Citation
The Longboat observer

Material Information

Title:
The Longboat observer
Uniform Title:
Longboat observer (Online)
Alternate Title:
LB observer
Alternate title:
Longboat Key shopper & observer
Creator:
NewsBank, inc
Place of Publication:
Longboat Key, Fla
Publisher:
Longboat Pub.
Observer Media Group
Publication Date:
Frequency:
Weekly
regular
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Newspapers -- Longboat Key (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Newspapers -- Saint Armands Key (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Newspapers -- Manatee County (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Newspapers -- Sarasota County (Fla.) ( lcsh )
Florida -- Longboat Key ( fast )
Florida -- Manatee County ( fast )
Florida -- Saint Armands Key ( fast )
Florida -- Sarasota County ( fast )
Genre:
Newspapers. ( fast )
Periodicals. ( fast )
newspaper ( marcgt )
newspaper ( sobekcm )
Electronic journals ( lcsh )
Spatial Coverage:
United States -- Florida -- Manatee -- Longboat Key
United States -- Florida -- Sarasota -- Saint Armands Key
Coordinates:
27.4132626 x -82.6597412

Notes

Dates or Sequential Designation:
Vol. 1, no. 1 (July 28, 1978)-
General Note:
Publisher: Ralph B. Hunter, 1978-1995.
General Note:
Managing editor: Art Durshimer, <1997>.
General Note:
"Serving Longboat and St. Armands Keys."
General Note:
Advertising supplement called: Longboat Key shopper & observer, vol. 1, no. 1 (Aug. 1, 1978)-

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
Available only to authorized users.
Resource Identifier:
427379180 ( OCLC )
sn 97027701 ( LCCN )
ocn427379180
99383299622106597 ( MMS ID )

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PAGE 1

ObserverYOU . YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.VOLUME 45, NO. 45 YOUR TOWN FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023‘Recycle Right’Want to know what you can and can’t recycle? The town of Longboat Key has stickers to put on your recycling bins as a reminder at Town Hall. þ  The s tickers were provided by Waste Management at the end of April after town sta reached out about wanting to better their recycling eorts. The town program is entitled “Recycle Right” and originated with a group of residents hoping to better their recycling habits after the town’s goals and objectives workshop. þ  Homeo wners or homeowners associations can pick up the stickers at Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Small is beautifulThe month of June was ofcially proclaimed as “Small Cities Month” by the National League of Cities. Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier read the proclamation at the June 5 commission meeting, and commissioner BJ Bishop accepted the proclamation as the town’s representative for the ManaSota League of Cities. þ  The pr oclamation considers a small city to be any city with a population of fewer than 50,000. Longboat Key ts the bill with a population of roughly 7,500. During the month of June, the proclamation recognizes the importance of small cities throughout the country and encourages state and federal governments to support programs that help small cities. þ  “The majorit y of cities in Florida are small cities, and we have never been at a more dangerous time with the threat to our home-rule initiatives than we are now,” Bishop said. “And continuing to educate our citizens on the importance of home rule and why they would much rather be dealing with us than having to go to Tallahassee to deal with their trash pickup.”Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978LONGBOAT A+ECarter Weinhofer A recently marked sea turtle nest on Longboat Key Sea turtle activity is up, and volunteers are doing their part to keep it that way. SEE PAGE 3A Nested neighbors Photos by Sidra WaliVolunteer scuba diver Mark Fishman holds a Protect 30x30 campaign sign at Mote Laboratory and Aquarium’s Ocean Day event.What’s next for New College?Interim college President Richard Corcoran shares his thoughts on the changes. SEE PAGE 6A Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium drew 1,800 visitors to its Ocean Day celebration. SEE PAGE 4B Love, comedy style. PAGE 11A Be free.PAGE 4A ONE OCEAN FOR ALL Turtle tracksLONGBOAT May 28-June 3 þ 202 3 þ 202 2 Nests þ 84 þ 140 False crawls þ 99 þ 94 T otals since April 23 þ 202 3 þ 2022 Nests þ 30 7 þ 248 False crawls þ 36 3 þ 2 33Source: Mote Marine Laboratory

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2A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 rffrfntrfttbftffrbtffftfrffrrfrtr rfrfbrrffrtrfrrfrrrffrbttffrtfrrfr ftrrttbfbfrrtfrrrtrffrbttfffrfttbrffrrffftbrt rffrffffrfrrrffrrfrtttfrtrftf frrbf‘b’fftrfrffbtrtrfr“t”rrrt•f–rfrtrffrrtt fbbrtrfffrtrffrt•f–—trffrfffrftrr $ $ 1199 1199 99 99 r rrf ntrf ntrf $ $ 999 999 99 99 bn bn r rfrf $ $ 599 599 99 99 rfr rrrf12 MONTHS NO INTEREST* $ $ 399 399 99 99 rr rrfrrf SOUTH SARASOTA bf ‘’ “”•–”•–“ NORTH SARASOTA –—tr –“’ “”“”•–– BRADENTON ““––t b“’ “”—”•–• ELLENTON ““br rrr’ “”—”—–– VENICE –bb b“rr’ “””““ PORT CHARLOTTE ““ rrbr’ “”—•”—–– Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6 ” ” 401576-1 LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITERThe Town Center Green stage is nearly ready to be deemed complete. All that’s left are a few finishing touches and the installation of an electrical panel, the delivery of which has been delayed, but the stage should be complete in July or August. The official grand opening for the stage will be celebrated Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. in conjunction with Veteran’s Day festivities once seasonal residents have had a chance to make their way back to their winter homes. Construction on the Karon Family Pavilion started Nov. 7, 2022. Paul and Sarah Karon are the primary donors for the stage, hence the naming rights, because the couple donated $500,000 to cover what was originally expected to be the full cost of the project. The final total came to around $860,000. The remaining money was raised with the help of more than a dozen other individuals, largely through the efforts of the Longboat Key Foundation. The rest of the money was raised quickly. After receiving the bid from Jon F. Swift Construction, the town had 10 days to gather up the remaining funding. It only took nine. The foundation helped coordinate private fundraising for the 50-footwide permanent stage between the Public Tennis Center and the Shoppes of Bay Isles. Without the donations, the town still had plans to move forward with the remainder of the project and simply take the stage out of the plans. The pavilion is part of the latest phase of improvements to the Town Center Green, a formerly undeveloped plot of land, a corner of which was once home to the Amore restaurant. The entire site covers about 4.81 acres. The town purchased the three parcels that complete the total site for about $3.7 million in 2017. Site work for the town center is town-funded with about $530,000, which includes $445,000 from the town’s land-acquisition fund. Work includes raising and regrading the site with fill. Additional stormwater infrastructure will be installed to accommodate site work and with accommodations for future buildings, which might someday include a library or community center that is part of the Sarasota County system. The town’s portion is funding walk ways, streetlights, landscaping and space for food trucks. Next up on the docket are plans for a community center in partnership with Sarasota County. Over the past few years, the town has been advocating for a com munity center and a library to be a focal point for the development of the Town Center Green. During the town’s joint meeting with the Sarasota County Commission in April 2022, the town requested the County Commission consider monetarily supporting the construction of the library. The county ended up setting aside $1 million of its fiscal year 2023 budget to advance the planning and design of the proposal. The county has indicated that because the library would be a county facility, it would take responsibility for design, construction, opera tion and maintenance of the facility. As it stands, the community center is planned to include a core library circulation component, reading and meeting rooms and a large multipur pose space. Under the agreement, the town will have the ability to weigh in on elements it would like to see included in the center. All planning and design phases would go through the town’s review process, as well. As planning and design moves forward, both commissions intend to include residents in the process as their input will have great impor tance on the outcome of the project and its services.All but stage readyThe Town Center Green stage is only a few nishing touches away from being complete. Photo by Lauren TronstadFinishing touches are being put on the town’s Karon Family Pavilion.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 3A CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITERThe sun peeked through the horizon just before 6:45 a.m., providing backlight for the Turtle Watch volunteers and spectators gathered at the 4795 Gulf of Mex ico Drive beach access. Cool wind whipped from the ocean and over the dunes, bringing with it the smell of saltwater. Connie Schindewolf and her team were on the beach an hour before the first turtle walk event on June 4. She has been volunteering with Longboat Key Turtle Watch since 1983. Schindewolf often works alongside the Jameson family during these mornings. They are also volunteers with Longboat Key Turtle Watch and the youngest, Caleb, just graduated high school. He has been volunteer ing with the organization since he was 8 years old. The four of them patrol Zone D and mark the previous night’s nests before the actual turtle watch event begins. Their zone covers about oneand-a-half miles, and Longboat Key Turtle Watch’s full coverage area spans a little more than four miles, from Greer Island to the Sarasota County line. Mote Marine Laboratory covers the rest of Longboat Key in Sarasota County. “We usually have something,” she said as she began her introduction to the morning’s crew. With this year’s nesting season, that would be a safe bet. Nesting season officially began on May 1. As of June 3, the total number of nests on Longboat Key was 307. At that same time in 2022, the total nests on Longboat was 248. The year before that, it was 165. On June 4 they recorded seven activities in their zone. Activities include both nests and false crawls, which are events when a turtle crawls up the beach but does not actually lay eggs. Schindewolf recalls the highest number of activities she’s ever seen in one day was 23, while Caleb said he has seen 28. At the nest closest to the start of the walk, Caleb began labeling stakes with nest info as Schindewolf talked to the audience. Brenda Jameson, Caleb’s mother, took GPS coordinates of the nest and drew a diagram of the location and turtle tracks. The four stakes were then driven into the sand, making a square over the nest. When the talk is over and the nest is properly tracked, the audience is dismissed. Schindewolf and the Jamesons are then responsible for marking the remaining nests in their zone. With their combined experience, tracking seven activities was like clockwork. Brenda and her husband took one end of the zone while Schindewolf and Caleb handled the other. After four decades of volunteer ing, Schindewolf is able to see how their work can make a large impact. “The most rewarding part is knowing that you may not just be saving a turtle, but that you might be influencing a whole population,” Schindewolf said.A LONG JOURNEYLongboat Key Turtle Watch is per mitted under Mote Marine Laboratory, where the research is based. Melissa Macksey has been the Sea Turtle Conservation manager with the program since 2018. “We’re off to a really good start this year,” Macksey said. However, Macksey warned that it’s still too early to tell how the season will go. Things could plateau or drop off at any point, according to Macksey. She said that warming waters have been altering nesting seasons over time due to the many cues sea turtles depend on in their nesting season. Sea turtles use cues to deter mine much of their behavior, especially when it comes to reproduction. When the temperature starts to warm, they know that it is time to migrate back to their nesting grounds, find a mate and then nest. But with global temperatures on the rise, increasingly warmer waters have led to early nesting seasons. “They’re very complicated animals and there’s a whole bunch of stuff going into it, but the warmer waters do seem to be shifting the season earlier,” Macksey said. Tracking the true number of nests laid also comes with caveats. Sea turtles could lay anywhere from four to eight nests in a single season. On top of that, many species take years off in between nesting, according to Macksey. Once the eggs are laid, the turtles are completely on their own. The hatchlings receive no parental care to help guide them past beach chairs and toward the brightest horizon. In fact, they won’t even know their father. That’s one aspect “Finding Nemo” got wrong, Macksey said. “They are counting on not being completely overrun by predators and for those beaches to be dark,” Mack sey said. Inland lighting can be a real problem, Macksey said. The hatchlings will travel toward the brightest horizon, which naturally should be the ocean. But, if the lights on shore are too bright, the turtles might travel in the wrong direction. This wastes what little energy the hatchlings have coming from their yolk sac, a membrane that provides the embryo with nutrients prior to hatching. This energy is essential for their trip out to the ocean for about three days until reaching safety in the ocean’s “seaweed line.” The hatchlings spend most of their juvenile life in this natural floating sargassum, using it as a refuge to eat and to hide from predators. Hatchlings need to make it to the water by sunrise. If they lose their way and aren’t found in time by volunteers like those of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, the hatchlings may dry out and die, according to Macksey. Ordinances like the ones spelled out in Longboat Key’s Chapter 100 — Marine Turtle Protection aim to give the turtles the best chance at survival. Turning off unnecessary artificial lights after sunset or using turtle-safe lighting is necessary dur ing the nesting season. Additionally, any holes made on the beach must be filled, and beach chairs must be stored and out of the way during nesting hours. Code Enforcement Officer David Woods said the city received 127 infraction notifications from May 1 to June 10. Of those, 75 were lighting violations and 52 were because of obstructions on the beach. The process, he said, begins with a courtesy warning but could lead to the special magistrate for a court hearing if the infractions recur. Woods frequently goes on what he calls “turtle patrol,” either after sunset or before sunrise to check for potential infractions. Ensuring the survival of these turtles is crucial, especially for loggerheads, according to Macksey. The southeast United States is home to the largest population of loggerhead turtles in the world. Of that population, 90% of the individuals nest in Florida, Macksey said. Longboat Key Turtle Watch hosts free public turtle walk events every Saturday morning at 6:45 a.m. until the end of July. These events begin at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Nesting numbers rising LONGBOAT KEY TURTLE WATCH PATROL ZONES Every morning during nesting season, volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch must patrol the beach from Greer Island to the Sarasota county line. Each of the four zones covers about two miles that groups of volunteers walk to look for signs of nests or false crawls. Zone A: 100 Broadway St. to Greer Island channel side Zone B: 6399 Gulfside Road to 6951 Gulf of Mexico Drive Zone C: 5231 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 6385 Gulfside Road Zone D: 4141 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 5211 Gulf of Mexico Drive Photos by Carter Weinhofer Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers Connie Schindewolf and Caleb Jameson measure the distance between a sea turtle nest and vegetation. . A diagram must be drawn of every nest that is marked, like the one that Schindewolf is looking at.Longboat has seen high numbers of sea turtle nests in the rst month of the season. If not for the combined eorts of volunteers and public policy, hatchlings may live a more dicult life.

