Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 5.23.24

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

Observer

Ride aware.

PAGE 10B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

VOLUME 20, NO. 26

Battie shooting suspect arrested

A

Sarasota man has been arrested in connection with the May 18 fatal shooting in the Tallywood Centre Plaza parking lot.

Darryl Bernard Brookins, 28, was arrested May 22 by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

Brookins had been identified as the suspect in the shooting that occurred at about 3:30 a.m. May 18 in a parking lot on 17th Street.

Deputies responding to the incident found former Sarasota High School football player Tommie L. Battie IV dead at the scene.

Four other victims were transported to area hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Among them Sarasota alum and Tommie Battie’s brother, Brian Battie, who is on the Auburn University football team.

Brian Battie remains in critical condition, according to a May 20 post on X.com from Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze.

Brookins has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and as a felon in possession of a firearm. He is in custody at Sarasota County jail.

More arts, more investment Report details potential financial impact of new performing arts center. SEE PAGE 3A

The big moment arrives for Sarasota High’s seniors.

YOUR TOWN

Ian Swaby

Juniors John Hines and Luke Yates scoop snook from a tank.

Into new waters

Morgan Sims remembers visiting the AquaDome at Riverview High School in elementary school.

As a high school graduate, she spent some of the year teaching younger students about a species that inhabits the facility — snook — while helping raise the fish.

When students of the Riverview High School aquascience program gathered on May 17, using nets and containers to transport the snook to nearby Philippi Creek, it was a milestone to coincide with graduation the next day.

“It’s a proud moment,” Sims said. “I remember at the very beginning of the year when they were little bitty, and now they’re big, and they’re going into the real world.”

Data on the fish are gathered through tagging, and an antennae array alongside the creek.

Turtle Tracks AS OF MAY 18 TOTAL NESTS: 2024 Siesta Key 63 Lido Beach 21 Casey Key 111

2023 60 37 251

TOTAL FALSE CRAWLS: 2024 2023 Siesta Key 67 88 Lido Beach 25 51 Casey Key 149 249 Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

Booker High’s Principal Rachel Shelley greets Maximiliano Lopez Zapata.

Caps off to grads!

Sarasota, Booker and Riverview high schools said fond farewells to graduating seniors.

SEE PAGES 1B-2B

Sophie Riverview High’s Nook da Lin d Cottrez an d ar Aw ip sh Leader zan recipient Sheli Ha

Photos by Ian Swaby

A+E

Close to home Brian Battie remains in critical condition after a May 18 shooting. His ties to Sarasota run strong.

SEE PAGE 12B

Courtesy image

Former Sarasota High football star Brian Battie was shot May 18 in Sarasota, along with four other victims including his brother Tommie Battie IV, who was found dead at the scene.

Big Apple bound PAGE 16A

TABS

W HAT ’S HAPPENING

2A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

WEEK OF MAY 23, 2024

Sheriff warns of phone scam uptick

“If someone can’t pay the fine, then they should be careful not to violate the ordinance, so that’s my first recommendation.”

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is warning the community about an increase in the frequency of warrant and juror scams.

Callers claim to be affiliated with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and use ranks and names of current or past employees to impart credibility. They claim to be informing victims that they have an arrest warrant for not appearing in court, forgetting to pay a fine or failing to report for jury duty. They speak quickly and aggressively to pressure the victims to handle payment immediately via mobile bank transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or prepaid debit cards.

The SCSO advises that the agency does not demand payment or request personal financial information by phone. If a citizen receives a call from a suspected scammer regarding an alleged arrest warrant or demand for payment of civic fines, they should consider this a possible scam and report it immediately to local law enforcement.

Suspected scams may be reported to SCSO by calling 941-316-1201.

Sarasota City Attorney Robert Fournier. Read more on Page 6A

BY THE NUMBERS 55,000

The square footage of Sarasota County’s new Planning and Development Services one-stop shop.

PAGE 9A

$36.9M

The maximum amount of the city-approved design agreement for a new ­Sarasota Performing Arts Center.

PAGE 14A

150

Members in the Florida chapter of the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, which is led by Sarasota residents passionate about genealogy and American history.

PAGE 6B

CALENDAR

n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

Chamber offers entrepreneur series File image

After a slow start for the year, Sarasota County tourism saw an increase in visitors during March.

County tourism numbers rebound in March T

ourism rose in March in Sarasota County after months of a downward trend, according to Visit Sarasota County.

“After a few months of our tourism numbers being down, in March, we’re excited to share strong numbers,” Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan said in a statement.

Compared with 2023, visitors to Sarasota County were up this March by 1,300. There were 159,400 visitors this year compared with 158,100 in March 2023, according to Duggan. In

Sarasota County hotels, room nights sold totaled 385,000 in March, compared with 379,600 last year, an increase of 5,400, or 1.42%.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport also saw a spike, setting a record for passengers with more than 553,000 in March.

For those staying in Sarasota County, rates for lodging went up year over year in March, tourism officials say. The average rate for lodging was $337.72 per room, compared with $312.37 in March

2023, marking a $25.35 increase.

Lodging occupancy was slightly down, at 83.9% compared with 84.7% in March 2023, officials said. However, the March number was up from 67.8% in January and 81.9% in February.

The lag in tourism in early 2024 was not limited to Sarasota County. St. Petersburg also reported a slowdown in tourism in the first couple of months of the year, in part due to cooler weather, followed by a record amount of tourism taxes collected in March.

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with State College of Florida’s 26 West Center for a series of workshops aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and fostering business growth.

The “Empowering Entrepreneurs: Unleashing Business Growth” workshop series is tailored to support businesses at all stages of development. Each workshop can be attended individually for $45, or bundled at $120. All workshops will be held 6-8 p.m. at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce building at 1945 Fruitville Road.

The series includes: ■ Blueprint for Success: Crafting Your Business Plan, Tuesday, June 4.

■ Social Media Marketing for Small Business, Tuesday, July 9.

■ Boost Your Brand: AI Marketing for Small Business, Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Registration is available at ­SarasotaChamber.com.

422673-1

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

DEEP IMPACT

A conceptual rendering of a portion of The Bay with a new performing arts center near the roundabout of 10th Street at U.S. 41. An actual design for the building has not been completed.

Study details how a Van Wezel ­replacement could mean $300M in new local tax revenues and $1.7B in construction.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

S

hould a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center be built, it would inject more

than $150 million into the local economy each year, not including

Courtesy images

$562 million in temporary spending

$275M PROJECT COST

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

and more than $300 million in new property tax and other tax revenues

Financial impact of a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center on Sarasota and Sarasota County according to HR&A.

over 30 years.

Those are the numbers provided CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

by HR&A Advisors, a New York City$562 million in temporary based economic development public spending during construction policy and real estate consulting firm including: that specializes in public-private ■ Nearly 3,200 temporary jobs project financial analysis.

■ $162 million in temporary The recently prepared report is wages one of the tools being employed by ■ Nearly $16 million in onethe Sarasota Performing Arts Fountime tax revenue dation to garner public and philanthropic support for the project, curANNUAL SPAC ECONOMIC rently estimated at approximately ACTIVITY $275 million. Should it win eventual $562 million in temporary approval of both city and county spending during construction governments, the investment will including: be equally divided between the pub■ 358,000 annual visitors lic and private sectors.

■ $162 million in temporary Public funding would be in the wages form of tax increment financing dis■ 1,200 permanent jobs trict revenue on improved property ■ $52 million in annual wages value in the areas surrounding The ■ $163 million in taxes over 30 Bay Park, state and federal grants, years penny tax revenue and ticket surcharges. The remaining $138 million NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS would be funded by philanthropy, At least $1.7 billion in new per agreement between the city and development on nearby parcels foundation. catalyzed by the SPAC and “From an economic perspective, surrounding The Bay Park the numbers are tremendous,” said yielding SPAF CEO Tania Castroverde MosLocalat least $150 million in new property tax revenues over kalenko. “You need to make a case Government 30 years. for support on the economic engine Funding that a new performing arts center $109M creates for a community. When a new performing arts center comes in that does fuel the economy. New architecture firm Renzo Piano Buildrestaurants, coffee shops and hotels ing Workshop of up to $44 million are built.” for all SPAC design work and related According to the HR&A report, the expenses. (See story on Page 14A.) additional seating capacity and other features planned for the SPAC will COUNTY FUNDING HESITANCY bring an additional 30% more eco- Two county commissioners who nomic benefit than does the current serve on The Bay Park Improvement Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, like Board last month said they will not the planned SPAC also a city asset recommend approval of the counthat is likely to remain in some form ty’s $11 million TIF revenue share for Other Funding as the city’s Purple Ribbon Commit- the Renzo Piano agreement. Mark $29M tee explores potential repurposing of Smith and Ron Cutsinger said they need more financial details on the the building.

Although not under the auspices actual cost of the project before they of The Bay Park Conservancy, the can suggest their colleagues release SPAC would serve as the anchor to those funds.

The city’s representatives on the The Bay, the 53-acre city park under development by the BPC but owned board, Mayor Liz Alpert and Comby the city. The Bay is also a public- missioner Debbie Trice, countered private venture with a similar fund- that those details cannot be provided ing model between the BPC, the city until a preliminary design is complete, and that can’t happen without and the county.

At Monday’s meeting, the City the design agreement.

To ensure the project moves forCommission voted to approve a contract with the Genoa, Italy-based ward, the SPAF committed not only

NEW ANNUAL PROPERTY TAXES FROM BAYFRONTADJACENT DEVELOPMENT $25M $20M $15M $10M

2047

2045

2043

2041

2039

2037

2035

2033

2031

2029

2027

2025

$5M $0M

would be funded by local government support of $109 million for Sarasota Performing Arts Center construction, out of total construction budget of $275 million.

Local Government Funding $109M Philanthropic Funding $138M

Other Funding $29M

$300M+ FISCAL IMPACT

including at least $151 million in new neighborhood property taxes and $179 million in other impacts. Operations, visitation and cultural tourism impacts are 30% greater than Van Wezel impacts would be if the Van Wezel maintained its current activity for another 30 years.

Operations $5M Construction $16M Visitation $43M Neighborhood Development $151M

Cultural Tourism $115M its half of the funding for the design agreement, but what would otherwise be the county’s portion.

“We were just wanting to be really thoughtful to express that we hear the concerns of the elected officials, and so we are going to advance the funds much like The Bay Park did in their Phase 1,” Castroverde Moskalenko said. “Then that gives us time to answer the questions that are being asked to because we don’t have the answers. Until we have that design concept, we’re not going to have the answers, so my board made a decision to advance the funds and it will count toward our 50% contribution.”

THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT

2023

hropic ng M

YourObserver.com

The HR&A report estimates direct economic impacts from on-site construction spending, operations and programming-related expenses plus off-site spending by SPAC visitors and cultural tourists. In addition, it factored indirect and induced impacts generated by the purchases made by suppliers of direct employers (indirect) and household spending of direct employees (induced).

Those indirect and induced impacts are known as the multiplier effect. Economists suggest each new dollar spent in a local economy generates between $1 to $3.50 in new spending as that dollar circulates, depending on the type of project.

On average, the multiplier effect is

about two to two-and-a-half times each dollar spent.

For the report, Indirect and induced impacts are estimated using the IMPLAN economic analysis software input-output model, a widely accepted model among public agencies to estimate the effects of new investments. IMPLAN industry data for Florida and Sarasota County as of 2020 were used to estimate impacts by industry. The resulting multiplier effect was added to direct expenditures to arrive at a project’s total impact.

Contributing to the impact are the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs, 1,200 permanent jobs and at least $1.7 billion in new development on surrounding parcels catalyzed by the SPAC and The Bay. The estimated $150 million in new annual economic activity is nearly twice the city’s general fund spending of $86 million in fiscal year 2023.

“That impact is due to more seating capacity, more spaces and also year-round programming, which is one of the things that we are planning on that we don’t have at this point,” Castroverde Moskalenko said.

The design agreement now codified, the SPAF and government officials will await the estimated cost of the project. Then the city and county commissions will weigh that against the economic and cultural benefits to determine whether to move forward.

3A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Experience

PERSONALIZED CARE & EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE DR. JOHN MASSEY, Au.D./CCC-A Board Certified Audiologist dedicated to providing quality hearing healthcare services. During Dr. Massey’s apprenticeship, he did research in psychoacoustics and speech perception.

He also has a background as a professional audio engineer and producer, which brings a unique knowledge of acoustics and signal processing to the practice.

• Hearing Evaluations (Adults & Pediatrics) • Custom Programming that is Individualized using Probe Tip Microphones • Veteran’s Discount

• Tinnitus Evaluation • Hearing Aid Consultations • Hearing Aid Fittings

Courtesy image

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

• Rehab & Preventive Hearing Consultations

Obsidian advances

Dr. Massey was very thorough

FREE Consultation 941.312.4274

would highly recommend him!

— SUE

MEMORIAL DAY

3333 Clark Road, Suite 170 Sarasota FL 34231

www.HearSarasota.com

Condo tower wins partial DRC sign-off but still faces staff scrutiny for street-level adjustments.

412441-1

and spent a lot of time with me explaining my hearing aid options. I

SALE

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

W

ith most technical comments addressed, the city’s Development Review Committee on May 15 granted partial sign-off for the controversial Obsidian condominium tower, also known as 1260 North Palm Residences.

The project has met with substantial resistance from neighboring downtown residences, particularly those in the adjacent Bay Plaza, over the height of the building proposed for the quarter-acre parcel.

They’ve accused developer Matt Kihnke of manipulating interstitial space to raise the building to 342 feet, the height reduced by 15 feet after an appeal for adjustments was rejected by the Planning Board on Jan. 10.

The height wasn’t among the adjustments sought by appeal to the Planning Board after being denied by Director of Planning Services Lucia Panica. Those were regarding reductions of habitable space on the first and second floors and parallel façade coverage at the street level.

Rather than appealing to the Sarasota City Commission, Hoyt Architects went back to the drawing board to make some changes before bringing the project back before the DRC. In addition to reducing the height, Hoyt redesigned the lower levels to come close to code requirements but requested adjustments still include: n Parallel façade coverage: A reduction of 26.53 feet, or 19.9%, along Palm Avenue to provide FPL transformer access, a driveway, and utility/backflow access.

STOREWIDE SPECIAL FACTORY PURCHASE

TAKE AN EXTRA 15% OFF All In-Stock Admiral Recliners in 6 beautiful colors*

OFF

EXTRA

15

%

OFF

EXTRA

20

%

OFF

ALL

CLEARANCE ITEMS

ALL

FABRIC UPHOLSTERY

ALL

FINE ART + ACCESSORIES

15

*

10

%

ALL

EXTRA

%

SELECT BDI

OFF

ALL

EXTRA

10

*

EXTRA

%

DINING ROOM

OFF

ALL

EXTRA

30

*

%

OFF

COPELAND * OF VERMONT

n Habitable space: A reduction of 5.91 linear feet or 5.5%, to provide pedestrian access to the parking garage directly from a frontage line as required. Also, a reduction of 10.82 linear feet, or 7.4%, of habitable space on the second floor to provide a fire command center in a location approved by the fire marshal. n Retail frontage. A reduction of 9.91 feet, or 9.3%, of retail, service or office frontage on the ground level to accommodate required stairs to the second level and required garage entrance. The existing retail space on the site is 6,350 square feet, according to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. The plan will provide a total of 6,227 square feet of retail space, 97% of the existing retail space.

When announcing the partial sign-off, Development Review Planner Amy Bavin made clear to observers in the audience and those viewing online that it doesn’t mean the project is closer to approval.

“I just want to note that that is not approving the site plan,” Bavin said. “The zoning comments still need to be addressed and the other conditions that were discussed by the zoning comments, such as the adjustments, need to be approved.

That will all need to be addressed prior to site plan approval.”

George Scarf of Hoyt Architects also took the opportunity to offer some clarity of his own.

“One thing I do want to clarify that’s been out in the public quite often is this project has not been renamed,” Scarf said. “The 2023 application was 1260 North Palm Residences, and it’s still 1260 North Palm Residences. For the record, we want to make sure everybody understands it has not been renamed.”

Translated, that means the application name is the address of the development, but the project remains called Obsidian Residences.

WEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER POOL BUILDER

copenhagen imports 7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231

See Sales Associate for Details *Off MSRP

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

424322-1

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

Design•Build•Maintain

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

Professional In-House Construction Call today to schedule an appointment

AUDITOR INFORMATION

941.927.1882 422917-1

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

422879-1

4A

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

of West Florida, Inc. Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

5A

MORE WORK TO DO

Andrew Warfield

Obsidian would be built on this site next to Bay Plaza. The single-story building with seven storefronts will be demolished.

Courtesy image

A rendering of One Park West (center) as viewed from Quay Commons looking north.

THE TRUSTED CHOICE // We know that choosing where to receive care after a life-changing illness or injury is an important decision.

When you choose our hospital for your rehabilitation, you receive compassionate care from an expert team that works together to help you meet your unique goals. Our clinicians combine innovative technologies and advanced therapies into a treatment plan that helps you achieve what’s important to you.

Your dedicated care team includes: • Occupational, physical and speech therapists

• Pharmacists • Case managers

• Physicians • Registered nurses • Dietitians Conditions we treat: • Brain injuries • Neurological disorders • Parkinson’s disease

• Spinal cord injuries • Stroke • And many more

You have a choice for your rehabilitative care.

Choose to get back to what matters most.

encompasshealth.com/sarasotarehab

©2024:Encompass Health Corporation:MyTurn

Please join us at an upcoming

Community Education Program.

Learn from healthcare experts on a variety of topics, hosted by Encompass Health.

Community Health Seminar “Get Your Life Back: Understanding Leg Pain and Venous Disease”

Presented by Dr. Jeffrey B. Edwards of Sarasota Vascular Specialists Wednesday, May 29, 2024 • 5PM Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 6400 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota Light dinner provided.

RSVP 941.921.8625

Community Cardiac Support Group Thursday, June 6 • Noon-1:30pm

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce 2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte Lunch provided.

RSVP 941.376.2747 For more information on these programs and others, please scan the QR code or call 941.705.7070.

417696-1

Three other projects did not receive partial sign-off and require resubmittals to the DRC: Sarasota Housing Authority’s Lofts on Lemon II, Property Market Group’s One Park West and GL Real Estate’s Artists Court.

Lofts on Lemon II will add 100 rental units, all priced at affordable/attainable levels at 80% of area median income or lower in an eightstory building, which includes three levels of parking. Combined with the first phase, the project will total 228 affordable housing units.

At the outset, Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects made a plea that because of the complexities of funding application deadlines for public housing he hoped for at least a partial sign-off on Wednesday. However, because Bavin was filling in for the project’s case planner, Noah Fossick, who was attending an out-oftown conference, she said she had no authority to grant his request.

“I did hear your plea, Mr. Gallagher, however, I’m not qualified to offer partial sign-off on this,” Bavin said.

“I was directed to request that you return to the DRC. If you’d like an additional meeting set up to assure that you would be able to get partial sign-off at the next meeting I would encourage you to do that.”

Artists Court will be a 10-story, 242-unit market-rate rental development that includes 26 attainable housing units located at South Washington Boulevard and Adams Lane. The development is taking advantage of the downtown attainable housing bonus density program.

