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ObserverYOU . YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.VOLUME 45, NO. 47 YOUR TOWN FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023Road to recoveryLongboat Key Chamber of Commerce President Gail Loefgren has been working from home recently after a knee replacement surgery as the chamber approaches one of its most anticipated holidays — July 4. Loefgren and Observer Vice President Lisa Walsh co-founded Freedom Fest 20 years ago. After many years of planning and managing the event, Loefgren nds it simple to put together. She organized most of the events before her surgery and has nalized the last details while around the comfort of her family. þ Thankfully , her recovery has been smooth, for she has been spending it at her daughter’s house. Since Loefgren will not be fully recovered by July 4, she has prepared her new parttime assistant, Connie Darrah, to make sure everything runs smoothly. Loefgren is bummed to be missing out on the 20th anniversary but has great faith in her team to make this Freedom Fest a memorable one. þ People’s choiceLongboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s Station 92 is receiving high praise. The building was nominated for the 2023 People’s Choice Award. The award is backed by the Florida Foundation for Architecture and the American Institute of Architects of Florida. The station was built in 2021 and designed by Todd Sweet of Sweet Sparkman Architects. Station 92 is well-equipped for its reghter paramedics with a gym, kitchen, TV room, bedrooms and areas for writing reports. Of course aspects of public safety were paramount in the modern design, including a public medical center to provide residents basic medical care. The building is also built to withstand up to 165 mph winds, making it one of the most resilient structures on the island, according to the architect. Voting is open until July 28 at FloridaPeoplesChoice.org to choose a winner.Longboat Key’s weekly newspaper since 1978LONGBOATPetra RiveraTown employees try to recite from memory the town of Longboat Key’s vision. Getting to know youSidra Wali Commodore Steven Horton shakes hands with outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams during the passing of the gavel ceremony.Courtesy photo Turtle tracksLONGBOAT June 11-17 þ 202 3 þ 202 2 Nests þ 118 þ 137 False crawls þ 222 þ 156 T otals since April 23 þ 202 3 þ 2022 Nests þ 52 4 þ 519 False crawls þ 6 79 þ 52 3Source: Mote Marine Laboratory Building back to full strengthLongboat Key’s town budget includes a big investment in personnel. SEE PAGE 4Taking the helm A+E Stained glass stories PAGE 11 INSIDE The town recognized its workers with a barbecue, games and more. SEE PAGE 16Steven Horton assumed the commodoreship of the Bird Key Yacht Club. PAGE 20
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2 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 rffntbbbnbbbnbtnb bntbbnbnbbtnbb bbnbbnnnbbfnt‘bbn‘’ nbn“â€fbnbbtb bnbt“â€â€¢bbtn Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6 rfnftbfnrf60 MONTHS FINANCING*bnfbfff SOUTH SARASOTA rbb NORTH SARASOTA n‘ ’“†â€â€¢ BRADENTON –‘ —r’“ ELLENTON ••rf — VENICE rr‘ r’““ •†PORT CHARLOTTE f‘ —r • NOW OPEN! “ ‘‘‘ ‘‘ $ $ 799 799 99 99 “‘“‘ ‘‘—‘’‘‘‘ —‘——— $ $ 599 599 99 99 $50 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $499$100 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $999$400 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $3999$200 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $1999$500 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $4999$300 OFFANY PURCHASE OVER $2999 ‘“ ——— —’ $ $ 699 699 99 99 rt rt “ – $ $ 399 399 99 99 bt— bt— 401578-1 CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITERProposed projects designed to improve Gulf of Mexico Drive and calm traffic near the intersection of GMD and Broadway Street are cur rently at a standstill due to the Flor ida Department of Transportation’s latest recommendations. Town of Longboat Key Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman presented updates to two major GMD improvement projects during the June 20 Town Commission budget workshop: a roundabout at GMD and Broadway Street and a GMD complete street. Both projects are now in need of redesign, according to FDOT’s feedback. The idea of a roundabout at the intersection of GMD and Broadway Street is something that was already being talked about when Brownman began his job in August 2017. Since then, the town has been going through the design process and was nearly 100% complete with the plans. As a state road, any improvements or changes to the roadway must be approved though FDOT, accord ing to Brownman. The town was engaged in designing the roundabout with a local engineering firm, and after completing about 60% of the plans, they checked with FDOT before pursuing the plans further. Brownman said, at that time, FDOT noted no concerns over the plan’s roadway banking. Banking is the way the road is angled to maintain friction for cars going around a curve. There were some comments about drainage issues, which Brownman said they spent months working through. “We proceeded to 90% design, actually nearly 100% design, because we had a lot of confidence in the direction we were taking,†Brownman said. When the town submitted the designs to FDOT at 90% completion, FDOT said the banking was now an issue. The almost completed plans are no longer something FDOT would approve, according to Brownman. Because GMD is a state road, FDOT was going to fund $1.6 million of the total $2.2 million project. However, if the plans must be changed consider ably, money may be an issue, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton. When the update was brought up at the June 20 budget workshop, Mayor Ken Schneier suggested the possibility of looking into alternatives if costs become an issue. The main alternative would be to install a traffic signal. But having a traffic signal that close to a drawbridge may prove problematic, said Tipton. “Roundabouts have a way of slow ing traffic down without stopping traffic, and that’s what we were try ing to get to, but if the costs get out of hand as part of the redesign, I think the mayor is absolutely right,†Tipton said. Complete street The other project in question is the GMD complete street improvement. According to Tipton and Brownman, FDOT had proposed repaving GMD and replacing the sidewalk beginning in fiscal year 2025. At the same time, Brownman said the town was coming up with a vision for what it wanted GMD to look like. Paramount in those discussions was including wider bike lanes and a wider multiuse trail. Specifically, on the east side, they wanted to replace and widen the trail, which is currently not in great condition, Brownman said. “It’s a patchwork of different concrete and expansions over time, and it’s got some heaving,†Brownman said. “It’s in pretty rough shape.†The town proposed having a 12-foot trail, with the thought that an eight-foot trail would be too narrow for the high level of activity the trail currently sees with cyclists, pedestrians and their dogs. Brownman said FDOT examined the idea for several months before returning the recommendation that there would be too great of a need for drainage facilities and structures due to an increase in impervious sur faces. Tipton would like to see GMD get the additional 4 feet of sidewalk but does share some concerns. “There are some, I think, legitimate right-of-way concerns and potentially, depending on the sur face or material that’s used for the trail, there could be some drainage concerns, as well,†Tipton said. For both projects, Brownman and Tipton are expected to have meetings with FDOT officials soon to discuss possible ways to move forward.The roundabout and complete street projects for Gulf of Mexico Drive now require further design and þ dis cussion þ be fore moving forward.FDOT recommends redesign Courtesy imagesThe proposed roundabout at the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Broadway Street is intended to slow trac. The town wanted to incorporate a 12-foot-wide pedestrian/bike path in the complete street plans, which now must be discussed further with the Florida Department of Transportation.
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 3 Photos by Carter WeinhoferJohn Reilly, director of agronomy at the Longboat Key Club, points to the fairway where players drive their golf balls on the Blue course Hole 3. Before the mangroves were trimmed, Reilly said players could not see where their ball landed. They prevent þ erosion and þ stabilize þ shorelines.Data and graphics courtesy of Sarasota CountyThey improve þ water quality þ and clarity. They remove 6-8 times þ mor e CO2 from the þ atmosphere per acre þ than a r ainforest. They provide þ habit at þ f or up to þ 80% o f commercially and þ r ecreationally important sh species. They provide habitat for threatened þ and endang ered species such as wood storks and roseate spoonbills. CARTER WEINHOFERSTAFF WRITERThe Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently opened an investigation in response to people concerned with mangrove trimming conducted two years ago at the Longboat Key Club and Resort. But the regulations and per mitting for mangrove trimming may be more complicated than a simple right or wrong. “The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is currently investigating reports of unauthor ized mangrove alteration at the Longboat Key Club,†DEP Press Secretary Brian Miller said. “DEP inspectors have been on-site to per form a preliminary inspection and are in the process of finalizing their inspection report.†Mangroves are important hubs of biodiversity for estuaries such as the Sarasota Bay, so how much and when mangroves can be altered is a complex conversation between multiple stakeholders. “Mangroves have been a big issue for us because we’re seeing a lot of illegal trimming going on, and we don’t see much enforcement,†said Rusty Chinnis, board chair of the Suncoast Waterkeeper organization. Suncoast Waterkeeper is a non profit that strives to protect Florida’s environment through advocacy and enforcement. According to Chinnis, Suncoast Waterkeeper can act as a middleman. People who see environmental situations worth reporting, good or bad, can send those reports to the organization. If it’s seen as a violation, such as pollution in a river or mangroves trimmed too short, Suncoast Water keeper can further the report. In this case, Chinnis said his organization reported the mangrove trimming to the DEP. John Reilly, director of agronomy, has been with the Longboat Key Club for 15 years. In his position, he over sees landscaping and projects such as the honey beehives and composting. According to Reilly, the mangrove trimming done on the Longboat Key Club grounds was legal. The club has the correct permits, and it contracted a professional mangrove trimmer — Suncoast Environmental Group. “Everything we did was thought ful in our approach,†Reilly said. The main dispute now is seen on Hole 4 of the club’s Blue golf course. There, the mangroves two years ago were “flush cut,†or cut so that they meet the water level. A manmade pond separates the fairway and a row of houses. The mangrove roots are still intact; they have not been excavated, Reilly said. All in all, Reilly believes that the mangrove trimming was the best possible option for all stakeholders involved. When starting on the hole, the player drives the ball down the fairway. Before the mangroves were flush cut, players had a difficult time seeing where golf balls actually landed. That was the reasoning behind the trimming. “This was so that the golfer could play the hole and enjoy it,†Reilly said. While the main reason behind the trimming was to improve the golfer’s experience, Reilly said a possibly positive side effect was that now, homeowners across the pond have both a waterfront and golf view. Other holes, like the Blue course’s Hole 3, utilize the mangroves in their landscaping. These mangroves have not been trimmed, but instead create a perfectly lined edge along the fairway. “If it didn’t enhance the hole for the golfer, we let nature be,†Reilly said.POLICY MATTERSThe DEP regulates mangrove trimming with the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, which affords the plant certain protections. This act lays out regulations for trimming. For all general permitted trimming, a professional mangrove trimmer is required. Professional mangrove trimmers are also recommended for individual exempt per mits, though not required. General permits, which are the most common, state that man groves “may not be trimmed so that the overall height of any mangrove is reduced to less than six feet as measured from the substrate.†Special exceptions are possible, but according to the DEP website, individual permits are required to trim mangroves below the general six feet. According to Reilly, the club trims mangroves every year to the six-foot line as permitted. Two years ago was the last time it cut mangroves below that mark, to improve the line of sight for golf ers. Because the pond adjacent to the mangroves is manmade, Reilly said any alterations fell under the jurisdiction of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Trimming was seen as maintenance for the pond. An email chain went on for months among the Longboat Key Club, Suncoast Environmental Group and the DEP prior to the trimming in question. The club had indicated that it and Suncoast Environmental Group saw the pond as stormwater runoff, so no permit was necessary in its view. It pointed to previous cases in which homeowners trimmed mangroves on their own properties in similar situations. The DEP was giv en a chance to respond but, according to Reilly, did not.IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEMSThe term “mangrove†encompasses three distinct species: red, black and white mangroves. These trees are more than just vegetation, according to Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Executive Director Dave Tomasko. “It’s not just a tree; it’s actually a habitat,†Tomasko said. Mangrove ecosystems provide important nesting and resting grounds for birds, he said. The portions of the mangroves that are underwater also are hubs of biodiversity. Oysters that attach themselves to mangrove roots actively filter water. The root system itself provides habitats and safety for juvenile fish, which then work up the food chain to recruit larger fish. The trees also protect shorelines and their properties from the impact of storms. While most areas don’t have enough to substantially reduce storm surge, Tomasko said, a lot of areas have enough mangroves to reduce wave height. This can lead to less property damage in the event of large storms. Tomasko said mangroves deserve more credit. “I think mangroves need to be given a lot of respect because they’re not just a nuisance to cut down to get a view of the water. When you have a Category 3 hurricane coming on shore, you might want to wish you had bigger mangroves,†Tomasko said. “I think we need to change our views of mangroves, to welcome into our landscape rather than view them as an obstruction to our view.â€A view of a section of mangroves at the Longboat Key Club trimmed two years ago and subject of a recent complaint.The state has strict regulations for trimming mangroves because of the benets they provide for their ecosystems.Mangrove trimming under dispute
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4 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 401654-1 rfffntbt bttb ff rfnttnt fnbtrnrffrn rn rfnrnnfnf rrrfr nnrnr rfnnfntbr r rf nn fn tb tbn tbnn bbbn bb rrfrnb rtr b rrffnbb bb bb ‘fnn’ nn“â€rrn •f–nn“b rfrntnrb nrrrfntnrb ffnrfrntnrb rbbnrfbnfrbntnnr FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACEQuick Response & • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • DRYWALL REPAIR • STUCCO REPAIR • EPOXY FLOORING • POWERWASHING • TEXTURINGFor Your Free Quote & call us Today! 401152-1RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL 401240-1941-778-5622 LIC.#CFC1429635 ~ CPC1459826 ~ CAC1818472 www.lapenseeplumbing.com | 401 MANATEE AVENUE, HOLMES BEACH Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, AMERICA! AMERICA! from all of us at from all of us at Investing in the futureCARTER WEINHOFERSTAFF WRITERThe time to make investments is when times are good, not when times are bad. That’s Town Manager Howard Tipton’s philosophy going into fiscal year 2024. A preliminary budget was presented at a Longboat Key Town Commission special workshop on June 20, which outlined the anticipated revenue and expenses for the upcoming fiscal year. The total anticipated budget of $25,611,028 is a 43% increase from 2023’s adopted budget of $17,796,775. Of that, $20,511,028 is dedicated to operating expenditures, while the remaining $5.1 million will go toward capital expenditures. Some important but increasing expenditures include insurance. Property and casualty insurance costs increased by 30% and flood insurance increased 20%. This part of the budget also includes a 15.25% increase in operating and personnel expenses from the current fiscal year. The updated union contracts for Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue departments contributed to the increase. One of the largest investments in personnel comes with the addition of seven full-time positions, six being supported by the general fund and one by the building fund. The six positions for the general fund represent an expenditure of $486,042 and are: an accountant, a grants coor dinator, two information technology positions, fire administrative support and a parks service worker. According to Tipton, some of these positions are not new. The positions in fire and IT are returning positions. “Prior to the Great Recession, (the town) actually had a larger manning table than we have today,†Tipton said. Tipton said the town is struggling a bit to keep up with grounds maintenance, so they felt a new position in parks service was necessary. Additionally, Tipton said the finance office wanted to do a better job applying for grants and wanted a position dedicated to grants. The town hopes that position will pay for itself. From the building fund will come the seventh new full-time position, which will be a plans examiner/ building inspector. The Planning, Zoning & Building Department also requested a managing software called Accela. The software costs $450,000 and is a cloud-based software suite that digitizes many processes relating to permitting, building inspections and public safety. The building fund also budgets for a Town Hall hardening project, totaling $1.7 million. This project will make the building more resilient in the face of storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to reimburse 72% of project costs, however the town is still waiting for the official confirmation. Commissioner BJ Bishop shared the sentiment that now is the time Carter WeinhoferImprovements to mitigate storm impacts are slated for the 2024 scal year budget. This will include replacing Town Hall’s roof, windows and generator.
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 5 rfnnntn b rfntbf rffrrnn tbnfftbrrffr frftbt b bb 402835-1 PRESENTING SPONSOR: MR. JOE C. HEMBREE MR. DRAYTON SAUNDERSREAL ESTATE TRENDS IN SARASOTAWednesday, July 19, 2023Carlisle Inn – Sarasota11:30 AM 1:00 PM Member: $55 Non Member: $70 MEDIA SPONSOR: SUPPORTING SPONSOR: Register Today at sarasotachamber.com 404656-1 to make these types of investments. “Investing in our community with adequate staff and with technology is critically important,†Bishop said. Other substantial investments come in the form of one-time infrastructure costs. The General Fund Reserve allocates $5.1 million to these capital investments, including a project to calm traffic near Broadway Street, digital display boards, road resurfacing and additional street lighting. Special funds budget revenues primarily come from taxes, such as the Tourist Development Tax and Sarasota Infrastructure Surtax. These revenues have specific guidelines for where they can be spent. The Sarasota Infrastructure Surtax is being used to fund projects in public safety, facilities and parks and recreation. For 2024, the town plans to order a new fire truck costing $850,000. Another planned purchase is $175,000 to install artificial turf in the remainder of the dog park at Bayfront Park. Mayor Ken Schneier brought up the idea of a community member possibly funding this project, but the money has been set aside in the budget in case there are no prospects. The gas tax is a main source of funds for much of the Road and Bridge Fund, which can only be used on infrastructure such as roads, bridges and traffic signal maintenance. Tipton and other þ c ommissioners þ d iscussed how this important rev enue source may be changing in the near future. “I think FPL has forecasted that one in four cars will be electric by 2027 on the roads in Florida, which is a dramatic decrease in gas tax rev enue,†Tipton said. “Finding whatever that alternative solution is, I think, will be important, and sooner is better.†Another big source of revenue for the town comes from property taxes. According to the budget, property values have increased 12.75% (14.06% in Manatee County and 12.16% in Sarasota County). The millage rate was recommended to go unchanged from 2022 at 1.99, which will provide about $1.78 million more with the increase in property value compared with 2022. This comes to a total property tax revenue of $15,915,542 if this millage rate is used. “Longboat Key is in the enviable position of being the lowest (millage rate) in the surrounding communities,†Tipton said. A final proposed budget is due on or before Aug. 1, with a first reading expected on Sept. 11. The budget will be adopted Sept. 30 before the fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. BREAKDOWN OF NEW POSITIONSPOSITION þ SALARY þ +BENEFIT S Business Analyst (IT) þ $65,000 þ $1 00,566 Cashier/Canal Assessments (Finance) þ $57,000 þ $91,1 44 Support SVCS Logistics Ocer (Fire) þ $65,000 þ $1 00,566 Service Worker (Parks) þ $45 ,500 þ $79,366 Plans Examiner/ Building Inspector þ $82, 000 þ $12 0,598 Grants Coordinator (Finance) þ $75,000 þ $112,354 Security Analyst (IT) þ $90 ,000 þ $130,029
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6 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 Harry's features a wide variety of craft cocktails, an extensive wine selection paired with coastal cuisine. HARRY'S NOW OPEN! A Longboat Key LandmarkBreakfast | Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Catering | Gourmet Deli & Bakery | Corner Store Mixed Up Monday’s Half Price Cocktails Steak & Frites Tuesday and Thursday Nights $34.95 Wine Down Wednesdays 25% Off All Bottles of Wine Four Course Summer Dinner Prix Fixe $49/person 401224-1 402903-1 399388-1 Sarasota’s BestVoted One of 29 Years in a Row! r 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 Luminette Operating Systems PowerView Automation Training days for elected ocialsCARTER WEINHOFERSTAFF WRITERLongboat Key’s newest town Commissioners Gary Cof fin and Debbie Murphy have a couple months of experi ence under their belt. Now, they have graduated from part one of a two-part training course for elected officials. The two attended Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials on June 9 and 10. During this first part, Murphy said the course was focused on some technical aspects of being an elect ed official and how municipalities operate. One aspect was learning the importance of Home Rule Power, especially in a town like Longboat, Murphy said. In her words, home rule is the philosophy that “local people can make better local decisions than people at the state level.†A local example of this comes with Longboat’s 30-day rental minimum. Murphy said companies like Vrbo and Airbnb are trying to overcome the home rule of towns like Longboat to allow their customers to stay for shorter periods. The 30-day minimum is something ingrained in Longboat’s charter, Murphy said, so it’s important that residents bring issues like this to Tallahassee to show the importance of home rule. The commissioners also learned about different types of municipality governance, including the “weak mayor†structure of Longboat. In this structure, the mayor facilitates meetings, attends ribbon-cutting ceremonies and serves as the face of the town. The town manager oversees the functions of the local government and commissioners are essentially the policymakers. Murphy said this was one aspect she struggled with at first. She wanted to be able to solve residents’ smaller problems but had to put it into perspective that that’s not her job. Murphy had to learn that her job was to listen to a person’s situation and connect them with the right person. In Longboat, Murphy said this is common. “There’s nothing that makes me feel better than to watch people be respected and appreciated,†Mur phy said. “In this town, I will say, and especially under the leadership of Howard Tipton, that is very much alive and well.†This has been one of the things Coffin has found most interesting, in a positive way, about the job so far. He said, before taking the position, he was unaware of how much outreach the commissioners received from residents. “That’s why we’re here,†Coffin said. “And it’s been great to listen to people telling their stories about things and try to get things done.†They also learned technicalities involved in structuring commission meetings. There are certain param eters and best practices for meetings, like a proper notice, being held in an open location, availability of minutes and rules for making motions. Also important is the right for the public to be heard, which is limited to three minutes at Longboat commission meetings. Something that Murphy really valued from the IEMO training was connecting with like-minded commissioners. In Florida, Sunshine Laws prohibit commissioners from having conversations in public that can be construed by anybody. In that regard, Murphy and Coffin can’t have a conversation in public because people could interpret that as them having a conversation about something the council will talk about in the future. The two even had to sit apart from each other during the training, Murphy said. Attendees were given a spreadsheet of all the others from that training session so they could con nect with one another when some thing comes up. This created a sort of informal network, Murphy said. Coffin also liked the ability to meet other local officials and being able to learn with others at the same level. “What this organization does, which is absolutely fabulous, is it puts together most all of the localities on the same playing field so they’re able to communicate with one another and learn law and points of governing that some of us may not have had the exposure to,†Coffin said. About three months into the role, Murphy said she has been impressed with the caliber of people drawn to be elected officials of Longboat. “I think the most interesting part is being involved with a group of people that have the same dedication and interest of trying to make things better here in Longboat Key,†Murphy said. “I just like the fact that everyone has a genuine interest in looking together and listening to one another.†According to Murphy, the two commissioners plan on attending the second step of IEMO’s training in October. The second round will include more in-depth discussions about comprehensive plans and sources of revenue, like millage rates. Courtesy photoCommissioners Debbie Murphy (back left) and Gary Con (back center) were sworn in on March 20. Also pictured: Penny Gold, BJ Bishop, Debra Williams, Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock.“I think the most interesting part is being involved with a group of people that have the same dedication and interest.â€â€” Debbie MurphyCommissioners Debbie Murphy and Gary Con recently attended the rst of two sessions of the Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Ocials.
