On Sept. 17, Art Center Sarasota was filled with visitors, but their eyes weren’t on the art. They were on Executive Director Kinsey Robb, who offered her goodbyes as she leaves for a new role in the visual arts nonprofit sector in New York City.
Art Center Sarasota board member Barbara Banks said Robb, who has served in the role since 2021, transformed the space and its operations during her time with the organization, a nonprofit which allows the public to view the work of regional artists free of charge.
“The people who came out tonight are a reflection of what the Art Center is about at its core and its community, and it’s really one of the most amazing and magical communities,” Robb said.
Museum prepares to go mobile
Things are rolling along at the Sarasota Children’s Museum since it gained 501(c)3 status about a year ago, said its founder, Christina Fredericks. Thanks to a recent grant of $175,000 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the museum has secured a 24foot, fully solar-powered trailer, which will serve as a “museum on wheels.”
Fredericks says the space will allow the museum to travel to schools, community events and neighborhoods to offer interactive experiences focused on STEAM concepts. These may range from building simple robots, to arts and crafts.
The trailer is expected to be complete by spring 2025.
$1.00
Can the Colson be saved?
Ian Swaby Harriett Hritz, of Hritz Designs, greets Kinsey Robb.
Courtesy image
Caylie Fredericks has her hand painted by Rosie Tarr in an activity with the Children’s Museum.
Ian Swaby
Artist Nancy Goodheart Matthews celebrates the Mermaid Fountain’s honor with the help of city of Sarasota Public Art Lead Mary Davis Wallace.
Courtesy image
WEEK OF SEPT. 19, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
n
“I’m interested in reestablishing that historical tidal connection that benefits water quality, period ... and I do appreciate the alternative options.”
County Commissioner Joe Neunder. Read more on page 7A
Main Street reimagining process begins
The redesign of Main Street from Gulfstream Avenue to School Avenue is now officially underway. On Monday, the Sarasota City Commission approved a contract in the amount of $2.27 million with consultant KimleyHorn to study and provide preliminary design for the complete street project.
The deadline for 60% final design is September 2025.
As a complete street, the emphasis is on multimodal transportation, accommodating pedestrian and bicycle as well
as vehicle traffic. It won’t come without some measure of controversy, however, as downtown businesses have expressed concerns over how on-street parking might be affected.
Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch wondered if the timing is premature because the Downtown Master Plan update process is set to begin by the end of the year.
“I don’t see this actually happening until probably four or five years from now, and it would probably be done in phases because that’s a huge project,” said
As part of its scope of work, Kimley-Horn will facilitate meetings with stakeholder groups that include land owners, tenants and merchants and the existing stakeholder group from the prior visioning session. It will also facilitate two public progress meetings at the 30% schematic design and 60% draft design sessions. Any feedback may be incorporated into the 60% final draft design.
Paint with a cop
The Sarasota Police Department is offering Painting With Police in four monthly sessions which began Sept. 18. The program is billed as an opportunity for a team building activity for organizations and businesses, or for individuals.
Sessions are held 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 John Rivers St. in Sarasota. They provide an opportunity to create artwork while connecting with local law enforcement in a relaxed setting. Novice and seasoned artists are encouraged to attend the guided sessions at a cost of $10 each, which includes all supplies needed to leave with your own creation. To reserve a spot, call 941-263-6732.
Visit Sarasota County adds board members
Visit Sarasota County has named new members to its board of directors.
Joining the board for two-year terms are Stacey Corley, president of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation; Jason Samson, general manager of Aloft Sarasota; and Heather Van Wie, president and CEO of The Cottages On The Key. Rotating off the board are Ann Frescura, executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce; and Rick Konsavage, managing director of The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
Other members of the board include County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger; Mark Gordon, managing editor of the Business Observer; Kara Morgan, CEO of Venice Main Street; Mike Quillen, president of Gecko’s Hospitality Group; Wes Santos, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota; and Susie Bowie, president and CEO of The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. Members the 2025 Executive Committee are Richard Russell, general director of Sarasota Opera; Nick Mavrikas, area general manager of Spark by Hilton; John LaCivita, president and CEO of Willis Smith Construction; and Tim Self, senior vice president investments, Gulfside Wealth.
City Manager Marlon Brown. “We will do this in concert with the Downtown Master Plan.”
Street in downtown Sarasota is the center of dining, shopping and entertainment activity.
THE COLSON HOTEL’S SIGNIFICANCE
■ The Florida Master Site File lists the 1926 structure’s style as Mediterranean Revival.
■ The hotel is constructed with hollow clay tile blocks topped by a flat built-up roof.
■ The building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and local historic designation.
■ First hotel built in Sarasota for AfricanAmericans during the period of Jim Crow segregation.
■ Built by Edwin Burns and named for The Rev. Lewis Colson, a former slave who helped plat the city of Sarasota.
■ Selected In 2024 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of its “Eleven to Save.”
something that would be remarkable for the community if we could find a way to get the site.”
That requires staff signing off, or the commission eventually approving, adjustments sought by JDMAX. Otherwise, the developer will resurrect its request to demolish the building when the public hearing is eventually continued. The commissions voted unanimously to keep the hearing open while JDMAX works with city staff on securing the requested adjustments to the site plan.
History nearly forgotten
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Although standing vacant and boarded up for years, the former Colson Hotel in the Rosemary District has become the center of controversy over whether it may be razed to make way for residential development.
At 1428 Eighth St., the Colson was built in 1925 by Owen Burns as the first hotel in Sarasota, and one of the few in Florida where African Americans could find lodging in the Jim Crow era. That stands as the historical significance of the building and why the city’s Historic Preservation Board on April 9 unanimously voted to deny the demolition request by JDMAX Developments.
The Planning Department also recommended to the City Commission that it deny the demolition request.
Appealing the denial, the matter came before the City Commission by JDMAX on Sept. 3, but with a caveat developed in collaboration with DreamLarge, which is leading the effort to save the building while still accommodating the planned surrounding development.
DreamLarge is a public benefit corporation, which are businesses that focus on charitable causes and the betterment of society or the environment.
Maximilian Vollmer of JDMAX told commissioners every effort was made to repurpose the Colson within its development, but studies on engineering and restoration costs rendered it unfeasible. The structure is too large and unstable to be moved and too costly to be restored. So, unless the city can allow some functional adjustments and transfer of development rights for more height and density to develop on the vacant land, JDMAX will continue to place the demolition decision at the feet of the City Commission.
“There is no exemplary architecture or nothing to salvage within the building itself, and the only significance of the building, obviously, is its history, which is significant, but it cannot really be repurposed to that use,” Vollmer said. “A historic marker could preserve the history if you would decide to demolish the building. If the demolition gets approved, we will be willing to look into various ways to mitigate that loss.”
Vollmer produced two bids to restore the structure, which were $1.96 million and $2.25 million, and said other contractors declined to
bid because of the complexity of the project.
A structural analysis by engineering Bliss & Nyitray of Tampa determined:
■ Structure has degraded excessively and is beyond the possibility of repair.
■ To renovate building, all interior framing would need to be removed, leaving only the exterior walls.
■ Exterior walls would need to be braced to replace interior framing.
■ All exterior masonry needs to be strengthened.
■ Foundation needs to be enlarged.
■ Building is unfit for renovation and should be demolished.
■ Building is currently unsafe and not suitable for occupancy.
■ Possible renovation would be an economic burden and beyond reasonable assumption.
As an alternative, the developer is willing to sell the building to a group led by DreamLarge — the negotiated price is $700,000 — with the intent to ultimately convey the Colson to Black ownership for a repurposed use, perhaps a jazz club or museum.
Prior to receiving its unfavorable cost-benefit analysis, JDMAX had initially planned to renovate the building for an alternative use such as retail, office or residential. Adjacent to the Colson, it had planned 27 three-story townhomes as a companion to another project it is currently planning on Ninth Street, priced as alternatives to the premium downtown condominium costs.
If it can transfer ownership of the Colson to DreamLarge, the development may more closely resemble height and density allowances of the Rosemary Residential Overlay District, which allows up to 100 units per acre and seven stories. Even without the overlay, the property is zoned Downtown Edge, which allows for 25 units per acre and fivestory buildings.
The site stands across Cohen Way from the Sarasota Housing Authority’s Lofts on Lemon.
DREAMING LARGE
Since the Historic Preservation Board’s demolition denial, DreamLarge CEO Anand Pallegar has assembled a group of stakeholders in an effort to preserve The Colson while allowing JDMAX to achieve its objective of bringing more workforce housing to the neighborhood.
Rather than standing in opposition to JDMAX before the commission, Pallegar presented alongside JDMAX, advocating for the adjustments needed to make the project
The Colson Hotel stood vacant and decaying until it potentially faced demolition. Now, efforts are being made to work with a developer to save a piece of Black history.
work and save the building.
“What’s happened through this process is that a group of stakeholders have come together and various different organizations — Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and ourselves — to try to figure out a way to do this,” Pallegar said. “We think there is a way that we can restore the Colson into
Approval of demolition will require the commission determining whether JDMAX has made all reasonable efforts to save the building, and whether the costs associated with requiring the building to be preserved are not reasonable.
Meanwhile, Vollmer said, time is money.
“We can expedite a review of this in terms of meeting with them, making sure we understand what their new plans are, and then sharing with them what the process needs,” City Manager Marlon Brown told commissioners. “We will do everything in our ability to get this moving forward as quickly as possible.”
Commissioner Kyle Battie lamented that the Colson was permitted to languish for so long, rather than the community being proactive, that demolition, instead of preservation, even became an option.
“We’re going through this with a number of historic structures in the city, and I’d like to see the community jump on these things initially before developers come in and start wanting to demo them,” Battie said.
Courtesy image
The Colson Hotel has stood derelict for years, but now efforts are underway to save it from demolition.
Andrew Warfield
The Colson Hotel was the first hotel that permitted African Americans to lodge and was built for that purpose.
The proposed “pink box” site would separate the Colson Hotel from the proposed JDMAX Developments site at the corner of eighth Street and Cohen Way if approved by the city.
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New speaker series debuts in Sarasota
‘Disruption, Innovation & Opportunity’ set for Sept. 23
PRODUCER
Anew speaker series in Sarasota aims to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs by bringing local experts together to share their knowledge.
Called the Sarasota Speakers Series, the organizer, financial consultant Lynn Kitchen, said participants at the first event, set for 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Sarasota, will come away with stories, strategies and secrets they can use to grow their own businesses.
“Business building is now more complicated and needs collaboration, cooperation and mentorship,” Kitchen said. “We do believe that they can take home with them some ideas for positive disruption for their own businesses and their own lives.”
The first event features three successful local beauty salon owners: Terry McKee, of Nuovo Salon Group, Coral Pleas, of Cutting Loose Salons, and James Griffith, of James Griffith Salons.
The event will be co-hosted by Kitchen, along with branding consultant and TEDxSarasota founder Judy Winslow.
The title of the first talk, “Disruption, Innovation & Opportunity,” will focus on the speakers’ success
IF YOU GO
SARASOTA SPEAKERS SERIES
When: Monday, Sept. 23, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Aloft Hotel, 1401 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
5 p.m.: Panel discussion of local legacy business owners n James Griffith — Owner, James Griffith Salons n Coral Pleas — Owner, Cutting Loose Salons
n Terry McKee — Owner, Nuovo Salon Group
6:30 p.m.: “Meet n Greet” in the lobby. Light bites and a cash bar. Meet the speakers and mingle with business leaders.
Tickets: For more information and to purchase tickets, and for 10% off, go to SarasotaSpeakerSeries.EventBrite.com.
with growing their businesses in a spirit of cooperation.