One Park West represents the final block of The Quay either not approved, under development or completed. Located on Block 9, it is across Quay Commons from its sister development, One Park, also being built by Property Markets Group. It is planned as an 18-story, 75-unit condominium tower that will offer entry into The Quay at a price range between $1.1 million and $3 million.

One Park is also still undergoing the administrative review process.

All developments in The Quay must be approved by the Planning Board but do not go before the City Commission.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

GROW Lowering the boom YOUR OWN WE CAN HELP!

• Potting Soil • Compost • Garden Fertilizers

City Commission OKs noise ordinance revisions that reduce vehicle speaker volume.

• Organic Pest Control • Hydroponics • & Tons More!

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

D

Helpful Service, Huge Selection, Great Prices

412297-1

941-301-8402 growgoods.com 4428 Bee Ridge Rd Sarasota, FL

Your Luxury Lifestyle Awaits Furnished Model Home Open To Tour

WINNER 2024 PARADE OF HOMES BEST OVERALL

SIESTA KEY WATERFRONT LOCATION

THE WINDEMERE

THE ISLANDER

1550 S Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

558 Venice Ln, Sarasota, FL 34242

$4,438,000 with Leaseback

$4,985,000

4,189 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3 Car Garage Study | Media Room | Pool and Spa

4,170 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 2 Car Garage Study | Media Room | Pool and Spa

MLS A4566256

MLS A4589732 *Rendering shown of Hansen St. Property

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION FALL 2024

ANTICIPATED COMPLETION FALL 2024

THE SAND DOLLAR

THE BAHAMA

118 N Warbler Ln, Sarasota, FL 34236

Offering Two Opportunities West of Trail

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

3934 Sunshine Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231 2,642 Sq. Ft | $1,818,000 MLS A4541484

Take Advantage of These Limited Opportunities Heritage Builders is pleased to announce these five unique custom homes located in Sarasota’s most desirable neighborhoods. These striking residences feature the same cutting-edge layouts, luxurious appointments and superior construction quality that have made Heritage Builders Sarasota’s leading custom home designer and builder.

Please contact us today to learn more about these limited opportunities.

Custom Homes | West of Trail Homes | Waterfront Residences

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

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

HB Realty Group, Inc. | Licensed Real Estate Broker

uring the past 18 months or so, a lot of noise has been made at City Hall about noise, prompting the Sarasota City Commission to consider new action to ensure the ease of enjoyment of homeowners, particularly downtown residents living within earshot of entertainment venues.

In February the City Commission directed City Attorney Robert Fournier to revisit the city’s noise ordinance. The action was prompted by late-night loud music emanating from downtown dining and entertainment venues, specifically El Melvin on Main Street, disturbing residents of condos above the street.

Although the El Melvin matter appears to have been voluntarily mitigated by the restaurant, the city attorney’s office has been working to ensure the future peaceful coexistence of businesses and residents.

When cracking open an ordinance for review, though, everything is fair game, including perhaps the historical legal application of the word “normal.”

During his review of the city’s noise ordinance, Fournier plucked two pieces of low-hanging fruit for the commissioners to consider, saving the complex matter of decibel levels and the problematic enforcement thereof for a later date.

On Monday, the City Commission considered two housekeeping items related to the noise ordinance: enforcement of amplified sound emanating from motor vehicles and how noise citations are adjudicated.

First was setting the baseline for loud vehicle speakers, as commissioners unanimously approved rescinding the city’s standard of plainly audible from 50 feet away from the source to the state statute distance of 25 feet. The city went with its own local ordinance in 2012 after the Florida Supreme Court invalidated a state statute over a constitutional technicality — exempting such amplified sound for commercial and political reasons.

If it’s about safety and nuisance, the court reasoned, then the statute should apply equally.

“Two years ago, the Legislature finally corrected the deficiency in the statute, and so we can now return to enforcing the statute,” Fournier told commissioners. “We don’t need a local ordinance to address the subject matter that these provisions apply uniformly statewide.”

That means, once approved on second reading, the Sarasota Police Department can now cite windowrattling, music-blaring vehicles that may be heard from a distance of 25 feet.

The second unanimously approved ordinance shifts the adjudication of all noise citations from the county court to a special magistrate, whose decisions may be appealed to the

Courtesy image

county court. The special magistrate, Fournier said, would allow for more convenient scheduling for both law enforcement and violators and save on court costs.

Beyond practicality, that discussion prompted a debate over the phrase “normal sensibilities.”

“I just have a question about the language,” said Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch. “It says, ‘or endangers the comfort, repose, health or peace of a reasonable person of normal sensibilities.’ My concern is about the words ‘normal sensibilities.’”

Pledging to seek alternative terminology before the ordinance returns for a second reading, Fournier said “normal” is a long-accepted legal standard.

“You have to have a standard there that would it bother a person of normal sensibilities as opposed to a person who is hyper-sensitive, which wouldn’t be fair to the violators because you could get someone who just can’t take any noise at all,” Fournier said. “You have to have some standard there that’s reasonable that wouldn’t be offensive to a person of normal or reasonable sensibilities.”

With the agreement of Commissioner Debbie Trice, Ahearn-Koch said her point was to carefully select language that incorporates sensitivity toward those with disabilities.

“Generally, under the law, the reasonable man standard is usually how things are judged,” said Mayor Liz Alpert, an attorney by trade.

“Would a reasonable man of general sensibilities be offended?”

Ahearn-Koch said “reasonable” would be preferable to “normal,” leaving Fournier to find an inoffensive word that would also hold up to legal scrutiny.

Trice asked Fournier about the next level of enforcement should a violator not be able to pay the resulting fine, citing the example of an individual blaring a boombox in a residential neighborhood.

“If someone can’t pay the fine then they should be careful not to violate the ordinance, so that’s my first recommendation,” Fournier said.

Steering the discussion back to the matter at hand, Alpert reminded commissioners that the bulk of the revised noise ordinance will be back before commissioners later this year.

“Essentially, this is not what this is about because we will be going into the sound ordinance later. This is basically about changing it to the special magistrate.”

Changes in the Sarasota city noise ordinance will prohibit audible amplified sound from inside motor vehicles from traveling more than 25 feet.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS. EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS. “ We’re committed to delivering exceptional service

that exceeds your expectations. With our deep understanding of the Sarasota market and an Award-Winning track record of successes, we’re passionate about turning your real estate dreams into reality.”

- Georgia and Steve Salaverri Windsor Group

SALAVERRIWINDSORGROUP.COM (941) 260-6429 INFO@SALAVERRIWINDSORGROUP.COM

423822-1

MLS A4557763

1625 Hansen St, Sarasota, FL 34231 3,157 Sq. Ft. | $2,449,000 MLS A4538727

415337-1

6A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

M E M O R I A L Save Up To

D A Y

S A L E

Take An Extra

60% OFF

20% OFF

*Limited time only! Exclusions apply.

*Limited time only! Exclusions apply.

S T O R E W I D E

7A

A C C E S S O R I E S

UNIVERSAL FURNITURE QUEEN BED NOW ONLY $1299 (RETAIL $2659)

LIVE YOUR BEST FLORIDA LIFE!

NATUZZI EDITIONS 100% LEATHER SOFA NOW ONLY $1999 (RETAIL $3619)

HOOKER FURNITURE DINING TABLE NOW ONLY $1999 (RETAIL $4069)

Explore a sea of savings in every showroom! Shop your favorite brands at unbeatable prices for every room in your home.

PLUS! DON’T MISS OUR INSTANT SAVINGS

$150 OFF

$300 OFF

$500 OFF

Valid on furniture purchases of $1,500 or more.

One per address, valid on new sales only. No cash value. Some exclusions apply. Not applicable on clearance, closeout items, MSRP products, special value items or accessories. Excludes Stressless®, Temper-Pedic®, Sealy® and Stearns & Foster®.

Must bring coupon in store to claim offer.

Expires 05/27/2024

Valid on furniture purchases of $3,000 or more.

One per address, valid on new sales only. No cash value. Some exclusions apply. Not applicable on clearance, closeout items, MSRP products, special value items or accessories. Excludes Stressless®, Temper-Pedic®, Sealy® and Stearns & Foster®.

Must bring coupon in store to claim offer.

Expires 05/27/2024

Valid on furniture purchases of $5,000 or more.

One per address, valid on new sales only. No cash value. Some exclusions apply. Not applicable on clearance, closeout items, MSRP products, special value items or accessories. Excludes Stressless®, Temper-Pedic®, Sealy® and Stearns & Foster®.

Must bring coupon in store to claim offer.

Expires 05/27/2024

425320-1

matterbrothersfurniture.com |

8A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

OPINION / OUR VIEW

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

The price for our liberty

“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.”

At 3 p.m. Monday, pay your respects: At least observe a moment of silence or listen to ‘Taps.’

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

C

ome Monday, many Americans will simply enjoy a day off from work, perhaps barbecue, go the beach, get drunk or stoned. But some Americans, not many in proportion to 330 million of us, actually will honor the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is the national holiday we commemorate and remember every American who died in service to our country.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, that number now exceeds 1,226,330 — from the Revolutionary War through 2022. The largest number of military losses occurred in the Civil War (498,332) and World War II (405,399).

Those totals are incomprehensible. The deaths during the Civil War and World War II are the equivalent of wiping out the populations of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

What’s more, think of the effects: the lost lives and their lost futures and the families — the millions and millions more who had to mourn the deaths of their loved ones.

For what?

The Revolutionary War was for liberty. World Wars I and II and the Korean and Vietnam wars were to stop the advancement of totalitarian dictators and the destruction

File images

Students from Sarasota Military Academy each year remind attendees at the annual Memorial Day Parade on Main Street in Sarasota of the price of freedom.

and enslavement of democratic societies. Typically, war occurs because megalomaniac rulers and dictators (not leaders) believe they are entitled to more land, more economic resources and more power — and have no compunction about sacrificing the lives of their people toward those ends. Today, think: Putin, Hamas, Iran, etc.

On Memorial Day, think of the banner that the students from Sarasota Military Academy carry in Sarasota’s Memorial Day parade: “Freedom is not Free.” And perhaps do what President Bill Clinton inaugurated for every Memorial Day. He declared it also a National Day of Remembrance — to pause at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence or to listen to a rendition of “Taps.”

God bless America. God bless those who died for the cause of freedom.

— Matt Walsh

Rand: The ‘supreme value’ and virtue of our military Editor’s note: In 1974, “Atlas Shrugged” author and philosopher Ayn Rand spoke to the West Point graduating class. The title of her remarks: “Philosophy: Who needs it.”

Toward the end of her speech, Rand spoke of her admiration for West Point graduates and the U.S. military. Although 40 years old, her remarks — much like her philosophy and two best-sellers, “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead” — are still relevant today, particularly so as we commemorate Memorial Day: … In this context I want to say I have always admired the posture of West Point graduates. I mean it.

A posture that projects man in proud disciplined control of his body.

Well, philosophical training gives men the proper intellectual posture.

A proud disciplined control of his mind.

In your own profession, in military science, you know the importance of keeping track of the enemy’s weapons, strategy and tactics. And of being prepared to counter them.

The same is true in philosophy.

You have to understand the enemy’s ideas and be prepared to refute them.

You have to know his basic arguments and be able to blast them.

In physical warfare, you would not send your men into a booby trap. You would make every effort to discover its location.

Well, (Immanuel) Kant’s system is the biggest and most intricate booby trap in the history of philosophy.

But it’s so full of holes that once you grasp its gimmick, you can defuse it without any trouble and walk forward over it in perfect safety.

And once it is defused, the lesser Kantians, the lower ranks of his army, the philosophical sergeants, buck privates and mercenaries of today will fall of their own weightlessness by chain reaction.

There is a special reason why you, the future leaders of the United States Army, need to be philosophically armed today.

You are the target of a special attack by the Kantian Hegelian collectivist establishment that

dominates our cultural institutions at present.

You are the army of the last semi-free country left on earth. Yet you are accused of being a tool of imperialism.

And imperialism is the name given to the foreign policy of this country, which has never engaged in military conquest and has never profited from the two world wars which it did not initiate but entered and won.

It was, incidentally, a foolishly over-generous policy, a policy Ayn Rand which made this country waste her wealth on helping both her allies and her former enemies.

Something called the military industrial complex, which is a myth or worse, is being blamed for all of this country’s troubles.

College hoodlums scream demands that ROTC units be banned from college campuses.

Our defense budget is being attacked, denounced and undercut by people who claim that financial priority should be given to ecological rose gardens and to classes in aesthetic self-expression for the residents of the slums. Some of you may be bewildered by this campaign and may be wondering in good faith what errors you committed to bring it about.

If so, it is urgently important for you to understand the nature of the enemy.

You are attacked not for any errors or flaws, but for your virtues.

You are denounced not for any weaknesses but for your strengths and your competence.

You are penalized for being the protectors of the United States.

On a lower level of the same issue, a similar kind of campaign is conducted against the police force.

Those who seek to destroy this country seek to disarm it intellectually and physically.

But it is not a mere political issue.

Politics is not the cause but the last consequence of philosophical ideas.

It is not a communist conspiracy, though some communists may be involved as maggots cashing in on

MEMORIAL DAY AT NATIONAL

CEMETERY

Each Memorial Day weekend, the National Cemetery in Sarasota is crowded with patriotic Americans paying their respects to the more than 34,000 veterans and their spouses who are buried there.

Memorial Day services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at the cemetery pavilion. Flags also will be placed on the gravesites Saturday.

The cemetery is located at 9810 State Road 72. It is open each day from dawn to dusk.

a disaster they had no power to originate.

The motive of the destroyers is not love for communism but hatred for America.

Why hatred?

Because America is the living refutation of a Kantian universe.

Today’s mawkish concern with and compassion for the people, the flawed, the suffering, the guilty, is a cover for the profoundly Kantian hatred of the innocent, the strong, the able, the successful, the virtuous, the confident, the happy.

A philosophy out to destroy man’s mind is necessarily a philosophy of hatred for man, for man’s life and for every human value.

Hatred of the good for being the good is the hallmark of the 20th century.

This is the enemy you are facing.

A battle of this kind requires special weapons.

It has to be fought with a full understanding of your cause, a full confidence in yourself and the fullest certainty of the moral rightness of both.

Only philosophy can provide you with these weapons.

The assignment I gave myself for tonight is not to sell you on my philosophy but on philosophy as such.

I have, however, been speaking implicitly of my philosophy in every sentence since none of us and no statement can escape from philosophical premises.

What is my selfish interest in the matter?

I am confident enough to think that if you accept the importance of philosophy and the task of examining it critically, it is my philosophy that you will come to accept.

Formally, I call it objectivism, but informally, I call it a philosophy for living on earth.

You will find an explicit presentation of it in my books, particularly in “Atlas Shrugged.”

In conclusion, allow me to speak in personal terms.

This evening means a great deal to me. I feel deeply honored by the opportunity to address you.

I can say not as a patriotic bromide, but with full knowledge of the necessary metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, political and aesthetic roots that the United States of America is the greatest, the noblest, and in its original founding principles, the only moral country in the history of the world.

There is a kind of quiet radiance associated in my mind with the name West Point because you have preserved the spirit of those original founding principles, and you are their symbol.

There were contradictions and omissions in those principles, and they may be in yours, but I am speaking of the essentials.

There may be individuals in your history who did not live up to your highest standards, as there are in every institution, since no institution and no social system can guarantee the automatic perfection of all its members.

This depends on an individual’s free will.

I am speaking of your standards.

You have preserved three qualities of character, which were typical at the time of America’s birth, but are virtually nonexistent today.

Earnestness, dedication, a sense of honor.

Honor is self-esteem made visible in action.

You have chosen to risk your lives for the defense of this country.

I will not insult you by saying that you are dedicated to selfless service.

It is not a virtue in my morality.

In my morality, the defense of one’s country means that a man is personally unwilling to live as the conquered slave of any enemy, foreign or domestic.

This is an enormous virtue.

Some of you may not be consciously aware of it.

I want to help you to realize it.

The army of a free country has a great responsibility: The right to use force, but not as an instrument of compulsion and brute conquest, as the armies of other countries have done in their histories. Only as an instrument of a free nation’s self-defense, which means the defense of man’s individual rights.

The principle of using force only in retaliation against those who initiate its use is the principle of subordinating might to right.

The highest integrity and sense of honor are required for such a task.

No other army in the world has achieved it.

You have.

West Point has given America a long line of heroes, known and unknown.

You, this year’s graduates, have a glorious tradition to carry on, which I admire profoundly, not because it is a tradition, but because it is glorious.

Since I came from a country guilty of the worst tyranny on earth, I am particularly able to appreciate the meaning, the greatness and the supreme value of that which you are defending.

So in my own name and in the name of many people who think as I do, I want to say to all the men of West Point, past, present and future. … Thank you.

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

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023) 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

YourObserver.com © 2024 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

YourObserver.com

Zoning keeps greedy developers in check

Sarasota County breaks ground on another facility in the Fruitville Commons area.

STAFF WRITER

T

he Fruitville Commons area of eastern Sarasota County is developing into a one-stop destination for much of the county’s services and facilities.

Apex Road between Fruitville Road and Palmer Boulevard just south of Fruitville Road is home to a branch of the Sarasota County Library and History Center, the Employee Health Center, the future Enterprise Information Technology facility and the underway construction of the new administration building. Forming the backdrop to it all is the 400-acre Celery Fields, a county park.

Last Friday, the county held a groundbreaking for its latest facil-

ity, a “one-stop shop” to house its Planning and Development Services operations at the northwest corner of Apex Road and Palmer Boulevard, that intersection scheduled to be rebuilt as a roundabout.

While the four-and-a-halfacre site has been cleared, ceremonial dirt was flung by shovelwielding county officials to mark the start of construction of the 55,600-square-foot building that will house the county’s property management, planning and zoning, environmental protection, building code enforcement, business administration, neighborhood services and development review personnel.

Spaces will include general office, customer service, conference rooms, training rooms and more.

Courtesy image

The new Sarasota County Planning and Development Services One Stop Shop will be located on Apex Road at Palmer Boulevard.

Andrew Warfield

Sarasota County staff and elected officials toss the ceremonial dirt to mark the groundbreaking of the new Planning and Development Services One Stop Shop.

“We take great pride in creating spaces and opportunities where everyone can flourish and we prioritize serving the community members of Sarasota County doing our best to provide more living options for our residents,” said Planning and Development Services Director Matt Osterhoudt.

The goal of the one-stop shop is to centralize all the planning services operations to improve efficiency and convenience to customers and residents. Planning for the facility began in summer 2022, the design process finished in winter 2023 and construction is estimated to be completed in fall 2025.

The new administration building, under construction about a mile away, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

The one-stop shop comes at a time of rapid development in unincorporated Sarasota County.

According to Osterhoudt, over the past five years Planning Development Services has facilitated construction of more than 4,000 multifamily and more than 10,000 single-family residential units.

“The building development services department is a major component of the Sarasota County government,” said County Com-

mission Chairman Mike Moran.

“For the last five years combined, they’ve issued more than 220,000 permits.

“This building will better the permitting process for our staff and community members.”

