“Bow Wow at The Bay: Why Does My Dog Do That?” was the first in a series of free training events offered by Sarasota’s Terry Cook on Sept. 7. Cook said he wants to educate attendees on how they can communicate with their dogs.
“We love the park here, and if we can help people with their dogs, we love it,” he said.
Attendee Estephanie Herrera, who attended with her long-haired dachshund, Hazelnut, said she enjoyed hearing about “when to actually reward, how many times to call her name” and how to “distract her versus reprimand her is probably the most effective way to teach her.”
The event will be held every Saturday in September, except Sept. 14.
He definitely is worth his salt
Tim Norwood had dreamed of owning a vineyard and a winery, but he but found that Florida did not lend itself easily to the idea.
“It’s just not something for this side of the world, so I created this,” he said of Sea Salt SRQ, which he says is the area’s only salt farm.
The Bradenton resident, who can be found each week at Sarasota Farmer’s Market, says he treats the salt he harvests from beaches in the local area with the same care he would have given to wine. It took the former engineer and architect two-and-a-half years to perfect the process, which begins with harvesting water from Siesta Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Venice Beach.
$1.00
Non-commercial flight revenues for the airport are headed toward $5 million annually. SEE PAGE 3
The country’s unity following the events of 9/11 was the theme of the ceremony. SEE PAGE 19
Ian Swaby Sarasota
Ian Swaby
Ian Swaby Hazelnut and Estephanie Herrera
Ian Swaby
Tim and Janice Norwood
WEEK OF SEPT. 12, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
224 The number of condos, plus 166 hotel rooms, planned for the replacement of the Hyatt Regency Hotel next to The Quay. PAGE 4
19,000+
9 The number of wins by the streaking Cardinal Mooney girls volleyball team so far this season. PAGE 28 CALENDAR
n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 16, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
n Sarasota City Commission second special budget public hearing — 5:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).
“With the number of things both in my personal life and my professional life, there are still things that I’d like to accomplish in my current role.”
Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson.
Read more on page 9
Powerboat Grand Prix is back this weekend
The 40th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will return Sept. 13-15 at Lido Beach.
Kicking off the weekend is a pit party, featuring Nashville country artist Andy Velo, on Friday from 6-10 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot at 77 N. Tamiami Trail.
That will be followed by two days of racing as more than 50 race teams compete in the 2024 APBA National and UIM World Championships. The Sarasota Powerboat P1
is the second longest-running powerboat race in the country. Net proceeds raised will benefit the P1 Marine Foundation, which raises awareness of threats to oceans, supports research and provides scholarships in the field of marine conservation.
This year, the P1 Marine Foundation will make a donation to Mote Marine’s STEM education program, which provides hands-on marine science education for students.
Opening ceremonies will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Lido Beach
followed by racing until 4 p.m.
Racing on Sunday will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with an awards ceremony from 5-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the awards ceremony will be held at the Bayfront Community Center, 803 N. Tamiami Trail.
On-site parking is limited and alternative parking is available at the St. Armands Garage, the Palm Avenue and State Street garages in downtown and at the Van Wezel parking lot.
Baird buys downtown restaurant buildings
Two popular downtown Sarasota restaurants now have a new landlord. Sarasota family office Baird Inc. has acquired commercial properties at 1355 to 1373 Main St., home to Café Amici and El Melvin Cocina Mexicana.
The buildings include 12,527 square feet and offer a blend of restaurant, retail and art gallery/studio spaces. This acquisition underscores Baird’s strategic commitment to investing in downtown real estate. Both restaurants will remain in operation under the new ownership. The Cafe Amici buildings were purchased for $4.5 million and the El Melvin building for $4 million.
According to the news release, the acquisition aligns with Baird’s vision of preserving and enhancing Sarasota’s downtown by revitalizing key commercial spaces.
In May 2023, Baird acquired the former Sarasota Kennel Club property from the Jack G. Collins Revocable Trust for $9.5 million. It has since cleared the site. Tourism continues downward trend
Sarasota County tourism numbers remain down compared to the prior year, according to July 2024 data released by Visit Sarasota County. Compared to July 2023: n Visitors were 149,800 compared to 153,370, down 8.5%.
n Visitor direct expenditures were $141,012,900 compared to $145,328,800, down 1.5%.
n Lodging occupancy was 63.6% compared to 68.4%.
n Lodging average room rate was $249.80 compared to $242.96 in 2023 n There were 267,300 room nights sold, compared to 285,500. For the fiscal year to date, the number of visitors is down nearly 2.4%, while direct spending is down 3.0%.
As for tourist points of origin, visitors from Canada remain elevated compared to the year prior, at 4.0% fiscal year to date. Also, there percentage of visitors from the Midwest and Northeast are up over the year prior.
Ian Swaby
The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix gears up for two days of boat racing this weekend.
SRQ’s Aviation Ecosystem
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
On the north and east sides of the airfield at SarasotaBradenton International Airport, commuters can use Tallevast Road and 15th Street East to avoid traffic on Tamiami Trail and University Parkway.
More than just a shortcut, though, across the runway from the passenger terminal is a developing aviation ecosystem that is gradually reducing the airport’s dependency on revenue generated by commercial airline operations, fostering a balance between passenger and industrial activities that serve the airport and the community alike.
On Aug. 26, SRQ punctuated a five-year effort to grow that ecosystem by announcing Swiss-based aircraft builder Pilatus Business Jets would invest at least $40 million and create a minimum of 350 highpaying jobs when it opens new sales, maintenance and manufacturing facilities in the “north quad” along Clyde Jones Road. Adjacent to that site, construction is underway for fixed-based operator Sheltair’s new facilities and hangar, joining fellow FBOs Atlantic Air and Dolphin Aviation already operating on the airfield.
“It’s the job pipeline, and when we set up all these educational institutions, that helps bring financial benefit to our children and grandchildren who live here.”
It was the two educational facilities providing a pipeline of skilled workers that helped lure Pilatus, which was considering sites across the country. As business ecosystems go — think Silicon Valley, for example — the momentum builds on itself as more manufacturers consider SRQ, bringing more components suppliers, more jobs, more economic stimulus and more tax revenue for local government.
All of that is good for the airport’s bottom line, said SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo.
“When I first came to the airport in 1995, the airport was almost exclusively dependent on airlines,” Piccolo said. “That’s not only having airline service where they pay us, but everything else — parking, rental car revenues — all that is really tied to airline service. So if airline service went down, all our revenue sources went down.
“Our industrial revenues were about $200,000 a year then. Today, they’re about $3.5 million.”
industrial properties are located in Manatee County — to attend annual air shows that rotate between Paris and Farnborough, England.
Those trips are credited with attracting Elixer and Pilatus. Simultaneous to those and other recruiting expeditions, discussions began at home to plan and seek grants for MTC’s technical school and Team Success to develop the pipeline of talent such companies require. Over the course of about five years, those efforts have culminated in the redefining of SRQ beyond one of the fastest-growing passenger airports in the country.
As an economic engine, in 2022 SRQ supported 23,009 direct and indirect jobs for a payroll of $1 billion and a local economic impact of $3.2 billion, according to a Florida Aviation Economic Impact Study.
And once Pilatus, Sheltair, Elixer and other planned facilities are up and running, that rental revenue figure will grow to about $5 million. The airport has no taxing authority nor does it receive any taxpayer support from either county. Its operating budget is solely dependent on revenue it generates from rents, fees, etc.
Also along 15th Street, Francebased aircraft maker Elixer plans to build a plant where it will assemble its single-engine prop planes.
Opening this school year was the Team Success school along 15th Street East, an industry-specific Manatee County charter school that opened with 625 students in grades 6-12. And, across 15th Street, planning is underway for a Manatee Technical College aircraft and power plant school offering skilled training for aircraft construction and maintenance.
“We make money on all the rents, but it’s not just about that,” Piccolo said. “It’s the job pipeline, and when we set up all these educational institutions, that helps bring financial benefit to our children and grandchildren who live here.”
The idea is to train and keep talent locally. Aviation ecosystem jobs also generally pay well. Pilatus announced its average wage will be about $80,000 per year.
MORE ROOM FOR GROWTH
Companies in the aviation space don’t simply find airports. They have to be recruited. Piccolo said the airport has partnered with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. — all of the airport’s
The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority is investing its growing revenue in passenger terminal and other improvements. Two new escalator banks are now open, flooring has been replaced, Concourse B is being expanded with more amenity space for passengers, five new ground boarding gates are nearing completion for a winter opening, and more parking is being built — all part of a larger $225.9 million capital improvement plan.
There remains more room for ecosystem growth. Of the approximately 100 acres in the north quad, about 50% is now committed. Removed from the airfield just west of U.S. 301 is another 75 acres suitable for suppliers that don’t require runway access. There are also vacant airport-owned buildings along both 15th Street and Tallevast Road in addition to privately owned land near the airport that can host aviation-related companies.
“The other thing we did about five years ago was the north quad area we wanted to develop, we spent about $15 million to redo the drainage, put in the electrical, water and sewer so that it would be basically shovel ready,” Piccolo said. The digging has begun.
Aircraft builder Pilatus is the latest addition to airport’s strategic business diversification plan.
Atlantic Aviation is one of three fixed-based operators for private aviation on the airfield at SarasotaBradenton International Airport.
Rick Piccolo, SRQ President and CEO
Photos by Andrew Warfield
Construction is underway for fixed-based operator Sheltair. The grass area between the sign and the construction is the future location of Swiss-based aircraft manufacturer Pilatus.
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Kolter
As construction of its RitzCarlton Residences south tower in The Quay gets underway, developer Kolter Group, doing business as KT Sarasota Bay, has taken its first step toward the redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency property.
On Sept. 4, Kolter had its new submission meeting with the city’s Development Review Committee on its plans for a mixed-use project that includes 224 condominiums, 166 hotel rooms and 4,700 square feet of commercial space. The hotel will also have a 7,000-square-foot ballroom, which should come as welcomed news for meeting planners and others concerned about losing the Hyatt’s 10,000-square-foot meeting and special events space.
The project is not within The Quay, but rather is adjacent to the property. Delray Beach-based Kolter Group acquired the Hyatt property in May 2022. It plans to continue to operate the hotel until it demolishes it to make way for what the company calls the east and west buildings of its three-tower campus, including the underway Ritz-Carlton Residences II.
The hotel’s replacement will be developed by Kolter Hospitality, a division of Kolter Group, and will operate under the Hyatt-branded Thompson Hotels flag. Hyatt acquired the parent group of the luxury hotel brand in 2018.
Schematic drawings of the two towers show the west building at a height of 273 feet and the east building at 243 feet.
For the underway south tower, Kolter combined blocks 7 and 8 in The Quay plus the Hyatt surface parking lot. In January, Van Slyke, Kolter Group’s regional vice president, said the timing of the redevelopment of the Hyatt was uncertain.
by the Planning Board. Because of the phasing of the towers, the developer was advised that the temporary certificates of occupancy it would need prior to completion of the entire project cannot be issued without that adjustment approval.