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4A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 401656-1 rrfrntbtnr tnrftrrrrff r ff DIRECT THE MANUFACTURERWHY VISIT OUR SHOWROOM rfQUALITY HIGH END LOOK rfnCUSTOM MADE AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORYEXTENDED WARRANTY ON ALL FURNITURE OPEN PUBLIC tbb fb fffbnttb 402415-1 404243-1 rfntbr rfffnttbbnn nttbnbfn ft rfntb404736-1 RESTAURANT AND TIKI BAREUROPEAN FUSION RESTAURANT AND POOLSIDE TIKI BAR IN THE PREMIER CEDARS TENNIS RESORTrrfntfbb bffrfbfbffbbb fbfftffb fb fbbbft fbbrtf bfbfb bbfrb frrtfbHUGO II Restaurant Hoursbffffbtr bffff‘frtr ’’nnn“”•’–nn *Private Social Club Dining memberships ONLY $10 Annually. Cedars Tennis Resort Members dine for no extra fee.CEDARS TENNIS RESORT & CLUB 645 CEDARS COURT, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 941-444-4135 CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITERStart to dust off the red, white and blue attire for yourself and your dogs. This year, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 20th annual Freedom Fest celebration. As usual, the Fourth of July celebration will kick off at 9 a.m. on Bay Isles Road, adjacent to town hall. At the start of the fest will be the butterfly release, sponsored by the Longboat Key Garden Club. Children can receive a small packet containing a butterfly and release it to officially begin the festival. Immediately following the butter fly release the parade will start, running from Truist Bank on Bay Isles Road to Town Hall. “I look forward to the parade. The parade has taken on kind of a legendary status, because we do call it the Shortest Parade in America,” said Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren. Loefgren encouraged anyone who wants to join the parade with any four-wheel vehicle to reach out to the Chamber of Commerce at 941383-2466. Loefgren said the two-hour event will provide a lot of fun for kids. A clown, face painting, a balloon artist and “Uncle Sam” will all make an appearance. For the furry friends, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key hosts the Hot Diggity Dog contest. Prizes will be given out for categories like most patriotic dog, most creative dog costume and best owner and dog combination. “It’s just cool to see the community gather and to have the chamber be able to present such a fun Fourth of July,” Loefgren said. Traditionally, a grand marshal for the parade is chosen. Last year’s grand marshal was Lisa Walsh, one of the founders of Freedom Festival and vice president of the Observer Media Group. At the time of publication, Loefgren said a grand marshal for 2023 had not yet been chosen.Longboat’s annual Freedom Fest brings ‘shortest parade in America.’Two decades of Freedom Fest File photoNancy and Todd Roberts’ dog Biscuit was decked out in Fourth of July attire in the 2021 parade.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 5A 402901-1 rfrrn r t b r trn rbb bb 405153-1 399386-1 Sarasota’s BestVoted One of 28 Years in a Row! r Janet and Curt Mattson Owners Wallcoverings & Blinds, Inc. Since 1989941-925-7800mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings heraldtribune.com WINNER Design Studio Vignett ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITERThe Winter Spectacular 2023 in St. Armands Circle will not take place. In a letter to Sarasota city officials, Jeff and David Koffman of Ride Entertainment of Sarasota wrote that a reprise of the 2022 event will not be held. “We are disappointed that, as a result of the loud voices of a minor ity of citizens, the potential and pur pose of Winter Spectacular will not be realized and is still mired in contentiousness,” they wrote. “It seems that our efforts to continue down the path of bringing back the Winter Spectacular for this coming holiday season will only be divisive by these same loud minority voices and thus negate the true meaning of the holiday season and the purpose of the festival.” There may have been more to it than that. The city invited merchants and residents of St. Armands and Longboat Key to submit their comments about the six-week event. Of the 331 emails received, between May 5 and June 2, 307 were against a repeat, 19 were supportive and five were neutral. “My sense is that residents are thrilled,” said Chris Goglia, president of the St. Armands Residents Association. Goglia was a staunch opponent of the Winter Spectacular, which placed him at odds with Tom Leonard, owner of Shore restaurant and chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors. Leonard partnered with Ride Entertainment to bring the event to St. Armands, but as a private business owner and not on behalf of the BID. Goglia argued before city officials at the time that closing circle park — state-owned land managed by the city — for a for-profit enterprise was illegal, and that the free, less intense events traditionally held around the holidays in the circle were more appropriate for a public space. “Our first priority when proposing the Winter Spectacular was to create a memorable, unifying and joyous experience for all of Sarasota during the holiday season,” wrote the Koffmans in their letter. “We had over 20,000 happy residents and visitors that greatly enjoyed the festival.” In February,the event promoters were back before the City Commission seeking a permit for a sequel, describing the 2022 event as a rousing success. Commissioners tabled the discussion, instructing staff to gather more data before determining whether to proceed. Jeff Koffman and Leonard pitched the Winter Spectacular last year, they told commissioners, to highlight the new holiday tree paid for by the city to replace the 20-year-old tree that was no longer functional. The plan was supported by some residents and merchants during hearings and opposed by others over concerns about additional traffic and private use of public space. It was also opposed by then-St. Armands Merchants Association Executive Director Rachel Burns, who told commissioners she would be forced to cancel some annual holiday season events long produced by the merchants group to accommodate the festival. Among those events was the 44th annual tree lighting— Holiday Night of Lights — which Burns said she was forced to cancel because she could not safely accommodate the crowd in limited space unoccupied by the festival. Burns said she is already at work to bring back the traditional tree lighting, Porsches in the Park and other December events. She has stepped down as executive director of the circle associationbecause of her application to serve on the St. Armands BID board and now serves as marketing and events director. “I already spoke with the city events department, and there are no other conflicting permits or applications,” Burns said. “I wanted to make sure before I jump in that I wasn’t going have the same issue as last year, where I lost deposits and I had to call people. We’re going to have Porsches in the Park again, and we’re also going to be doing activities on the weekends. “Because of the city events ordinance I can’t do full-fledged events, but I can reserve the park for activities. They’re going to be smaller scale, but we’re going to have more going on that will be free for the public to enjoy.” Weeks before Leonard and Burns were publicly at oddsover the use of the circle park during the holidays,the pair successfully lobbied the City Commission for a replace ment of the treelast fall. Commissioners approved their $286,000 grant request, which included installation of the 60-foot tree and storage for one year. Burns joined Goglia in arguing that a for-profit use of public park space is inappropriate and that the circle association board, which she represents, was opposed to the festival. Commissioners sided with Leonard and Ride Entertainment, agreeing that the Winter Spectacular presented an opportunity to highlight the investment in a city tree, although it is owned by the St. Armands Circle Association. “It was pretty torn with the mer chants. There were a lot of newer merchants who were very optimistic, and there were merchants who had been around for a long time who weren’t optimistic,” Burns said. “I can’t fault them for wanting to try something new,” she added of the Koffmans and Leonard. “We nev er know what’s going to work and what’s not. I don’t see it as they failed. They gave it an effort, and I think that what they want to do may fit somewhere else in Sarasota.” Winter Spectacular won’t return to St. Armands CircleThe promoters of the inaugural Winter Spectacular have pulled the plug on a repeat in 2023.File photoA synthetic ice skating rink was one of the attractions at the 2022 St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular.

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6A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVERDuring Richard Corcoran’s eight years in Florida electoral politics, including a stint as Florida House Speaker, he worked fast and went bold. A fitting strategy for a father of six comfortable quoting Steve Jobs and Winston Churchill in the same conversation. As Florida Speaker in 2017 and 2018, Corcoran, among other battles, led moves to significantly shrink the budgets of Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida — jobs and tourism agencies championed by then Gov. Rick Scott. The political titans, both Republicans, got into some punchy verbal squabbles back then. Scott questioned Corcoran’s motives. Others considered it a typical Tallahassee power play. In a January 2017 interview with the Business Observer, Corcoran said the arrows were worth it because he was taking on the status quo. “They teach you in law school,” he said, “that when you’re right, pound the facts, and when you’re wrong, pound the table.” Corcoran, now interim president at New College of Florida in Sarasota, is again going fast and thinking bold. And again his positions have led to factions. The New College board appointed Corcoran to the interim position Jan. 31, replacing President Patricia Okker, who was fired. The hiring of Corcoran, who was Florida Education Secretary under Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2018 to 2021, came three weeks after the governor launched a major transformation — some critics called it a hostile takeover — of New College. Fresh off his big gubernatorial election victory, DeSantis named seven new board members in ear ly January and tasked them with reshaping New College. “In Florida, we will build off of our higher education reforms by aligning core cur riculum to the values of liberty and the Western tradition, eliminating politicized bureaucracies like DEI, increasing the amount of research dollars for programs that will feed key industries with talented Florida students and empowering presidents and boards of trustees to recruit and hire new faculty, including by dedicating record resources for faculty salaries,” DeSantis said in a statement. DeSantis backed his words with Florida’s wallet: He proposed $15 million to “overhaul and restructure” New College, “including support for student’s scholarships and hiring faculty.” The Legislature approved the proposal in the most recent state budget. NOT FINE New College, on 110 acres directly on Sarasota Bay, was founded in 1960. It’s since had a mostly triumphant, yet occasionally tortured 63-year run. In 1975, it joined the state university system as part of USF. In July 2001, it became independent and was designated by the Legislature as Florida’s Honors College. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks New College as a top five public liberal arts college nationwide. And it’s made multiple best values in college lists going back to the 1990s. The school, which requires a senior capstone/thesis and doesn’t give traditional grades, offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences; a master’s degree program in data science; and certificates in technology, finance, and business skills. Yet Florida Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, proposed a bill in 2020 that would have folded both New College and Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland into the University of Florida. Fine and others at the time contended New College costs too much per student and wasn’t producing enough graduates going into high-paying jobs. (On the flip side, New College is tops in the nation for percentage of graduates who go on to earn doctorates.) Fine’s bill ultimately failed. Looming over the platitudes and political salvos are five consecutive years of a drop in the already small student population. New College’s enrollment, according to data from the school, dropped from 885 in 2016 to 659 in 2021 — a decline of 24.65% and the lowest number in at least 20 years. (Student enrollment ticked up slightly, by 30 students, in 2022.) Corcoran, who said he is apply ing to be named official president by the board, likens the New College transformation to turnarounds other organizations have to go through to survive. Find the biggest problems, devise a strategy to fix them and execute the strategy. “Like the keys to real estate are location, location, location, the keys to building a liberal arts school that survives is enrollment, enrollment, enrollment,” said Corcoran. “And the more competitive your enrollment, the greater the quality of your student.” Corcoran is in the execution phase of his plan, which by one metric is working: He projects total enrollment for the 2023 freshman class will be at least 260 students and set a New College first-year student enrollment record.WITH HONORS þ  Corcoran is in strategy execution mode against a voiceful opposition. That’s particularly true on social media, where even benign posts on New College’s official public Facebook page about a student winning an award quickly overflow with antiDeSantis and anti-Corcoran comments. And in the first month or so of his tenure as interim president, national media publications, from CNN and Fox News to the Washington Post and New York Times, sent teams of reporters to Sarasota to cover the changes — often presented in an unflattering light. In addition, a few groups have formed to counter — or in the words of one organizer, to be a watchdog over the board — Corcoran and how the new funding will be spent. Jono Miller, who attended New College in the 1970s, met his wife there and later taught classes and coordinated the school’s environmental studies program, has been active on social media regarding the changes. Miller is also president of a group called NCF Freedom, which he said monitors both the board and Corcoran. His and NCF Freedom’s concerns, he said in an interview with the Business Observer, include questions about academic freedom and the school’s governance structure, which previously included faculty in some decisions. He worries both are being eroded — and that’s happening too fast and under a culture of fear. “Maybe (Corcoran) is under pressure from DeSantis to get results,” said Miller, a longtime environmental activist who ran as a Democrat for Sarasota County Commission in 2008. “But to move as fast as he has, for a liberal arts college trying to be best in class, is very problematic. There are 1,000 ways a liberal arts college can fail and a few ways for it to work well.”STAY POSITIVEDressed in blue khakis, a pink golf polo shirt and Hoka sneakers, Corcoran, in a rare one-on-one interview in late May, spoke to the Business Observer about his ideas for New College and more. Edited excerpts: Problems specific to New College Corcoran believes New College has lost its way — something even some alumni, he adds, have recognized. Corcoran said when he was in the Legislature, in 2015, New College received an “infusion of $7 million to add more faculty to have growth.” “And the promise was, if you give us this money, you give us the capacity, go out and get these other great professors, we can grow enrollment A Longboat Key LandmarkHARRY'S REOPENING SOON! CALL FOR DETAILS! 401222-1 Electrical Water Treatment SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! The Home Service Pros Who Care LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313 $100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATIONof Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant Saves on Homeowners Insurance Policies FREE WATER ANALYSIS $100 Credit 941.866.6210CALL NOW! 404531-1 The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974 or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com 401589-1 941-366-2404 | 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 | www.catdepot.org Introducing our brand new adoption promotion Seniors to Seniors!Now, through the end of the year, Seniors who are 60+ can adopt one of our amazing senior cats (8yrs +) for an adoption fee of only $25!Thank you to “Pets for the Elderly” for subsidizing the reduced adoption fee EXCEPTIONAL RENTAL MANAGEMENT & VACATION RENTALSLocally owned and managed since 1994 If you own a rental property on St. Armand’s, Lido or Longboat, let us put our 29 years of experience and expertise to work for you!CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS!941-387-97093720 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 34228 info@FLVacationConnection.com FLVacationConnection.com 396779-1 College try No stranger to stirring things up, Richard Corcoran goes all in on transforming a liberal arts college.Courtesy photoRichard Corcoran was named interim president of New College of Florida earlier this year.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 7A to 1,200 (students). But instead of going from 800 to 1,200, they went from 800 to 690. For lack of a better term, it is somewhat of a death spiral. And I think the way you get out of that death spiral, and this is what I think the governor was saying, was you have to have a new vision and a new mission, one that people can understand.” Student diversity “We’re changing the culture because the culture is not healthy,” he said. “There’s very limited diversity on this campus. And that would be echoed by faculty; it would be echoed by other students. I think the female to male ratio is probably more than 70% female and 30% male.” Corcoran projects Black and Hispanic student enrollment will rise in the 2023-24 academic year. “All of these things are real diversity. And when I say we’re going to increase African American enrollment, we’re going to increase Hispanic enrollment, I’m not saying much because the enrollment of those two groups at New College has been abysmally below national levels.” Student retention Corcoran said he’s met a few times with Ringling College of Art & Design President Larry Thompson, who has led an enrollment resurgence at the school down the road from New College. A key takeaway from those conversations: provide students activities outside of academics, or in higher-ed lingo, co-curriculars. New College is doing that, including a budding sports program and a new mascot, the Mighty Banyan. “You add extracurriculars, sports, those types of activities,” Corcoran said. “That’s the quickest, easiest way we’ve implemented something that allows us to grow.” Room and board “If you look at exit interviews on why kids left New College,” he said, “it’s pretty much in (this) order: housing, food and cancel culture. We can fix all three.” The first two fixes, he said, are underway. New dorms are a few years off, but the current facilities will have new air conditioners, elevators, carpets and more by the fall. The school also increased its food services contract by $500,000 and added a cafe. Significantly more polarizing than food and beds is cancel culture — a fast-changing dynamic that can carry different definitions depending on your politics or philosophy. “I think you just have to treat every student, regardless of their background, race, anything, with human dignity. And you don’t see that here.” Corcoran cites board of trustee meetings as an example, where students, faculty and others have shouted down speakers. “Some of the stuff they’re saying is vulgar. Some of the stuff they’re saying is vitriolic and that’s going to change. That won’t be tolerated.” On critics “The criticisms will never stop, because the criticisms are not about trying to make New College the best liberal arts college in the country; the criticisms are about ‘We want our culture, and we want you to go away.’ And we’re not going away.” “My mom was British, and I quote (Winston) Churchill a lot. Churchill said: ‘You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.’ Ignore the barking dogs.” rrfrntbrr rtbrnrnnn frbrfrnrn rnbftfrnfrf ntbffrrrtr Make A Pl. FUNERAL HOME, CREMA TORY & PREARRANGEMENT CENTERrfrrrnfrtrr 396221-1 rfnt rffbnntbbrfrfffrfrffrffrfnrtbnrrrbn nnrrnnn nfnbbbbnb nnfnrnntrfbfnntbbrrfrbrrnnnrb nrnnbnnr nnnrrbnf nnffrffbfnntbt‘’bfrbbf “nrbfn nbb rrnb bfnbbrrnf”‘’” ‘‘••–‘••”—rfb f’fffrfr• frf• r• ’‘••’ 405038-1 HILLSDALE COLLEGE COMPARISONThe changes at New College of Florida are often compared to the model at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, west of Ann Arbor. Hillsdale, according to its website, is “a small, Christian, classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan that operates independently of government funding,” with students who “grow in heart and mind by studying timeless truths in a supportive community dedicated to the highest things.” New College Interim President Richard Corcoran embraces the comparison — to a point. He wants to go bigger, reasoning that if Hillsdale can build “a tremendous branded liberal arts school,” in a small, cold-weather town, then New College can do it, too, and better.