The new building will house all divisions of the Planning and Development Services Department, including Property Management, Planning and Zoning, Environmental Protection, Building and Code Enforcement, Planning and Development Services’ business and administration staff, Neighborhood Services staff and the Development Review Coordination team.

It will also serve as the operations center for the damage assessment team during the recovery phase following hurricanes or other natural disaster events.

“The design of the one-stop shop is remarkable,” said Moran.

“Its unique design and architectural features blend in with the surrounding area, exemplifying its variety of mixed land uses. We are excited to have another building so close to some of our other Sarasota County facilities to make it easier for our community to connect with its government.”

Mr. Walsh’s understanding of design and zoning (“Zoning: Killer of creativity,” May 16) is a perfect example of our current “Looking Glass” world where good is bad and day is night.

As first legislated in the United States in 1904, and upheld by the Supreme Court in 1926, zoning laws are a “nuisance-preventing device,” established to prevent greedy and unscrupulous developers from constructing buildings that would rob light and air from neighboring structures and prohibit unsavory or inappropriate uses adjacent to others (think bars next to schools and churches or industrial refining next to residential areas).

Zoning laws are why we have setbacks between houses, buffer zones between buildings and wetlands and commercial areas gathered together, creating walkable environments, such as Sarasota’s Main Street.

Zoning laws are not antiproperty rights, but instead ensure equal property rights for all. If they have been used for discriminatory purposes in the past, modern adjustments to the laws have made progress toward mandating fair and equitable planning for all communities.

I agree that the building in the view of Tamiami Trail that Mr. Walsh provided, while possibly adhering to the Sarasota 2020 Master Plan form-based zoning code, should never have been approved by our planning department due to its height, length and closeness to the road.

We need our planners to use common sense in interpreting the zoning code, and who will not bend to greedy developers’ demands.

Zoning laws have not made our towns or cities ugly. The architects (of any sex) are beholden to their clients, clients who, unfortunately, put profit over good design values.

— ANDREW BLANDA SARASOTA

W NE ICE PR

W NE ICE PR

OPEN 10 AM - 2 PM SATURDAY MAY 25 641 KEY ROYALE DR | $9.25M

LETTER

One-stop campus ANDREW WARFIELD

9A

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

3201 CASEY KEY RD | $4.6M

4940 PEACEABLE WAY | $4.25M

816 EDGEMERE LN | $2.75M

W NE ICE PR

DEFINING THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF LUXURY 7345 PINE NEEDLE RD | $2.345M

IN G

ING

4644 HIGEL AVE | $1.85M SO

SO

LD

LD

BAY ISLAND | SIESTA KEY | $4.5M

ND

ND

7435 SANDERLING RD | $2.8M

1280 HIDDEN HARBOR WAY | $7M 3722 FLAMINGO AVE | $6.65M 778 SIESTA DR | $6M 3731 INDIAN BEACH PL | $6M 4034 ROBERTS POINT RD | $5.6M 1035 SEASIDE DR #501 | $5.1M 521 CASEY KEY RD | $5M 832 FREELING DR | $4.8M 8415 MIDNIGHT PASS RD | $4.775M 3650 FLAMINGO AVE | $4.5M 854 N CASEY KEY RD | $4.35M 5315 HIDDEN HARBOR RD | $4.15M

PE

PE

SOLD

BAY ISLAND | SIESTA KEY | $4.8M

Successfully Connecting Buyers and Sellers of Luxury Properties Since 1999 Ranked in the Top 1.5% of Realtors ® in the USA

1

No.

SIESTA KEY’S TOP SELLING REALTOR ® SINCE 2005

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

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

418226-1

Over $175 Million in Sales 2022-2023 Over $60 Million Pending & Sold in 2024

10A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Recession resilience Economist tells commissioners any near-term downturn should have little effect on county budgeting.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

File image

Sarasota’s single-family home market has stayed strong despite pressure from increasing mortgage rates.

WHAT’S NEXT? June 1: Preliminary property values report from the county tax assessor June 19-21: Budget workshops July 1: Final property values report from the county tax assessor July 10: Set maximum millage rate Aug. 23: Budget workshop (if needed) Sept. 12: Budget public hearing Sept. 26: Budget public hearing and adoption

credit availability index are a fraction of the levels in 2004-2006.

“You still have a shortage and very high median sales prices,” Snaith said. “I think the massive price gains

we’ve gotten to are at the end of that episode here. But I wouldn’t anticipate any of the price declines that we experienced in 2008 and 2009, which means that revenue based on property valuation should not take too much of a hit here going forward.

I think Florida is in the best position it’s been to handle a slowdown or recession at the national level in some time.”

If there is an area of concern, it is commercial real estate, not including the apartment market that Snaith said continues to thrive thanks to a continued housing shortage.

The post-COVID hybrid and remote work environments in particular are driving down real estate investment trusts in commercial space, particularly offices.

The eventual resulting decline in assessed value of commercial real estate will adversely affect property tax revenues.

“I don’t know what the mix is. I

think it’s somewhere in between,” Snaith said of the in-office work percentage. “Once people had a taste of (remote work), that’s going to be part of the labor market going forward, so there will have to be some adjustment in the office space of commercial real estate because of that. To what extent I don’t know.”

Other aspects of commercial real estate are at risk as well.

“Commercial real estate is a derived demand for other goods and services,” Snaith said. “Slowing down that demand in other areas of the economy can trickle down certainly into commercial real estate.”

The remainder of the workshop included midyear financial reports as well as transit system updates and capital improvement project updates. The commission will enter the heart of budget season June 19-21 with fiscal year 2025 budget proposals and constitutional officer requests department presentations.

55+ ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY NOW OPEN IN PA L M E R R A N C H

Limited-time offer!

Get two months free on a 13-month lease.

7350 HONORE AVE (813) 725-3616

•

•

SARASOTA, FL 34238

mira-apts.com

423754-1

S

hould the U.S. economy go into a recession, which remains possible but appears less likely, Sarasota County is in a position to weather the economic storm better than most.

During the Sarasota County Commission’s May 15 budget workshop, Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting at the University of Central Florida, gave his annual remarks to commissioners, setting the tone for the budget season.

Although he predicted a recession in 2023 during last year’s forecast, he told commissioners that still could occur, but even if it does, Florida and the greater Sarasota metropolitan statistical area stretching from North Port to Bradenton, while not recession-proof, are well positioned, thanks largely to continued population influx that bolsters the housing market.

As for the business of government, that means property value stability combined with tourism, sales and other tax dollars funding county operations should be adequate to meet the needs of a growing population.

“There were a lot of indicators that were pointing toward the U.S. economy going into recession, and there was broad consensus among economists that recession was going to happen in 2023,” Snaith said. “It did not happen, and we ended the year with two very strong quarters of economic growth.”

However, it’s not all good news.

“I might add that many of these indicators are still pointing in the direction of an economic slowdown.”

Snaith amended his prior year outlook to such a deceleration, but not necessarily a downturn, adding that post-COVID government fiscal policy has upended economic predictability.

“I think it’s sort of scrambled the wires a bit and the signals that are lighting up are not as reliable in this environment as they have been,” he said.

Mortgage interest rates recently topping out at 8%, for example, have adversely impacted residential real estate here but not significantly in the wake of the mid- to late-pandemic run-up in prices.

Single-family closings were down 8.2% year-over-year in March at 1,453, down from 1,582 in March 2023. Prices slipped slightly as well at 1.9%, the median sales price at $500,000 in March compared to $509,500 the year prior. It still remains a sellers’ market at a 4.7-month supply. Six months’ supply is considered a balanced market.

Snaith said the surge in housing prices from 2020-2023 is not reflective of that from 2004-2006 because: n Mortgage lending standards tightened during the pandemic and were far from the easy lending that fueled the housing bubble of 20042006. n The wave of foreclosures and short sales that caused housing prices to plunge after 2006 will not repeat itself in the wake of the 20202022 price surge. n Recent values of the mortgage

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

11A

1199 Westway Drive, Lido Shores

149 Mckinley Drive, Lido Key

$12,000,000 | Land | Web# A4587932

$5,495,000 | 9 BR, 8.5 BA | Web# A4610225

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332

Inbal August M: 917.957.8111

1632 Floyd Street, Sarasota

3381 Bayou Sound, Longboat Key

$2,850,000 | 4 BR, 4.5 BA | Web# A4593582

$2,750,000 | 4 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4599569

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Lisa Rooks Morris: M 941.544.3332 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

3540 Bayou Circle, Longboat Key

16739 Verona Place, Lakewood Ranch

$1,999,000 | 3 BR, 3 BA | Web# A4588697

$1,950,000 | 4 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4605328

Inbal August M: 917.957.8111

Lisa Otte: M 941.281.5472

340 S Palm Avenue, 15, Sarasota

19198 New Haven Court, Section 79

$1,890,000 | 3 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# A4596801

$649,900 | 3 BR, 2 BA | Web# A4599083

Amy Drake: M 941.376.9346 Julie Guirguis: M 440.503.3713

Michele Vena: M 781.443.3582

420047-1

1350 MAIN ST, SARASOTA, FL 34236. 941.867.6199 © 2024 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

elliman.com

Make Your Next Move Exceptional

12A

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

COPS CORNER

MONDAY, MAY 13

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 9

DEADBOLT DISPLACEMENT 11:38 p.m., 1900 block of Cocoanut Avenue Family dispute: After 13 years of marriage, a man’s wife changed the lock on the front door and refused to let him enter the house.

An officer made contact with the man upon arrival at the home, who advised of the situation at hand. The officer then spoke with the wife, who said the couple were going through a breakup and she did not want the man in the house.

The officer explained to her the legal eviction process and how to file for a divorce. It was determined no crime had been committed.

MAN OF MYSTERY 12:53 a.m., 300 block of Crosby Court Prowler: An officer responded to a call about a man approximately 40 years old standing in the complainant’s yard and staring at her house shortly after dispatch advised he had left in a silver sedan. The officer spotted the car nearby and “stealthily” approached it, observing a subject matching the description standing near the rear, who appeared to be adjusting some equipment that was protruding from the trunk.

When the officer identified himself, the man told him to perform an explicit physical act upon himself, ran toward the rear yard of a nearby property, jumped the fence and continued fleeing the scene.

The officer gave chase before losing sight of the subject.

After the chase ended without success, the officer made contact with the complainant, who said she did not notice any missing items from the property. A neighbor said she is acquainted with the man who owns the vehicle, but only knows his first name. Visiting the address where the vehicle is registered, the officer reported not getting a response at the door.

Without positive identification of the subject and lacking further information, the case was deactivated.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

DEBT COLLECTOR 3:02 p.m., 1700 block of Gore Court Disturbance: A neighbor has been

trespassing in a complainant’s yard on a continuing basis, and the residents had finally had enough and called law enforcement. Officers met with the complainant who stated a man has been walking through their property and bothering them.

One officer met with the subject, who stated he gave the complainant’s father $20 two weeks ago and that he goes to the house to request repayment. Eventually, he told the officer he decided to no longer worry about asking for the money, but was issued a trespassing warning and was advised to cease and desist all contact with the family.

instead determined that climbing the fence was a preferable option.

One subject said they were inside the construction site only briefly.

The other subject refused to speak with officers.

The police report did not verify the veracity of their claimed ejection from the nearby hotel. Unable to make contact with a “key holder” of the construction site to determine whether to press charges, both subjects were released from the scene.

DAZED AND CONFUSED? 11:56 p.m., 300 block of North Tamiami Trail Disturbance: Two males were spotted jumping a fence in a construction site in The Quay. A security guard told officers he saw the two leaving the site after climbing the enclosure and continuing southbound on U.S. 41, adding that he did not see them take anything.

He advised he would be able to identify the subjects if found.

An officer located both subjects near the Gulfstream Avenue roundabout, read their Miranda rights and began questioning the men. One subject stated they were evicted from The Westin hotel and, having wandered away in an obviously disoriented fashion, became lost. They somehow “accidentally” entered the construction area through an opening in the fence and, rather than exiting the property the same way they entered,

ENJOY THE POOL, SUN & FUN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND GREAT SPECIALS ALL WEEKEND LONG! HAPPY HOUR DAILY

Food 3:30 - 5:30pm Drinks 8am - 5:30pm Live Music Fri. & Sat. - 5:30-9pm

p Sho es tor In-S line n or O W NO

SUNDAY CHEESE FONDUE

4-9pm - Reservations Only (Min. 2 ppl) Cheese Fondue & Swiss Wines

MONDAY HAPPY HOUR

All Day at the Tiki & Cafe

TUESDAY $5 TACOS Trivia Night 6pm

WEDNESDAY SNOW CRAB

$22.99 - 1lb. | $39.99 - 2lbs.

3-7pm Yappy Hour for the Dogs!

SWIMWEAR | RESORT WEAR | ACCESSORIES

THURSDAY PRIME RIB

$24.99 - 12oz. with Salad & 2 Sides

FRIDAY FISH FRY

$18.99 All You Can Eat

SATURDAY 7 FRESH FISH Market Price

AMAZING LUNCH & DINNER AT THE TIKI BAR

$5 OFF BREAKFAST

$7.50 OFF LUNCH

$10 OFF DINNER

with Purchase of 2 Entrees Not valid on holidays and events.

SAVE THE DATE

2nd Thursday of the Month FREE Summer Bash Block Party 5-9pm Featured Band - Bandanna

Last Thursday of the Month

Classy Comedy Dinner Show 7-8:30pm Show & Dinner Buffet

$69 pp (tax + gratuity included) First Sunday of the Month

Singles Dance Party | 6-10pm | Ages 45 & Up Breakfast Daily 8-11am Authentic Swiss Brunch, Classic Breakfast, House Specials

LONGBOAT 3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr 941.383.2288

MAINLAND

www.SwimCity.com 425624-1

DOWNTOWN 50 N Tamiami Trl 941.954.8800

420343-1

SIESTA KEY 1960 Stickney Pt Rd 941.922.4545

FREE EVENT

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

1660 S. Tamiami Trail Osprey FL 34229

941-966-2121 • WWW.CHEFROLF.US

Plants & Decor

for yo balcony & lanai!

We are your source for everything yard and garden!

415495-1

Largest selection of plants & flowers Including native, tropical & more.

Family Owned • Beautiful Garden Accessories & Gifts • Pottery & Containers

941.366.4954 • YourFarmandGarden.com 735 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota FL 34232

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

13A

Wild Blue

AT WAT E R S I D E

Grand Opening of 10 Models by the Area's Finest Builders

NOW INTRODUCING THE NEXT PHASE OF THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY. With new models to tour and tremendous sales activity, Wild Blue at Waterside is being hailed as a Sarasota standout. The new waterfront community by Stock Development boasts an enviable location in Lakewood Ranch, luxury single-family homes by the area’s finest builders, and incredible amenities. The extraordinary lifestyle includes a 13-acre sports complex, and a spectacular social clubhouse, with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, a movie theater, fitness center, and a 9-hole premier putting course. It’s no wonder Wild Blue at Waterside is fast becoming one of the most sought-after communities in Sarasota.

Visit Today.

8396 Sea Glass Court, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 l 941.313.3852 From University Parkway turn south onto Lorraine Road and follow the signs to Wild Blue at Waterside

WildBluelwr.com Residences from $1 million ANCHOR BUILDERS • AR HOMES BY ARTHUR RUTENBERG • JOHN CANNON HOMES

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER Proudly presented by RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

20 YEARS

423949-1

LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES • STOCK LUXURY HOMES • STOCK CUSTOM HOMES

14A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Courtesy image

A conceptional drawing of The Bay shows a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center located on the southwest corner of what is now the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.

420007-1

Grand Piano plans 941.924.4481 | 4453 Ashton Road, Unit C, Sarasota, FL 34233 | www.B2END.com

City inks Performing Arts Center design contract with Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

F Downtown Sarasota’s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence Annual, Seasonal, Trial, and Respite Stays From Very Independent to Assisted Living

CALL 941-955-9099 OR GO TO ALDERMANOAKS.COM 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 AL#8979

JOIN US AT ALDERMAN OAKS FOR MUSIC, WINE & CHEESE FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024 4:00 PM TO 5:00 PM The Paisley Craze, a talented band playing all your favorite music from the 1960s, covering the incredibly wide range of styles of that historic decade.

Performers include Marty Bednar, Bob Dielman, Bob Lunergan, and Dave Mankes.

425597-1

TO RSVP!

ROCKADELIC CONCERT — MORE CLASSIC HITS

ollowing months of negotiations with procurement staff, the Sarasota City Commission on Monday approved by a 4-1 vote an agreement with Renzo Piano Building Workshop to design the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center in The Bay Park.

Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch cast the dissenting vote.

The $36.9 million contract includes multiple design and construction milestones — also characterized as off-ramps by Director of Government Affairs Jennifer Jorgensen, over a 60-month duration with a concept design as the first design-phase milestone. That design, accompanied by an estimate of the project cost, is expected to be delivered by Nov. 30.

A draft implementation agreement between the city and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is also due Nov. 30, which will be presented to the City Commission for consideration.

The SPAC is proposed as an equal share of funding between public

HOURLY BILLING RATES

Rates are effective through Dec. 31, and may be adjusted annually and/or with significant variations in the exchange rate of U.S. dollars to euros.

Partner: $535 Associate: $340 Architect: $225 Junior architect: $185 Model maker: $195 3D visualization designer: $210

and private sectors in partnership between the city and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.

The public funds will come almost entirely from revenues generated by a tax increment financing district with property taxes derived from increases in value on parcels immediately surrounding The Bay over and above the 2019 baseline. The Quay is an example of properties within the TIF district.

The SPAC was anticipated when the TIF district was formed and documented in the interlocal agreement among the city, Sarasota County and The Bay Park Conservancy; it’s eligible for TIF funding, pending approval of the city and county commissions.

The city and county fund the development of The Bay with equal shares from the TIF district rev-

and

experience · expert local knowledge · commitment integrity · honesty

Whether Buying or Selling You can expect Concierge Level Service

Contact Me Today to Discuss How I Can Help You

10% OFF ALL IN STOCK FURNITURE

Nageba (Gigi) Silverberg Douglas Elliman Real Estate

May 1 - June 1, 2024

Handcrafted furniture for every room of your home! Excludes previous purchases, orders, custom, & Miller’s Cabinetry. Discount may not be combined with other offers, sales, or discounts.

1350 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236

941-993-3695

3737 Bahia Vista St. Sarasota, FL 34232 - 941.952.5646 6100 N Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 - 941.960.2942

dutchhausfurniture.com 418404-1

gigi.silverberg@elliman.com

425381-1

Come discover the beauty & quality of handcrafted furniture for yourself!

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

15A

CASH FLOW PROJECTION Phase

Fee (millions)

% allocation

Duration

Concept design

$2.214

6

4 months

Schematic design

$5.166

14

6 months

Design development

$9.225

25

8 months

Construction documents

$11.07

30

12 months

Procurement of

$1.107

3

3 months

Construction administration $8.118

22

27 months

TOTAL

100

60 MONTHS

Internal Medicine

construction services

a 6% allocation of $2.214 million. So in theory, we’d be spending $2 million plus 10% of the remaining $35 million if we then terminate.”