The two towers are planned to share that common entry off Boulevard of the Arts.
“We’re looking for an administrative site plan approval. I’m sure that an administrative site plan approval would be sufficient for the TCO as well,” said attorney Brenda Patten.
After being informed that the DRC comment was only advisory, Patten added, “We don’t intend to go before the City Commission or the Planning Board. There are some issues we’re still going to discuss as to whether we can modify the plans to avoid the Planning Board adjustment. We’d like to try to get them all down as administrative or just eliminate them by making some changes to the plan.”
THREE-TOWER CAMPUS
In January, Kolter revealed its intention to build a three-tower campus that encompasses Ritz-Carlton Residents II in The Quay plus two more towers on the Hyatt site that will include some shared amenities for condominium owners.
Ritz-Carlton Residences I was the first building completed and occupied in The Quay, located next to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel that stands at the opposite end of the marina from the Hyatt site.
Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com
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Because the south tower, also known as Ritz-Carlton Residences II, is in The Quay, it required Planning Board approval. With the planned mixed-use development outside the metes and bounds of The Quay and zoned Downtown Bayfront, only administrative approval is needed.
Kolter would like to keep it that way, although one feature of its submitted plan would require adjustment approval of the Planning Board.
The project will be built in phases and plans are to relocate current parking access curb cut off Boulevard of the Arts. That, however, would require administrative adjustment approval or, if not granted, approval
Condominium owners in all of the new towers will have access to The Harbor Club along the marina, which will offer more than 20,000 square feet of common amenities in addition to the private amenities reserved for residents of each property.
When redevelopment of the Hyatt site is complete, Kolter Group will have developed all the properties along the east side and both ends of the 475-foot-long marina.
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Courtesy image
A rendering by SB Architects of the west (right) and east towers proposed to replace the Hyatt Regency hotel adjacent to The Quay.
Downtown plan committee requirements take shape
Categories selected for the composition of an ad-hoc committee to advise the city on downtown master plan.
ad-hoc committee to advise the city on an update of its downtown master plan.
During a special meeting on Monday, the Sarasota City Commission designated seven categories of representation for a seven- to ninemember committee and directed staff to craft a resolution to codify its composition and mission, which is expected to take up to two years to complete.
The plan is for future generations, Commissioner Erik Arroyo insisted, and the committee should include representation for the 40-andyounger demographic. It is also for the downtrodden, argued Commissioner Debbie Trice, so it should include a member from the city’s social services community.
And, it’s for downtown residents, visitors, merchants and commercial property owners, and all of them should have a representative seat at the table, commissioners agreed. That makes up the core of desired composition of the committee, plus a little wiggle room commissioners reserved for some at-large representation that might bring any core competencies members from the primary categories might not possess.
And if they do — so much the better.
“I think we’re going to have an embarrassment of riches in terms of the quality of people who want to participate,” said Howard Davis, who is under consideration as facilitator
of the committee. Davis is a commercial real estate developer, consultant, attorney and teacher who also serves as a board member of Architecture Sarasota.
“I think you’ll have good choices before you,” he said. “We need people who are committed to a successful outcome here. This is going to be hard work.”
It was also hard work to reach this point. A lengthy discussion among commissioners during their Sept. 3 meeting prompted City Manager Marlon Brown to suggest Monday’s special meeting to continue the subject. Reaching consensus on the committee makeup took another 90 minutes.
Among the topics of debate was whether to seat a committee of subject matter experts versus community stakeholders. Commissioners agreed to accept applications in seven specific categories. They are:
■ Downtown resident
■ Downtown merchant
■ Downtown commercial property owner
■ Social services professional
■ A member younger than 40
■ Downtown employee
Those are the “must haves.” The “it would be nice to haves” include those with experience in:
■ Urban design and urban planning
■ Sustainability, resiliency and envi-
ronmental planning
■ Architecture and landscape architecture
■ Economic development and tourism
■ Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
■ Arts and culture
Some of those disciplines, likely might occupy at-large seats. Or commissioners could opt to keep the committee at seven. Or perhaps expand it to 11. All of that, Brown said, is at their discretion.
“You may choose two people who might fall into any of these categories. You’re not limited to just one person who fits these categories,” Brown said. “You have seven categories. You may find nine people who fit all these categories. Or you may say ‘We found seven, but you know we want to choose two (at-large), or we have found eight and we want to choose one.’”
Planning Director Steve Cover added that when the time comes, only the serious need apply.
“One of the things we could do with the applications is have them submit a resume so that it goes beyond just someone checking the box and saying, ‘Yeah, I’m interested in this,’” he said.
The “this” is an update of the Downtown Master Plan 2020 that was prepared for the city the urban planning firm and new urbanism pioneer Duany, Plater-Zyberk & Company. That plan was crafted more than two decades ago, a fact not lost on participants in a fourpart speaker series hosted by Architecture Sarasota earlier the year — including Andres Duany himself — all of whom advocated a strategic update to the plan.
A resolution with final details will be brought back to the commission for approval, after which a call for applications will be issued.
Davis offered words of caution for those who might consider applying.
“This is not a matter of showing up and listening. This is a matter of reviewing the material, participating and engaging in this process,” he said. “Every member will have his or her thoughts on various things, but they need to come to the meetings and to this planning process with an open mind, be willing to collaborate, be willing to compromise. And then finally, these committee members will be ambassadors for this process.”
Andrew Warfield
The Sarasota City Commission will decide on a final resolution to create an ad-hoc downtown master plan update committee in an upcoming meeting.
File image
A view of downtown Sarasota along the bayfront from the Ringling Causeway.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
6:48 p.m., 2 Marina Plaza
Lewd and lascivious: The suspect was no longer on scene when an officer responded to a call from a woman about a man demonstrating self-gratifying behavior while partially concealed by vegetation.
While sitting inside her parked vehicle, the complainant advised that a man was looking at her and began to touch himself over his shorts in an inappropriate manner, then began to expose himself through an opening in the shorts. Amidst his lewd offering, modesty intervened, she believed, because other people were walking toward the area.
The complainant said her car window was open, and her clear view provided certainty he was exposing and groping himself. She said she wished to press charges and provided a detailed description. She also advised the man had left the area prior to the officer’s arrival. He was not located by law enforcement.
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
POSSIBLE PAYBACK
12:53 p.m., 3100 block of Courtland Street
Criminal mischief: Two tires were slashed on a victim’s car, and she believes she knows the culprit. At some point during the previous night, the victim’s doorbell camera captured the image of a woman in the area of the car at around 3 a.m. She said the woman is a friend of her ex-boyfriend, but doesn’t know her last name, birth date or address.
As the officer continued to ask follow-up questions, the victim became argumentative, uncooperative and said, “You guys won’t do anything,” and would answer no further questions. Finally, she stormed away saying, “I’ll take matters into my own hands,” and went inside her home.
MONDAY, AUG. 26
ALTERCATION ESCALATES
12:23 a.m., 1500 block of Selby Lane
Civil dispute: Having gathered fliers of a personal nature posted around a residential complex, the complainant accused a former friend of hanging them in retaliation for a recent argument.
The fliers featured a photograph of the complainant that also read, “If you see this girl, stay away.” The photo, she said, had been altered to make it appear as though she had symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease near her mouth.
The dispute, she said, ensued after she called the former friend “gay” on social media. No video evidence was available of the alleged perpetrator, but she added he would have had to jump a fence to gain access.
Providing the suspect’s vehicle make and model, the victim requested the incident be documented in a report.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21
CAPTIVE AUDIENCE
9:21 a.m., 300 block of Ohio Place
Civil dispute: Responding to a call that a tenant was “busting down the door” of an apartment, the complainant wanted law enforcement’s assistance to ascertain there was no damage to the interior of the unit. The subject permitted law enforcement entry, where no damage was noted.
Unrelated to the incident, the subject had a scratch on his face and a bruise on his neck, but advised that the injuries were caused by falling off a bike. He said he broke into his apartment because he had lost his keys, wallet and phone earlier that morning.
Because circumstances were not adding up, contact was made with the subject’s girlfriend who advised nothing physical had occurred between the two. She advised she drove the two home early that morning, and the man was trying to keep her from leaving the apartment. She fell asleep, she said, but he would not leave her alone. She was allowed to leave when her mother arrived. She advised that when the two resided in Manatee County, he would lock her in a room to keep her from leaving the residence. She said she does not plan to live with the man in the future and requested information about obtaining a restraining order. An officer stood by while she retrieved her belongings.
Extraordinary content
Winning awards is one thing, but making a difference in our readers’ lives and helping our partners grow is our mission.
Over the past month, the Observer Media Group has completed its annual audit that tracks our readership and distribution with the Circulation Verification Council. We communicated the value of our partnership with our advertisers despite the continuing rise in costs of doing business; and we won a few awards.
We tend not to boast about the latter, but all three — our audience, partners and award-winning content — are all tied to our mission.
To us, you — our readers and advertisers — are a crucial part of our mission: “To inspire our communities with extraordinary local content and to help our partners prosper.”
Inspiring our readers with extraordinary local content is at our core. Reporters who live in the communities we serve produce that content. None of our content comes from a wire service, and you’ll never see a feature story about Palm Beach or Wisconsin in our papers. Our content is all about You, Your Neighbors and Your Neighborhood. And it’s award-winning.
At the Florida Press Association’s 2024 Weekly Newspaper Contest Award ceremony July 26 in Orlando, Observer Media Group won 47 awards, including 19 first-place awards (see box). That includes firsts for YourObserver.com for website excellence; Longboat Observer’s “Welcome Back!” edition for best special issue, section or supplement; and multiple wins for the Sarasota Observer’s layout and design.
Everyone likes to win. But seeing the stories that matter to you receive statewide acclaim makes them even more meaningful. Like Sports Editor Ryan Kohn’s story, “The wait is over,” about Cardinal Mooney High School’s football team winning its first state championship since 1972. That won first place for best Sports Spot News Story. Longboat Observer staff writer Carter Weinhofer’s story, “Line in the sand,” won first place for his reporting on beach erosion impacts as a result of Hurricane Idalia on
LAWARD-WINNING CONTENT
For a full list of awards, visit https://FloridaMediaContests.com/ Awards/2024-Awards/
Florida Press
Association Weekly Newspaper Contest
FIRST PLACE Website Excellence — YourObserver.com
Overall Graphic Design — East County Observer, Melissa Leduc Page Design — East County Observer, “That’s the ticket,” Melissa Leduc
Informational Graphic — Sarasota Observer, “Cranes over Sarasota,” Melissa Leduc Best Headline — Sarasota Observer, “Beauty in the discard pile,” James Peter
Sports Column — Sarasota Observer, “What I’ve Learned,” Ryan Kohn
Sports Page or Section East County Observer, Ryan Kohn
Sports Spot News Story — Sarasota Observer, “The wait is over,” Ryan Kohn
Feature Photo — Sarasota Observer, “The costs of freedom,” Ian Swaby
Special Issue, Section or Supplement — Longboat Observer, “Welcome Back!”