Kitchen says future panel discussions are planned with notable local restaurateurs and media entrepreneurs. “I think it’ll be a conversation that will be uplifting and inspiring,” Kitchen said. “How many times do we get to see three leaders in a particular industry group talk about what worked, what didn’t, and how they see the future?”
Kitchen said she and Winslow have a long-term goal of creating a leadership program “that can help mentor new, upcoming entrepreneurs,” that will inspire a legacy project.
JIM DELA DIGITAL CONTENT
Courtesy images
James Griffith, Coral Pleas and Terry McKee will participate in the first event in the Sarasota Speakers Series on Sept. 23.
Planning Board does an about-face on Fruitville Road development
Sent back to the board by the Sarasota City Commission after changes, a previously rejected residential project between Fruitville Road and Fourth Street wins approval.
ANDREW WARFIELD
STAFF WRITER
First rejected and then sent back by the Sarasota City Commission to the Planning Board after changes were proffered in the interim, a rezoning request for multiple parcels fronting Fruitville Road and Fourth Street near U.S. 41 has now secured unanimous support for approval.
The rezoning request by applicant Fourth & Trail Developments doesn’t actually change the Downtown Core zone, but rather would permit the by-right development of the site to a maximum 50 units per acre and 10 stories which, if approved, unbinds the site from restrictions agreed to by a prior applicant for the same parcels.
The owner and developer of the property is Palsar Developments of Lakewood Ranch.
The 1.01-acre site wraps around the low-rise Encore condominiums at the east end of the block. With three other projects on that block between Cocoanut Avenue and U.S. 41 in various stages of planning, the primary concern among Encore residents was parking for its residents and vehicle volume using the only current access point — an alley at Cocoanut Avenue.
That alley would become the only driveway into any developments on the block, which includes the 1274 Fourth Street Residences at the southwest corner of Fourth and Cocoanut, which was previously denied an entrance off Fourth Street by the Planning Board and must use the alley. All that could change if the City Commission agrees.
Following the initial Planning Board rejection on Feb. 14, Philip DiMaria of Kimley-Horn recruited colleague Bill Waddill to facilitate collaboration with Encore resi -
dents, the other developers on the block, Rosemary District leaders and Downtown Sarasota Condominium
President David Lough to craft a “win-win-win” solution.
That includes providing five dedicated parking spaces for Encore, 25 public parking spaces for the city and an enhanced streetscape that exceeds city code with ample shade trees and landscaped buffers on both sides of the sidewalk between the street and the buildings. Not just on the project’s frontages, but Waddill is working with the other developers to provide the pedestrian experience around the entire block.
Waddill and DiMaria pointed to absence of affected parties to speak to the Planning Board as evidence of the success of the seven-month diplomacy effort. Representing the Encore Condo Association was its vice president, Michael Gasper.
“We did have some intense discussions, but in a good way. They were very productive, very forward thinking,” Gasper said. “We worked things out that address the Encore Association’s short-term and long-term concerns and that, in conjunction with all the benefits that the Rosemary District and neighborhood will get out of this, we are here not to oppose the application, but rather to support approval of the application.”
In exchange, the development would get a curb cut off Fourth Street as a second access point — which is not permitted on a city-designated primary street — and possibly additional density should it take advantage of the city’s downtown affordable housing incentives program. Whether or not it will include affordable housing has not yet been determined.
Still a sticking point is the location of a water line beneath the sidewalk on Fourth Street, which lies in the way of the enhanced streetscape plans. DiMaria and Waddill contend
issue in order to achieve the desired streetscape.
As for the development itself, it would be consistent with the 10-story maximum height of buildings that surround the site. The rezone ordinance amendment, the applicant contends, is consistent with the current land use patterns and conditions within the surrounding areas that have occurred over the past two decades.
“This three-block area in the southwest corner of the Rosemary District is undergoing substantial change, and probably about twothirds of it is going to change for the next 100 years in this next year,” Waddill said. “Because of that, it’s a perfect opportunity for us to see if we can get some pedestrian improvements and neighborhood improvements while the getting is good.”
the city should have moved the line to beneath the street anyway, and if the developer is required to expand the capacity of the line, it should be a public-private venture. The water line is 50 years old as it is and would have to be replaced eventually, which would otherwise be a city expense.
Proffered is a 20-foot pedestrian area that would include, depending on location, a seven- to 10-foot sidewalk and an eight- to 12-foot planting strip “so we can have meaningful canopy trees important to the neighborhood,” Waddill said. There would also be a landscaped strip between the sidewalk and the buildings.
“Where we want street trees you have got water lines that the utility department says you can’t plant a canopy tree there and you need a 20-foot easement, which works fine
in Lakewood Ranch maybe but it’s ridiculous in the downtown environment,” Waddill said. “Certainly if the developer needs to upsize the water line for the development, to dig up two lanes of the street to move it over (is what) the city should have done that with its $20 million of enterprise fund money. I’d say some sort of a public-private partnership is what would be appropriate to accomplish what the city wants.”
That means the developer would pay for the expansion part but the city should pay for moving the line in order for any development to conform to code there.
In addition to approving the rezoning request, the Planning Board unanimously recommended the City Commission coordinate with the developer over the water line
Courtesy image
Outlined in red, the unnamed Fruitville Road/Fourth Street development would include driveway access off Fourth Street, which is currently prohibited by code.
An unconventional approach
Visit Sarasota County CEO says a hybrid convention center and performance space is an option to consider for the Van Wezel.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Among the possibilities for repurposing the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is convention space, one large enough to attract meetings too large for the assorted hotel ballrooms and other venues scattered around Sarasota County and points nearby.
That’s why the city’s Purple Ribbon Committee invited Visit Sarasota President and CEO Erin Duggan to make a presentation and answer questions at its Sept. 10 meeting. Her response to queries about whether the city needs space potentially to attract larger conventions here was
a definite maybe.
More likely, she said, would be a multipurpose facility that could also host performances and other events that seek more space than is currently available. To be successful, though, it would have to compete with the under construction Bradenton Area Convention Center — which can host up to 4,000 for a reception, 576 in a banquet setting and 752 as a theater. Also, to the south is the recently opened Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte, which can accommodate 1,500, 1,000 and 1,500, respectively.
Sarasota County has nothing close to the Sunseeker numbers, the largest venue being the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which can accommodate 1,200 for reception, 800 for banquet and 1,150 for theater. What neither of those have, though, is convenient access to downtown Sarasota.
The second-largest venue in the downtown area, the Hyatt Regency, is set for demolition perhaps sometime in 2025 as that site is slated for redevelopment. The Hyatt can host
1,000 for receptions and 600 for banquets in its 10,000-square-foot ballroom space. A new Thompson Hotel that will be built there will have a ballroom, but it is planned at 7,000 square feet.
Just outside the city limits is The Ora, which recently opened on McIntosh Road near Fruitville Road. It can host 1,000 for receptions and 700 for banquets.
None of those is big enough to host large conventions, Duggan said, which isn’t necessarily Sarasota’s forté anyway.
“I think our sweet spot in Sarasota County has always been kind of that small meeting. In fact, I would even say one of the sweet spots for us has been incentive trips, and during the pandemic, we really shined because of that,” Duggan said.
Conventioneers, though, tend to want to arrive at their meeting hotel and stay there, but also want walkability when not in session. Excluding the Hyatt Regency, the largest hotels in downtown — Ritz-Carlton,
The Westin and Embassy Suites, are all within a short walk of the Van Wezel.
During its March 2024 meeting, Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel introduced the concept of a rotating floor, which can be flipped to allow seating on one side and a flat surface for event space on the other.
That squares with Duggan’s thoughts about a hybrid events/performance venue that could accommodate the size of convention that fits somewhere between smaller meetings and major conventions that travel to cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas or Las Vegas and require thousands of hotel rooms.
It also would provide a larger space for local events that squeeze into hotel ballrooms or shy away from the rates hotels must charge. “I think something that would be
multiuse would be best,” Duggan said of the Van Wezel when asked if a convention hall is a needed amenity. “We get a lot of complaints from locals who can’t believe how much it’s costing to have an event at the Ritz-Carlton or at the Hyatt. I sympathize with the hotels because those spaces are there to sell the rooms ... In a perfect world, hotels want their event space to be utilized by the people staying in their rooms.” That left the committee with food for thought as it awaits the first update from Karins Engineering, which was commissioned to take a deeper dive into the building and its prospects for repurposing, one that goes beyond its 2021 structuralfocused report. That update is on the agenda for the next meeting, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at City Hall.
File photo
Among
Passing on inlet alternative
County Commission eschews sea water pumping option in favor of pursuing legislative solution to reopening Midnight Pass.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Sarasota county commissioners have taken the first step in resolving the longstanding controversy over the closing of Midnight Pass between the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay.
The inlet that separated Casey Key and Siesta Key, once critical to the water quality of Little Sarasota Bay, was closed in 1983 when the Army Corps of Engineers deepened Little Sarasota Bay as the Intracoastal Waterway and deposited dredged material at the inlet, which eventually was filled by two property owners. As a result, the lack of free exchange of tidal waters has resulted in poor conditions in Little Sarasota Bay. How to mitigate the situation is now more a matter of state legislative policy as commissioners heard at their Sept. 10 meeting that the likelihood of state and federal environmental agency approval to reopen the inlet is practically nil.
That news was delivered by Michael Jenkins, an engineer with Applied Technology and Management based in West Palm Beach.
“I’m fully aware of the history of Midnight Pass,” Jenkins said. “It is well known within coastal engineering circles in Florida. It is a wellknown discussion that’s gone on for many decades.”
However, Jenkins told commissioners he could not in good conscience recommend pursuing an opening of Midnight Pass when legal precedent in Florida all but prohibits the creation of new inlets although, arguably, Midnight Pass is an old
inlet that was closed by human, rather than natural, intervention.
Because the primary issue is water quality in Little Sarasota Bay, Jenkins said the options for the commission to consider include:
Option A: Pursue studies for reopening Midnight Pass.
Option B: Consider something less intensive, and allowable in Florida, to exchange Gulf and bay water such as a system to pump water in and naturally exchange the water through inlets both north and south of Little Sarasota Bay.
The commission unanimously chose option C, which is: If current legislation doesn’t allow reopening of Midnight Pass, work to change the law.
Jenkins and his company were contracted to develop plans for initiatives to improve the water quality in Little Sarasota Bay after the county received approval for a $500,000 legislative appropriation to fund initial design and permitting efforts to reestablish a tidal connection between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
“The primary concern with that is, in good conscience, we cannot recommend something knowing that under the current rules, it would not be allowed, and you would spend considerable effort to reach that conclusion,” Jenkins told commissioners. “If that is indeed your intent, we would just recommend a more fundamental approach, start-
“Right now, the tidal prism that Midnight Pass used to have has been taken up by the adjacent inlets. If you establish a new inlet, it would be taking that prism back from either Venice or big Sarasota (Bay).”
Michael Jenkins, an engineer with Applied Technology and Management
ing with a legislative solution.”
Instead, Jenkins pitched the concept of pumping water from the Gulf into the bay at strategic locations to dilute pollutants and, functioning as Intracoastal waterways do, the mixture would naturally flow back into the Gulf via inlets both north and south. That approach would pass legal muster as such pumping is already permitted for purposes including exchanging water with aquariums, cooling nuclear power stations and desalination plants.
He also provided a crash course in how inlets interact with and impact each other.
“Inlets rely on the difference in water levels to drive currents that keep the pass open, and you have to have enough water going through that inlet on any given day to keep that pass open. If you don’t, it’ll close,” Jenkins said. “Inlets require sufficient velocity of water, a tidal
prism, to stay open and inlets also compete for that.