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 7 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 402653-1 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Parade Food Games Sand ArtFace Painting Balloon Artist Stilt Walker Chucko the Clown"Hot Diggity Dog!" Parade & Contest w/ Prizes 405121-1 Short on inspectorsCARTER WEINHOFERSTAFF WRITERThe town of Longboat Key only has one full-time inspector currently on payroll, yet it receives an average of 65 inspection requests a day. According to Planning, Zoning and Building Director Allen Parsons, the department usually has two fulltime inspectors but had one vacancy at the time of publication. Due to a high demand for building inspections, the department has had to hire private providers to take on some of the work. Generally, these cost about $100 an hour, Parsons said, adding the town is utilizing them “pretty much on a daily basis.†“We’re using private providers to cover for the person that’s out,†Par sons said. “But then on any given week, too, we use private providers to help deal with the demand that’s beyond the capacity of our two inspectors.†The department has been down to one inspector for about a month. Currently, Parsons said the average turnaround time for an inspection is one to two days. “Our inspectors are pretty much running at maximum capacity, if not above that,†Parsons said. The increase in demand began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pan demic. As the real estate market has continued to take off since then, Par sons said the demand for inspections has been steady and high. Aside from the shortage in workers and high demand, Parsons said hir ing private providers isn’t completely uncommon. All work that is done that requires building permits will require some sort of inspection. This could be done throughout the building process or at the end, depending on the situation. Each inspection requires cer tain certifications, and if one of the town’s inspectors doesn’t have that certification, then the town must outsource that inspection. Parsons discussed this shortage in front of town commissioners during the June 20 budget workshop meeting. At that time, he brought up the addition of a new building inspector position in the department starting in fiscal year 2024. If the vacant position is filled and the new position is created and filled, then Parsons believes three workers may help meet demand. “It will alleviate it, I think, to a significant amount,†Parsons said. Carter WeinhoferProjects like the St. Regis development need many inspections from the town’s Planning and Zoning Department throughout the course of construction.
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8 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 The founding of the United States of America has to be one of the Greatest Stories Ever. Let’s say in the top five. For nearly 250 years, that moment has changed the course of the world. From the Pilgrims settling at Plymouth Rock to the Declaration of Independence to the writing and adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, to everything those events spawned over the past 247 years, America’s founding has to be up there with Creation; Moses and the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land; the birth of Jesus Christ; and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Assuming you agree, it makes sense then that the Fourth of July is celebrated the way John Adams hoped it would be celebrated. After the Founders voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2, Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: The Declaration of Independence “will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.†He said the day should be “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.†Through the generations, we Americans have obliged Adams’ wish with gusto — red, white and blue parades, topped with the quintessential American feast of grilled ’dogs, mustard, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, homemade brownies and, yes, Bud Light. And the fireworks. This is a guess: If you walked Siesta Key Beach and conducted Man (or Woman) on the Beach interviews, asking why we celebrate Independence Day, of course, many of us would cringe these days at the stupidity of so many Americans. You can envision the interview: Interviewer: “Why do we celebrate Independence Day?†Interviewee: “Uh, because we beat the Germans and Japanese in World War I?†Ugh. Ever the optimist, we still want to believe most adult Americans (especially those older than Gen Zers) do indeed know why we celebrate Independence Day. (See box for the exact words.) Forevermore, Americans have instinctively invoked the words liberty and freedom with the Fourth of July. More specifically, of course, we are always reminded on this national holiday of Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words in the second paragraph of the Declaration: “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.†It’s probably true that most Americans at the time of the Declaration focused on the proclamation that they were no longer under the tyrannical rule of the British king and empire; they were free of his injustices, usurpations and pillaging. But in the words of the late President Calvin Coolidge, the Declaration “had a much broader and deeper significance than a mere secession of territory and the establishment of a new nation.†In a 4,500-word speech July 4, 1926, in Philadelphia — on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, then President Coolidge delivered what should be regarded as one of the most insightful explanations ever recorded of the profound meaning of the Declaration of Independence (see below). Coolidge called the Declaration “the most important civil document in the world.†And among the reasons for such a noble title, Coolidge said: “Three very definite propositions were set out in its preamble regarding the nature of mankind and therefore of government. These were the doctrine that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights and that therefore the source of the just powers of government must be derived from the consent of the governed.†These were not new principles in the 18th century, but as Coolidge noted, these three principles “had never been assembled before and declared in such a combination. “It was not only the principles declared, but the fact that therewith a new nation was born which was to be founded upon those principles and which from that time forth in its development has actually maintained those principles, that makes this pronouncement an incomparable event in the history of government.â€WHO IS THE STATESMAN?It is noteworthy that 150 years after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence, then President Coolidge spoke as he did about the profound nature and importance of Jefferson’s words — that they still stood steadfastly a century-anda-half later as the principles that defined the United States and that made the United States exceptional. But now, nearly 100 years later, when, if ever, do you hear our so-called national leaders — specifically, the “presidential wanna-be’s†— discuss or profess an embracing conviction to the principles that all men are created equal and we all are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all of the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established. In that vein, who among the many presidential candidates has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers? Who among them could set foot in the same room as George Washington? In the 2000 book, “Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation,†historian Joseph J. Ellis gives readers a sense of the awe of Washington: “In the America of the 1790s, Washington’s image was everywhere His commanding presence had been the central feature in every major event of the revolutionary era: the linchpin of the Continental Army throughout eight long years of desperate fighting from 1775 to 1783; the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787; the first and only chief executive of the fledgling federal government since 1789. He was the palpable reality that clothed the revolutionary rhapsodies in flesh and blood, America’s one and only indispensable character. “Washington was the core of gravity that prevented the American Revolution from flying off into random orbits, the stable center around which the revolutionary energies formed. As one popular toast of the day put it, he was ‘the man who unites all hearts.’ He was the American Zeus, Moses and Cincinnatus all rolled into one.†Who among the candidates can rise to the statesman-leader level of, say, Abraham Lincoln or, in modern times, Ronald Reagan? Lincoln at Gettysburg: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here have the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.†Reagan at the 1964 Republican National Convention: “It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers,†he said. “James Madison said, ‘We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.’ “This idea that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power except the sovereign people, is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man. “For almost two centuries we have proved man’s capacity for selfgovernment, but today we are told we must choose between a left and right or, as others suggest, a third alternative, a kind of safe middle ground. “I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down. Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism †When he concluded his Fourth of July address, Coolidge told his fellow Americans: “If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism. “We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed. We must keep replenished, that they may glow with a more compelling flame, the altar fires before which they worshipped.â€BE RESILIENTDeep down, we have to believe most Americans are longing for the end of the strife that has torn this great nation apart for the past 15 years. They are wrought and withered over being told the country they love and its past are evil. The enmity that splits us in half has become our Gettysburg. As you wave your flag or fire up your grill on the Fourth of July, we’ll encourage you as we did in 2021: Wave that flag hard. Be resilient, as resilient as the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock and as courageous as the Founding Fathers who pledged their lives, their fortunes and honor with their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Continue to believe in the magnificent principles that all men are indeed created equal and stand strong for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Independence Day.OPINION / OUR VIEWGreatest civil document MATT WALSHThe Declaration of Independence was much more than a secession from tyranny. It changed the world. Biden Trump Pence Haley DeSantis ChristieWHO IS THE STATESMAN-LEADER?Kennedy WHAT FOUNDERS DECLAREDThis is the nal paragraph of the Declaration of Independence — the “what†the Founders were declaring: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do †These are the eight presidential candidates leading in the polls. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established. Who among them has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers? Scott Here is an excerpt from President Calvin Coolidge’s July 4, 1926, speech on the Declaration of Independence. In this passage, Coolidge warns Americans that the ideals in the declaration ow from religion: “A spring will cease to ow if its source be dried up; a tree will wither if its roots be destroyed. “In its main features, the Declaration of Independence is a great spiritual document. It is a declaration not of material but of spiritual þ conceptions. “Equality, liberty, popular sovereignty, the rights of man — these are not elements which we can see and touch. They are ideals. They have their source and their roots in the religious convictions. They belong to the unseen world. Unless the faith of the American people in these religious convictions is to endure, the principles of our Declaration will perish. We can not continue to enjoy the result if we neglect and abandon the cause. (To read the entire speech, go to: YourObserver.com/Coolidge.) — MWTHE DECLARATION’S RELIGIOUS ROOTS 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 Writer / Petra Rivera, PRivera@YourObserver.com Sta Writer / Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.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 Editorial Designer / Miguel Elasmar, MElasmar@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 Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com Chief 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 941-366-3468
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 9 rf ntrrrbf rrnnn nbf bnfn rffnrrfbr t tb f t frffrfb rfrffbrrbbbr rtb rfntr rfbfrfb rfbfrfbrf rfbbbtr bbbn rbbt400874-1 404244-1 rfnntb rfnfftbrrnnr nn rtnffnfrffn ffnn nffrnrnfrrn fnf rnfff nffnnnfrffbrfn nnnrr nnffnrffnnn nfffbr nfnffnfbn rffnnffrnf r rfntbn nfrb FRIDAY, JUNE 16INVALID LICENSE þ 11:22 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road Trac Citation: Police received a hit on their trac camera system for a driver with a suspended license. An ocer located the vehicle and advised the driver the stop was made because the driver didn’t have a valid license. The driver said she knew her license was suspended, and she did not take the required driver’s course after a previous citation. The responding ocer issued her another notice to appear and advised her she would go to jail if she was pulled over another time. þ W ARDROBE MALFUNCTION 4:27 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Suspicious Incident: Someone called the police department about a person lying on the ground possibly needing assistance. On arrival, the ocer found an individual who had seen the person in question. The person did not need assistance and was on the ground trying to get her shoe on. She successfully completed her outt and left in a vehicle. þ SATURDAY, JUNE 17CASTAWAY 3:15 p.m., Longboat Pass Boat-Miscellaneous: While patrolling the water, an ocer saw a atmat oat carrying four people. The oat was drifting under Longboat Pass Bridge. The four said they had drifted from the beach and asked for assistance. Police got the four people on the police vessel and took them to safety on their friend’s boat, who also responded. þ S TRUGGLING SAILS 6:15 p.m., New Pass Boat-Miscellaneous: Marine patrol observed a sailboat taking crashing waves over its sides. The captain waved the police vessel over and said he was having diculty getting back on course because the boat’s engine was disabled from a wave. Police stayed near the boat while the captain and mate gained control of the boat with the sails. Since the sailboat did not have means of communication, police guided them to New Pass Bridge, where the police had to radio for an opening on behalf of the sailboat.MONDAY, JUNE 19AFTER HOURS 5:12 p.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Noise Complaint: Longboat police responded to a noise complaint due to after hours construction. An ocer was directed to the dwelling, where roofers were actively working. The supervisor was advised that no work could be done after 5 p.m. and could not be done on a federal holiday. The ocer issued an ordinance warning to the supervisor. þ TUESDAY, JUNE 20LOST AND FOUND 9 a.m., 5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ F ound Property: A public works employee turned in a found bag to the police department. The employee said a swimmer handed in the bag after it had been discovered o Greer Island. In the bag, made of “hemp-type†material, was a lighter, soggy cigarettes, a vape device and an old iPhone that would not turn on. Police let the objects dry out at the station, but no identication was found. þ L OCKED BIKES 12:11 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Citiz en assist: Police were dispatched to a resident who needed help with his bikes. According to the complainant, he allowed relatives to use his bikes weeks ago and after they were locked up, the keys were misplaced. He asked police to cut the locks for him, but the responding ocer advised him to purchase a cutting instrument at a local hardware store. þ THURSDAY, JUNE 22PARKING PROBLEMS 11:29 p.m., 600 block of Linley Street þ Citiz en Dispute: A resident, who was out of town, called police and said a car was parked in the resident’s driveway without permission. The complainant said the car was visible via the security cameras on the property. Upon arrival, the police did not nd a car in the complainant’s driveway but were told by the complainant that the complainant believed it was a neighbor’s car. The neighbor, who lives across the street, was then contacted by police. The neighbor also said the complainant was already in contact and threatened to tow the car, but it was established it was not the neighbor’s car. Police told the complainant that if security footage could be provided showing neighbors parking on their property, as well as witness statements, then they could be charged with trespassing. þ COPS CORNER
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10 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 donate & shopHave large items to donate? Call to schedule your free pick up.( 941 ) 444-5783 www.habitatsrq.org 3 Stores 1 Location Monday 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 Monday 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. 396352-1 Tuesday-Saturday 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 396780-1 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!401466-1 401194-1 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 401205-1 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 1956401252-1 567 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. 401335-1 IAN SWABYSTAFF WRITERAfter the O’Keefe family started boating in 2009, they found a love for the pastime and let down an anchor in the boating community. Yet, while the six boats the Lakewood Ranch family owned increased in size, so did the maintenance needs. John O’Keefe decided to bring his background in software to the issue, leading the creation of the app called YachtWave, which made its debut at the Suncoast Boat Show held April 21-23. The app is available foriOS and Android or online. “I can’t think of a better place (than Sarasota) to have built and launched an app,†he said. “Maybe Fort Lauderdale would be its rival, but Sarasota, which is a major hub for boating on the west coast of Florida, was the perfect place. It’s like the stars coming into alignment that I’m able to launch it here.†While he said the online version of the app is complete, the next major step is the Fort Lauderdale Inter national Boat Show on Oct. 26-30, which will showcase a full-featured release of the mobile app.AT THE HELMOriginally, O’Keefe used a spreadsheet to record his boat’s maintenance, inventory and identification information. Mega-yachts, which are boats over 90 feet in size with a crew and a captain, use software to track their maintenance; that software costs thousands of dollars per year. But smaller boats have the same needs as larger ones, he said. “When people ask us about the boating lifestyle, my wife (Debbie) and I tell people, you have to love it. It’s not only the cost of it; the amount of work that it takes to manage it is tremendous, and if you’re not loving it, then it’s not worth it.†As O’Keefe searched the apps available, he found them to be fragmented. He was looking for a service that was professional and definitive, something that would bring together the features the average boater would need in one place. Since the launch of YachtWave, he said, feedback has been promising. “We’ve had a really, really good response, both from individual boaters, as well as businesses in the boating industry,†he said. Unlike similar apps, the app is cur rently free to download. “What I want for this app is adoption,†he said. “What I want is to get people to use it, provide good feedback and make it the best boating app out there.†YachtWave is far from O’Keefe’s first venture in the realm of software. Having earned a degree in engineering, in the early days of the internet he started a software company, Fine Point Technologies, which provided support automation for dial-up internet service providers, to help users connect to the internet and solve issues. In 2005, he started a technology company called ITelagen, which provided IT services to the health care industry; he ran it for the past 15 years. In his semi-retirement, he’s glad to merge his passion for software with his boating industry knowledge. His boating qualifications are significant, as he boasts a 100-Ton Master Captain’s License from the U.S. Coast Guard, which certifies him to operate as a charter boat captain, although he does not use the license professionally.AN APP FOR MAINTENANCEO’Keefe said the app brings together maintenance, inventory and more, with additional features planned for the future to fully meet the needs of boaters. Maintenance required on boats include two engines and a generator, which all have individual maintenance schedules. Also, users must stay on top of components’ maintenance before they break. In the family’s boat recently, he said, an exhaust fan broke, which would have caused a lack of air flow to the engine. Once on the way back from the Florida Keys, a fuel filter became clogged, but the family kept the boat moving by using a spare on board. Stored in the O’Keefes’ boat are thousands of dollars of spare parts — propellers, impellers, filters and more. The app helps users keep track of how many parts they need, and currently have, which John O’Keefe said is important in times of supply shortages, when inventories are slow to be replenished. There are also receipts to be tracked, another need the app will address. “If you don’t have that informa tion and proof of maintenance, it becomes very, very difficult to sell the boat later,†he said. Since the Suncoast Boat Show, the app has acquired just over 1,000 signups, he said. When that number reaches 6,000 or 7,000, he said, the app can incorporate additional features, including some currently available online. The YachtWave app is intended to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all needs related to boat care and use.Courtesy photoKeeping it shipshape ABOUT THE APPFor info, visit YachtWave.com. Features: Easy login, boat details, share with others, engines, assignable tasks, inventory, maintenance logs, checklists, cruise logs, notes, oine access, data privacy and security. Available: on iOS, Android, webJohn O’Keefe
