Latin Rising Star national champions Klaudia Petriti, a native of Venice, and Ron Garber felt at home on the dance floor at Art Ovation Hotel on Nov. 2.
“We love performing, so to perform for people that we live close to and our neighbors, I think it’s fun,” Garber said. Sarasota Art and Dance Night brought participants together to appreciate the arts, dancing, local young talent and local businesses.
Preceded by a performance of the Sarasota Youth Opera, which it benefited, the event featured a dance showcase, dance lessons, social dancing and a special art exhibition.
Be cool around school
Teachers looking to get handson with science offerings now have something additional to grab for their classrooms.
As of Oct. 22, the Science Lending Library is open at Faulhaber Fab Lab for 2024-25.
The initiative provides teachers, from elementary to high school, with access to science kits and equipment, which can enhance lessons free of cost.
The kits allow students to perform activities like building DNA models and cover topics that include biology and life sciences and others.
“Our goal is to empower teachers by providing them with the tools they need to make learning tangible and fun,” wrote Ping Faulhaber, executive director of Faulhaber Fab Lab.
$1.00 Checking out the sciences
Carter Weinhofer
Republican Party of Sarasota County Chairman Jack Brill introduced four Republican Hospital Board winners. From left: Sharon Wetzler DePeters, Pam Beitlich, Sarah Lodge and Kevin Cooper.
Ian Swaby
Octavian Para, owner of Dancing on the Suncoast dance studio, and student Barbara Arnold offer a performance.
Courtesy image
WEEK OF NOV. 7, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
“I see a public benefit in that the roadway is going to be still for the public,
it’s
going to be enhanced and it’s going to be paid for by the private sector.”
Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert. Read more on page 6A
CALENDAR
■ Sarasota Planning Board — 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
■ Sarasota County Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Wednesday Nov. 20, Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice.
Low-cost carrier Breeze Airways is bringing service to multiple destinations from SarasotaBradenton International Airport beginning this fall and winter.
On Thursday, the airline began service to and from New YorkWestchester, New York, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
In addition, the airline has announced flights between SRQ and:
■ Akron-Canton, Ohio, Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting Nov. 20.
■ Portland, Maine, Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting Nov. 20.
■ Long Island-Islip, New York, Thursdays and Sundays, starting Nov. 21.
■ Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Mondays and Fridays, starting Nov. 22.
■ Richmond, Virginia, Mondays and Fridays starting, Nov. 22.
■ Syracuse, New York, with one stop/no plane change, Mondays and Fridays, starting Nov. 22.
■ New Haven, Connecticut, Mondays and Fridays, starting
Feb. 7, 2025.
Breeze offers premium seating options and high-speed WiFi on its fleet of new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The airline has been recognized as a four-star low-cost carrier at the 2025 Airline Passenger Experience Association Five-Star and Four-Star Airline Awards.
Earlier this year, Breeze was ranked in the top five of Travel + Leisure’s “Best Domestic Airlines” for the third consecutive year.
Culverhouse gives $500K to storm relief
Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Jr. have made a $500,000 contribution to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Season of Sharing campaign to support families impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby.
The donation pushes the early fundraising activities to an historic amount of more than $3 million to aid in recovery efforts and provide urgent relief to thousands of households in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, according to a news release.
Culverhouse is CEO and owner of Palmer Ranch Holdings. Earlier this year, the Culverhouses privately funded the $109,000 necessary to maintain Sarasota County’s 211 help line, preventing its closure. For more information or to make a donation, visit CFSarasota.org or call 211 to learn more about how to receive assistance.
Lido Beach reopens
Closed since the storm surge havoc wrought by Hurricane Helene, Lido Beach has reopened to the public. The Lido Beach Pavilion parking lot, beach access walkways, public restrooms and concession stand are open and lifeguards are on duty. Buckled concrete sidewalks were removed and replaced with new concrete slabs. Washed out beach access points were cleared of storm debris and restored for pedestrians. An exposed cavity beneath a seawall was backfilled with sand. The restrooms and concession area also were deep cleaned.
The sand removed from roadways following the back-to-back hurricanes and staged in the Lido Beach Pavilion parking lot has been relocated to the east side of the parking lot and cordoned off. Some areas near the beach may still be closed to the public due to safety concerns. Beachgoers are urged to obey signs and stay behind caution tape and barricades, including areas in the parking lot. North Lido Beach and South Lido Beach at Ted Sperling Park are still closed.
Sarasota switch
Ohlrich defeats incumbent in City Commission race.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
The Sarasota City Commission will have one new face on the dais beginning Friday.
Commissioner and former Mayor Erik Arroyo was the lone incumbent of three to fall short in his reelection bid after serving one term in District 3, finishing 326 votes short of challenger Kathy Kelley Ohlrich.
On Friday at noon, a statutory meeting at City Hall will seat the next commission and include a state of the city address by Mayor Liz Alpert.
Remarks by and about Arroyo are also on the agenda.
Ohlrich received 3,409 votes, or 52.51%, to Arroyo’s 3,083 (47.49%) as she rode a comfortable lead of early voting and absentee ballots through the night as Arroyo gradually closed the gap, but not enough.
“It’s humbling, really. You never know when you’re knocking on doors,” Ohlrich told the Observer. “You think you’re feeling well received by people, but you don’t really know, and in small races like this, there aren’t any polls that tell you what the public is thinking. You
momentum we’ve built for the last few years.”
Kashden, a Laurel Park neighborhood activist, said his campaign brought to light issues he has with city government.
“I am so proud of the campaign that I ran,” said Kashden, a frequent speaker at commission meetings. “It was an ethical campaign that raised really important issues from the residents, and we tried hard. It was a good coalition, but we just couldn’t beat the developer machine at the end of the day.”
Felton characterized her race against Battie as fun, being new to politics.
ELECTION RESULTS
The following are Sarasota County’s unofficial results, as of Wednesday afternoon: 280,430 ballots were cast in the general election, with an overall 84.10% countywide voter turnout.
just work as hard as you can and speak from your heart and know that you’re trying to do the right thing, and the people agreed with me.”
Arroyo championed such causes as affordable and workforce housing, historic preservation, updating the downtown master plan, alley beautification and the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center.
“We had an amazing record over the last four years,” said Arroyo to a gathering of friends and campaign workers. “We made some amazing new friends — some of you I’ve met in the last four years — so I’m very grateful for that.”
Winning reelection were Alpert in District 21 and Kyle Battie in District 2. Alpert defeated Ron Kashden 6,201 (53.18%) to 5,459 (46.82%) to secure her third term. In his first reelection bid, Battie defeated political newcomer Sequoia Felton 3,089 (55.55%) to 2,472 (44.45%).
“I feel very honored that the voters in my district chose to elect me to a third term,” Alpert said. “I want to make sure we’re getting a performing arts center. I want to try to get some more transportation options, reimagine the downtown, keep bringing affordable housing and keep the
Sarasota County Republicans win out
With wins ranging in races from tax collector to Charter Review Board, Republicans dominated local races on election night.
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
Sarasota County elections were red across the board on Tuesday night. With the announcement of every victory from Donald Trump winning Florida to a Republican sweep of the Charter Review Board, a crowd of about 1,200 roared at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, where the Republican Party of Sarasota County held its election night gathering.
The closest race was for tax collector, in which Republican Mike Moran defeated incumbent Democrat Barbara Ford-Coates. Moran, a former Sarasota County commissioner, received 51.27% of the votes, whereas FordCoates, who has held the position since 1984, earned 48.73%.
Republicans won out in every other election in the county, including the only contested race for the Sarasota County Commission in the general election.
Incumbent District 5 Commissioner Republican Ron Cutsinger ran unopposed in the primary and also faced no opposition in the general election. Former Sarasota County Sheriff
and Republican Tom Knight handily defeated incumbent Neil Rainford in the District 3 primary and faced little opposition in the general, handily defeating Independent Shari Thornton by a vote of 69.76% to 30.24%. Rainford was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the unexpired term of the late Nancy Detert, who died in 2023.
In District 1, which includes much of the Sarasota city limit, Teresa Mast was unopposed in the general election after defeating Alexandra Coe in the Republican primary.
In the race for four open Charter Review Board seats, Republicans Jay Riley, Tom DeSane, Greg “Tex” Bukowski and Jose Jimenez secured their spots.
DeSane, who won by a vote of 60.44% against Democrat William Brad Hardin, was excited about his victory and to be at the Republican Club of Sarasota County assembly with his friends and family, who helped him during his campaign.
“It’s a great atmosphere. It’s great to win, not just for myself but a lot of my friends and family were a part of this. Nobody wins a campaign on their own. It just feels great, a relief,” DeSane said.
“I think getting to know the people in the community, it opened up another world for me, so I think everything happens for a reason and I’m proud of Mr. Battie,” Felton said. Battie did not return requests for comment on deadline.
Among Ohlrich’s top agenda items is examining the city’s storm readiness.
“I think with the recent weather we’ve had, making sure we do a thorough analysis of our infrastructure and any ways that we can mitigate the devastation that happened during Debby, Helene and Milton. We’re responsible for doing that, and I think that moved much higher up on our priority rating and scale than it was before this summer.”
Another commission priority is the completion of an implementation agreement with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation for the construction of the Sarasota Performing Arts Hall in The Bay park. That agreement is due to be completed by the end of November.
Arroyo is a supporter of the SPAC. In her response on the subject to a pre-election questionnaire by the Observer, Ohlrich wrote, “Because a SPAC puts a huge financial burden on our community, it’s imperative to have the Purple Ribbon Committee’s report and as much data as possible before forming an opinion.”
Carter Weinhofer
Newly elected Charter Review Board District 4 member Greg “Tex” Bukowski celebrates his victory while being introduced by Chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota County Jack Brill after securing a win for the GOP.
He said he’s looking forward to serving the people of Sarasota County by protecting the charter, which he compares to the United States Constitution.