“Right now, the tidal prism that Midnight Pass used to have has been taken up by the adjacent inlets. If you establish a new inlet, it would be taking that prism back from either Venice or big Sarasota (Bay).”
Costs to implement the concept compared to reopening the pass may be negligible in that an inlet as narrow as Midnight Pass would require occasional dredging to remain open, as it will naturally want to close, Jenkins said. Inlets also will borrow sand from adjacent beach areas, which are already subject to erosion, in addition to other environmental factors.
A lengthy technical discussion on the pumping option brought the commissioners back to their primary preference — reopening Midnight Pass as it was originally.
“Not speaking for anybody else, but my intent was a tidal connection,” said Commissioner Neil Rain-
ford, who represents South County. Added Joe Neunder, whose district includes the southern portion of Siesta Key and Casey Key, “I’m interested in reestablishing that historical tidal connection that benefits water quality, period. That’s what it is for me, and I do appreciate the alternative options.”
At that, commissioners voted unanimously to instruct staff to work with the county’s lobbyist, the community and the state delegation to draft an amendment to amend the Florida statute to allow for restoration of the tidal connection to Little Sarasota Bay.
“I just think that it’s important that we recognize that the legislature in this past session provided Sarasota County with $500,000 to reestablish the tidal connection,” Rainford said.
“Along with our governor’s signature, I think we have the political capital to continue that effort.”
Courtesy images
Midnight Pass was an open passageway for decades before a pair of homeowners had it bulldozed in 1983.
Midnight Pass before and after closure.
This week begins the Observer’s general election recommendations for a few races and the state amendments.
Over the next five weeks, we’ll be devoting much of this page to our recommendations for the Nov. 5 general election.
Our focus will be on a few specific races and ballot questions pertinent to voters in Sarasota and Manatee counties; the statewide constitutional amendments; Florida Supreme Court justices and Second District Court of Appeal judges; and the national elections.
This week’s installment is on the offices of Sarasota County tax collector and Sarasota County Public Hospital Board.
SARASOTA TAX COLLECTOR
Barbara Ford-Coates, Democrat, incumbent; Mike Moran, Republican
Far too often, voters are faced with the dilemma of which of the two candidates is the least worst.
Fortunately for Sarasota County voters, the contest for tax collector is not one of those races. Barbara Ford-Coates and Mike Moran are accomplished individuals and competent candidates.
But let’s cut to the quick. We have a simple litmus test: If the incumbent candidate has been doing a good job, vote for that candidate; keep that person in office.
In this instance, that means reelect Ford-Coates. No questions asked, no doubts about it.
(As an aside, in all of our recommendations over the past three decades, Ford-Coates is the only Democrat the Observer has recommended — and repeatedly. And that’s for a simple reason: She has done and does a great job.)
Indeed, it’s worth reprinting excerpts from our June 27 tax collector recommendations for the Republican primary:
“For many longtime Sarasotans, in particular those who live in the northern part of the county, the idea of challenging incumbent Barbara Ford-Coates for the county tax collector position is close to ludicrous.
“Ford-Coates has been Sarasota County tax collector for 40 years, elected 10 times. And anyone who has experienced the process of registering a vehicle in another state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or in another Florida county is likely to
recommends …
Ford-Coates Moran
attest his or her customer experience in Sarasota is Best of Class. Ford-Coates’ staff defies the reputation of surly bureaucrats; they’re pleasant, efficient and helpful. And that starts at the top.
“Ford-Coates’ reputation among her peers is tops. Every year since 2011, the Florida Tax Collector Association has bestowed FordCoates and her office with the Excellence in Finance Operations and the Legacy Award. In 2008, the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers named her Outstanding Tax Collector in the U.S.
“Timothy Qualls, longtime general counsel for the Florida Tax Collector’s Association, says: ‘Barbara is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met.’”
The accolades and “firsts” go on:
n First tax collector to offer driver license services
n First tax collector boating safety program
n First county to use automated clearing house system
n First tax collector to email tax bill information
n First tax collector to email business tax notices
n Piloted a public-private partnership for car dealers to electronically register customers’ vehicles
In addition to being a leader nationally and statewide among tax collectors, Ford-Coates has held numerous community leadership positions:
n President, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, 1992
n Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, 1991-present
n Chair, Manatee Community College Institute of Government Steering Committee, 1990-92
n Florida Constitution Revision Commission, 1998
n Treasurer, League of Women Voters of Sarasota County
n Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Grants Committee 2006
n Chair, Non-Profit Resource Center Advisory Board, 2006
All of that is worth noting because it further buttresses the irrefutable case that Ford-Coates deserves reelection.
Is she perfect? No one is. Then, what is the case, if there is one, against Ford-Coates and for Moran?
Two things against:
n 1) Ford-Coates has been in office 40 years.
But that does not matter if the performance hasn’t waned.
n 2) She is 74. Donald Trump is 78. In Sarasota County, where 40% of the population is over age 65, the number of residents in their 70s who are active, agile and mentally and physically alert is remarkable.
Competence matters; age and tenure don’t. Moran, by contrast, is 20 years younger than Ford-Coates. So there is no denying that because of
TAX COLLECTOR’S EXCESS FEES
Florida’s 67 county tax collectors handle property, tourist and business taxes; motor vehicle, vessel and manufactured home titles and registration; drivers’ licenses; disabled parking permits; and hunting and fishing licenses.
The fees charged for these services are set by the Florida Department of Revenue.
At the end of each fiscal year, the tax collectors must complete an annual financial report and return excess fees to all taxing districts and to their Boards of County Commissioners. Those funds then go into the taxing districts’ general funds.
The excess fees — revenues minus operating expenses — are contingent on how efficient the tax collector’s office operates. In the case of Sarasota County, the operating costs per capita are “the lowest of all Florida tax collectors,” according to the Sarasota tax collector’s office.
Here are the Sarasota tax collector’s excess fees sent to Sarasota County and other county taxing districts for the past five fiscal years: Taxing Sarasota Co. Districts
age, Moran is likely to have more stamina than Ford-Coates over the next four years.
You can also make the case that with Moran’s experience as a payroll and insurance company owner in Michigan and his public service — eight years on the County Commission, including terms as chair; a member of the Southwest Florida Water Management Board of Governors; former vice chair of Sarasota County Planning Commission member — on paper, he has the chops to lead the tax collector’s office.
What’s more, his colleagues on these public boards will tell you Moran works hard. A former Sarasota County commissioner told us Moran was always well versed and prepared on whatever subjects and issues came before the board.
But here is the “but” — two “buts” — and they’re big for us:
n 1) Moran is a politician. He says he is “not a career politician.” But he has been heading that way: president of the Sarasota Republic Club; member of the Republican Executive Committee; appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the SWFMD board; planning commission; two terms as county commissioner. He is embedded in Sarasota County politics.
We don’t need that in the tax collector’s office.
To Ford-Coates’ credit, she has focused her 40 years in office on doing the job, not becoming a public political poohbah.
n 2) Style matters. It especially matters at the local levels of politics, where elected officials often encounter their constituents face to face, unlike the Washington swamp rats who hide in D.C.’s congressional tunnels.
On style, Moran hasn’t earned the tax collector’s job. We addressed this in this space in June. (YourObserver.com/News/2024/Jun/26/ Opinion-For-Sarasota-Tax-Collector/)
While you can give Moran credit for his pursuit of “making government accountable to the taxpayers” and of “as little governmental intrusion as possible,” he has used his County Commission position as a bully. We recounted three highprofile instances of this in our June editorial.
Moran’s pattern has been not to collaborate or engage constituents. Instead, his style has been emblematic of what has happened throughout every level of government. Once in office, rather than act as public servants and engage and discuss issues with affected parties, so many politicians relish and exert their power like monarchical rulers. Their way or be damned.
For 40 years, Sarasota voters have set aside partisanship and overwhelmingly approved of the job that Ford-Coates has done as Sarasota County tax collector. This is no time to change. Ford-Coates has earned her position for another four years.
We recommend: Barbara FordCoates
SARASOTA PUBLIC HOSPITAL BOARD
At-Large, Seat 1: Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Republican, incumbent; Alan Jerome Sprintz, Democrat; Ethan Garrett, Suzanne Hatatah, Jennifer Lee Zambrano, Write-ins
At-Large, Seat 2: Dale Anderson, Democrat; Kevin Cooper, Republican
At-Large, Seat 3: George Davis, Democrat; Pam Beitlich, Republican; Curt Erlandson and Emilio Carlesimo, Write-ins
Central District, Seat 1: Sarah Lodge, Republican, incumbent; Vicki Lynn Nighswander, Democrat; Barbara Miller Vaughn, Write-in
If you conducted man (woman)on-the-street interviews and asked passersby to name any of the elected Sarasota Public Hospital Board members, likely you would get a blank look 99% of the time.
The job draws attention on rare occasions, far less attention than most elected offices. But it is one of the most important elected offices in the region when you consider the magnitude and scope of what it does.
The hospital board members are the governing body for a $1.6 billion (annual revenues) healthcare enterprise that treats more than 1.5
million people a year; has 900 beds; has more than 570 physicians and more than 10,000 employees (the most of any employer in Sarasota County).
On top of that, this health care system has been on its largest and most successful expansion track in the hospital system’s history over the past five years. In 2021, for instance, amid the chaos from the pandemic, Sarasota Memorial opened its new 110-bed Venice hospital. Demand for that grew so fast, SMH will complete the doubling of its size this year.
Next up: a new hospital in North Port.
SMH’s financial statements detail that $722 million is being invested for the following projects: n $239.2 million to double the Venice facility; $220 million to complete an outpatient cancer center; $71.1 million for a new behavioral health pavilion; $79.7 million for the SMH Research & Education Institute, including a parking garage; $28.2 million for a freestanding emergency care center in Lakewood Ranch.
And just to add to all that, throughout the past four years, Sarasota Memorial Hospital consistently has been awarded and ranked among the best of its peers nationally and in Florida.
We enumerate all of the above to make the unequivocal case (once again) that the incumbent hospital board members running for reelection pass the litmus test: If they’re performing well, reelect them — Sharon Wetzler DePeters and Sarah Lodge. Keep going.
But there also are two open seats with no incumbents. In those races, the choices are clear — we recommended two of those candidates in the August primary: Kevin Cooper, At-Large, Seat 2; and Pam Beitlich, At-Large, Seat 3.
Cooper is a well-regarded civic and business leader in Sarasota. Currently a vice president at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Cooper previously served as executive director and CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and has been involved as a board member for numerous not-forprofit organizations in his 20-plus years in Sarasota.
Cooper’s opponent, Democrat Dale P. Anderson is a retired physician. Little known in Sarasota, Anderson has expressed views that hospital board members should be proponents of public health issues, including advocating for expanding Medicare statewide and for improved gun safety.
For At-Large, Seat 3, Beitlich also faces a retired physician, Democrat George Davis, and two unserious write-in candidates, Curt Erlandson and Emilio Carlesimo.
Here is the defining difference between Beitlich and Davis: Beitlich, 66, knows SMH intimately; for Davis, 77, it would be new.
Beitlich recently retired as Sarasota Memorial’s executive director of Women and Children’s Services after a 40-year career there. She oversaw high-risk labor and delivery and mother baby departments — more than 4,500 births at SMH last year. And she oversaw SMH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the only Level III unit between St. Petersburg and Fort Myers, for the most critical babies.
Beitlich has a doctorate in healthcare systems leadership, a master’s in nursing and is an advanced practice registered nurse. As she says: “I understand the clinical side of running a healthcare system, as well as the day-to-day operations.”