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YOUROBSERVER.COMJUNE 29, 2023 < REVOLUTIONARY IMPROV: FST stages a onenight show in honor of our nation’s birthday. 15 EATING WITH EMMA: The best lobster rolls in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 13 >A+E INSIDE: ARTS + ENTERTAINMENTHONOR THY FATHERRingling College curator creates a tribute to his Episcopal priest dad.MARTY FUGATECONTRIBUTORTim Jaeger is the chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also an accomplished artist in his own right. As a painter he’s, well, painterly. His approach is gestural, with lots of multilayered impasto and loose, energetic brushwork. Coloring inside the lines is not Jaeger’s style. But a recent passion project took him out of his comfort zone. Late in 2021, Jaeger accepted a commission to design and create 41 windows for a chapel in Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School. His art would comprise Biblical vignettes and nods to other faiths. It would speak to the hearts of students. It would also have a deep, personal meaning to the artist. “Berkeley Prep is affiliated with the Episcopal Church,†Jaeger says. “I’m the son of an Episcopal priest. Receiving this commission was very humbling for me.†As a child, Jaeger grew up listening to his father’s sermons in the Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Kentucky. A well-behaved kid, he sat without fidgeting in a church pew. He listened intently, while simultaneously drawing on church bulletins. His father’s lessons took hold in his heart. But the training of his hand and eye would ultimately lead to his life’s work as an artist. “I always knew I wanted to be an artist,†Jaeger says. “Following in my father’s footsteps just wasn’t my path. This commission is a magical way to honor his path. It’s not my usual medium — and I really wanted to do it right!†The artist received the commission thanks to a drawing of St. Francis ministering to a flock of birds by the river. He showed it to Brandon Peete, the school chaplain. Jaeger explained that it would be one of many gentle religious scenes, including the baptism of Jesus and Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven. Tapping a master glass artist for assistance, “I explained that the vignettes would be religious,†Jaeger recalls. “But I also wanted to give the students a sense of freedom and creative expression, whatever their belief system.†Peete evidently liked the way the artist thought. Jaeger got the commission. Gentle scenes or not, it was an incredibly ambitious project — on a scale the artist had never before attempted. To create the images he’d envisioned, Jaeger reached out to the master glass artists of our region. Jim Piercey was his first choice.Courtesy photosRingling College Chief Curator Tim Jaeger (left) worked with stained glass artist Jim Piercey to bring Jaeger’s drawings to life. Details of the stained glass windows that Tim Jaeger created for the chapel at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa.“These windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacyâ€â€” Tim Jaeger SEE TIM JAEGER ON PAGE 12
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12 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 rfrnftbntfn fnrfbrnnrfnnbnf f‘’rf“’’â€fnâ€nfr• ‘fffnnb–f’f‘fff‘â€n’bf——’’ ’f‘nfbb‘fffnnb“b fnnffnbff“bffâ€ffb’“b ’’f‘fnfâ€â€™fbfâ€fn nfrnfnfffn“b’rfnf ‘fnffn’’ffnfrnn“’ RECLAIMING HOMECONTEMPORARY SEMINOLE ART – –†–†–â€â€“†380875-1 405531-1 2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 For pricing and services, go to www.catdepot.orgCAT CARE CLINICrOpen to the PublicBy Appointment Only 941.366.CATS (2287) 401591-1 “Jim had the only studio space around equipped to do this project,†he says. “Jim taught me a lot of the technique and installed everything we created. This will be the first chapel in the United States with fused glass windows.†What’s the difference between fused glass and stained glass? According to Jaeger, it’s a big dif ference. “Stained glass art is like making a mosaic,†he says. “You create the image with different pieces of colored glass. You assemble the pieces and then solder them together with melted lead. With fused glass, you’re melting different transparent layers of glass together. You can get more of a painterly effect within the glass itself. I even painted directly on many of the pieces.†Fused glass gives windows a painterly effect Jaeger adds that this painterly quality is the reason he chose the fused glass process. That said, it’s a far cry from painting on canvas. “Fused glass is a constructive medium,†he explains. “In painting, I can be spontaneous. With fused glass, it’s all planning — there’s no intuition involved. I have to design everything first. So, I’ll build a draw ing in Photoshop. I create outlines of figures divided into segments — then plan out exactly what colors go where.†Big job, needless to say. Jaeger didn’t try to do it alone. While work ing side by side with Piercey, Jaeger also collaborated with Kathleen Bromley and her team of glass artists at KatGlass Studio in Clearwater. Everyone involved pushed their artistry to the limit — and loved every minute of it. “Working on this project has been very rewarding,†says Piercey. “Fused glass takes us all out of our comfort zone, and that’s always a learning experience. I’ve learned a great deal from Tim, and I think he’s learned quite a lot about glass as well. It boils down to telling the story the chaplain wanted to tell — and that’s been a fairly painless process.†After the chaplain approved the mock-up for a specific window, Jaeger gave Piercey the design along with a general idea of the colors he wanted. “He leaves it up to me to interpret his color palette, and that’s pretty much it,†says Piercey. “Everyone involved has been super accommodating. Window by window, it’s all gone smoothly.†“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before,†adds Bromley. “Old-school leaded glass can be heavy-handed. Here, entire windows are made of fused glass with no divisions. When the sun hits just right, it’s like he’s painting with light.†Bottom line? Jaeger had help. But it was still a lot of hard work. How hard? “Looking back, this was two years in the making. Over 7,000 miles back and forth from Sarasota to Orlando. Two flat tires, one shattered windshield. Nearly 300 panes of glass. Countless drawings and emails. 41 windows. One chapel.†Jaeger smiles with satisfaction. And notes that Berkeley Chapel was consecrated on April 15. During the time that Jaeger created the stained glass windows, his father lived in a nursing home. “He wasn’t in a good shape,†Jaeger recalls. “I did this for my father, on many levels. He passed away before I finished. I wish he could’ve seen it — but I did send him drawings and photos, and they really meant a lot to him. This art speaks to the hearts and minds of the students. But these windows are also my way of honor ing my father’s legacy. I’m confident that they’ll shine for a long, long time.†Jaeger’s drawing for a window of Jacob’s Ladder. “The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before.†— Kathleen BromleyA closeup of a stained glass window at Berkeley Preparatory School’s chapel. TIM JAEGER, FROM PAGE 11
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 13 EMMA JOLLYCONTRIBUTORAs a native New Englander, during this time of year, I start really missing the place I will forever call home. I yearn for northern summer weather (sans humidity and afternoon tsunamis), chasing fireflies even in my 30s and eating the nation’s best lobster rolls with my sister. My younger sister, Maddie, is a lobster enthusiast — to put it mildly. She rates the buns, lobster meat and overall experience on her Instagram page, called Ladies Who Lobster. In honor of Maddie’s upcoming birthday, I put on my thinking cap and eating bib and turned into a lady who lunches on lobster. I found the best luxurious summer seafood sandwiches in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Let’s get crackin’.LAKEWOOD RANCH LOBSTER POUND SEAFOOD BISTRO AND FISH MARKET8740 State Road 70 E., Lake wood Ranch; 941-755-3474;LWR þÂLob sterPound.com Owned by Jim and Kelly Pierzga, this market and bistro serves up seafood with staff hailing from Long Island, New England and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was immediately transported back to Connecticut in a way that, no lie, brought a tear to my eye. Order up to 30 minutes before closing time (6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday). How We Roll:New England or Connecticut style? If we’re offered chunks of lobster poached in butter, drizzled with lemon on a New England roll — the Burke girls are sold on Connecticut-style ($23.99). Jim and his chef pack on nearly a pound of fresh lobster. You Butter Believe It:The Toss Up roll ($33.99) allows foodies to feast on both styles so you don’t have to choose. Want to see what a real storm looks like? Let’s try our best to nosh on the Nor’easter with sultry stacks of lobster on double buns — then we can roll into a nap time. Also, the clam chowder ($6.99) had my tastebuds doing cartwheels, so we can’t leave without that.THE MAINE LINE þ FOOD TRUCKLocations updated weekly on website; 941-246-9090; TheMaineLine.net Owner Kurt was heavily disappointed in the lack of home-cooking vibes when he and his wife, Brenda, moved to town — so they brought the Pine Tree State to the Sunshine State in a scrumptious way. This gourmet food truck serves up some of Maine’s finest offerings. We’re lining up for the lobstah extravaganza. How We Roll:The classic lobster roll with warm butter, lemon, coleslaw and chips ($22.95) takes me right back to New England. With each bite of lobster, the air gets less humid, and I feel like I’m home sweet home. You Butter Believe It:Lobster tacos with cilantro lime sauce, lobster quesadillas, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese and a crabster roll (crab meat and lobster) are offered to those who skip the classic. The next time you’re in town, Maddie, I can’t wait to munch on the Maine maniac mega lobster roll with 1 pound of lobster on a 12-inch roll, coleslaw, chowdah, chips and a bib ($64.95) with you.DETWILER’S FARM MARKET2881 Clark Road, Sarasota; 6100 N. Lockwood Ridge Road., Sarasota; 6000 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota; 1800 U.S. 301, Palmetto; 1250 U.S. 41 BYP, Venice; 941-378-2727, Detwiler þ M arket.com When I was starting my new job in Sarasota, I noticed my mentor’s Boston accent within moments of meeting her. I noticed myself becoming distracted in my training session. I just wanted to ask her where to get a more than decent lobster roll. Where she sent me to “pahk the cah†sur prised me in the best of ways. How We Roll:The colossal chunks of lovely lobster salad nestle within a traditional New England roll for an unbeatable, unbelievable price of $15.99. The surplus of shellfish in this cold-rendition roll is just as generous as it is delicious. You Butter Believe It: While you’re at the sub shop, be sure to order a lobster bisque (12 oz. for $4.99 and 16 oz. for $5.99) or clam chowder for the same price. We can also head to the seriously splendid seafood counter and continue our lobster explorations in three more delicious ways — lobster-stuffed flounder, lobsterstuffed mushrooms and lobster cakes are available for purchase too.KELLY’S ROAST BEEF5407 University Parkway, Bradenton; 941-263-1911; KellysRoastBeef.com Did you know that this chain has been in business since 1951? Kelly’s has come a long way from Revere Beach in Boston to the Gulf Shores of Bradenton but still holds true to its New England roots by serving up seafood that will have you salivating. How We Roll: We’re rolling with the succulent North Atlantic lobster mixed with the correct volume of celery and accurate amount of may onnaise. This lobster roll ($24.95 and up) is served with an overwhelming selection of fantastic sides, including French fries, onion rings and a side of Kelly’s own tangy tartar sauce. You Butter Believe It:Let’s take a short break from the lobster lifestyle and snack on the clam or scallop roll ($25.95 each) and treat ourselves to some cheese fries ($5.95) because we can. The seasoned fries are topped with melted cheddar cheese sauce with real bacon.RIVERHOUSE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto; 941729-0616; RiverhouseFL.com Yes, there are three options for waterfront dining with a mouthwatering lobster roll moments away from my front door. I’m ab-shelllutely ready for this last stop on the lobster tour. How We Roll:Order up a New England-style lobster roll (market price). It’s offered at both the Reef & Grill, the ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, as well as on the Second Floor. Chopped cold-water lobster, mayo, celery and onion are all positioned perfectly on a New England style roll. You Butter Believe It:Maddie, I have three words to end here — lobster pot pie ($18). Three more? I love you. I can’t wait to bite into the blend of lobster, whitefish, shallots and more tucked under a baked puff pastry with you. Or we could get a big lump of lobster and a big lump of knobs. The lobster corn chowder ($18) is defined as a house favorite. OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available 1734 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.com385050-1 EATING WITH EMMAThe Giant Connecticut roll ($34.99) from Lobster Pound tastes like home. Riverhouse in Palmetto knows how to roll. Detwiler’s is a fan favorite of a Boston transplant.Get crackin’ on the best local lobster rollsIn honor of my lobsterloving sister, here are some local dishes that remind me of home sweet home.The Maine Line Food Truck goes big or goes home. Kelly’s brings the Northeastern way of things to Sarasota.Photos by Emma Jolly
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14 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota Monday Saturday 9 AM 6 PM, Sunday Noon 5 PM Presidents' Day Heirloom-quality solid w ood f urniture custo m built by Amish woodw orkers YEARS YEARS Save Up To 20%July 4th Storewide SaleJune 29-July 4 3709 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota Monday Saturday 9 AM 6 PM, Sunday Noon 5 PM Presidents' Day Heirloom-quality solid w ood f urniture custo m built by Amish woodw orkers YEARS YEARS Save Up To 20%July 4th Storewide SaleJune 29-July 4 405334-1 61 N. Pineapple Ave 389759-1 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. ‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’ 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com. In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrices required to win the championship belt worth it? Runs through July 9. ‘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 16. ‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Florida Studio Theatre 8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. From $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. “Black Pearl Sings†tells the story of an unlikely friendship forged during the Depression between Susannah, a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music, and an African American prisoner, Pearl, who has the knowledge and memories that Susannah needs for her project. Runs through July 30.FRIDAYDISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ KIDS SHOW 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com. Beat the heat with this stage adaptation of the popular Disney lm “Frozen,†featuring favorite songs from the lm such as “Love is an Open Door,†“Do You Want to Build a Snowman†and “Let It Go.†This For KIDS By KIDS Production also includes new songs from the Broadway production. ‘FINDING NEMO JR.’ 7 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $17 Visit ThePlayers.org. þ This s tage adaptation of the popular Pixar lm “Finding Nemo†features new music by Kristen Andersen. What’s more, it’s only 60 minutes long, so it’s perfect for kids who get dgety during long shows. Runs through July 2.WEDNESDAYSTEVE WHITE 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com. Steve White got his rst break from hometown buddy Eddie Murphy when he was cast in “Coming to America.†White has also been a mainstay of Spike Lee lms, with roles in “Do the Right Thing,†“Clockers†and “Malcolm X,†to name a few. Runs through July 9. THIS WEEK OUR PICKFST IMPROV PRESENTS ‘FREE DOM!’ Feeling patriotic and looking for a laugh? FST Improv promises “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter†in this one-night-only performance that reveals the secret history of the American Revolution. IF YOU GO When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1 Where: FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. Tickets: $15 Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. DON’T MISSTHE SURFER BOYS 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 life with classics like “California Girls,†“Good Vibrations,†“Barbara Ann†þ and man y more. Runs through Aug. 13. IF YOU GO When: June 29, Runs through Aug. 13. Where: FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.Courtesy photosThe Surfer Boys brings the songs of the Beach Boys to the Sarasota stage at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret through Aug. 13. FST’s Independence Day improv show “Freedom!†will appear at the Bowne Theatre on Saturday, July 1. Third-generation circus artist Heidi Herriott is the master of ceremonies at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 12 at Historic Asolo Theater.
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401182-1 Keeping David Gorin’s legacy alivePETRA RIVERASTAFF WRITER“Sharing values, friendship and faith†is the mission of Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key. One of the people who exemplified this mission the best was former copresident of the temple, David Gorin. Gorin died peacefully at home from pancreatic and liver cancer on June 11. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan, and sons Jesse Nathan and Daniel Eli Gorin. A month before his death, Gorin stepped down from his position at the temple to allow Michael Boor stein to transition into the co-presidency with Marion Levine. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Gorin was a longtime lobbyist and the chief executive for the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds from 1987 to 2001. Balancing his time as CEO and raising two sons, he also opened one of the early Play It Again Sports stores that sold new and used athletic equipment. In 2016, he was inducted into the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame for his hard work in transforming the National Association of Campground Owners into the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. After moving full time to Longboat Key in 2018 with his wife, Gorin became involved in the temple, starting out as a board member. In 2022, he, along with Levine, became co-presidents of the temple because of his dedication and involvement in the community. Levine was originally nominated to take over the position herself, but she felt that collaborating with Gorin would allow them to better tackle the responsibilities of the presidency. Boorstein and Gorin were colleagues as well as friends, which has encouraged Boorstein to continue the hard work that Gorin poured into the temple. Both of them were dedicated to the temple’s poker group and bonded through it. Boorstein shared that Gorin was still playing with the group on Zoom until about two weeks before he died. “I spoke to him every day, he was really very much part of my life,†said Levine. “I loved him as a person. He was very strong in his conviction. There were times that we didn’t 100% agree, but we always came to some agreement because we really only got one vote. And I became very close with his wife and, you know, socially friendly. So, it’s hard, I lost a good friend.â€NEW LEADERSHIPNew co-president Boorstein plans to continue Gorin’s legacy. Boorstein was the vice president of the Long Range Planning Committee for the temple while Gorin and Levine were co-presidents together, so they all worked closely on crafting plans for the renovation of the temple. Boorstein formerly was a foreign service officer with the State Department, which put him in charge of building and managing embassies around the world. These skills in negotiating arrangements with foreign governments made him naturally suited to serve in a leadership committee and attracted him to be more involved in the executive board of the temple. Levine and Boorstein split the responsibilities of the presidency to make everything run more smoothly. “The role of the president, if I can just sort of combine the two of us together, is to cover the gamut of everything the temple is involved in,†Boorstein said. The co-presidency’s long list of responsibilities includes organizing Shabbat dinners, inviting scholars to teach programs, arranging security, as well as managing the membership committee, ritual committee and all other employees. Along with these, Boorstein plans to focus on Gorin’s plans for the temple renovation. After being affected by the þ p andemic, the Education Center of Longboat Key merged with the temple, which developed into a collaboration. At that time, the center had been run for more than 30 years by Susan Goldfarb, who is now the program director. “I actually developed a very big Jewish clientele,†said Goldfarb. “Because the founder was Jewish, but she always wanted to not publicize that, she wanted to make sure every thing was secular. I said, ‘We can stay secular, but I think what we need to do is look at who our people are, who the students are that are coming and really plug into that.’†Goldfarb explained how supportive the temple has been since the merger, especially her boss Issac Azerad and Rabbi Stephen L. Snider man. She mentioned that Boorstein even taught a program for the Education Center based on his diplomatic experience. “COVID just basically caused her to go belly up. So she was about ready to close her doors,†said Boorstein of Goldfarb. “We invited her in to be part of the temple. We made her an employee of the temple, and we’ve given her a lot of autonomy. She’s brought all of her programming skills, all of her contacts, all of her mailing list of people who supported the Education Center in the past, to make it part of the temple. We’ve used that as a way of attracting new members.†As the temple moves into a new era, his friends said the spirit of the late David Gorin will continue to shine thanks to his loyal involvement over the years and the impact he made. Michael Boorstein and Marion Levine plan to pursue big goals for the temple while following in the footsteps of their hardþ w orking predecessor. DAVID GORIN’S VISION FOR THE FUTUREStarted by David Gorin, the executive board of Temple Beth Israel plans to make several renovations to the temple. Gorin’s legacy, as Co-president Marion Levine calls it, is to monetize one of their parking lots for the longterm nancial welfare of the temple. þ Ther e are also plans for a minor expansion of the Education Center to have more space for its programs. þ W ith his many years of experience in business, Gorin focused on how best to operate the temple nancially. New Copresident Michael Boorstein said, “David was quite a visionary. He pushed for the temple to take the steps necessary to have the revenue to renovate the building.†David Gorin was inducted into the RV and Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame in 2016 for his work as the chief executive of National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.Courtesy photosNew co-presidents of Temple Beth Israel, Marion Levine and Michael Boorstein, are transitioning into their new positions while keeping the late David Gorin in mind. YOUR NEIGHBORSJUNE 29, 2023 Classieds 28 Games 27 Real Estate 25 Weather 27
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16 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 r rffnt bnfn rf ntbbbttbbbnbtnbttbnntb nnbbntbbbttbb nbbbbnbtt 403094-1 IT’S READ EVERYWHEREHeaded on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere for a chance to win a seven-night cruise for two, sponsored by Marc Boko Cruise Planners.KINGLY READS: Michele and Richard Kaleida in front of Abu Simbel Temple in Egypt with the Longboat Observer. Bayfront Park Recreation Center was lled with laughter and fun all afternoon on June 23. Employees from all departments for the town of Longboat Key got together for a luncheon celebrating the hard work they’ve done this past year . The annual employee appreciation luncheon was an eort to help the town’s sta mingle and get to know each other better outside of their own departments. Sta was present from the Police Department, Fire Rescue Department, Public Works, the accounting department, the Town Commission, Planning and Zoning, IT and many other departments. “These are the folks that are driving over the bridge in season when the trac’s crazy,†said Town Manager Howard Tipton. “They are driving over the bridge when there is a hurricane coming and we are trying to get the town prepared; they are driving over the bridge after the storm to help us clear things up and keep everybody safe. They do a lot of stu behind the scenes to make this place a wonderful place to live.â€â€” PETRA RIVERA Camaraderie and cornbread Photos by Petra RiveraBarry Gaines aims perfectly to dunk people in the dunk tank while other employees cheer around him. Ronica Jackson, Paul Dezzi and Tirso Guerrero Commissioner Debra Williams works hard to nish a Longboat-themed crossword puzzle.