“If someone has a great idea to change it, I’m all for it. But, otherwise, we don’t change the Constitution every year,” DeSane said. Voters in Sarasota County also overwhelmingly voted to continue the school district millage with an 84.06% vote in favor of continuing the 1-mill property tax. A similar, but separate, referendum was on the ballot in Manatee County and also passed with similar margins.
Ian Swaby
Kathy Kelley Ohlrich is congratulated on her victory.
Andrew Warfield City Commission District 3 candidate Eric Arroyo watches as election results come in Tuesday.
City aims to slow school zone speeding
RedSpeed will install speed detection cameras around six Sarasota schools.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Within 90 days, speed detection cameras will be installed in six school zones throughout Sarasota. On Monday, the City Commission approved a contract with vendor RedSpeed Florida LLC to install and operate cameras that will enable the Sarasota Police Department to issue $100 citations to drivers who exceed school zone speed limits.
The ordinance takes advantage of House Bill 657, enacted in 2023, which authorizes local governments to enforce speed limits in school zones through speed detection systems. At its July 1 meeting, the commission directed the City Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance to establish the program.
Cameras will be installed at:
n Alta Vista Elementary, 800900 block of South Tuttle Avenue and 900-1100 block of South Shade Avenue.
n Southside Elementary, 24002900 blocks of South Osprey Avenue, 1800-2000 blocks of Webber Street and 2700-2900 blocks of South Tamiami Trail.
n Tuttle Elementary, 600-800 blocks of North Tuttle Avenue, 700800 block of North Lime Avenue and 700-800 block of North Lockwood Ridge Road.
n Cardinal Mooney High, 40004300 blocks of Fruitville Road. Sarasota High, 2000-2200 blocks of Bahia Vista Street.
n Sarasota Military Academy, 700800 block of North Orange Avenue.
Per state statute, no citations will be issued until a law officer first reviews and confirms the violation. The city must spend at least 30 days
The Sarasota Police Department will install speed detection cameras at six schools throughout the city.
educating the public about the new enforcement measures and may initially issue only warnings before it may levy fines.
Only the most egregious violators will be cited, those going at least 10 miles per hour above the speed limit. Additionally, no points will be assessed on driver’s licenses and insurance companies will not be notified of the citation.
Per $100 citation, funds are distributed as follows:
n City of Sarasota: $39.
n RedSpeed: $21.
n State General Fund: $20.
n Local school district: $12.
n School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention: $5.
n FDLE Criminal Standards and Training Fund: $3.
A five-day study at the behest of the Sarasota Police Department found 17,445 vehicles exceeding the school zone speed limit on Fruitville Road at Cardinal Mooney.
Once operational, signs warning drivers of the speed cameras must be posted and the city must spend at least 30 days educating the public about the new enforcement measures and initially only issue warnings before levying fines.
Collaboration results in approval of Fruitville Road rezoning
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
After seven months of negotiations with neighborhood leaders and city officials and a back-and-forth between the City Commission and Planning Board, a one-acre site midblock between Cocoanut Avenue and North Tamiami Trail off Fruitville Road has won rezoning approval that returns the property to its prior zoning designation.
Although no plans have been submitted, the intent of Fourth and Trail Developments LLC is to develop the partially vacant assembled parcels into a residential project that permits some or all of the structure or structures to attain the 10-story Downtown Core maximum height.
The City Commission unanimously approved the rezoning at its Oct. 21 meeting.
The site, fronting Fruitville Road and Fourth Street, wraps around a portion of The Encore condominiums and, rezoned in 2018 from Downtown Core to downtown Edge, stands on the cusp of the Rosemary District.
Winning the rezoning required months of meetings with residents of The Encore, leaders of the Rosemary District and Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association and city staff and the developer, represented by Bill Waddill and Philip DiMaria of land planning consultant Kimley-Horn.
In exchange for reverting the zoning to its pre-2018 status, the developer proffered:
Five dedicated guest parking spaces for residents of The Encore. Twenty-five public parking spaces.
A commitment to work with future developers around the entire block for a pedestrian experience that includes a seven- to 10-foot sidewalk and an eight- to 12-foot planting strip. The latter will require water lines to be moved from beneath the sidewalk into Fourth Street, likely a
cost shared by the developer and the city.
Key to the deal is a permit for a driveway access off Fourth Street which, because it is identified as a primary street, is otherwise prohibited. Otherwise, the only access for Encore, the Fourth and Trail Development project and any future development on the block would have to use an alley off Cocoanut Avenue for parking access.
In February 2024, the Planning Board recommended against rezoning approval by the City Commission for the Fourth and Trail project by a 4-1 vote, at the time opposed by The Encore and other neighborhood advocates.
By the time the development came before the commission in July, Waddill had joined DiMaria to bring all parties together to work out a compromise and, at DiMaria’s request, commissioners sent the project back to the Planning Board for further review.
Although plans for the site remain under development, Waddill said Fourth and Trail intends to take advantage of the city’s attainable housing ordinance to provide the requisite number of affordable units. Providing affordable and attainable units brings a maximum bonus density of 200 units per acre providing at least 15% of the bonus units are priced as affordable housing for a minimum of 30 years.
Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com
Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.
Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.
2 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE
2. MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Newspaper app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper on your phone, tablet or laptop.
Subscribe at YourObserver.com/subscribe
To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com
The Sarasota/Siesta Key, East County and Longboat Observers meet the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Sarasota & Manatee counties, per F.S. 50.011. AUDITOR INFORMATION
Circulation Verified Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com
FOLLOW
Andrew Warfield
Andrew Warfield
Furry comfort for firefighters
The Humane Society of Sarasota County has been taking visitors to Sarasota County fire departments.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
At a time when the community is recovering from the impacts of three successive hurricanes, the Sarasota County Fire Department has someone lending a helping hand — and paw.
Firefighter Mark Maiure said at the time of each of the storms, the demands of the role were extensive.
“As soon as they released us at night, we were out running calls and didn’t come back,” he said.
However, since August, a partnership between the Sarasota County Fire Department and the Humane Society of Sarasota County has been
offering an additional way to uplift firefighters’ moods — a dose of pet therapy.
“(The dogs) are always showing up, and they’re give, give, give and nothing but a bundle of love,” said
Paramedic Mary Kate Rea.
Hannah Howard, communication coordinator with the Humane Society, describes the organization as “Pretty much on call for (the fire department) all the time.”
PARTNERING FOR PETS
The partnership began when Jesse Schilling, acting battalion chief of safety and recruitment, reached out to the Humane Society.
The first station to be visited was Station 9 on Bee Ridge Road, which was located in an area heavily impacted by the flooding during Hurricane Debby.
“With the rise of first responder suicides, we need to start taking mental health a little bit more seriously, so any extra tool we can have to deal with that is a good thing,” said Maiure.
Additionally, Rea said that not only do firefighters have the task of responding to people on their worst day, but many personnel were also affected personally by the storms, with damage to their homes.
Schilling said due to the size of the department and its wide geographical layout, the humane society, which operates over 80 pet therapy teams in its HSSC Pet Therapy Program, has been well equipped to cover the full area.
Currently, it has traveled to all 25 stations, whose personnel total 540, and by Nov. 1 had clocked about 55 hours with the department.
include hypoallergenic dogs and a cat named Marshmallow.
“With this collaboration, it makes a lot easier to spread that emotional toll on an animal, if you will, because these animals also take in a lot of our feelings, a lot of the interactions, and it wears on them,” Schilling said.
“... How can you have a bad time when there’s a dog around?”
Hannah Howard, communication coordinator with the Humane Society
benefits the fire department, it has also allowed the Humane Society the opportunity to interact with the public, through open house events at the fire stations.
“We strive to provide resources for our community every day, but especially in the wake of disaster,” said Anna Gonce, executive director of the Humane Society, in a written statement to the Observer. “We have amazing Pet Therapy Volunteers who jumped at the chance to show support and express gratitude to our first responders. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to nurture an ongoing relationship with our area first responders.”
Rea noted there is plenty of research on the power of dogs to elevate moods.
“Instead of carrying that (stress) for the next 24 hours, maybe you have a dog at home, now you come back to the station, you get that de stressor immediately,” she said.
Maiure said since all firefighters have different ways of coping with their experiences, the program will offer another avenue for firefighters to attend to their mental health.
“Some people can handle it well; some people can’t,” he said. “Some people have other means of dealing with that, and some people don’t. So for the people that don’t, this program could be great ... Call a dog. How can you have a bad time when there’s a dog around?”
Currently, the county also offers an employee assistance program to connect staff with mental health resources.
Aid agreements with surrounding agencies mean that the department also assists other departments such as the Longboat Key Fire Rescue.
The therapy animals encompass a variety of dogs from Chihuahuas, to Goldendoodles, to mastiffs, and even
Stations extend to locations outside Sarasota including St. Armands Key, through the fire station at 47 North Adams Drive beside St. Armands Circle and Venice.
Volunteers stop by on an impromptu basis, while firefighters can also schedule time with the animals.
The partnership extends to fire departments with which SCFD shares a cooperative relationship, including the Englewood and North Port fire departments, and Station 7 of the East Manatee Fire Rescue. At the same time the partnership
“We’re just grateful we can provide a little bit of a break from their dayto-day and everything they have to respond to, and try and take their minds off things and put a smile on their face,” Howard said.
Real Estate Values Post Hurricane
Will damaged homes sell for less after a hurricane?
History shows that home sales happen less frequent and at a lower cost immediately after a storm. However, as the study at Colorado State University found, this negative impact is short-lived. In Texas, after two months from the flooding left by Hurricane Harvey, 31% of residential neighborhoods saw an increase in median home prices.
What is the initial impact on affected real estate?
Locally, we expect to see a short-term increase in demand for new housing in inland locations. This occurred after Hurricane Ian, and we expect the same will occur now. If you are considering this course of action, we help you sort through your options.