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8A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights ReservedYourObserver.comLONGBOAT “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com Sta Writers / Lauren Tronstad, LTronstad@YourObsever.com Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com Classied Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Manager / Lori Downey, LDowney @YourObserver.com Digital Fulllment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator / Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver.comChief Financial Ocer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com Oce 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, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468This is classic Longboat Key and classic Sarasota. It never changes, and probably never will. Plus, the irony of it all is rich and worth a laugh. This is the nature of new development in Florida: People don’t like it when it’s close to their home. It drives them to go on the attack — to defend what they have and not let others have what they want. For the residents close to the proposed development, we know this is serious stuff. But if you’ve watched this region and Florida grow and grow and grow (and will continue to grow) over the decades, it’s like watching sitcom reruns. The actors change, but the characters don’t — cranky neighbors opposing the development, packing Town Hall, delivering stern and passionate pleadings of doom and outrage, or flooding their elected commissioners with fiery letters and emails. There is the developer portrayed as a plaid-jacketed, greedy, duplicitous carpetbagger. The developer’s lawyers, whom the opposition views as slick and full of legal blather. And the elected commissioners — stewards of the community, but also politicians who want to be liked and reelected. The story lines are always the same, too: The neighbors say the proposed development is too big or too ugly and is going to ruin the neighborhood and the residents’ lives. The only thing unpredictable is the ending: Who wins, who loses. This show is underway simultaneously in Longboat Key and Sarasota, albeit different episodes. In classic, picayune Longboat fashion, the issue is the garage — a proposed two-story garage for the St. Regis Hotel & Residences. In the city of Sarasota, the issue is a proposed 18-story condominium — the Obsidian, slated for a tight patch of North Palm Avenue that would dwarf the historic Bay Plaza condominiums and become downtown’s tallest building. Each is emblematic of what everyone in this region should realize is unavoidable and unstoppable: More people will be moving here, and more developments are coming. Affluent and wealthy baby boomers have discovered Sarasota, the barrier islands and Lakewood Ranch. So if you thought you found a quaint paradise that would stay how it was when you bought your piece of it, sorry, you’re going to be disappointed. But rather than be fearful and resentful toward new development and to think it is going to ruin your life, flip the coin. That two-story garage and that 18-story condominium slated for Palm Avenue can and will bring more good things to this region than bad things. History has shown it. Two examples: Unequivocal catalysts to Longboat Key’s flourishing over the past 50 years were the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort and the Longboat Key Club and Resort. Scores of Longboaters tell the stories of their parents and families vacationing there and later becoming fullor part-time residents. In downtown Sarasota, the catalyst for the current boom in luxury high-rises came 22 years ago with the opening of the RitzCarlton Hotel and Residences. You can be sure the St. Regis will have the same effect.OUT OF SCALE & CHARACTER?This is just too rich with irony. The Longboat Key Town Commission on June 5 spent six hours listening to the town planner; lawyers and architects for Unicorp Developments; a lawyer for a homeowners association; and 11 residents testifying on the pros and (mostly) cons of whether to allow Unicorp to construct a 156-space, 16,000-square-foot, two-story parking garage on the northeast corner of the St. Regis development. Every facet of it became a target of scrutiny and criticism — how fast the trees would grow to hide it; whether cars’ headlights would shine in the windows of Bay Isles Harbor residents’ homes; the noise from car engines starting and doors slamming. Nothing was too nitpicky. In the end, the commission voted 6-0 against the garage, in short because commissioners all agreed it would be too big, violate the character of Longboat Key, is not needed and would harm nearby neighbors and all Longboaters driving past it on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Hilarious. All the while, you couldn’t help but think of the obvious: That garage would sit in the shadows of three five-story condominium buildings with 69 units and a 166room St. Regis Hotel containing: Four restaurants Lobby lounge and St. Regis bar Terrace bar Ballrooms Meeting rooms and board rooms Beach grill Beach Monkey Bar Event lawn Swimming pools Saltwater lagoon Residents amenity building Private residents swimming pool The place is massive. And that’s without a garage. Town commissioners approved that development in 2018 and 2021, concerned about whether it would be out of scale for Longboat Key (which, one could argue, it clearly is), but they were eager to replace the Colony and fill its scruffy, vacant lot. And yet, that garage (whose 16,000 square feet, by the way, would total only one third of an acre on the 17.6-acre site), well, that garage, if approved, would be forever devastating to the town and its residents. Really?EYE OF THE BEHOLDERAt the end of last week’s meeting, Mayor Ken Schneier read a thorough, six-point rationale for his opposing the garage. Taken from standards required in a planned unit development, Schneier referred to his six points as “tests” the garage plans must meet. The six points are worth sharing here. As you read them, think of whether the entire St. Regis project, including the proposed garage, would pass the tests: 1) “Preserve and enhance the character of the town by ensuring that the location, density, intensity and character of land uses.” 2) “Maintain an environment that is conducive to the health, safety welfare and property values of the community.” 3) “Protect the visual and esthetic character of neighborhoods, including open space.” 4) “In the case of (planned unit development) approvals, preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open space.” 5) “In the case of departures that they be no less consistent with the health, safety and welfare of abutting landowners and the general public than the standard from which the departure is requested. And, the departure adequately protects against adverse impacts to adjacent parcels and the surrounding area.” 6) “In the case of site plan approvals to be considered, the manner in which the design enhances the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment and the relationship for the proposed plan, beneficial or adverse, to the neighborhood in which it is proposed to be established.” First, the answers to all of these tests are subjective — in the eyes of the beholders. Second, it’s likely true that commissioners and many of the residents opposed to the garage made their judgments on the basis of the plans they read and what they see today on the St. Regis site. As Unicorp lawyer Brenda Patten said, the massive, half-constructed concrete buildings “look intimidating.” They look like an unfinished penitentiary. No one can really know or imagine at this point how everything will come together and/or blend in with the surrounding properties until the project is complete and operating. It’s a reasonable guess, but based on renderings. If ever there was a time to use AI, the Unicorp team would have benefited from a life-like video simulation of a completed St. Regis, with garage and a sampling of what a typical day and night would be like. And while the commission was being asked to consider the garage in isolation as an amendment to the overall St. Regis plan, it also makes sense to put the proposed garage in context — how it fits into the overall project. Context matters. Unfortunately, it did not at last week’s meeting. In the end, Mayor Schneier’s prepared comments summed up the view of his fellow commissioners and the 254 Longboaters who spoke or expressed in a letter or email their opposition to the garage: Schneier: “The consensus is (the St. Regis project) is really big, but it’s going to be great. But the envelope can only be pushed so far, and the proposed parking garage exceeds that limit. It’s too big, and it’s too close (to Gulf of Mexico Drive) and would consume too much open space, too much territory. It would loom over the nearest neighborhood and our main road.” That is his and their opinion. We agree with his first statement, not the rest. OTHER KEY CONSIDERATIONS It is his and Marriott’s business; let them run it as they see fit. A repeated argument against the garage was Unicorp did not present a compelling need for additional parking spaces. Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall said in a video what he told The Observer last month: Based on post-pandemic travel patterns to Florida, he and St. Regis/Marriott executives have a strong belief the hotel is going to be more successful than originally expected. What’s more, also based on the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of car lifts at the St. Regis in Bal Harbor in Dade County, they are skeptical the car lifts will allow the hotel to live up to customers’ expectations of a five-star hotel. Put it this way: Clearly, Whittall and Marriott see the garage as a bet on the future. It’s a business decision and an investment in the future. Build the garage now even if it means excess capacity early on. Better to have more capacity than to be unable to give customers what they expect. Surely, most of the retired Longboat Key business executives can identify with that kind of business planning. “You can build it later if it’s needed.” Ha. Imagine a fully functioning St. Regis and the disruptions that would come with the construction of a parking garage. No smart CEO would make that choice over building a garage now — when the site is there, construction crews are working and the resort is still under construction. The garage actually would serve as a buffer for the residents of Bay Isles Harbor. They should watch out what they wish for. Without the garage, those Bay Isles Harbor residents closest to the St. Regis are sure to hear and see the constant clanging and rumble of big truck rigs delivering food and hauling away garbage. As you drive by the St. Regis site, you can’t miss looking at what will be the b ack-end loading docks and utility center of the resort. Which would you rather see: a well-shrouded garage with the inaudible hum of EVs or the daily parade of Waste Management and Sysco rigs? Compromise makes sense. As noted earlier, context matters. We’re guessing most Longboat residents would agree that a cordial, healthy, mutually beneficial relationship between the town leadership and Unicorp’s owner is in everyone’s best interest. No one wants what existed before. Longtime residents remember one of the character traits of the late Colony owner Murf Klauber: He was litigious. In fact, he won $14 million from the town in a federal lawsuit in the late 1990s. It seems obvious, then, when the Town Commission meets June 20 for a second reading on the St. Regis garage, it would behoove everyone to settle on a compromise — a garage smaller than the one proposed.OPINION / OUR VIEWIrony of St. Regis garage MATT WALSHWhile the St. Regis Hotel & Residences clearly stands out in size and scale, Longboat commissioners say a two-story garage would harm the town. Really? Courtesy renderingRendering of a completed St. Regis Hotel & Residences. Matt WalshRecent view of the area where the garage would be.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 9A 404428-1 donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Tuesday Saturday 10:00am 5:00pm 2095 17th Street SarasotaBuilding Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | LampsOur vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live. 396351-1 941-778-5622 LIC.#CFC1429635 ~ CPC1459826 ~ CAC1818472 www.lapenseeplumbing.com | 401 MANATEE AVENUE, HOLMES BEACH 401238-1 404609-1 r fntb FREE ADMISSIONrffntbnbnrfrfrFlorida State Fairgroundsrfftrr CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITERFormer Hillsborough County state attorney Andrew Warren is still suspended for speaking out against Gov. Ron DeSantis in August 2022. He spoke at the Longboat Key Democratic Club’s June 6 meeting. The meeting took place via Zoom, drawing a virtual crowd of almost 90. In Warren’s 30-minute talk, he dissected recent legislation from DeSantis and talked about why he feels the issues are pressing in a larger context. “This litigation with the governor has always been about more than me,” Warren said. Warren was suspended in August 2022 after signing a public statement in June 2022 against the prosecution of abortion. According to Warren, he was working a trial when he was officially suspended by way of armed security guards escorting him out of his office. “The governor will tell you I was suspended because I refused to enforce the law,” Warren said. “The problem is, it’s simply not true.” Warren’s talk began with an explanation of his suspension. He said after months of litigation and a three-day trial, a judge in Tallahassee ruled that the allegations against Warren were not true and that War ren did exactly what he was elected to do. Most importantly, according to Warren, was that the judge said DeSantis broke state and federal laws on suspending him. The case between Warren and DeSantis is still pending with no way to tell if Warren will be reinstated. “I want to get back to the job I was elected to do,” Warren said. A big portion of Warren’s talk was his analysis of the legislation passed by DeSantis that Warren claims infringes on the First Amendment. He listed the Combating Public Disorder Act, Parental Rights in Education Bill and the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act as a few examples. Warren also provided examples that he said demonstrate how DeSantis has “defied” democracy, citing a variety of laws that he claims made it more difficult for Floridians to vote. Lastly, Warren criticized what he called DeSantis’ “immigration stunts,” referencing the governor’s decision to fly migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. He claimed that DeSantis could potentially face criminal liability. A 15-minute question-andanswer session followed Warren’s main talk. Audience members typed questions in the virtual chat, which were asked by Lucie Lapovsky, chair of the club. The Democratic Club’s next meeting will be another free Zoom event on July 11 at noon. It will feature Emily Brown, an immigration attorney who will speak about current issues related to U.S. immigration law. More information about the event can be found at LBKDems.com/Events.The Longboat Democratic Club welcomed Andrew Warren as the June 6 guest speaker. He discussed his suspension and the governor’s recent actions.Former state attorney dissects DeSantis’ policies Courtesy photoAndrew Warren was a state attorney representing Hillsborough County until his suspension in August 2022. He recently spoke at the Longboat Key Democratic Club’s June event.