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 17 BEACHPLACE SHOWSTOPPER1055 GULF OF MEXICO DR #205 | OFFERED AT $1,795,000 Expertly renovated 2 bed/2 bath with tumbled marble ooring, raised ceiling, quartz counters, impact windows, top of the line appliances and direct azure water views from almost every room. MLS# A4571524 RECENT ACTIVITY MOONSHINE POINT ON SIESTA1250 SEA PLUME WAY | OFFERED AT $4,400,000 is 4 bedroom estate oers the ultimate in island lifestyle amenities! Vaulted ceilings, bay views, 2 primary suites (1st and 2nd oor options), chef’s kitchen, elevator, salwater pool, putting green, deep water dock with 2 lis, sandy beach, 2 car garage with apartment suite and 2 minutes from the gulf beach access across the street. MLS# A4559353 PRIVATE BEACH #1 LONGBOAT KEY TEAM Michael Saunders & Company Follow on Instagram @LongboatLifeWWW.LONGBOATLIFE.COM BENCHMARK RESULTS • STRATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE401265-1 BIG GULF VIEWS 535 SANCTUARY DR #C508 | $4,850,000 LANDMARK SALE 535 SANCTUARY DR 205 | $2,375,000GULF VIEWS 3080 GRAND BAY BLVD #515 | $935,000 BAY VIEWS
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18 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLEVACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177JUST LISTED...AND UNDER CONTRACT BUILD YOUR DREAMHOME!2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.comJULIE KLICK941.780.6001 JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.comLivingonLongboat.comBEVERLY ST. HILAIRE818.416.2505beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLEVACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177JUST LISTED...AND UNDER CONTRACT BUILD YOUR DREAMHOME!2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.comJULIE KLICK941.780.6001 JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.comLivingonLongboat.comBEVERLY ST. HILAIRE818.416.2505beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLEVACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177JUST LISTED...AND UNDER CONTRACT BUILD YOUR DREAMHOME!2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.comJULIE KLICK941.780.6001 JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.comLivingonLongboat.com BEVERLY ST. HILAIRE818.416.2505beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY Longtime residents of Longboat Key with over 30 years of combined experience specializing in Longboat Key real estate.2326 HARBOUR OAKS DR.3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,282 SF $1,225,000 | MLS# A4550092540 HARBOR COVE CIRCLEVACANT LAND LISTING $3,400,000 Residential MLS# A4534178 Vacant Land MLS# A4535177JUST LISTED...AND UNDER CONTRACT BUILD YOUR DREAMHOME!2341 HARBOUR OAKS CIR. SOLD FOR $1,275,000 3555 FAIR OAKS LANE SOLD FOR $2,300,000 580 BIRDIE LANE SOLD FOR $4,260,000 2101 HARBOURSIDE DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,310,000HOME SALES IN LAST SIX MONTHS61 S. Boulevard of the Presidents | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.388.4447 | www.michaelsaunders.comJULIE KLICK941.780.6001 JulieKlick@michaelsaunders.comLivingonLongboat.comBEVERLY ST. HILAIRE818.416.2505beverlysthilaire@michaelsaunders.com BeverlySellsSarasota.com EXCEEDING SELLERS’ EXPECTATIONS ON LONGBOAT KEY rf ntbtt rfrnrtbnnfrrffntb nnnfbfbrffntb bfbffrffntbf405818-1nfnbfnnb b fbbfb rfntb fbbfb fbbfb fbbtb ‘ ’ “’fâ€tft•r rbbfnâ€f•nt• fnttb “brn•r –nfâ€â€fn •tfnbbfn nbâ€fntfnt “—bfnbnn fn “fnnfbf•rbft nfntfbâ€f “’•fbfbf “ftf•fbâ€â€¢r —’nr bnnf Exceeding Expectations b ‘ ‘ fnft ‘ ‘ ff 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! 404533-1 The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974 or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com 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 401272-1440 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228Celebrating 50 YEARS 50 YEARS of Living and Working on Longboat Key 401298-1 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 SUNDAY, JULY 2MUSIC BY CHAD TALLMAN þ Noon3 p.m. at Whitney’s 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. Enjoy the musical performance of New York native Chad Tallman over a meal. The guitarist and singer plays all styles of rock, pop and some jazz. Tallman provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorable time at Whitney’s with loved ones.RECURRING EVENTSMONDAYSSTRETCH AND STRENGTHEN þ 1 0-11 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 383-6493.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 3834738. þ TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYSLONGBOAT LIBRARY þ O pen from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011. þ 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. þ YO GA From 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 the rst and third Tuesday in All Angels Parish Hall, 563 Bay Isles Road. Call Nancy Rozance at 203-605-4066 or email Info@ þ LongboatKeyRotary.org.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.THURSDAYSKIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every rst and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register. SUNSET YOGA 7 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 3970 Royal Road, Longboat Key. Free. Yoga instructor Angela Mali leads a holistic yoga class at 7 p.m. most Thursdays near the public beach access by Bayfront Park, weather permitting. Get in touch with Mother Nature in a tranquil beachfront setting during this relaxing and engaging yoga class appropriate for all ages and levels. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset while practicing breath work, poses and gratitude. þ RSVP before class with a call or text to 618-789-7226.FRIDAYSINTERMEDIATE TAI CHI From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen-style class. Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493. BEST BETTUESDAY, JULY 4FREEDOM FEST þ 9 a.m. at Truist Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road. Free. Kick o your Fourth of July celebration with the 20th annual Freedom Fest. A buttery release will begin the parade at 9 a.m. starting at Truist Bank on Bay Isles Road and ending at the town hall. Festivities continue in Bicentennial Park with many games, crafts, waes and the famous Hot Diggity Dog contest.YOUR CALENDAR
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 19 LA BELLASARA $3,699,000464 GOLDEN GATE PT., #503 3BR/4.5BA | 3,490 SF FAIRWAY BAY $934,0001930 HARBOURSIDE DR. #141 2BR/2BA | 1,442 SF WATER CLUB I $3,495,0001241 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #704 3BR/4BA | 3,045 SF VISTA BAY POINT NEW PRICE $3,299,000128 GOLDEN GATE PT. #1002A | 3BR+DEN/3BA | 3,477 SF PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE ROOF TOP TERRACESARA SANDS $2,290,0005182 SANDY BEACH AVE. | 3BR+STUDY/4.5BA | 3,398 SF 116’ OF WATERFRONT | WATERCRAFT STORAGE W/ UPLAND CUT SIESTA COVE $3,495,0005212 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 AREASIESTA 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 CONFUSED ABOUT NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS? DEMYSTIFY THE EXPERIENCE CALL THE ACKERMAN GROUP! 941-387-1820 PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING PENDING AVAILABLE PROPERTIES 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 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.netTHE 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 PENDINGAQUARIUS 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 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 404539-1 NEW PRICE REDUCTION
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20 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 rfntbt r fntbrfr nfr r nr ‘’ n ff 401291-1 A fabulous opportunity to build on one of the few remaining vacant lots on great boating water with a 50 ft dock already in place. To make it even more special, homes on Lyons Lane are only on the south side of the street. 628 Lyons Lane, Longboat Key | MLS#A4565151 $1,450,000THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTY 941.343.9396 | www.GrantsGardens.com 397680-1 405930-1 JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITORIt’s a tradition that dates back centuries, to the days of wooden ships and the Royal Navy ruling the seas, when a ship’s captain would assemble the crew as he passed command to his successor. The Bird Key Yacht Club’s annual Change of Watch ceremony was a more relaxed affair, interspersed with laughs, as the club’s member ship assembled to recognize the previous Board of Governors officers for their service and install the new leadership. During her remarks, outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams more than once reminded the assembled members that her term had been extended from a year to 16 months, because while the BKYC and its traditions date back to 1960, this was the first Change of Watch in June. The change was made so the annual transfer of leadership would coincide with the club’s fiscal year. “It has been an honor it has not been without its challenges,†Adams said to the audience, before thanking many present for their support, including her husband, Payson. After her remarks, Adams passed the ceremonial gavel to new Commodore Steven Horton, signify ing the transfer of leadership and responsibility for the club and its 275 members. Horton is the 56th commodore of the club and was vice commodore for the previous watch year. He served 28 years in the U.S. Navy in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Horton and his wife, Ann, moved to Sarasota in 2012. Michael Landis and Tony Britt will serve alongside him as vice commodore and rear commodore. They and their fellow members on the Board of Governors were sworn in by past commodores Jim Chadwick and Curtiss Schantz. During his remarks, Horton explained that the club has been on the comeback trail the past two years and continues to improve in many facets, including its finances, dining, staff and facilities. The membership recently approved a master plan renovation, which is working its way through permitting. Among the club’s goals is expanding its community outreach and growing its membership to 350-375 members. “Our secret weapon is our personal touch,†said Britt. “We’re equally a social and tennis club.†Following the ceremony, the club members enjoyed a dinner reception. Rob Sartore, who grew up on Bird Key, provided the night’s entertainment — first on the piano and then out on the dance floor, singing with a touch of Sinatra.Bird Key Yacht Club installs new commodore and Board of Governors.Yacht Club passes the gavel Photos by Sidra Wali Newly appointed ocers of the Bird Key Yacht Club for 2023-24 Outgoing Commodore Lisa Adams and incoming Vice Commodore Michael Landis during the Change of Watch Ceremony Irene Britt and Rear Commodore Tony Britt Steven Horton was sworn in as commodore of the Bird Key Yacht Club on Saturday during the club’s Change of Watch Ceremony. rf frrntftrbffb tnbbftrftbfrf rf 405956-1
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 21 rfn tbtrrfntfbt ffff ntf ntf b b rffbfb rffbfb n n ff ff rrn rrn f f fffff fffff ff ff 405680-1 rbffn‘nbfr‘f‘bfbb f ’““â€â€¢â€¢â€¢â€â€¢â€¢â€¢rfnftbbfff fr rbf r‘f‘b f ’–â€â€œâ€”•â€â€¢â€¢â€¢nbn ‘t’ “n rbf f f ’â€â€”â€â€¢â€¢â€¢fâ€rnfbbtb “t “ “ rbf rn f ’â€â€”•â€â€¢â€¢â€¢fn “• n rbf frfrb f ’â€â€”â€â€¢â€¢â€¢ frfrb“ f ’â€â€”â€â€¢â€¢â€¢â€“— • rbf f bft f ’“â€â€”•â€â€¢â€¢â€¢rn â€â€œ • rbf bfr f ’â€â€”—â€â€¢â€¢â€¢â€nr †–
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22 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 HURRICANE HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PREPAREDNESS Whether you need to prepare Whether you need to prepare or repair, these businesses or repair, these businesses are here to help... are here to help... 405545-1 Factory Showroom: 1847 61st St., Sarasota Near the corner of 301 & University PkwyState License C-GC151684 r f nrrtbb tb t frrrf ntb r ttr rnCALL FOR A FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION Trusted by Florida residents & businesses for over 40 years! Taking Taking Orders Orders for 2024! for 2024!Windshutters has you covered Plan now. Stay safe. We can help.batteriesplus.comBradenton6240 14th Street WestLakewood Ranch11557 SR70 ESarasota4401 Bee Ridge Rd HURRICANE SEASONIS HERE Limit 1 Expires 11.30.23 CDP11031Offer valid on in-stock products at participating Batteries Plus locations and online. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced. To receive discount, offer must be presented at time of in-store purchase or promo code entered at batteriesplus.com. See store for complete details.10% OFFAny Purchase 405647-1 RICH BRIANDILIC/INS FREE ESTIMATES 941-356-5616• TREE REMOVAL & TRIMMING • CLEAN-UPS • COMPLETE LANDSCAPING • SHELL WORK • MULCHING405648-1 405650-1 rfn rf rf rf rf 405649-1 Protect & Beautify Your Home With New Energy Efcient Replacement Windows The Right Windows Can Provide Safety & Save You Money!Call Us Today & Let’s Get Started! INFINITE HOME IMPROVEMENTSThe windows in your home are important for many reasons; from improved energy eciency, which can save money on your electric bills, to greater protection from high winds and hurricanes. New windows will improve the aesthetics and curb appeal while increasing the value of your home! Innite Improvements in Sarasota, Florida oers the latest energy star rated technology coupled with quality installation to protect and beautify your biggest investment, your home. We oer every type of window from single or double hung windows to sliders and casement windows. Whether you want aluminum or vinyl impact windows and door walls, we can meet all your needs. Call us today for a Free No Gimmick In-Home Estimate! Brian Higgins, Owner, with son KyleYou Will Always Be Given Our Best Price First!7004 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 • (941) 312-4455 Stop by our New Showroom Soon with Granite Slabs on site www.innitesarasota.com • Lic. #CGC1514713 AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS • SENIOR AND VETERAN DISCOUNTS Our Designers are On-sta for your project continuity, with the experience to execute any project On Time and On Budget! NO GIMMICK ZONE• Kitchen Remodeler • Bathroom Remodeler • Window Replacement2022 BEST 405739-1 Protect & Beautify Your Home With New Energy Ecient Replacement Windows The generosity was overowing on June 20 at the Longboat Island Chapel. The church’s Charitable Outreach Committee collected shoes, personal items, toiletries, clothing and care packages with a theme of “Father Knows Best.†The donations lled a van headed to the Mount Carmel Resource Center, with another carload of donated items remaining at the church for another trip. “We were able to collect so many things like clothing and household items that we lled up the van and couldn’t get the rest to t,†said Karen Pashkow, event organizer and Longboat Island Chapel charitable outreach committee member. Among the donations were 200 pairs of socks from Bombas. The New York-based apparel company donates a clothing item for each one purchased and partners with organizations across the country to help distribute donations to homeless people. “I can’t thank Longboat Island Chapel enough. They collected personal items, socks, clothing and furniture,†said Shirley Pearson, executive director of M ount Carmel Community Resource Center. “This helps people that were once incarcerated, low-income families and homeless. This impacts their life today for success tomorrow.†The monthly events grew from humble beginnings, with a simple chest and sign in the church fellowship hall, and turned into themed “Dine and Donate†nights. The Charitable Outreach Committee soon found that having a memorable theme and more eye-catching displays helped the event stick in church members’ minds and led to more donations. Each month, the Charitable Outreach Committee selects a dierent cause and creates a fun theme around it to inspire more donations, culminating in a social hour during which church members package the donations and share in community fellowship. “It’s amazing what people will donate. People get together and they do great things,†said Anne Summers, co-chair of the Charitable Outreach Committee. “If you want to do outreach, this is the way to do it.†þ — JAMES PETERChapel overows with generosity Sidra WaliLaura Wallace, Walter Killings, Shirley Pearson, Karen Pashkow, Jurome Killings and Sandra JohnsonCourtesy photo Longboat Island Chapel set each table with ties to t the theme of “Father Knows Best.â€Sidra WaliLongboat Island Chapel collected donations for its charity event with a theme of “Father Knows Best.â€Courtesy photo The Rev. Brock Patterson next to a life-sized stued version of himself.
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 23 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 PROPERTIESLONGBEACH 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 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 BIRD KEY 632 MOURNING DOVE DRIVE • SARASOTA, FL • $2,995,000 QUEENS HARBOUR 3590 FAIR OAKS LANE • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $2,995,000 BEACHPLACE 1045 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #501 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,425,000 PORTOBELLO 3235 GULF OF MEXICO DR., #A304 • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,195,000 BAYPORT BEACH & TENNIS CLUB • JUST LISTED 516 BAYPORT WAY • LONGBOAT KEY, FL • $1,275,000 401500-1
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24 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 r fnt fbtf f f frr fntbtf f ff nr fntftf ff ‘n nt bt ’nt fff ff fntbt “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f fff ntt‘n fntfbt t ff ff nrnf ntbt –â€n•n ff f t ntbtf ‘n f f fn• nt t f f ft• ntfbt —’ f f r ntt “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f ff fft’ ntbt t— ff f •t• nt ff ff n nt t ’nâ€t ff ff f•’‘n nttf f r ntt “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f f fntbt f f r ntt f f r nt tff ‘n f ff f ntbtf ’nt fff f fr ntt — f fff tr ntt ntâ€n ff f fr nt — f fff r nt t “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f ff ffr ntt f nrn ntt “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f ff fr ntt ‘n f ff fr ntt “nnâ€â€¢â€¢â€™ f ff r 401861-1
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 25 rf ntbtb rffrnntbbtbbr r rfrffrnntbbtbbrf fntfbftf fffftb ftfb t tft ff Licensed Real Estate Broker Prices as of December 2022 401837-1 LONGBOAT KEYAddress þ P ermit þ Applic ant þ Amount 1 701 Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Alt/R enovation þ A quarius Club þ $306 ,502 þ þ Condominiums þ 3568 F air Oaks Ways þ Alt/R enovation þ Jac ob Levitsky þ $154 ,262 2105 Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Alt/R enovation þ Naomi Topper Trust þ $1 31,212 3403 603 Longboat Club Road þ Alt/Renovation þ Mar garet D. Meador þ $12 7,950 1201 15 Lighthouse Point Drive þ D ock/Seawall/Lift þ Marina Plaz a Fernandez þ $1 07,208 2295 Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Alt/R enovation þ 2295-9 3 Gulf of þ $98 ,000 þ 9 3 S. þ Me xico Drive þ 1281 Gulf o f Mexico Drive 407 þ Electric al þ E velyn Rothbard Revoc. þ $81,94 8 6161 Gulf of Mexico Drive þ Building Other þ D aniel C. Fangmeyer þ $ 77,920 621 Buttonwood Drive þ S wimming Pool/Spa þ V ito Paul Giannioi þ $ 75,825 591 Chipping Lane þ W indows/Doors þ Clar a McGonigle þ $ 72,634 711 Binnacle Point Drive þ D ock/Seawall/Lift þ K enneth Kari þ $66 ,800 1021 Longboat Club Road þ S wimming Pool/Spa þ Alfr edo Cordova þ $6 5,000 1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive 202 þ W indows/Doors þ Thomas Wilhelmsen þ $56 ,651 7149 La Lenaire Drive þ Electric al þ T otal Consciousness LLC þ $50 ,000 2945 Pyrula Drive þ S wimming Pool/Spa þ St even Marks þ $50 ,000 5055 Gulf of Mexico Drive 525 þ Alt/R enovation þ Alcliff LL C þ $40 ,810 670 Old Compass Road þ R oof þ E merald Partners LLC þ $3 7,900 2110 Harbourside Drive 556 þ Electric al þ F rancis Eugene McDaniel þ $34 ,000 7147 La Lenaire Drive þ D ock/Seawall/Lift þ K aleta Island LLC þ $33 ,930 610 Longview Drive þ Electric al þ Gr een Heron Dev. þ $33 ,500 These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of June 17-22 in order of dollar amounts.Source: Town of Longboat Key TOP BUILDING PERMITStwo bedrooms, two baths and 1,213 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2013.LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERSVlasta Zajicek, of Longboat Key, sold her Unit 503 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Don Swanson and Sandra Kurdas, of Sarasota, for $730,000. Built in 1972, it has one bedroom, one bath and 725 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2010.LONGBOAT HARBOURClark and Deborah Parrish, of Garden City, Idaho, sold their Unit 105 condominium at 4310 Falmouth Drive to West Ludwig, of Raleigh, North Carolina, for $408,000. Built in 1969, it has one bedroom, one bath and 747 square feet living area. It sold for $250,000 in 2019.BEACH HARBOR CLUBJoan Stapleton and Patricia Janssen, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the Unit C-308 condominium at to Laura Rothschild, of Nyack, New York, for $294,000. Built in 1970, it has one bedroom, one bath and 712 square feet living area. It sold for $69,500 in 1992.L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUBWilliam and Donna Eacho, trustees, sold the Unit C-504 condominium at 415 L’Ambiance Drive to Robert Rubin and Nancy Neis, of Boston, for $3.43 million. Built in 1992, it has two bedrooms, two-and-twohalf baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.75 million in April.SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUBRaymond and Gayle Sobieck, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit A-601 condominium at 535 Sanctuary Drive to Madhav and Sujata Mutalik, of Longboat Key, for $3.15 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,115 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.25 million in 2011. Madhav and Sujata Mutalik, of Southborough, Massachusetts, sold their Unit B-202 condominium at 585 Sanctuary Drive to Susan Santos Paulson, of Longboat Key, for $1,952,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $355,000 in 1990. Larry Lucas and Elizabeth Rachael Lucas, of Cincinnati, sold their Unit A-103 condominium at 575 Sanctuary Drive to James Stewart Moore Jr. and Catherine Mary Moore, of Morristown, New Jersey, for $1.8 million. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,823 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2021.QUEEN’S HARBOURDavid Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold his home at 3532 Fair Oaks Lane to Brian and Diane Coughlin, of Manitoba, Canada, for $2.7 million. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,524 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.68 million in 2022.BAY ISLESMaria Ineza Hart, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 3312 Bayou Road to Rand Stack and Constance Pollak Stack, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, for $1.6 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,372 square feet living area. It sold for $670,000 in 1993.FAIRWAY BAYWilliam David Lyden and Laureen Lyden sold their Unit 423 condominium at 2020 Harbourside Drive to Hugh Trigg Mitchell Jr., of Longboat Key, for $1,225,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,905 square feet living area. It sold for $255,000 in 1985.SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUBKathleen Herbach, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the Unit 55 condominium at 941 Spanish Drive N. to Steven Burmeister and Janet Burmeister, trustees, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for $950,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,357 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2006. LIDO SURF AND SANDJoseph Benson, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, sold his Unit 611 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Magdalena Albertha Maria Brink, of Sarasota, for $885,000. Built in 1976, it has REAL ESTATEADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITORA home in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Martelli Longboat LLC sold the home at 572 Halyard Lane to William and Misty Ellis, of Longboat Key, for $4,085,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, veand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,682 square feet of living area. Country Club Shores home tops sales at $4.1 million RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS JUNE 12-16James Peter This $4.1 million Country Club Shores home located at 572 Halyard Lane on Longboat Key has four bedrooms, ve-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,682 square feet of living area.