With her 40 years at SMH, Beitlich knows well the hospital system’s strengths, weaknesses and needs. Davis, on the other hand, could bring the perspective of a physician who practiced 35 years. But if SMH were your business, whose institutional knowledge and wisdom would you rather have on the board? We’ll take Beitlich’s. We recommend: Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Kevin Cooper, Pam Beitlich and Sarah Lodge
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EDC awards SRQ chief its highest honor
The Economic Development Corp. surprised SarasotaBradenton International Airport’s Rick Piccolo with the Clyde Nixon Leadership Award.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Last week’s Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota Coun-
ty’s 2024 annual meeting at The Ora in Sarasota was a celebration of the organization’s accomplishments over the past year.
It was also a double celebration of sorts for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo, who was surprised with organization’s top honor, the Clyde Nixon Leadership Award.
In introducing the award at the Sept. 12 event, Sean Pagan, interim president and CEO of award sponsor Helios Technologies, traced Piccolo’s 53-year career in airport operations, beginning in 1970 as a janitor at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Following a military stint, he returned to the aviation industry with a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo and began climbing the boarding stairs of airport administration.
He has served as president and CEO of SRQ for 28 years.
“He has expertly navigated the airport through multiple expansions, economic downturns, post9/11, travel changes and the challenges of COVID-19,” Pagan said of Piccolo. “Under his leadership, SRQ has flourished, becoming one of the nation’s fastest growing airports with a 300% increase in passenger traffic in the last few years. His influence extends beyond SRQ, making a significant impact on the aviation industry at state, national and global levels, all while deeply engaging with Sarasota and Bra-
denton communities.”
In addition to celebrating his award, Piccolo also announced that, the next day, he and his wife, Sally, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
“I thought I was just coming here for lunch,” Piccolo said. “First of all, I want to thank the EDC and board for this wonderful honor. I know this isn’t possible, though, without the support of a lot of people. I have a tremendous board that’s very supportive of what we do. I have a wonderful staff. This is the fourth airport that I’ve worked at, but this is the best staff I’ve ever seen.”
After thanking Sally for her support, as well, he offered a piece of marital longevity advice.
“I know this will sound a bit oldfashioned and misogynist, but I told Sally that I will make all the big decisions and you can make all the small decisions, and I expect you to support me in all the big decisions,” Piccolo said. “I’m pleased to say that after 50 years of marriage, I have never had to make a big decision.”
speaks to the attendees at the 2024 Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County meeting.
Incumbent tax collector addresses budget claims
As reported in your Sept. 9 article, I missed the Tiger Bay panel on Sept. 5 due to my husband’s emergency surgery.
I am thankful to my Chief Deputy Sherri Smith for her responses concerning the inaccurate assertions made by Mr. Moran.
Regarding the claim that I paid an employee a salary of $400,000 — that is simply incorrect. A few of my staff members had to take on additional responsibilities during the last few years as we experienced staffing shortages from significantly higher turnover.
During the period that has come to be known across the U.S. as the “Great Resignation,” we had employees leave to care for family members, pursue other opportunities or higher education, move to other regions, etc.
Throughout 2023, one employee worked 75-80 hours per week, the equivalent of two jobs, and I paid them for actual administrative time worked.
Concerning Mr. Moran’s comment that the Sarasota County Tax Collector is overcharging our taxpayers, if Mr. Moran had done his homework and read Florida Statute 192.091, he would understand that all fees and commissions this office collects are set and required by Florida law — they are neither decided nor set by me, and they are not optional. This office follows the law in carrying out the duties and responsibilities assigned, and my budget is approved by the Florida Department of Revenue.
As my chief deputy explained, we receive a fee for every driver’s license we issue and every registration we process. Further, we receive a commission from each taxing district for the collection of ad valorem and non ad valorem property taxes. At the end of the fiscal year, we give back to the districts the fees that were not spent on our budget. Therefore, the lower our expenses, the more we can give back.
Since we have the lowest cost
per capita in all of Florida, we return to the districts more than any other Tax Collector in Florida. This efficiency is due to the competency and professionalism of my exceptional staff.
In response to Mr. Moran’s complaint about my budget presentation, I am proud to share this information with the commissioners annually. I do so even though there is no requirement that I present my budget to them and welcome their questions.
Mr. Moran’s explanation of how the Tax Collector’s Office operates shows that he has a misunderstanding of the statutes and rules that govern our operations. If there are any questions about our budget, operations, or the services we provide, I hope your readers will contact me. I always welcome the opportunity to talk about what we do and our operational efficiencies.
BARBARA FORD-COATES CAMPAIGN FOR SARASOTA COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
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Andrew Warfield
Rick Piccolo
School board addresses rise in school threats, approves temporary staffing contracts
The school board discussed efforts to keep students safe, as well as issues with filling vacancies.
SWABY STAFF WRITER
s the Sarasota County School Board convened Sept. 17, it addressed a variety of topics, which included its response to a recent surge in school threats in the state, contracts for temporary staffing, and its final millage and budget.
SCHOOL THREATS ADDRESSED
In response to a recent rise in threats to schools across the state, the school board reviewed its efforts to keep students safe. The discussion came on the heels of a video statement Superintendent Terry Connor sent to families Sept. 12.
Connor said as of July 1, the school district had received 109 alerts through FortifyFL, an app that allows people to report suspicious activity, many of which were “false or not credible.”
He said the district has made three arrests and is continuing to investigate a few other incidents, saying there could be additional arrests.
“The impetus for that video is to really send the message that we’re not joking about this, and that if there is a credible threat, obviously, we want to make sure that our resources are readily available to act when needed, and when we’re clogging the system with false reports, it is taking time and resources away for when something really happens, and that is unacceptable,” Connor said.
In the video, Connor had emphasized that any students who make such threats will be disciplined to the fullest extent of the law and the
MILLAGE AND BUDGET APPROVED
The board voted unanimously to adopt its final 2024-2025 budget and property tax rates. The budget of $1.77 billion is an increase over last year’s $1.5 billion, while the total millage of 6.131 mills is a slight decrease from the 6.18 levied last year.
Student Code of Conduct.
Board member Bridget Ziegler weighed in.
“Unfortunately, the social media era that we live in, I think there’s a lot of younger people that don’t necessarily have a concept of true consequences, and this will completely devastate their lives, but it needs to be taken seriously, and I hope that message rings loud and true.”
She praised the work of the district, stating, “I love that Sarasota is a leader in this space.”
Board member Tom Edwards called the discussion of security only half of the problem.
“The No. 1 killer of children is guns, and I can’t sit here quiet any longer and only work on half of the problem,” he said.
“Florida leads the nation by leaps and bounds when it comes to school safety, security, mental health, but it’s still not enough,” added Vice Chair Tim Enos.
Enos called for vigilance and for parents to monitor their children’s social media activities. Enos, a former school chief of police in the district, replied to Edwards’ comment by noting the state’s red flag laws, which allow the seizure of firearms.
“I appreciate your no-nonsense approach about safety, school safety for all ... ” said commenter Elizabeth Bornstein to the board, calling the
situation “disheartening.”
“We need our schools to be ready, and we need our resources to be available,” she said.
The board also approved a job description for the manager of safety and security technology.
Connor said the district had deployed many security enhancements involving technology and that this position would provide someone to support and manage their implementation.
TEMPORARY STAFFING
CONTRACTS APPROVED
The school board approved two temporary staffing contracts.
Positive Behavior Support Corp. was contracted to fill the roles of ESE Program Specialist, board certified behavior analyst preferred, and behavior technician from Sept. 12 to Oct. 3, at an amount not to exceed $170,000.
AB Staffing was also contracted to fulfill 13 positions vacant since May 2024, until an unspecified date, including counselor, psychologist and nursing roles, for no more than $750,000.
The meeting agenda stated the positions had been difficult to fill.
Julie Forestier, of SEE Alliance, was among five speakers to comment, and she requested the contracts be removed from the consent agenda for board discussion.
“Temporary solutions create a revolving door of staff and educators, disrupting the continuity and stability that our students, particu-
larly those with exceptional needs, require,” she said.
“We know some of the reasons for these shortages: low wages relative to the cost of living here ... also, culture war laws and attacks, which make it stressful to teach in Florida,” said Carol Lerner.
Connor said Sarasota was not immune to issues of staff shortages, calling the topic a multilayered issue and saying he wanted to assure the community that the contracts were not a permanent fix.
“This is something, in the meantime, we don’t want these positions to go unfilled while we still continue to search for a permanent position,” he said.
He also said the district is in the midst of collective bargaining with Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association and that he was “very optimistic” about the results it would bring.
Board member Robyn Marinelli said years ago, when the board supported those seeking behavior analyst certifications, it had demonstrated the difficulty of obtaining needed services.
“For a variety of reasons, some chose not to finish it, some did, and people retired, and when you have, especially, the (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), because there’s not very many people that have that, private industry grabs them because they can be used in a variety of ways,” she said.
Ian Swaby Board members Tim Enos and Bridget Ziegler praised Sarasota’s efforts in school safety.
Mermaid fountain an amazing feat
The city of Sarasota celebrated the induction of the Mermaid Fountain into the Smithsonian Institution’s inventory of public art sculptures.
t was three decades ago when Sarasota’s iconic Mermaid Fountain was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution’s Registry of Public Art Sculptures.
Obviously, a lot of people thought a celebration was overdue.
On Sept. 13, Paul N. Thorpe J. Park, at the intersection of Pineapple and Lemon avenues, was filled with those who wanted to be part of the ceremony hosted by the city to honor the fountain and its artist, Nancy Goodheart Matthews of Bradenton.
Mary Davis Wallace, the public art manager for the city of Sarasota, called the turnout “incredible.”
“It turns out very few cities are mentioned as part of the Smithsonian’s collection of public art,” Matthews told attendees. “It put Sarasota in a rarefied company.”
The fountain was added in 1995.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Liz Alpert, Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Commissioner Debbie Trice.
“Through restorations, renovations, storms and the inevitable changes that occur over the span of three decades, this fountain, with all of its magical creatures, is a beloved landmark of our city, a true testament to Sarasota’s dedication to the arts and to the city’s public spaces,” Alpert said.
A new plaque now acknowledges the Smithsonian Institution’s actions.
LONG IN THE MAKING
Matthews was commissioned by the city to design the fountain for the
park, and architect Russell Moore had been commissioned to build it.
Designed with Bas-Relief imagery, the fountain takes its name from its south-facing panel, a depiction of a mermaid with arms outstretched, bordered by two dolphins.
The north-facing side portrays the tree of life as well as Florida’s native flora and fauna.
The fountain also boasts other ceramic images including 30 panels, and images in the pool basins and on the surrounding sidewalks.
During the event, Matthews took the opportunity to recount the creation of the artwork. It took her about nine months in her studio to produce the panels, each of which had to be fired three times.
Because clay shrinks as it dries, the initial sculptures had to be 5% larger than the end result, which still had to fit the fountain’s 12 waterspouts.
Matthews transported the carvings to Sarasota in the trunk of her car and stored them nearby, after which she installed them over a period of three months.
She said she has many memories of
Mayor Liz Alpert lets Nancy Goodheart Matthews tell the story of the fountain.
Photos by Ian Swaby
the installation, including passersby bring her water and iced coffee.
“On my first day, two kids on bicycles threw rocks at my head when I was up on a ladder,” she said. “A homeless man saw this, and from then on, he and his friends kept guard while I worked. There were no more incidents.”
She also recounted an incident where a woman told her the fountain gave her “much joy” and that she wanted to offer something in return.
“Her face grew solemn, and she began to sing to me,” Matthews said.