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10A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 rfnnntn bff r rfntbrnf rfff bffnfrff 402834-1 rfnftnbfffbf nffbf 400585-1 COPS CORNERFRIDAY, JUNE 2NOT A BURGLARY 5:35 p.m., 6100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Alarm: Police were sent to a residence on report of an active burglary alarm. Upon arrival, the responding ocer made contact with the homeowner who provided proof he resided there. þ  SATURDAY, JUNE 3QUIET DOWN 1:40 a.m., 600 block of Marbury Lane þ  Nois e complaints from land: Ofcers responded to a noise complaint and heard loud music from a nearby residence. They met with the homeowner and explained there was a complaint. The owner turned down the music without incident. þ  S UPPOSE YOU CAN STAY 2:00 p.m., 7000 block of Seabreeze Avenue þ  Citiz en assist: An ocer was dispatched to the address for a report of an unknown vehicle parked in the caller’s driveway. Upon arrival, the ocer met with the caller who did not know who the vehicle belonged to. It was later determined that the owner was from a neighboring condo complex and had parked there due to the lot being resurfaced. The caller allowed the vehicle to remain parked on the property. þ  MORE PRIV ATE BEACH CHAIRS þ  2:1 7 p.m., 1000 block of Longboat Club Road þ  Suspicious per son: An ocer responded to a call about a group of beachgoers using privately owned beach chairs. Upon arrival, the ofcer observed the group in question leaving the beach. He spoke with one of the individuals, who said they were staying at a nearby home and were allowed to use those chairs.SUNDAY, JUNE 4TOO LATE TO PARK 1:15 a.m., 6000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ  Suspicious v ehicle: An ocer was conducting a business check at the above the ocer observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. The driver’s side door was open and the driver was sitting in the seat. The ocer spoke with the driver. The driver said the car had broken down and a family member was on the way to help. Once the family member arrived, the ocer assisted with arranging a private tow. þ  RE ST IN PEACE 9:11 a.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ  Animal c omplaint: Police were dispatched to the area on report of a dead raccoon in the roadway. The ocer called the Public Works department to have it removed. þ  F ORCE OF NATURE þ  11:34 a.m., 6800 block of Longboat Drive South Citizen assist: þ  A caller advised police of potential ooding in front of the address. The responding ocer arrived and observed water pooling in the street from the sewer drains and canal. The ocer called back the individual and advised it was due to high tide. NO DONUTS þ   4:50 p .m., Jewsh Key þ  B oating citation: þ  While on marine p atrol, an ocer observed a personal watercraft operating on a plane with excessive wake in a posted “slow speed, minimum wake” zone. The operator was doing “donut” type maneuvers. After being stopped, the operator was issued a citation. þ  MONDAY, JUNE 5MISSING SAILBOAT FOUND 8:47 a.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ  Suspicious per son: An individual had previously made town police aware of his missing yellow sailboat. Later that same day while on marine patrol, þ­ o cers came across the yellow sailboat. They anchored the boat south of the John Ringling Bridge to await its owner. þ 

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YOUROBSERVER.COMJUNE 15, 2023 ARTS + ENTERTAINMENTLOVE COMEDY STYLEIf you’ve ever been in theater or on TV, you most likely know the “green room” is an inner sanctum where you wait until it’s your turn to go under the lights or in front of the camera. But at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota, The Green Room is a bar where audience members can enjoy a drink before or aer the show.This green room is like a museum. It contains dozens of framed magazine covers and newspaper front pages, awards and proclamations that Pam and Les McCurdy have racked up during more than three decades in the comedy business. This month, Pam and Les will have to make some room on the walls for the latest round of tributes. They are celebrating 35 years of providing a clean, comfortable venue for comics and teaching people from all walks of life the fine art of making a joke. Told that a recent father-and-son team had attended McCurdy’s Comedy Camp even though one was a professional marketer and the other a successful actor, Les McCurdy wasn’t surprised. “It’s on a lot of people’s bucket lists,” he said. Like skydiving or visiting Yellowstone National Park? “Sure,” says Les. The McCurdys met in 1982 while they were both working at Bennigan’s in Sarasota. Both servers were interested in working in the arts. Their romance took a hiatus in 1984 when Pam graduated from the Asolo Conservatory and moved to New York City. Les took his comedy act on the road and helped a boyhood friend run The Comedy Catch in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pam eventually joined Les in Chat tanooga, where they got engaged and married in 1987. The following year, on June 15, they opened their own comedy club in Sarasota at the nowdefunct Holiday Inn Airport Marina. They later took the club to the Big Kitchen on Clark Road before renovating the old Teatro Movie Theatre, where they remained until 2014, when they moved to their current downtown location. Making people laugh is harder than it looks, especially during a typical performance of about 20 minutes. What’s even harder is keeping a mar riage alive and growing for 35 years. The McCurdys aren’t planning on adding couples therapy to their repertoire. But they have some tips for sustaining successful relationships. Les wastes no time in offering advice. “No lying,” says the Chattanooga native, who often wears a straw cowboy hat. What about white lies? “No lying of any kind,” Les says more forcefully. One lie leads to another, he says, destroying credibility and trust. Lies of omission can be fatal to a relationship, Les says. They can lead to years of built-up resentment that, like shifting tectonic plates, slowly move toward an earthquake. “Every one thought they were so happy because they had been married for 20 years and then boom,” Les says. Some things, like chemistry, love and mutual respect, can just come naturally. The McCurdys don’t have to work too hard on those. Communication is key, Pam says. But you’ve got to make time for it. “It doesn’t always happen by itself,” says Pam, a petite blonde. Les agrees. While some professional partners who are also in a romantic relationship try to keep business separate from pleasure, that’s not feasible in their line of work, the McCurdys say. Even vacations involve scouting new talent. The McCurdys’ most recent getaway was to the Boston Comedy Festival, where they were wowed by the talent of the show’s winner, Learnmore “Long John” Jonasi. Les still does some performing of his own. At a recent show, his audience included visitors from Indiana. They seemed surprised when McCurdy informed them Indiana is home to one of the world’s largest collections of sex paraphernalia. It’s part of the archives at Indiana University, where sex researcher Alfred Kinsey was based in the mid20th century. This piece of trivia was news to the Indiana comedy fans, and their reactions provided grist for Les’s mill. Interacting with the audience and quizzing them about what brought them to Sarasota and to McCurdy’s generated plenty of risque þ­ m aterial SEE MCCURDY’S, PAGE 12A Les and Pam McCurdy celebrate 35 years of running their eponymous Sarasota club.MONICA ROMAN GAGNIERA+E EDITOR Monica Roman GagnierLes and Pam McCurdy opened their rst Sarasota comedy club in 1988, the year after they got married.Sidra WaliRoyal purple is McCurdy’s signature color.“McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.”Pam McCurdy < ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ : The golf lm will screen for free at WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival. 13A CALENDAR: Circus Arts takes center stage. 14A >A+E INSIDE:

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12A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 SERVING MEALS • DELIVERING HOPE • SAVING LIVES421 N Lime Ave • Sarasota FL 34237 ( 941 ) 366-6693 • MealsOnWheelsOfSarasota.orgA registered 501(c)(3) not-for-prot organization established in 1971 THE POWER OF A KNOCKTMA knock at the door might not seem like a big deal to many of us. But, to a homebound senior, it could signal the arrival of the only person they might see all day or all week long. It brings hope. It brings health. It brings the nutrition and care that will completely make their day. A knock from Meals on Wheels can even save lives.THE POWER OF A KNOCK TRANSFORMS LIVES. DONATE 398210-1 NOW – SAT AUG 12 rfntfn br $20 $13 b Incredible Family Entertainment rfntbf 390598-1 from McCurdy. There were jokes about “special” (wink-wink!) birthday presents, aging and online dat ing. When something wasn’t getting any laughs, McCurdy quickly moved on. When a camera flashed, he calmly said, “Don’t do that” and immediately segued back into his routine. Along with possessing the ability to size up someone in an instant and other formidable soft skills, Les has great respect for hard numbers. “If you don’t have a handle on your alcohol and food costs, you’re not going to stay in business,” he says. That’s where Pam comes in, dealing with vendors, making sure deliv eries are accurate and on time. Her soft skills are pretty impressive, too. They come in handy when hiring and managing staff in a time of service industry personnel shortages. Pam also handles press and publicity inquiries and other housekeeping issues. The latter literally means making sure McCurdy’s shines. Les remembers how one of his patrons once came up to him and said, “Your men’s room is so clean that I decided to take a dump there.” Clearly, bathroom humor comes as naturally to Les as jokes about sex. In restaurant or theater parlance, Pam is in charge of the back of the house, while Les’ domain is the front of the house, scouting and booking talent for the shows and the Humor Institute. Pam mostly lets Les be the star of the show. But she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. When Les started talking about their predecessors in Gulf Coast comedy, she gently interrupted and said, “I’m sorry, Les. McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.” To support that brand, servers at McCurdy’s wear T-shirts with the tagline, “This place is a joke,” adorned with signature McCurdy’s stick figure holding a microphone that also graces the outside of the building. McCurdy’s merchandise can be purchased in The Green Room, which, like the main club, can be rented out for parties. But the McCurdys don’t use a hard sell approach to club swag. They let their headliners push their own promotional T-shirts and hats. Many well-known comedians have come to McCurdy’s over the years. The list includes Amy Schum er, Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Chris Rock, Tommy Chong and Rosie O’Donnell, to name just a few. Famous funnymen (and women) often come back to McCurdy’s when they’re on the road, especially if they’re looking for a cabaret setting. Not every comedian can fill the Van Wezel the way former Tonight Show host Jay Leno did in March. Among the household names who will be coming to McCurdy’s in the coming months are Pauly Shore and Andrew Dice Clay. Have these polarized times forced comics to retreat from the no-holdsbarred style of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Richard Pryor? Nothing’s off limits, according to Les. “It doesn’t matter what a joke’s about if it’s funny,” he says. Comedy venues have come and gone in Sarasota. With its signature royal purple paint, McCurdy’s is the last club standing. Like many other businesses in the performing arts, the comedy club was knocked flat by COVID. Luckily, the McCurdy’s were in a position to take the hit. With the pandemic mostly behind it, McCurdy’s is sitting pretty. Their 2014 move to the former location of Shaner’s Pizzeria looks exceptionally shrewd, given the development now going on in their part of downtown. Sprouts recently signed a lease for 23,000 square feet at Main Street and Links Avenue. The natural grocer will have space in Aster & Links, a two-story building with 424 luxury residential housing units. If residents are in the mood for a laugh or two, they can walk around the corner to McCurdy’s. On the McCurdy’s website, Pam and Les say they plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary at their downtown comedy club. With their 35-year track record, they’re not kidding around. Courtesy photoPam and Les McCurdy toast on their wedding day, July 25, 1987, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Communication is key, but you’ve got to make time for it. It doesn’t always happen naturally”Pam McCurdyMcCurdy’sFROM PAGE 11A