Trice and Mayor Liz Alpert, the city’s representatives to The Bay Park Improvement Board, encouraged their colleagues to support the design agreement.

“This is definitely something we need to move forward on. We can’t get answers to the questions if we don’t,” Alpert said. “This is a vision 11 years or more in the making, and we’re at a critical point now to bring this forward.”

Meanwhile, the Purple Ribbon Committee will continue to go about its work of recommending a repurposing of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on the opposite corner of the parking lot from the proposed SPAC site, which Commissioner Erik Arroyo said has outlived its usefulness as the city’s performance venue.

“Hearing what the Purple Ribbon Committee has been talking about, and touring it, I can tell you that (the Van Wezel) won’t be a viable structure for much longer.”

Pointing to at least the temporary loss of the Sarasota Players and the likelihood that the Sarasota Orchestra will eventually move to its own new building on Fruitville Road near I-75, Commissioner Kyle Battie warned a new performing arts center could be next.

“We’ve lost a few arts institutions in the city, and if we keep hemming and hawing about this situation, make no mistake about it, we’ll lose another one,” Battie said. “That will be the performing arts center, because somebody will come and say ‘Hey, if the city wants to keep messing around with you about this, we have the money. We’ll do it.’”

Alvaro Cornejo, MD Board Certified, Internal Medicine

Dr. Alvaro Cornejo brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building I office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Internal Medicine.

Undergraduate:

Gainesville State College, Athens, GA

Undergraduate: Medical School:

Gainesville College, Athens, GA (UIDE), UniversidadState Internacional del Ecuador

Medical School:

Quito, ECU Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE), Quito, ECU

Residency:

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ

Certification: Certification:

Board Certified, Certified, American AmericanBoard Boardof ofInternal InternalMedicine Medicine Board

Residency:

Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ

Hospital Affiliations: Hospital Affiliations: Sarasota Sarasota Memorial Memorial Hospital; Hospital;Doctors DoctorsHospital Hospital A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL

941-379-5121

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

Cattleridge Medical Building I

3333 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 www.intercoastalmedical.com

A Patient Focused,Medicare Multi-Specialty and most insurancesGroup accepted l National Expertise l Mul 8.26.21_IMG-Kassover-LWRII-18x24poster.indd 1

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

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

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

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

8/26/21 3:27 PM

424515-1

enues, totaling half of the cost.

The other half comes from philanthropic sources.

With the county commission reticent to release TIF funds for the new center’s concept design work, the SPAF announced earlier this month it will fund its and the county’s share of the initial design phase as part of its 50% contribution to the project.

The total cost of the SPAC has been estimated at $275 million, but Piano’s work will sharpen that figure.

Initially estimated at $44 million, the value of the agreement tops out at $39.6 million. Out of that total, Renzo Piano is responsible for hiring and paying an architect of record and all subcontractors necessary to complete the design services from concept to construction.

The Sarasota architecture firm of Sweet Sparkman has been selected as the architect of record.

“This contract can span over a minimum of 60 months,” Jorgensen said. “There are multiple phases to this agreement. So this is not something that gets done in a year or two years so that cost of the services is spread out over the course of time and over the course of numerous phases.”

Jorgensen pointed out five milestones, at which time either party may terminate the agreement upon completion of that phase. The first comes up in six months. Per the contract, should the city shut down the project, it carries a 10% termination fee due to Renzo Piano, plus the cost of services rendered to that point.

“I’m especially interested in the completion of the implementation agreement,” Commissioner Debbie Trice said of the Nov. 30 deadline for that pact with the SPAF. “That would be through concept design, which is

WELCOMES

8/26/21 3:27 PM

LIFE ON THE LAKE Lakefront Homes in Sarasota // 10 Unique Neighborhoods Resort-Style Amenities // Coastal Architecture Town Center Living // Rental Options // Senior Living Walk or Ride to Waterside Place & Waterside Park

NEW WATERSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS NOW OPEN!

Townhomes from the $300s // Single-Family from the high $400s to $2M+ // Lwrwaterside.com © 2024 Lakewood Ranch. Product, pricing and amenities subject to change without notice.

424467-1

$36.9M

MAY 23, 2024

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Courtesy images

Scott Ehrenpreis stars in “Clowns Like Me,” a one-man show about the actor’s struggle with mental illness.

SEND IN THE CLOWN Scott Ehrenpreis’ oneman show, ‘Clowns Like Me,’ is heading to New York City in June.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

A

year ago, when actor Scott Ehrenpreis and writer/ director Jason Cannon

staged the one-man play, “Clowns Like Me” at FSU Center for the Performing Arts’ Cook Theatre, New York was the last thing on their minds.

True, Scott’s father Joel Ehrenpreis, producer of the show, had a successful career in marketing, and is known for thinking big. But a year ago, Joel’s plans included a video production and possible outof-town engagements in places like Tampa for the scripted play about Scott’s struggle with mental illness.

What a difference a year makes.

An updated version of “Clowns Like Me” is headed back to the Cook Theatre from May 23-26. However, the run is being billed as a “sneak peek” of the show that will play June 21 to Aug. 18 at DR2, a 99-seat Off Broadway theater in New York near Union Square.

The New York production follows a film version of “Clowns Like Me,” made by Sarasota videographer Brad Bryan that unspooled in April at the 26th annual Sarasota Film Festival.

The video of the play has been a calling card to help Lifeline Productions, the nonprofit behind the show, raise money and make connections.

One of those connections is Tom Kirdahy, the successful Broadway producer who has a house in Longboat Key. Kirdahy was recently in Sarasota for the run of “Hadestown” at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from Jan. 30 to Feb. 4.

Kirdahy is the producer of the Broadway, West End (London) and touring productions of the smash hit “Hadestown,” among many other shows. Not a bad guy to know if you’re trying to open doors in the world of legit theater.

Joel Ehrenpreis doesn’t know Kirdahy, but one of his former neighbors does. Explains Ehrenpreis: “I used to live on Longboat Key. One of my former neighbors asked me if I knew Tom Kirdahy. I didn’t. He wrote to Tom, who put us in touch with Jonathan Demar.”

After watching the video “Clowns Like Me,” Demar, who is part of the producing team for “Hadestown”

Florida Studio Theatre veteran Jason Cannon wrote and directs “Clowns Like Me,” a one-man show starring Scott Ehrenpreis.

and the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” came on board as executive producer and got the show booked in New York. (Note to self: You never know who you’re going to meet on Longboat Key.) This is a tale of a Sarasota fatherand-son team who made good, but it’s also the story of a dedicated writer and director. To write the show,

IF YOU GO

‘Clowns Like Me’ When: May 23-26 Where: at the Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.

Tickets: $30 Info: Visit LifelineProductionsInc.org.

YourObserver.com

17A

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Cannon moved into Scott Ehrenpreis’ condo and lived with him for nine months while he gathered material from and wrote several drafts of the script. Cannon and Scott Ehrenpreis will also be roommates during the New York run of “Clowns Like Me.” Before the debut of the first “Clowns Like Me,” the two also attended a Comedy Boot Camp run

by McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, at Cannon’s behest.

Ehrenpreis had stage credits under his belt such as a high-strung TV technician in “Network” and a hardboiled police reporter in “The Front Page,” but Cannon felt like he needed to learn how to do stand-up comedy and comfortably banter with audiences to convey his life story in a humorous fashion.

Scott Ehrenpreis can do a lot of things, but his dad doesn’t want him doing press, which is why he’s not quoted in this article. If we had the chance to interview him, we would have asked about his recent performance in FST’s production of “The Lehman Trilogy,” directed by Richard Hopkins.

Until recently, Joel Ehrenpreis was the exclusive publicist for “Clowns Like Me,” but he’s hired a professional to assist with the New York premiere.

To prepare for the New York run, Cannon says “we did a fine-toothed comb rewrite and made some changes to the set. We’ve updated the clinical language.” In the time since the show was first written, the term “Asperger’s Syndrome,” part of Scott’s diagnosis (along with OCD, bipolar disorder, social anxiety and depression) has been replaced with “Autistic Spectrum Disorder.”

For Cannon, going to New York with “Clowns Like Me” is a “lifelong dream come true for career theater people. It feels surreal. We went into this with zero expectations.”

But Cannon has been preparing for this moment for a long time. According to his official bio, he has more than 100 credits as an actor, more than 120 as a director and has had 10 plays produced that he’s written.

Some of those were at Florida Studio Theatre, where he spent about a decade. Cannon was the lead developer on the FST cabaret “A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder”

and created “Old Enough to Know Better,” a documentary theater piece based on 100 interviews with Sarasota residents between the ages of 55 and 101. He continued the project with “Last Rights,” a work that explored end-of-life issues.

Clearly, Cannon is no stranger to crafting stories about disabilities and heartache into something audiences want to see and are willing to pay for.

It may appear that “Clowns Like Me” is the product of three hardworking individuals with a vision.

That’s not a lie. But the journey from the Cook Theatre to DR2 wouldn’t have been possible without local benefactors and champions of the production.

Joel Ehrenpreis credits his “amazing board,” including Rose Chapman,

former executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Service, for helping Lifeline Productions take “Clowns Like Me” from an idea to a New York run in just two years. “We owe Rose so much,” he says. “She got Scott the right diagnosis.”

Another lifeline was Colleen Thayer, executive director of the National Alliance for Mental Illness of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

“She was all in,” Ehrenpreis recalls. “I created a nonprofit, but we weren’t a 501(c)3 right away and couldn’t accept donations directly.

NAMI accepted contributions on our behalf and channeled them to us. We wouldn’t be here without NAMI’s love and support.”

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Sarasota have been kind to us,”

adds Ehrenpreis. Their support will enable Lifeline to do a college tour of “Clowns Like Me” once the dust settles after the New York run.

Other invaluable donors include Michael Saunders & Co. and Aviva Senior Living, to name just two, Ehrenpreis says.

Pressed for other names, Ehrenpreis demurs. “Some of the major benefactors don’t want notoriety.

One of my biggest donors lost her son to suicide more than 15 years ago.

When she came to the first of five readings and said, ‘You have given me closure,’ I knew we had something,” he says.

Scott Ehrenpreis and his father, Joel Ehrenpreis, who helped him mount his one-man show, “Clowns Like Me,” which is heading to New York City.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY & THE RINGLING present

OPENS MAY 25

AKIKO KOTANI

MOHSEN AZAR

CAROL MICKETT +

SAUMITRA CHANDRATREYA

ROBERT STACKHOUSE

ELISABETH CONDON

LIBBI PONCE

ROBYN “AVALON” CROSA

MICHAEL VASQUEZ

RACHEL DE CUBA

JOO WOO

Incredible Family Entertainment

INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org

AT THE RINGLING

FRI JUN 14 – SAT AUG 17 TICKETS:

ringling.org

This exhibition is funded in part by the Peter & Mary Lou Vogt Ringling Exhibition Fund, the Stephen V.C. Wilberding Ringling Endowment, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Florida Department of State Division of Arts & Culture, Sarasota County TDC/A, The Gobioff Foundation, and the Stanton Storer’s Embrace The Arts Foundation.

941.360 .7399

TUE – FRI SAT

20

$

11 AM & 2 PM 2 PM & 5 PM

15

$

12 & UNDER

AINAZ ALIPOUR

CHILD

JAKE FERNANDEZ

ADULT

CAITLIN ALBRITTON

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

412402-1

408075-1

Caitlin Albritton (American, born 1989), Flamingo Float, 2021. Sterling silver pendant with 28 pieces of gold sheen obsidian, pink opal, petrified palm root, amazonite, howlite, and jasper, 2.5 x 1.75 x 0.35 in. Courtesy of the artist. © Caitlin Albritton

18A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

TOM RHODES 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

‘THE FLIP SIDE’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $37-$42 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

With songs like “The Ballad of Sigmund Freud” and “Killed by a Coconut,” the latest cabaret creation of Richard and Rebecca Hopkins tips its musical hat to comic songwriters.

The quirky show features arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through June 16.

‘12 ANGRY MEN: A NEW MUSICAL’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35-$95 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Courtesy image

DON’T MISS ‘UNITED WE STAND: A MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT’ Come see Choral Artists of Sarasota before they head off to France to participate in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D Day, when Allied troops invaded Normandy to liberate France from the Nazis. Choral Artists wraps its 45th season with “United We Stand,” a Memorial Day tribute to the military veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Performing with Choral Artists is the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, conducted by Joe Martinez.

IF YOU GO When: 4 p.m. Sunday Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $30-$60; students $5 Info: Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

Asolo Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein directs an innovative musical adaptation of the classic courtroom drama.

Rothstein first directed “12 Angry Men: A New Musical” at Theatre Latté Da in Minneapolis, where it made its world premiere in 2022.

Runs through June 9.

Image courtesy of Dot Editions

OUR PICK ‘BEYOND COMFORT’ ART OPENING Come celebrate the opening of Art Center Sarasota’s annual juried regional show, “Beyond Comfort.” The juror is Sarasota Art Museum Executive Director Virginia Shearer. In “Beyond Comfort,” artists express their idea of beauty or the grotesque in contemporary art and society. The exhibition runs through July 27.

IF YOU GO When: 6 p.m. Thursday Where: Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit ArtSarasota.org.

www.manasotaonline.com

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall kicks off its free Friday Fest series of outdoor concerts with Hot Tonic Orchestra. Led by band leader Victoria Woods, Hot Tonic plays swing, Latin Jazz and its own interpretations of popular songs designed to get people up on their feet. Bring your dancing shoes as long as they don’t have heels, which are apt to get stuck in the Van Wezel’s lawn.

THE FUNKY BONES 8 p.m. at Joyland Live, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road $10.45-$26.13 Visit JoylandSarasota.com.

The Funky Bones make their debut at Joyland Live. The bank will play soulful melodies from artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa in a performance that promises to be a musical tour of the decades.

SUNDAY JAZZ ON THE WATER 3 p.m. at The Marina Jack II, 2 Marina Plaza $35-$40 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Set sail with Jazz Club of Sarasota, which presents Suzanne Lucas & The Hot Boyz. Boarding begins at 2:30 p.m.

MONDAY SHINIQUE SMITH: ‘PARADE’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bayshore Road Free (Mondays only) Visit Ringling.org.

It’s Memorial Day, and there aren’t a lot of indoor places that you can go for free on a holiday. Why not take advantage of The Ringling Art Museum’s Monday free day and see Shinique Smith’s “Parade?” Smith’s large-scale sculptures are on display in galleries that house the museum’s permanent collection of European art. The juxtaposition of styles and themes and the interplay of color is breathtaking. Please note, admission is free on Monday only to the Museum of Art, Bayfront Gardens and Glass Pavilion, not to the Circus Museum or Ca’ d’Zan mansion. “Parade” runs through Jan. 5, 2025.

MATTHEW FROST BAND 8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court $7.50-$12 Visit WSLR.org.

Sarasota quartet Matthew Frost Band plays alternative blues, soul rock and fusion with Frost on keyboards and vocals, Barry Williams on bass, Josh Nelms on guitar and Michael Finley on drums.

FRIDAY FRIDAY FEST: HOT TONIC ORCHESTRA 5 p.m. on the lawn and terrace of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit VanWezel.org.

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Courtesy image

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

407115-1

International touring comedy star Tom Rhodes has an impressive list of credits that includes the NBC sitcom “Mr. Rhodes,” “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “The Artie Lange Show,” to name just a few. Runs through May 26.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

T

he jury of Reginald Rose’s “Twelve Angry Men” has been in session since 1954. Counting various plays and movies, I’ve seen it at least five times.

But I’ve never seen anything like “Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical” — a 2020 musical adaptation. David Simpatico penned the script; Michael Holland wrote the music and lyrics. These two brilliant minds created a brilliant new musical.

In case you somehow missed the American classic it’s based on, here’s the story: A 16-year-old Puerto Rican boy is accused of murdering his abusive father. The case against him seems open-andshut. Twelve angry dudes accept the jury summons. After the trial, they gather in a stifling room to deliberate.

Most jurors have a verdict in mind. They first hold a straw vote; 11 jurors say the kid’s guilty. But Juror No. 8 (Curtis Bannister) has a reasonable doubt. For the rest of the story, he argues with the others.

Simpatico and Holland’s 2020 “new musical” sticks fairly close to Reginald Rose’s drama. That said, its new jury is a multicultural mix.

The diversity adds nuance to the jurors’ arguments.

Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein directed this musical’s premiere in Minneapolis. This is his second time around. But I figure it’s not a cakewalk. This show has a tricky scene structure — a constant counterpoint of gritty reality and trippy musical interludes.

The jurors will have a normal discussion (or shouting match) for a minute or two. Bang! Without warning, they’ll burst into song.

These leaps from realism to musical fantasy could easily get confusing.

But Rothstein keeps your eye on the ball.

This musical’s 12 angry men come to life thanks to 12 talented actors.

They’re all in top form.

Benjamin Olsen’s mercurial set design serves this musical’s worldbuilding. Center stage: a huge turntable with a long conference table on top. Throughout the angry action, Rothstein uses the chairs for bits of business and constantly

425662-1 425662-1

IF YOU GO

‘Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical’ When: Through June 9 Where: at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $35-$95 Info: Visit AsoloRep.org.

turns things around.

Holland’s jazzy music is whipcrack smart. It’s smartly realized by conductor and musical director Jenny Kim-Godfrey, and her band.

As to Holland’s songs, this lyricist/ composer is skilled at both jobs. His lyrics serve the musical’s story; his music matches its mood.

Holland’s score combines a syncopated Be-Bop beat with subtle echoes of 1950s detective shows.

(Like the dangerous themes from “Perry Mason” and “Peter Gunn.”)

Holland’s tunes are like ticking bombs. They hint of blow-ups to come.

Mathew LeFebvre’s costumes capture the era’s wearable signifiers of class, race and status. Paul Whitaker’s lighting has an apt film noir feel. Jurors disappear into the shadows at times. At other times, the lighting gets as harsh as a police interrogation.

Having considered this evidence, here’s my verdict … “Twelve Angry Men: a New Musical” is a very moving musical. Is it a faithful adaptation of Rose’s American classic?

Not so much.

Rose’s original drama was claustrophobic. Twelve angry jurors were locked together in one room.

They’re trapped and fighting to breathe. The musical’s jazzy interludes let oxygen into the room. And that kills the pressure cooker vibe.

Rose’s story was also an outsidein character study. You heard the juror’s words, but didn’t enter their minds. In Holland and Simpatico’s musical adaptation, the jurors sing their feelings out loud — along with a few civics lessons.

Thanks to these radical revisions, “Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical” goes beyond mere adaptation — and enters the realm of reimagination. Sure, it remains fairly true in its spirit. But it’s not the claustrophobic crucible of the original play. This new musical is a very different animal.

Don’t miss it. Then just for fun … stream the 1957 Henry Fonda movie.

423156-1

Shouting matches give way to bursts of song.

