

Cougars head coach Chad Davis understands why these roster losses have some in the volleyball community doubting his team’s ability to compete at the same level in 2023.

From a distance, Davis said, it’s a reasonable thought.

What people outside the program don’t realize, Davis said, is that the opposite is true. The names on the roster might be less recognizable, but if things go the way Davis believes they will, the Cougars will be just as dangerous — and perhaps more so.

“The true mark of a program is player development and the buy-in from your kids,” Davis said. “We lose a good 85% of our offense, but look at who is returning. Riley (Greene, junior middle hitter) is ready to become the next dominant player in town along with Izzy (Russell, junior outside hitter). Helena (Hebda, senior setter) has been a stalwart here for years. Our other setter, Layla (Larrick, sophomore), is awesome. We have the best libero in the area in Katie (Powers, junior). We return all of our other defenders and we have some stud freshmen. But people look from the outside and can’t see that yet. By the time this all gets done, we’re going to be in the mix for sure.”  Davis said his confidence in his group stems from getting to watch them year-round. Davis is the director of Sarasota Juniors, an elite club

— Riley Greene, junior middle hitter

volleyball organization. Davis said almost the entirety of Mooney’s 2023 roster plays for the club and gets constant high-level coaching.

Aside from Davis, Sarasota Juniors’ coaches include Nancy Hopper, who earned Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 while at John Carroll High, and Jac’cara Walker, who played college volleyball at the University of South Florida and was an All-American Athletic Conference First Team player in 2018, among others.

Not only does this help the players’ skills, Davis said, but it allows them to build chemistry with one another. Davis said the team’s feel for one another is its biggest strength. They

support each other, he said, but they are also unafraid of pushing each other to constantly be better.

At an afternoon practice Aug. 28, Mooney players wore black T-shirts that read “Prove ’em wrong” on the back. If the Cougars’ returning players are concerned about the players now gone, they didn’t voice it. They voiced confidence.

“We have new people stepping up,” Riley Greene said. “We’re focused on showing everyone that we’re still good. We just have to put our practice skills to work in the games. As long as everyone comes together, it’s going to happen.”

The team has demonstrated its prowess early. The Cougars (2-0) beat Port Charlotte High on Aug. 22 and beat Palmetto High on Aug. 24, both by 3-0 margins. Through two matches, Greene leads the team in kills (17) and blocks (5).

Izzy Russell, who leads the team with 21 digs, said defense is the team’s biggest on-court strength at this point. The team trusts each other, Russell said, which means the Cougars don’t have player moving out of position to reach for balls their teammates should get.

The community will soon get a

good sense of how good the Cougars are and how far they still have to go. Pending the effects of Hurricane Idalia, the team will play in the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast on Sept. 1-2 in Wesley Chapel, starting with a match against St. Agnes Academy of Memphis, Tennessee. While MaxPreps has not released a ranking for Mooney yet in 2023, St. Agnes is ranked as the No. 7 team in Tennessee.

Davis said he wants to see his team not being hesitant against big-time competition, which is something he and the Cougars have already discussed. The only result that would be disappointing is seeing his team intimidated by someone else, Davis said. As long as that doesn’t happen, his team will get better from the experience and stay on track to be where he thinks it can be at the end of the year.

“It’s going to be fun,” Davis said. “This group of kids is working hard. We’re super young and everyone expects us to take a downturn, but that’s never going to happen here. It’s time for our next group of kids to start becoming known.”

Courtesy photo Siesta Key’s Benjamin Aguilar competed at

U.S. Gymnastics

in San Jose, Calif.

Ryan Kohn

Chad Davis talks with his Cardinal Mooney High volleyball team after an Aug. 28 practice. Davis said he expects the Cougars to be as strong as ever in 2023.

“We’re focused on showing everyone that we’re still good. We just have to put our practice skills to work in the games.”

Despite losing key graduates, Cougars head coach Chad Davis said the team should be as good as ever in 2023.

What week one showed us

Brody Wiseman’s creative offense. It all led to a 54-0 Riverview win.

Week one of the high school football season is in the books.

You know what that means: It’s time to overreact.

Kidding, of course. One game only means so much. But there are things fans can learn from their teams’ performances in week one. Here’s a breakdown of how each area team did and where they project to go from here.

RAMS SHOW OFFENSIVE

PROWESS

There were question marks surrounding the Riverview High quarterback position entering the season, because the Rams had three players fighting for the starting gig: senior Braxton Thomas, senior Jeremiah Dawson and sophomore Anthony Miller. Normally, when a team doesn’t have a clear-cut starter close to the season’s beginning, it’s a sign that things may go poorly. But as the Rams showed in their opener against Southeast High, that’s not always the case.  All three quarterbacks threw touchdowns against Southeast — in the first half. Thomas ended up leading the group, going four of seven for 122 yards and three passing touchdowns, but Miller also made a sizable impact, not just at quarterback but at wide receiver, where he racked up more than 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in new offensive coordinator

The defense had something to do with the score as well, of course, forcing three Southeast interceptions, including one by sophomore Andon Clough that was returned for a touchdown. But the offense is on the map now. They’ll play much tougher teams than Southeast, including Buchholz High on Sept. 1 (storm permitting). That will be an even bigger test of the offense. But if nothing else, Riverview showed that it is capable of pouring on the points if given the chance. Anyone who had written off the Rams as a playoff contender before the season should probably be reevaluating things now.

BOOKER STILL LEARNING HOW

TO WIN

Booker High football head coach Scottie Littles’ preseason press conference, held Aug. 12 at The Mall at University Town Center as part of Suncoast Media Day, had one consistent message: the Tornadoes need to finish.