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 13A YourObserver.com rfntbnrnrfntb 401896-1 rfntbff bnnf‘bf’bn“f”•f’‘fn–ffnf–n—nb—bn––fn –fb•‘nnnbbnnnn‘fnn bnnn“fnnnnnnb“nn–nn –nfn–fb‘f–fn‘n‘fnf bfnnfnfnbnnn‘fbf–bn bnfbnn‘fbf‘f––fnbfffbb– r•rRECLAIMING HOMECONTEMPORARY SEMINOLE ARTrr“ r“ “ r’ r • rrrr “’ ’ ’’ 380871-1 380873-1 405032-1 MONICA ROMAN GAGNIERA+E EDITORJuneteenth celebrations in Sarasota are expanding this year with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s inaugural Juneteenth Arts Festival. WBTT and other organizations have held Juneteenth events in the past, but nothing of this magnitude, says WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. Juneteenth, the U.S. holiday commemorating the day all enslaved Black Americans were freed, is all about joy, but there is an educational aspect to WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival, too, Jacobs says. “We want to invite the community to help celebrate an extremely important date in African American history. We have planned educational, fun-filled activities for the entire community,” Jacobs says. Two highlights of the festival, which will take place at WBTT, 1012 N. Orange Ave., are a performance of musical group RAD and screenings of the golf-themed feature film “Playing Through.” Screenings will be held in WBTT’s air-conditioned Donnelly Theatre. RAD members Raleigh Mosely II, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr., who each have their own artistic careers, have been making a name for themselves around town with their concerts of soul and R&B hits. RAD will be one of several per formers on an all-day outdoor stage for spoken word and live music, which will also feature students from Ringling College of Art and Design. The movie “Playing Through” holds a special place in the hearts of WBTT staff and artists because of their intimate involvement in the production. Much of the filming took place at the Laurel Oak Country Club and other locations in Sarasota. Written by Curtis Jordon and directed by Balbinka Korzeniowska, “Playing Through” tells the story of Ann Gregory, the first Black female golfer to play in a U.S. Golf Association tournament. Jacobs says the Juneteenth Arts Festival has the capacity to serve about 500 guests, between the 200seat Donnelly Theatre and seating in front of the outdoor stage and in shaded areas. There also will be food trucks onsite. Preparations have been made for a hot and sunny day and for guests of all ages, Jacobs says.A Sarasota Juneteenth event to remember Courtesy photosRaleigh Mosely II, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr. will perform as RAD during WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival. IF YOU GOJUNETEENTH ARTS FESTIVAL When: 1-9 p.m. Sunday, June 18 Tickets: Free Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Info: Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

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14A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 YourObserver.com rfrntrf ntbrbt trbt tt t bfnnfffnt t r fntbbr br t r t f tf ff 396205-1 THURSDAYSUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit CircusArts.org. Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at aordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12. ‘GOLD STANDARD’ Sarasota Music Festival 4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $30 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet makes its festival debut in this chamber showcase. They will perform Caroline Shaw’s Three Essays: First Essay (Nimrod) and Ravel’s String Quartet. Continues through June 24. ‘REEL MUSIC’ 6 p.m. at Florida StudioTheatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. “Reel Music” celebrates the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century, with classics like “Singing in the Rain,” “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” This lively revue reminds us that movies and music have always gone hand in hand. Runs through June 25. 8TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 0S IN CONCERT 7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30 Visit ThePlayers.org. þ  It’ s time to get up and boogie as The Players presents a fast-paced musical romp through the muchmaligned decade. Runs through June 18. THE SURFER BOYS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surn’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to Sarasota with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13. ‘SHEAR MADNESS’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. There’s been a murder in a local hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 2.FRIDAY FRIDAY FEST: KETTLE OF FISH 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit VanWezel.org. Kettle of Fish’s original music is an amalgam of rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul. ‘RADIANT TAROT: PATHWAY TO CREATIVITY’ Tony Barnstone 6:30 p.m. at Bookstore1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Tony Barnstone’s “The Radiant Tarot: Pathway to Creativity” presents a new yet ancient approach to awakening creativity and personal growth. DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING JR.’ 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $10.50-$18 Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter. com. School’s out for summer and camp hasn’t started. Entertain the kids with Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.”THIS WEEK OUR PICK‘APPALACHIAN SPRING’ SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL Marion Kuszyk, associate principal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joins hornist Michelle Reed Baker in Mozart’s serenade for wind octet. Music Director Jerey Kahane conducts the Aaron Copland work that gives the program its name and also plays piano with Attacca Quartet on Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor. Continues through June 24. IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16 Where: Sarasota Opera House Tickets: $29 and up Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/FestivalCourtesy photosThe Alexis Brothers perform in the Summer Circus Spectacular through Aug. 12 at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 15A YourObserver.com 385048-1 OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441 4551 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437 2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679 www.manasotaonline.com 404690-1 Juneteenth Arts FestivalPRESENTING SPONSORS DONA & SAM SCOTT CO-SPONSORS DR. DONALD & DORIS JOHNSON Celebrate Juneteenth with WBTT! Featuring local organizations, food vendors, performances, and filmmakers to partake in a communal sharing of art and culture!Sunday, June 18th, 2023 1 PM 9 pmWestcoast black theatre troupe 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 For more information visit: WestcoastBlackTheatre.org 404861-1 SATURDAYGREASE! IN CONCERT 7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5 $35-$50 Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com. The 50s-themed musical comes to the Venice stage for one night only. Get out your leather jackets, poodle skirts and saddle shoes for some romance-lled “Summer Nights.” Grease is the word; pass it along! ‘SOUND STORIES’ 7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. The concert in the Sarasota Music Festival features the works of Respighi, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Continues through June 24.SUNDAY‘RISING STARS’ 2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $15 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival. Fellows studying at the Sarasota Music Festival perform the works of Dvorak, Brahms, Ibert, Faure and more. Continues through June 24. þ  MONDAYMPROV AND MORE 11 a.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org. For many, improv is on the “bucket list.” Here’s a low-risk chance to give it a try at the Osher LifeLong Learning Institute course at FST.TUESDAY A FRANK LECTURE ON SINATRA Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) 11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org. þ  E verything you wanted to know about Ole Blue Eyes but were afraid to ask will be covered in this entertaining talk, part of OLLI’s summer education series. THE MANY LANGUAGES OF JENNIFER CROFT 6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Writer Jennifer Croft will appear on Tuesday, June 20, at Hermitage Artist Retreat with her husband, Boris Dralyuk, a writer and translator. Croft won a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship for her novel “Amadou,” which will be published this year by Bloomsbury US and Scribe UK .WEDNESDAY FRANKIE PAUL 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com. Frankie Paul has been touring professionally since 1990 þ  and is sure to tickle your funny bone with his material on marriage, family and human stupidity. Runs through June 24. DON’T MISS‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’ In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to make their dreams come true. But are the sacrices each must make to win the championship belt worth it? IF YOU GO When: Through July 9 Where: 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $39 Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre. com Courtesy photosPeter Pasco (left), Edgar Miguel Sanchez, Rodney Nelson and Juan Ramirez Jr. star in “That Must be the Entrance to Heaven,” which runs through July 9 at Urbanite Theatre.

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16A LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 e Next Evolution of Luxury Beginsrfffnftbfbrf rfntbn tttrrr f‘f’“f‘ ‘‘’”•nff‘r–r—rfrrr rrr—rrrrr—r—r—–rrrrr —frrrrrrrrrrrrr——rrrrr—’rr“rrrrr rrrrr rtrfntbr frrf frrrrfr tbbrff 404806-1

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HAPPY 401180-1 JAMES PETERMANAGING EDITORWhen Mirabai Holland coaches a client through rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery, she can speak from experience. The Longboat-based health coach had hip replacement surgery on both hips last year, but she’s made an impressive recovery and is leading a new wellness program to help other patients do the same. “By three months, I was able to walk without the walker. I bypassed the cane. And by (four months) I said, ‘I think I can teach (again),’” explained Holland, who teaches fitness classes at Bayfront Park in addition to an array of other area health initiatives. The nationally known wellness expert recently partnered with Dr. Edward Stolarski, a local orthopedic surgeon to develop the SRQ Ortho Club wellness program, which Hol land said is a holistic approach to preparing patients for total hip and knee replacement surgery, offering one-on-one coaching for nutrition and preand post-rehabilitation. “I know very specifically what (patients) should do to get ready (for surgery) because I’ve gone through it,” said Holland. “But I also know the science of what they need to do.” In the course of the program’s roughly six months, Holland has already coached 20 patients via phone and Zoom. As Holland explained, a hip or knee þ­ r eplacement surgery is the perfect opportunity for patients to make healthy lifestyle changes and build better nutrition and exercise habits.LOCAL DETOURHelping people build healthier lifestyles has been the focus of Holland’s long and influential career in wellness. Coincidentally, she found her way to the fitness industry thanks in part to a knee surgery patient living in Sarasota — her father. Holland was still a dancer and cho reographer in 1979 when her father had knee surgery and grew frustrated by his lack of progress in rehabilitation. So he fired his physical therapist and turned to his daughter for help. Holland was reluctant at first, but eventually she brought to bear her understanding of movement and the body, learned through dance. In just three week’s Holland’s father was feeling less pain — and frustration, she said. That experience helped alter Holland’s course. She went back to school and earned a degree in exer cise physiology from Columbia University in New York. She created a corporate fitness program in the 1980s, for which some of her first clients were staff members of Forbes at the then newly built magazine headquarters’ gym on Fifth Avenue in New York. “It was a cardio and strength class,” said Holland. “I went there and I probably looked like a little dancer. You know, I had my leotard on.” The class was a hit, though, and Holland continued to teach at Forbes for four years and at several other NYC companies, she said. “I had this nice little gig going on, and it just got me into a whole differ ent headspace,” she said. That nice little gig helped launch Holland’s career as a wellness consultant, taking her to Indonesia to get a luxury destination spa gym up and running. Then as an international consultant Holland worked in France, Portugal and Germany. And during her fitness travels, she met her future husband, F. Sebastian Marino. Holland was a judge at an aerobics competition and Marino was producing the footage for ESPN. It was back in the U.S. where the next chapter of her career took off.DIRECTING FITNESSHolland began as a consultant at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan and became its director of fitness and wellness. During the course of her 16-year career there, the class offerings grew to more than 100, and Holland developed a dizzying array of wellness and fitness programs, including ones specifically for osteoporosis prevention, cancer patients and heart patients. Holland and Marino put a number of workouts on video, starting with a four-DVD set. “It was for someone that hated to exercise and was never exposed (to it) before. And so we had this program where they could start with just five minutes and build up to 30 minutes and then followed with longer videos that were aimed at the three major components of fitness — cardio, strength and flexibility,” she said. The success of the series of exer cise videos was part of the reason Holland left the Y in 2010. QVC was interested in selling the exercise videos. The couple moved to Longboat, which became a perfect background for shooting exercise videos. Once Marino and Holland were living in Longboat, it seemed natural to find opportunities to bring Holland’s health expertise to the local community. In addition to the fitness classes she teaches locally, Holland runs a private health coaching practice and has worked with Manatee County since 2014 to offer employees health coaching sessions to foster healthy lifestyle habits. The first five are free, said Holland. After that, county workers can get 15 more coaching sessions for a small co-pay. Recently, Holland brought a new weight-management program — Lose to Win — to the area. The eightweek program is designed to help participants develop sustainable, healthy eating habits. Holland said she plans to offer the course via live Zoom sessions several times this year to Sarasota residents. “It’s really about your sleep; it’s really about your stress. It’s really about activity. Food, yes, but also your environment, what’s going on.” While Holland has been focused on fitness for much of her career, she got her start in the creative arts and never abandoned that passion, expressing herself via photography, ink drawings, painting and poetry — some of which can be viewed at www.MirabaiHollandArt.com. “So many people say, ‘Well, just be retired.’ You know, I wouldn’t even know what to do with myself. This is my retirement.” She has at least one more idea for her “nonretirement.” One that would merge her passion for coaching with her artistic side. “We’re thinking about maybe developing a creativity course for people. I think everybody has that light in them for creativity, but it doesn’t often get fostered because a lot of things get in the way.” To contact Holland about her wellness programming email þ­ A skMirabai@ MovingFree.com or visit www.MirabaiHolland.com. YOUR NEIGHBORSJUNE 15, 2023 Classieds 14B Games 13B Real Estate 11B Weather 13BCreating health for lifeLongboat-based health expert Mirabai Holland coaches clients through physical þ­ r ehabilitation, teaches healthy eating habits and so much more.Courtesy photosMirabai Holland coaching clients via Zoom recently. Mirabai Holland coaches a client on proper technique for using a walker after his hip replacement surgery earlier this year.“It’s really about your sleep, it’s really about your stress. It’s really about activity. Food, yes, but also your environment, what’s going on.”— Mirabai Holland