Local Government Reporting — Business Observer, “Battle Royale,” Louis Llovio Roads and Transportation — Sarasota Observer “Turns for the better?” Andrew Warfield
Hurricane Feature Story — Longboat Observer, “Line in the sand,” Carter Weinhofer
Longboat Key. And the Sarasota Observer’s exposé into radio personality Matt Bruce, who posed as a fictional 9/11 hero, won the Claudia Ross Memorial Award for investigative reporting. By providing quality news and information important to our audi-
ast week on this page, we published graphics showing the town of Longboat Key having among the highest scores for debt, spending and “Spending Pressure” as measured by StatisNostics. com. Longboat’s scores were compared to the scores of Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Naples and Marco Island.
In response, Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith inquired how the scores were calculated, and Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier defended Longboat Key’s fiscal position in a letter (see Letters to the Editor).
Below is the explanation from Andre Shkalikov, StatisNostics’ chief technology officer, who compiled and analyzed the census data:
The dataset we are using is the U.S. Census’ 2017 State & Local Government Finance Historical Datasets and Tables, which is the most recently available uniform data for all jurisdictions.
It’s important to note that we use this data for all jurisdictions to ensure consistency in our comparisons.
Feature Story: Nonprofile — East County Observer, “These chickens aren’t clucks,” Lesley
Dwyer
Feature Story: Profile — Business Observer, “Deep Dive,”
Mark Gordon
In-Depth Reporting (Noninvestigative) — Business Observer, “Battle Bots,” Staff
In-Depth Reporting (Noninvestigative) — Sarasota
Observer, “Opportunity
Knocking at upper Main Street,” Andrew Warfield
Investigative Reporting (Claudia Ross Memorial Award) — Sarasota Observer, “A question of valor,” James Peter Serious Column (Sally Latham Memorial Award) — Sarasota Observer, “What ‘never again’ means to me,” Mark Gordon
Florida Advertising Media Executives
Creative Excellence Awards
Best of Show — Observer Media Group GOLD
New Business Concept — Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Auto/Boat/RV (Digital/Social) — Elite Motorcoach
Entertainment/Dining (Digital) — Sarasota Ballet
Home Improvement/Services — Talon Home Builders
Travel & Leisure (Digital Social) — Herrig Center for the Arts
ence, we are creating a platform with which our partners can align their brands. The advertising seen alongside our news and feature content is award-winning as well. Observer Media Group won “Best of Show” at the Florida Advertising Media Executives Creative Excel-
While more recent data exists for some locations, it doesn’t cover all cities, which would skew our benchmarking.
How it is calculated: The breakdown of the $25,812 spending per person for Longboat Key shows: Federal Level: $12,289 State: $4,466 County (Sarasota County): $1,744 City (Longboat Key): $6,078
School District (Sarasota County School District): $1,319
Intergovernmental Spending Adjustment: — $84
Total: $25,812 per person
Accompanying this is the breakdown of the spending data along with the item code, amount in thousands and per capita numbers for Longboat Key derived from the census dataset above:
While this data is from 2017, it’s important to understand that government spending tends to be additive and not zero-based. This means that the relative inertia of the spending reflected in the data is generally sufficient for comparative decision support.
lence Awards on July 25 in Orlando. That was one of 26 awards for new business concepts, advertising campaigns and creative designs.
Gold awards included Talon Home Builders’ new construction print advertisement in the Home Improvement/Services category and Herrig Center for the Arts’ digital banner ad debuting its new branding after its name change from ArtCenter Manatee. We love to see our partners prosper as we help provide exposure to your goods and services and help you reach new customers. Every year, we strive to increase our audience through our newspapers, magazines, websites, e-newsletters, social media channels and mobile apps. Our annual audit with Circulation Verification Council revealed that throughout all of our platforms and channels, we reach an audience of 481,909 people in Sarasota/Manatee. And based on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s most recent statement of ownership, our print and digital edition combined circulation more than doubles their print and digital reach. By partnering with us, our business partners are reaching the largest audience in our region.
We’re not stopping there. We’re continually growing our paid subscribers to the Your Observer mobile app (available on the Apple App and Google Play stores). Last week, we began distributing our newspapers through Publix’s new scan-based trading program. We are continuing to add new modular news racks in downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. We also are constantly evaluating how to continue growing — east into Lakewood Ranch, south toward Wellen Park and, up, with the new developments in downtown Sarasota.
Thank you for being loyal readers, for your partnerships and your trust in us. We are committed to providing extraordinary local content and helping your business grow and prosper. And we are especially grateful and excited to be on this growth trajectory with you.
CENSUS DATA ON LONGBOAT
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com
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Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@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
File photos
Above: Ian Swaby’s photo of Paul Sciacca Jr. remembering his father, Paul Sciacca, a Vietnam veteran, on Memorial Day at Sarasota National Cemetery, won first place for Feature Photo in the Florida Press Association’s Weekly Newspaper Awards. Right: Luis Trujillo’s design for the Sarasota Ballet won Gold in the Entertainment/Dining (digital) category in the Florida Advertising Marketing Executives Creative Excellence Awards.
City manager search begins
With deputy city manager eliminating himself from consideration, city commission hears options to replace the retiring Marlon Brown.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Under ordinary circumstanc-
es, the process to replace the retiring Marlon Brown as Sarasota City Manager would probably be relatively simple.
As was the case with Brown in 2021, simply elevating the deputy city manager to the top position would have been the likely scenario.
However, Patrick Robinson doesn’t want the job, at least not now, so on Monday, the Sarasota City Commission held a workshop to provide guidance to key staff on how it would like to proceed.
Just more than 20 minutes into the meeting, Mayor Liz Alpert provided clarity to the obvious question of why Robinson isn’t being considered.
“I think we should make it clear for people who don’t know this, that Mr. Robinson is not interested,” Alpert said. “That’s why we’re not considering him. Otherwise, he would be, for me, the obvious choice.”
Robinson was also the obvious choice according to Brown, who doesn’t get a say in the matter but, upon announcing his retirement effective Oct. 15 in an Aug. 15 letter to commissioners, recommended Robinson as his replacement.
“With Mr. Brown’s — I would say untimely departure from the position — his departure time line and my personal and professional time
lines just don’t line up,” Robinson told commissioners on Monday. “As you all know, the city manager’s job is a high-contact position within our organization, and with the number of things both in my personal life and my professional life, there are still things that I’d like to accomplish in my current role.”
Robinson was named deputy city manager in December 2020. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with the Sarasota Police Department, where he was named deputy chief of police in June 2015.
With about a month remaining in Brown’s tenure, that leaves a tight time frame to name an interim city manager before embarking on a permanent replacement. Brown has offered to remain at the post longer if requested by the commission.
Robinson said he isn’t interested in the interim role, either.
Human Resources Director Stacie Mason led commissioners through their options, first for the process of naming an interim manager. Those can include, but are not limited to, elevating a senior staff member to that role, advertising the temporary position on the Florida League of Cities website or reviewing the list of the League’s members-in-transition for the short-term replacement, which could potentially range from four to six months.
Of the latter, “Some might be retired and just willing to help, but a lot of them are in transition, either
With about a month remaining in Brown’s tenure, that leaves a tight time frame to name an interim city manager before embarking on a permanent replacement. Brown has offered to remain at the post longer if requested by the commission.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM PROCESS
n Staff to present options of firms to the commission.
n Commission selects firm and directs staff to move forward with engagement.
n Staff coordinates one-on-one meetings with commissioners to review desired competencies and expectations of the city manager role.
n Firm assists commissioners and staff with public process and interview protocol.
pausing a career, maybe they’ve exited as a city manager or maybe a chief financial officer, and just pausing while they are in transition to their next permanent placement,” Mason told commissioners.
Should the commission opt for an external interim manager regardless of the source, Mason advised that they should be eligible to apply for the permanent job.
“I think a broader net, always with recruitment, is better,” Mason said. “If we say you can apply for the permanent position, that opens it up a little bit more. I would lean toward that as a recommendation. From an HR perspective and recruitment, if you put that in the stipulation for them coming, it doesn’t disregard anyone who might be looking for something more permanent.”
Meanwhile, Mason and Robinson will be developing a strategy for a permanent replacement process as commissioners leaned toward securing a firm to conduct a national search.
“We do need direction if you want a national search,” Mason said. “We can bring back several firms’ terms
“It will be a time crunch, and we understand that, so we want to make sure we do it right,” Robinson said.
“The interim, I would love to see it to be more of a four-month transition as opposed to six months, but we’re going to do everything we can to make that as short of a time period to ensure continuity of operations.
“We have a great team, so we will be putting our best foot forward to make sure this comes back to you expeditiously.”
and costs for a decision of the commission, and then the we would ask the commission to engage with the firm that is selected so we can start the input of the process for engagement of the interview and recruitment process.” Mason said there are several search firms in Florida that specialize in senior municipal officials such as city manager. With Brown’s impending exodus, that process will need to begin soon to have a new permanent manager in place within six months. The city manager is one of three charter officials within the city government — along with the city attorney and city auditor and clerk — meaning they are the only positions hired directly by the commission.
Andrew Warfield Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson (right) has removed himself from consideration to replace the retiring City Manager Marlon Brown (left).
Surprise debate erupts at forum
Barbara Ford-Coates’ chief lieutenant steps up to go toeto-toe with Sarasota Tax Collector opponent Mike Moran.
hat was supposed
be a panel discussion between candidates for Sarasota County Tax Collector at a Sarasota Tiger Bay Club meeting morphed into a debate between Republican challenger Mike Moran and Chief Deputy Tax Collector Sherri Smith, a 39-year employee of the tax office.
Although the standing room-only crowd at Michael’s On East on Sept. 5 had gathered to witness a discussion of the issues between Moran, a current county commissioner who is term-limited, and incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates, a Democrat, a family emergency kept Ford-Coates from attending. It was announced at the outset
that Ford-Coates’ husband, Brian Ford-Coates, had been rushed to the hospital and was in intensive care, and as a result, she was not able to attend.
The meeting started out briefly as a one-man forum moderated by Sarasota attorney Morgan Bentley. Smith took to the Q&A microphone after Moran accused her boss of overcharging for services even though those funds were returned to the county government.
The crowd was then treated to a sometimes bare-knuckles debate between Moran and Smith.
Bentley invited Smith to be FordCoates’ surrogate, which she accepted.
“Since we’re just in weird land today, Mike, are you going to object if Sherri would want to sit here at the table?” Bentley asked Moran, who
did not object.
“This is turning out to be great!” Bentley added.
Moran’s consternation is rooted in the fact that the Tax Collector is a constitutional office and, as a result, its budget is set by the state. And rather than structuring fees to merely cover its cost, the department generates what he called revenue from fees it charges for ancillary services it provides such as driver’s license tests and renewals, vehicle registrations, hunting and fishing licenses, boat registrations, concealed weapons permits and more.
He said that during a recent county budget workshop, Ford-Coates’ boasted about “profits” generated by those activities, which isn’t exactly what she said about putting nearly $19 million into the county’s coffers.