How does the FEMA 50% rule affect rebuilding efforts?
A property in a flood zone that suffers substantial damage and the cost to repair exceed 50% of the “market value” of the pre-damaged condition, the structure must be brought up to current code and standards. The market value does not include the value of the land, swimming pool, fences, or other improvements. For more information go to floodplansreview@scgov.net.
Can I expect investor interest after a hurricane?
Yes, investors often target hurricane-damaged homes for potential flips or rental properties. They look for distressed properties they can purchase at lower prices.
What home improvements can boost value after a hurricane?
Impact-resistant windows and doors, reinforced roofs, and elevated foundations can significantly provide value to your home and therefore attract more buyers.
Should I sell my damaged home or repair it?
This depends on your financial situation, repair costs, and market conditions. There is a difference between restoring and renovating your property — we can help you understand your options.
How do you sell home after a hurricane?
We would highlight your recent property enhancements and promote resilient features. Leverage high quality visuals, including virtual renovation photography and development high engaging digital marketing using social media. This is when hiring experienced agents is important!
With over 50 years of local real estate experience, we’re here to provide guidance
Ian Swaby
HSSC volunteer Mary Jones and Al meet Olivia Lynne, 5, during a fire department open house on Bee Ridge Road on Sept. 21.
Courtesy image
Acting Battalion Chief of Safety and Recruitment Jesse Schilling.
Developer wins in right of way debate
The transfer of right of way will allow developer Orange Pineapple to incorporate an enhanced street into its redevelopment plans of several downtown blocks adjacent to Burns Court.
ANDREW WARFIELD
Although the vote margin was not the same as the first reading, the Sarasota City Commission on Monday approved vacating the right of way on Cross Street on second reading by a 3-2 vote.
Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch joined Commissioner Debbie Trice, the lone dissenter of the first reading on Aug. 19, in opposition to developer Orange Pineapple LLC’s request to assume control of the one-block long cut-through street between the Ringling Boulevard/South Pineapple Avenue roundabout and South Orange Avenue.
At issue are the multiple proffers related to the request, which AhearnKoch argued could be undone by vote of a future City Commission if requested by the developer, joining Trice in similar reservations about the plan.
“I’m just concerned about the future, the unknowable future,” Trice said. “We don’t know what they will bring forward to future City Commissions and how future City Commissions will vote.”
Cross Street was never under ownership of the city. Rather, it owned the right of way on the street, which is owned by Orange Pineapple.
As it develops the site along both sides of Cross Street, Orange Pineapple will not close it to public traffic. It plans to open the one-way street to two-way movement with an upgraded paver material between structures it would build on both north and south sides. The developer would not commit to an “open sky” proffer — to not build over the street
— but such plans would constitute a major encroachment, which must be approved by the City Commission.
Ahearn-Koch asked City Attorney Robert Fournier if there are any guarantees that proffers — which she characterized as breakable promises — could be eased by a future commission.
“They can be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties,” Fournier said.
“So there’s no perpetual guarantee,” replied Ahearn-Koch.
Responded Fournier, “I don’t see there ever was or will be.”
Street vacation justification requires that the applicant demonstrates a public benefit to be gained over its current use.
Orange Pineapple has agreed to provide 50 public parking spaces in exchange for the right of way, that Cross Street will remain open for public use and a better quality development will result.
“Whether they’re holding the easement for the benefit of the city or we’re holding it for the benefit of the public, it would be the same process that any owner of the property could still come and ask for it to be totally vacated,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “I see a public benefit in that the roadway is going to be still for the public, it’s going to be enhanced and it’s going to be paid for by the private sector rather than the taxpayers.”
Andrew Warfield Cross Street is a one-block, one-way street between South Pineapple and South Orange avenues.
Mind these businesses
Sarasotans always get behind a good cause. Now it’s time to support the 941.
The election is over. (Yay!) Hurricane Rafael has decided to veer west. (Double yay!) Repairs to our homes and businesses and debris cleanup will continue for weeks and, in some cases, months. Be patient. During the cleanup, no doubt, we’ll discover new issues or learn how to adjust to the changes that Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton caused to the Gulf Coast. Some of those changes are good — yay, Midnight Pass! Some of them require big decisions — replacing Longboat Pass Bridge (see story on YourObserver.com). Some of them small: We’re still searching for our red distribution boxes that blew off Longboat, Lido and Siesta during the storms. One turned up in a Siesta Key homeowner’s front yard on Monday.
Floridians are resilient. Much like the resilient shoreline built at the Bay Park in downtown Sarasota — which worked fabulously. In fact, the Bay Park’s two-year anniversary events and concerts held a little more than a week after Hurricane Milton’s historic landfall in Sarasota attracted more than 3,000 people. Sarasotans were ready for something to do. As Boo! At the Bay | Family Halloween Celebration attendee Karen Mills said, “We needed happy.” So, here’s something else we can do: Support the 941.
After hearing from business organizations like the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Visit Sarasota sprang into action with the Support the 941 social media campaign to highlight the businesses that are open. Many of these businesses that need our support are in the hardest hit areas, the barrier islands — Longboat, Lido, St. Armands and Siesta keys.
Below you’ll find a list of businesses that are open and back in business. To kick-start the reopening efforts of these businesses, Visit Sarasota, the Sarasota Chamber, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Blasé Martini Bar of Watershed Hospitality Group are hosting a “We are Open Party” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Blasé Martini Bar. To register, visit SarasotaChamber.com.
This weekend, Howard Alan Events is hosting the 35th annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, to Sunday, Nov. 10, which will benefit the St. Armands Circle Association. St. Armands Circle businesses will also participate in a sidewalk sale during the festival.
When Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber, spoke Oct. 24 at the chamber’s annual meeting, she spoke of adversity and resilience.
“How we handle adversity defines our culture,” Kasten said.
“Do we panic, retreat? Or do we adapt, innovate and lead with resilience? … Remember, adversity reveals the character” of who we are.
“Let’s lead with courage, with compassion and with a vision that extends beyond our own success and into this community that we love and serve.”
That’s great encouragement and motivation for all of us. #SupportThe941!
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Tucked in this week’s Observer, Matt Walsh, owner of the Observer Media Group Inc., publishes the introduction to a new book, “The Pfizer Papers: Pfizer’s Crimes Against Humanity.”
The book provides Pfizer documents showing the company knew its COVID-19 vaccine was not “safe and effective” and, in fact, was harmful and deadly.
“This supplement is a personal journalistic mission,” Walsh says. “It is our responsibility to report and shine the light of truth on the good, the bad, the ugly.”
The section is also at YourObserver.com/News/ Opinion.
#SUPPORTTHE941
Get out, shop, dine and support Sarasota’s small businesses, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #SupportThe941 on social media. They need happy.
CITY ISLAND
■ New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
■ MarineMax Sarasota
■ Sarasota Bay Explorers
LIDO KEY
■ Drift Kitchen & Bar
■ Lido Beach Concession
■ Lido Beach Resort
LONGBOAT KEY
■ Ace Hardware of Longboat Key
■ All Angels by the Sea Episcopal
Delights
■ Foxy Lady (opening soon)
■ Gauthier Salon
■ Les Ciseaux Salon and Spa
■ Lynches Pub
■ Merci Boutique
■ The Met Fashion House
■ Michael Saunders & Co. (opening soon)
■ Pepper Palace (opening soon)
■ Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Center
■ Shore Restaurant
■ Settimi’s Gelato
■ Speaks Clam Bar
■ St. Armands Key Lutheran Church
■ Venezia Italian Restaurant
SIESTA KEY
■ A 4 Bedroom in Siesta Key
■ Anna’s Deli
■ Another Broken Egg Café
■ Beach Bazaar
■ Beachside Management
Key Resort
■ David Gregory Salon
Longboat
■ Design 200 for Hair & Nails
■ Driftwood Beach Home and Garden
■ Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
■ Euphemia Haye Restaurant and The Haye Loft
■ Exit Art
■ Guppy’s LBK
■ Harry’s Corner Store
■ Holistic Healing & Wellness
Center
■ Hugo II Restaurant (located at Cedars East Tennis Resort)
■ J. McLaughlin
■ La Norma Italian Restaurant
■ Lazy Lobster
■ LBK Liquors
■ Le Gardenia Bleu
■ Longbeach Café
■ Longboat Bay Club
■ Longboat Island Chapel
■ Longboat Key Dental
■ Longboat Key Flower Shop
■ Longboat Resort Wear
■ Luxe Med
■ Maison Blanche
■ Michael Saunders – Longboat
Key
■ Nails of Longboat Key
■ Paradise Center Longboat Key
■ Penny’s Ice Cream
■ Performance Pilates
■ Pilates Longboat Key
■ Premier Sotheby’s International
Realty
■ Publix Longboat Key
■ Reed Medical
■ The Resort at Longboat Key Club
■ Riva, St. Regis Longboat Key
Resort
■ RVA Resort Vacations
■ Sand Cay Beach Resort
■ Secur-All Insurance Agency, Inc.
■ Shore
■ Sips
■ Solorzano’s Pizzeria Longboat
Key
■ St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church
■ Temple Beth Israel of Longboat
Key
■ Truist Bank
■ Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream
■ UPS Store Longboat Key
■ Ventura’s Italian Kitchen & Wine
Bar
■ Viento Kitchen & Bar, Zota
Beach Resort
■ Wagner Realty
■ White Sands Cleaner
■ Whitney’s
■ Zota Beach Resort
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE
■ 15 South by Napule
■ Arcade Monster
■ Aquasandz Nails & Spa
■ Big Olaf Creamery
■ Binjara Traders
■ Blue Dolphin Café
■ Cha Cha Coconuts
■ Cilantro Grill
■ Columbia Restaurant
■ Cotton Club
■ Daiquiri Deck
■ Ephesus Mediterranean
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com
Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana
Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com
Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com
Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com
Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com
Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.
Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR
(1995-2023)
EMILY WALSH
Ian Swaby
Rachel Denton; Tami Lanham; her husband Philip Lanham, who is president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation; and Emily Joslin were among those who staffed the foundation’s trick-or-treat stations at Boo! At the Bay this past weekend.
Sarasota roofing firm provides pick-me-up
Despite seeing his business multiply after the storm, the president of Sutter Roofing says he believes it’s important to take time out to help the community.
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER
Aroofing company was working with its crane on Longboat Key in the weeks after Hurricane Milton when the superintendent received a phone call. It was someone from Ski-A-Rees, the nonprofit that performs water ski shows on City Island, asking if the company could help. The group’s bleachers had been thrown into the water during the hurricane. Could
team experienced the gratification that came with providing assistance to an organization in need.
“It feels good to help,” Sutter said. “We want to be a good corporate citizen and take care of things.”
Ski-A-Rees is a “really good organization,” he added. “I know a lot of people who went through there and sent their kids through there.”
Sutter said, since there was still much to be picked up from Hurricane Helene. Sutter Roofing also helped with roofing damage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and was on-site at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa the day after Hurricane Milton because of a roof blowoff, Sutter said.
Sutter Roofing help get them out with its crane?
“I heard them talking about it, and they said we’re too busy,” Doug Sutter, president of Sutter Roofing, recalled of his team. It’s true: His Sarasota-based company, with $82.78 million in revenue in 2023, has been on nonstop calls since Hurricane Milton. But he felt strongly that it should lend a hand to a group in need. “I said, ‘That’s a great organization for the community. We’re going to help them out.’ We have the equipment and expertise to do that, so I told them to make it happen, and they made it happen.”
Once Sutter Roofing got the call from the Ski-A-Rees, it took a couple of days to coordinate, according to Sutter. At first, he says, his employees thought they might have to take a swim, but the crane ended up getting the job done. Afterward, he said, the
PENDING
Even before Hurricane Milton arrived, the home of the Ski-A-Rees was damaged. During Hurricane Helene, the group’s costume shed was ripped open and outfits strewn across the water and trees, while its clubhouse was deemed a total loss due to storm surge, according to a GoFundMe page the group set up after the Sept. 26 storm. The campaign had raised $1,375 of its $25,000 goal as of Oct. 30.
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene left the Ski-A-Rees site in tatters, Hurricane Milton blew through Oct. 9 and tossed the bleachers into the water. The group had to cancel its fall shows as it rebuilds.
“One step at a time, we will get this site fixed back up and ready to perform again soon!” the Ski-A-Rees posted on Facebook Oct. 25, sharing the news of the bleacher rescue.
Both before and after the storms, Sutter said his company has steered its resources toward local causes.
Prior to Hurricane Milton’s arrival, “we helped out on Siesta Key with a bunch of dumpsters to help get all the debris out of Siesta Key Village,”
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Sutter estimates Sutter Roofing has received about 2,000 calls for service. Usually after a big rain event, he says, the commercial roofing company may get 100 calls.
“We’ve added about six trucks since the storm,” he said. “We’re seeing a definite uptick in business. Our service division is super busy. We’re running 40 trucks every day trying to take care of people’s needs. We’re whittling it down.” Tall buildings on the beaches sustained most of the damage from the winds, he said, and his company has been working from Clearwater to Boca Grande on repairs.
Currently, he said the company is booking projects into next year, noting Sutter Roofing was already working on new construction and other jobs when the storms hit. However, he says, his crews will make time to help organizations in the community that are in need.
“If you’re a nonprofit that sustained some damages, we want to help you,” said Sutter. “When the community suffers, we all suffer, so we do what we can to help people out.”
Photos by Elizabeth King
Sutter Roofing provided the crane to lift the bleachers for the Ski-A-Rees water ski team out of the water. The bleachers had blown into Sarasota Bay as a result of Hurricane Milton.
Sutter Roofing came to the aid of the Ski-A-Rees water ski team recently with the company’s massive crane to help lift the bleachers out of the water. Hurricane Milton blew the bleachers into Sarasota Bay.
Planning the downtown of tomorrow
City Commission selects 13 members to the Downtown Master Plan Update committee.
ANDREW WARFIELD
What started out as a committee of seven with an option to expand it to nine ended up with 13 on Monday as the Sarasota City Commission finalized its ad hoc Downtown Master Plan Update Committee.
The committee may have been larger had City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs not intervened with a lesson in logistics to tamp down commissioners’ enthusiasm for the quality of the 41 applicants to serve on the body.
“It’s completely common to have boards of directors for many organizations that range from 12 to 20 people, and it’s usually fine,” said Commissioner Erik Arroyo.
As it became apparent the field would be narrowed to a more manageable number, Arroyo asked, “Is everyone OK with a council of 13?”
Consensus reached, Griggs had one more concern — seating capacity.
“Where are people going to go?” she asked.
A quick count of the seats behind and facing the dais provided a somewhat workable solution — although accommodating presenters may be an issue — as a 14th seat would be necessary for a facilitator who will be selected by the city manager.
Although named a member of the committee, Bill Waddill — a leader in the formation of the Bay Park Conservancy and the creation of The Bay Park who has returned to the private sector with land planning consultant Kimley-Horn — was initially floated as an ideal candidate for the facilitator position by Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch.
“Is that something we could do that would create one extra spot?”
she asked.
“I don’t think anyone has spoken with Mr. Waddill to see if he wants to be a facilitator,” replied Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson. “Before we would do that, I think we should probably touch base with Bill and make sure that’s something he wants to do.”
With three commission seats on the ballot the following day, commissioners decided the prudent course of action would be to name the entire committee now and, perhaps later, consider any interest Waddill would have to serve as facilitator and replace him with one more member.
Unanimously named to the committee are:
■ Howard Davis
■ Erin DiFazio
■ Melissa Laughlin
■ Sarah Lyons
■ Will Lucera
■ Tiffany Nisbet
■ Elena Paul
■ Richard Russell
■ Kenneth Shelin
■ Jaime Still
■ Jenifer Stutler
■ Chris Voelker
■ Bill Waddill
“I knew we wouldn’t be able to keep it to this,” Ahearn-Koch said of the original commission-approved resolution of a seven- to nine-member panel.
“I’m just glad it’s under 20,” Arroyo added.
Andrew Warfield The view along Main Street west of Palm Avenue.
It’s Time to Give Your MEDICARE COVERAGE A CHECKUP
This year, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.
During this time, Medicare recipients can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage, including:
returning to Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare)
joining a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching from one plan to another
joining or changing prescription drug plans
Health and prescription drug plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your coverage during Open Enrollment to ensure it meets your needs. Any changes made during Open Enrollment will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
ORIGINAL MEDICARE (“Traditional”)
Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group (FPG) always accepts all Original Medicare and Medicare/Medigap Traditional supplemental plans.
To help people with Medicare make informed decisions for the coming year, Sarasota Memorial offers this information about Medicare Open Enrollment, now taking place through December 7. *Note:
If you have already made your Medicare selections for the coming year, you can make additional changes through December 7, 2024.
Sarasota architect Victor Lundy dies at age 101
A leading member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Lundy died Nov. 4.
MONICA
Victor Lundy, who designed such Sarasota landmarks as the Blue Pagoda Building, St. Paul Lutheran Church and Galloway’s Furniture Showroom, died Nov. 4 at the age of 101.
News of Lundy’s death was posted on social media by the preservation group Docomomo U.S., which said the late designer was a “marvel in how architecture can uplift the spirit.”
If you were affected by Helene or Milton and find yourself overwhelmed by the decisions, choices, questions, and options facing you, we can help. We’re hosting 4 educational sessions to provide info on Sarasota’s most popular neighborhoods.
Based on your input, we will invite an appraiser, insurance agent, and real estate attorney to answer questions.
If you’d like info ahead of the sessions, let us know by calling 941-993-3695.
Lundy was a leading member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, a group whose existence the selfproclaimed “wild man” was known to deny. The school, which includes such architectural luminaries as Ralph Twitchell, Paul Rudolph, Carl Abbott and Ralph and William Zimmerman, was part of a movement to build innovative homes, schools and churches in the post-World War II era.
Their designs, now referred to as Mid-Century Modern, were built in places like Sarasota, Palm Springs, California; New Canaan, Connecticut; and Columbus, Indiana, to name just a few.
Lundy was honored last year at Architecture Sarasota’s 10th MOD Weekend. Several of his buildings are on the registry called “Moderns That Matter: Sarasota 100” recently compiled with input from the community by Architecture Sarasota President Morris “Marty” Hylton III and his team.
“Architecture Sarasota mourns the passing of Victor Alfred Lundy,” Hylton said in a statement. “An architectural innovator, Lundy was a central figure in the early development of the Sarasota School of Architecture, a highly revered, environmentally responsive and transformative movement of modernist design adapted to South Florida’s Gulf Coast.”
In the waning days of Lundy’s life, the awards were still rolling in. In its review of Sarasota Art Museum’s recent exhibit, “Modern Masterpiece: Galloway’s Furniture Showroom by Victor Lundy,” The Wall Street Journal declared the MidCentury Modern pavilion is to retail what “Notre Dame is to cathedrals.”
The exhibition, a collaboration between SAM, owned by Ringling College of Art and Design, and Architecture Sarasota, closed on Oct. 27. Word is that Lundy was able to hear the praise in the WSJ article when it was read to him.
On the occasion of Lundy’s 90th birthday, the Smithsonian Institution honored him. His Warm Mineral Springs Motel, built in North Port in 1958, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
AN ARTIST AS WELL AS AN ARCHITECT
Lundy was born Feb. 1, 1923 to Russian immigrants in New York City.
He was studying architecture at New York University when he enlisted in the Army Specialized Training
Program in 1942. He later joined the 104th Infantry Division and trained at Fort Jackson before being transferred to Cherbourg and Normandy, France. He moved to the Western Front in November 1944, where he was wounded.