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26 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 435 L’Ambiance Dr #H802 | LONGBOAT KEY | $4,200,000 2 bed + den or 3 bed, 4 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft Updated to perfection is here and ready for enjoyment. Iconic luxury 270 degrees of endless views of the city and turquoise waters of the Gulf looking South. Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances. www,435LAmbianceH802.com 435 L'Ambiance L207 | LONGBOAT KEY | $2,600,000 3 bed, 3 bath | 2,525 Sq Ft The almost new residence offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views from its wrap-around terrace. Elevator to your private foyer, where doors open to reveal elevated 10-ft ceilings and walls of glass, filling the room with natural light surrounded by tropical vi ews. www.LAmbianceL207.com TOP Sales Teamin the state ofFlorida$2.4 Billion Career Sales941-587-1700 941-376-6411 JUDY -HAYS KEPECZTEAM Coldwell Banker Realty423 St. Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 Queens Harbour Bay Isles, Longboat Key 3554 Fair Oaks Lane | 5 bed, 4.5 bath | 4,493 sq.ft. | $4,200,000 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr 907 | 3 bed, 2.5 bath | 3,057 SqFt | $3,990,000Instant enjoyment at this Ritz-Carlton Managed Residence."The Beach Residences" is an extraordinary corner residence Beyond the imagination, an extraordinary island living on Lido Key with "Five Star Amenities." From the moment you arrive, you will experience pure elegance. When you come home, park under the building. You have a few steps to your semi-elevator & which opens into your private entry foyer. Entering, you will be mesmerized w/magnificent ever -changing Sarasota Bay or Gulf of Mexico view with its spectacular sunrise and an epic sunset. Luxury knows no limits in this spectacular home in the sky. www.RitzCarlton904.com1930 Harbourside Dr 122 | 2 bed, 2 bath | 1,312 Sq Ft | $998,000Sarasota Bay is your backyard. This residence has southeastern exposure with epic sunrises and Sarasota skyline views. Renovated two-bedroom, two-bath resid ence where a high-end interior designer selected impressive new finishes and features. DEEDED BEACH ACCESS www.1930HarboursideDr122.com Ritz-Carlton Managed Transferrable Beach Club Membership Available Immediately 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive 204 | Aria LONGBOAT KEY | $10,500,0003 bed + office, 3.5 bath | 4,032 Sq Ft Modern Oasis on the Gulf of Mexico. Discover the epitome of modern luxury living in this spectacular gulf-front home. With expansive glass walls, clean lines, and angular details, this coastal contemporary enclave offers depth and allure. You will love the oversized his/hers master bath, en-suite guest bedrooms, and outdoor grilling, offering comfort and convenience at every turn. This Beach Villa features a private infinity-edge lap pool, expanded terraces with planters, and direct access to community pool and beach and oversized, private humidity-controlled 4 to 5-car garage. www.Aria204.com 404487-1
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 27 rfn ntbtbfnn nf rf nrt rf ntb f nn b f r ‘ n f’ r“†’• b– n— ’ ’ r n f bb ff f• b r ’ ’ f f ’ rt – r’ r rr’ r r n’– ’– ’ †nf’ f b r’’ n“ n nrf f ’’ f r ––– ’ b †rb – ’ n b– — b’ t †— r†f f — f b–– rf ’ b • ’ ’– ’ n n f r’– “ rn†r rb’ r r— rrft r r ’ t’’ bb f f nn n nb n ‘ n n— n n n’ r b nf rfntbfff nrnn fnfnnrrf nttnb tntf rtt nrrrfr rrr rnrr rtb bbrnr trrtr ttrb rntb rt 2023 NEA, Inc. r f6-29-23 402032-1 rfntbbnftrfnfnfrrfnfrtnff rfrnfr tbrrbat MANASOTA FLOORING INC KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS 399842-1 þ Highs þ Lows Thursday, June 29 þ 8:3 7 þ 11:56a þ 2:41a þ 5:1 4p Friday, June 30 þ 9:15a þ — þ 3:09a þ 6:0 7p Saturday, July 1 þ 9:5 7a þ — þ — þ 6:5 9p Sunday, July 2 þ 1 0:44a þ — þ — þ 7 :50p Monday, July 3 þ 11:34a þ — þ — þ 8:41p T uesday, July 4 þ — þ 12:28p þ — þ 9:30p W ednesday, July 5 þ — þ 1:2 3p þ — þ 1 0:16pFORECAST NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH TIDES SUNRISE / SUNSET MOON PHASESFRIDAY, JUNE 30High: 91 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 17%SATURDAY, JULY 1High: 90 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 24%SUNDAY, JULY 2High: 90 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 22% Irene Phillips captured this red morph screech owl out hunting 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. July 3 Full July 17 New July 9 Last July 25 First þ Sunris e þ Sunset Thursday, June 29 þ 6:38a þ 8:29p Friday, June 30 þ 6:38a þ 8:29p Saturday, July 1 þ 6:38a þ 8:29p Sunday, July 2 þ 6:39a þ 8:29p Monday, July 3 þ 6:39a þ 8:29p Tuesday, July 4 þ 6:40a þ 8:29p Wednesday, July 5 þ 6:40a þ 8:29p
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rfntbbtb bfrtbtbbttbtbbtbfrrfnftb frf rfn tbrbbrbbb bbbbbb bbbbbbbrb bbbn bb brbbbbrb brbbbbbbbrb bbbnbbrb bbbnbbtbbfrrrtbbfrbf r rrf nfrn rfntbbfrfnr bnbffrfnrbt rr bfbntfbbbt bbbbnbbf n nnntbbfb nbbtbbbbf nfb n rfntbrf ntrbr nr 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 NEW DI G ITAL convection oven/toaster. Black+Decker, stainless steal. Model CT06335S 13X22X15. $85. 941-387-0567 PANINI MAKER C uisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 PANINI MAKER C uisinart, like new, stainless steel $50 (941) 920-2494 PIAN O R O LL S 40 Aeolian piano rolls with 40& 50 music. $100 for all. (941)926-7254 RED PA GES EARLY DEADLINE The Observer Media Group will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th. Deadline for the July 6th editions will be due Friday, June 30th at 2:00 pm. Items Under $200 RUBBERMAID DUEL rfntb t r Boat Slips for Rent/Sale 48X21 BO AT SLIP P07, rfntb n n t n t b ‘ 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. Autos W anted 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 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. 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 rrfntrbrn frr rn r fn tfbn rfrnrtb bnrfrnrtb rrrn r r fn
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LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023 29 At torney rrfrfnntbrfr nn405295ntbnbn bfrtfrf rbbbbbbn rbnt trrn rrr nntbnrn rrrrbbbbnbfb Auto Service 405073SELL 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 REPLACEâ€405074 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 FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED (941)544-0475dan@shorelockhomewatch.com www.shorelockhomewatch.com405076 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 rf Mass age rfrntbnrfn 404790 rf nrtbfn Painting rf rf rf nttbn rff rff 404786 Roong 405079 • 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 405080 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 405071 rfntb rf ntb
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30 LONGBOAT OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 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. This beautiful getaway in a central location is a must see!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. 401527-1
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JULY 2023Observer
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2 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 397094-1 rfntbrbfbfbbtrft trbrrrrrrfrr rfrrfbrfrrfttr rf nn rf
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 3 BENCHMARK RESULTS • STRATEGIC MARKETING • PERSONALIZED SERVICE SOLD! $3.6MMQUEENS HARBOUR $4.85MMTHE SANCTUARY LANDMARK SALE$2MMWESTON POINTE$1.95MMCONRAD BEACH$2.7MMLONGBOAT KEY CLUB RECORD SALE$1.55MMEMERALD POINTE NORTH$4.8MMCOUNTRY CLUB SHORES HOME/LOT$16.9MMSIESTA KEY PENDING SALE404149-1 IAN ADDY, PAREALTOR , MBAGAIL WITTIGBROKERASSOCIATEIanAddy@MichaelSaunders.comGailWittig@MichaelSaunders.com941.387.0100 WWW.ATHOMESARASOTA.COM ALLOW US TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS
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4 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 405087-1 Contents8 Calendar 10 Guide to the perfect Fourth 12 Fireworks shows 19 Hunting down dreams 28 Speech quiz 30 Holiday cocktails 2216 26RECIPE FOR SUCCESSAlex Ortega’s dedication to Turtles on Little Sarasota Baby has given him the dream of a lifetime.FIRST IN THE FAMILYShelbie Ricks is the rst in her family to graduate college, giving her new opportunities. þ COMMUNITY IMPACT Manatee and Sarasota nonprots make it their mission to help community members survive and thrive.ALSO INSIDE
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 5 FIND YOURS HERE EDUCATION. CAREER. FUTURE. -E arly Childhood Education -E lementary Education -E xceptional Student Education -H ealth Services Administration Nursing -P ublic Safety and Emergency Management -S upervision and Management Stat e College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact t he Commissio n on Co lleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Deca tur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 fo r questions abou t the acc redi tation of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. State Col lege of F lorid a, Mana tee-Sa rasota does not disc rimina te on the basis of sex , pregnancy, race, religion, age, national origin/ethnicity, color, marital status, disability, genetic information or 941 752-5599, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton, FL 3420 7. APPLY TODAY!SCF.edu/FindYours 941-752-5050 Advance Your Career with a Bachelor’s Degree 403954-1
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6 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 rfrntrbt r tffnttrbbbr 403827-1 NOW – SAT AUG 12 rfntfn br $20 $13 b Incredible Family Entertainment rfntbf f 390626-1 Every Fourth of July, we dress in as much red, white and blue as possible to show our most patriotic selves. We enjoy the parades and feast on hot dogs and apple pie. We might enjoy a beer or two, safely, of course. Then, we end the night with a patriotic flair as fireworks light up the sky. But sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up in celebrating that we forget the reasons why we’re celebrating. We forget the choices and sacrifices made to get us to this point. We forget the countless hours of hard work and dedication it’s taken for any of us to achieve success or reach our hopes and dreams. We forget that sometimes simply living in this country affords us opportunities we might not have otherwise. America is known as the land of opportunity after all. The U.S. is known for being the place where people can achieve anything if they put their minds to it, no matter who they are. So this July 4, the Observer reflected on the notion that America, indeed, is the land of opportunity. We reflect on our region’s history and see how Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch came to be an arts mecca and a top-selling multigenerational, master-planned community. We take a look at a few of the people who influenced these pieces of American paradise. We often think of the American dream as it pertains to our land of opportunity. It didn’t take us long to find people in the area who have made the most of it. Although people differ on the state of education today, individuals like Shelbie Ricks and Alejandro Peralta remind us how far an education can take you. We see hard working people every day tirelessly dedicating themselves to their jobs, businesses and families. Whether it’s dedicating your life to a restaurant that gave you the opportunity to build a fulfilling life starting at 16 years old, or being a hunter who wants to educate others, or an attorney helping youth in the justice system, there are plenty of examples of people living their American dream right here in our area. We’ve seen time and time again the opportunities we’ve had and that we’ve seized and the successes that have stemmed from those opportunities. More importantly, we’ve seen how people have taken that success and used it to help others, to extend that opportunity chain. Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are home to countless nonprofits that are always ready to give a helping hand whenever needed. So while you’re enjoying your slice of apple pie or watching a kid light up at the sight of a sparkler, take a moment to reflect on your life. Think about the opportunities you’ve been given, the ones you’ve worked so hard to grasp. Think about how far you’ve come and how far you can go. Then, think about what you can do for others. As President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.â€Opportunities for allThe American dream is alive and well in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. In celebration of:LIZ RAMOSSENIOR EDITOR
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 7 SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE! LIC # CAC1816020 • PLBG CFC1428223 • ELEC EC13009313or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com941.866.6210CALL NOW! rfntrnrb rtrfn trtrrbrrff nrbtrrf nrrrrnrrr rtfrr r404143-1$100 OFF COMPLETE INSTALLATIONof Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant Saves on Homeowners Insurance Policies FREE WATER ANALYSIS AND $100 Credit
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8 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 FRIDAY, JUNE 30 TO SUNDAY, JULY 2SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX The Powerboat and AquaX Pro Series jet ski and powerboat racing return for the weekend o Lido Beach. A block party Friday night kicks o the weekend. Race viewing is free. For more information, visit P1Oshore.com.SATURDAY, JULY 1 TO MONDAY, JULY 3FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL From 2-7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 3-9 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Drive, Sarasota, celebrate Independence Day at the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival. More than 75 food trucks will be on site, along with a family zone. Admission is $5. Monday night will end in reworks. For more information, visit MallAtUTC.com.MONDAY, JULY 3BRADENTON MARAUDERS INDE PENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Watch the Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders go toe-to-toe with the Threshers in a classic baseball competition. The gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the game starting at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The rst 1,500 fans will receive a specialty T-shirt, and reworks will follow the game. Tickets are $10-$14. For more information, visit MILB.com/bradenton. FIREWORKS 5K ON THE LAKE The Fireworks 5K on the Lake race begins at 7 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up open at 5 p.m. The race will provide a race shirt and a glow-in-the-dark medal for all participants. Stay for a race after-party with food and drinks. Fireworks explode over the lake beginning at 9 p.m. Race registration is $30-$40. For the virtual race option, registration is $35. For more information, visit FireworksOnTheLake. com.TUESDAY, JULY 4LONGBOAT KEY’S FREEDOM FEST AND HOT DIGGITY DOG PARADE Longboat Key’s annual 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road begins at 9 a.m. at Bicentennial Park. Attendees of all ages will throw on their most vibrant red, white and blue attire for a day of games, patriotism and celebration. Free. Call 383-2466. ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVA TEERS FOURTH OF JULY PARADE The Anna Maria Island Privateers will again bring swashbuckling fun to the Fourth of July with its annual public parade. The event is open to all interested parties, including local businesses, families and other salty sea dogs who are looking to live the pirate life. The parade kicks o at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Free. Visit AMIPrivateers.org. ‘AMERICAN FANFARE’ Choral Artists of Sarasota is joined again by Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for its annual Fourth of July concert celebration. The concert will be performed at 4:30 p.m. July 4 at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets are $5-$50. Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org. ALLAMERICAN COOKOUT þ If y ou prefer a more natural venue for your July Fourth merriment, check out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ All-Amer ican Cookout. The event will have all-American food for purchase and a number of activities and games before the reworks. General admission is free for children 4 and under, $10 for children 5-17, $25 for members and $35 for general public. All-inclusive tickets are also available with valet parking, a buet, an open bar and prime reworks seating. Visit Selby. org. þ CalendarFrom races to the classic reworks, check out these events to help you celebrate Independence Day right. SUNCOAST SUMMER FESTFRIDAY, JUNE 23BOB RIZI MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m.; shotgun start 9 a.m. at The Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota $800 per foursome, which includes breakfast, a tee sign and lunch For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest. org.WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28“FRIENDLIEST CATCH†FISHING TOURNAMENT By invitation onlyFRIDAY, JUNE 30WAVES & WHEELS KICKOFF PARTY 5-9 p.m. at Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota $100 For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest. org.SATURDAY, JULY 1FUN RUN Registration is 1011 a.m. at Marina Jack. Boats, cars and motorcycles are welcome. $25; $125 for kicko party, fun run entry and event shirt; $350 for VIP Captain’s Package For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest. org. Dogs dress their best for the 2022 Hot Diggity Dog Parade and Costume Contest. Zoe Sledge has her face painted at the 2022 AllAmerican Cookout. Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix returns for a weekend of fun. Tryla Larson, Sharon Gould and Ivan Gould at the 2022 Freedom Fest on Longboat Key.File photos
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 9 ASK US ABOUT SPECIAL FINANCING Retailer Name & Logo PRODUCT FEATURED: PERFECT MANOR COLOR: BRIJNAL MORE LIL-HELPER MOMENTS ARE MADE ON MOHAWK ASK US ABOUT SPECIAL FINANCING Retailer Name & Logo PRODUCT FEATURED: PERFECT MANOR COLOR: BRIJNAL MORE LIL-HELPER MOMENTS ARE MADE ON MOHAWK ASK US ABOUT SPECIAL FINANCING Retailer Name & Logo PRODUCT FEATURED: PERFECT MANOR COLOR: BRIJNAL MORE LIL-HELPER MOMENTS ARE MADE ON MOHAWK www.manasotaonline.comrfrfnrt b rt rnrr n nr 404209-1 Thank you for your continued support for these 40+ years that we have been in business as a family owned and operated company. We are so blessed and thankful as we celebrate the Spirit of America. Come On In Our ShowRooms areOPEN
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10 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 WINDING OAKS LONGBOAT KEY3 BR | 3 BA | VILLA $1,399,000 941-284-9208 | Toni Giliberti Realtor405111-1 Celebrate Your Freedom at a new home rfnfffnfr tbnbnbbbb bbnnb bbbNew Sarasota Location!404608-1 JUNE 30JULY 2 The 38th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix brings three days of racing fun from June 30 to July 2. Who can resist races between million-dollar cigarette boats? The event kicks off with a block party June 30. You don’t need a ticket for the offshore races, which start July 1. For more information about the Powerboat P1-produced race and other Grand Prix events, visit P1Offshore.com. JULY 2 With a weekend full of fun, you have to keep your energy up. What better way to do that than to stop by the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival? More than 75 food trucks will be at The Mall at University Town Center from noon to 6 p.m. for the Food Truck Festival, which also includes a family zone. Admission is $5. For more information, visit MallAtUTC.com. JULY 3 You might feel like you’ve had too much to eat during all the festivities. Burn off those calories at the Publix Fireworks 5K on the Lake race at 7 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park. There’s also a kids’ dash. To register for the race and to buy an event-day parking pass, visit RaceRoster.com. The cost for the race, including chip timing, T-shirt and a glow-in-the-dark finisher’s medal, is $45. What better way to celebrate finishing the race than staying for Fireworks on the Lake, which runs from 5-10 p.m. Dance to live music by Kettle of Fish, enjoy a kids zone and eat even more from the food trucks. Finish off the night with a bang. Fireworks begin at approximately 9 p.m. For more information, visit FireworksOnTheLake.com. JULY 4 9 a.m. Start your Fourth of July off early with Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade. Get decked out in red, white and blue and show off your American spirit. Check out the furry friends who will put on their most patriotic outfits in hopes of taking home a prize. The annual 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road, which has become known as “The Shortest Parade in America,†begins at 9 a.m. at Bicentennial Park. Following the parade, enjoy a bite to eat and a butterfly release. For more information, call 3832466. 4:30 p.m. After an exciting morning of watching canines compete in the parade, take a break and enjoy patriotic sounds at the “American Fanfare†concert. The Choral Artists of Sarasota, along with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, will perform their annual Fourth of July concert celebration at 4:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House Tickets are $5-$50. Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Not in the mood for music? Head to Selby Gardens instead for an All-American cookout with familyfriendly activities and games. You can watch the fireworks there. Upgrade your celebration and enjoy a buffet dinner and open bar in the air-conditioned event center as well as prime seating for the fireworks. Admission is $35 for the outdoor festivities and $200 for the indoor party. Visit selby.org. 9 p.m. It’s the time you’ve been waiting for: fireworks. You can watch fireworks for free at the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, with seating around Island Park, the bayfront and downtown. Visit SuncoastSummerfest.org.GUIDE TO A PERFECT FOURTHMONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITORFood, fun and reworks — there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend. With so many events happening in Sarasota and Manatee counties, why only celebrate July 4? Make it a weekend of American fanfare. Here’s a way to make the most of your July 4 holiday: JUNE 30: Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix JULY 3: Publix Fireworks 5K on the Lake, Benderson Park JULY 4: Hot Diggity Dog Parade, Longboat Key JULY 4: Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, downtown Sarasota
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 11 405089-1 Village A 501(c)3 Helping Others Since 1833 YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Red, White & YOU NEW SUMMER HOURS • 2711 Mall Dr. (Gulf Gate) • 941.444.9343 When you shop atSarasota St. Vincent de Paul ri Store Help us help others! 405091-1 • OVER 5,000 FRAME MOULDING STYLESMATS FILLETS LINERS • All Paper Art/Canvas & Needle Art Framing • Mirrors Framed To Fit Any Size OpeningMon.Fri. 9:30 5pm Sat. 9:30 -12:30pm6578 Superior Ave.(941) 924-6656FrameItUpGallery.com Custom Custom PICTURE & PICTURE & MIRROR FRAMING MIRROR FRAMING25% OFF Any Frame Order 405090-1 Frame It Up Frame It Up VOTED SARASOTA VOTED SARASOTA Readers’ Choice Readers’ Choice “WINNER†“WINNER†Best Framing Services! Expires 7/15/2023 2162 Gulf Gate Dr | 941-922-0914 | www.seascapeaquariums.com • Huge Fish Selection • Aquarium Supplies • Reptiles • Bunnies • Birds • Corals405092-1 CELEBRATING 48 YEARS! CELEBRATING 48 YEARS! YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE! 10 10 % % OFF OFF women’s fashion • unique jewelry gifts • hand bags accessories • swimwear 6612 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota 508 9714410Open Mon Thur 11am 5pm & Fri Sat 10am 6pmSAIL AWAY STUDIOSASCOASTAL CHICBOUTIQUE 405093-1 Serving Sarasota for over 50 years! Fast and Friendly Service! 941-925-3875 | 6503 Superior Avenue Let us do your laundry! 405095-1 and Dry Cleaning BOB’SCLEANERS 405096-1 So ranos & & rSign up for upcoming Events @ sopranossocialclub@gmail.com (941) 716-6496 | 2120 GULF GATE DR. rfmake up Gulf Gate Village. nttnbn
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12 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 rffntbtff 403320-1 941-732-0043 WHYWORRYCALLCURRY.COM 241 Interstate Court, Sarasota, FL 34240 Florida State License CCC1325654 404145-1 Come see why SKOBis a true landmark on rf ntrbr n rb Friday SaturdaySundayMonday -Thursday OystersHappy Hour12 for $12 405070-1Sunday Brunch 9 aM 11:30 aMComplimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa Fireworks MONDAY, JULY 3FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE Take part in this reworks show with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park. The reworks will begin over the lake when the sun goes down, around 9 p.m. $20-$50 per carload. A VIP experience is available for $75 per person. For information, visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.TUESDAY, JULY 4BAYFRONT FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The reworks display will kick o around 9 p.m. with seating around Island Park, the bayfront and downtown. Free. Visit SuncoastSummerfest.org. SIESTA KEY COMMUNITY FIREWORKS The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show, now in its 31st year, has families and friends ocking to Siesta Key’s white-sand beaches for an evening of fun. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosts the community event on Siesta Key Beach. Fireworks are free, but the event has sponsorships available that provide free parking, free beverages and snacks, as well as preferred seating at the hospitality area for the best view. Viewing area opens at 6 p.m., and reworks start at dusk. Visit SiestaKeyChamber. com. VENICE FIREWORKS There are few better ideas than traveling down Tamiami Trail to catch the impressive reworks show launch from the south jetty at Venice Beach around 9 p.m. The free 30-minute show can be checked out at several area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis. The south jetty and Jetty Jack’s Refreshment Deck will be closed to the public. Visit VeniceGov. com. PALMETTO FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL þ The P almetto Community Redevelopment Agency’s annual Fourth of July festival will again be a lively affair, with craft beer and food vendors at Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Live music and kids activities start at 6 p.m., and reworks will begin at dusk. Event is free. Visit Facebook.com/PalmettoCRA. NORTH PORT FREEDOM FESTIVAL The city of North Port’s annual Fourth of July celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port. There will be local food and merchandise vendors, as well as kids activities and lawn games. The reworks show will be approximately 9-9:30 p.m. Visit NorthPortFL.gov. File photoPeople gather at Bayfront Park to watch the show on July 4, 2022.