“She was a Russian contralto, such a voice. I couldn’t believe what was happening. In moments, I was moved to tears. It was so very beautiful.”
Since the fountain’s completion, it has continued to be appreciated, Matthews said, stating she has received a stream of letters and postcards from tourists in the area.
However, there were still times when its future had been in question.
In 2003, the park was bisected by a road. However, sidewalk vignettes in the path of construction were removed and then were auctioned off in support of the fountain’s maintenance by the late Allyn Gallup of Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, while the fountain was also supported through a donation by developer Sam Hamad in 2005.
In 2018, the City Commission discussed removing the park entirely, to make way for a 10-story commercial building.
However, she said an outpouring of support, including the advocacy of downtown resident Barbara Campo,
ABOUT NANCY GOODHEART MATTHEWS
■ Grew up in the Virgin Islands and says that the cultures and spirituality of the Caribbean have influenced her work, as has her study of psychiatrist Carl Jung’s work on the unconscious
■ Attended the New York School of Visual Arts from 1969 to 1971 and the Art Institute of San Francisco from 1973 to 1975
■ Has been most often commissioned for architectural carvings, but has also created works in fabric sculpture
■ Started in commission work with a piece for renowned Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott
■ Has shown her work at the Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, Marie Selby Museum, The Ringling, Bishop Museum, and the Florida Craftsman Gallery in St. Petersburg.
resulted in the fountain being saved. It received an extensive restoration, paving the way for the celebration. “I never dreamed it could happen like this,” Matthews said. “It’s amazing. It’s quite an honor to have the Smithsonian involved.”
The north-facing side of the fountain features a depiction of the tree of life.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4
WRONG ROOF
10:19 a.m., 1500 block of 22nd Street
Property damage: Coming home to find a work crew removing shingles from the roof of her rental home, a woman called her landlord who was just as surprised as she was about that turn of events. She confronted the workers, who spoke no English, and because of the language gap, called law enforcement for assistance.
While officers were on the scene, a representative from the roofing company arrived and advised the crew they were supposed to be repairing a roof a few houses down the street. The representative apologized for the mistake and said the roof will be repaired.
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
VACATION ALTERCATION
11:32 a.m., 500 block of South Polk Drive
Dispute: The housekeeper of a vacation rental home reported a physical altercation between a couple in the driveway. She indicated they checked into the property two days earlier and have been arguing constantly until they checked out that morning.
The complainant said she witnessed the man grab his female companion by the arm and force her into his vehicle before driving away. The problematic pair were located later on Palm Avenue in reference to a separate incident of an unspecified nature.
The male subject stated they got into a verbal argument because she refused to leave, but it never became physical. The female subject refused to cooperate with law enforcement, did not want to provide any information and stated that she was fine. No physical injuries were noted, and because of a lack of cooperation by both subjects, it could not be determined if a crime occurred.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
SLEEPING IT OFF
7:05 a.m., 1700 block of 23rd Street
Dispute: A woman noted a Dodge Charger that did not belong to either occupant of a home at that address was parked on the property. She approached the driver of the vehicle and told him to leave, which he did.
There are several individuals who show residency at the address.
Familiar to law enforcement, the woman who made the report has been advised several times that any of the individuals who show residency can invite people onto the property, which is usually the case. This time, though, she said she argued with one of the other residents about the car, and she said that man punched her in the face.
The accused confirmed that they were arguing, but he denied making physical contact.
During the call, officers found the same Charger parked nearby, blocking the property. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana in the center console, and the man was issued a marijuana civil citation.
MONDAY, SEPT. 2
WIFE STALKING WIFE
7:34 p.m., SPD headquarters
Domestic stalking: A woman who was accompanied by her new girlfriend arrived at SPD headquarters, complaining that her “legal wife” came to her residence and saw her illicit paramour there. Attempting to avoid a conflict, the two left and went to the police station, followed by the jilted wife, who admitted she was wrong for following them but that she was upset because of her betrothed’s extramarital dalliances. The married couple were educated about circuit court and how to go about filing for a divorce, since that course of action appeared inevitable.
Annual Leather Sale
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
ROOF RAISING THE
Venice Theatre celebrates its 75th anniversary as it seeks to repair Hurricane Ian damage.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
During the early and mid-20th century, a movement swept the country. This was before the crazes for Elvis, coonskin caps and Hula-Hoops. Even before TikTok, Americans were subject to fads and manias. Seventyfive years ago, it seems every town wanted its own community theater.
Exactly when and why the Little Theatre Movement started is a subject of extensive debate and scholarship. But the local theater push appears to have been inspired by the European model. It also developed as a form of pushback against the rise of cinema, which was supplanting live theater in the U.S., and later, TV.
It was this desire to have live local theater that led to the founding of the Venice Theatre 75 years ago, according to Benny Sato Ambush, the theater’s artistic director.
The first meeting of the theater’s organizers was on Nov. 23, 1950.
Founders Muriel Olds-Dundas and Sonia Terry took out an ad in The Venice Gondolier that read, “Active memberships, which will cost $5, will be available to those who want to act, usher, take tickets, clean out the place or whatnot.” Participants were incentivized to attend with the promise of a picnic lunch.
Flash forward to present day.
Today, the Venice Theatre is considered the second-largest community theater among the more than 10,000 such institutions in the U.S.
Its first production was George Kelly’s “The Torch Bearers,” a 1922 character-driven comedy about a community staging a play. To celebrate its diamond anniversary, in the
2024-25 season, Venice Theatre has revived the play within a play. “It’s our origin story,” Ambush says.
The new version of “The Torch Bearers” runs at the Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center from Sept. 20-Oct.
13. Normally, a big anniversary is cause for rejoicing and unabashed fundraising for a nonprofit cultural institution. That’s certainly the case with the Venice Theatre. However, the fundraising part took on a new urgency after the theater missed out on a $6 million federal grant earlier this year.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT THINS
The Sarasota County Commission essentially snubbed the Venice Theatre in May when it decided how to spend more than $200 million in federal funds to help communities recover from Hurricane Ian and prepare for future storms.
The theater was counting on some of that funding to help rebuild its mainstage Jervey Theatre. The Jervey’s fly tower for storing stage equipment and its back wall were destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
To add insult to injury, in June, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million in arts grants for fiscal year 2025. The previous year, the state cultural grants program delivered $70,500 to the Venice Theatre.
All told, the cost of rebuilding the 432-seat Jervey Theatre is $25 million, of which $9 million has been raised, including a $1 million donation from Jim and Donna Boldt. That still leaves a $16 million gap.
In the face of such a massive shortfall, Ambush is remarkably upbeat. Clearly, the theater’s trouper men-
tality is deeply ingrained in Ambush, a veteran arts educator and administrator who holds an MFA from the University of California at San Diego and a BA in theater and literature from Brown University.
Commenting on the theater’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian, Ambush says, “Our community has responded beautifully. Many small donors have come through. The need is for a big one.”
LIFE HAD OTHER PLANS
Ambush first came to Venice in 2010 as an adjudicator for WorldFest, an event featuring theater companies from around the globe sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre hosted by the Venice Theatre.
After serving as a WorldFest adjudicator (theater-speak for judge) again in 2014, Ambush returned to Venice full time in July 2021 as artistic director. He originally thought he would be staying for a year to help the company get back on its feet after Covid.
“They invited me to come down for a year only,” Ambush said in a telephone interview. “They asked me to help them plan the next 25 years and upgrade the acting quality.”
Ambush was recruited by Producing Executive Director Murray Chase to replace Alan Kollar, who died in August 2020. Shortly after Ambush helped the Venice Theatre reopen in 2022, Hurricane Ian struck and destroyed much of the structure that once was the winter home of the Kentucky Military Institute.
“There was no rebar,” Ambush says, referring to steel rods that reinforce concrete structures. “It was just cinder blocks and mortar. It just crumbled. Once it crumbled,
all that rain and wind came inside.
There was a great deal of damage to the roof.”
Ian’s arrival extended Ambush’s run at the Venice Theatre as Chase turned his attention to fundraising and Kristopher Geddie was named executive director in August 2023. Geddie was previously director of diversity at Venice Theatre.
Following the destruction inflicted by Ian, the Venice Theatre was able to transform its arts and education building, which was undergoing renovations, into the Raymond Center, which has 130 seats. It also performs in its existing black-box Pinkerton Theatre, which has 90 seats.
Concerts have been taking place in the Venice Performing Arts Center and the Venice Community Center and will continue to do so until the Jervey is rebuilt, Ambush says.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
But until that day, the Venice Theatre has 300 fewer tickets to sell to its plays. That creates a deeper financial hole as production costs are spread over fewer seats than before. Still, the show must go on, and it will with great fanfare during the Venice Theatre’s 75th season.
The diamond anniversary season schedule has a total of 15 productions, Ambush says. Besides “The Torch Bearers,” other upcoming revivals from the theater’s long history are “Agnes of God,” “My Fair Lady” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
The 75th season also features Venice Theatre’s traditional annual productions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” its Pinky’s Players shows for thespians with mental
Venice Theatre has revived its first show, “The Torch Bearers,” to open its 75th anniversary season.
IF YOU GO
‘THE TORCH BEARERS’ When: Sept. 20-Oct. 13 Where: Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice Tickets: $15-$35
Info: Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
“Our community has responded beautifully. Many small donors have come through. The need is for a big one.”
Benny Sato Ambush, Venice Theatre’s artistic director
Courtesy images
Venice Theatre’s first show, a 1950 production of “The Torch Bearers.”
and physical disabilities and its Silver Foxes offerings by senior players.
For those who want something new, the Venice Theatre is producing three musicals, including “9 to 5,” based on the 1980 film about frustrated clerical staffers who want to get back at their boss. The film’s theme was written and recorded by Dolly Parton.
The other musicals are “The Lightning Thief,” about a youth who learns he has supernatural abilities, and “Don’t Touch That Dial,” which uses TV theme songs to encourage audience participation in a trivia contest.
Also making their debut this season are “The Learned Ladies,” a husband-hunting comedy written by the 17th-century French playwright Moliere, and “Syncopation,” which follows a meatpacker’s effort to find a suitable partner to help him launch a career as a ballroom dancer.
WorldFest is on hold until the Jervey is rebuilt, Ambush says, but other programs central to its mission are ongoing. “Our extensive educational and community engagement programs have continued without a hitch,” he adds. “Those programs will grow once we get back to our
plan of renovating our arts and education center.”
SPREADING THE WORD
In addition to looking for big donors to help rebuild the Jervey, Ambush and his team have to spend a lot of time educating the public about why they need so much money.
Some patrons and donors have the misconception that insurance covers all the costs of rebuilding after a storm. Also helping drive up costs are inflation and the need for repairs to satisfy modern building codes, Ambush notes.
The Jervey Theatre roof, installed for $225,000 in 2016, costs $861,000 to replace today.
One silver lining is that an architectural and construction team was in place to renovate the arts center when Ian struck. That helped the theater pivot to fashioning the Raymond Center and beginning repairs.
As the hunt for big checks continues, does Ambush have a message for the community on the occasion of the Venice Theatre’s 75th anniversary? Yes, he does.
“We appreciate all the love and support we’ve gotten from our volunteers,” he says. “And we wouldn’t be here after 75 years without our audiences. Thank you!”
Courtesy photo
Hurricane Ian destroyed the Venice Theatre main stage, the 432-seat Jervey Theatre, in September 2022.
ROOF FROM PAGE 15A
THIS WEEK
OUR PICK
APRIL MACIE
April Macie taps into her rough-andtumble upbringing to deliver explicit material, running the gamut from dysfunctional family drama to a history lesson on the first vibrator. Macie makes her way to the McCurdy’s stage fresh from appearances in Las Vegas. Come learn why her latest album is called “Shame.” Runs through Sept. 22.