“If this were the private sector,” she said at the budget workshop, “we would call it profit.”
Moran’s complaint is that the revenue generated is placed in the general fund and can’t be returned to
those who paid it, and instead can only be returned to the overall tax base in the form of the millage rate.
Smith countered that fees for all registrations and licenses are set by the state.
“When you renew your car registration, it goes by the weight of the vehicle,” Smith said. “That’s the fee. We don’t set the fee. The same thing for a driver’s license. The state sets the fee. We’re able to retain $6.20 for a license. So when she says ‘profit,’ we collect those fees, we invest them, we run our budget with them, we pay our salaries and benefits; and what’s left over, Barbara returns to the county.”
Although the discussion occasionally meandered into tangents — accusations of Moran spending large on lavish trips as part of the Florida PACE Funding home repair financing group he heads, Ford-Coates allegedly paying an employee (not Smith) in excess of $400,000 per year, etc., and the subject of the office returning excess funds to the county, con-
tinued to arise.
One Tiger Bay Club member repeatedly pressed about how tax office “profits” were spent, a question that was never clearly answered, other than that they were absorbed into the general fund and returned to the countywide property tax base in the form of lower millage rates.
Smith offered the midcounty Tax Collector office that opened in 2018 as an example of Ford-Coates’ cooperation with the county government. That office was opened to relieve south county residents from having to travel into Sarasota for their licensing services.
“Our tax collector would never just take the profit that has been earned on the collection for required services and spend it as she sees fit,” Smith said. “She would always work with the county. It would not be for her to spend. We could have just built that midcounty office. Many tax collectors around the state do that, but I can tell you, the Board of County Commissioners likes receiving that money at the end of the year.”
Not letting it go, Moran complained that Ford-Coates gives only brief presentations to the County Commission at budget time because, as a constitutional office, she needs not justify her office’s expenses.
“The last presentation before our board lasted four minutes,” Moran said. “The year before, it was one minute, because she walks in, she’s proud of the profit and says, ‘I answer to the Department of Revenue. Have a good day.’”
“That’s not fair, because that’s not true,” Smith shot back. “She is there each and every year. She doesn’t need to be there. Her budget is approved by the Department of Revenue. She goes in front of the board each and every year with our budget, and I can tell you when increases happen, it’s due to benefits and retirement.
“We’re not spending it on Mont Blanc block pens and fancy paper.” Bentley summarized the debate by complimenting Moran for taking the slings and arrows when, because of Ford-Coates’ absence, he didn’t have to do so.
“You stood there and you stated your views, and I give you credit for that,” Bentley said.
Andrew Warfield
Sarasota County Chief Deputy Tax Collector Sherri Smith and County Commissioner Mike Moran listen to a question along with moderator Morgan Bentley at the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club candidates forum.
Beyond First Class™
New market Sprouts in Sarasota
It was still dark, but the public was lining up in front of the new Sprouts Farmers Market at 111 Links
The new store located at the intersection of Links Avenue and Fruitville Road held its ribbon cutting Sept. 6, with Mayor Liz Alpert in attendance, before inviting the public in to explore its health-conscious displays of foods and produce.
The store is found adjacent to the newly constructed Aster & Links apartment complex at the corner of
and Links Avenue. Previously, the closest locations had included one in Bradenton on 44th Avenue West and another across from Sarasota Square Mall on North Tamiami Trail.
“It’s very steady here today, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of this weekend brings with everybody off,” said manager Steven Knott.
“We like to focus on the healthy aspects of products for customers, and one of the things that we do look for is dietitian eats.”
Steven Knott, manager
A FRESH OPTION
Grand opening attendee Stephany Delgado said she likes “the prices and the food quality more than anything else,” as well as “the display of the fresh fruits and produce.”
“I love Sprouts,” she said. “It’s actually just down from my house. I used to go to the Sprouts all the way by the mall, and now I can walk to this store.”
The health-conscious supermarket chain, which now encompasses over 380 stores in the country, offers all standards like fresh meat and seafood, a deli, eggs, dairy products and frozen foods, baked items and craft beer and wine.
Knott notes many of the options include gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian products, paleo and keto diet, organic and other foods, and plantbased meat products.
According to its website, 90% of the store’s more than 19,000 healthy products are natural or organic.
“We like to focus on the healthy aspects of products for customers, and one of the things that we do look for is dietitian eats,” Knott said. The store sources many items,
such as all of its citrus products, from farms in the state of Florida, while bringing others from areas outside the state, such as its peaches, which it sources from Georgia. Knott said when it comes to individual items, the store exercises high standards for which products it will accept related to factors like size, freshness and levels of pesticides.
Sprouts Farmers Market has opened at 111 Links Ave.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Maureen Legenski and Carina Pabon browse the pizzas.
Mayor Liz Alpert and store Manager Steven Knott cut the ribbon.
The store is focused on sourcing fresh produce.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The 2023-24 season was a big year for milestones among Sarasota’s cultural institutions. Both Florida Studio Theatre and Marie Selby Gardens celebrated their silver anniversaries, marking 50 years since their inception. The institution now known as Sarasota Orchestra turned 75 years old, while the Sarasota Music Festival marked its 60th birthday.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, other notable anniversaries are in the wings. The group founded as The Sarasota Players, which recently reverted back to that monicker, is kicking off its 95th season, while Key Chorale is raising the curtain on its 40th season, its ruby anniversary.
As befitting a cultural institution known for its collaboration with other artistic groups, Key Chorale will kick off its 2024-25 season with a program called “On Our Way” featuring the jazz/gospel quartet The Stephen Lynerd Group.
Joining Key Chorale’s 110 singers on Sept. 21 will be local baritone Jamal Sarikoki, who will also perform with the symphonic chorus two other times during the upcoming season.
“This music speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the entire human condition,” says Caulkins about the gospel/jazz program. “It lifts us all as we strive toward a greater place. While much of the music is Christian based, no matter who or how you worship, you’ll find this music will resonate and fill your soul.”
BIG SHOES TO FILL
Caulkins, who is starting his 18th season at Key Chorale, is only the second artistic director in the group’s history. He took the baton in 2007
AR BY ANNIVERSARY
from Daniel Moe, who served for 21 years. Before joining Key Chorale, Moe was the conductor of the Oberlin College Choir in Ohio and was dubbed the “dean of choral conductors” by The New Yorker magazine. Moe’s wife, Ann StephensonMoe, organist and choirmaster of Church of the Redeemer, and Don B. Ryno, minister of music at St. Boniface Church, founded Key Chorale in 1985. Moe announced his retirement in October 2005, giving the organization plenty of time to find his successor. Caulkins was chosen to lead Key Chorale after a nationwide search. He came to Florida from Illinois, where he was artistic director and conductor of the Bach Chamber Choir in Rockford and directed the St. Procopius Chamber Orchestra and Choirs at Benedictine University in Lisle.
Despite the towering legacy of his predecessor, Caulkins has put his unmistakable stamp on Key Chorale, forging creative collaborations with such local arts groups as the Sarasota Ballet, the Circus Arts Conservatory and Westcoast Black TheatreTroupe.
With the help of his board and members, Key Chorale has enriched the community by supporting youth education and bringing music to elderly and disabled music lovers who may not easily attend live con-
certs or perform themselves.
Other feathers in Caulkins’ cap (The avid alpinist has more than one.) are Key Chorale appearances in Washington, D.C., and Europe, as well as innovative programs such as last year’s Bachtoberfest, bringing together the joys of Bach and beer, and Misatango, which combined Argentinian tango with a Latin Mass.
SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE MAESTRO
No one would accuse the gregarious, fun-loving Caulkins of hiding his light under a bushel, but in the interest of modesty, we’ve tapped longtime Key Chorale member Lorraine Murphy to crow about the group’s achievements during its 40-year history.
Murphy moved to Sarasota in 1987, after enjoying singing success in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area. She joined Key Chorale, which was then called Gloria Musica, after auditioning. Today, Murphy is the soprano section leader of Key Chorale, which counts 35 sopranos among its ranks.
In addition to fielding questions and taking attendance at rehearsals, Murphy keeps her section updated on personal news such as births, marriages, travel and deaths. She also compares notes with her counterparts — the alto, tenor and bass section leaders.
During Murphy’s long tenure with
Collaboration with other cultural groups has been Key Chorale’s hallmark during its 40-year history.
Key Chorale, the number of singers has remained relatively constant, she says. What has changed is the number of performances, which has risen to 17 this season. “When I first started under Daniel and Ann, there will only about two or three classical masterworks a year,” she said in a telephone interview.
In addition to Caulkins’ penchant for artistic collaboration, Murphy gives him kudos for forming a smaller chamber singer group of about 25 members, who won their positions
Courtesy images Cirque des Voix, the collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale, is one of season’s most anticipated events.
Clockwise from top left: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale partnered for “American Roots: The Gospel Experience” in October 2019; Key Chorale’s first maestro, Daniel Moe; Key Chorale during its 21st season; Kristen Stanton, a Key Chorale music teacher, leads a kindergarten class in song; Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale’s second artistic director.
ANNIVERSARY FROM PAGE 13
through auditions. “This allows us to come up with concert-ready material more quickly,” she says. “The chamber singers can also perform on their own.”
USING TECHNOLOGY
TO KEEP EVERYONE IN TUNE
What has really been a game changer, Murphy says, is Caulkins’ willingness to embrace technology to help Key Chorale members prepare for performances. “Joe has upped the communications game with online tools and online videos of the chamber singers doing the music in the summer,” she says. “All of our rehearsals are video. If someone is out of town, they can catch up.”
It’s no secret that awards are prized by many in the arts. Hollywood has the Oscars, Broadway has the Tonys, TV has the Emmys and the music industry has the Grammys.
Community music and choral groups like bringing home their version of Olympic gold, silver and bronze. The Suncoast Concert Band, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023, is quite proud of its Sudler Silver Scroll, awarded in 1993 by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
At Key Chorale, the trophy case includes the 2020 Chorus America Award for Education and Community Engagement, which was given in honor of the group’s extensive education programs reaching more than 400 students each year, and its commitment to community outreach.
The first chair of educational committee, Murphy helped develop Key Chorale’s student scholar lead-
ership program, now in its seventh year. Through this program, 12 to 15 scholars have the privilege of singing with Key Chorale after auditioning. They also receive complimentary voice lessons, free concert tickets and can earn scholarship money by performing such duties as running a rehearsal.
At the end of the season, the scholars perform a “soiree,” which Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Artistic Director Nate Jacobs has allowed to take place in recent years on the WBTT stage at the Donelly Theatre.
A MARRIAGE BASED ON MUSIC
For their efforts, Murphy and her husband, Holden, received Key Chorale’s Standing Ovation Award for Leadership in 2021, which she said was a real surprise. Holden has held several administrative positions within the symphonic chorus including board president, board member and director of donor engagement. He is retiring from the latter position to become Key Chorale’s ambassador at large.
In addition to playing up Caulkins’ achievements, Murphy is a cheerleader for her husband’s involvement in Key Chorale. “He was the first nonmusician to become board president,” she notes.