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2B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 40 North Adams Dr., Sarasota, FL • 941.388.1234 • Questions? Contact: michael@saklc.comSummer Worship Sundays at 10:00am Sunday Coffee Hour at 9:00am All Are Welcome! 401464-1 401192-1 All are welcome at All Angels no exceptions• In-person worship service Sunday at 10 a.m. • Live-stream at AllAngelsLBK.org to participate on-line • Discussion Groups on Tue & Wed at 10 a.m.563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161 AllAngelsLBK.org r fnnn tttbbb rffntbrfntbnf ttt tttbbb rfrntbtrff ntfffrf rf b 401203-1 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, Florida 34228 • 941-383-6491Follow us on Facebook • www.longboatislandchapel.orgLord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 12:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays The Lord’s Warehouse will be closed during the month of September.Please join us for worship in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. or online at our website and Facebook Live Stream at 10 a.m. An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956401250-1 567 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL 941 383 3428 longboatkeytemple.org To learn more about our Temple and all our educational, cultural , and Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org You are invited to join us in worship, song & fr iendship at Shabbat services every Friday evening at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. 401333-1 MIRI HARDYCONTRIBUTORThe ubiquitous eastern gray squirrel is one of Florida’s three native squirrel species and is found in both natural and urban settings. Although very adaptable, these diurnal mammals prefer locations with mature tree canopies. Such habitats offer abundant nesting cavities and allow them to move about without traveling on the ground, where they’re more vulnerable to predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and cats. Squirrels are considered critical for the health and balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. In addition to being a food source for many species, as consumers (and cachers) of nuts and seeds, they provide other vital ecosystem services, such as seed dissemination and plant diversification. Indeed, thanks to their seed-caching activities, squirrels have an important role in maintaining Florida’s native longleaf pine ecosystem. But when living in close proximity to humans, squirrels, like other wildlife, can become dependent on people for food, to the detriment of their ecosystems. Such dependence can occur due to unintentional feeding, as happens when þ­ animals r aid loosely secured trash or find litter. But unfortunately, wild animals are often directly fed by humans. Feeding wildlife never ends well for them. It can be dangerous for us. And in some cases (e.g. American alligators), it’s illegal. Wild animals have specialized diets and can become malnourished or die if fed foods that don’t provide the nutrients they need. Feeding young animals prevents them from developing critical foraging skills. Importantly, it only takes a few feeding incidents for wild animals to lose their natural fear of people and associate us with food. Though cute, squirrels are wild animals — with sharp teeth and nails — that become demanding and aggressive when food is no longer provided. In fact, due to public safety concerns, feeding wildlife at Myakka River State Park can actually be a death sentence for animals. For example, when American alligators start approaching park visitors after being illegally fed, they have to be killed. We can help keep Florida’s wildlife healthy and our ecosystems balanced by never feeding wild animals. By not leaving litter behind and keeping trash receptacles secure, we can avoid unintentionally feeding them, too. Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiverSquirrels support healthy ecosystems. We can help keep them and other wild animals healthy by never feeding wildlife.Miri HardySquirrels are expert foragers, and wild mushrooms are an important part of their natural diet, providing the nutrients they need to survive and thrive. WILD FLORIDAFeeding squirrels or other wildlife never ends wellTents lined the circle and festivalgoers darted in and out of the shade to beat the heat, but there was a colorful feast of sights at the 2023 St. Armands Circle Craft Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The work of regional artists and artisans was on display with a wide variety for perusal, including oil and acrylic paintings, starsh candles, artisanal cheeses, jewelry and woodworking crafts. There were also orchids and other botanicals for sale. Lakewood Ranch High student Lorenzo Liberti and his mother, Martha, were among the craft sellers. Lorenzo started his company Heroic Flags when he was 14 years old. Lorenzo soon found that with the right tools and materials, he could create rustic American ags from wood. He carves wooden ags and has made donations to local nonprots supporting military veterans. He explained that each ag takes about 20 hours to make. þ  “The ide a of giving back rst occurred to me in January (2019) when I went to feed the homeless with my church and met a veteran in need,” he said. Another vendor, Zsuzsanna Luciano, had an eye-catching display. The photographer merges as many as 80 dierent photos of landscapes and outdoor scenes to form huge pictures that contain 2,700 megapixels, making for crystal clear images. The incredible clarity creates the eect of looking through a window or standing in the scene itself.— SIDRA WALICreative crafting on the circle Photos by Sidra Wali The work of Jax Kalin, wildlife artist Nikolette Vardi, a creator of mixed-media collages Sea Pixie Designs

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 3B SANCTUARY GULF VIEWS535 SANCTUARY DR #B205 | OFFERED AT $2,375,000 is 3 bedroom/3 full bath oor plan oers east and west terraces boasting direct beach views from the main living area and partial golf course/garden views from the guest rooms. Freshly painted and ready for a new owner to add their special touches. MLS# A4570237 RECENT ACTIVITY GRAND BAY ELEGANCE3080 GRAND BAY BLVD #515 | OFFERED AT $935,000 is spectacular 2 bedroom rst oor residence is situated perfectly for Sarasota Bay views. Located in the pet friendly, double gated community of Grand Bay, this residence also comes with TWO under building parking spots and exclusive access to the Bay Isles Beach Club. MLS# A4570436 BAY VIEWS #1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLifeWWW.LONGBOATLIFE.COM BENCHMARK RESULTS • STRATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE401263-1 BEACH VIEWS 535 SANCTUARY DR #C508 | $4,850,000 LANDMARK SALE 4725 GULF OF MEXICO DR #213 | $794,000K GROSS INCOME 1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #205 | $1,795,000 GULF VIEWS

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4B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 rffnt bnfn rffntb tttrtntnnrttrnrtnntrnrtrrnrnrnttrrnrt ntntnttnnntttrtrtrnrrtnnrttrrrtnnntt ntnrrrrnnnrrt403109-1 Once wasn’t enough for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to celebrate World Ocean Day. After Mote partnered with Salt Life on June 8 to host a beach cleanup on Siesta Key for the day-of observance, Mote hosted its own World Ocean Day celebration on June 10 in the aquarium courtyard, with several conservation organizations presenting exhibits. The 30x30 challenge theme was featured prominently in the courtyard. The campaign encourages the protection of 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. According to the Ocean Project, only about 8% of the planet’s oceans qualify as highly protected. “We want to remind people about this wonderful nature and how vital it is to our tourism and in general,” said Sam Douglass, event coordinator. Donna Krusenoski was on hand from the Sarasota Shell Club to share the organization’s mission, which includes education, community outreach, building respect for the environment and support for ocean-based charities. Among the club’s eorts, members sell artwork and jewelry made from the shells to donate to conservation causes and nonprofits. The club also will help identify shells that people nd on the beach. Many people are surprised to learn that shells have handedness, with most being “right-handed,” explained Krusenoski. The relatively rare lightning whelk, though is sinistral, or left-handed, and can be found on Florida beaches. “You see this beautiful nature and you can’t resist picking it up,” said Krusenoski. Randy and Martha Wells were on hand from the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and shared some of what the organization has learned about local dolphins. About 170 dolphins live in Sarasota Bay year-round, said Martha Wells, volunteer. The program has observed six generations now. “We’re learning a lot about their relationships. We can look at their communication and other factors that they need to be successful,” said Martha Wells. Part of the organization’s outreach included educating aquarium visitors about best practices at sea to ensure people don’t unintentionally harm marine life. The No. 1 cause of death for local dolphins is recreational shing gear, said Randy Wells, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program director and chairman. “We need to take more responsibility for what we put out there,” said Randy Wells. “We’re all neighbors and we share the environment. We share the same air. The same water. The same sh.”— JAMES PETERCelebrating Ocean Day the Mote way Katelyn Olsen tries to hold a peppermint shrimp. Randy and Martha Wells of the þ­ Sarasota Dolphin Research ProgramPhotos by Sidra WaliJulie Henry, author of “Wisdom from the Wild,” started out at Mote as an intern in 1994. Donna Krusenoski of the Sarasota Shell Club Akiko Campbell paints 8-year-old Blair Lee’s face.

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 5B NEW PRICESIESTA KEY | SIESTA COVE NEW PRICE $3,495,000 5212 SIESTA COVE DR. | 5BR/6BA/2HB | 5,133 SF | ON 1.5 WATERFRONT LOTS | 120’ OF NEW DOCK | 1,000’ OF SCREENED AND OPEN DECK AREA 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOA T KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE. F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 LA BELLASARA DOWNTOWN $3,995,000464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503, SARASOTA, FL 3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage SIESTA COVESIESTA KEY $3,987,0005212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA WATER CLUB I LONGBOAT KEY $3,495,0001241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF THE SEA BREEZE SIESTA KEY NEW MOTIVATED PRICE $2,900,0009008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5, SARASOTA, FL SORRENTO SHORES MAINLAND $949,000449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY NEW PRICE NEW PRICESTANDING UNITED WITH UKRAINE941.387.1820 www.ackermansrq.com RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.netAVAILABLE PROPERTIESCRYSTAL SANDS SIESTA KEY6300 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #101, SARASOTA, FL • 2BR/2BA • 1,240 SF • $1,395,000 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW PRICE NEW PRICE 595 BAY ISLES RD., SUITE 250 | LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 • 443 JOHN RINGLING BLVD., STE., F | SARASOTA, FL 34236 941.387.1820 www.ackermansrq.comTOP PRODUCING SMALL TEAM IN SARASOTA COUNTY RYAN ACKERMAN ryan@ackermangroup.net BARBARA ACKERMAN barbara@ackermangroup.net THE ACKERMAN GROUP LIDO REGENCY $549,0001700 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR.#5F, SARASOTA1BR/1.5BA • 981 SF • Bay and city views LA BELLASARA $4,289,000 464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 , SARASOTA, FL3BR/4.5 BA • 3,490 SF • 2-Car Garage COREY’S LANDING $1,899,0003414 FAIR OAKS LANE, LONGBOAT KEY SIESTA COVE $4,250,0005212 SIESTA COVE DRIVE, SARASOTA 10,000 lb. LA BELLASARA $3.395,000464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #202, SARASOTA CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS?DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE — CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820PRE-CONSTRUCTION ONE PARK SARASOTA Completion : Fall 2026 THE EVOLUTION Completion : Fall 2023 THE EDGE Completion PENINSULA SARASOTA Completion THE DEMARCAY Completion :: Fall 2023 688 GOLDEN GATE PT Completion : TBD THE COLLECTION 1355 2nd Street Completion : Winter 2023 EN POINTE Completion : Winter 2024 ZAHRADA 2 1546 4th Street Completion : Fall 2025 ROSEWOOD RESIDENCES Completion : Fall 2026 VILLA BALLADA Completion :: Fall 2025 NOW PENDING NOW PENDING AQUARIUS CLUB $1,260,0001701 GULF OF MEXICO DR. #207, LONGBOAT KEY NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NOW PENDING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTINGWATER CLUB I $3,495,0001241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704, LONGBOAT KEY, FL 3BR/4BA • 3,045 SF terraces.THE SEA BREEZE $3,199,0009008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 SARASOTA, FL SOTA 1703 Main Street Completion : S 2025 404537-1 LONGBOAT KEY | FAIRWAY BAY $895,0001930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 | 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF RARELY AVAILABLE | LARGEST CORNER UNIT MAINLAND | SORRENTO SHORES $899,000449 S. SHORE DRIVE, OSPREY | 3BR/3BA | 2,564 SF MINUTES TO SIESTA KEY SIESTA KEY | THE SEA BREEZE $2,900,0009008 MIDNIGHT PASS RD., #5 | 3BR/3.5 BA | 3,700 SF PRIVATE 2-CAR GARAGE & ROOF TOP TERRACE | DEEDED BOAT DOCK DOWNTOWN SARASOTA | VISTA BAY POINT NEW PRICE $3,550,000128 GOLDEN GATE PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA | 3,477 SF | PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACE $ 200,000 PRICE REDUCTION! SIESTA KEY | SARA SANDS NEW PRICE $2,290,0005182 SANDY BEACH AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF 116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT NEW PRICE PENDING OPEN FRIDAY 11-2