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130
$13-$30 Visit ThePlayers.org.
The Sarasota Players presents “Seussical,” a musical based on the many children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Runs through Sept. 22.
SATURDAY
SARASOTA OPERA
FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
1 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 63 N. Pineapple Ave.
$85 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Come out and sample bites from area restaurants such as Jack Dusty, Mattison’s, Michael’s On East, Rose & Ivy and Selva Grill to support Sarasota Youth Opera, which will perform at 2 p.m. There will also be raffle drawings.
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER SERENADE
4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$43-$63
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Sponsored by Artist Series Concerts, “September Serenade” features violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, clarinetist Bharat Chandra and pianist Natalie Nedvetsky playing trios by Mozart, Bruch and Robert Schumann, and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” for viola and piano.
BIG NIGHT OUT
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$10-$18
Visit WSLR.org.
Celebrate Sunday Funday with Big Night Out, a seven-piece tropicalstyle dance band with a powerful horn section, grooving conga and Joni Adno’s commanding vocals.
MONDAY
‘NIGHT, REFLECTED’
7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. $30 Visit ENSRQ.org.
EnsembleNewSRQ, the contemporary classic ensemble led by George Nickson and Samantha Bennett, returns to the Sarasota Opera House for the first show of its ninth season. The program, “Night, Reflected,” contemplates the cosmos with chamber music works.
TUESDAY
‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $45-$95 Visit VanWezel.org.
With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David LindsayAbaire, “Shrek the Musical” invites you to “fall in love all ogre again.” The green monster, who became a sensation in the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film, clearly has “legs,” as they say in the theater world. The unlikely hero gets an assist in his odyssey from a sarcastic donkey and a rebellious princess. Runs through Sept. 25.
DON’T MISS
FRIDAY FEST: K-LUV & THE UNITED FUNK FOUNDATION
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 Where: Van Wezel Lawn, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free Info: Visit VanWezel.org.
Say goodbye to summer by partying on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with K-Luv & the United Funk Foundation as Friday Fest returns after its hot-weather hiatus.
Strike up the Stiletto Brass!
Bradenton trumpeter Vince DiMartino joins the all-female band for a Sarasota performance.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
When some people see the word “stiletto,” they imagine knives. Trumpeter Amy Gilreath thinks of high-heeled shoes. That’s why she chose the name Stiletto Brass when she and tuba player Velvet Brown formed the all-female quintet back in 2010.
It’s not just a marketing shtick. Members of Stiletto Brass really do enjoy shoe shopping together in the spare time. They also like to kick up their heels, mostly on stage.
Sarasota music fans will get to see Stiletto Brass strut their stuff on Friday, Sept. 27, when they play at Holley Hall under the auspices of The Pops Orchestra.
The Stiletto Brass last performed in Sarasota as the featured guest at the Pops Orchestra’s “Jersey Boys, California Girls” concert in February 2018. When Pops conductor Robyn Bell heard that Stiletto Brass was planning to tour Florida again, “I jumped at the chance for the Pops to host them,” she says.
Adds Bell, “We are thrilled to bring this recital to our Cultural Coast, with the support of Pops board member Amy Schachter, for all to enjoy. Audience members will be amazed at the power, sound and versatility of this brass quintet. They are show-stoppers.”
Talk about a ringing endorsement.
The Stiletto Brass definitely has some big shoes to fill. Make that tall shoes. After all, they do wear red high heels for their performances.
All members of the Stiletto Brass — Gilreath, trumpeter Susan Rider, horn player Stacie Mickens, tuba player Brown and trombonist Natalie Mannix — have “day jobs,” mostly as
music professors. But their colleges — the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana for Gilreath and Penn State for Brown — let them take some time off for professional development, experiences that they pass along to their students when they return to the classroom.
Given the packed schedule of the band’s members, Stiletto Brass sometimes performs with guest players. In Sarasota, Megan Boutin will play trombone while Chicago musician and teacher Bethany Vaughan will serve as the band’s second trumpeter.
For members of Stiletto Brass, it wasn’t always an easy decision to play a brass instrument when they were growing up.
In a telephone interview, Gilreath said, “Velvet Brown, our tuba player, and myself came through the public school system when young ladies didn’t play brass instruments. It’s been kind of a hard road.”
One inspiration was Marie Speziale, the first female trumpet player to play in a major orchestra. Speziale retired from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in November 1996. Today, Gilreath calls Speziale a “dear friend of mine and Velvet’s.”
For their Sarasota recital, Stiletto Brass will play a program called “Struttin’ with the Stiletto Brass.” It will feature selections in tune with the “struttin’” theme. These include a piece by trumpeter and composer Jens Lindemann about dodging taxi cabs in London called “When a Body Meets a Body,” “Central Park in the Morning” by David Chesky and “Struttin’ with Some BBQ” by composer Kenneth Abeling.
Other selections include an arrangement of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Rounding out the program will be a piece called “Scarpa” (shoe in Italian) that was commissioned for Stiletto Brass.
Adding some masculine energy to the show is the celebrated trumpet player Vince DiMartino, who was once Gilreath’s music teacher and now is a friend and collaborator.
DiMartino and his wife, Patti, moved to the Sarasota area three years ago so Patti could pursue treatment for a rare type of cancer at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.
They still maintain a house in Kentucky, where DiMartino is the spokesman for Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets in Lexington.
A native of Long Island, DiMartino says he has been playing music for as long as he can remember. “I’ve loved music forever,” he said in a telephone interview. “I played in the marching band, the concert band, the jazz band. I would volunteer to play ‘Taps’ at funerals.”
DiMartino’s list of credits spans the academic, classical and popular
music worlds. He began teaching at the University of Kentucky when he was just 23 and has been an artistfaculty member of the Skidmore Jazz Institute since its inception in 1988.
Classical music fans will be familiar with DiMartino’s work as a soloist with such symphony orchestras as Buffalo, New York, Sante Fe, New Mexico, Orlando, Rochester, New York, and Cincinnati.
Cincinnati was where DiMartino met Speziale. “She is one of the greatest people I know,” he says. “She’s from Tampa. She took me to West Tampa Sandwich Shop for the first time. It’s got the best Cuban anywhere.”
Despite his affiliation with many elite organizations, DiMartino believes in getting involved in music at the local level. Since arriving in Florida three years ago, he’s played at Latin Quarters on Beneva Road and with the Lakewood Ranch Woodwind Ensemble. “The most important thing you can do is play in your community,” DiMartino says.
IF YOU GO ‘STRUTTIN’ WITH THE STILETTO BRASS’ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27
Where: Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail.
Tickets: $35 and up Info: Visit ThePops Orchestra.org.
Don’t just
Stiletto Brass consists of (from left) Susan Rider on trumpet, Stacie Mickens on horn, Velvet Brown on tuba, Natalie Mannix on trombone and Amy Gilreath on trumpet.
Courtesy images Trumpet virtuoso Vince DiMartino
irls
7. Attended by about 225 guests, the event was a true FUNraiser — complete with tailgate fare, competitive cornhole, a beer garden with local brews, live music, a quarterback toss and multiple screens. Even for guests who didn’t know the difference between a Fiesta Bowl and a Siesta Bowl, event planners made sure every detail was perfect to ensure a true tailgate experience. Event chairs were Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth, Melissa and Scott Perrin and Danny and Fondren Watts.
With 53 chance-drawing donors contributing exciting gift bags, there was a constant stream of guests who had to decide which bag to place their ticket in for the best shot at winning.
Guests donned T-shirts emblazoned with their favorite team names. An informal count declares the University of Florida the winner with the biggest fan base, while FSU and USF vied for second place. Also spotted: Florida Atlantic, University of Miami and College of the Holy Cross. — JANET COMBS
Suzanne Meister volunteers with her friend, Cynthia Sweeney, operations manager at Girls Inc.
Photos by Janet Combs Greg and Daria Ferreira
Kay Mathers, Gilda Dennis, Jen Maglio, Scott Dennis and Altom Maglio
FULL THROTTLE RACING
This year’s Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix by P1 Offshore marked the event’s 40th year, and the race, held Sept. 14-15, showcased some dedicated participants.
Steve Kildahl, of Sarasota, has been in all 40 races, while his 33-year-old son Stephen Kildahl, has been racing since age 16.
Although Stephen Kildahl now lives in Fort Myers, the father and son still enjoy racing together through their family-operated team, Scott Free Racing.
“It’s just been a part of my life forever, and we do it as a family. Our whole crew is a family, and it’s just an exciting sport,” Stephen Kildahl said Sept. 16. “You’re going fast on the water; it’s thrilling, and the competition’s tough. I’m a big motor sports fan, so I enjoy doing it.”
With about 60 competitors coming from Florida and beyond, the race is the second longest-running U.S. powerboat race after the Key West Championship.
On Sept. 15, boaters were dealing with conditions Stephen Kildahl said were challenging and “pretty bumpy” compared to what is typical in Sarasota.
Their Boatfloater.com Mod V boat also saw its carburetor flood, although they were able to get it restarted.
Amid the challenges of racing, the team’s family dynamic keeps them working together.
“Being a father and son, we have that trust factor,” Stephen Kildahl said. “So there’s a lot of times we don’t need to communicate. We just know what each other needs to do.”
— IAN SWABY
Jackhammer of Springfield, Illinois, with Reese Langheim and Julian Maldonado, goes head to head with Hammerheads / Fly SRQ of Bradenton.
A helicopter makes a pass overhead.
Monster Energy / M CON of Wathena, Kansas, with Myrick Coil and Tyler Miller, speeds along the course as a helicopter makes a pass.
YabbaDabbaDoo of Reddick, with JD Ivines and Steve Adams, makes a leap from the water.
A P1 offshore staff member heads across the waves.
651 Ivey Racing / Dees Nuts / Fl Yacht Support of Stuart, with George Ivey and Mike Sadlon, makes its way along the course.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Siesta Pokè offers beachy feel
which are outdoors, come from Zap Skimboards in Venice.
Spelman visited the warehouse of the business to pick out 10 different skimboards, with restaurant staff drilling holes in the boards and attaching table stands.
okè bowls have
However, a restaurant focused on the dish hadn’t made its way to Siesta Key, until the Aug. 30 opening of Siesta Pokè, a restaurant by Above the Bar Hospitality Group, in Siesta Key Village.
The Hawaiian dish, which is rooted in Japanese cuisine, ties in with the island environment, for the bowls are known for featuring tropical produce, sashimi and seaweed.
Restaurant Manager Katie Spelman said the establishment, which also offers acaí bowls, was seeking a bright and fun atmosphere with its branding.
The surfaces of its tables, all of
“The theming behind the concept is surf, skate, swim; very beachy, because we are so close to the beach, and it plays well off the idea of custom pokè bowls,” Spelman said.
A CUSTOMIZABLE MEAL
Advertising healthy and fresh offerings, Siesta Pokè features the ingredients the public has come to expect from pokè bowls, with some unique features as well.
“I think we’re filling a niche for fresh items, where people can customize things however they want to,” Spelman said.
Guests can choose from bases including white rice, brown rice, quinoa or spring mix, and proteins including tuna, salmon, shrimp, chicken, red beans and tofu, and additions such as avocado, wakame and kimchi.
Julia Schoenborn adds the finishing touch to an açaí bowl.
Spelman said the island does not have many restaurants that stray outside the traditional, sit-down format.
The restaurant also differentiates itself with its 10 sauces, all of which are made in-house.
Options range from a traditional sweet pokè sauce, to a volcano pokè sauce which Spelman said has a “nice little kick to it, but still a sweetness,” to a jalapeño cream sauce with a bright green color.