“It was a little rocky at first,” she adds, but the organizational skills Holden honed during a career in the automotive industry paid off for Key Chorale.
Without Caulkins’ ability to forge partnerships, Murphy says, Key Chorale would never have gone to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2017, which celebrated circus arts. Along with Circus Arts Conserva-
tory President and CEO Pedro Reis, Caulkins created the Cirque des Voix in 2011. The marriage of voice, music and thrilling aerial performances has become one of the most popular events of season in Sarasota.
Caulkins has extended Key Chorale’s international reach with foreign tours, a tradition that began under Moe, who took the chorus to Prague, Vienna and Budapest in 2001.
Key Chorale returned to Europe in 2009, when they presented concerts in France and Italy, including one in Asolo, Sarasota’s sister city, and performed at a Mass at the historic San Marco Basilica in Venice. Three years later, Key Chorale toured Ireland and Scotland, including performing in Saint Giles’ Cathedral.
Caulkins was recognized for his tireless artistic efforts in 2019, when he won the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.
Newcomers to Sarasota like myself have to depend on longtimers like Murphy and Holden to put Key Chorale in perspective. It would seem difficult to top last season’s schedule, but Caulkins is pulling out the stops for the Ruby Anniversary.
Instead of Bachtoberfest, this year’s hops-infused celebration will be a Baroquetoberfest, a three-day, four-concert festival that will run from Oct. 18-20.
PIONEER MEMBER OF FIRST LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL
In true trailblazing fashion, Caulkins has brought Key Chorale on board for the city’s first Living Arts Festival, Sarasota Rising, with a youth celebration on Nov. 17. The festival is the
creative “baby” of Jeffery Kin, former artistic director of The Players.
Key Chorale’s holiday lineup will include its traditional collaboration with the Sarasota Ballet’s studio company on Dec. 1, a performance called “Winter’s Glow,” as well as a team effort with the Venice Symphony from Dec. 20-22 called “Home for the Holidays.”
South Florida triplets The Lubben Brothers have decamped to Nashville to pursue their music career there, but the band will be back in Sarasota to perform with Key Chorale in a program called “American Roots: Storytellers” from Jan. 18-19.
It wouldn’t be season for circus arts fans without the annual Cirque des Voix, Key Chorale’s evolving partnership with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Mark your calendars for March 21-22. Don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces in the orchestra accompanying Key Chorale and the aerialists. It’s a circus day for some members of the Sarasota Orchestra. Step right up, folks, for Key Chorale’s 40th season. It promises to be a real gem — a ruby, in fact.
Jennifer and Roger Holland
Key Chorale performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in 2017.
Courtesy images
Husband and wife Lee Holden and Lorraine Murphy received Key Chorale’s Standing Ovation Award in 2021.
Gettin’ crabby with it
In a town full of crabby options, here’s the ultimate guide to crab delicacies.
EMMA BURKE JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR
Growing up, my sister and I begged our parents for an older brother. One of the many things that made me fall in love with my husband was watching him be an older brother. The relationship that Patrick and my sister-in-law, Anna, have is the one that my sister and I dreamed of with our hypothetical brother. When Anna told us she was pregnant, I immediately pondered, “Can pregnant women eat crab?” Anna is a crab aficionado, and I couldn’t imagine her being crab-less for nine months — but she was.
Our nephew, Elliott, was born in March, and I am still waiting for my sister-in-law to visit. In the meantime, I’ve found claw-some eats for her to try upon her return.
TOASTIQUE
10 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; 941312-4099; Toastique.com/Sarasota
Crab-tivating Eats: Step into this modern bistro and feel transported to a trendy spot you thought you’d only see on social media. Ever hear of gourmet toast? Whether you answer “yes” or “no,” it’s here. Snack on the spicy crab toast ($16) made with lump crab, melted Swiss and fontina, siracha aioli, tomato, bibb lettuce, jalapeno, microgreens and lemon twist on rustico toast.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Searching for summer flavors that aren’t found in a shell? The tomato burrata ($13) makes me forget my fear of tomatoes. Stacked with herbed ricotta, pesto, tomatoes, beautiful burrata, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze on rustico toast, this gourmet moment will leave you gleeful.
Crab-tivating Eats: On Sunday, brunch is served at this contemporary comida café, and the La Gorda Maria Bloody Mary serves four. Be prepared for the price tag ($200 — split four ways, remember). It includes their famous fuego bloody with chilled prawns, lobster tail, Ahi ceviche and Dungeness crab. Don’t stop the crab tour there! Order the crab Benedict ($26) with lump crab, asparagus, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise with shaved truffles on a toasted English muffin.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Please browse your menu, and I will wait for your jaw to drop when you hit Mexico City garlic noodles ($25+). Gracious heaps of garlic butter, fresh lo mein, secret sauce tied together with cotija and scallions. Add whole Dungeness crab (market price) to make it a crab feast frenzy.
image
Fuego Comida’s chef special: Mexico City garlic noodles ($25+) dished out with whole Dungeness crab (market price).
Crab-tivating Eats: When I was a kid, I was a picky eater. But one thing I always wanted to order was a soft-shell crab sandwich. This Siesta spot supplies me with a sensational crab sandwich ($18): lightly fried soft-shell crab, lettuce, tomato (pass for me) and elite-tasting aioli on a brioche bun.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Market price, shmarket price: Don’t let that stop you from indulging. Go ahead, treat yourself to the snow crab legs (market price) served with one pound of stupendously scrumptious snow crab, corn and potatoes.
Crab-tivating Eats: This relatively new sushi and hibachi location dishes out tasty Japanese cuisine crab offerings. I may have to unbutton my pants to finish this plate, but the Out of Control roll ($17.99) with soft-shell crab tempura, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, avocado and chef’s special sauce is worth every bite (and unbutton).
Shell-ebrate Flavor: The Hillview team took crab rangoon, innovated and elevated it to create the golden cream cheese ($8.95): seasoned crab meat cream cheese wrapped in wonton shell, deep fried and served with special mango sauce.
THE PORCH RESTAURANT ANNA MARIA 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; 941782-8683; ThePorchAMI.com
Crab-tivating Eats: Now open for three years, this quaint and colorful restaurant cooks everything from scratch, in-house with no additives or preservatives. First order of business? One Cajun shrimp and crab dip ($20) served with naan and crostinis, which makes a bread lover like me one happy camper.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: While I’m here at the Porch, I can’t skip dessert. The burnt basque cheesecake will change your culinary views. Imagine if créme brûlée and cheesecake morphed into one heavenly dessert.
Courtesy
CHILDREN FIRST FALL EVENTS
Over the past decade, Children First’s fall events have collectively provided more than $1.1 million in support to our community’s most vulnerable children and families. Hosted annually on the last Wednesday of October and the first Saturday of November, the Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon and Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party are more than just fundraisers—they showcase family empowerment. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, this critical funding provides at-risk children and families with the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success.
At Flip Flops & Fashion, presented by Bealls Inc., guests experience a unique blend of philanthropy and fashion. Dining on delicious fare from Sharky’s on the Pier, attendees watch as friends and colleagues showcase the latest styles against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf. The event is not just a fashion fête; it’s a celebration of community impact. Leah Jones, a 2023 parent speaker, shared how Children First has empowered her as both a parent and a community leader, highlighting the transformative power of this support.
Rockin’ Lobster, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co. — Chase Bank offers a relaxed, seaside experience with live music and mouthwatering lobster dishes. Set against the beautiful Venice Fishing Pier, this event is a testament to the power of community coming together for a cause. For Renee Sensenbrenner, another past parent speaker, Children First provided her daughter with essential services that she could not have found elsewhere, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.
While these events create memorable experiences, they are chiefly critical to the ongoing mission of Children First. With every dollar raised, more children and families gain access to the resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting success.
Be a part of these impactful events and help make a difference by purchasing tickets online now. Your attendance at Flip Flops & Fashion or Rockin’ Lobster not only promises a fun and memorable experience, but also directly supports Children First’s mission of empowering children and families in our community. Visit childrenfirst. net to secure your tickets and join us in creating a brighter future for those who need it most!
Flip Flops & Fashion | Wed, October 30, 11am Rockin’ Lobster | Sat, November 2, 6pm
Dean Napolitano’s latest effort is “The Caregiver Comedy Special,” about the four years he spent taking care of his Italian-American father. Runs through Sept. 15.
OPENING RECEPTION: BECK
LANE EXHIBITION
5-7 p.m. at Gaze Gallery at Arcos, 340 Central Ave. Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net.
Creative Liberties, which curates the gallery, welcomes artist Beck Lane. Runs through Oct. 31.
‘SEUSSICAL’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30; $13 for students Visit ThePlayers.org.
The Sarasota Players presents “Seussical,” a musical based on the many children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Runs through Sept. 22.
FRIDAY
’THE MOUSETRAP’
7:30 p.m. at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
DON’T MISS
GALLOWAY’S FURNITURE SHOWROOM
When: Runs through Oct. 27
Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: Free with $15 admission Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Opened in 1959, Galloway’s Furniture Showroom became an instant local landmark with a circular design by Victor Lundy, a leading figure of the Sarasota School of Architecture. In the 1980s, renovation concealed the building’s original structure and windows. This exhibition, curated by Architecture Sarasota President Morris Hylton, explores the building’s architectural significance and reimagines new designs and uses for the former furniture store.
Scott Keys directs the Venice Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery. Runs through Sept. 15.
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 63 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Come see the 1964 film starring Clint Eastwood and directed by Sergio Leone that kicked off the “spaghetti Western” genre.
SATURDAY
COMEDY LOTTERY
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Everyone’s a winner in this FST Improv show, where audience members select the night’s lineup of games, replete with scenes, sketches and songs. Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.
OUR PICK
JAZZ THURSDAY Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Hot Tonic Orchestra on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, bistro and shop.
IF YOU GO
When: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: Free to $25 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
September Serenade
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Bharat Chandra, clarinet; Natalie Nedvetsky, piano September 22, 4:00 pm • First Presbyterian Church
A founding member of the Dover String Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt received two Grammy nominations and was awarded first prize in multiple chamber music competitions. Sarasota Orchestra principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra has performed in concerts throughout the world, including at the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and the Ravinia Festival. Natalie Nedvetsky is a laureate of several international piano competitions. This program includes trios by Mozart, Bruch, and Robert Schumann, and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano.
French Connection
Arnaud Sussmann, violin and Michael Stephen Brown, piano
October 8, 7:30 pm • Church of the Palms
French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel, and the United States, and have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Their program of French music includes sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saëns.
Art Center Sarasota Executive Director Kinsey Robb is stepping down
Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Kinsey Robb, who guided Art Center Sarasota through the pandemic and elevated the profile of the 98-year-old cultural institution, is departing after three years as executive director.
Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City, where she lived before moving to Sarasota in 2021.
A graduate of Syracuse University’s Visual and Performing Arts program, Robb worked at such high-powered art galleries as Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Perrotin.