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 13 404639-1 Major Appliance Centers rfntf bfff ff rfntbn frttn SALES Extravaganza!SALE STARTS 6/21SEVERAL JULY 4TH SPECIALS THROUGHOUT THE STORE BEST PRICES OF THE YEAR INSTANT REBATES AVAILABLE FOR SELECT PACKAGES JAY HEATERMANAGING EDITORWith the July 4 holiday upon us, we celebrate our country’s liberties, which we often translate as giving us the freedom to seize an opportunity. Yes, the land of opportunity often can mean chasing our personal dreams to build a product, a company or a fortune. However, it can also mean shaping the lifestyle of a particular area to build a unique community. Here in our region, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are shining examples of how the actions of a group of individuals can combine to influence the trajectory of those communities and to eventually set them apart. Those actions have been responsible for building one of the nation’s top arts and cultural communities and the country’s No. 1-selling multigenerational, master-planned community.THE TURNING POINTTwo major factors led to Lakewood Ranch transitioning from an actual ranch to one of America’s most desired residential communities. The first was the opening of the Manatee County section of Inter state 75 in the early 1980s, along with the highway’s final length of completion in 1993. “It was a point at which oppor tunities came to our doorstep,†said Laura Cole, a senior vice president for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer of Lakewood Ranch. “I-75 put a positive light on the possibilities.†At the time, SMR was operating cattle ranching, citrus, tree and turf farming and aggregate mining oper ations. Since the early 1900s, the Uihlein family, an original owner of Schlitz Brewery, owned the 33,000acre property. It was in a word, wild, and not inviting to anyone wanting to build a home and raise a family. With the new interstate, though, thoughts of a residential community gained credence as potential residents would have easy access to several major metropolitan areas and jobs. If a new community was built, those from Tampa to Fort Myers would have easy access to any businesses in the new community. Still, another push was needed to move SMR forward. That flew into the picture in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both Manatee and Sarasota counties were concerned about over crowding at the Sarasota-Manatee Airport and were looking at Lakewood Ranch as an attractive site to build a new, larger airport. Eventually, the airport authority threw out the idea of building a new airport in Lakewood Ranch in 1985. Cole said government agencies considering an airport for Lakewood Ranch was a “pressure point,†which caused the Lakewood Ranch parent company to consider other options. One was building a residential community. Members of the Uihlein family, SMR’s board and Rex Jensen — now the company’s CEO and president who first joined SMR in 1990 — began taking trips around the country to examine other master planned communities. “It was the same story, that you needed a group of believers,†Cole said of the thought of building a residential community where most people didn’t think it was possible. “It took a lot of belief. A thousand people would say it wasn’t viable. The reality is that you have to make it work.†SMR, which began its transition to building residential neighborhoods in February 1994, made it work. Today, Lakewood Ranch has more than 63,000 residents in 33 residential villages. More than 40% of the 33,000 acres has been set aside as open space or recreation with green space, trails and parks. “It was nice that (the Uihleins) owned that land,†Cole said. “The family had that land a long time, and it allowed us to accommodate a longer-term vision. With that land, (SMR) didn’t have to maximize prof its on everything. Lakewood Ranch was built with less density. It is a great place, a great community with a great lifestyle. The most impor tant elements were the parks and the trails.†Cole said the other key was forming the stewardship district and the Community Development Districts to maintain the community’s infrastructure.THE ART OF BUILDING A COMMUNITYSarasota and its beautiful beaches were destined to become a thriv ing community based on their pure beauty. But what kind of community? Would it offer more than a chance to get a tan or to escape winter snow? While a push to develop a city along Sarasota Bay began in the 1880s, it was in the 1920s that Sarasota received a major boost toward becoming the arts mecca that it is today. John and Mable Ringling began vacationing in Sarasota in 1909 and they immediately began buy ing property. John Ringling built a 30-room mansion named C d’Zan, which was completed in 1926. By that time, Ringling had also made Sarasota the winter home of his cir cus. A museum later was added for his extensive art collection. Sarasota had become a haven for art. As years passed, the community built its arts reputation like none other. Wealthy people moved to the area to enjoy the arts, and arts groups and benefactors moved to the area to be involved in a like-minded community. “Sarasota is a special community,†said Shaun Greenspan, a Sarasota resident whose “The Sarasota Experience†debuted this spring on WEDU, the region’s PBS member station. “And what do rich people do when they have nothing to do? They go to the arts.†Greenspan’s documentary (pbs. org/video/the-sarasota-experience-lfc9dr/) covers every facet of the development of Sarasota and it also offers a meticulous and fascinating look at the formation of its arts community along with a look at those who were responsible for building it. Whether it is strengthening its arts community or its core values, Greenspan said Sarasota’s ability to evolve is perhaps its best quality. “Sarasota always has been a pioneer town,†Greenspan said. “It still is, in my opinion, a pioneer town. One thing constant is change. People say, ‘I wish Sarasota would remain the same.’ But because it changes, it always improves itself.†Among the many arts organizations that have formed a community like none other are the Sarasota Opera, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, the Sarasota Ballet, the Players Center for Performing Arts, the Circus Arts Conservatory, the Urbanite Theatre, the Sarasota Orchestra and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Top venues include the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Greenspan said the wealth, the beautiful beaches, the airport all combined to form a “perfect confluence†to build a renowned arts community. “But it is the wonderful sense of community that I like to talk about,†Greenspan said. “People here have the opportunity to create the city they want.â€While Sarasota built its arts reputation to separate from other beach communities, Lakewood Ranch carved paradise out of the wild.Lands of opportunity SchroederManatee Ranch CEO and President Rex Jensen has helped his company seize opportunities to make Lakewood Ranch one of the most desirable communities in the U.S.Courtesy photosThe Sarasota Ballet is just one of the region’s ne arts groups.
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14 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 VISIT OUR NEWLY EXPANDED SHOWROOM rfntbf fWWW.ELEGANTOUTDOORS.COM SHOP OUR SUMMER SALE EVENT f Enjoy life outdoors Enjoy life outdoors Celebrating our Freedom! Celebrating our Freedom! SCAN FOR AN EXCLUSIVE OFFERShop small and support your local businesses! MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITORWhile seizing the oppor tunity to create thriving, and unique, communities in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch took the proverbial village, three individuals provided the vision to help launch those efforts. Frontier Florida was not for the faint of heart, so much so that some of the Scottish settlers who arrived in the 1800s decided to return to their homeland. But the area’s trailblazers didn’t. They helped build the region into what it is today. They made tangible, lasting changes in their environment and inspired others to do the same.LEWIS COLSON: FORMER SLAVE MAKES HUGE IMPACTFormer slave Lewis Colson arrived in Sarasota in 1884 and helped map out the city. He became a spiritual leader in the African American community. Is he well known today for his exploits? Perhaps not. A man and a woman talking on a bench at Selby Five Points Park probably don’t realize they owe Colson a debt of gratitude, and the same can be said of the man coming out of the Selby Library. If these Sarasota denizens notice the historical marker in the park at One Central Avenue and take the time to read it, they will learn that Colson worked as an assistant to engineer Richard E. Paulson of the Florida Mortgage and Investment Co. Born in 1844, Colson arrived in Sarasota in 1884. The following year, Colson drove the stake into the ground at Five Points, which became the center of the city that grew from a fishing village. There were many firsts Colson’s life. He was the first Black to register to vote in Manatee County. Along with his wife Irene, a midwife, he founded the first African American church in Sarasota after becoming a minister. Colson was the first minister of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served from 1899 to 1915. In 1925, the first hotel was con structed in Sarasota for Blacks. It was named the Colson Hotel. It had 25 rooms, all reserved for African Americans, who were not allowed to stay in other hotels. Why did Blacks need their own hotel in Sarasota? Like everybody else, they were caught up in the Flor ida Land Boom of the 1920s, which created work. “Sarasota was a growing community, and African Americans were learning about job opportunities,†said Vickie Oldham, CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition Inc. Oldham was inter viewed for the WEDU PBS documentary, “The Sarasota Experience.†The days of being first didn’t end for Colson when his life ended in 1922. He and Irene were the first and only Blacks buried in the historic Rosemary Cemetery, which was owned by his former employer. JOHN SCHROEDER PUT LAKE WOOD RANCH ON THE MAPJohn Schroeder is not a household name. But at one time the German immigrant, who arrived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1846, ran one of the largest lumber companies in the U.S. In 1905, Schroeder bought a 45-acre property that eventually spawned Lakewood Ranch. Schroeder was attracted to Florida for its timber, but the friends he sold his land to viewed it as a vacationland. To keep his Wisconsin lumber mills humming, Schroeder needed wood. He found it in Florida. In 1905, he put together a company called Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, which is the parent company of today’s planned community of Lakewood Ranch. He began buying parcels of land, assembling a 48-square-mile tract that eventually became known as Lakewood Ranch. After his death, his three sons continued to run the company that bore his name. They decided to diversify into furniture. But things didn’t work out for the Schroeders in the furniture business. They needed money, and they needed it fast. Their friends, the Uihleins, bailed them out by buying their land in 1922 for as little as $2 per acre. But friends being friends, the Uihleins kept the name SchroederManatee Ranch Co., or SMR, for short. For nearly 70 years after the Uihleins took control, agriculture was the focus, but these activities weren’t always profitable. No matter. The Uihleins used their Florida land primarily for recreation. In the 1980s, however, SMR began taking the first steps toward building a planned community, and that included holding discussions with Manatee County Commissioners. It would take until 1994 for SMR to gain the consensus and regula tory approvals needed to create its first neighborhood, Summerfield. Slowly, the community began to take shape with the addition of homes, corporate offices, country clubs, a business and entertainment hub, a post office, a hospital, a sports complex and a polo club. A lot of the credit for SMR’s transition into real estate development goes to the company’s past two presidents — John Clarke, who retired in 2002, and Rex Jensen, who currently holds the title of CEO. Lakewood Ranch has a population of about 63,000 residents in 33 residential villages. It is considered the No. 1 planned community in the U.S.BERTHA PALMER LEFT HER MARK ON SARASOTAChicago socialite and Florida land developer Bertha Palmer hasn’t been seen in Sarasota since 1918, but her presence is still felt everywhere. History remembers her as the wife of wealthy Chicago developer Potter Palmer. But Bertha carved out a new life in Florida as a businesswoman. The community of Palmer Ranch bears her name. Many of the streets she named are unchanged — Honor (her maiden name and the name of her first son), Lockwood Ridge, Tuttle, Webber and Macintosh. Who was this formidable woman? She was born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1849 and married Potter Palmer, a man more than 20 years her senior. He built Chicago’s famous Palmer House Hotel, which still exists today in The Loop. The legendary Chicago department store Marshall Field was originally founded by a consortium led by Potter Palmer. After the Fire of 1871 wiped out the Palmer House and other Chicago landmarks, Bertha helped her husband and other city leaders rebuild. When the widowed Palmer and her family arrived in Sarasota on a luxurious Pullman train car in February 1910, the city’s only hotel was so humble that a newly opened sanitarium was quickly commandeered to accommodate the party. It wasn’t long before Palmer bought more than 80,000 acres in and around Sarasota. Palmer proved herself an able steward of the land. She is credited with rolling out innovations that improved the Florida ranching, citrus, dairy and farming industries before she died in 1918. She was no stranger to how draining land could create development potential. It was what her husband and his business partners did to pave the way for Lakeshore Drive and the Gold Coast of Chicago. Such was Palmer’s influence that other well-heeled Midwesterners followed her lead. One of them was Owen Burns, who gave Burns Court it name. Burns bought the holdings of the Florida Mortgage and Investment Co. from Sarasota pioneer John H. Gillespie for $35,000, gaining ownership of would be 75% of today’s city limits, according to historian Jeff LaHurd. “Give the Lady What She Wants,†was the axiom coined by Marshall Field. In the case of Bertha Palmer, the lady gave Sarasota what she wanted — her idea of civilization.Lewis Colson, John Schroeder and Bertha Palmer were trailblazers in frontier Florida.They seized opportunities Lewis and Irene Colson John Schroeder Bertha Palmer
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 15 rfnfft btffffnrfn tbbnrtb bbtrnbn tt tt nn b rrrttrnbb rnn brrrn trnbbnrr nrbbr bnnrtrn bb rfb rffb fntbfb t rffn ffffffbb ffbfr bfbfn fffnfn bfrfnnffnb bfnf fnbf f‘‘’“â€b fnfn bfrf•rfb t –t —tt —t “ “ 403298-1
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16 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 rfntfbntt ff 405107-1 br frf r rfnftbfn nftttntfnf tftttn fnttn fnnn nfnn fnffnt nnnnfnfn ffnnn tfnt nntnrn ttfnn nfnn fttb nfnttfntnt fnt LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITORGrowing up, Shelbie Ricks often was reminded of one of her mother’s sayings. “Use my ceiling as your floor,†her mom, Ginger Davis, would say, nudging her daughter to set high goals for herself. Ricks, 21, kept that saying in mind through her days at Braden River High School and now as she begins her agriculture teaching career at Lakewood Ranch High in August. She is an eighth generation Manatee County resident and a fifth generation rancher. All her life, she has been involved in her family’s businesses. Her par ents, Ginger and Luke Davis, own an arboriculture business (Olive Branch Tree Care), and her grandparents, Linda and Jim Parks, own a feed and farm supply store (Come See, Come Sav). In high school, Ricks took dual enrollment classes and graduated from high school in 2020 halfway to her associates degree. After graduation, Ricks had a choice to make. She could either stay home and help her family with their businesses, or go to college. She remembered her mother’s words. “Use my ceiling as your floor.â€FIRST IN THE FAMILYOn May 4, Ricks followed through on her mom’s advice. She walked across the stage to accept her diploma from the University of Florida. She became the first in her family to graduate from college. “It kind of leaves me speechless,†Ricks said. “My family is well known here in Manatee County, so it gives me a sense of pride to add something else to our plate.†Ricks said she wouldn’t have been able to get to graduation day without the love and support of her family and husband, Britton Ricks. She told her family she was willing to stay home and work for the businesses instead of going to college, but her family pushed her to pursue her dreams. Linda Parks said seeing her granddaughter be the first to graduate from college was awesome. “We are so proud,†Parks said. “There are no words in the diction ary to express how proud I am.†At the University of Florida, Ricks joined the Gator Collegiate Cattle women’s Association and the UF Block and Bridle Club. She also traveled to the Florida State Fair as one of the first showmen of the UF Brahman Show Team. They assisted with research to advance the genetics of the UF Brahmans. Ricks said she tries to use knowledge she has gained to keep her family’s agriculture businesses updated. “Being able to be knowledgeable with the new, modern technology for beef cattle and being on the forefront of the new genetics that are out there help better our herd and stay on top of diseases and pests that are attack ing the industry,†Ricks said. Ginger Davis said no one in the family has had the horticulture knowledge that Linda Parks, Davis’ mother, has until Ricks went to college. “We always say if we could clone my mom, we would be in a good place because I don’t have that horticulture knowledge,†Davis said. “But now, Shelbie hopefully can help us. I’ll be having to text her while she’s working (at school) to say, ‘Hey, what about this plant?’â€ADDING TO A LEGACY Ricks is looking forward to the school year at Lakewood Ranch High. “It’s a full circle moment for me,†Ricks said. “I knew I always wanted to come back to Manatee County. I didn’t know where I was going to be, but it’s definitely something I’ve prayed for.†When she first started college, Ricks said she wanted to be a large animal vet, but she realized it wasn’t the best path for her because she wanted to raise a family. Ricks said her love for education began when she was in FFA at Braden River High. She competed in an agriculture education competition where she simulated a lesson plan and delivered a lesson to college students. She was judged on her lesson and the information she was providing. Ricks said it gave her the opportunity to see how creative she can be teaching others. She also knew agriculture teachers in Manatee County through her family’s businesses and understood the sense of community among the teachers. Like those teachers, she wants to pass the torch to younger generations. “There’s a place for everybody in agriculture,†she said. Courtesy photosShelbie Ricks (center) is the rst in her family to graduate from college, earning a degree at the University of Florida.Shelbie Ricks will pass on her family’s agriculture knowledge as a teacher at Lakewood Ranch High after being the rst in her family to graduate from college.Building on a legacy ABOUT THE GRADSHELBIE RICKS Age: 21 School: University of Florida Year graduated: 2023 Degree: Bachelors of science and agriculture education Family: Husband, Britton Ricks; father, Luke Davis; mother, Ginger Davis; grandparents Linda and Jim Parks; siblings Shaylynn Davis, Garrett Vincent and Tristen Karantonis Career: Agriculture teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School “We are so proud,There are no words in the dictionary to express how proud I am.†Jim Parks