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6B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 rfntbnnt bnbnfbbt nbnnnbntbt nbtbt rfntbf rrtr rrfbrf 405013-1 Wednesday, June 21 8:30 AM 10 AM 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236 404654-1 941.724.7228CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com• Consistent top producer on Longboat Key • In-depth knowledge of the real estate market • Active in our community with Longbeach Village Association Longboat Key Historical Society Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Longboat Key Garden Club Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Cathy C. Meldahl, P.A. Your Longboat Key Community Realtor Your Longboat Key Community Realtor 401271-1440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228Celebrating 50 YEARS 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key 401310-1 401297-1 St. Regis Residences #201 | New Construction 11,000sf | Longboat Gulf Front | $21,244,000 PENDING 440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida 845 Longboat Club Road | Regent Court 19,300sf | 140’ on the Gulf | $16,500,000 845 Longboat Club Road 19,300 SF | A4440615 | $19,750,000 Water Club #401 3,400 SF | A4421764 | $2,575,000 65 Lighthouse Point Drive 4,933 SF | A4438181 | $3,795,000 501 Halyard Lane 2,340 SF | A4448464 | $1,995,000EXTRAORDINARY properties UNRIVALED expertise EXCEPTIONAL resultsMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders. com Broker-Associate941.928.3559 finest .com440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida SOLD Water Club #402 | Longboat Key 3,400sf | 3BR | Gulf Front | $3,850,000 SOLD 845 Longboat Club Road 19,300 SF | A4440615 | $19,750,000 Water Club #401 3,400 SF | A4421764 | $2,575,000 65 Lighthouse Point Drive 4,933 SF | A4438181 | $3,795,000 501 Halyard Lane 2,340 SF | A4448464 | $1,995,000EXTRAORDINARY properties UNRIVALED expertise EXCEPTIONAL resultsMichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders. com Broker-Associate941.928.3559 finest .com440 Gulf of Mexico Dr | Longboat Key, Florida EXTRAORDINARY UNRIVALED EXCEPTIONAL MichaelMoulton@michaelsaunders.com 70 Lighthouse Point Drive | Gated Community 5,474sf | 4BR | Gulf Front | $8,000,000 SOLD PET PICSHave photos of your four-legged family members? We want to see them! Share them at YourObserver.com/contests/ þ­ petpics to be published online and for a chance to see them in print!FLUFF LIFE: Mittens (aka Mitty) from Longboat Cove Condominiums on Longboat Key

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 7B REAL ESTATE BY A REAL EXPERT Bruce@BruceMyer.com • www.BruceMyer.com941.376.5311 Bruce MyerRealtor 595 BAY ISLES ROAD, SUITE 250 LONGBOAT KEY, FL 34228 OVER $79 MILLION PENDING AND SOLD 2023 OVER $97 MILLION SOLD IN 2022 • OVER $134 MILLION SOLD IN 2021 NO REALTOR HAS EVER LISTED OR SOLD MORE LONGBOAT KEY PROPERTIES BEACHPLACE • NEW PRICE 1095 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #504 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $995,000Breathtaking views through windows and sliders of high-impact glass from this 2BR/2BA updated residence. UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2945 PYRULA DRIVE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $3,345,000 separate in-law suite and large 3-car garage. Expansive outdoor area with heated pool and spa. LONGBEACH 7105 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #11 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $995,000 Beautifully done, 2BR/2BA, furnished corner residence, with first level access to the finest in beachfront living. The redone kitchen seamlessly opens to the living and dining areas, where sliding doors in the living room lead to the fully covered and screened terrace. GRAND BAY III 3030 GRAND BAY BLVD., #316 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,495,000 GRAND BAY V 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD., #532 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $899,000 L’AMBIANCE 435 L’AMBIANCE DR., #K905 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL• $4,200,000 SEA GATE CLUB 2425 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #6A • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,795,000 COUNTRY CLUB SHORES 510 CHIPPING LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,795,000 THE BAYOU 3210 BAYOU SOUND • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,495,000 BIRD KEY 632 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE • SARAOSTA, FL • $3,250,000 QUEENS HARBOUR JUST LISTED 3590 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,995,000 PORTOBELLO JUST LISTED 3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #304 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,195,000 401499-1

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8B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 r fr frntbf r f n tb t tn r rfntbr r r r r r r r f f n n t t r r b b fnt ntbtb rfntb bffn rbrntr 402651-1 You are invited to a special intimate performance put on by the Sarasota Jazz Project. FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 RAIN OR SHINE 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM AldermanOaks.com 727 Hudson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 AL#8979 To RSVP Call 941 955 9099 Downtown Sarasota s Premier Senior Rental Retirement Residence Enjoy listening to Jazz selections from this talented group either out in our gardens or indoors, depending on the weather. 386515-1 FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACEQuick Response & • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • DRYWALL REPAIR • STUCCO REPAIR • EPOXY FLOORING • POWERWASHING • TEXTURINGFor Your Free Quote & call us Today! 401151-1RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Bourbon. Burgers. Barbecue. That’s how the Longboat Key Republican Club kicked o its oseason on Saturday — with a cookout and bourbon tasting to introduce new members to the club and encourage socializing during the summer for the club’s year-rounders. Fifty-ve members and guests sampled a range of bourbons, including Chicken Cock Whiskey, Rebel Yell and Bardstown Bourbon’s Discovery. Club President Garnett Black co-founded the Bardstown Bourbon Co. in 2014. It’s now among the top distilleries in the country in production volume. þ  Black mo ved to the area in 2019 and said events like Saturday’s help foster connection among transplants. “People want to go to the state that’s free, but then it’s hard to connect. (Tonight) is not only a chance to talk to other Republicans but also to make friends.” The Republican Club has traditionally met from October to April, regularly hosting speakers on a variety of topics, but Black said she intends to hold more events in the oseason and that the tasting was likely to become a regular event.— JAMES PETERBarreling into oseason Four dierent types of bourbon were on oer for the tasting. Deb and Tom CooneyPhotos by Sidra WaliElaine Quinn, Linda Musekamp and Jim Quinn

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 9B rffrffn trbffrfrfrfntbf bbtr rt trr tt bb b rntb 400873-1 rr r

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10B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 401859-1 r fnt fbtf f f frr fntbtf f ff nr fntftf ff r fnt tf ‘t ff fff ‘‘’n ntt ’nt f f nr fntbtf “”•n” ff f nrnf ntbt –•nn ff f ntbt —tt f f ” fnt bt f f r ntt f f fn ntt f f ft ntfbt f f r ntt nn•” f ff ftt‘r nt btf t f f t fntbt t f ff •n ntt n•t‘ ff f f”’n nttf f r ntt nn•” f f r nt t nn•” f ff ffr ntt f nrn ntt nn•” f ff ffr nttff t“••t ff ff • nt t f fff t nt ff f tnr ntt n–‘“ ff f tnr nttff r f f r ntt f ff ”’nf nttf r f f r

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 11B rf ntbtb rffrnntbbtbbr r rfrffrnntbbtbbrf fntfbftf fffftb ftfb t tft ff Licensed Real Estate Broker Prices as of December 2022 401835-1 LONGBOAT KEYAddress þ P ermit þ Applic ant þ Amount 629 Kingfisher L ane þ Ne w Construction þ F rancisco Family Tr. þ $3 ,000,400 569 Kingfisher Lane þ Ne w Construction þ Chris topher Price þ $2,5 78,917 2450 Harbourside Drive #243 þ Alt/R enovation þ W illiam B. Bierce þ $325 ,000 2301 Gulf of Mexico Drive #46N Alt/Renovation þ Rit chie Hall þ $300 ,000 540 Harbor Gate Way þ Alt/R enovation þ W illiam F. Hadley þ $250 ,000 5135 Gulf of Mexico Drive þ R oof þ S eascape þ $2 76,735 1105 Gulf of Mexico Drive #503 Alt/Renovation þ E dward D. Viner þ $111,383 380 Gulf o f Mexico Drive þ R oof þ T angerine Bay Club þ $1 05,000 þ Association 340 Gulf of Mexico Drive 1A þ R oof þ T angerine Bay Club þ $1 05,000 þ Association 1620 Harbor Cay Lane þ Mechanic al þ Chris topher J. Donato þ $1 00,000 551 Harbor Point Road þ R oof þ Jame s and Valerie þ $94 ,030 þ Brown 548 Cutter Lane þ D ock/Seawall/Lift þ R obert Randall Griffith þ $66 ,399 551 Broadway þ S wimming Pool/Spa þ 551 Br oadway LLC þ $58 ,000 2450 Harbourside Drive #243 þ Electric al þ W illiam B. Bierce þ $53 ,000 3030 Grand Bay Blvd. #354 þ Alt/R enovation þ K atharine Pan þ $51, 000 þ Revocable þ 61 0 Longview Drive þ Mechanic al þ Gr een Heron þ $50 ,000 þ Development þ The se are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of June 2-8 in order of dollar amounts.Source: Sarasota County, city of Sarasota TOP BUILDING PERMITSHARBOUR VILLA CLUB AT BUCCANEERMark and Mary King, of Plaineld, Illinois, sold their Unit 101 condominium at 615 Dream Island Place to Thomas and Rose Brown, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, for $1.05 million. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,514 square feet of living area. It sold for $614,300 in 2020.PORTOBELLOMichael and Charlotte Balog, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit B-307 condominium at 3240 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Portobello B307 LLC for $950,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,290 square feet of living area. It sold for $526,500 in 2020.LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEYChristopher Claypoole and Nedra Foster and Nedra Duffy, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 770 Russell St. to Nancy Toon, of Southampton, New York, for $860,000. Built in 1963, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,352 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2019.LONGBOAT ARMSSapphire Consulting LLC sold the Unit 208-C condominium at 3320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Longboat Arms 208C LLC for $490,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,154 square feet of living area. It sold for $309,000 in 2020.BIRD KEYJulie McGue, of Michigan City, Indiana, sold the home at 622 S. Owl Drive to Cumberland Trust and Investment Co., trustee, for $9.75 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,635 square feet of living area. It sold for $6 million in 2021. Warbler LLC sold the home at 114 N. Warbler Lane to James Gross and Carol Gross, trustees, of St. Charles, Illinois, for $3.1 million. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,936 square feet of living area. It sold for $3 million in March.LIDORobert and Susan Lifeso, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at to Kenneth and Carrie Cox and Andrew Cox, of Sarasota, for $7.5 million. Built in 2000, it has six bedrooms, six-and-two-half baths, a pool and 6,843 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.8 million in 2005.SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUBJohn and Jane Vorel sold their Unit A-402 condominium at 545 Sanctuary Drive to Teresa Rosenbeck, of Longboat Key, for $3.06 million. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. It sold for $705,000 in 1996.THE TIDES OF LONGBOATWilliam Dobbling, trustee, of Southgate, Kentucky, sold the Unit 203 condominium at 5555 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mark Knue and Ellen Kantor-Knue, of Cincinnati, for $1.7 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. It sold for $879,000 in 2004.TANGERINE BAY CLUBDavid and Laura Atchison, of Oak Brook, Illinois, sold their Unit 412 condominium at 370 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Christopher Powers, trustee, of Columbus, Ohio, for $1.6 million. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,380 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2022.THE AQUARIUS CLUBWilliam Francis Morneau Jr., of Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 3-E condominium at 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Nektarios Arvanitis, of Elmhurst, Illinois, for $1.15 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,615 square feet of living area. It sold for $500,000 in 2018. Tomasz and Renata Niewiadomski, of Brewster, New York, sold their Unit 5-E condominium at 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jerey Potter, of Longboat Key, for $1.1 million. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,615 square feet of living area. It sold for $542,500 in 2018.CLUB LONGBOAT BEACH AND TENNISLeslie Wilczewski, of W. Bloomeld Township, Michigan, sold the Unit 521 condominium at 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard Peter Rowe and Pamela Stites, of Longboat Key, for $1.06 million. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,718 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2001. REAL ESTATEADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITORT he following residential real estate transactions took place between May 29 and June 2. A home on Bird Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Henry and Dawn Duques, of Madison, Connecticut, sold their home at 626 S. Owl Drive to H. Lee Scott Jr. and Linda Scott, trustees, of Golden Oak, for $11.25 million. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, eight baths, a pool and 6,576 square feet of living area. Bird Key home tops this week’s sales at $11.25 million RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS MAY 29-JUNE 2James Peter This house at 626 S. Owl Drive recently sold for $11.25 million, setting a new record for the most expensive home sale on Bird Key.