In 2022, Littles’ first season as head coach, Booker was much improved from its winless 2021 season and finished 6-5, including a 43-31 loss to Frostproof High in the first round of the postseason. But it could have been so much more. The Tornadoes held early leads in several of their losses, including a 15-7 loss to DeSoto County High and a 42-28 loss to Braden River High. Littles’ focus this offseason was cleaning up the mistakes made in those games that led to losses instead of wins.

In week one of 2023, the Tornadoes showed they have ways to go in learning how to win. Against Immokalee High at home, Booker held a 35-21 halftime lead before

letting the Indians back into the game. The contest went into overtime, where Immokalee won 47-41.

The loss stings for a program that is looking to build off the foundation it set in 2022, but there were positives to be found, too. Senior running back Ahmad Hunter was his usual steady presence, turning 21 carries into 109 yards, and sophomore Takurian Smith provided a spark whenever he went into the game, turning four carries into 41 yards and a touchdown. At quarterback, junior Alexander Diaz completed just 10 of his 23 passes, but he made the most of them, racking up 269 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. Senior wideout Josiah Booker accounted for 134 of those yards and one of the touchdowns, again proving his prowess as a deep threat.

But the defense gave up 343 rushing yards (6.5 yards per carry) to the Indians, and while Immokalee quarterback Trannon Villareal only threw for 177 yards, he was efficient, completing 13 of 20 passes. If Booker wants to contend for the postseason, the Tornadoes will

need its defense to lock down the opposing offense before the hope of a comeback becomes real. Otherwise, more games may end like this one did.

SAILORS FEEL GROWING PAINS

Head coach Josh Phillips’ era of Sarasota High football began with a loss.  The Sailors fell 28-14 to Fort Meade High at home. Not much went right for Sarasota early, and the team trailed 28-7 in the fourth quarter before a late touchdown closed the gap. The Sailors defense allowed 400 yards to the Miners, 260 of those yards on the ground.

Teams often take time to gel after head coaching transitions, so this result isn’t a huge surprise, nor should it be viewed as a sign that the team’s season will be unsuccessful. It simply highlights what needs to improve, as well as what is already going right, like senior linebacker Hayden McSwane, who had 11 tackles against the Miners. Senior wide receiver Chris Rudolph also made a nifty toe-tapping touchdown catch on a pass from senior

Michael Bendever; the Sailors will need more athletic plays like that this season.

A week two matchup against Manatee High (1-0) means the road won’t get any easier for Sarasota, but it is another chance to grow as a team.

CARDINAL MOONEY STARTS FAST

In 2022, Cardinal Mooney began the season slow, squeaking by Booker 10-9 before losing six straight games. The Cougars simply weren’t in sync, despite all their talent, especially on offense.  That doesn’t appear to be a problem in 2023.

The Cougars defeated Avon Park High 54-0 in week one. Forget resting the starters in the second half; the game was such a beatdown that Mooney pulled senior starting quarterback Michael Valentino after one quarter. Before then, he made several nice plays, including a dart to senior receiver Zy’marion Lang for a 20-yard touchdown. Lang also took a swing pass 58 yards for a score.

But Mooney scored in less traditional ways, too — like off a 44-yard punt return by sophomore receiver Bo O’Daniel. The defense did its part, too, forcing three Avon Park fumbles. The first one directly led to a touchdown from senior running back Carson Beach.

Like Riverview, Cardinal Mooney will face much tougher threats than Avon Park. But when you compare last season’s opening game to 2023, the difference is clear. The Cougars are not here to mess around. They’re here to give every game their best shot. Good teams dominate mediocre teams, and that’s exactly what Mooney showed it can do.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

One game doesn’t portend a season’s outcome, but some area teams made a strong first impression.

Ryan

File photo

Riverview football had its offense clicking in week one of the 2023 season.

Helena Hebda

Helena Hebda is a senior on the Cardinal Mooney High volleyball team. Hebda had 12 assists, six digs, eight service points and two aces Aug. 24 in a 3-0 win against Palmetto High. As of Aug. 29, Hebda has 2,425 career assists.

How did you start playing volleyball?

I was super young when I got into it, probably around 8 years old. My sister (Sophia Hebda) played volleyball, and she’s five years older than me. I liked watching her. She made me want to do it. It looked fun.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the team aspect so much. I get super close with my teammates. It’s so fun when everyone is friends with each other. You’re going out and playing with them every match. It’s never a chore. These are the people you want to be with.

What is your best skill?

Well, I’m a setter, so I guess setting is my best skill. But I also would say my defense and hustle plays.

What have you been working to improve?

My serving. It was a little bit inconsistent last year. I wanted to get it consistent and perfect it for all service zones.

How does being a senior make you feel?

It’s different. This is the last time

I’m going to play these high schools sports (indoor and beach volleyball). My mentality is going all out and not regretting anything. As far as leadership, I’m telling others to do the best they can. I’m trying to be super encouraging and a good role model for my younger teammates.

What is your favorite volleyball memory?

It’s all the road trips we have taken. Last year, we went to Miami, for ex-

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

ample. We played tough competition there. We didn’t win our first match but it was a game changer for us. We learned how to play to the best of our ability. The next day, we played another tough team and won. Things like that are just great experiences and bring us together.

What are your goals for this season?

Honestly, we just need to do what we know how to do every match. That’s the goal. When we play against each other, it looks so good. We know what this can be. I’m excited for us to show that ability this season. We’re working hard.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi. I’ll eat it from anywhere.

What is your favorite TV show?

It’s either “Gossip Girl” or “Dance Moms.”

What is your favorite school subject?

English/writing. It’s more fun than doing math or science.

Which superpower would you pick? Invisibility. I could be anywhere without anyone knowing.

What is the best advice you have received? Go all out. At the end of a game, you want to be able to say you have no regrets.

Finish this sentence: “Helena Hebda is …” … Calming. At least, I am on the court.

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