His well-received sketches of his military training and wartime experience were donated to the Library of Congress in 2009.
After the war, Lundy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture at Harvard, where he was influenced by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. He arrived in Sarasota in 1951, opened an architecture firm in 1954 and worked here until 1960.
Other noteworthy structures by Lundy include “bubble pavilions” for the New York World’s Fair of 1964-65; the U.S. Tax Court Building in Washington, D.C. (1974) and the Austin Centre and One Congress Plaza in Austin, Texas (1986-87).
Lundy met his future wife, Anstis Burwell, a fellow artist, in 1955 at an architecture conference in California. They got married in 1960 and moved to New York City before relocating to Houston in the 1970s.
The Lundys had two sons, Nicholas and Mark. Anstis Burwell Lundy, who died in 2009, is given credit for introducing her husband to the natural beauty of Colorado, where they built a home called Lundy House in Aspen.
In his Sarasota buildings, Lundy used wood and glass to create majestic structures. St. Paul and the Blue Pagoda featured sloping roofs while Galloway’s Furniture Showroom was a circular palace of wood and glass.
The Blue Pagoda is now the welcome center at The Bay, Sarasota’s waterfront park along Tamiami Trail. Lundy designed three buildings on the campus of St. Paul Lutheran Church, at 2256 Bahia Vista St. from 1958-69. The church’s education building was recently renovated at a cost of $785,000.
Most longtime Sarasota residents remember Galloway’s Furniture Showroom from its incarnation as an optical store in 1980s. It was built in 1959 for a Florida furniture manufacturer and closed five years later. It still stands on the grounds of SAM, housed in the old Sarasota High School building.
Lundy’s legacy will be recognized at this year’s MOD Weekend, which Architecture Sarasota is hosting from Nov. 14-17. For more information, visit ArchitectureSarasota.org.
We’re fielding client’s questions about
To receive a simplified explanation of the
regarding
scan the
Courtesy image
Victor Lundy, who designed St. Paul Lutheran Church, was the focus of Architecture Sarasota’s 10th MOD Weekend in 2023.
An honorable ranking
Sarasota was ranked first among cities for veterans, and cities for retired veterans, by the Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s BestPlaces.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Sarasota is not only a top destination for retirees — a recent ranking suggests it is also among the best for former military service members.
Sarasota was ranked first among Overall Best Cities After Service, as well as first among Best Cities for Retired Veterans, by the Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s BestPlaces.
“Its vibrant arts scene, stunning beaches and strong veteran support networks make it a perfect place for military-connected people and families to settle down,” wrote Samantha Santoro of Clyde Group.
Some members of Sarasota’s veteran community weighed in.
Rob Kehs, executive director of SRQVets, wasn’t too surprised by the ranking, noting the desirability of Sarasota as a retirement destination and Florida’s benefits, such as property tax exemptions and preregistration of vehicles for disabled veterans.
“It surprised me a little bit, but it doesn’t, because of what I do, helping veterans,” he said. “If I can’t help them, it’s really easy for me to find a lot of other resources that can help them.”
Carlos Moreira, director of campus engagement for veteran success and alumni Affairs at University of South Florida, said that “rankings can be very biased if they don’t specify exactly what are they ranking.” He said factors like the type of data gathered and questions that were asked must be considered.
“Based on the experience of living in Sarasota, we are extremely veteran-friendly,” he said. “We are a small community, even though we’re not a small town, but we’re still small enough ... where we all know one another, and we do take care of veterans a lot in the community.”
He said Florida surpasses other states when it comes to caring for veterans, but that it could offer more benefits, including in the area of free tuition.
“Still, the best state when it comes to veteran-friendly will always be Texas, just because they have a lot more when it comes to giving back to veterans, as a whole,” he said.
William Sterbinsky, a combat veteran, of the firm Veterans Affairs Law said, “I have heard a lot of people who leave Sarasota state that they have never found a stronger community that has good access to these resources or good connections, anywhere else.”
However, he disagreed with the idea of Sarasota as affordable and said he thinks migration from the north is increasing housing prices.
He also said he thinks the police department deserves more recognition from the city.
“I think in some aspects, veterans sometimes will be on high alert,” he said, stating that the frequency of crimes can have a mental health impact on some veterans.
He positively assessed factors like the area’s climate, health and amenities, health resources for veterans and diversity in its veteran community.
Veterans Day parade in 2023.
As our bodies age, so do our brains. Join us for this special lecture event and learn to identify the signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, to distinguish between normal aging and dementia-related memory loss, and how to communicate effectively with those living with these conditions. A brief Q&A will follow the presentation.
Wednesday, Nov. 20th 4:30 - 5:30pm
Danielle Valery, BS, CDPAlzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias: An Overview of Cognitive Changes
SMH-SARASOTA
File photo
David Bonci and Cmdr. Ron Evans, of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233, participate in the
HOMEGROWN FLAVOR
Sarasota resident prepares to take homemade curry sauce national.
odd Pierson owes his love of cooking to his mother, Sandra Pierson, 88, a former home economics teacher.
“She always told me women love men that can cook, so I said, ‘OK, I’m going to cook,’” he said.
When he married Debbie Pearson 11 years ago, he catered his own wedding of 200 people. He worked with Beasley’s at Crossings at Siesta Key, at the time that Gary Beasley operated the restaurant there.
Now, he’s rising in prominence thanks to Todd’s Curry Sauce.
“I expect it to go nationwide,” he said.
The Gator Creek resident and retiree, who enjoys throwing parties, initially tossed the sauce together for a group of friends to accompany some chicken wings, and it was an instant hit.
He then offered it again at a Super Bowl party in February 2023, providing 50 bottles to attendees, from which point the sauce found its way to Madfish Grill in Bee Ridge Square.
Pierson allowed the restaurant to incorporate the sauce into a dish, under the condition that his name be included on the menu. He said the restaurant’s curry glazed salmon (it now offers Todd’s Curry Glazed Shrimp) became one of its bestselling dishes.
Then, after the restaurant sold about 100 bottles of the sauce in three months, Pierson began to wonder about its further potential.
“I said, ‘Hey, maybe I have something here,” he recalled. He began passing out samples to the public.
After sending logos to friends, he was led to team up with Elliott Ramsdell in St. Pete., who had experience bringing Bear & Burton’s W Sauce to a national level.
Currently, the team is set to distribute the sauce to Piggly Wiggly and Kroger, is set to work with food distributor Cheney Brothers and is in talks with Publix.
“I was retired, and I just created a job for myself, a fun job, too,” he said. At the moment, the sauce can be found in locations in Florida and Maine.
Pierson thinks even those who
don’t like spicy foods will enjoy the sauce, which he said was intended to include “a little bit of heat on the back end of it.”
“People are really surprised when they taste it, even people that don’t like curry, and it’s not real hot,” he said He will be an exhibitor at the Florida Restaurant Show, held in Orlando from on Nov. 6-7, and said a show the previous week, held by the Cheney Brothers, was a success. You can also visit ToddsCurrySauce.com.
“We made a pretty big hit. It was a lot of fun. Made a lot of connections. And it was great,” he said. On Oct. 30, he said his first shipments of the sauce had just been received.
“It gives you a warm and fuzzies because you’ve just had fun at cooking, and all of a sudden you have something that everybody loves, and you just go ‘Wow, that’s so cool,’” he said. “I’ve got two daughters, and I said, ‘Hey, your dad might be around 100 years if this thing takes off and stays.’”
However, it’s not just Pierson’s legacy, but his mother’s also; a dedication to Sandra Pierson is featured on the bottle.
Courtesy images
Sandra and Todd Pierson
Todd’s Curry Glazed Shrimp at Madfish Grill
A complainant told
officer that his roommate was “treating him like a child” for having the audacity to ask him to pick up his own trash inside their residence. He also added random comments that he had left the house after drinking and fell and that he had already paid the rent for October and planned to look for another place after the month ended. He indicated that he planned to return to the residence and go to sleep.
The roommate explained that the complainant had been drinking since the previous day and tends to get drunk, adding that he woke up from a nap to find trash inside the residence that was not his. He said he asked the roommate to clean up after himself, but he became argumentative and started swearing at both he and his wife.
Following the altercation, he said the man left the residence, walked down the stairs and fell on the sidewalk due to his intoxication.
Both parties agreed to separate for the remainder of the night and to avoid any further issues.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
MORE THAN ROOMMATES?
9:28 p.m., 1000 block of South Osprey Avenue
Civil dispute: Although he wasn’t home, a complainant said he could see on security cameras his female roommate placing his expensive paintings outdoors in the side yard. The woman told the responding officer that if the man wanted his paintings he “could come back to the house and get them himself.”
The officer explained to the woman the potential consequences of her actions should the paintings become ruined, but she didn’t care and if she “had to go to jail, so be it.”
The officer contacted the complainant to describe the situation and he apologized for the woman’s actions. He added he would be home from his trip the next day and would call if any of his property was damaged to do the woman’s actions.
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
FIGHT NIGHT 1:41 a.m., 1400 block of Main Street
Fight: Upon arrival of law enforcement, a reported fight at a latenight watering hole had ended and the involved parties were separated by security personnel. One man started the brawl by striking an employee with a glass, prompting security to escort him outside.
For reasons unknown, a fight began outside the bar among multiple individuals as a woman, apparently the sister of the instigator, “inserted herself into the fight,” according to the incident report. Described as distraught, the woman appeared to have blood on her clothing and was “moderately intoxicated.” She proceeded to point out several individuals as those who “jumped her,” seemingly at random while many were simply passing by the location.
The man who hit the employee with the glass was arrested on battery charges.
But wait, there’s more.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., one of the responding officers to the prior fight was dispatched to the 100 block of South Pineapple Avenue in reference to an ongoing dispute. Security officers at that location said they believed the provocateur to be the proud father of the siblings at the center of the previous nearby skirmish.