Reflecting on her tenure, Robb called her three years at Art Center Sarasota “immensely rewarding.”
She added, “I am constantly inspired by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of our artists and the Sarasota community. As I look ahead, I am excited about Art Center Sarasota’s growth and evolution.”
Although it is Sarasota’s oldest artistic institution, Art Center Sarasota is frequently misunderstood. It isn’t a museum and doesn’t charge an admission fee. The nonprofit gallery holds regional juried shows and solo exhibitions that allow artists to sell their works. It also offers art education, including summer camps for children.
Located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Art Center Sarasota now finds itself within the confines of The Bay, Sarasota’s two-year-old public park.
During her tenure, Robb improved the physical plant of Art Center Sarasota, hired professional installers and streamlined the submission process, working together with Christina Baril, curator and director of exhibitions.
Art Center Sarasota’s opening receptions have become mustattend events for arts patrons in Sarasota as have its talks with artists and jurors for its themed regional shows.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Kinsey for her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past years,” said Ramsey Frangie, Art Center Sarasota board president, in a statement. “Her inspirational guidance through unprecedented times has been instrumental in our growth and success.”
Frangie added that the organization will launch a search for a new executive director soon.
Like other Florida cultural institutions, Art Center Sarasota lost funding in June when Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2024, Art Center Sarasota received $45,297 from the state grant. Robb was one of the first arts administrators in Sarasota to speak out publicly about the unprecedented cuts in state arts funding.
Art Center Sarasota will honor Robb with a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP. For more information, visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.
Art Center Sarasota
Executive Director
Kinsey Robb stands in front George Zebot’s “Healing Democracy,” the first-prize winner in the 2023 Annual Juried Regional Show.
Raising the roof on soccer training
The Fitballer of Sarasota takes professional soccer training indoors for kids and adults.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Sports performance trainer
Alex da Silva said the rainy weather during the summer can make soccer practice a challenge, resulting in multiple cancellations.
Then he thought back to the indoor futsal facilities in his native Brazil.
In July, he opened The Fitballer, an indoor location where kids and adults can practice free from the hazards of the weather, on Industrial Boulevard in Sarasota.
“That’s what my gift is,” he said. “I like the game; I know the game; I play the game.”
Da Silva said Sarasota had a need for someone like him to open an indoor facility.
The space of about 3,500 square feet may be small in size but is nonetheless attracting players looking for an opportunity to play soccer indoors.
KEEPING EVERYTHING COVERED
Da Silva says the facility, which opened 10 weeks ago, serves all soc-
cer players from ages “5 to a hundred.”
He offers various levels of training for all ages, and pick-up games, on a floor covered in artificial turf underlaid with padding.
Born in Brazil, da Silva is a certified sports performance trainer and a private trainer as of 2016, having played men’s regional futsal (a form of soccer played on a smaller, indoor court) in 2005 before he played USL League 2 in the United States in 2019.
“We have five World Cups. That’s our passion,” he said of Brazil, which has the most FIFA World Cup titles of any country in the world. “Soccer in South America is almost a religion.”
In Brazil, he met his wife, Gillian
da Silva, who also is his business partner. They co-own The Fitballer, along with Rise Fitness, a fitness facility at the intersection of Bee Ridge and McIntosh roads which they opened in 2020.
Also common in the Northeast, indoor soccer facilities are often known for their smaller size.
Da Silva says kids in Brazil begin learning on the soccer court before moving to the fields.
In fact, Brazil has a professional futsal league that is recognized by FIFA.
The term comes from the Portuguese “futebol de salão,” which translates to “indoor football.”
Da Silva says a futsal court in Brazil would be about triple the size of his current facility.
“This is what I was able to find,” he said.
However, he said it nonetheless is large enough for the purpose of creating better athletes.
In some ways, da Silva says the size presents an advantage.
“You have to find a solution faster, so you have to think faster,” da Silva said. “You have to move faster. You have to find space faster, so the pace is faster, and it requires a lot of conditioning. By the time you go to the official outdoor soccer field, it seems like you have way more time to think, to move ... way more space than before.”
Athletes will play in matches ranging from three to five players on each side, while training in the fundamentals of the game.
Da Silva plans to also add a training room to the space to help the players not only become more skillful, but to increase their strength.
The space can also be rented for events and birthday parties.
Many of the athletes who currently are using the facility are from the Florida Premier Football Club in Lakewood Ranch, which has lost a lot of summer practice time due to the rain.
“We’re from up north, and we have this type of facility all over the place, and we have none of that down here,” said Christie Kratz, a parent who kids use the facility.
“We’ve been missing tons of practice lately on the outside, so being able to come here has been life-saving, in a sense,” said another parent Karl Nehring. He noted many of the kids who practice together at the facility come from different teams.
“I think it’s been great to bring us together,” he said.
Da Silva said those who use The Fitballer can head in different directions.
“Some of them want to go to college. Some of them are just going for fun, so I’m here to help them,” he said.
He said he hasn’t been surprised by the great, early response to the business, but he is grateful.
“I was always confident, but I’m also grateful for what I have, and for what what’s coming.”
Troy Wiesenmayer, 12, works on his game in the new indoor facility, The Fitballer.
Alex da Silva sets up a goal at his new indoor soccer facility, The Fitballer in Sarasota.
Trey Hamer, 11, works with other youth soccer players at the new indoor facility, The Fitballer.
Photos by Ian Swaby
USF hosts annual commemoration
As the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hosted its annual remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, the theme of resilience repeatedly emerged.
Keynote speaker Jack McDonnell of Lakewood Ranch, a former battalion chief with the FDNY, was among those who emphasized how the country came together in response to the horrific events of that day.
“The most astonishing moments, positive moments, that I recall from that time, was the coming together of people, the visible acts of kindness, caring, helpfulness and concern,” he said. “It was everywhere. This horrific tragedy caused us to find our human commonality. It turned a city that was thought to be rude and disrespectful into the real neighborly people that we were.”
The ceremony brought together members of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, the Sarasota County Fire Department and students from Booker Middle School and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.
McDonnell also recounted his experience.
“The site before us was surreal. It was nothing that any of us had ever experienced, and there were many of us with many years on the job,” he said.
He highlighted the toll, stating that according to a recent study by the Society of Environmental Epidemiology, 490,000 people were exposed to deadly cancercausing toxins.
Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor at USF Sarasota-Manatee, helped close the ceremony by offering her recollection of the sense of community and patriotism following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“We all displayed symbols of national allegiance and pride in the windows in our homes, our offices and our automobiles ... and to reaffirm our cherished freedom,” she said.
–
IAN SWABY
Photos by Ian Swaby
The color guard, including Cpl. Christopher Short and Cpl. Antonio Martinez (pictured) march in the ceremony.
Fire Chief Jason Hackley of SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, lays a wreath to commemorate 9/11.
Students at USF Sarasota-Manatee laid flags on the ground throughout the campus on Saturday.
Third graders from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton sing “God Bless America.”
The commemoration was attended by 9/11 first responders Benjamin Maggio of Bradenton, Jack McDonnell of Lakewood Ranch, Daniel Caffrey of Siesta Key and Steven Merenda of Lakewood Ranch, and former FDNY member Garth Henning of Sarasota.
REWRITING LITERACY
The Literacy for All plan helps provide individualized literacy instruction to students, with the addition of literacy coaches.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
One of the core missions of Sarasota County Schools, according to Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor, is to improve literacy.
Connor said the importance of reading ability extends beyond students’ individual needs to the role they will play in the wider community after they graduate.
“I look at our school district as an economic driver in this community,” he said.
The district presented its Literacy for All plan to the school board in January, and in July, the board also passed its annual reading plan for grades K-12, budgeted at $11,401,286.
With students back in school, the ongoing efforts to revamp literacy instruction can be seen in action.
The plan has assigned a literacy coach and a literacy interventionist to each school, including secondary schools, among its many aspects.
“Being that our core mission is to increase literacy rates‚ we build our strategic plans, we align all of our resources, our funding, our staff, our human capital, our talent, toward the effort of increasing those rates,” Connor said.
MEETING UNIQUE NEEDS
Literacy for All replaces the district’s former Reading Recovery approach.
Connor said Reading Recovery was reaching about 300 students through a “handful” of interventionists in elementary schools, while the new
plan aims to reduce the number of students who require intervention.
Last year, the district introduced literacy coaches to elementary schools, and this year expanded those coaches to secondary schools while adding more interventionists.
Each of the district’s 40 schools is now allotted one coach and one interventionist.
“It would be very difficult for you to find middle and high schools that have literacy coaches,” said Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Rachael O’Dea. “That’s a very different approach, and we’re probably one of the few in the state to have that at scale.”
Schools with additional funding sources, such as Title I funding, still have the ability to add additional staff.
While in Reading Recovery, Connor said, there were preset criteria for which students qualified for the program, decisions now rest in the hands of schools.
“Undoubtedly, there has been success with that program,” Connor said of Reading Recovery. “What we found, though, is it might not have been sustainable as they matriculated from first to second to third (grade).”
He said based on his personal experience, having served in four districts previously, he has found that a more individualized approach is extremely common.
“That approach is much more common than what we were doing with the Reading Recovery Program,” he said. “Not to say one’s better than the other, but we just feel that we are going to get a larger impact based off the district model.”
In addition to adding new positions, the new plan also sees the district taking actions such as reevaluating practices and introducing new frameworks for monitoring the progress of students.
O’Dea said the district is “looking into the science of reading and what that means for the instruction that we’re providing” and “investing in teaching our teachers, teaching our school-based administrators, teaching our district administrators.”
ANOTHER SET OF EYES FOR INSTRUCTION
As of the plan’s introduction, Amy Bates has served as a literacy coach at Tuttle Elementary, having worked in various positions in the district for 20 years.
“We’ve always had professional learning and professional development for teachers, but sometimes that came from the top down, and it was just, ‘Tell teachers to do this and then send them to their classroom and hope it happens,’ and so now I get to kind of be that intermediary, where I get to actually go and support them,” she said.
Bates’ role involves entering classrooms to observe instruction and working with teachers.
“Some kids pick up easily from read alouds and from listening, and other kids need to do their reading,” Bates said. “Some kids need to write.
Some kids need to use manipulatives like magnetic letters and things, and we are ready with tools in our tool belt to help every single kid, however they need it.”
Tuttle Elementary Principal Patti Folino said teachers have appreciated the ability to consult with someone on their students’ needs.
“We talked about how in the Olympics, even the best athletes have coaches,” Folino said. “Even our best teachers, we can all improve, because every year we get a new set of kids, and they’re never the same, and their needs are never the same.”
She said the program has also has been beneficial for multilingual learners, who may not have the background knowledge needed to connect words to specific meanings.
Connor said the plan’s success is reflected in the recent rise in English Language Arts scores in the district, which saw third grade reading scores for students at Achievement Level 3 or above moving upward by 7%, from 61% to 68%.
Folino said the results are visible thus far at Tuttle Elementary.
“We moved up from a C to a B, and I call that success,” she said.