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18 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 IAN SWABY STAFF WRITERAs Sarasota’s Alejandro Per alta strolled through Johns Hopkins University in March, he knew it was the next step along a path where “every decision, every calculated step,†had led him. The path began before he was born. That trail began because of the sacrifices made by his parents, Car los Peralta and Johanna Jacome, who immigrated from Ecuador. Because of the hardships his family experienced along the way, Alejandro Peralta wants to make the most of every opportunity. Carlos Peralta immigrated from Ecuador to the U.S. at 19 years old in 2000. Throughout his life, he had seen college graduates in Ecuador who were underemployed, such as taxi drivers who held doctoral degrees. “There are private schools that are very good, expensive too, but in the end, you’ve got your degree in a place that you can’t use it most of the time,†Carlos Peralta said about education in Ecuador. While living in Worcester, Massachusetts, Carlos Peralta met and married Johanna, who was on vacation from Ecuador. Not long after ward, Alejandro Peralta was born. The couple was filled with dreams, but as undocumented immigrants, the way forward was not easy. “Every time when we went to work, or to take Alejandro to school, we were risking everything,†Carlos Peralta said. “We always believed in the American dream,†Carlos Peralta said. “We knew that millions of people did it already before us, so why not us? We knew if we did the right thing, pay ing our taxes, living out of trouble, we had a lot of chances to eventually get our citizenship, and that is what happened.†Carlos Peralta became a citizen in 2017 and Jacome in 2018. Today, Carlos Peralta works on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for Bay to Bay Test and Balance. He is currently working on systems at NASA. Jacome is a metrology engineer for Omnia Scientific. A PLAN YEARS IN THE MAKINGFrom a young age, Alejandro Per alta felt a deep drive to help others as well as a passion for anatomy and the brain. By fifth grade, he memorized the bones of the body and was working out a pathway to medical school. “I found out that just researching the brain isn’t enough,†he said. “I wanted to contribute to society. I wanted to contribute to the better ment of human health, so that’s why neurosurgery was such an attractive option to me. I was lucky to find out so young, so I could be focused on one dream.†There have been many early mornings and late nights involved, but he has been rewarded by the Father Connie Dougherty Memorial Scholarship Fund and with a merit-based scholarship from Johns Hopkins University. He graduated from Sarasota High School seventh in his class in May. Alejandro Peralta said he took every advanced course available, participating in the School of Excellence in Math, Science, and Technology and Advanced International Certificate of Education programs. Currently, he is working with tutors on college-level courses. His goal is to double major in neuroscience and molecular and cellular biology with a minor in medical Spanish. Behind his goals, he said, is a sense of gratitude and responsibility regarding the educational opportunities his life, along with his parents’ decision to immigrate to the U.S. “I always have the reminder that if (my parents) were able to get this far, having to work three times as hard as everyone else, I know that in my position, being born here and hav ing those opportunities right here for the picking, I have no excuse to not reach my goals and even go beyond that as a physician,†he said. Carlos Peralta said the education his children are receiving in the U.S. is “the most important gift you can give to your kids.†Alejandro Peralta's acceptance to Johns Hopkins University is a dream come true for everyone in the family. “That was what we’ve been look ing for, what we’ve worked for,†Jacome said. “Every moment that we’ve spent talking to them, always telling them how it’s important to work hard for your dreams, I (can see it happening) right now.†Due to his goal to increase the accessibility of healthcare every where, Alejandro Peralta plans to practice neurosurgery in Ecuador and the U.S. “The American dream really exists,†Carlos Peralta said. “If you work hard, with honesty, eventually the dream becomes a reality.â€ALL IN THE FAMILYPeralta wanted to avoid placing financial responsibility for additional educational opportunities on his parents. In 2017, Alejandro Peralta, alongside his now 13-year-old brother, Santhiago Peralta, founded a home care business, BrosSK. As a result, Alejandro Peralta has paid for tutoring, SAT classes, tennis lessons and United States Tennis Association tournaments. His business also is rewarding due to the time spent with his siblings. Every afternoon, the siblings do their homework together, with one teaching the other. They’ve also inspired one another; Mia Peralta, who is 9, and Santhiago Peralta both intend to become neurosurgeons as well. “It’s like a superpower — just with your hands, you can save people’s lives,†said Santhiago Peralta. “I want to do that with my brother and sis ter.â€Alejandro Peralta, whose parents came from Ecuador to pursue their dreams, continues their story in America.Carrying on the dream Photos by Ian SwabyMia Peralta, Johanna Jacome, Santhiago Peralta, Alejandro Peralta and Carlos Peralta are happy to be living their American dream. Alejandro Peralta holds a letter of acceptance from Johns Hopkins University.“We always believed in the American dream. We knew that millions of people did it already before us, so why not us? Carlos Peralta rfntb tf rfrfn rff r r fntbbrrbb r r 405113-1rfrnfttb rf LOOK NO FURTHER...n t For a FREE Estimate call 941-714-0068 today or come visit our showroom at 1202 Gary Ave, Ste 9 Ellenton, FL 34222 www.mobilityplus.com/manatee b LIFT CHAIRS, POWER CHAIRS AND MOBILITY SCOOTERS 405266-1
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 19 Thank you all for being such wonderful customers and friends over the years! Dean and Janet Mixon We are excited to take some of Mixon’s favorites on the road! If you have a location that you would like us to serve with our truck, give us a call or email info@mixon.com Market.mixon.com Mark your calendar! Our Deli and Ice Cream department will be open September 7th-9th during our auction! You are welcome to come in and take a look at what we are auctioning and grab a bite to eat! We will continue to do Gift Fruit shipping. We will be taking orders starting in October 405043-1 JAMES PETER MANAGING EDITORShe was supposed to be an accountant, or maybe a lawyer. Instead, she became a professional big-game hunter and the host of her own outdoor adventure TV show. But Sarasota’s Larysa Switlyk didn’t discover her calling until she was 23 years old — and even then it took a combination of luck and nerve. “I didn’t have the opportunity to get outdoors. I made one,†said Switlyk. As the nation celebrates its freedoms on July 4, Switlyk is a prime of example of having the opportunity to choose a course in life. Does Amer ica offer the opportunity to pursue dreams that might be considered unusual or odd to many? Switlyk’s story is proof that it, indeed, does. Growing up in Albany, New York, and the daughter of two doctors, Switlyk said she had limited oppor tunities for interscholastic sports and extracurriculars. The family rarely fished, even after moving to Longboat Key in 1995. Switlyk’s exposure to outdoor pur suits was limited to a fishing rod pur chased at the Longboat Key Publix and the lucky catch of a flounder on a hand line when she was 11 years old. Switlyk finished high school at Sarasota High and then attended the University of Florida where she earned bachelors and masters degrees in accounting. She dreamed of working in Manhattan. She worked as a tax intern the summer of 2006 in New York City. “It was too much work, stress, too much drinking. It was working 12 hours a day. I watched my man ager there miss (making) partner. (He said) ‘I put my life and soul into this,’†Switlyk explained. “I realized I could waste 10 years of my life (there).â€LUCK AND NERVESwitlyk was back in Florida, considering law school and hearing excuses from friends why they couldn’t go on a backpacking trip. “I’m not going to wait around for anyone,†she said. She went solo. At 23, she spent six months living out of her bag. First Australia, then New Zealand. “I pushed myself to see what I could try. Bungee jumping, I camped for the first time, skydiving,†she said. “I wanted to learn how to fly fish.†She was on South Island, New Zealand in 2007. When Switlyk showed up at the outfitter, the guides told her that fly fishing season was over. Did she want to go on a hunt? “I didn’t know anything. I’d never shot a rifle before. I showed up with hiking boots and a backpack,†she said. Before the guide, Shane Johnson, would take her out, he wanted to make sure Switlyk could shoot properly. After hitting a target 100 yards away twice, Johnson took her on a deer hunt, where she bagged a deer on her first try. When Switlyk returned to the U.S. she wanted to share her newfound passion with her family, but her par ents and brothers were confused. “Why are you killing animals?†they asked. “They thought something was wrong with me,†Switlyk said. “Because they didn’t understand it, they didn’t like it.†She thought she might be able to change people’s perceptions on hunters and educate people about how hunters care about nature and healthy animal populations and how hunting contributes to conservation and the defense of public land access. But first, Switlyk needed to find a way to fund her passion.GETTING WILDShe found an unconventional way to fund her passion. She obtained her real estate license and sold houses on Longboat Key. She’d use the money to hunt any chance she had. It was around this time she saw a show on ESPN called “Get Wild.†The outdoor program hosted by Cindy Garrison took viewers on hunting adventures around the world. She gave herself five years to make a TV show. It took her three. From the outside looking in, “Larysa Unleashed,†seems like a dream job for a hunter or angler. Switlyk is quick to point out that it is. But the finished product, a halfhour show about a hunting or fishing adventure, is the result of scripting, storyboarding and painstaking planning. Expeditions are expensive propositions. “There’s so much more office work behind the scenes. It’s the most work I’ve ever had,†Switlyk said.EDUCATION UNLEASHED“People confuse hunting with poaching,†Switlyk said. “Hunting is very regulated. Hunters are the first line of defense in conservation. They protect habitats, they manage populations. Their dollars support it.†Since she began her show, she has hunted 100 species on trips in 60 countries and has seen up close the positive impact of hunters, she said. “If not for hunters, all the (game) animals in Africa would be poached,†Switlyk said. “If there’s no value to the animal, there’s no reason to keep the animal around. Hunters add value to the animal. Societies will save these animals because they’re lucrative.†In hopes of educating more people, she formed a nonprofit, Unleashed Outdoor Education and Wildlife Conservation, in 2022 with a twopronged mission — to educate people about hunting and conservation and to give more people the opportunity to get outdoors, whether it’s as hunters, anglers or hikers.Sarasota’s Larysa Switlyk takes a path less traveled to make her mark as an adventure TV host.Hunter takes aim at biggame opportunities WHERE TO WATCH“Unleashed Global Adventures†starts in September on the Pursuit Channel (Dish & Direct TV) and Wild TV; Watch Roku on Women’s Outdoor Network Courtesy photoLarysa Switlyk of “Larysa Unleashed†has formed a nonprot to educate more people on the benets of hunting.“I pushed myself to see what I could try. Bungee jumping, I camped for the rst time, skydiving. I wanted to learn how to y sh.†Larysa Switlyk
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20 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 rrrf ntb rfntbn rn tn brrrfnrnrf rr frnrf n brrNow Open Wednesday Sunday for Dinner in our Fine Dining Room MAINLAND 404523-1 br br r t f LIVE MAIN LOBSTER SNOW CRAB b‘bPRIME RIB ’ff“ rf rnntbtnt tn r fnnr t rf ntbtb rfnttbfr ntrfntbttttfnfb fntnfttttfff405108-1ff ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITERStefan Campagna’s law career began in the courtroom, not as an attorney but rather as a defendant. He was facing a jury of his peers, which in this case were fellow teenage offenders tasked with deciding what kind of penalty they would impose on the 16-year-old Campagna. The now 36-year-old Sarasota native and attorney ended up behind bars following a spree of breaking into cars and stealing anything of value. He was charged with 27 felonies, including one charge for taking a stolen vehicle for a joy ride. His court date was with Teen Court of Sarasota, a youth jury program that employs diversion oppor tunities for juvenile offenders and opportunities for civic engagement for student volunteers. “Honestly I fell into that behavior the same way I think that most every teenager does — just poor decision making,†Campagna said. “For lack of a better term, being an idiot in the moment.†Campagna could have blamed his life situation for his troubles. Along with a younger brother, he grew up raised by a single mother living in a small apartment. He could have said he fell in with the wrong crowd. Instead, teen court held him accountable for his actions. Campagna credits his experience in teen court, and the adults who oversee it, with putting him on the track for personal and professional success. Not only has he built a career in criminal law, but also he is dedicated to giving back to the program that saved him by serving on the teen court’s board of directors and volunteering as a judge, which is the only adult role during teen court proceedings. He also serves as the program administrator for the National Association of Youth Courts. Now as a criminal attorney often defending youths in juvenile court, he said those found guilty in the system need to be held accountable as well. “A lot of people like to blame it on divorced parents or bad friends, but poor decision making is why many kids fall under that same umbrella,†he said. “I’m sure their lack of decision making is probably a product of their environment, but what we need to focus on is how do we improve the decisions.†Campagna’s desire to give back is rooted in the support network that surrounded him inside and outside of teen court. He credits the principal at the time at Pine View School, Steve Largo, with allowing him to remain enrolled and to eventually graduate. He also cites Heather Todd, the executive director of Teen Court of Sarasota, who was his case worker at the time, along with then-executive director Katie Self and his mother for keeping him on the right path. That path led to a degree from University of Central Florida and then, after a year off while working for Sarasota County, he went to the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University in New York. Although his record had been expunged with successful completion of his teen court sanctions, Campagna’s brush with the law and teen court experience was the focus of his application essay. And a scholarship. While at Hofstra, Campagna did some public speaking about teen court and was allowed to start a program in New York, which had none at the time. Eventually, it was two women who would lead him to return to his home town — his mother and wife, Camile. Returning to Sarasota, becoming involved in teen court was never in question. Over the past decade, Campagna has guest lectured at high schools, colleges and governmental and community-based forums across the country. He served as a panel member at the American Bar Association’s 2011 Mid-Year Meeting, during which he advocated the successful passage of the ABA Resolution in Support of Youth Courts. He said teen court participants are offered a second chance with continued support beyond conclusion of the program. “A lot of times if you give somebody a second chance, especially in the criminal arena, they just go right back to what they were doing because that’s what they know,†Campagna said. “So instead of just saying, here’s your second chance, go on out there and try and figure it out by yourself, they’re also given the resources to take advantage of that second chance.â€Sometimes opportunity simply means a second chanceStefan Campagna used his second chance to become an attorney and champion Teen Court of Sarasota. NO PUBLIC FUNDINGTeen Court of Sarasota Inc. is a nonprot almost excessively funded through private donations. While teen court serves the county of Sarasota, especially the county judicial system, it receives no funding from the county. Information about how to donate is available on SarasotaTeenCourt.org.Stefan Campagna returned to his home city to start and raise a family.Courtesy photosStefan Campagna volunteers as a Teen Court of Sarasota County judge in addition to serving as a board member. “I’m sure their lack of decision making is probably a product of their environment, but what we need to focus on is how do we improve the decisions.†Stefan Campagna
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 21 JULY4SALE EVENT rfnttbfffn ‘’“ ‘’rfn rtbn“ rnnn rnn“ â€â€œ rnf rnn“ rnn rn“•“––—— •“––10% OFF DINING 15% OFF OUTDOOR 10% 50% OFF IN STOCK FURNITUREbbb““ ’““ “•“–– †COME BROWSE THE LARGEST IN STOCK SELECTION OF AMISH FURNITURE IN FLORIDA AND EXPERIENCE MILLER’S QUALITY FOR YOURSELF! ——• †—FAMILY OWNED + OPERATED 404146-1
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22 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 1707 1st Street E. Bradenton 34208 (Where Highway 41 & 301 meet at 17th Ave.) LIVEENTERTAINMENT 80,000 405102-1 ENTIRE MARKETOPEN FRI., SAT., & SUN. MAY thru OCT 9am-4pmFRESH 405103-1 rfn tbbtt brb tbb tbtb 397824-1 LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITERWhile some successful people go to extremes to grasp a life oppor tunity, others toil away for years, working hard to make their American dreams come true. Such is the story of Alex Ortega, who has created a successful life for both himself and his family through his work ethic. Ortega described his journey while going through his workday at Turtles Restaurant on Little Sarasota Bay.9:00 A.M. þ Ortega arrives at Turtles and walks the restaurant, inside and out, to be sure everything is clean and ready. He makes sure the bathroom is stocked, the coolers are set to the right temperatures and there’s no debris in the parking lot. Ortega knows every inch of Tur tles, having worked in the same restaurant since he was 16 years old. He left his home of Aguascalientes, Mexico for the first time and didn’t speak English. He was hired to wash dishes. In 1986, two families — the Fla nagans and the Kellehers —opened Turtles. The waterfront restaurant on Siesta Key has since been passed down to the next generation. But there’s a third family that operates the restaurant — the Ortegas. Just three years after Turtles opened, Alex Ortega joined the staff and has since risen through the ranks. Now at 50 years old, he’s the Now 50 years old and the general manager, Alex Ortega achieved his own American dream starting at Turtles when he was only 16, at a time he didn’t speak English.Daily grind pays o Photos by Lesley DwyerAlex Ortega started building a career for himself at Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay when he was 16 years old and new to the country.