Security personnel said the man arrived yelling and asking why they had his son arrested, then proceeded to punch one of the bouncers prior to leaving the scene. The struck security officer did not wish to press charges, and all of them declined to file a report.
SPORTS
World-class riders head for TerraNova
Some of the world’s best riders are slated to compete at the Myakka equestrian facility from Nov. 15-17.
JIM DELA
DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
More than 300 competitors — including at least five Olympians — are set to saddle up at a worldclass international equestrian event Nov. 15-17 at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City.
Dubbed “The Event at TerraNova,” the competition will consist of three different events over three days, designed to test both horses’ and riders’ stamina and precision.
The competition is also divided by skill categories, from Intro and Beginner Novice, to Olympic caliber riders, said Ruby Tevis, TerraNova’s marketing and communications director.
“It’s based on experience,” she said. “You start at your most basic level, which is called starter, and it goes up all the way up to four-star level, which is the highest level we offer. And that’s the level that you will see in the Olympic Games.”
Tevis says some of the best riders in the world will be on display. “We have the United States, Great Britain and Canada represented for Olympic athletes, and then countless Pan American World Championships riders as well,” she said.
This is the fourth fall Event at TerraNova, a 225-acre event site designed to be a go-to spot for all levels of equestrian competition.
WHAT IS EVENTING?
The sport of eventing originated as a cavalry test. The three-day competition is divided into three separate sets of challenges. “It’s similar to a triathlon. You’re going to have the same horse and rider competing in three different phases over the course of three days,” Tevis said. The three components of eventing are: Dressage. The first day is devoted to dressage, where the horse demonstrates obedience, flexibility and balance. The word is from the French term for “training.”
At predetermined areas in the arena, the rider and the horse must per-
form specific movements. “Depending on how well that horse and rider can perform that movement to the standard, that’s how they’re judged,” Tevis explained.
Each movement is scored by a judge on a scale of 0-10. A rider subtly communicates with his horse by using his legs, seat and reins. “It’s almost invisible,” Tevis said. “That’s what the judge is looking for; that harmony, that communication.”
Along with earning marks for the dressage movements, judges also look for more general attributes such as the horse’s gaits, submission, impulses and the rider’s performance, according to the United States Dressage Federation.
Cross-country. The second leg of The Event is held on open ground and a cross-country course can be anywhere from 3,800 to 6,270 meters long.
The course at TerraNova was designed by Olympic gold medalist Mark Phillips. It’s designed to mimic conditions as if the competitors were on a hunt, Tevis said. “We have water features, mounds, and they’re going to experience large obstacles.”
The goal is to complete the course within a time limit without penalties, and jump or pass all obstacles in the proper order. Penalties are given for refusing, circling, or running out of an obstacle, or for going too fast or too slow.
Show jumping. On the final day, the competition returns to the arena for show jumping, where a horse and rider navigate a closed course of obstacles of various heights and lengths in a timed competition.
The goal is to complete the course without knocking down any obstacles within the time limit. Like cross country, riders receive penalties, called faults, if they knock down an obstacle, refuse to jump, or go over the time limit.
The competitor with the fewest faults and fastest time wins.
WHAT MAKES A CHAMPION?
Like any sport, how successful you are depends on how much work you put in, said Madison Bonamarte, the
IF YOU GO
The Event at TerraNova is three days of competition, Nov. 15-17, at the TerraNova Equestrian Center, 31625 Clay Gully Road, in Myakka City. Starting and finishing times vary.
General admission tickets and parking are free. Spots for campers can be reserved. Bring your own camper (50 amp hookups); rentals from Southwest Florida Camping Rentals are also available.
A VIP brunch experience (10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes preferred parking, ringside seating, panoramic competition views in the VIP pavilion, nonalcoholic beverages, beer and wine, and a catered brunch. Single tickets are $125, with special pricing for groups.
Empty Bowls event tickets are $35 Food trucks will be on site.
A limited number of golf carts will also be available for rental.
Parking lot shuttles will be available. The pavilion is wheelchair accessible.
home a keepsake ceramic bowl. Tickets for Empty Bowls are $35 and can be purchased online or at the event.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
TerraNova needs volunteers to work the event and they will be raising money for charity by just showing up.
Volunteers’ hours will be tracked and for every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to The Azinger Family Compassion Center, a multipurpose donation and distribution center that provides life-changing resources for foster children, hungry children, trafficked children, single moms and struggling families from the surrounding community.
director of stable operations and programs at TerraNova.
Having a good foundation is key. “If you put the foundation work in, by the time you get to the upper levels, it’s all easy,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest and most important thing … having a good foundation and fitness.”
Bonamarte says equestrian events can see many breeds of horses, though many are thoroughbred or warmbloods, a cross-breed between a high-spirited horse such as an Arabian, and a heavier draft horse.
“I’ve always competed on thoroughbreds my entire life because I got them off the track and I introduced them to eventing, and they’d be rock stars,” she said.
“Most people nowadays are riding the warmbloods because they score better in the dressage, and they’re still talented enough to do the jumping.”
She has three students competing at The Event, in the lowest level category. “It’s kind of fun because before they started taking lessons with me, they didn’t know anything about eventing, so I’m really excited for them.”
When training riders, Bonamarte says she stresses the partnership of the horse and rider. “I really instill that in the young riders who have aspirations to do the higher levels.”
Bonamarte wants them to remember “why we do the sport and the love that we have for the horses.”
In the end, rider and horse are a team. “It’s the heart of the horse and the connection between the horse and rider,” she said. “When a horse fully trusts you, there’s no obstacle on cross-country that they’re going to say no to.”
GIVING BACK
The TerraNova Equestrian Center will host a special Empty Bowls event during the competition on Saturday, Nov. 16, to benefit the Food Bank of Manatee, which is part of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
Guests will enjoy a lunch of soup, salad, bread, and desserts provided by local restaurants including Taverna Toscana, ATRIA Cafe, Myakka City Grill, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi, as well as several other familiar favorites.
Donors will also be able to take
It takes a lot of volunteers to put on this event, Tevis said. “It is an army of people. We have amazing volunteers, and we need more volunteers,” she said.
No equestrian experience is necessary.
“We see an influx of thousands of people, and they don’t know where to park, they don’t know where to go,” Tevis said.
To volunteer, sign up online.
“We’ve had a busy summer to prepare for the upcoming season, and it is so rewarding to see everyone’s hard work take shape,” TerraNova President Molly Oakman said.
“With the recent hurricanes, TerraNova was able to open its doors to horses in need of evacuation stabling, but now we are ready to fill our barns with competitors and get back to what we love to do — hosting equestrian competition.”
TerraNova has additional events scheduled most weekends from January to May, including the addition of Combined Driving in January and Para-Dressage in May, along with five uninterrupted weeks of Show Jumping in February and March.
“With the recent hurricanes, TerraNova was able to open its doors to horses in need of evacuation stabling, but now we are ready to fill our barns with competitors and get back to what we love to do — hosting equestrian competition.” Molly Oakman
File photos
Lucienne Bellissimo, of Great Britain, and Tremanton led going into the final show jumping discipline of the 2023 Event at TerraNova, but finished second.
Waylon Roberts, of Canada, rides Fernhill Salt Lake as they change speeds while approaching a jump during the 2023 Event at TerraNova in Myakka City.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
SAVORING THE WORLD
The owners of Palma Coffee have brought their love of traveling to sourcing coffee at origin.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
The majority of coffee producers in the world live at the poverty line or below, harvesting their coffee once a year, yet they are also mastering techniques to create unique flavors, according to the owners of Palma Coffee Co.
The story behind a cup of coffee may be far-reaching, but the shop’s owners, Manuel Montenegro and his wife, Amanda Govic, are eager to share it with customers whenever the opportunity arises.
The couple visit producers around the world, sourcing single-origin coffee from those they deem able to offer a high-quality product and show a responsibility to the environment.
Yet, their journey, which has taken them to about 45 countries together, didn’t start with coffee.
WORLD TRAVELERS
Amanda, who grew up in Sarasota, had been traveling from a young age, with her mother urging her family to see the world.
Manuel, who grew up in Colombia, rarely traveled before meeting Amanda.
When the two met at a 2009 event with the Sarasota group Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo, which practices a Brazilian martial art, in Atlanta, they had an instant connection.
“Capoeira is a great filter of people, because it’s a very particular person that likes that kind of stuff,” Manuel said. “We love culture. We love music. Just a lot of the bright things in life.”
Starting in 2014, they would find “excuses” to travel for Manuel’s business, NOVO Aero Components, which he started in 2013.
The travel bug begins, Amanda said, with countries like France and Spain, but then progresses to those that are more challenging.
“It goes deep,” Amanda said. “You start going to Colombia. You go deeper. You go to Peru, you go to Brazil, you go to Morocco, South Africa, Indonesia. My list just doesn’t stop. There’s no place that I don’t want to go unless it’s just too unsafe.” They said although travel is considered expensive, they could afford their lifestyle by cutting expenses from other areas of daily life.
“We’ve never really stayed at
luxury places unless it was a crazy occasion. Even then we felt a little uncomfortable,” Amanda said.
Manuel said his favorite area is Southeast Asia, as well as areas like Morocco, that “are just so different.”
“(Southeast Asia) is so different,”
he said. “Actually, it reminds me a little bit of Colombia and Latin America, just the struggle, the will for people to succeed, where there’s not luxury and comfort, but you have to make do.”
Amanda said her favorite has to be Colombia.
“I’m Colombian, and I just feel so at home there, maybe understanding a part of myself that was lost, and I just love being so close to so many other cultures as well, and the prehistory of those cultures, like my Indigenous side.”
Yet, after COVID-19 devastated the aviation industry, the couple decided to make a change.
It happened some time after Manuel took an online course from a technical center in Colombia, not initially realizing it was intended for coffee producers.
With the knowledge he had gained, they started the business in 2020 and opened the shop in 2022.