REVIEWS

The jury meets jazz in Asolo Rep’s ‘Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical’

19A

ELTON JOHN | QUEEN | AEROSMITH | KISS | FOO FIGHTERS 80’S NIGHT | MOTOWN | BAD BUNNY | 90’S HIP HOP | U2 | PINK FLOYD BEASTIE BOYS | NIRVANA | The Rolling Stones | THE BEATLES JIMI HENDRIX | OUTKAST | RUSH | NO DOUBT | JOURNEY | BOB MARLEY LADY GAGA | Taylor Swift | DAVID BOWIE | LED ZEPPELIN | LIZZO THE DOORS | AC/DC | BRUNO MARS | VAN HALEN | METALLICA MICHAEL JACKSON | PRINCE | and more!

MAY 23 - AUGUST 31

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 7PM & 9PM

$15

Drinks and snacks available for purchase.

416244-1

420867-1

201 10TH STREET WEST | BRADENTON, FL 34205 W W W. B I S H O P S C I E N C E . O R G

20A

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Look No Further 1067 Westway Drive Joel Schemmel

$25,700,000 941.587.4894

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

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

NORTH MANASOTA KEY 779 North Manasota Key Road $4,975,000 Lisa Napolitano & Valerie Dall’Acqua 941.993.0025

SIESTA KEY 4940 Peaceable Way Judie Berger

CASEY KEY

SARASOTA

1604 Casey Key Road $3,850,000 Lisa Napolitano & Valerie Dall’Acqua 941.993.0025

BAY PLAZA 1255 North Gulfstream Avenue #1104 Joan Koplin

8477 Pavia Way Donna Soda

410 Autumn Chase Drive Debi Cohoon

$3,400,000 941.961.5857

15165 Vivaldi Drive Mike Warm

$4,985,000 941.539.0633

4825 Benito Court Mary Ann Hartmann

SIESTA KEY $2,250,000 407.466.1538

5140 Windward Avenue Judie Berger

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB

$1,260,000 941.877.2550

BELLACINA BY CASEY KEY $850,000 941.504.9910

50 Central Avenue #16G Thomas Netzel & Sandy Netzel

ESPLANADE

VENICE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB $1,500,000 941.315.3221

RENAISSANCE 750 North Tamiami Trail #416 Moriah Taliaferro

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS RESIDENCES $4,250,000 941.928.3424

13853 Siena Loop Gloria Bracciano

$975,000 941.229.4000

ALDEA MAR

$849,900 941.525.2740

500 Park Boulevard South #103 Debbie Sugden

$2,150,000 941.928.3424

SIESTA KEY 797 Beach Road #203 Peg Davant

$875,000 941.356.4552

MARINA WALK ON ONE PARTICULAR $849,900 941.223.9363

387 Aruba Circle #301 Rebecca Zimmerman

$849,000 941.224.4824

RESIDENCES FROM $1,030,600

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

430 Kumquat Court, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.920.1500

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

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

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

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

418458-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

Classifieds 15B Games 14B Real Estate 9B Sports 11B Weather 14B

MAY 23, 2024

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Path SARASOTA HIGH S finders GRADUATION 2024

Graduates recalled past struggles, said heartfelt goodbyes and encouraged one another to chart their own courses in the future.

BY IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

arasota High School students filled Cleland Stadium on May 18, but it wasn’t for a game. It was for the last moments of an era.

“It’s definitely a fresh start for all of us in the future,” said graduate Adam Imre. “I don’t think we know exactly what we will do — but we’ll figure it out. We’ll be all right.”

Imre wasn’t the only one with similar thoughts that night.

Followed by an introduction of distinguished guests by graduate Hayden Wilding, who spoke about meeting the challenges of the future, Nazareth Icabalzeta offered a commencement speech about finding one’s path.

“For those of you who are lucky enough to know me, I know exactly what you’re thinking: What is Naza-

reth doing up there? After all, I am not headed to an Ivy League school, and I still struggle to properly use a comma. I am just an ordinary student,” she said.

Icabalzeta encouraged students for the years ahead.

“We do not need to know all the answers right now, as long as we don’t let the fear of not knowing paralyze us from moving forward and becoming who we’re meant to be, who we want to be,” she said.

Principal Ryan Chase also offered remarks addressing the future.

“You’re a Sailor; you were meant to navigate any pathway put in front of you, including uncharted waters,” he said. “Remember the world needs your unique voices and your fresh ideas.”

Photos by Ian Swaby

Principal Ryan Chase hands Emma Sasville her diploma.

Nazareth Soza Icabalzeta, the student speaker, receives her diploma.

Ohm Patel greets Superintendent Terry Connor

Guadalupe Maldonado enters the stadium with eyes set on 2024.

Sophia Chursina and Scarlett Jane Whisnant applaud during the ceremony.

Students, including Emma Green and Cora Gertes (center), celebrate during the moment of graduation.

GRADUATION 2024

BOOKER HIGH C

ommencement speaker Annabelle Truong had an optimistic appraisal of the moment to share during the graduation ceremony for Booker High School on May 18 at Robarts Arena.

“I may be a bit biased, but 2024 has a really nice ring to it,” she said. “It flows off the tongue really smoothly, it is an even number and it also is a leap year, lucky to those of you born on the 29th; 2020 may be a year we all want to forget, but four holds so much more promise.”

She wasn’t the only one with advice and inspiration to share as students Principal Rachel Shelley greets Amelia Tapia Pulla.

headed into a new phase of life.

Jaylen Benony spoke about how success is defined by those one surrounds themselves with.

Jackson Carney explained how a teacher helped restore his selfconfidence when she asked why he had stopped dressing elaborately for school.

“It took a second to grasp the idea that my presence could be something she would look forward to,” he said. “As I heard those words, I knew I was making a difference in daring to present myself against norms and ­barriers.”

Noah White plays with the VPA jazz seniors.

SEE GRADUATION 2024, PAGE 2B

2B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

GRADUATION 2024, FROM PAGE 1B

GRADUATION 2024

RIVERVIEW HIGH S

Photos by Ian Swaby

Senior class Secretary Lea Hernandez-Bower delivers a speech.

tudents at Riverview High School left graduation on May 18 at Robarts Arena with a long journey ahead but with big shoulders to stand on.

Commencement speaker Shawn Cochran delivered a speech about the legacy of the American Dream, recounting how he was adopted by an American woman out of foster care in Puerto San José, Guatemala, at 18 months old.

“Whether your ancestors arrived in the U.S. centuries ago or just a few years ago, they bravely charted new paths to live in the home of the brave,” he said.

“Their sacrifice reminds us of the legacy that we create with a single dream, and today, as we stand on their shoulders, we are ready to continue the American story and preserve the freedoms our ancestors courageously fought for.”

Principal Erin Haughey recounted her journey to becoming a teacher, a goal she chose while serving in a camp counselor role that included an unexpected trip down the Little Miami River in Ohio.

“That trip down the river is always about my mind when I’m at a challenge that is outside my comfort zone,” she said. “In that discomfort is where we can find the magic that lies within us to discover passions within ourselves that we never knew existed.”

Graduate Andrew White’s own dream is to enter the film program at Florida State University — but his mother, Katy White, hopes he’ll stay around.

“It happened very fast. This year flew by in particular,” she said.

“We’re going to miss him, so I hope he comes home a lot.”

Sydney Lemz and Ellee Liang applaud during the ceremony.

Senior class Vice President Molly McWilliams hugs President Grace Flint as they trade places at the podium.

Brandon Day and his girlfriend, Lexi Donahoe

Charlotte White, 15, Andrew and Katy White with Kay Chandler

From a Simple Refresh

Specialized Dental Care

to a

Oral Surgery, Periodontal, Restorative, Dental Hygiene

Complete Home Remodel

Trust your oral health to a specialist IMPLANT SURGERY

Visit Our New

Design Center Experience Beautiful Work, With Care, On Time and On Budget.

in Lakewood Ranch!

ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING

EXTRACTIONS BONE GRAFTING

COSMETIC VENEERS CROWNS

IMPLANT TEETH

Providing simple to complex specialty dental care in one convenient location

Ready to make a change? Call today and let Gilbert Design Build make it happen.

Join Us June 12th for a FREE Seminar “The Secrets of a Successful Remodel”

HARRY F. HARING III DMD

MAGGIE MISCHHARING DMD, MS

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND FULL MOUTH ESTHETICS

SPECIALIST IN PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT SURGERY

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY

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

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

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS

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

6:00–7:00 PM at our Design Center: 6924 Professional Parkway East, Sarasota To RSVP or learn more, visit our website, scan the QR Code above or give us a call.

A Family-Owned Dental Speciality Practice

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | FEATURE WALLS | MULTIPLE ROOMS | WHOLE HOME

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

415463-1

License #: CBC1263526

424727-1

GilbertDesignBuild.com | 941.757.3395

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

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

3B

Taste of success Youth Art Show offers young artists the chance to make their first sales.

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear.

YOUR WINDOWS!

IAN SWABY

• Window Cleaning • Track Detailing • Glass, acrylic, & vinyl cleaning • Weather treatment • Soft Wash & Pressure Cleaning

STAFF WRITER

S

• Roof • Concrete Surfaces • Screen Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Soffit Cleaning

We also offer ceiling fans, mirrors, shower glass, light fixtures, glass tables & so much more.

Add on any of these extras & get 10% off the extra service!

20% Combine Window Cleaning & Pressure Cleaning OFF for an additional 20% off Pressure cleaning!

425622-1

CALL US TO HELP WITH YOUR SHUTTERS! 941-922-5384 | www.sabrinaswindowcleaning/sarasota Ian Swaby

She now usually paints in the abstract and likes that art doesn’t have to be confined to a precise representation of a subject, although she said she takes her inspiration from landscapes.

“It’s very special,” she said of the chance to display something different in the gallery.

“If they just learn the techniques when I teach the class, they have the base, but I want to leave them open to express their feelings that way,” Rincon said. “And it’s very nice.

They’re doing amazing things.”

Declan Herrold, 6, displayed a collage of his interests that included everything from Pokemon to Christmas items.

“We absolutely love it,” said his mother, Nikole Herrold. “Usually they do artwork, and then it goes home and ends up on a fridge. So it’s really cool that this is such a professional type of atmosphere for them to see their artwork come to life.”

Creative Kids of SRQ is currently planning more events next year, including a Youth Art Walk and a major Youth Art Festival next April on South Palm Avenue.

MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING

Sage Taylor, 10, drew a bunny, Coconut.

Boca Boutique Feel Good in Your Surroundings!

Unleash your style this Memorial Day! Discover our extensive collection of home decor, clothing, jewelry, faith gifts, pet items and more.

Don’t miss out on our special Memorial Day offers!

Open Mon-Sat • Closed Sunday 6969 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota 941.529.1000 BocaBoutiqueSRQ.com

BOATERS PARADISE

516 3 Beds | 2 Baths I Turnkey | 2 Car I 1840 Sq. Ft. Offered at $498,000 | MLS #A4599963

BE HAPPY. BE HEALTHY. BE UNIQUE.

COUNTRY CLUB LIVING

402

3 Beds | 3.5 Baths | Boat Slip | 2158 Sq. Ft. NEW PRICE $849,999 | MLS #A4555115

412465-1

age Taylor, 10, was happy about a certain red sticker.

It was the one she pasted on her ink drawing of her rabbit’s baby, Coconut, to designate it as “sold.”

“I’m happy with how it turned out,” she said. “I never thought it would ever be bought.”

The Youth Art Show, held May 18 at Palm Avenue Fine Art and organized by the new nonprofit Creative Kids of SRQ, was designed to launch the nonprofit’s activities with just such an experience.

The nonprofit, which was incorporated in April and is dedicated to encouraging youth engagement with the arts, covered gallery walls with works from students at Lina Rincon Art Gallery & Studio, as well as Children’s Art Classes, resulting in 20 works of art sold.

“The power of art — when you put kids in that mix, you’re seeing it,” said gallery Manager Tom Murray, a board member of Creative Kids.

“You can feel these kids, when they have their little painting sold, or just when they walk in the door — they’re ecstatic just to have their art in a gallery.”

Stella Samulak, 10, was another young artist who had the chance to showcase her work — an ink drawing of Chewy, one of her family’s two Bernese mountain dogs.

“It’s pretty cool because I never really displayed anything before. I feel like I will make it into more galleries,” she said.

Sophie Norton, 13, said she has been practicing art the majority of her life, but her passion developed unconventionally. During art classes with Lina Rincon, she found some of her subjects going “off the rails.”

SABRINA’S WINDOW CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

1509

C

3 Beds | 2 Baths | Furnished | 2 Car | 1981 Sq. Ft. NEW PRICE $529,000 | MLS #A4585537

The Kotaska Team

Top 3% of RE/MAX Realtor® World Wide

Dennis G. Kotaska LLC Broker Associate, CGP, CDPE 941-815-6772 |dennis@sarasotahousing.com

Terri Kotaska Realtor®, CSP

941-907-8207 | terri@sarasotahousing.com

Jim Lorenz Realtor®, Venice Specialist

941-308-3809 | jameslorenz.venice@gmail.com REMAX Aliance Group | 2000 Webber Street | Sarasota Each office independently owned and operateed.

425211-1

423944-1

www. SarasotaHousing.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

FOR NEW CLIENTS

Valid until 7/31/24. mu st mention at time of booking or present ad to staff

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 For pricing and services, go to www.catdepot.org

CAT CARE CLINIC

Affordable Veterinary Services

422659-1

*Includes exam fee only. Does not include diagnostics or treatment fees.

IS CONCIERGE MEDICINE RIGHT FOR YOU?

YOUR CALENDAR

FIRST EXAM FREE*

BEST BET MONDAY, MAY 27

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE 10 a.m. at Main Street and Osprey Avenue.

Free. The annual Memorial Day Parade brings together numerous community organizations, concluding with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park at 11 a.m. Visit SCGov.net.

File image

FRIDAY, MAY 24

FRIDAY FEST — HOT TONIC ORCHESTRA 5-9 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. Free.

The free, outdoor summertime concert series returns this year. Headlining this session is Hot Tonic Orchestra, whose performances blend swing, Latin jazz and popular music.

Enjoy food and beverages from local vendors and bring blankets or lawn chairs. Visit VanWezel.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

FLAGS FOR FALLEN VETS 8 a.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72. Free.

Place flags on the graves of veterans at Sarasota National Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day. Flag removal takes place June 1. Visit ­FlagsforFallenVets.com.

Connecting with your doctor when you need them most is crucial.

At Gulfshore Personalized Care, it’s possible to meet your medical needs anywhere at any time. Thomas Arne Jr., DO, FACC, proudly offers patient-centered care through concierge services, such as 24/7 access and same-day visits.

9TH ANNUAL SRQ VETS 5K MEMORIAL HIKE 8 a.m. starting at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive. Adults $35 (including tee shirt, food and drink); kids free. SRQ VETS hosts this hike in honor of fallen heroes. It works to unite the local veteran and civilian communities while raising funds to support SRQ VETS and their efforts on behalf of local veterans. Visit EventBrite.com.

Call us to schedule your no-obligation meet & greet with Dr. Arne today.

Dr. Arne

SATURDAY, MAY 25 TO SUNDAY, MAY 26

941-366-2194 | gulfshorepc.com

417779-1

1250 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 401, Sarasota, FL 34239

ST. ARMANDS FINE ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 434 St. ­Armands

Circle. Free. Browse works by artisans from throughout Florida and from across America, in media including sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more. Visit ­ParagonFestival.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

AQUAPALOOZA 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Pass Sandbar, directly offshore from MarineMax, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway.

Kick off the summer by hanging out on the water with fellow boaters, and enjoy live music and giveaways. Visit MarineMax.com.

SUNDAYS AT THE BAY FEATURING THE 301 TRAVELERS BAND 6-7 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a free performance by the 301 Travelers Band in celebration of Memorial Day. The country rock band, based in Southwest Florida, brings a lineup of musicians from across the country who will offer a high-energy, patriotic performance. Visit TheBaySarasota. org.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

CINEMA AT THE BAY: ‘50 FIRST DATES’ 7-8:39 p.m. Free. Enjoy the comedy “50 First Dates” (PG-13) under the stars, voted “Best Date Night” movie on The Bay’s social media accounts.

Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

VISIT OUR NEW

SHOWROOM

SALES & RENTALS

& DESIGN CENTER

to CUSTOM-ize your outdoor furniture.

Your Hometown Favorite For More Than Eight Decades!

LOCAL, VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1939

LIVING IN STYLE g Amazin 17th Floor Penthouse Condo!

Rental- 3/3 | Grand Bay 7th Floor Condo

3060 Grand Bay Blvd., #172 | Longboat Key MLS#A4607343 | Floor to ceiling panoramic views Available May-Nov | $7,500 mthly (3 month minimum)

Rental- 2/2.5 | 1350 Main #1702 | Penthouse Condo Downtown Sarasota | MLS#A4608148 | Panoramic Views $9,500 mthly/off-season | $14,000 mthly/in-season (3 month min.) Also available for Annual @$9,500 mthly.

WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN BUY THE DIRECT MANUFACTURER

from

QUALITY

OPEN to the PUBL IC

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HIGH END LOOK & QUALITY AT WHOLESALE PRICING

Lido Shores | Enjoy this historic home or build your custom home on site. Private, gated beach access | $1,999,000 | MLS#A4602588 Jon Patella - 941.228.1613

CUSTOM MADE

For Sale-2/3 301 Quay Commons #1605 |

Downtown Sarasota | Unfurnished | NEW-Built in 2023 | Water & City Views | $1,750,000 | MLS#A4599559 Jon Patella - 941.228.1613

AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

Call Patrice today

FLORIDA PATIO FURNITURE, INC.

FLORIDAPATIO.NET 941-722-5643

1440 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 Patrice Ivan

Property Mgr,/REALTOR®

941.955.1500 Rental prices subject to change. Based on availability. Customary fees (taxes, cleaning, etc will be added).

OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 9-5.

CLOSED SUNDAYS.

EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE

2500 US BUSINESS 41 NORTH

|

PA L M E T T O , F L 3 4 2 2 1

422649-1

For Sale -3/1 1130 Center Place, Sarasota

424244-1

4B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

5B

MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH!

YOU DESERVE IT Go For The UPGRADE YOU DESERVE IT Experience Enhanced Sound Quality with our Personalized Hearing Solutions!

Go For The UPGRADE

BLUETOOTH HANDS-FREE Experience Enhanced Sound Quality with our CONVENIENT ACCESS SAME-DAY CARE

COMPATIBILITY CALLING

Personalized Hearing Solutions!

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

HANDS-FREE SAME-DAY CARE

CALLING

ACCEPT/REJECT

BLUETOOTH PHONE CALLS CONVENIENT ACCESS

COMPATIBILITY

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

ACCEPT/REJECT PHONE CALLS

Whether you're new to hearing aids, have older hearing aids or have tried over-the-counter hearing aids and are eager to experience even better sound quality, we have the perfect solution for you!

Whether you're new to hearing aids, have older hearing aids or have Whether you're new to hearing aids, have older hearing aids or have tried over-the-counter hearing aids and are eager to experience even tried over-the-counter hearing aids and are eager to experience even better sound quality, we have the perfect solution for you! better sound quality, we have the perfect solution for you!

LIMITED TIME UPGRADE OFFER!

$500 OFF

$500 OFF

Receive

OFFER!

LIMITED TIME UPGRADE a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids!1

Receive

HURRY! OFFER EXPIRES 4/19/2024! a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids!1 HURRY! OFFER OFFER EXPIRES EXPIRES 5/31/2024!