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12B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. ONE SOURCE.TILE & STONE | MOSAICS | CABINETRY | COUNTERTOPS | FLOORING VISIT OUR SARASOTA SHOWROOM941.355.2703 | 4500 Carmichael Ave., Sarasota, FL 34234 FLORIDADESIGNWORKS.COM 403990-1 rfn tbt r fntbrfr nfr r nr ‘’ n ff401289-1 LONGBOAT KEY $2,500,000Exceptional canal front home.3342 Gulf of Mexico DriveLONGBOAT KEY $1,280,000Situated on 100x100 canal front lot. The lowest priced waterfront property on Longboat Key.530 DeNarvaez Drive MLS#A4553308LONGBOAT KEY $895,000Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo behind the gates of Bay Isles in Harbour Oaks Longboat Key.2115 Harbourside Drive MLS#4566654LONGBOAT KEY $1,050,000Quintessential beach house, reimagined Captains cottage.450 Firehouse Court MLS#A4564974LONGBOAT KEY $1,450,000Vacant canal front land with a 50 ft. dock.628 Lyons Lane MLS#A4565151 SOLD SOLD SOLD COMMUNITYMONDAY, JUNE 19MATINEE MOVIE 1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers. Join in the fun for the second movie in the Paradise Center Summer Movie Series. Enjoy fresh popcorn and a great lm, “Jerry & Marge Go Large.”RECURRING EVENTSMONDAYSSTRETCH AND STRENGTHEN From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all tness levels Focus is on strength training and exibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYSLORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.TUESDAYSQI GONG From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qi gong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493. YOGA 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debbie Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493. MAHJONG From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org. ROTARY CLUB Meets at 5 p.m. on rst and third Tuesdays in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. To learn more, call Nancy Rozance at 203-6054066 or email Info@LongboatKeyRotary.org.TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYSLONGBOAT LIBRARY From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.WEDNESDAYSBEGINNER TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493. þ  MARIA CHI MUSIC From 5-8 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.FRIDAYSINTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. BEST BETWEDNESDAY, JUNE 21IMPROV FOR EVERYONE 1-2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers. Taught by Will Luera of the Florida Studio Theatre, this fun and fast-paced class will teach participants to think on their feet. The class will also help build condence and boost creative thinking. Register by June 19 by calling 383-6493. YOUR CALENDAR

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 13B YourObserver.com rfntbbnftrfnfnfrrfnfrtnff r r frr r ntrnat MANASOTA FLOORING INC KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS 399481-1 rfn ntbtbfnn nf rf nrt rf ntbrb f bfr ffbrf b nfb f fbfbnb bbb bfb bfff ffbf fff bfb fb ‘ ’“””” ’ ’fb•–f ’ ’—ff ’ frf nrb ’tbb •rbnbr ‘bf bbbr b bffb bb —f fb bfrrf bbrfr ’fbbff b brbb rbfb f fb ’f bfbbf rnfbt bbb ff ‘b rffb b bfbrr fb —fb ’f rb fbf bf n—f ff bb b b ff ff ’fn””” bbb bb rbrff ff nbfb fb ’nrb ff ‘rr f•f ffbbbb b nb ’bbbb b ff ff f nff nf f– ‘fb brr ’rbnf bnrb ‘fbb tb ffbf bb b–f rbbbf ’tbb•f rbr fb fffr b•b ’’ffb ’ ’r ’bb ’n‘tr b bfrf ’rb bf b f nffbr””” –f nrb frf fb nrf ’nbf‘rf bff frfbff tbffb b rff ’tbf brf rbf fb ‘b fb br ff nfff b brfb bb nbr””” nrb ’‘fbf ffrb fbb fb rf bb bfb tf brbf rrbfb ‘b ff f ‘bb f ’f f fff b bbf b r‘b— br fb ’fn ff b fbf n •rrffnt rff nrnn fnfnnrf nttrffb trtftr ftnnt rrr rtttrtb rrtt btrtrtbr rt rnrnrnn ntrrr nt rrn 2023 NEA, Inc. rf ntb6-15-23 402030-1 þ Highs þ Lows Thursday, June 15 þ 12:18a þ 1 0:01a þ 4:04a þ 6:40p F riday, June 16 þ 1:33a þ 1 0:32a þ 4:22a þ 7 :22p Saturday, June 17 þ 11:05a þ — þ — þ 8:0 3p Sunday, June 18 þ 11:40a þ — þ — þ 8:41p Monda y, June 9 þ — þ 12:1 7p þ — þ 9:1 9p Tuesday, June 20 þ — þ 12:5 7p þ — þ 9:56p W ednesday, June 21 þ — þ 1:40p þ — þ 1 0:34pFORECAST NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH TIDES SUNRISE / SUNSET MOON PHASESFRIDAY, JUNE 16High: 87 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 15%SATURDAY, JUNE 17High: 86 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 54%SUNDAY, JUNE 18High: 87 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 47% Blake Fleetwood captured this photo of a sunset on Longboat Key. WEATHER Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/contests. All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card. June 17 New June 26 First July 3 Full July 9 Last þ Sunris e þ Sunset Thursday, June 15 þ 6:35a þ 8:26p Friday, June 16 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Saturday, June 17 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Sunday, June 18 þ 6:35a þ 8:27p Monday, June 19 þ 6:35a þ 8:28p Tuesday, June 20 þ 6:35a þ 8:28p Wednesday, June 21 þ 6:36a þ 8:28p

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rfntbnnbnnn nfnbbnnbbbnnbnfnrfnftb frf rfn tbrbbrbbb bbbbbb bbbbbbbrb bbbn bb brbbbbrb brbbbbbbbrb bbbnbbrb bbbnnnnbffrfnbnf r rrf nfrn rfnrntbnrfbrt nrbnrnbrn rrnrnrrfn bfbbrrfrf rn frfnrnnrn nnrftnbnfn rnnrbt rfntb rf ntbb tbbtr Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YO UR MERCHANDISE with the total va lue of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 word s or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observe r. Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to : classified@you ro bserve r. com (Please prov ide your name and address) Or Online at: www.youro bserve r. com Or mail to : The Observer Group 1970 Main St. 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 L OC K B O X, rfntb bbfn rrr PANINI MAKER C uisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 Boat Slips for Rent/Sale 48’X21’ BO AT SLIP P07, at Long Boat Key moorings F F O O R R S S A A L L E E ! ! Slip runs north and south, and provides views of Sarasota Bay. Asking $250,000 and will consider respectful offers. Slip does not require membership at the moorings. PH: 941-724-9486 LONGBO AT KEY MOORINGS 2630 Harbourside Dr., Longboat Key 65 Foot Deep Water Boat Slip For Sale. $350,000.00 Please call Jennifer 727-831-3133 Merchandise Wanted S ENI O R L OO KIN G to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential. Please call Marc: 941-321-0707 Autos W anted CA SH FOR Y Y O O U U R R C C A A R R We come to you! Ho Ho Buys cars. 941-270-4400. DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks. Also rare or unusual vehicles. Larry 941-350-7993 ST OR AG E FA CILITY Boat / RV / Tr ailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662. WE BUY c c a a r r s s . . t t o o p p $ $ $ $ p p a a i i d d f f o o r r y y o o u u r r v v e e h h i i c c l l e e s s . . C C a a l l l l H H a a w w l l e e y y M M o o t t o o r r s s : : 9 9 4 4 1 1 9 9 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 2 2 1 1 . . real esta te Homes for Rent 4BR / 3BA PALMA SO LA, rfntbtr t ffr bff f ffft rr frft ffffrf rrf rfrf frf t V acation/ Seasonal Rentals LO NGBO AT KEY : Beach f ro nt Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking. Call 941-383-3338. V acation/ Seasonal Rentals 1BR/1BA 1350 rrf ntrbrn nrfrfn fb frn nrfnb fn ffff rr frnff ff WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RA TES rrfr rntrb rt trf tt b‘ ’rr‘tr“ ” tbb r hom e serv ice s Adul t Care Services CNA: 22 years experience, with doctors recommendations. Available for days, nights, and traveling. COVID vaccinated. 941-536-5339 Auto Transport SHIP YO UR car, truck or S UV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421. Painting CARLO DA TTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall re pair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & re moval, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience. SARA SO TA INTERIOR PAINTING HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!! Fully Insured. CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398 r fnf rfnnrttt rf n ntbtb rfrfn tbrf rfnft b

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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 15B At torney rrfrfnntbrfr nn 404288ntbnbn bfrtfrf rbbbbbbn rbnt trrn rrr nntbnrn rrrrbbbbnbfb Auto Service 404176SELL YOUR CAR! FAST • EASY • SAFE WE COME TO YOU941.270.4400HoHoBuysCars.com 5-Star Rated Autos W anted 404782 DESPERATELY NEEDED Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks. Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles. UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993 Doors Sliding Glass Door Repair New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263proslidingglassdoorrepair.com “FIX IT DON’T REPLACE”404177 Furniture Repair 404970 Patio Furniture Repairs.com Patio Furniture Repairs.com rfrntbf 941-504-0903 941-504-0903 FREE PICKUP FREE PICKUP / / DELIVERY DELIVERY • • FREE ONSITE QUOTES FREE ONSITE QUOTES Health Board Certied in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompressionGive Us a Call We Can HelpFREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Recognized Among the Best Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America Physicians in America Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.comThe Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!! Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain? Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?404379 Home Wa tch Pinnacle Home Watch.comDave and Connie Grundy Stop Worrying Stop Worrying About Your Home About Your Home While Away While AwayCALL PINNACLE TODAY! 941-306-1999404191 FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED (941)544-0475dan@shorelockhomewatch.com www.shorelockhomewatch.com404181 Insurance EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE SOLUTIONS595 Bay Isles Rd. Suite 215941.554.8909 | www.micinsurance.comHome • Condo • Auto • Umbrella • Boat • FloodOur team of professionals provides superior service and expertise for all of your insurance needs.Mike Mailliard ~ Lacey Weaver Allen Hovis ~ Marshall Bruce Matthew Mailliard ~ Julia McIlrevey Haley Jestings ~ Samantha Ryan Jaimie Simpkins ~ Amanda Nazario 404977 Mass age rfrntbnrfn 404790 rf nrtbfn Painting rf rf rf nttbn rff rff 404786 Roong 404186 • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soft & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roong Repair & Installation • Metal Roong & Tile Roof Repair Specialists Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.941-626-3194Licensed & Insured CCC 058059 CBC 1253936 Transportation 404187 BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICELuxury for LessBooked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com 1/10/23, 10:25 AM chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1 1/1 10% off941-248-4734 Windo ws Res./Com. Lic./Ins. Sunset Window & Pressure CleaningFormerly known as Sunrise Windows Serving Longboat Key Since 2005 Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941284 5880rfnftfbb$150 UP UP TO TO 25 25 STANDARD STANDARD WINDOWS WINDOWS INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS SPECIAL$500 www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com senior citizen discount. Sandra Smith | 941.383.3388 404192 r fntrb rfntb r nf

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16B LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 ROGER SELLS LUXURY WATERFRONT PROPERTIES#1 SARASOTA SINGLE AGENT 2008, 2010, 2012 2022 5693 CABRERA COURT $499,000Constructed by DiVosta Homes, this exquisite 3BR townhome on the exclusive grounds of Palmer Ranch, offers a private courtyard lifestyle that exudes beauty, light, and warmth. www.5693CabreraCourt.com 549 SUTTON PLACE $499,000Indulge in the best of both worlds at this beach-to-bay townhome at Sutton Place on Longboat Key. Offered furnished and move-in ready, with deeded beach access.www.549SuttonPlace.com 816 JUNGLE QUEEN WAY $1,599,000Turnkey furnished! This lovely 3BR waterfront on Longboat Key is ready to enjoy! You will love the deeded beach access and easy boating access to Sarasota Bay.www.816JungleQueenWay.com 235 COCOANUT AVENUE #125D $995,000Only a few minutes from downtown Sarasota, this townhome is in a central location. You’ll feel right at home with its contemporary 2BR design and move-in ready condition.www.MarqueeEnVille125D.com 9150 BLIND PASS ROAD #505 $839,000Beautiful recent updates (include added square feet, impact windows) and sunny water views create the perfect spot to move right into at this FURNISHED, 2BR beach-to-bay getaway. www.FishermansHaven505.com 173 CIPRIANI WAY $549,000You will love the convenience of moving right into this wellmaintained home, with its sunny, open interior, 3BR+den layout, and many resort-style amenities a short walk away.www.173CiprianiWay.com 3040 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #251 $2,295,000Sunny bay views welcome you to this 5th-oor, nearly 3,000 SF retreat, featuring an open, 3BR layout waiting for you to add your personal touches. Includes private beach!www.GrandBay251.com 201 NORTH WASHINGTON DRIVE $2,195,000The walkable location of this St. Armands home will immediately draw you in. Ideally situated on an oversized, -acre lot for you to design your dream home. www.201NorthWashington.com 3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346 $2,595,000Panoramic direct views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside golf course and downtown’s skyline are the star of the show as soon as you enter this lovely 3BR Antigua getaway.www.GrandBay346.com 3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #316 $2,495,000Prepare to be enchanted by the stunning, awe-inspiring views that await at this luxurious 3BR Grand Bay residence. Fall in love with its sprawling 2,925 SF and modern updates.www.GrandBay316.com 1642 SHORELAND DRIVE $1,895,000This enchanting 3BR + ofce and family room residence guides you through meticulously landscaped grounds consisting of three distinct courtyards, majestic live oaks, vibrant tropical foliage, exotic bamboo, graceful papyrus, intricate lattice accents, a charming gazebo, and welllit pathways. www.1642Shoreland.com 1325 WESTWAY DRIVE $15,000,000Step into this tropical escape through the hidden courtyard that connects the 3BR main home to the private 2BR guest house, as the perfect introduction to a contemporary masterpiece designed by DSDG Architect Mark Sultana and built by Voigt Brothers Construction. www.1325WestwayDrive.com 7652 SANDERLING ROAD $9,995,000This spectacular Siesta Key beach home is a one-of-a-kind experience! Directly overlooking the coastal landscape of the Gulf of Mexico, this private estate rests on more than an acre, with 172’ of beach! Designed to highlight the sparkling beach and striking sunset vistas from any room.www.7652Sanderling.com 415 L’AMBIANCE DRIVE #PH-A $12,000,000Discover the nest penthouse in Sarasota at this gorgeous residence at L’Ambiance, only a few steps from the famed Longboat Key Club. Spectacular views from the Gulf to the Bay, with recent designer updates throughout the 3BR, nearly 5,000 SF interior welcome you.www.415L’AmbiancePHA.com 469 EAST ROYAL FLAMINGO DRIVE $3,595,000Move right into this beautifully maintained, waterfront Bird Key home. The light and open layout is spread across nearly 3,300 SF, offering access to outdoor entertaining from nearly every room. Boaters will appreciate the newer seawall, rebuilt dock and deep-water lift. www.469EastRoyalFlamingo.com CALL TODAY FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR (941) 387-1840 443 John Ringling Boulevard, Suite F | Sarasota, FL 34236 Pettingell.com | www.bestSarasotarealestate.net Twitter.com/RealRoger | Instagram.com/RogerPettingell | Roger@Pettingell.com The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include ap proximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verication. Afliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker System is comprised of company owned ofces which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised ofces which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 401525-1