“As you get older, your feet grow more roots, I think,” Amanda said. “When we were in our 20s, we had itchy feet. We just couldn’t stay still.” They were encouraged to continue when they spoke to someone else with whom they shared more than one interest in common: Carl Bringenberg, now their coffee roaster, who is based in St. Louis.
“Because he was from our group in Capoeira, because we knew him years, he was completely trustworthy,” Manuel said. “There was nothing else. So the fact that he was answering every question I had, and he was as passionate about coffee as we were, then we decided that this would be something to try.”
The first coffee farm they visited was in Guatemala, although they hadn’t planned the experience. It happened when Manuel approached a coffee shop and began asking questions.
“I think most people are so afraid of rejection,” Amanda said. “It just hinders them from even taking the first step … and for him — I don’t know, he just doesn’t have at all, so he just goes for it.”
While meeting his family, they were able to see his extensive process: planting, tending, picking, drying, processing, milling and roasting the coffee, using organic, homemade pesticides.
“It’s just every step of the way,” Amanda said. “It was the first time I had ever experienced that, and it left an impact on me for sure.”
Despite that they now spend more time in Sarasota than they once did, they hope that their travel experiences are represented in the coffee
This
shop interior, an airy space decorated with plants.
Amanda notes that it feels like someplace from another country, but that one can’t be quite sure where.
“None of this would exist if I hadn’t been inspired by something that I’ve seen or felt at another place in the world,” she said.
GETTING TO THE SOURCE
In the beginning, opening the shop involved extensive work.
However, the couple said as they move forward, they are hoping for a point where the shop can operate independently through its dedicated staff.
At the same time, they still travel, with a new purpose.
Their goal is to establish a personal relationship with every producer from which their coffee is sourced, visiting each one over a period of two to three days, although sometimes they source coffee through existing connections.
Manuel said the small size of these coffee operations makes the producers free to focus on quality, but that notes that methods of production, in general, are growing in complexity, as visitors to the shop will be able to taste.
He said producers are adopting curriculums for creating specialty coffee, which is soaring in popularity, increasing the value of their crops by two to three times.
They may process their coffee beans through co-fermentations, whether that be a lactic fermentation involving milk, or others involving components like fruit juice.
He said more and more flavor
compounds, created through the interactions of microorganisms during fermentation, are being discovered in coffee.
This process involves introducing specific microbes to bring out compounds, which he said can resemble flavors from suntan lotion to coconut.
The shop’s signature drink is its Pink Bourbon, which uses a bean from Colombia that undergoes an anaerobic fermentation with the coffee bean inside the coffee cherry, and a second after it is removed.
The shop’s website describes it as “sweet and vibrant with a mouthful of red berries, starfruit and a hint of bittersweet cacao.”
“When people try that coffee, the most common thing that comes out of their mouths is that is probably the best coffee I’ve ever had,” Amanda said.
Their journey in sourcing coffee continues in five weeks with a trip to Uruguay.
“We’re going to hit the whole South America, all of Central America, at some point,” Manuel said. “We’re Hispanic; we speak the language. People are warm. Most cultures are very welcoming, more welcoming that you can even imagine.”
Although they still want to travel widely, traveling is different for them now.
“For a while when we were traveling, we were just traveling to check the boxes and see the things that everybody needs to see,” Manuel said. “But now we just want fulfillment.”
Should I Stay or Sell?
Whether You're Buying or Selling... You Can Count On Us
Thinking
Thinking
IF YOU GO PALMA COFFEE CO. Where: 7362 S. Tamiami Trail. Visit: PalmaCoffee.com.
Courtesy image Amanda and Manuel at Finca Bet-el, a coffee producer in Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Ian Swaby
Manuel Montenegro and Amanda Govic in front of a mural outside of Palma Coffee Co., the coffee shop they opened in 2022.
Chalk it up to community
The ephemeral art of floral carpets involves not just flowers but also seeds, leaves, berries and other natural materials.
Sarasota Int’l Chalk Festival volunteers have found that hurricane debris can be incorporated into the materials they’ve been collecting.
Another ingredient needed for the carpet art is sand, and it so happens that sand from hurricane sandbags, which festival organizers say is of good quality, fills the role.
That isn’t to say that the event has not also seen negative impacts
from the storms, with some effects including a decrease in volunteers and ticket sales.
Yet its organizers want the community to know that regardless, the Sarasota Int’l Chalk Festival is still going forward, from Nov. 8-10.
BUILDING AN EXPERIENCE
On Nov. 1, an array of activity could be seen along South Orange Avenue as artists and organizers undertook preparations.
Volunteer Denise Loiselle primed the signature elephants with white paint for the flower-themed design they will receive, the Statue of Liberty sculpture was pieced together,
and local and international artists assembled puppets themed around Florida’s flora and fauna.
The festival’s founder and executive director Denise Kowal said that after the hurricanes, the festival will continue to serve its role of supporting Sarasota’s community.
“Come to Sarasota. Enjoy these amazing artists that are coming here from around the world, creating incredible masterpieces, and this
time, incorporating the flowers into the festival, and then enjoy Sarasota while you’re here,” she said. “Support the brick and mortar that’s here, and just enjoy everything beautiful that Sarasota has to offer.”
Hurricane Milton wasn’t the only challenge the festival faced this year.
On July 10, it faced about $40,000 in funding cuts from Sarasota County, part of a decision that also impacted the arts organizations Embracing Our Differences and WSLR+Fogartyville.
Festival Manager Bill Baranowski said this year, the bill from the city was about four times that of past years and unexpectedly featured additional service fees with a new requirement to pay up front.
Kowal said on Sept. 20 that as a result of the high city fees, she is concerned about the situation for the community as a whole.
“I worry about our city hindering opportunities for people that have as much drive as I have, that are younger than me, that want to create something for this city. I am very concerned that they’re creating a situation that vibrancy is being hindered,” she said.
In response to the county’s decision, the festival launched its “Grow the Heart” program, which invites the public to support the event through a GoFundMe account and fundraising VIP tickets.
With community support, everything was running smoothly prior to the hurricanes.
“Tickets were selling. Everything was going great, and then the first hurricane hit, and that slowed things down,” Kowal said.
Kowal said the storms brought about a decrease in ticket sales, a need for reworking when it came to aspects like sponsors, housing, and an overall decrease in volunteers has made things “a little more difficult.”
Kowal said some volunteers have left the area completely, some are dealing with hurricane damage, and some, despite having lost everything, want to be part of the event.
“The storms have been so horrible, and in everything horrible, there’s new life, and there’s new opportunities that come from it, and definitely, with all the debris around, it’s given us all this stuff that we need for the artists to work,” she said.
As volunteer Denise Loiselle said, the contributions are not just about art, and there is “something everyone can do.”
For instance, the festival is currently in need of a professional chef who can prepare the items from food sponsor W&S Foods Co.
The festival also launched the inaugural Floral Storefront Contest, which has stores in the area competing to offer the best decorations in support of the festival, with the grand prize being a free trip to Rome to participate in the 248th Genzano di Roma Infiorata.
Festival artists are also working on a series of paintings for a future auction with Sarasota Auction House. Originally serving a fund to raise money the festival lost due to Hurricane Ian, the auction’s role has now expanded to involve the storms that followed, Kowal said.
AN ARRAY OF ARTS
There’s also a positive sense in which it’s not an ordinary year for the festival.
The “Floralia Infiorata” floral carpet section of the event will be a first for the United States, with the country having never before hosted a delegation of international artists devoted to the art form.
Partnering with nine floral carpet organizations, the festival will require the importation of 75,000 flowers, and for the first time, it has a dedicated botanist on staff.
In keeping with tradition, the Chalk Festival will see participants marching over the floral carpets in a parade, destroying what was created.
Incorporating the puppets, the parade will allow festivalgoers to witness everything from people dressed as fish, to a spoonbill controlled by a stilt-walker, with attendees even having the chance to make their own masks and materials with the help of artists.
It helps integrate the tradition of floral carpets into Sarasota, by celebrating Florida’s native wildlife with an emphasis on the concept of pollination.
As artist Danaé Brissonnet of Quebec said, “It’s like we’re destroying the art, but ... keeping the seeds or the thing of the flower to create more, so there’s a new beginning and a continuing.”
443F John Ringling Blvd. • Sarasota, FL 34236
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Ian Swaby
Anton Pulvirenti, of Sydney, and Kaitlin Kelly (Swirly Painter), of Sarasota
Canvas of Community
This month’s Fresh Friday’s event, Arts on Palm, was about bringing the public together post-hurricane, said Joseph Grano Jr., founder of Next-Mark, which organizes the series of block parties.
However, this time, the arts were the key to engaging the community.
Amid live music by Bay Kings Band, the event featured live demonstrations by local artists, musical numbers sung by cast members of The Sarasota Players, including “Astonishing,” from its production of “Little Women the Musical” opening in December, and artists offering live demonstrations of their work.
Attendees also had the chance to look inside the many art galleries that line Palm Avenue, including 530 Burns Gallery, MARA Art Studio + Gallery and Milan Art Gallery. Meanwhile, Gulf Coast
“I’m very, very happy to see people out enjoying themselves,” she said. “I think Fresh Fridays have been a really good addition to our downtown, and I’m hoping that we’ll have a wonderful season with them again this year.” —
Bart and Natasha Majerczyk dance to the music.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Rhonda Sheehan and Brian Berry
$10,000,000
$8,950,000
By:
Lakewood Ranch Town Hall
WILD FLORIDA
Storm’s fury not all bad
Hurricanes can play an important role in shaping healthy, albeit dramatically changed, ecosystems.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 9am - 4pm MIRI
Hurricane Milton significantly impacted Myakka River State Park, downing and damaging trees. With water levels in the park already high since Hurricane Debby, Myakka’s floodplain marshes overflowed, flooding most roads in the park.