“You could get the protein, you could get all of these things anywhere, but the sauce is what really kicks it up a notch, so I definitely think that is an edge that we have, for sure,” Spelman said.
Opening at 10 a.m. for breakfast, the restaurant also has another major offering: açaí bowls.
Spelman calls acaí bowls “a great healthy option for breakfast.” The restaurant offers ingredients, some of which include fresh fruits, artisanal granola, peanut butter, Nutella, organic honey and fresh coconut.
At the counter, visitors can also find chips, snack bars and other assorted items.
Spelman said so far, the favorite items of the public appear to be the açaí bowls, as well as the tuna pokè bowls.
The company which owns the restaurant, Above the Bar Hospitality Group, tries to differentiate each new restaurant it establishes, Spelman said.
IF YOU GO
SIESTA POKÈ 5204 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Visit SiestaPoke.com.
Some other restaurants the company owns in Siesta Key are The Hub Baja Grill; a Latin American restaurant, The Cottage Siesta Key, an eclectic restaurant themed around Old Florida; and The Beach Club nightclub.
Most ingredients are prepared each day in the other restaurants, then brought over to Siesta Pokè.
“None of our restaurants are the same concept,” Spelman said.
“They’re all individual, so we love experimenting with new concepts. We’ve been in the Siesta Key for so long, over 20 years, since the Beach Club was the first one, so we know what works out here and what doesn’t, and we thought that this would be a great addition to it.”
Photos by Ian Swaby Siesta Pokè is a new addition to Siesta Key Village.
Left: Customers can mix different proteins and ingredients in the poke bowls.
YOUR CALENDAR
Voices of the Harbors
BEST BET
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
SARASOTA OPERA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
1-6 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $75 per person if tickets purchased in advance; $85 per person at the door. The Sarasota Opera’s annual festival brings together a fine food and wine selection, featuring restaurants from both Sarasota and Manatee counties, in support of the Sarasota Youth Opera. Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
SIESTA KEY DRUM CIRCLE
About an hour before sunset (sunset time 7:33 p.m.) at Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road. Free. Dance to the beat of drummers in one of the nation’s largest drum circles. Inside the circle, you may find belly dancers, hula hoop dancers, and more. Visit Facebook.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
KEEP SARASOTA COUNTY BEAUTIFUL INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY
8-10 a.m. at various locations. The International Coastal Cleanup will take place in locations throughout Sarasota County. Commemorative T-shirts will be offered to the first 350 volunteers. For more information and to register, visit SCGov.net.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
SIESTA KEY FARMER’S MARKET
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5211 Ocean Blvd. Free. The weekly Siesta Key Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, tacos, coffee and more. Visit Facebook.com.
Dr. Kansara
at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology,
• Glaucoma Management & Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures
• Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery
• Routine Eye Care
His
TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
SARASOTA SCHOOLS
COLLEGE NIGHT
6-8 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Free. Students from grades 9-12 and their families are invited to learn from representatives of colleges and universities about admission requirements, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Visit SarasotaCountySchools.net.
SURVIVING THE STORMS — HURRICANES, HUMANS AND WILDLIFE
2-3 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. This in-depth history of hurricanes in Southwest Florida extends from 1873, to the present. Presenter Charles Sobczak of Sanibel Island explores increasing risks posed by climate change, including rapid intensification, the impacts of storms on insurance, and how communities can build structures capable of withstanding storms. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
CINE SELBY: ‘THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE’ (‘LE CHARME DISCRET DE LA BOURGEOISIE’)
5-7 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. This pick in a series of award-winning international films is a 1972 French-language surrealist black comedy film from Spanish director Luis Buñuel. The film focuses on a group of bourgeoisie people who are trying to have dinner, but are delayed by several bizarre incidents. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
CHABAD WOMEN’S CIRCLE PRE-ROSH HASHANAH CHALLAH BAKE
7 p.m. at Chabad of Sarasota, 7700 Beneva Road. Free for Rebbetzin Circle Members; Women’s Circle members $10; nonmembers $20. Participants gather to bake round challah bread and honey biscotti in this pre-Rosh Hashanah event. Visit Facebook.com.
Don’t
A sweet start with Tot Shabbat
As a turnout of around 20 families arrived for Sweet New Year Tot Shabbat on Sept. 14, Rabbi Michael Shefrin called the gathering at Temple Emanu-El a promising start to the New Year.
During the session of the monthly Tot Shabbat event, kids and their families explored the meaning and traditions of Rosh Hashanah.
The holiday, which will fall on Oct. 2-4, marks the start of the New Year, in this case, the year 5,785, in the Hebrew calendar.
“Rosh Hashanah literally means the head of the year,” Shefrin said. “It’s the celebration of the beginning of the year, one of the many calendar beginnings for the Jewish people. In particular, it celebrates the birthday of the world, the beginning of time since creation.”
Attendees started out on the playground, participated in songs, prayers, a lesson and the blowing of the shofar by Shefrin and his mother Rabbi Mimi Weisel in the sanctuary. Then the families enjoyed crafts, snacks and the chance to celebrate together.
“Generally, it is a time of sweetness, of new beginnings, on our
calendar,” Shefrin said. “It’s a part of the holiest season that we have, a time of reflection and introspection to try to fix what we did wrong in the year before, to set goals of what we hope to accomplish in the year to come.”
He said the event was an opportunity for kids to understand their Jewish identity, as well as the joy of the holiday.
— IAN SWABY
Aitan Weiman, 4, watches as Rabbi Michael Shefrin blows the shofar.
Zachary Azerad, 1, enjoys time on the playground with his grandfather, Isaac Azerad.
Yana Kevlin and her children, Lenny Kevlin, 3, and Ava Kevlin, 2, decided to step inside the photo booth under the “Shana Tova” sign.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Natalie Yader and her daughter, Evie Yader, 4
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Prestancia home tops sales at $2,445,000
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Prestancia tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert and Woomee Yu, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4021 Las Palmas Way to Valerie Nelson, trustee, of Bradenton, for $2,445,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, seven baths, a pool and 6,444 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2014.
SARASOTA
HARBOR HOUSE SOUTH
Marjorie Lavendar, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 53 condominium at 400 Golden Gate Point to David Samuels, of Longboat Key, for $890,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,245 square feet of living area. It sold for $168,000 in 1995.
SAPPHIRE HEIGHTS
Mary Jaye Liset-Lynch, of South Portland, Maine, sold her home at 4844 Winchester Drive to David Collins and Debra Ashby, of Sarasota, for $879,900. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,645 square feet of living area. It sold for $499,000 in 2020.
INDIAN BEACH COURT
Allen and Patricia Shipes, of Sarasota, sold their home at 741 Indian Beach Lane to William and Maria DiMenna, of Sarasota, for $835,000. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,610 square feet of living area. It sold for $591,200 in 2021.
CORAL COVE
Shawn Carroll and Diana Bregman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1820 Caribbean Drive to Richard Bayles and Christine Palomaa, of Sarasota, for $790,000. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2021.
SUNSET TOWERS
Roger and Phyllis Barry, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 404 condominium at 11 Sunset Drive to Joellyn Nelson, of Sarasota, for $775,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,433 square feet of living area. It sold for $327,000 in 2004.
THE STRAND OF SARASOTA
Irena Horbaczewski, of Sarasota, sold her Unit A512 condominium at 1709 N. Tamiami Trail to Ian Hartten, of Perrysburg, Ohio, for $745,000. Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, two baths and 858 square feet of living area. It sold for $393,100 in 2022.
PINE SHORES ESTATES
Patrick Leo Burke sold the home at 1633 Birchwood St. to Nicholas Paul Caporossi and Maura Kathleen Keenan, of Sarasota, for $705,000. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms,
two-and-a-half baths and 1,923 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,000 in 2015.
SOUTH GATE
Barbara Kirkpatrick, of Sarasota, sold her home at 3318 Fair Oaks Place to Christopher and Trisha Sanders, of Sarasota, for $650,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,481 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,000 in 1999.
PAVER PARK ESTATES
Rachel Simone Cafferty and Daniel Patrick Cafferty, of Lakewood Ranch, sold two properties at 2751 Nancy St. to Jessica Steigner, of Sarasota, for $605,000. The first property was built in 1955 and has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,580 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1980 and has one bath and 287 square feet of living area. They sold for $400,000 in 2022.
SIESTA KEY
CASARINA
Kathleen Rudolph, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 804 condominium at 5880
Midnight Pass Road to Bridget and Scott Smith, of London, Kentucky, for $1.3 million. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,498 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2017.
GULF AND BAY CLUB BAYSIDE
Benjamin Kenner and Elizabeth Ashlee Kenner, trustees, of Middletown, Ohio, sold the Unit 1245-B condominium at 1245 Siesta Bayside Drive to Steven Creech and Karen Ruth Creech, of Lebanon, Ohio, for $1.1 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2019.
SIESTA’S BAYSIDE
Linda Stickler and Rachael Carrico, trustees, of Charleston, West Virginia, sold the home at 735 Birdsong Lane to EN2 Birdsong LLC for $975,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $520,000 in 2016.
BEACH CLUB
Eliot Pecoraro, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, sold his Unit 206B condominium at 1020 Sun N Sea Drive to BGC Properties LLC for $657,000. Built in 2009, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 800 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2021.
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Sunny Sea Key LLC sold the Unit 202C condominium at 6732 Sarasea Circle to BGC Properties LLC for $654,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 744 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 2021.
PALMER RANCH
SILVER OAK
Ann Fusco, of Watertown, New York, sold the home at 9031 Wildlife Loop to Patrick O’Malley and Kristin Beverage O’Malley, of Sarasota, for $979,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,612 square feet of living area. It sold for $679,900 in 2015.
SARASOTA: $975,000
Florence Reinhold and Victoria Klein, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1780 Southwood St. to Matthew and Victoria McKenzie, of Sarasota, for $975,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,925 square feet of living area.
Payne Park Village
Aaron Steven Parsons and Emily Van Der Walde Parsons, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 2237 Muesel St. to William Reidinger and Lynn Wright, of Elmhurst, Illinois, for $975,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths and 2,700 square feet of living area. It sold for $649,800 in 2022.
SIESTA KEY: $1,525,000
Siesta Isles
James and Patricia Hillier, of Sarasota, sold their home at 730 Edgemere Lane to Noelle Haft and Kevin McKiou, of Sarasota, for $1,525,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $226,000 in 1997.
OSPREY: $875,000
Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club
Lauren and Kenneth Doyle, of Osprey, sold their home at 1251 Windward Drive to Samantha Govoni and Adam Roderick, of Osprey, for $875,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,975 square feet of living area. It sold for $610,200 in 2021.
Ian Swaby
The home at 1780 Southwood St. was built in 2020 and has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,925 square feet of living area.
QUEEN OF THE COUCH: Lucky Johnson, of Myakka City, living up to her name as a country cat.
“...
I don’t think there is another sport that has the same competition that football brings.”
Fast Break
Southern
Former Cardinal Mooney
High volleyball player
Skye Ekes, a senior outside hitter at Mercer University, was named the Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16. Ekes had 43 kills, four blocks and five service aces across five matches at the MU Invitational, held Sept. 13-14 at Mercer. The Bears, coached by former Cardinal Mooney head coach Chad Sutton, are 9-1 as of Sept. 16.
... Sarasota junior tennis player Jagger Leach, son of tennis legend Lindsay Davenport, played in the U.S. Open Juniors tournament held Sept. 1-7 in New York. Leach defeated Denis Patek (6-3, 6-4) in the round of 64, but lost to Thomas Faurel (6-3, 4-6, 6-3) in the round of 32. Leach is ranked as the No. 1 national recruit in the class of 2025 by the Tennis Recruiting Network.