HURRY!

Elite Hearing Centers

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY & LICENSED HEARING AID SPECIALISTS

of America

Rated

We offer 0% interest financing for 24 months!

OVER 50 LOCATION NATIONW S IDE

!

OPEN NOW: SARASOTA (941) 278-5392

BRADENTON (941) 278-5391

DELRAY BEACH (561) 377-3057

2807 University Pkwy In Publix Plaza at University Walk

2001 Manatee Avenue E. Ste 104 (Bradenton Pain and Wellness Center)

4900 Linton Blvd #3 (In between Poppies Restaurant and Kristi Cleaners)

BOYNTON BEACH (561) 377-3058 4739 N Congress Ave (In between Dollar Tree and Fon Shan Chinese)

JUPITER (561) 377-3066 6725 West Indiantown Rd Bay 39 (In Jupiter West Plaza)

1Receive up to $500 discount towards a pair of Phonak Lumity hearing aids level 70 or 90 technology. This limited-time offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. New orders only.

Private pay only (not combinable with insurance or network). 2On in-store purchases of $200+ in with the CareCredit credit card through the end of the month. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 24 months. Minimum monthly payments required. Subject to credit approval. Offers valid until 5/31/24.

424810-1

offer financing We off er 0% interest fi nancing for 24 months!2 months!

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Area Rug Cleaning

Patriots bridge past and present

Furniture & Drapery Cleaning

Sarasota residents lead Florida chapter of the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge.

Tile & Grout Cleaning Carpet Cleaning

Life Happens. We Clean it Up. AREA RUG CLEANING

10% OFF 20% + Cash & Carry OFF

TILE & GROUT CLEANING

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

T

20% OFF

TeasdaleSarasota.com 941-229-7020 Schedule your next cleaning appointment today!

Real Estate Advisors and Certified Waterfront Specialists UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

SOLD

422249-1

Exclusions and Environmental fees may apply. Area Rug: $49 pick up/drop off fee for area rugs. Must bring rugs to office location and pay invoice with cash.

Tile & Grout: Ceramic or Porcelain tile only. Walls are additional. Discounts cannot be combined. $92 minimum order. Offers expire 6/30/24

he winter of 1777 to 1778 produced a formative moment in U.S. history: the encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Often called the birthplace of the American army, the plateau of Valley Forge was the site where General George Washington’s forces wintered during the Revolutionary War before emerging a more cohesive and better trained force.

Sarasota’s community has several members who have taken up the challenge of tracing their lineage and the lineage of others back to that historic event.

Few are more passionate about genealogy than Rebecca Morgan, who recently decided to found a brigade of The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge for the state of Florida.

Established on May 2, the brigade places Florida among 15 states in the country with a chapter of the organization, whose members must prove descent from a patriot who spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge with the Continental Army.

ARMED WITH KNOWLEDGE

424675-1

746 Siesta Drive

2,750,000

$

2151 Gulf of Mexico Drive #5 $4,450,000

415 L Ambiance Dr. #D206

allianofoxteam.com

Susan Alliano, Realtor, GRI 941.735.6571

Sally Fox, Realtor, GRI 941.586.0892

Morgan admits to being so invested in genealogy, that her children will warn others not to ask her about it or she’ll never get off the subject.

She’s performed genealogical work for friends and family along with local public figures like Dick Vitale and Congressman Vern Buchanan.

She even had the chance to ask her dentist, after she found they were distantly related from the 1700s, “Well, cuz, do I get the family discount?”

For Morgan and others who are invested in history, exploring it is

IF YOU GO

The Memorial Day Parade will be held 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, starting at Main Street and Osprey Avenue.

For more info on the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, visit ValleyForgeSociety.com.

more than a hobby. It’s a way to open the eyes of others to the people who fought to establish the United States.

Brigade Inspector Dan Kennedy is second in command to Morgan.

Another member of Sarasota’s community, he is the founder of Sarasota Military Academy and the marshal for the annual Memorial Day Parade.

“It’s a fairly serious endeavor, and it’s a patriotic endeavor, too, to honor your relatives who are part of the formation of our country,” he said.

Morgan is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, while Kennedy belongs to the Sons of the American Revolution.

The two organizations comprise members who are descendants, more broadly, of those who aided the cause of the American Revolutionary War. It was while hearing the state registrar of Daughters of the American Revolution, Debbie Duay, speak on the subject of DVF, that Morgan decided to found the chapter.

“We’ve had a really good response,” Morgan said.

The chapter has gathered about 150 members statewide, with a high concentration in the local area, including 15 in Sarasota County, and 25 in areas including Bradenton, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

They join a group of some 3,000 members nationwide.

“This area is extremely patriotic,” Kennedy said. “There are so many people that support the military, and if they know they have some military in their background, they’re really likely to settle in this area,” he said.

“It’s an area that’s very interested in history, I think,” Morgan said, highlighting the John and Mable

Place Your Bets!

One-Eyed Jack’s Poker Room

70 TVS - SIMULCASTING Watch and wager on thoroughbred & greyhound tracks from across the country

Poker

LIVE ACTION CASH GAMES TEXAS HOLD ‘EM 7 CARD STUD • OMAHA

DAILY & MONTHLY TOURNAMENTS

VEGAS STYLE GAMES ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD ‘EM DJ WILD 3 CARD POKER

HIGH HAND PAYOUT SPECIALS

NEW GAME DAY FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS AVAILABLE! 4404 BEE RIDGE RD SARASOTA, FL 34233

SUNDAY: NOON - MIDNIGHT MONDAY THRU SATURDAY: 10:00AM - 2:00AM

WWW.SKCPOKER.COM 941-355-7744 EXT 1001

422865-1

6B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

7B

Relax in Tommy Bahama style and comfort.

MEMORIAL DAY SALE

40% OFF MSRP PLUS AN EXTRA 10% OFF TOMMY BAHAMA

Ian Swaby

Brigade Inspector Dan Kennedy and Brigade Commander Rebecca Morgan

then again when he was later called to serve.

“The hardest thing is sometimes connecting the two generations,” she said. “You can do that sometimes with land records, sometimes with wills, especially before 1850, because before that, names were not mentioned on census records.”

She said local libraries tend to house plenty of information of local relevance not found elsewhere.

“Our library here in Sarasota has a wonderful genealogy area that has lots of books, so you can really find some information there,” she said.

In addition to its focus on genealogy, goals of the organization include preserving and teaching history, and it offers contests through which students can earn scholarships.

Brigades participate annually in the Wreaths Across America event at the site of Valley Forge, part of the nationwide initiative to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans at Christmastime.

In Sarasota, the brigade will step into the public eye during the Memorial Day Parade on May 27, where it will have the chance to be seen by the approximately 10,000 attendees the event usually draws.

“Hopefully, our presence will encourage more people to do the research necessary to find more about their families and the role of that family in the foundation of our country,” Kennedy said.

#1 OUTDOOR FURNITURE RETAIL STORE IN SWFL 7606 S. Tamiami Tr. Ste. 101 (1/2 mi. South of Clark Rd. on 41) 941-217-6547 RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATIONS

SARASOTA • BONITA SPRINGS • NAPLES WWW.ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM

FOLLOW US

423146-1

Ringling Museum of Art and the area’s other historical aspects.

Genealogy work, Morgan and ­Kennedy said, is a mystery to solve, a process of one clue leading to another that involves everything from pension records, to birth certificates, to trips to locations with ties to the genealogical record.

“It’s a very precise process,” Kennedy said. “You can’t put something on that form, and say, this is my relative, and this is a genealogy unless every single fact is 100% verified.”

Kennedy joined the Sons of the American Revolution in the early 2000s. His ancestors at Valley Forge were Phineas Manning and William Manning, a father and son.

Both wintered with Washington, and both survived, receiving pensions after their service and establishing themselves as farmers in the region.

But it took him five years to identify them, and he almost gave up while searching for pension records and pictures of gravestones — until Sons of the American Revolution was able to help. At the time she was joining DAR over 20 years ago, Morgan had been invested in genealogy for several years, and finding her patriot took about two years.

Hers was Mathias Shultz, a scout for George Washington.

A Kentucky farmer, he served twice in the war, first in the place of his sister’s husband, to whom she had just been married at the time,

The road to better starts here.

Searching for a higher level of healthcare on the Gulf Coast?

At ArchWell Health, you’ll enjoy a community of caring that’s totally focused on you and your needs as an older adult. Plus, we’re: • Right in your neighborhood • On a first-name basis with our members • Tracking your progress with routine wellness visits

434 N. Shore Shore Dr., Osprey Offered at $1,099,900

Start your journey at ArchWellHealth.com or call (941) 297-2126.

Follow Your Dream, Home Primary Care for Floridians Age 60+ 423501-1

Each brokerage independently owned and operated.

422701-1

Call 941.388.9800 for more information suncoast.evrealestate.com

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

SIESTA KEY 1250 Hidden Harbor Way 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 7,506 Sq. Ft. Kim Ogilvie & Melissa Gissinger 941-376-1717 A4565141 $8,495,000

SIESTA KEY 1660 Summerhouse Lane 102 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,110 Sq. Ft. Maurice Menager & Linn Dunn 941-238-8119 A4599994 $1,675,000

SIESTA KEY 5400 Ocean Boulevard 6-4 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,187 Sq. Ft. Mickey Kiernan 941-402-9115 A4586472 $1,550,000

SIESTA KEY 604 Avenida De Mayo 2,173 Sq. Ft. Dan Desoto, Jr 941-567-8006 A4610189 $1,395,572

SARASOTA 8688 Sundance Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,624 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4610503 $1,299,000

SIESTA KEY 6300 Midnight Pass Road 701 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,240 Sq. Ft. Stacy Liljeberg 941-544-6103 A4605926 $1,295,000

SIESTA KEY 6300 Midnight Pass Road 810 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,271 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4605709 $1,250,000

SIESTA KEY 5770 Midnight Pass Road 301 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,337 Sq. Ft. Kristina Waskom 941-266-8658 A4594716 $1,195,000

LONGBOAT KEY 1050 Longboat Club Road 904 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,409 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger 941-404-2722 A4586935 $1,125,000

SIESTA KEY 5780 Midnight Pass Road 408-B 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,361 Sq. Ft. Betsy Campbell 203-554-8349 A4595290 $1,099,000

SIESTA KEY 5325 Avenida Del Mare 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,701 Sq. Ft. Robin Leonardi 941-685-6270 A4592593 $1,045,000

SIESTA KEY 6480 Midnight Pass Road 304 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,265 Sq. Ft. Kaitlin Kuhn 941-400-7861 A4593244 $990,000

SARASOTA 1724 Oak Lakes Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,516 Sq. Ft. Mary Jo Violett 941-928-8474 A4609788 $899,000

SARASOTA 5440 Eagles Point Circle 201 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,936 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941-302-8157 A4608724 $842,000

SARASOTA 1816 Coquina Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,105 Sq. Ft. Ana Varone 941-504-8083 A4605883 $815,000

SARASOTA 101 S Gulfstream Avenue 8G 1 Bed 2 Baths 965 Sq. Ft. Rachelle Golden 941-538-8998 A4610034 $759,000

SIESTA KEY 1900 Cove Ii Place 138 2 Beds 2 Baths 860 Sq. Ft. Rudy Dudon 941-234-3991 A4599211 $699,900

SIESTA KEY 4822 Ocean Boulevard 2D 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 Sq. Ft. David Anthony 941-786-4282 A4578011 $689,000

SIESTA KEY 711 Beach Road 202 1 Bed 1 Baths 637 Sq. Ft. Karen Chandler 941-544-4919 A4591742 $550,000

SARASOTA 7751 Fairway Woods Drive 1006 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,749 Sq. Ft. Mina Johnson 941-404-9347 A4587946 $510,000

SARASOTA 4504 Deer Trail Boulevard 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,457 Sq. Ft. Sue Keal 941-320-1689 A4604928 $475,000

SARASOTA 3237 Golden Eagle Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,432 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4610330 $359,000

SARASOTA 3235 Golden Eagle Lane 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,268 Sq. Ft. Jami Kellogg 941-809-6931 A4610309 $349,000

SARASOTA 5857 Tidewood Avenue 10 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,156 Sq. Ft. Carol Thomas 941-302-8157 A4606054 $296,000

SARASOTA 4001 Beneva Road 412 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,630 Sq. Ft. Diana Kryszak 941-993-4078 A4610511 $289,000

SARASOTA 4511 Bay Shore Road 6 Beds 6/2 Baths 6,500 Sq. Ft. Nora Johnson 941-809-1700 A4610153 $7,450,000

SIESTA KEY 7314 Point Of Rocks Road 4 Beds 4 Baths 2,977 Sq. Ft. Jonathan Abrams 941-232-2868 A4586498 $4,990,000

SIESTA KEY 732 Tropical Circle 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,290 Sq. Ft. Jeffrey Hinrichs 941-456-1251 A4592495 $2,400,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

424046-1

8B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

ADAM HUGHES

Other top sales by area

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Oyster Bay Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Michael and Christine Hays sold their home at 1125 N. Lake Shore Drive to Kristine Voelker, trustee, of Sarasota, for $9.3 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,857 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA

HARBOR VIEW ON GOLDEN GATE POINT Stephen Vickar, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 502 condominium at 650 Golden Gate Point to Douglas Olson and Kerri Kitson, of Sarasota, for $2.65 million. Built in 1962, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,949 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.7 million in 2021.

OYSTER BAY ESTATES Laurie Ginsburg sold her home at 1615 S. Lake Shore Drive to Michael and Christine Hays, of Sarasota, for $2,335,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,329 square feet of living area.

GRANADA Shirley Lange Gamerman, trustee, of Prospect, Kentucky, sold the home at 3860 Camino Real to Beverley and Dyer Wadsworth, of Sarasota, for $1.9 million. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, fourand-two-half baths and 3,381 square feet of living area.

AQUALANE ESTATES Next One Homes LLC sold the home at 1723 Stanford Lane to Eric and Heather Avakemian, of Incline Village, Nevada, for $1.66 million.

Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,487 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2023.

BAYSO SARASOTA Terence Sanctis, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, sold his Unit 708 condominium at 301 Quay Commons to Spiro Bakiras and Laurel Davis, of Sarasota, for $1,435,000. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,589 square feet of living area.

It sold for $883,100 in 2023.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA Kane Management Group Ltd. sold the Unit A501 condominium at 1709 N. Tamiami Trail to Marlene Hayden, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2022, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,212 square feet of living area. It sold for $618,100 in 2022.

PAYNE PARK VILLAGE James Collette and Linda DePasquale, of Odessa, sold their home at 325 Gowdy Road to David Thomas Leitzen, of Sarasota, for

MAY 6-10

REAL ESTATE

Oyster Bay Estates home sells for $9.3 million

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

9B

SIESTA KEY: $1.2 MILLION The Palm Bay Club of Sarasota North Central Capital LLC sold the Unit G-27 condominium at 5966 Midnight Pass Road to Mastroni Investors LLC for $1.2 million. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 968 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,025,000 in 2022.

Ian Swaby

This Oyster Bay Estates home recently sold for $9.3 million, topping all sales this week. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,857 square feet of living area.

$1.1 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,461 square feet of living area. It sold for $801,500 in 2022.

THE LANDINGS TREEHOUSE Stephen Tucker and Anne Malloy sold their Unit 53 condominium at 1474 Landings Circle to David Michael Feinman and Jan Haflich Feinman, trustees, of Monterey, Massachusetts, for $980,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,176 square feet of living area. It sold for $619,000 in 2019.

SOUTH GATE Vicki Chelf Lambie and John Lambie, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2406 Siesta Drive to Pinktoad LLC for $899,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,578 square feet of living area. It sold for $155,000 in 2011.

Regatta Circle to James Gilman and Deanna Boileau Gilman, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,642 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2022.

CLARK LAKES Johnathan and Melanie Van Houten, of Acworth, Georgia, sold their home at 3655 Carol Lane to William Duggan Jr. and Michelle McGuinness, of S. Easton, Massachusetts, for $620,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,655 square feet of living area.

It sold for $237,000 in 2011.

ONLINE

DESOTA PARK Kathleen Mettler, trustee, of Charlevoix, Michigan, sold the home at 1959 Wisteria St. to Mission Property Partners LLC for $875,000.

Built in 1947, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,130 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2005.

LOMA LINDA PARK Susan and Duke Hale sold their home at 2374 Prospect St. to Jodi and Andrew Schutsky and Donna Schutsky, of Thornton, Pennsylvania, for $870,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,044 square feet of living area. It sold for $790,000 in 2021.

332 COCOANUT 332 Cocoanut LLC sold the Unit 309 condominium at 1338 Fourth St. to David and Regan Rancourt, of Sarasota, for $855,000. Built in 2021, it has one bedroom, one bath and 897 square feet of living area.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS Mercedes Lee Gyorgy, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2107 Orchid St. to Waterway 2302 LLC for $675,000. Built in 1952, it has two bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 806 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,000 in 2018.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

PALMER RANCH: $2.3 MILLION

Legacy Estates on Palmer Ranch Jerzy Suder, of Poland, sold his home at 5425 Greenbrook Drive to Jan Grzegorz Pacut and Malgorzata Anna Pacut, of Sarasota, for $2.3 million. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,662 square feet of living area.

OSPREY: $1.2 MILLION

Meridian at the Oaks Preserve Stephen and Tamara Blowers, trustees, of Osprey, sold the Unit 501 condominium at 385 N. Point Road to Cynthia Key, trustee, of Park City, Utah, for $1.2 million. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,594 square feet of living area. It sold for $625,000 in 2017.

NOKOMIS: $1.62 MILLION

Casey Key Robert and Angela McHugh, of Sarasota, sold their home at 624 S. Casey Key Road to DEH 624 Casey Key LLC for $1.62 million. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 3,284 square feet of living area. It sold for $935,000 in 2016.

In with the new NOW TAKING CONTRACTS

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA SOTA Residences & Hotel | 941.462.3900 | From $1.8M | Visit the Main Street Gallery | thesota.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $900,000s | Call for an appointment | Residences400central.com

MOVE-IN SPRING 2024

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

GULF GATE Jonah and Melissa Wright, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3122

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota building permits issued for the week of May 6-10, in order of dollar amounts.

En Pointe | 941.685.1598 | enpointesarasota.com | From $2,775,000

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

1111 N. Gulfstream Ave. #7A

Alterations

Mark Von Bradsky

$271,865

763 Freeling Drive

Alterations

Gilman Farley

$255,944

2439 Wisteria St.

Alterations/Addition Gail Landry, trustee

$250,000

1346 Harbor Drive

Seawall

Alan Jones

$82,360

834 Gillespie Ave.

Addition

Beverly Scott

$73,425

1785 Harmony Lane

Pool

Aria Krumwiede

$72,835

1485 Siesta Drive

Deck

Kirk Voelker

$60,000

1384 Harbor Drive

Windows/Doors

Robert Falahee

$47,500

3650 Flamingo Ave.

Seawall

Mary Vanwinkle, trustee $41,010

827 42nd St.

Repairs

Edwin Riley Jr.