Thankfully, overall damage was substantially less than resulted from Hurricane Ian. Infrastructure impact to the park, which is minimally developed by design, was relatively minor. Hurricanes bring with them a fury of strong wind, drenching rain, and even tornadoes. By rapidly driving natural ecological processes such as erosion, debris deposition and vegetational succession, they play an important role in shaping healthy, albeit dramatically changed, ecosystems.
When trees are downed, a hammock’s canopy opens, allowing different plants to grow due to increased sunlight. This process supports new growth as well as biodiversity.
Heavy rainfall, as hurricanes travel inland, increases the levels of water in streams, rivers and floodplains. As these waters flow through a watershed, they bring with them a mixture of freshwater, organic matter, nutrients and sediments. Scientists have found that hurricane-driven redistribution of organic matter in soils provides nutrients needed for natural communities to bounce back from severe storm impacts. By flushing out floodplains, water helps create new plant and wildlife habitats.
Scientists have long predicted that climate change would increase the frequency of extreme rainfall events. In a warmer world, there is simply more moisture in the air above water and land. Natural com-
STILL CLOSED
Myakka River State Park is closed to the public while recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton continue. For updates, please visit FloridaStateParks.org/Parks-And-Trails/ Myakka-River-State-Park.
munities, therefore, have less time to recover between storms, with major implications for ecosystem stability. Moreover, damaged ecosystems don’t bounce back as quickly as they used to because their resilience has been degraded, especially by human development. With development rapidly encroaching on Myakka River State Park, there is a rising threat of degraded ecosystems and water quality from floodwaters contaminated by pollutants, such as fertilizer, pesticides, oil and bacteria. To protect the park and the river, maintaining adequate buffers from existing and potential development is of utmost importance.
Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, they are protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations. Follow at @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.
Miri Hardy
Though Myakka’s ecosystems adapted to seasonal flooding, increased threats of pollutant runoff from outside the park is concerning.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
PLEIN AIR PAINTING AT THE BAY
10-11 a.m. at The Nest, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Learn and enhance the skill of painting in the open air in the picturesque setting of The Bay. Instructor Maggie Bosco recently graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts with a Masters of Fine Arts. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
OFF THE PAGE: MAKING COMICS
— THE PERFECT UNION OF ART AND WRITING
10:30 a.m. to noon at 2801 Newtown Blvd. Free. All ages are welcome. Join Gary Barker, comics-artist and professor, and Rick Dakan, professor and comics-writer, of Ringling College of Art and Design, for this workshop on how image and words combine to create comic books and graphic novels. Visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.
HAT-A-THON
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Bring your knitting needles — the library supplies the yarn — and join other knitters in making hats for those in need. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
FOLKLORE AND LEGENDS
IN FLORIDA’S HISTORY: WITH JACOB WINGE
2-3 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Explore skunk apes, the Fountain of Youth, haunted locales and other folklore that has made its way into Florida’s culture. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
BOW WOW AT THE BAY
10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday at Common Ground, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Bring your pet and learn from Terry Cook at Top Dog Training about how to help your pet behave better, and how to be a better dog parent. Enjoy items from The Nest Café, with pup parents receiving $2 off any alcoholic beverage. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
SUNDAY, NOV. 10
GILLIGAN’S MARINE CORPS
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 2024
5-9 p.m. at Gilligan’s Island Bar, 5253 Ocean Blvd. Free. Celebrate
BEST BET
MONDAY, NOV. 11
VETERANS DAY PARADE
10 a.m. to noon on Main Street, concluding at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park/ War Memorial, 199 Bayfront Drive. Free. The city of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
YOUR CALENDAR
the Marine Corps’ birthday at Gilligan’s Island Bar. Proceeds will benefit SRQ Vets, a local nonprofit organization helping solve veterans issues. Visit EventBrite.com.
TUESDAY, NOV. 12
FLORIDA’S PLANNED WILDLIFE
CORRIDOR
10:30 a.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way. Free. Bill Samuels, founder of the Florida Panther Project, will discuss how the Florida Wildlife Corridor has benefited both wildlife and humans in a lecture hosted by the Green Team at The Glenridge. RSVP to Ivonne at 941-552.5325.
THURSDAY, NOV. 14
UNSUNG HEROES
5-6 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. Free. Learn about the pioneers of Black music in the Classical era and other major musical figures of the past with a live musical performance and some surprises. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
File photo
William and Shanna Warner drive along the route of the Veterans Day Parade.
Prestancia home tops sales at $1.82 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Prestancia
tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Wayne and Deborah Seitl, of Orlando, sold their home at 3893 Boca Pointe Drive to Amy Leibig and Michael McClain, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.82 million. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,344 square feet of living area. It sold for $603,000 in 1999.
SARASOTA
DESOTO TERRACE
Philip Frost, of Sarasota, sold his home at 3500 Bay Shore Road to Moonshadows FL LLC for $1 million. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,003 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2019.
THE ROYAL ST. ANDREW
Glamura TM Investments Ltd. sold the Unit 602 condominium at 555 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Mary Lou Poudre Berven, of Fort Collins, Colorado, for $946,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,482 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2014.
OWEN BURN REALTY CO.
L. Simone Machamer, trustee, of Kinsale, Ireland, sold the home at 266 S. Links Ave. to Cherrywood Property Group LLC for $837,000. Built in 1999, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 1,581 square feet of living area.
SUNNYSIDE PARK
Ebru and Mehmet Caglayan, of Savannah, Georgia, sold their home at 2277 Sunnyside Lane to Sintia Mazon, of Sarasota, for $725,000. Built in 1957, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,375 square feet of living area. It sold for $565,000 in 2022.
PURTZ
Jean and Bruce McCutcheon sold their home at 2104 Hyde Park Circle to Exilda Teresa Machado, of Sarasota, for $660,000. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,693 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2023.
GULF GATE WOODS
Sean and Nichole O’Donnell, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 7459 Biltmore Drive to Molly Bradfish-Pinson, of Loveland, Ohio, for $645,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,840 square feet of living area. It sold for $530,000 in 2021.
PHILLIPPI LANDINGS
Joyce Curlis, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 604 condominium at 5591 Cannes Circle to David and Sharon
Foran, of Sarasota, for $599,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,706 square feet of living area. It sold for $533,700 in 2006.
SOUTH GATE
Tamara McAdams, of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, sold the home at 2746 Hibiscus St. to Purchasing Fund 2023-1 LLC for $561,600. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,802 square feet of living area. It sold for $317,900 in 2021.
PELICAN COVE
Roberta Hellman, of Madison, Connecticut, sold the Unit 125 condominium at 1621 Boathouse Circle to Andrew Tremblay, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, for $527,500. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,424 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2021.
SIESTA KEY
REVISED SIESTA
Michael and Debra Griffith and Reagan Griffith sold their home at 3601 White Lane to Eugene Cherkov, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.7 million. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,860 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,825,000 in 2023.
SARASOTA BEACH
Gary and Jeannine Toth, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, sold their home at 5539 Avenida Del Mare to Neil and Khristine Deichman, of Plain City, Ohio, for $1.06 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,405 square feet of living area. It sold for $512,500 in 2015.
TIVOLI BY THE SEA
Katherine Banks, trustee, of Ashland, Ohio, sold the Unit 503 condominium at 625 Beach Road to Glenn Anderly, of Cranston, Rhode Island, for $925,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,144 square feet of living area. It sold for $161,000 in 1991.
HALEAKALA HOUSE OF THE SUN
Anthony and Deirdre Almond sold their Unit 302 condominium at 6518 Midnight Pass Road to Robert and Stacy Mitchell, of Lexington, Kentucky, for $894,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,215 square feet of living area. It sold for $147,000 in 1989.
ONLINE
See more transactions at YourObserver.com
Other top sales by area
SARASOTA: $1.46 MILLION
Alinari
Umberto Albanese and Michael Hamann, of Sarasota, sold their Unit PH-1617 condominium at 800 N. Tamiami Trail to Robertson and Patricia Bennett, of Sarasota, for $1.46 million. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 1,830 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2016.
SIESTA KEY:
$1.8 MILLION
Harmony
Barbara Martin, of North Port, sold the home at 4839 Featherbed Lane to Daniel and Renae Shattuck, of Sarasota, for $1.8 million. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,613 square feet of living area.
OSPREY: $1,775,000
Oaks I Jill Beach, trustee, of Osprey, sold the home at 165 Sugar Mill Drive to Benjamin Cirka and Lisa Marie Cirka, of Cape Haze, for $1,775,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million in 2020.
Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota
Ian Swaby
A museum of Halloween festivities
The series of recent hurricanes left many neighborhoods with debris awaiting collection.
Nonetheless, kids and families had a safe and picturesque place to go trickor-treating on Halloween, in the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Halloween at The Ringling invited families for activities that included trick-ortreating in the museums courtyard around its many sculptures.
It also featured gallery educators in costume, crafts, a seek-and-find activity and food by Currywurst Truck SRQ.
Admission was free, with the museum only requesting a food donation for those impacted by the storms.
“It was great. We had a lot of fun, so we hope they do more of it,” said attendee Victoria Lear, who said it was an opportunity for the kids to “let loose” and explore the museum in an environment geared toward them.
Ames Morton-Winter, coordinator for youth and family programs at the museum, said the experience turned out as hoped.
— IAN SWABY
CATHOLIC MASS
gourmet brunch
beer and wine
courtesty shuttles and the best views of international cross-country and show jumping featuring horses and riders from around the world! 10:30am - 3:00pm
Photos by Ian Swaby
Alyssa Entin, 10, and Victoria Haroutunian, 10, dressed as circus clowns to embrace the circus theme at the Ringling Museum.
Jensen James, 5, and Kelly Warne
Dominic Thomas, 14, David Thomas, Sebastian Thomas, 8 and Petra Thomas
Luna Chin, 2, and Nyla Jones, 3, stop at a station, where Lynda Wright is helping hand out treats.
The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.
*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.
*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.
Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