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 23 rfrntrfbr frfntb rfrrrrfntbrf t r t t 404807-1 general manager. His family also calls Turtles home. His son Ezequiel is the assistant manager and his brother Julian is the kitchen manager. His brother Manuel is the sous chef, and his daughter Maria waits tables part time.9:35 A.M. Ortega is back out the door to go to the bank and run errands. He’s used to a fast-paced life, constantly going in and out of the restaurant for errands. He returns to address any customer needs. He grew up on a ranch outside of Aguascalientes, a city in central Mexico, with his mother, father and six siblings. His father was a teacher, and his mother stayed at home. It was idyllic until Ortega was 8 years old and his father died of an aneurysm. His mother landed a job in the school system and worked tirelessly to keep seven children clothed and fed. By 15 years old, Ortega was eager to help. He had cousins living in Ruskin, working in tomato fields. When they came home to visit, they were wear ing nicer clothes and Nike sneakers. Ortega had never dreamed of leaving Mexico, but he suddenly saw the U.S. as an opportunity to help his family. At the time, it was fairly easy to obtain a green card. Getting to Flor ida was the bigger challenge. Ortega crossed the border illegally, swimming across a river and walking for two days before feeling safe enough to stop to get food. He worked in Ruskin for less than a year before moving to Bradenton. He was still picking tomatoes, but he’d gotten his green card through the rancher for whom he worked. Four months later, a cousin told him Turtles was hiring. Five years later, Ortega became a U.S. citizen. 10:15 A.M. Ortega sees all the deliveries have arrived and the kitchen is ready for lunch service. The kitchen crew is in full swing, chopping vegetables and simmering soups. Back when he started, Ortega remembered thinking that scrubbing clam chowder out of soup bowls was a step up from making $70 per week picking tomatoes, but he wasn’t content to stay behind the sink. He learned English and began moving up in the ranks. He moved from the dish area to the prep station and was promoted from pantry chef to sous chef. Eventually, he worked his way up to kitchen manager.11:50 A.M. He walks around the restaurant checking in on diners. When James Rainey, the same gen eral manager who hired him to be a dishwasher, retired 15 years ago, it was a given Ortega would take over the position. “I felt so motivated that the people I worked with believed in me. Not many people stay in one job for so long. I’ve seen so many chefs and managers here,†Ortega said. “What made me stay was my future, my career. I never got a chance to go to school, to have a career. I was so young when I lost my father, and my mom worked so hard to support all of us.â€12:40 P.M. The lunch rush has Ortega back and forth from the hostess stand helping to greet and seat guests. The only positions Ortega didn’t hold in the restaurant before becoming the general manager were server, bartender and host. Since taking on the role, he’s done all three. There is nothing Ortega asks of his staff that he’s unwilling to do himself from bussing tables to mixing drinks. While covering the host stand, he didn’t stop wiping down the menus.3:35 P.M. Ortega is back upstairs in his office to squeeze in more paperwork before the dinner service. “I’m the general manager, but I’m also the secretary because I do pay roll and help with advertising. My son is in charge of the bar and banquets,†he said.5:15 P.M. Ortega starts pouring beer and wine as dinner service picks up. “I just run. I host, run food, bus tables —whatever needs to be done,†Ortega said. Ortega always has had a fierce drive and a work ethic to match. He knew hard work would pay off. When he was hired, he was dou bled up in a two-bedroom apartment off Fruitville Road, 15 miles from the restaurant. He rode his bike until he could afford to buy his first car, a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. He couldn’t afford the tuition or time off for college, so he went to VoTech, which is now Sarasota County Technical Institute, and obtained certifications as a cook, sous chef, chef and kitchen manager.7:45 P.M. The dinner rush is over, so it’s time for Ortega to call it a day. It’s a day that has earned his family more opportunities. Ortega’s American dream carries on through his children. His assistant manager and son, Ezequiel, graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in biology. Like father, like son —Ezequiel also started working at Turtles when he was 16. In fact, all four of Ortega’s children have worked at the restaurant at one point or another. “When my dad was flustered because somebody didn’t show up, he’d ask if we wanted to make a few dollars,†Ezequiel said. “Now, I try to help relieve some of the stress that comes with managing a restaurant. Whenever he has something going on, I can be here. I’m his son, so I care about his wellbeing.†Ezequiel originally intended to become a physician’s assistant. When he was suggested to fill the assistant manager position after graduating, Ortega’s answer was “No, he has other plans,†but the owners made an offer anyway. “He did some math and said, ‘Dad, I think this is perfect for me.’ He can easily buy his own home now, and he’s 29. He got married, and I’m a grandpa,†Ortega said. “We have such a good relationship. It’s amaz ing. I can trust my family, so I can take some time off.†Alex Ortega chips in everywhere at the restaurant. If there’s food sitting in the window, he’ll serve it himself. Alex Ortega lls in at the hostess stand to greet and seat guests. Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay has become a family-run restaurant over the years. Ezequiel Ortega is the assistant manager, Alex Ortega is the general manager, and Julian Ortega is the kitchen manager. Alex Ortega starts pouring beer as the tables ll for dinner.“I felt so motivated that the people I worked with believed in me. Not many people stay in one job for so long.†Alex Ortega
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24 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 61 N Pineapple Ave 389760-1 405109-1 TRY TODAY rfntrbrtbbftftrbttfbrrttfb tftrrnntntntrtbbbrrrb nrntbrrrttrbbbttrtfbbttrnrr brftrrrrrrbtrrtrrrrtfrtt rbtrbrrbrtbtnttrbrrbtrbtbrbtr rftftrtfbftntrbbrrrrbr nrfbrnnttfbtbnbntfbftr rntrrrtbbbnbbrtrfbbbrr rrrrtrftrbr‘’“ r f rfrnt rff LAUREN TRONSTAD STAFF WRITERA passion for caring for others’ needs, especially their health needs, was instilled in Sarasota’s Sue Wise at a young age by her parents. She grew up in small-town Michigan on a farm that was run primarily by her father and brothers. “(The farm) was very much based on Midwestern ethics and values with the way business was done,†she said. “It was very communitycentered.†In 1977, her father and brothers were killed in a plane crash. The crash changed her perspective on life and drew her toward pursuing her own dreams in the nursing field. “I wanted to focus on the private duty side,†she said. “I felt like that was going to give me a lot of oppor tunities and ways to grow personally and professionally. That’s when I decided to take a chance and open up the company when I moved to Sarasota.†She started Take Care Home Health in 1995 with an office in Venice and four employees. Now, the company has four offices, one of which doubles as a care management office, and just under 400 employees. The offices are located in Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton and Port Charlotte.LIFELONG PASSIONWise’s passion for nursing was influenced by her mother, Ruth. She admired her mother’s passion for her job and the way she often went above and beyond for her patients at the children’s hospital where she worked. One particular memory that stuck out to Wise involved a birthday cake. Her mother came home from work and told her about a boy in the hospital celebrating his birthday the next day but he didn’t have any family to celebrate with him. The pair worked together to bake a cake and make sure the boy would feel loved. “I saw how much she loved what she did,†Wise said. “I decided to give nursing a shot. I have continued to love it. Nursing is a phenomenal career. There’s so much opportunity. It’s so rewarding to feel good about what you’ve done at the end of the day.†Wise attributes her success to her and her team’s work ethic and relationships they build with clients and each other. “Part of it is continuing to have that rapport and relationship with clients,†she said. “That certainly helped the foundation of my busi ness. It makes it more of a community-centered business where people know that we care and that we go to the extent we do to make sure they have what they need.â€INVOLVING FAMILYTwo of her daughters eventually expressed interest in joining the family business as they, too, had found a passion for health care. Courtney Snyder and Erika Borland have taken the responsibilities of president and vice president respectively. Both Snyder and Borland have held other jobs and pursued other inter ests before deciding that the family business was what they were looking for as a career. “They love the community,†Wise said. “They love the entrepreneurial side of the business where you can create and grow. That’s the wonder ful thing about the country we live in. It’s in our hands as to how far we want to push it to make it successful and what direction we want to take it.†Wise said working with her daughters has been an enjoyable experience. “I have not found it to be challenging,†she said. “Some people say ‘does that make it hard?’ No, I think it makes it enjoyable. It’s an added treat that I spend so much time at work, and I also get to see two of my daughters.†Working with Snyder and Bow land has allowed her to shift her focus from the business side to her true passion — caring for those who need it. The two handle more of the business side such as the company’s website and the potential to pursue additional services. “I tend to like to be able to be with the clients and deal with the nursing issues,†Wise said. “(Working with them) allows me to focus and hunker down on that while they deal with the direction the company is going and what we might look at differ ently.â€The death of her father and brothers in a plane crash led Sue Wise in a new life direction, and she eventually started Take Home Health Care in Sarasota. ABOUT TAKE CARE HOME HEALTHThe family-owned and operated company specializes in at-home healthcare and meeting their patients where they are at. About 65% to 70% of the company’s clients require help with their every day needs outside of medical care, what founder Sue Wise categorizes as unskilled care. The remaining percentage require skilled care, which covers all medical care that a nursing professional would have the skills to do. “Because we have such a large base of employees, we’re able to provide both skilled and unskilled,†Wise said. “If something were to happen to someone we were providing unskilled care to such as needing wound care or care after surgery, we are able to ip into the skilled care in addition to the unskilled. They won’t have to seek out services elsewhere.â€Trajedy spurs career of caring Take Care Home Health’s rst oce opened in 1995.Courtesy photosTake Care Home Health is run by Sue Wise and two of her daughters, Erika Wise Borland and Courtney Wise Snyder.“There’s so much opportunity. It’s so rewarding to feel good about what you’ve done at the end of the day.†Sue Wise
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26 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 HARVEST HOUSEFounded: 1992 Mission: To democratize affordable housing, addiction recovery, work force development and food security to improve economic status and stabilize lives How it accomplishes its mission: By having nine supportive housing campuses and 25 affordable rentals, encompassing more than 400 beds and serving more than 1,000 individuals annually First-hand account: Arianna Adoptante, 28, started abusing substances when she was 18. Over time, Adoptante said her substance abuse caused a lot of issues with her family and led her to years of couchhopping without a place to consider home. In 2020, Adoptante became pregnant. She tried a different rehab centers, she said, but none were all that effective. The restrictions they placed on her life caused even more pressure and didn’t help her. Adoptante’s son, Asher, was born in August 2021, and Adoptante was still struggling. Florida Department of Children and Families became involved, giv ing Adoptante an ultimatum: get the help she needed or be deemed an unfit mother. That is when Adoptante decided to try Harvest House, a decision she is thrilled she made. Adoptante is staying at one of Harvest House’s supportive housing campuses as part of the organization’s addiction services program, where she can stay for up to two years. Adoptante said the program puts an emphasis on freedom: there are some necessary check-ins, she said, but she’s being allowed to live her life and grow as a person as a result. “(Other places) don’t give you the ability to make your own choices,†Adoptante said. “It’s overwhelming. There’s a lot of structure and you’re always in meetings or in groups talking about how to get sober. At Harvest House, I actually get to put all those skills I spent learning into practice (on her own) to see how successful I could be. It has been great to have people supporting me while still feeling like I’m in control of my life.†Adoptante said she has set a goal to have enough money at the end of her stay to afford an apartment for her and her son. WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTERFounded: 1979 Mission: To engage, educate, enrich and empower women of all generations. How it accomplishes its mission: Providing women (and men) with life skills training, career planning and educational scholarships in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. First-hand account: Six years ago, Adrianne Luetzow was referred to the Women’s Resource Center after she experienced a disturbance in her family’s home life. Luetzow, 40, is a mother of five, and after suddenly finding herself alone, was in a difficult position. Her driver’s license was suspended, she said. She was having trouble paying bills. She had been out of the work force as a stay-at-home mom for approximately a decade. Working with Regina Morris, a WRC case manager, Luetzow started putting her life back together. Luetzow said the WRC helped link her with a pro bono attorney who got her license cleared. They enrolled her in financial literacy classes. Luetzow met with WRC volunteers who helped polish her work resume. From there, Luetzow went back to school, taking classes with Sarasota Technical College to obtain an accounting certificate. Separately, Luetzow said, the center offered her counseling for domestic violence. She’s now been back in the work force for more than two years, work ing with Sarasota Medical Products. “Now, my family is stable, my finances are stable, and we have a vehicle,†Luetzow said. “(The center) was so helpful to me in a time of crisis, just knowing that I could reach out about any area of need.â€MANASOTA BUDSFounded: 2002 Mission: To provide families with a neutral and supportive forum for sharing and networking, and to promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome. How it accomplishes its mission: Programs and social gatherings designed for everyone from “Baby Buds†(0-2 years old) to “Cool Buds†(adults), giving the opportunity to build meaningful friendships and support one another. First-hand account: After Patricia Crauwels gave birth to her daughter, Rachel, she only heard the “nos.†Rachel, now 22, was born with Down syndrome. Crauwels, 64, said the geneticists and other medical professionals she talked to focused heavily on the things Rachel would never be able to do. “I’ll never forget it,†Crauwels said. “It was all negative. It was mindboggling, to be honest.†What Crauwels wanted was a place her daughter would be given positive support, as well as a place where she could work out her own feelings. Crauwels felt adrift, she said, unsure of what she should be doing. When she found Manasota BUDS — Bringing Up Down Syndrome — it was a relief for her and for Rachel. While Rachel participated in things like BUDS’ musical therapy program, Crauwels talked with other parents Nonprots lend helping hand RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITORAmericans have each other’s backs. It’s an idea taken for granted, often forgotten until someone we know needs help, but it is true that at our lowest moments, someone will be willing to help. Since assisting each other is a foundation of who we are, here’s a highlight of nonprof it organizations that help this community every day, in various ways. Whether it is by advancing someone’s career, giving someone a place to stay, helping someone improve their communication abilities or just helping someone feel better about themselves when they’re at their lowest, these organizations are making a difference.Our region’s citizens step forward to provide opportunities for those less fortunate.Harvest House CEO Erin Minor embraces a Freedom client after she receives her graduation certicate.Courtesy photosThe Women’s Resource Center was founded in 1979 to engage, educate, enrich and empower women of all generations. A group of Buds participates in a painting session. r fffnttbbn nnttbnb fn ft r fntb nrf 405114-1 rfrrn r t b r trn rbb bb 405161-1 405173-1 r fntb rrnfnn r fntb n
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 27 rfntCHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE rfrrrrfn rtbttt r frtb t nrtb r frt t rf r r t t rtb r rr ff r fntbnrn rr nrntnrn TEETH IN A DAY IMPLANT TEETH VENEERS ESTHETIC GUM GRAFTING GUM DISEASEDENTAL IMPLANTSby Dental Implant Specialists 404815-1 r rf nntbbnnb nrtbrr bnnbbn f‘‘ 405100-1 about all the questions and concerns she had: what worked for someone else when trying to solve a delayed speech issue or which doctors were best for a given issue. Crauwels said the group was an invaluable resource, especially for the first seven years of Rachel’s life, while Crauwels learned how to best care for her. Today, Crauwels is on the organi zation’s board and is happy she can contribute to an organization that helped her throughout the years. As Crauwels knows, it is the seemingly little things that can mean the most. She and Manasota BUDS recently hosted a picture day for families at the organization’s office. Many families with children with Down syndrome don’t typically have family photos, she said, partially because it is difficult to find a photographer patient enough to work with the children. At the BUDS’ organized picture day, Crauwels said, that wasn’t an issue, and the families were grateful to finally have that opportunity. Events like that are what made the organization so important, Crauwels said. “It’s an amazing thing,†Crauwels said. “You immediately have your support group.â€CREARTE LATINO CULTURAL CENTERFounded: 2012 Mission: To be a creative and supportive hub for the Latino community in Sarasota and Manatee counties How it accomplishes its mission: By giving members of its community the opportunity to learn new skills, either on or off stage, and by offer ing learning opportunities like English classes First-hand account: Norma Castillo, 46, moved to the U.S. from Mexico City 20 years ago. When she arrived, she did not speak English, barely knowing how to say hello. It made it difficult to interact with the majority of goods and service providers in the area, few of which offered Spanishspeaking services. Over time, Castillo’s English improved, but she still did not feel confident in her abilities, Castillo said. Even now, when talking about more complex subjects, Castillo prefers to speak Spanish or go through a translator. But Castillo hopes that is beginning to change. Castillo said she has been involved with CreArte Latino for about two years, ever since she dropped off her daughter, Carla, to participate in one of the organization’s children’s theater workshops. Castillo said her daughter had such a great time, the rest of her family has become involved, too. Castillo started going to the organization’s Let’s Speak English classes in the hopes of becoming a more fluent and confident speaker. Castillo said CreArte has enriched her life in other ways, too. After seeing the plays the organization gave a spotlight — plays that focused on the culture of many Latino communities across the world — she was moved to give it a shot. Castillo acted in a multilingual play called “Agridulce,†which translates to bittersweet. The play focused on immigration, which Castillo said meant a lot to her given her own experiences. “I felt many emotions,†Castillo said of the acting experience. “I was happy to represent my history in a play that told so many stories.†Castillo said her involvement in CreArte has allowed her to feel more connected to Sarasota-Manatee as a whole — English and Spanish speak ers alike — and is excited about what her new communication skills, and confidence, will take her. CreArte Latino Cultural Center allows its clients to express themselves though art while also oering enrichment classes like Let’s Speak English.
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28 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 www.intercoastalmedical.com A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise l Multiple Locations 1993 1993 1993 2023 2023 2023 30 30 th th ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY30th ANNIVERSARY 404860-1 rfnr trbr brbnrfntbrr brrrb trtrrrr rrr rfrr‘ ’r“nnnt’br “nr†tr•–btrbr “nr— t—r•tb– fnrrrrr brr rrbrbr fnrtrb bb rbrbn rr 405101-1 Quiz: Who said it?Many speeches have become memorable throughout history. Can you match these quotes from famous speeches to the American who said them? 1 “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!†A:_______________________________2 “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.†A:_______________________________3 “First of all, let me assert my rm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustied terror which paralyzes needed eorts to convert retreat into advance.†A:_______________________________4 “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.†A:_______________________________5 “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.†A:_______________________________6 “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.†A:_______________________________7 “I feel that the people have got to have condence in the integrity of the men who run for that oce and who might attain them.†A:_______________________________8 “We must whip ination right now.†A:_______________________________9 “It is a crisis of condence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation.†A:_______________________________10 “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.†A:_______________________________11 “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights.†A:_______________________________12 “I declare to you that women must not depend upon the protection of man but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand.†A:_______________________________13 “This is why I say it’s the ballot or the bullet. It’s liberty or it’s death. It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody.†A:_______________________________14 “We are one nation and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams and their success will be our success. We are one heart, one home and one glorious destiny.†A:_______________________________15 “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.†A:_______________________________ANSWERS 1. Patrick Henry — Addressing the General Assembly 2. Abraham Lincoln — The Gettysburg Address 3. Franklin D. Roosevelt — First inaugural address 4. Martin Luther King — “I Have a Dream†5. John F. Kennedy — Inaugural address 6. Barack Obama — Speech on Super Tuesday in 2008 7. Richard Nixon — Checkers speech 8. Gerald R. Ford — Address to a joint session of congress on the economy 9. Jimmy Carter — Televised speech on energy 10 . George W. Bush — Sept. 11, 2001 address to the nation 11. Hillary Clinton — Remarks to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women 12. Susan B. Anthony — Speech in San Francisco in 1871 13. Malcom X — “The Ballot or the Bullet†14. Donald Trump — Inauguration speech 15. Harry Truman — Special message to congress Martin Luther King — “I Have a Dream†Jimmy Carter — Televised speech on energy Harry Truman — Special message to congress Hillary Clinton — Remarks to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women Patrick Henry — Addressing the General Assembly Malcom X — “The Ballot or the Bullet†John F. Kennedy — Inaugural address Gerald R. Ford — Address to a joint session of congress on the economy Franklin D. Roosevelt — First inaugural address Patrick Henry — Addressing the General Assembly Barack Obama — Super Tuesday speech Donald Trump — Inauguration speech Susan B. Anthony — Speech in San Francisco Abraham Lincoln — The Gettysburg Address Richard Nixon — Checkers speech George W. Bush — Sept. 11, 2001 address to the nationLIZ RAMOSMATCH THE NAME TO THE QUOTE
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SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 29 STUDENT-ATHLETES Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K-Grade 5 | Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6-12 | Sarasota, FL941-203-3640 | www.ODA.edu 100%ACCEPTANCE RATE GRADUATES 84 14,724CUMULATIVE SERVICE HOURS $8.8IN TOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDEDNCAA11MILLION 389858-1
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30 SPIRIT OF AMERICA | JULY 2023 Season SubscriptionsNow Available Single Ballet TicketsAugust 2023 941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org 2023 2024 Season 404211-1 AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN Ingredients 2 oz. Redwood Empire Rye Bourbon 1 oz. cashew infused simple syrup angostura bitters, cinnamon and lemon zest Tank Freedom Tower Amber Ale Directions Build cocktail like a traditional Old Fashioned in a glass mixing carafe. þ Stir long enough to make cocktail ice cold without diluting. þ Top with Freedom Tower Amber Ale by Miami’s Tank Brewing Co. þ Finish with two extra dashes of angostura bitters, a touch of cinnamon dust and fresh lemon zest. STRAIGHT UP AMERICANO þ Ingr edients 1.5 oz. Tito’s vodka þ 1 oz. Java Dog espresso cold brew þ .5 oz. Aperol þ .5 oz. Kahlua þ .5 oz. water þ Dir ections Shake ingredients hard and double strain into a coup glass with a brown sugar rim. þ Garnish with two dashes of orange infused bitters, a fresh Florida orange peel and espresso beans. þ THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE Ingredients 2 oz. Papa’s Pilar light rum þ 1 oz. heavy whipping cream þ 1 oz. fresh blueberry thyme puree þ 1 oz. simple syrup þ Dir ections Paint red stripes inside of a goblet glass with grenadine syrup and freeze in a glass chiller. þ Shake ingredients hard in a shaker and strain into a goblet. Pack with ice. þ Top with homemade whipped cream and fresh blueberries and strawberries. þ Few places in Sarasota exude more of an Americana vibe than MADE, located at 1990 Main St. MADE serves up locally sourced American comfort food in a comfortable setting. Cicconi, who has been at MADE for two years, is a Pittsburgh native and has been in the restaurant business for 19 years. She is working with MADE owner, operator and chef Mark Woodruff on a new craft cock tail menu they plan to roll out for the July 4 weekend. The first July 4 cocktail Cicconi created is The Red, White and Blue. It’s a rum-fueled milkshake that gets its name from a garnish of whipped cream and fresh strawberries and blueberries. There’s also some red via grenadine syrup and blue from blueberry thyme puree. You can serve it for dessert but why wait? The second July 4 selection, Straight Up Americano, is an easyto-make coffee vodka martini that uses locally sourced Java Dog cold brew. Served in a coup glass, it’s sure to win fans among coffee drinkers or those who need a jolt of caffeine to keep going for fireworks. “Everyone loves it,†Cicconi says. Cicconi describes the last July 4 cocktail she created, Amber Waves of Grain, as an “elevated†version of the classic Old Fashioned because highquality ingredients raise the alcohol level. Cicconi uses Redwood Empire Rye Bourbon to give the drink a lift. It’s topped with Freedom Tower Amber Ale from Miami’s Tank Brew ing Co., which gives it a foamy head. You’re sure to have a stirring Fourth when you serve one —or all — of Cicconi’s holiday-themed cock tails. Here’s to the Land of the Free!These three patriotic drinks will guarantee a starspangled holiday.Just add reworks Monica Roman GagnierRhiannon Cicconi, MADE Restaurant mixologist MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER A+E EDITORTo celebrate our nation’s birthday, we asked MADE Restaurant mixologist Rhiannon Cicconi to create three patriotic cocktails. She came through with ying colors — red, white and blue, of course.
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