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

Amount

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

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

MichaelSaunders.com/New-Homes | 844.591.4333 | Sarasota, Florida Prices as of November 2023

Source: City of Sarasota

424057-1

$32,500

10B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Love a great

deal?

Don’t miss exclusive promotions and deals from Observer partners.

Ian Swaby

Cyclists head out on the Ride of Silence.

Silence and solidarity YourObserver.com/newsletters 422156-1

Sign up at

The annual Ride of Silence honors cyclists injured and killed on public roadways.

IAN SWABY

ANNOUNCING

STAFF WRITER

S

tephanie Garrison finds that bikers are apprehensive about riding on the roads.

“They’ll say, ‘I would love to ride my bike again, but I’m afraid.

Can you teach me how to ride on the road?’” she said of the customers who come to the store she owns, Playtri Sarasota Bike Shop & Triathlon Store, in University Town Center.

Garrison has a simple answer for them: Join the Village Idiots Cycling Club or the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club — the two clubs that host the annual Ride of Silence.

Held on May 15, the annual event honored those injured or killed while biking on public roads. It’s held in tandem with other rides around the world, but it’s a cause that holds a high degree of significance in Sarasota.

Sarasota ranks as the nation’s second-deadliest county for cyclists, with Florida counties dominating the list, according to a 2024 analysis of highway data by the Georgiabased firm Bader Scott Injury Lawyers.

In the parking lot of Robarts Arena, the event began with speeches by club leaders. Dawn Zielinski, president of the VICC, read the Ride of Silence poem.

Riders then headed out for a seven-mile loop around downtown Sarasota, escorted by the Sarasota Police Department.

“Many here tonight and in our club are advocating for zero tolerance on life-ending and life-altering crashes,” McElvogue told attendees. “Your support of new initiatives will be critical for the ongoing efforts that these people are doing.”

Eugene Rider, vice president of Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, called the experience a “good ride,” with drivers pulling over for the group and waving as they traveled by.

our Sarasota Location has a New Address

5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 102 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 941.269.4150 2601 Cattlemen Dr. Suite 102 Sarasota, FL 3423 1370 E. Venice Ave, Suite #201 Venice, FL 34285 Keye L. Wong, M.D., John H Niffenegger, M.D., FACS, Beth Richter, M.D., PhD, Jesse T. McCann, M.D., PhD, George P. Skopis, M.D. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

425656-1

WORK TOWARD SAFER ROADS

Rider spoke to attendees about the death of his neighbor, Michael Schalberg, who died at 33 years old in 2023, in a crash on a Manatee County drawbridge.

“He had just gotten a new job as a golf pro at a private golf club and was living his best life ... and so there’s

RIDE OF SILENCE POEM

By Mike Murgas

Tonight we number many but ride as one In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons With helmets on tight and heads down low, We ride in silence, cautious and slow The wheels start spinning in the lead pack But tonight we ride and no one attacks The dark sunglasses cover our tears Remembering those we held so dear Tonight’s ride is to make others aware The road is there for all to share To those not with us or by our side, May God be your partner on your final ride.

been a whole family and a whole community that’s been impacted by his death, and even though I’m very involved in bike safety, my neighbor was killed. And it still hurts.”

VICC saw the death of one of its members in November 2023 in a Sarasota roundabout.

Irresponsible behavior by drivers is a major factor in the dangers the cyclists of the two clubs say they face on the roads.

They say motorists can come close to cyclists, often intentionally, among other issues.

“Motor vehicle drivers are so distracted,” McElvogue said. “They’re so angry sometimes and impatient, and when you’re out there all on your own, it feels like you’re kind of a moving target, sometimes.”

The two clubs are active in the community, providing educational opportunities related to cycling and working with local governing bodies that oversee roadways.

“We are establishing a line of communication in order to be able to express our concerns, or our feedback, in order to be safe for us, and safe for the drivers as well,” said Hector Cora, a member of VICC. Nonetheless, Zielinski said the county has yet to join in the Ride of Silence, now in its 22nd year.

“It would be great if the county engineers would come out and ride their bikes with us,” she said.

Garrison said when people have the chance to become aware of a cyclists’ experiences on the roadways, safer drivers is the result.

20+ Years of Experience | Unparalleled Expertise | Unwavering Commitment to Excellence New Listing Rooftop Terrace

New Construction Siesta Key $4,400,000

Gulf Front Unit

The Morrison House Siesta Key $3,000,000

Palm Bay Club Siesta Key $1,625,000

Sunset Views

409203-1

Beach Harbor Club Longboat Key $440,000

Roberts Point Siesta Key $1,395,000

Crystal Sands Siesta Key $1,250,000

Midnight Cove II Siesta Key $699,000

“Rudy is honest, not pushy and truly has your best interest in mind.” -Scott R.

941.234.3991 | Siesta4Sale.com

MAY 23, 2024

SPORTS Fast

Break

“I like showing off my skills. You grind by yourself when no one’s watching; then you get to show it on the big stage.”

— Bo O’Daniel, junior, Cardinal Mooney football. SEE PAGE 13B

LATE BLOOMER Kristi Dorman, 55, takes her pickleball show on the road — as pro player in the National Pickleball League.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

S

arasota’s Kristi Dorman

Courtesy image

Clark Dean (right) has qualified for the Paris Olympics after helping the U.S. men’s eight to a win (5:35.97) at the 2024 World Rowing Final Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland, on May 21.

S

arasota rower Clark Dean is going to the Paris Olympics this summer. Dean rowed in the U.S. men’s eight at the 2024 World Rowing Final Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland, and helped the boat take first place (5:35.97) by approximately 3.5 seconds over Italy on May 21. It will be Dean’s second Olympics appearance. Dean, who rowed for Sarasota Crew, helped the men’s four to a fifth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. … Riverview High track and field senior Susan Lowther won the girls shot put (13.27 meters) and the girls discus (45.45 meters) at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A state meet held May 18 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. At the same meet, Riverview junior Adryan Shuetz finished second in the boys high jump (1.97 meters). … Cardinal Mooney High track and field senior Addison Dempsey won the girls 3,200-meter run (10:35.87) at the FHSAA Class 2A state meet, held May 16 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Dempsey also finished seventh in the girls 1,600-meter run (5:07.43). At the same meet, Booker High senior Terrietta Smith finished fifth in the 100-meter dash (12.22 seconds). … Former Riverview High softball star Devyn Flaherty and Florida State University have advanced to the Super Regional round of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship tournament. The Seminoles (45-14) will hit the road to play the University of Oklahoma (50-6) in a three-game series starting May 23. Game one will start at 7 p.m. and air on ESPN2. Flaherty is hitting .336 with 14 RBIs.

HOPE FOR HEALING PAGE 12B

never thought she would be a professional pickleball

player.

Not when Dorman, 55, first heard of the burgeoning sport four years ago through a tennis friend. Not when she saw her skills improving through repeated play. Not even when she became a Professional Pickleball Registry-certified instructor in November; she could teach others the game, but she was still shy when it came to her own talent.

Even when Dorman, who is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and played tennis at Ball State University, had a conversation with National Pickleball League co-founder Rick Witsken about the league in 2023, she initially brushed it off. Witsken was an acquaintance from her tennis days and tried to persuade her to enter the league’s draft for its inaugural season. The NPL touts itself as the first professional pickleball league for players age 50 and older.

“I didn’t feel like I could be at that level or contribute in any way last year,” Dorman said. “But fast forward to this year, I had another conversation with Rick about the league.

He encouraged me to throw my hat in the ring.”

Still, Dorman was a bit hesitant.

She entered the league’s draft but did not attend either of the combine sessions, where the league’s coaches got to scout potential draft picks. If a team took a chance on her anyway based on her resume, she’d give it a shot.

A team did. Her hometown Indy Drivers, the defending league champions.

“I was surprised,” Dorman said. “I was thrilled. And thankful, and nervous. All of the emotions.”

Dorman’s first professional event was held May 18-19 in Chicago. The NPL holds an event each month at locations across the country, with teams playing four matches over two days. Each of those team matches involves 12 doubles matches, with the team that captures the majority of them winning the overall match.

In Chicago, Dorman went 2-4 in her doubles matches — winning two matches with partner Heather Iffert

“I haven’t thought of ­myself as an inspiration.

But you never know how you are going to touch someone’s life. I love to teach the game because I get to see the excitement run through other people.”

— Kristi Dorman

Photos by Ryan Kohn

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL PICKLEBALL LEAGUE? The NPL is a professional pickleball league for athletes 50 and older. The league held its inaugural season in 2023 and began its 2024 season May 18-19 in Chicago, the first of five regular-season events held once a month. A championship event will be held in October at a to-be-determined location.

The league has 12 teams this season and has attracted some big-name athletes, including former NFL and University of Florida Heisman Trophywinning quarterback Danny Wuerffel. More information can be found at NPLPickleball.com.

— and the Drivers went 1-3.

It is just one of five regular season events the NPL has scheduled before its championship weekend Oct. 17-20, at a to-be-announced location. The next stop is June 21-23 in Columbus, Ohio, and matches will be available to stream on the NPL YouTube page.

Before the Chicago event, Dorman said she viewed her biggest strength as a willingness to get aggressive.

“That can probably be good or bad,” Dorman said with a laugh. “But I’m confident in hand battles and aggressive play.”

Her biggest concern, like a lot of athletes, is consistency. Dorman said pickleball can often come down to which player makes the crucial error instead of which player hits the winner, a lesson she has learned as she has climbed the sport’s ranks and rallies against good competition last longer.

Dorman said she’s on the court in some form six days a week, either giving others instructions or practicing herself. Dorman said she finds herself improving more when she does drills as opposed to playing matches, as drills allow her to focus solely on what she wants to improve.

Dorman said she will spend 45 min-

utes on dinks before moving on to another skill, for example.

Dorman said she finds it “humbling” to represent Sarasota, as well as Indianapolis.

Dorman never considered that she could become a professional athlete at 55, she said, or even compete at a high level. That the league allows people in her age group to get the competitive juices flowing is a great thing, she said.

Dorman is hardly the only person who feels this way, and pros from other sports are getting on board.

The league added former NFL and University of Florida Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel to its ranks this season. He plays for the Denver Iconics.

Dorman said she has not thought about how fans watching her NPL performance could get others her age to get back on the court, but she’s supportive of everyone staying active, no matter their age.

“I haven’t thought of myself as an inspiration,” Dorman said. “But you never know how you are going to touch someone’s life. I love to teach the game because I get to see the excitement run through other people. There are hundreds of tournaments throughout the country every weekend. The opportunity to compete is there.”

Kristi Dorman said she first started playing pickleball four years ago.

Now, she’s a professional.

Sarasota’s Kristi Dorman, 55, was drafted by the Indy Drivers of the National Pickleball League.

12B

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Football star Brian Battie and brother victims of shooting The brothers were shot at Tallywood Centre Plaza in the early hours of May 18. Their connections to the Sarasota community run deep.

I

n 2017, Tommie Battie IV and Brian Battie were starters on the Sarasota High football team.

The team went 5-5 that season, but the brothers were bright spots.

Tommie Battie, a senior, played defensive back and took occasional snaps at quarterback. When he did, Brian Battie would be next to him. A sophomore at the time, Brian Battie would soon become the best running back in the Sarasota area. His ascent began that season.

The 2017 season was the only one the brothers played together, but they both played the game with enthusiasm, which earned them the respect of their teammates. In a 34-14 win over Booker High that year, the brothers combined for 285 yards.

The happy memories only make what happened May 18 more of a tragedy.

The Battie brothers were among a group of people shot around 3:30 a.m. May 18 at Tallywood Centre Plaza, in the 3400 block of 17th Street in Sarasota, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Tommie Battie IV, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene. Brian Battie, 22, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. Four other victims were taken to local hospitals.

As of May 22, the SCSO had not released the name of the suspect(s) nor a motive, but said it appeared to be an isolated incident. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to this shooting is encouraged to contact the SCSO Criminal Investigations Section at 861-4900 or Sarasota Crimestoppers at 366-8477.

While Tommie Battie IV didn’t

continue his football career past his senior season in 2017, Brian Battie did.

An electric running back and returner, Brian Battie was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He had options at the NCAA Division I level. He elected to join the University of South Florida, where he spent three seasons and accumulated 1,842 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, plus 1,427 kick return yards and three touchdowns.

He was named an NCAA Consensus All-American for his 2021 performance on special teams. Battie transferred to Auburn University prior to the 2023 season and had 227 rushing yards and a touchdown, plus 645 kick return yards, for the Tigers.

During Brian Battie’s senior season at Sarasota High, Brody Wiseman was the offensive coordinator.

It was Wiseman’s first year with the program. The Sailors had gone 13 straight seasons without a winning record, but that year, the team finished 6-4, breaking the streak and setting offensive records in the process. Wiseman, who would become the team’s head coach the next season, said it was all a credit to Battie.

“I don’t think any of the opportunities that I got in coaching (after that), I would have received without Brian playing for me,” Wiseman, now the offensive coordinator at Riverview High, said. “He was that impactful to our program and to the kids that were around it.”

At the time, his talent was evident, but his off-the-field impact was just as important. Battie was a humble player at Sarasota, Wiseman said, and one who treated

Brian Battie and Tommie Battie IV played football together for Sarasota High in 2017. The brothers were shot in Sarasota on May 18.

Tommie Battie IV was pronounced dead at the scene, while Brian Battie was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

File image

everybody on the team the same regardless of seniority or skill level.

He was also tougher than a brick wall. During his senior season — and throughout much of his college career — Battie played with a toe injury that doctors had a hard time solving, Wiseman said. He was often limited in practice. But during games, no one could tell.

Battie didn’t have to do that, Wiseman said. He was already committed to USF, his future secured. No one would have blamed him for missing a few games.

Instead, Battie played better than ever. In his final high school game, against rival Riverview, he ran for 148 yards and a touchdown as the Sailors were fighting for a playoff spot. The Sailors lost the game, but Wiseman has never forgotten the effort.

Since graduating, Battie has come back to the area frequently.

Wiseman said Battie would often show up at Sailors’ practices to help mentor the team’s running backs. Wiseman said he still plays video games with Battie, things like

“Call of Duty” or “Fight Night,” a boxing game. It all paints a picture of someone who wanted to stay connected to the places, people and organizations that helped him reach his dreams.

“He is an older brother figure to a lot of people here,” Wiseman said.

“A lot of kids are hurting about this.”

Wiseman made sure to use the present tense when talking about Battie. He’s still fighting, Wiseman said.

Coaches, fans and friends of Battie are also sharing memories and words of support on social media via the #BattieStrong hashtag.

Daniel Da Prato, now the associate head coach at Texas State University, coached special teams at South Florida while Battie was there. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Da Prato called Battie “my guy” and posted a photo of the two of them together, with a broken heart emoji in the message.

On May 13, Battie and his father, Tommie Battie III, shared a post on Instagram. It was a video of Battie

working out. Battie III, a local trainer, had been helping his son get ready for the 2024 season.

“Finally healthy and on the grind, manifesting my own destiny,” the video caption said.

Here’s praying he gets the chance, and that the entire Battie family can find peace after this tragedy.

A GoFundMe page has been started to help the Battie family with medical bills and funeral costs.

As of presstime Wednesday, more than $93,000 had been raised via the GoFundMe. In a message posted Monday on X (formerly Twitter), Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said Brian Battie had suffered a setback ­ entilator. and was still on a v

Catholic High School

C LA SS

2024

of

CARDINAL MOONEY

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

CONGRATULATIONS! - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU - CONGRATULATIONS! - WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST - CONGRATULATIONS! Jordan Carter Zeshon Casimir Rafael Castro Pedro Cava Kayla Coddington Chad Conlin Chase Conlin Morgan Costallos Ethan Dapper Addison Dempsey Mario Dentici Victoria DeVooght Farid Dib Christian DiGioia Natalie Donaldson Keira Donovan Joseph Dowell Madison Duncan Eva Dyer Chase Edens Gabrielle Fisher Brianna Folkers Brody Folkers

Julia Foy Alexandra Frank James Frankauski Leah Garner Alyssa Ghanayem Kaitlyn Giglio Tanner Gilliland Daniel Gillson Joseph Gontis Catalina Grieco Roniel Hamilton Cameron Hamley Alana Handloser Matthew Harriman Connor Heald Helena Hebda Lilyanne Henderson Broc Hudson John Hutchens Ryan Jakubowicz Madelyn Jessup Carter Jula Adrian Kaiser-Andrade

Michael Kipley Lily Klemeyer Christian Kline Samantha Kotasek Benjamin Kruse Lindsay Kuo Alexander Lamb Elizabeth Lambert Lily LaMorey George Leibold Annalise Love Olivia Love Tanner Luria Caitlin Lynch William MacKinnon Violet Marx Isabel McCloskey Gage McGregor Harrison Melby Sawyer Michel Jonathon Middleton Alexander Mitten Ethan Moore

Taylor Morris Rhett Morton Talan Murphy Tyler Murray Alexandra Mussey Molly Najmy Kevin O'Donoghue Gracie Oldham Cameron Phayre Joseph Pizzurro Alaina Prima Hailey Renner Harold Reyes James Rieff Gia Rizzo Drew Roberts Gabriella Roberts Samuel Romine Brianne Roux James Rowan Tyler Ruben Elizabeth Runnels Randal Salser

Bryce Schaeffer Nino Schuetz Marcus Scurry Sean Scurry Joseph Seifert Connor Semeraro Hunter Sheffield Mason Sheffield Izabella Shull Emily Simmons Joseph Smillie Giordana Spagnolo Nicholas Sparma Marina Squillace Abigail Staas Reme Stainton Courtney Stutzman Ryan Sugg Cora Thayer Charlotte Thompson Gina Totera Peter Totera Santino Trina

Kennedy Trompler John Twilley Thomas Tyler Yerovi Valdes Alfonso Michael Valentino Lillian VanderPol Riley Vavra Lucia Via-Reque Lukas Wahlstrom Grace Walker Ruby Walker Lorenzo Walls Emerson Warthling Carter Westendorf Sarah White Jacob Williams Vincent Wren Giovanni Zanoni Alexander Zozaya

423928-1

Jack Adamczyk Denny Aguilera Theodore Airey Sage Allison Adrian Anoshiravani Francesca Antonio John Antonucci Annabella Augustine Ava Badala Taylor Balot Ashley Bane Carson Beach Dante Benevento Elizabeth Bepko Darling Bergstrom Shelby Bernstein Jacob Brown Nicholas Bryan Lauren Burd Jon Callahan Kate Campion Bobby Cantrell Kathleen Carro

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Bo O’Daniel is a rising junior wide receiver on the Cardinal Mooney High football team. O’Daniel caught two touchdowns in the Cougars’ spring jamboree against St. Petersburg High and Port Charlotte High on May 16.

Why did you start playing football?

My dad (Chris O’Daniel) played in college at Georgetown University.

We always had football on the TV in the house. He helped me get into it.

But I only played flag football at first.

My first year of tackle football was my freshman year. I had never been hit before, so that was different.

What is the appeal of football to you?

I like showing off my skills. You grind by yourself when no one’s watching; then you get to show it on the big stage. When everyone is cheering for you, that makes me happy.

What is your best skill?