... Sarasota Christian School volleyball senior Ellie Miller had nine kills in the Blazers’ 3-0 road win over Lakewood Ranch Prep Academy on Sept. 12. The Blazers are 6-3 as of Sept. 16.
... The Sarasota High and Cardinal Mooney High boys golf teams tied at nine over par (135) in a team stroke play event held Sept. 10 at Longboat Key Club. Sailors junior Jake MacDonald and Cougars senior Stephen Peloquin tied for medalist honors at one under par (35).
... Sarasota High football junior running back Eli Litteral had two rushing touchdowns in the Sailors’ 34-6 home win over Gibbs High on Sept. 6. The Sailors (2-2) will next host Ida Baker High (04) at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20.
BOOKER FOOTBALL LIGHTS THE FUSE
The Tornadoes have showcased explosive talent in the first half of the 2024 season.
RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR
How does a team defend all of Booker High football’s offensive weapons?
It is a question that, so far, has gone unanswered.
The Tornadoes have scored 194 points through four games, an average of 48.5 points per game. The points have come a variety of ways and through a variety of players: senior running backs Rashawn Peterson and DJ Johnson, who transferred from Riverview High on Sept. 6; senior receiver Ryan Simmons; junior receivers Chauncey Kennon — a four-star recruit on the defensive side of the ball at cornerback — Tyren Wortham and Dylan Wester; and freshman receiver Tyree Mannings Jr., whom head coach Scottie Littles said may be the best of all of them despite his relative inexperience.
Even at quarterback, the Tornadoes are not content in using just one player, as senior Ryan Downes and junior Joel Morris have split reps, with both finding success.
It was all on display in the team’s Sept. 13 home game against Carrollwood Day School. Booker (3-1) used big plays to take a 37-7 lead on the Patriots (1-3) in the second quarter. Some blown defensive assignments before the end of the first half would allow Carrollwood Day to get back into the game, but Booker would comfortably win the game 70-43. Wortham, Johnson, Peterson and Mannings Jr. all had multiple touchdowns in the win, most of them starting a long way from the goal line. Mannings Jr. made perhaps the most difficult play of all, taking a Carrollwood Day kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, snaking into, and then out of, the arms of several defenders along his way.
Even the team’s reserve players have the ability to make big plays. Against Carrollwood Day, the Tornadoes’ one-two backfield punch of Peterson and Johnson were both cramping in the fourth quarter, Littles said. Both players had run for more than 140 yards. The Tornadoes sent in junior Jacobey Mobley to get a
IF YOU GO
BOOKER HIGH FOOTBALL (31) VS. RIVERVIEW HIGH (1-3)
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20
Where: Riverview High
At stake: Booker looks to extend its winning streak to three games, while Riverview hopes to stop a two-game skid. Booker player to watch: Freshman wide receiver Tyree Mannings Jr., who returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Carrollwood Day School on Sept. 13. Riverview player to watch: Freshman wide receiver Toryeon James, who has 10 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns through four games.
few carries, and Mobley immediately ripped a 20-yard touchdown run.
Littles complimented the unit’s offensive line with giving its skill position players time to make plays. Senior Alex Diaz, a former quar terback, has come into his own as a guard, Littles said, and junior Khmarious Phelps has been “an anchor” at tackle. Even senior Jor dan Radkey, a standout defensive lineman for the Tornadoes, has been spending time on the offensive side, using his frame to open extra holes in the defense.
Despite the team’s breadth of tal ent, Littles believes the unit still has a ways to go to unlock its high est potential.
“We need to lock in even deeper,” Littles said. “We have to be effi cient in everything we do. We like the explosive plays, that’s part of the game. But we want to hone on the little things and make it about us and nobody else. I tell the kids all the time, ‘It’s Booker versus Booker.’”
In practice, that means eliminat ing mistakes in key situations. In the team’s Sept. 6 game against Sara sota High, Booker had four touch downs called back due to penalties. The Tornadoes won 57-0 anyway, but Littles knows that those missed points will matter against the teams Booker will see in the postseason.
So too will mental lapses. Though Littles credits Carrollwood Day with making plays to get itself back in the game, he also said Booker had to “reset” itself at halftime to put the Patriots away, which it did.
The defense will also have to con-
quar-
High
tinue doing its part. Booker has 17.8 points per game in 2024, a number that is buoyed by two shutouts against Sarasota and Lely High. Teams like Carrollwood Day, which Littles said has three NCAA Division I-caliber receivers and a quarterback, senior Jordan Magwood, committed to Florida Atlantic University, will give the defense more of a stress test. The Tornadoes will need players like Radkey and Kennon, the No. 87 player in the class of 2026 according to the 247Sports Composite, to be at their best. It’s all part of what the Tornadoes call “Sota Dame,” a nod to the University of Notre Dame football program. The Irish play with discipline, consistency and intensity, attributes Littles wants Booker to Offensive production like the Tornadoes have in 2024 is a step in that
— Ben Milliken, junior quarterback,Sarasota Christian football. SEE PAGE 13B
Courtesy image
Former Cardinal Mooney High volleyball player Skye Ekes, a senior at Mercer University, was named the
Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16.
senior
terback Ryan Downes launches a pass against Carrollwood Day.
Photos by Ryan Kohn
Booker junior wide receiver Tyren Wortham celebrates catching a 60-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Joel Morris against Carrollwood Day.
High school athletes put themselves on the radar
These less-well-known competitors have been on top of their sports in 2024.
The high school fall sports season is halfway complete. In that half-season, several athletes have begun to make a name for themselves in their respective sports, from freshman cross-country runners to sophomore golfers to senior volleyball liberos — and, of course, a few football players. The names on this list are not the ones that always get the most attention, but the ones who deserve it now. Here are five athletes who have performed when the lights are bright.
MADIE MULLER, RIVERVIEW HIGH CROSS-COUNTRY
Muller, a freshman, could not have started her high school career any better. The Rams runner won her first varsity event, the 2024 Lemon Bay Invitational, on Aug. 24, crossing the finish line in 19:12.7. Even if that was her best result of the season, it would be a success for the freshman and a sign of bigger things to come. But Muller has not slowed her progress. On Aug. 31, Muller won the 2024 Lakewood Ranch XC Invitational at Lakewood Ranch High (19:06.1), besting her first time by approximately six seconds. Then, on Sept. 14, Muller competed at the Venice Invitational and saw her time plummet even further, winning the 5K race in 18:29.6, approximately 36 seconds faster than her second win.
To put Muller’s time at the Venice Invitational in perspective, it would have placed her second in Class 4A at the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association state meet, behind Creekside High’s Alyson Johnson (18:22.0). These are not one-to-one comparisons, as the
state meet is held at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, a track notorious for its hill called “The Wall” that can slow down even the best runners. But the state meet also has greater competition than the Venice Invitational, and runners typically perform better when they have other runners to hold off or chase.
Regardless, Muller’s time makes it clear that she’s a legitimate medal contender, and she should only get faster as she gets more experience.
LARON DUES, CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH FOOTBALL
Dues, a junior cornerback, stands at 5-foot-10 according to his MaxPreps profile, but plays bigger than that. A transfer from Hurricane High in West Virginia, Dues has made an immediate impact on the Cardinal Mooney High secondary.
In four games, Dues has two interceptions returned for 35 yards, five passes defended and 13 tackles (10 solo) playing across from senior Chris McCorkle, a University of Kansas commit. The Cougars have allowed just six points per game thus far. The team’s biggest test of the season, at least so far, will come on Sept. 20, as the team takes on rival Bishop Verot High (3-1). The Cougars will need Dues and his teammates in the secondary to continue their strong play, as Bishop Verot senior quarterback Carter Smith, a University of Michigan commit, is capable of putting up a lot of points.
JUSTIN BROCK, SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FOOTBALL
The Blazers are 3-2 as of Sept. 17 in their first season of Sunshine State Athletic Association 11-on-11 football, and they like to spread the ball on offense. Brock, a 5-foot-8 junior receiver, leads the team in all-purpose yards among skill position players with 601, or 120.2 yards per game.
About half of those yards (302) have been receiving yards; Brock has 22 catches and six touchdowns. He also is the team’s main kick and punt returner, where the other half of his yards have come. Brock has 176 punt return yards and 112 kick return yards. Brock’s quickness makes him a threat to score every time he gets the ball in his hands, making him one of the elite weapons in the SSAA.
KATIE POWERS, CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH VOLLEYBALL In volleyball, defensive-minded
liberos don’t often get the attention of their outside hitter counterparts.
“Kills” are a more eye-caching name for a stat than “digs,” after all. But a good libero is crucial to the success of top teams, and Powers is as good as liberos get at the high school level.
Through 13 matches, Powers has 156 digs and 196 serve receptions, both of which lead the Cougars. She also ranks third on the team with 26 assists and has 11 serving aces. Powers keeps the play alive for the Cougars’ offense to go to work, and work it has: The team is 11-2 as of Sept. 17.
The Sailors have been one of the surprises of the 2024 high school golf season thus far. Guided by firstyear head coach Barry Cheesman, Sarasota is ranked ninth in Class 3A by scoring average by iWanamaker, and seventh by iWanamaker’s rating system.
Menard, a sophomore, has been leading the team’s resurgence. Menard is ranked 18th in the class by iWR and is tied for 25th by scoring average (35.5). A top-15 finish at the state tournament is not out of the question if Menard’s and the team’s trajectory continues.
Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.
JACOB MENARD, SARASOTA HIGH GOLF
Photos by Ryan Kohn
Katie Powers, a senior, is a top-end libero on the Cardinal Mooney High indoor volleyball team when not playing beach volleyball.
Justin Brock, a junior, is a touchdown threat for the Sarasota Christian School football team’s offense.
Ben Milliken
Ben Milliken is a junior quarterback on the Sarasota Christian School football team. Through five games, Milliken has completed 59.6% of his passes for 1,090 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. Milliken threw for 379 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions Sept. 13 in the Blazers’ 42-32 home win over Cambridge Christian.
When did you start playing football?
I had a ball in my hand when I was 4 years old. I got thrown into flag football, and I have loved it ever since. I made the transition to tackle football my freshman year.
What is the appeal to you?
It is definitely the team aspect of the game and the competitiveness. I don’t think there is another sport that has the same competition that football brings.
What is your best skill?
My accuracy. I think I can put the ball anywhere on the field, whenever we need it, to anyone on our team.
What have you been working to improve?
My mobility. I blew out my knee last year. Recovering from that, the process was difficult. I was trying to get more mobile and trying to get my knee to a place where I felt comfortable on the field. I feel good now.
What is your favorite memory?
My freshman season, we were playing Lakeside Christian in Tampa in a playoff game. We won on the last play, a goal-line stand (47-46). That was a surreal moment.
What has the transition to 11-on-11 football from 8-on-8
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.
football been like this season?
I think we have settled into it. The only difference is on the lines. As a quarterback, I get a bigger pocket and more time (to throw). It’s actually easier for us as quarterbacks and receivers. (SCS is 3-2 as of Sept. 17.)
What is your favorite school subject? Math. It comes naturally to me. Numbers just make sense in my mind.
What are your hobbies?
I like to play pickleball or hang with my friends. I just want to be doing something active.
What is the best advice you have received?
You cannot let the last play affect your future. The most important play is the next play. I’ve grown up my whole life hearing that from my dad (Chuck Milliken).
Finish this sentence: “Ben Milliken is ... ” ... Blessed. I think God has given me a lot of gifts, and I think I have used
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