According to Literacy for All plan n High-quality core instruction n Aligned tiered supports n Advanced progress monitoring n Targeted professional learning n Coaching and intervention support Visit SarasotaCounty Schools.net.
Ian Swaby
Student Jeremmy Hernandez Rosa, Tuttle teacher Tunde Olson and student Linsy Cruz Rosa engage in a lesson.
Spotlight on youth support
he 18th annual Intertape Polymer
Tat the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties on Sept. 6, during the event’s 18th year.
The community had turned out to watch as Harriet Moore, director of strategic engagement at Sarasota County Schools and Jack Cox, president and owner of Lakewood Ranch-based Halfacre Construction, were honored for their support of local youth.
The event also saw former senator Lisa Carlton serving as an emcee, while closing out the ceremony was the 2020 Boys & Girls Clubs Florida Youth of the Year Margo Andrich, a University of Florida and Pine View School graduate.
“We feel it’s an obligation to continue to give back to the community, and we’re involved with all levels of organizations, but youth programs are what we’re especially geared toward,” Cox said in a video played at the event, noting the “awesome organization” of Boys & Girls Clubs, and calling it
“pretty incredible” to be recognized. Moore, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, was honored for her ability to “coach train, and mobilize educators and community members.”
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the community,” Moore said. “I’m a village kid; I’m a product of the village, I’m a native of Sarasota and so many people in this room have a part in who I am today, including the Boys & Girls Clubs.” Proceeds from the event will directly support the teen programs at Boys & Girls Clubs.
— IAN SWABY
Photos by Ian Swaby
Bill Sadlo, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, stands with honorees Harriet Moore, director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools, and Jack Cox, president and owner of Halfacre Construction.
2020 Boys & Girls Clubs Florida Youth of the Year Margo Andrich offered a closing speech. “I am forever grateful to be a club kid,” she said.
11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Folk guitarist and singer Dave Moran sings a series of children’s songs, with a show from the Selby Puppets. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 17
SOUNDS & SOUL WITH CARLANN AND ALAN EVANS
2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112
Curtiss Ave. Free. A musical duo consisting of violinist Carlann Evans and trumpeter Alan Evans play varying genres of music including classical, opera, Broadway, jazz, Mariachi, and more. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
4WORD: SARASOTA GATHERING
5-7 p.m. at 1419 Fifth St., in the loft upstairs. Free. This community group for Christian professional women in Sarasota meets once a month to discuss topics related to working women and to offer an opportunity for fellowship. Bring an “interesting” Bible verse and share the reason for your choice. Visit 4WordWomen.org.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18
TRAVELOGUE TO OAHU AND MAUI WITH JANE MAHLER
2-3 p.m. at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. Free. Join traveler Jane Mahler as she explores the culture and beauty of the Hawaiian islands Oahu and Maui. Visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.
TIME SIFTERS PRESENTS: ‘HITTITE ROCK MONUMENTS’ ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE
5:45-7 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Join the Time Sifters Archaeology Society for the lecture “Hittite Rock Monuments: Their Relationship with Landscape in Central Anatolia,” by Atakan Atabas, a Ph.D. student in anthropology at the University of Central Florida. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
READ WITH THE DOGS
4-5 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs to encourage conversation and develop reading and communication
Dr. Gaby Ghobrial brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge office a wealth of
and experience in Vascular Surgery.
BEST BET
FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 TO SUNDAY, SEPT. 15
40TH ANNUAL SARASOTA
POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX
Best viewing at Lido Key Beach, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive. VIP tickets $100-$190. The second longestrunning powerboat race in the United States, after the Key West Championship, enters its 40th year. About 60 competitors are expected in this highperformance motorsports racing event along Lido Beach. Visit P1Offshore. com/Sarasota.
skills. This program is intended for children who can read independently. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
11 a.m. at Sarasota Children’s Garden, 1670 10th Way. 0-2 years, free; 3-12 years, $6; teens and adults, $10; ages 60 and older, $9. Join the Sarasota Children’s Garden for a pirate party in honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Visit SarasotaChildrensGarden.com.
EAST MEETS WEST REGIONAL
BUSINESS EXPO
4:30-7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. $5 at the door. Bring your mascots and game-day attire for this football-themed tradeshow featuring prizes, a cash bar, games, food from different restaurants, an end zone lounge and more. Visit LWRBA.org.
Vista Bay Point condominium tops sales at $3.1 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Acondominium in Vista Bay Point topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.
Peter Smith, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 701 condominium at 128 Golden Gate Point to Kenneth Elder and Patricia Elder, trustees, of Sarasota, for $3.1 million.
Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,000 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.55 million in 2021.
SARASOTA
BAYSO SARASOTA
Timothy Kilkeary, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, sold the Unit 1509 condominium at 301 Quay Commons to Paul Shield Jr. and Maire O’Neill, of Sarasota, for $1.7 million. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,856 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,413,700 in 2023.
THE LANDINGS
Michael and Amy Perriello, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4899 Peregrine Point Circle E. to Wesley Scott McDonald and Kimberly Jean McDonald, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,749 square feet of living area. It sold for $820,000 in 2021.
ONE HUNDRED CENTRAL
Thomas Lee Walker and Cheryl Watson Walker, of Sarasota, sold their Unit E915 condominium at 100 Central Ave. to Roy and Jocelyn Kasimakis, of Sarasota, for $1,399,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,173 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,175,000 in 2019.
SUNSET TOWERS
Sigrid Skvorc, of Spain, sold her Unit 102 condominium at 11 Sunset Drive to Joanne Delmastro, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, for $900,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,389 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2019.
EAST AVENUE
Sarasota Villas LLC sold the home at 431 East Ave. to Yandy Garcia Fernandez, of Miami, for $878,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,897 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2022.
ALINARI
Ira Hal Reiter and Gail Joy Reiter, of Nokomis, sold their Unit 417 condominium at 800 N. Tamiami Trail to Gaele McLaughlin Barthold, of Longboat Key, for $800,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2011.
FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB
ESTATES
DBD Group MEI LLC sold the home at 3252 Pine Valley Drive to Snow Garden Management LLC for $765,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,397 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2016.
SYLVAN SHORES
Waterfall Capital Group LLC sold two properties at 1100 23rd St. to Joseph Caruso Jr., of Orlando, for $700,000. The first property was built in 1949 and has five bedrooms, three baths and 1,826 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1990 and has one bedroom, one bath and 660 square feet of living area. They sold for $380,000 in 2022.
COLONIAL TERRACE
Coastal Cottages SRQ Inc. sold the home at 2814 Concord St. to Yuriy George Briklin and Anna Briklin, of Sarasota, for $640,000. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,727 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2022.
SOUTH GATE
Jeffery Cook and Carolyn Schrock, trustees, of Tallahassee, sold the home at 3300 Duncan Ave. to Vickie Lawson and Courtland Farm LLC Inc. for $575,500. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,182 square feet of living area.
HAGER PARK
Airavlak LLC sold the home at 2674 Novus Place to LaBonte Investments LLC for $520,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,804 square feet of living area.
SIESTA KEY
SIESTA ISLES
Brian Lee Ball and Jennifer Marie Bocker, of Dallas, sold their home at 5536 Contento Drive to Brian and Renee Ray, of Mechanicville, New York, for $1,965,000. Built in 1969, it has four bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,490 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,832,000 in 2021.
CASA BLANCA
Philip and Katie Richards, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, sold their Unit 15 condominium at 6154 Midnight Pass Road to Michael Claude Lewis and Karen Lee Lewis, for Gray, Tennessee, for $890,000. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,190 square feet of living area. It sold for $535,000 in 2019.
ONLINE
See more transactions at YourObserver.com.
Other top sales by area
SIESTA KEY: $2,275,000
Bay Island Park
Kathleen and Philip Kercher, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3458 Anglin Drive to Bruce and Jean McCutcheon, of Sarasota, for $2,275,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,513 square feet of living area. It sold for $541,000 in 2016.
PALMER RANCH: $530,000
Villa Palmeras
Tonda Connelly Cockrell and John Gabriel Connelly, trustees, of Kokomo, Indiana, sold the home at 4356 Camino Madera to Christopher Odbert, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for $530,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,635 square feet of living area. It sold for $250,000 in 2012.
OSPREY: $2.9 MILLION
Oaks II
Nick and Dany LLC sold the home at 388 Bunker Hill to Joseph Seibert and Toni Lynn Seibert, trustees, of Osprey, for $2.9 million. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,937 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.74 million in 2022.
NOKOMIS: $600,000
Sorrento East Scott and Phakhamon Kauffman, of Thailand, sold their home at 2229 Lakewood Terrace to Rachel Velasco, of Nokomis, for $600,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,135 square feet of living area. It sold for $259,500 in 2015.
Ian Swaby
feet of living area.
SPORTS
Fast Break
Former Riverview High football wide receiver
Jaron Glover, a sophomore at Michigan State University, had six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Spartans’ 27-24 win against the University of Maryland on Sept. 7. Glover also had one carry for 14 yards. Michigan State is 2-0 and will play Prairie View A&M; University at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14. The game will air on the Big Ten Network.
... Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering, son of Sarasota Emergency Manager Todd Kerkering, has a 1.76 ERA and 19 strikeouts over his last 15 appearances. Overall, Kerkering has a 2.09 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched in 2024. ... Riverview High indoor volleyball senior Gabrielle Meese had 12 kills, three serving aces and two blocks in the Rams’ 3-0 win against North Port High on Sept. 4. The Rams are 5-4 as of Sept. 9. ... Sarasota Christian indoor volleyball senior Izzy Mocherman had six serving aces in the Blazers’ 3-0 win over Sarasota Military Academy on Sept. 9. Sarasota Christian is 4-3. ... The Cardinal Mooney High boys golf team finished second at the 2024 Mooney Match Play event held Sept. 7 at The Founders Golf Club. The event features nine holes of stroke play followed by two nines of match play to determine a winner between the top-two public schools and the top-two private schools. The Cougars (five over par) finished first in the private school division of the stroke play portion, but would lose to Lakewood Ranch High in the match play finals.
“It
was so much fun to work through those games because we faced tough competition and we got the result we
wanted.”
POWERHOUSES COLLIDE
What: Cardinal Mooney High indoor volleyball (9-2 as of Sept. 9) vs. Venice High (7-4) When: 7 p.m. Sept. 19
Where: Cardinal Mooney High Last season: Cardinal Mooney finished 21-8 and reached the Class 3A regional semifinals; Venice finished 22-7 and reached the Class 7A regional finals; Venice beat Mooney 3-0 twice in 2023 Cougars player to watch: Senior Izzy Russell, who leads the Cougars with 81 kills Indians player to watch: Senior Summer Kohler, who leads the Indians with 97 kills
Cougars speed away to hot start
Under first-year head coach Allan Knight, the Cougars volleyball team is winning with quickness.
RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR
At the Cardinal Mooney High indoor volleyball team’s scrimmage Sept. 9, there was one consistent command from first-year head coach Allan Knight. Pick up the pace. Each side made rotations to give different looks, and players subbed in and out, but the call for speed remained. The players say it’s the biggest difference in the Cougars’ play this season, though it took time to adjust to the higher speeds. As the team worked through summer practice, it started to find the right rhythm, and the team hit the regular season on a roll. As of Sept. 9, Cardinal Mooney’s
record sits at 9-2, with both losses coming Aug. 31 at the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast event in Orlando. Not only were those losses to powers St. Louis Incarnate Word Academy (6-2) and Fort Lauderdale’s Pine Crest High (7-2), but the Cougars were missing junior setter Layla Larrick to injury and senior middle hitter Zoe Kirby to college visits. Both games ended 2-1. With a full lineup of players, senior outside hitter Izzy Russell said, the team feels as though it could have won both matches.
Besides those two, Cardinal Mooney has breezed through its competition. In the team’s nine wins, it has lost just three sets — two coming in what players called their biggest win yet, a 3-2 road thriller against perennial state title contender Calvary Christian on Sept. 5.
In that match, they said everything came together, even after they dropped the first set. The Cougars played fast, and they played together. Their speed opened up the net for their hitters, creating easy opportunities for kills. When the match came down to a decisive fifth set, Cardinal Mooney found some grit to go along with its frenetic pace of play and won the set 15-8.
The team’s dedication to speed serves another purpose. Knight said the rapid pace of play is more in line with how college volleyball is played, giving players in the program a head start when they get to the next level. Russell, who committed to Austin Peay State University on Sept. 1, said she is glad to have that advantage.
The breadth of talent on Mooney’s rosters shows in its stats. Russell leads the team with 81 kills, but three others — sophomore Charlee Hermann (58), senior Riley Greene (54) and sophomore Sydney Sparma (42) — have more than 40 kills. Russell (15), Hermann (13), Greene (12) and senior Katie Powers (11) all have double-digit serving aces. Senior
Bridget Gallagher (114) and Larrick (101) get assists for their well set-up passes. Powers (120), Russell (84) and Sparma (71) lead the way in digs. It’s a balanced lineup that the Cougars believe can carry them where they want to go, even as others in the volleyball community doubted how the team would adjust to its new coach and style of play.
“Keep an eye out for us,” Larrick said. “We’re coming.”
It is that attitude that shows in everything Cardinal Mooney does, even a preseason bowling event at Sarasota Lanes. Larrick said the event was competitive, with even Knight trying to finish with the highest score. Kirby said junior Alexis Betz bowled a 115 to take the title. The night was a sign to the players that their chemistry would be as strong as ever.
Knight said he knew of the team’s innate talent when he arrived, but the match against Calvary Christian showed him how much they cared.
“That was a huge test against a strong opponent,” Knight said. “It was one of those moments where you learn the most about your team. What are they made of? Do they have the stamina? Do they have the energy, the heart, the drive? Can they keep it together under pressure? Winning that one told me a lot.”
Knight knows how to evaluate such things in a team. He won state titles at Bishop Moore Catholic in 2015 and at Timber Creek High in 2008. Does this Mooney team have the same qualities of his former state champions?
Knight said the potential will not mean anything if it goes unfulfilled. That is why Knight pushes the team as hard as he does in practice, and why he does so with as much positivity as criticism. He wants the Cougars getting better each day, in order to be at their best when the postseason begins in mid-October. When they struggle, he wants them to learn from those struggles.
— Riverview High volleyball senior Gabrielle Meese. SEE PAGE 30
Courtesy image
Former Riverview High wide receiver Jaron Glover, a sophomore at Michigan State University, had six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown against the University of Maryland on Sept. 7.
Cardinal Mooney indoor volleyball senior Izzy Russell said the Cougars have responded well to head coach Allan Knight’s style of play.
Photos by Ryan Kohn Cardinal Mooney indoor volleyball head coach Allan Knight said he wants his team to play fast to open more offensive opportunities, but also to match the speed of college volleyball.
Cardinal Mooney indoor volleyball junior Layla Larrick sets a pass during a team scrimmage Sept. 9. Larrick said the team’s win over Calvary Christian on Sept.
5 was the team’s best performance of the season thus far.
Early season takeaways for Sarasota football programs
The early portion of the 2024 high school football season has given us a good look at area football teams with several more pivotal games on the way Sept. 13. Some look like playoff contenders, while others have a lot of work to do if they want to save the season. Here are takeaways for each area team through the early part of the season.
CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH (3-0)
Heading into week four, the Cougars have the least questions of any Sarasota team.
Cardinal Mooney is outscoring its opponents 127-24, and 12 of those opposing points came in the fourth quarter against Sarasota High and the Community School of Naples, long after those games had been decided. The Cougars defense was already intimidating before it got a big boost on Aug. 31, when former IMG Academy defensive end Elijah Golden announced his transfer into the program.
Golden, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior, is a consensus four-star recruit and the No. 160 player (No. 18 defensive lineman) in the national class of 2026, according to the 247Sports Composite.
On offense, it has been all about the ground game. Mooney has run for 806 yards and 13 touchdowns as a team, led by sophomore running back Connail Jackson’s 348 yards and six touchdowns. Mooney has not had to pass much, but junior quarterback Devin Mignery has been efficient when asked to do so, completing 16 of 26 passes for 363 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
So what have we learned? Certainly, Mooney’s state title-winning 2023 season was no fluke.
The team’s biggest remaining question may be one of competition. Mooney’s first three oppo-
nents have a combined record of 3-5. Can the Cougars replicate its dominating performances against a fellow state title contender? A Sept. 20 home game against Bishop Verot High (2-1) will provide more answers. This week’s road game against Leto High (0-2) will not. Expect another easy Mooney win.
BOOKER HIGH (2-1)
The Tornadoes are loaded with good athletes across their roster, and nowhere does that show up more than in their explosive scoring plays.
Through three games, the Tornadoes have scored eight touchdowns of 40 yards or more. Junior defensive back/wide receiver Chuck Kennon and freshman wide receiver Tyree Mannings Jr. have two each. That type of speed is impressive and it gives Booker an automatic
advantage.
Booker’s speed has been a boon to quarterbacks Ryan Downes, a senior, and Joel Morris, a junior. The duo has split time under center, though Morris was held out of last week’s game against Sarasota because of an injury. It has not mattered much who is throwing these athletes the ball. Just get it in their hands and watch them go.
A 28-21 road loss to Berkeley Prep (1-2), whose record belies how talented the program is, remains Booker’s only blemish. Don’t expect too many more losses for the Tornadoes as the season progresses. As the adage goes, speed kills. The Tornadoes will next play Carrollwood Day School (1-2) at home at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13.
SARASOTA HIGH (1-2) Slow progress is better than no
progress at all.
As first-year head coach Amp Campbell said prior to the team’s 57-0 loss to Booker last week, the Sailors are trying to get better each day. In playing Booker and week one opponent Cardinal Mooney (a 41-6 loss), fans wouldn’t see that progress; those opponents are simply in a different class of program at the moment.
A 10-6 road win over Braden River High (0-3) in week two, however, showed the kind of progress Campbell wants to see. Against a program with similar levels of athleticism, could the Sailors execute the fundamentals? Could they tackle well and block well and avoid mental mistakes? The Sailors did, and it got them a win. For a program that went 1-10 in 2023, no win is taken for granted.
The Sailors will have another chance at a win this week, as the team hosts Gibbs High (1-2) at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. If the Sarasota offensive line gives freshman quarterback Hudson West time in the pocket, this game is a chance for the team’s offense to put up points: Gibbs has allowed 27.3 points per game this season to below-average competition.
Taking down the Gladiators would be another sign of progress for the rebuilding Sailors.
RIVERVIEW HIGH (1-2)
For a program that always carries high expectations, Riverview’s start to 2024 will be viewed as disappointing.
To turn things around, the Rams will need to begin with defense. Riverview has allowed 95 points through three games, and those points have come in multiple ways.
Week one opponent Naples High (3-0) did it via the ground game, rushing for 390 yards and six touchdowns. Last week, Palmetto High (3-0) did it through the air,
with senior quarterback Jackson Roth completing 15 of 18 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns. Things won’t get easier this week, as Riverview hosts Berkeley Prep at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13. Another loss won’t dash the Rams from the postseason, but it would put them in a difficult position.
SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (2-2)
The Blazers, currently in week five thanks to playing in the Sunshine State Athletic Association, have had mixed results in their first season of 11-on-11 football, most exemplified when on offense.
The Sarasota Christian offense has scored 92 points across its two wins, and just 16 points across its two losses. The passing game has been reliable, with junior quarterback Ben Milliken throwing for 711 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. The running game has been less successful, with the Blazers averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. A better push from the offensive line would open up more options for the unit as a whole.
After playing two seasons of 8-on-8 football, the program’s lineman depth had to be expanded this season, and the team is still learning how to play with more players on the field. Expect the Blazers to find more consistency as the season progresses. SCS will next host Cambridge Christian (0-4) at 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.
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Cardinal Mooney’s RJ Mosley catches a deep ball from Devin Mignery against Booker High. Mosley would score on the play.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Gabrielle Meese
Gabrielle Meese is a senior on the Riverview High volleyball team. As of Sept. 10, Meese leads the Rams with 80 kills. She had 12 kills, three serving aces and two blocks in the Rams’ 3-0 road win against North Port High on Sept. 4.
When did you start playing volleyball?
Well, both of my parents (David Meese and Amy Meese) played volleyball when they were younger, and they played as doubles partners on the beach here. They used to bring my sister (Megan Meese) and I, and we would play two on two. That made me interested in joining the sport myself, and I joined an organized volleyball team when I was in second grade.
What is the appeal to you?
I love how competitive it is, and the fact that I get to play with such a great team. I have played for so long, I have a deep love for the sport. It is my dinner conversation with my parents. I’m always excited to go play, and I have gained so many friends through my years of playing.
What is your best skill?
Probably hitting, both in terms of balls from the setter and overpasses from the other team. I have an aggressive swing.
What have you been working to improve? I have been working on how I let my emotions affect my game and how I portray myself on the court. In the
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.
past, it has been obvious when I am frustrated. This year, I have been trying to keep that internal so it doesn’t bring anyone down.
What is your favorite memory?
When I was 12, I had a great club team (Sarasota Volleyball Club). We went to a tournament in Naples and ended up winning a bid to nationals. It was so much fun to work through those games because we faced tough competition and we got the result we wanted.
What is your favorite food?
Probably ice cream. It’s something that connects me to my family, especially my dad. I love it after a long day of volleyball. I don’t like coffee ice cream, but I like most other flavors.
What is your favorite school subject?
This year, I like my economics and Spanish classes. They are interesting, but I also have great teachers (Brandon Knecht and Vanessa Sanchez) that understand and love the class, which helps their students love it.
What is the best advice you have received?
Even if you’re working at 80% on a given day, give 100% of that 80%. You are not always going to be at your best, but you can always work your hardest. People notice that.
Finish this sentence:
“Gabrielle Meese is ... ” ... Passionate. I try to put as much as effort as I can into everything I do.
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