My knowledge and my route running. I know how the defensive back is going to react to everything. I can read his eyes. I know where I’m going, but he does not.

What have you been working to improve?

I’m focused on getting bigger, getting my strength up and working on my footwork. But also, all the stuff that comes with being a receiver. I want to perfect my craft.

team. We had to adapt to that and have younger kids learn the plays.

But if we play for our teammates, and we leave it all on the field and play with toughness, we can be special (in the fall).

What are your goals for next season?

I don’t have any milestones I want to hit. I just hope we win a lot of games, go to the playoffs and try to repeat (as champions). I’d rather we win at all than score three touchdowns in a loss.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Bo O’Daniel

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.

13B

Looks good on paper... [and works even better in the app]

What is your favorite food?

I love Chipotle. I could eat that every day. I get a burrito with white rice, black beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes and guacamole.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

My favorite movie is “Step Brothers,” and my favorite TV show is “AllAmerican.”

Finish this sentence: “Bo O’Daniel is … ” … Grateful. I’m grateful for my parents, my coaches, my friends, God, everything. I would be a lost human being without any of them.

What is your favorite memory?

It has to be winning the state championship (in December).

That was one of the most special moments of my life, especially celebrating with all my best friends.

I’ll never forget it.

What is the team’s outlook after spring practice?

It’s good. We had a lot of seniors graduate, so we’re a bit of a younger team now, a newer

BUSY BEE TUTORING 424674-1

A ” “Smartt Gif r All Ynega Lo

General Education | Special Needs | Standardized Test Prep (941) 907•8482 | mjbhaus@aol.com | www.busybeetutoring.net

The heat is around the corner so get out of Sarasota and head to the Smoky Mountains!

ZOOM

TAP

PAN

SCROLL

Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Print Edition app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper (with the option to pan & zoom) or article to article in full text view (with font size adjustment).

FIRST 2 MONTHS

GET STARTED TODAY!!

BUCK RUN on Balsam Ridge

Log home vacation rental, sleeps 8.

Pool and hot tub, all on 5 acres in beautiful Waynesville, NC west of Asheville.

Easy flight from Sarasota to Asheville Regional airport, then a 35 minute drive to the cabin. Book through Airbnb or Vrbo. 3 night minimum stay, now through December 31st.

Scan here or visit us online at YourObserver.com/subscribe

DAVID MARTIN Customer Trust with Personal Touch

419264-1

If you have questions about using the app, please contact us at 877-231-8834 or customersupport@yourobserver.com.

REALTOR

425125-1

941-779-3860 dmartinrealtor28@gmail.com

99

¢ LIMITED TIME OFFER

14B

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, MAY 23

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 2024-25.

Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2025, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 13%

FRIDAY, MAY 24 High: 90 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 8%

Thursday, May 23

6:36a

8:15p

Friday, May 24

6:36a

8:16p

Saturday, May 25

6:36a

8:16p

Sunday, May 26

6:35a

8:17p

Monday, May 27

6:35a

8:18p

Tuesday, May 28

6:35a

8:18p

Wednesday, May 29

6:35a

8:19p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 25 High: 90 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 8%

May 30 Last

June 6 New

June 13 First

June 21 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, MAY 26 High: 91 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 7%

Monday, May 13

0

Tuesday, May 14

0

Wednesday, May 15

0

Thursday, May 16

0.02

Friday, May 17

0

Saturday, May 18

0

Sunday, May 19

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Becky Edwards took this photo from the canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park.

YEAR TO DATE: 2024 9.69 in.

2023 5.48 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2024 0.02 in.

2023 0.09 in.

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

The Grounded Feeling Everyone will Enjoy

crossword

celebrity cipher

RISING THROUGH THE RANKS by Daniel Hrynick, edited by Jeff Chen 123 Julia Roberts’ “Ocean’s

57

11” role

61 Happy musical key (Abbr.)

Nutrition info

124 Dogs that may get teddy / Orange Monopoly place bear cuts

62 Kidney and navy

125 “Not in this house!”?

64 ___ Fridays

126 Back day muscles, briefly 67 Transcript no.

3 Meet the standards 4 Twitch chat icons 5 Extended an agreement 6 Canadian dollar bird 7 “Your point being?”

8 Type of computing logic 9 Suddenly beamed 10 Odor 11 “___ Defeats Truman” (1948 headline) 12 ID on tax forms 13 Compadres 14 Does 15 Division in bowling 16 Big books 19 Lee of film 22 Next-___ (advanced tech) / Dionysus, notably 23 Modern “alas” 26 Entry permits

©2023 Universal Uclick

1 Tapenade ingredient 6 Many a service dog 9 Fellas 13 “Puh-lease!”

17 Best effort, in slang

31 Fish that can be electrify-

62 Little rascal

97 Nintendo console after

29 Stashes

ing

63 “WCW Monday Nitro”

the GameCube

30 Decline, as a substack

32 They slide with experience channel

98 Troublemakers

31 Returns to nothingness

35 Best efforts?

65 Blue

99 Dollar division

33 H.S. test

36 Hip-hop subgenre

66 Eight, six, seven, five,

100 Brags

34 NHL’s Avs, on scoreboards

37 The best

three or nine

102 “An ___ can never break;

/ Farm-to-table mantra

68 “Six minute abs” focus

it can only become stairs”

36 “Rising Through the

71 Non-roster talent show

(Mitch Hedberg)

Ranks,” for this puzzle

41 Ceremonial indigenous

arbiter

107 Kyoto accord?

40 Things dropped after

dome

78 Ctrl + V

108 Claw machine prize

being rocked

47 Decays

82 Is in second?

109 “Cool!”

41 Hit the gas

49 Pops a squat

83 Voice actor Hayes

110 Blinker

42 “Star ___”

50 Sandcastle mold

84 “Military” or “legal” prefix 112 “Yes, but ...”

43 Dublin motherland

51 Strauss line

85 Historical record

113 Chicken nuggy shape

44 There’s the rub?

52 Songs like “Islands in the

86 “And Caesar ___ ...”

114 Program coded in a

45 Bash

Stream”

88 This, in Tabasco

certain language

46 Put it out there?

54 Treble ___ (music notation) 89 Rock subgenre

116 Bed cover

48 Iowa, e.g.

56 Oopsie

91 London neighborhood in

119 Match the blinds

53 OED abbr.

58 Manning or Roth

“Pinball Wizard”

120 Nail file

55 Grammy-winning Tracy

59 Nobody’s cat

92 Launch after a breakup

121 Charged particle

Chapman song

60 Little bit of everything?

95 “___ Montana”

122 Edit

18 Yoko with bed hair in 1969 38 X symbols?

39 NBA star Lillard 19 Buenos ___ 20 Bubbly Nestle bar in Canada 21 Higgs ___ (elementary particle) 22 Leave the suburbs, say 24 Mosque figure 25 Wright who joked, “I’m addicted to placebos” 27 French for “vegetable” 28 “Me too” 29 Victory on a team’s own turf

edition varieties

LNEJRJUGE GUR NV VGJRP RPGR WOJXRX GRNL G DAWGRPRGTJKHEI DWGCRJVCE EGKZ.”

70 “Blade Runner” humanoids 72 For whom the bell notification tolls?

73 Lack of hardship 74 Satisfy 75 Coca-Cola water

IGKK SGARWE

“SM MTBZN T NOTYM LVG MP WXTG EVOC.” / “TJG OTJ KDP EPZNJ’M XPFZ DSN OTOT UTJ’M CZ JP RYSZJE PR OSJZ.”

76 Brute

OY. M

77 Make bank 79 Tool that makes banks 80 Island one letter different from a hummus ingredient 81 Titular Plaza Hotel girl 87 Fruit performers dread 90 Story 93 Professional aviator’s cert. / Dandruff treatments,

“LEUW XLC WHNSNEMBW BPW NSVLAANJHW, YPMBWFWT TWSMNEA, EL SMBBWT PLY NSVTLJMJHW, SCAB JW BPW BTCBP.”

e.g.

94 Red ___ beet

MTBPCT ULEME GLXHW

Puzzle Three Clue: F equals V

2 Once

69 Cookie with many limited

“J ENBW UGKGZG. JR’X G MNKZWAVCE

Puzzle Two Clue: W equals P

1 ___ sauv

68 Corvid calls

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle One Clue: T equals K

DOWN

ACROSS

417953-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

95 It’s front and center in alleys 96 Dogged 99 Dorito, e.g.

101 Suppose 102 Finish by

sudoku

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

103 River through Paris or Winnipeg 104 Spanish words of love 105 Yiddish words of dismay 106 Bums 108 Subordinate to four answers in this puzzle (Abbr.) / Premium streaming service 111 In ___ terms (simply) 112 Decision-making starter 114 Athlete in New York or Winnipeg 115 Mauna ___ (Hawaiian peak) 117 Giant Tolkien creature 118 NFL scores ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

5-23-24

Made for where you live. Here!

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Handyman Services

redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

BOOKENDS, dark walnut, excellent condition. 2 for $75 Sofa w down pillow & matching chair. Beautiful condition. $125 for both. 941-400-4808 TODDLER BED w/ crib sized mattress & bedding. $50 913-645-6469 VERTICAL BLINDS. 78" rail, panels 80"L, 3.5"W, light tan pvc.

Pic online. $25 (941) 966-6816 VINTAGE 1920 Mahjong motif, teakwood, hand carved plate.

12” round. Pics available. $150 941-966-8429

FIND IT IN THE RED PAGES 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Announcements

Between Houses or Condos

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Reservations 941-383-5577 wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite

Visit the RED PAGES YourObserver.com/RedPages

Longboat Key, FL 34228 M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words ................. $ 17.50 per week Each add’l word ...... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Email: RedPages@ YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com /RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING EXPERTS! From custom cabinetry to luxurious showers, we bring your vision to life with precision and care. Five Star rated General Contractor.

Skilled craftsmen, Premium materials, Attention to detail, Timely completion, Highly Rated!

If You Can Dream it, We Can Build it!

RIM Express - Sarasota, FL 34241 (941) 888-4434 https://www.rim-express.com

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage

Painting

CALL 941-955-4888

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING

Painting

HIGH-END INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

101 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m.

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

HUGE ART SALE! MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! All original art! Paintings, lithographs, sculptures, pottery, raku, glass & textiles. Painting supplies available, also.

Watercolor paints, paper, mats & frames.

5/24 ~ 9-5 5/25 ~ 8-5 5/26 ~ 10-3 4847 FEATHERBED LANE SIESTA KEY

Beachfront, Bayfront and In

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Transportation PERSONAL DRIVER/SHOPPER Female, Airport, Appointments, Shopping. Deneen (941) 544-8385

This week’s Crossword answers

Help Wanted CHAUFFEUR DRIVER/ PERSONAL ASSISTANT Needed.

Responsibilities include maintaining a personal and professional schedule, coordinating meetings and events.

Must be reliable and arrive at appointments on time. The ideal candidate must have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and must be incredibly organized with a strong work ethic. Send resume and cover letter to (Lsummers909@gmail.com ) for details.

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fastpaced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a full-time position in Sarasota, Florida. Hours are 9am5pm, Mon-Fri. Candidates must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

The ideal candidate will have strong computer software and hardware skills. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Filemaker Pro is a plus. Florida notary certification is also a plus.

Please email your resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration to kboothroyd@businessobserverfl. com. Please also specify your available date to start. *This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

Competitive pay, holiday pay, and health insurance available

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Cleaning BETTY’S HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Residential, high quality cleaning. Reasonable rates. Lic./Insured.

Free Estimates!

Call 941-650-6180 BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

Handyman Services

©2022 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

2 SAMSUNG tvs for sale.

22x13- $65 (orig. 125) 20x12- $60 (orig. 120) Call 941-924-8199

SEASONAL RATES

home services

Items Under $200

GOLD, SILVER BUYING w/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Antiques. Free House Calls.

Discrete/ Confidential. Call David 813-439-2694

WEEKLY MONTHLY

jobs

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236

Merchandise Wanted

auto

stuff

THE EMERALD Medical Cannabis Clinic of Sarasota Medical Marijuana Doctor (941) 926-3100 emeraldmedicalgroup.com

OUR ONLINE TOOLS MAKE Vacation/ IT EASY Seasonal Rentals TO PLACE YOUR AD

Screen Repair lanai repair, pool cage repair, gutter cleaning, pool cage cleaning, 16 years exp, licensed and insured.

(941) 299-9347

peekers’ place

Health/Fitness/ Beauty

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

MOW OVER the competition!

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I love Canada. It’s a wonderful political act of faith that exists atop a breathtakingly beautiful land.”

Yann Martel Puzzle Two Solution: “It takes a smart guy to play dumb.” / “Any man who doesn’t love his mama can’t be no friend of mine.”

Mr. T Puzzle Three Solution: “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”

Arthur Conan Doyle

This week’s Sudoku answers

HANDYMAN SERVICES. 30 Years Experience. Can do jobs from the floor to the ceiling and in between. Inside the house and outside the house. No job is too small or too large.

Rick Whaley | 941-650-6696.

MITCHELL HANDYMAN. Painting, Carpentry, Tile, Pressure Cleaning.

Home Improvements, Repairs.

Small and large! 941-284-8488.

©2022 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Carpentry

Handyman

McKnight Construction

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

Remodel & Home Improvements

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS & ANYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP

424356

TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772 KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

424361

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

YoderAluminum.com

Free Estimates Sarasota County

Attorney

Mike McKnight

941~400~6786

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Indoor • Residential • Commercial Windows, Pressure Washing, Gutters

Call Today for FREE Estimate

423.251.2368 / 863.473.1069

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Computer

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

COMPUTER REPAIR SALES & SERVICE

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

New & Refurbished Computers Servicing PC & MAC on Site or In Shop Virus and Spyware Removal- Free Software We Make Windows 11 User-Friendly!

We have mediated divorces involving up to 15 million dollars of assets over past 30 years.

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

DON’T THROW YOUR COMPUTER OUT THE WINDOW – CALL LORITECH!

William J. Leininger, JD

Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

6968 Beneva Road

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

424379

(Next to Beneva Flowers)

941-929-9095

424368

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

Home Watch

Pinnacle Home Watch.com Stop Worrying About Your Home While Away

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

424362

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

Concrete 424369

HoHoBuysCars.com

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Auto Service

941.270.4400

FREE (941) 809-7311 ESTIMATES!

24/7 SERVICE

GG1 Cleaning Services

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

Dave and Connie Grundy

Michael Koch Concrete Inc.

CALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999

All Phases of Flat Work & Stone Work

Caregiver/Companion

Free Estimates! • No Job Too Small

PALMER RANCH HOMEWATCHERS®

424347

941-918-8587

Watching your home while you’re away

Bob & Carol Guthrie 941.993.6613

Doors

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Serving the Palmer Ranch Area Since 2007 Licensed & Insured

www.PalmerRanchHomewatchers.com PalmerRanchHomewatchers@comcast.net

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Find anything in the RED PAGES

941-955-4888

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Nick 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

424370

424355

24 Hour Care • Full Service Home Health Care www.tlchomecaresrq.com • (941) 320-9678 Now Hiring HHA’s & CNA’s

eRvice

• No JoB Too SmaLL • ScReeN RepaiRS • paiNTiNG/DRY WaLL • TiLe RepaiRS • & mUcH moRe!

Cleaning

Divorce without Lawyers

epaiR

424348

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

424346

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

ome

424377

Dustin Yoder

STEVE PANEBIANCO H R S

Professional Craftmanship on Carpentry • Cabinets Plank Floors • All Trims and Moldings Pressure Cleaning Services • Painting

424357

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

424380

Aluminum

424349

16B

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

424364

Doors

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Renovation, Construction and Remodeling Specialist

SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM REPAIRS & REMODELS.

Call us today! 941.628.8579

- FREE ESTIMATES -

423813

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

424365

www.ezslider.com

941-243-0995 • jsancorporation@gmail.com jsancorporation.com Lic#CBC1265920

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages. Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Movers

Transportation

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Wizard Moving SRQ

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Painting

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Pet Care by Melanie Gates

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Landscaping & Lawn

410036

Crystal Clear Windows in Southwest Florida Since 2023

Residential & Commercial Cleans

Serving South Sarasota Only including: Palmer Ranch – Osprey – Nokomis

Pet Sitting (cats & sm/md dogs) Dog Walking (sm/md) Over 30 years experience Excellent references Administering medication

Call John 941.377.2940

Cleaner Than Clean Window Company Call Today!

941-504-9787

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

(941) 966-2960

HAWKINS

Ask about Community Discounts!

Knowledgeable & Uniformed | Trained & Certified | Licensed, Bonded & Insured

424381

364556 423819

DRGRABBARS.COM

1/1

Windows

Pet Services

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

Plumbing Complete Plumbing Services & Repairs Residential, New Construction and Commercial Serving the area since 1993 No Job Too BIG or Too SMALL. We DO IT ALL!

Design • Maintenance Pruning • Planting Call Today for Your Garden Paradise!

Veteran Owned & Operated • Third Generation Master Plumber All Major Credit Cards Accepted Generalplumbingsarasota.com

941-923-8140

• Drain & Sewer Cleaning • Backflows Installation • Natural Gas Installations - Appliance Hook ups • Power Flush & Comfort Height Toilets • All Water Heaters - Tankless - Gas - Solar • All Major Plumbing Fixtures Repaired or Replaced • Garbage Disposals • New Water & Sewer Services • Dishwashers Installed • Wells & Pump Repairs Licensed & Insured State Lic CFC056748

424630

Roofing

Lic./ Insured

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

found here.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

TREASURES

150

25 $

STANDARD WINDOWS

SPECIAL 00

Building & Roofing Contractor

Rich Briandi | 941-356-5616

UP TO

INCLUDING SCREENS, TR ACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Driveways | Yards | Dirt Work | Light Demo

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

424374

General Plumbing Services Inc.

424382

LANDSCAPE & GARDENING

424366

424378

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

941-955-4888

424336

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

Shell Work & Landscape Stone

Trees

Find anything in the RED PAGES

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

941.587.8761 | Hawk332@yahoo.com

10% off

424345

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

Airports, Concerts, Dinners & Cruises www.towncarservicebradenton.com

424383

High End Interior & Exterior Painting Services

424372

423818

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

941.966.0333

941-248-4734

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

249 235

424373

Licensed and insured #IMT708

Licensed & Insured

$ $235

424350

make your moving day a pleasure.

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

*

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Luxury for Less

For $149 per hour you get:

A truck, 2 men with equipment, experience and a great attitude to

GLENN KROECKER

$

17B

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

YourObserver.com

SARASOTA OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Your Ritz-Carlton Connection

RECENT SALES BY SARASOTA PERRY ADDRESS

LIST PRICE

SALE PRICE

401 Quay Commons Unit #1101

$6,500,000

AVAILABLE

401 Quay Commons Unit #1405

$6,500,000

$6,100,000

401 Quay Commons Unit #1005

$7,700,000

$7,000,000

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr Unit #1103

$5,750,000

$5,550,000

401 Quay Commons Unit #1403

$9,500,000

$9,300,000

Perry Corneau

36 years selling luxury properties in Sarasota

(941) 650-4626 perry.corneau@compass.com sarasotacondominiums.com

424701-1

18B