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APRIL 2025 941.312.0665 | 27TH STATE MEDIA, LLC
Volunteers Who Make a Difference
SAFER STREETS
By Norman Olshansky
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DAY TRIPPING HYDE PARK
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LANDING’S FAMILY PICNIC
Two very busy Landings volunteers: Jeff Smith (President of LMA) and Neil Goldman (President of LRC) recently sat down with the Eagle to share their plans for the future. Jeff and Neil both saw their roles not only to work to improve their own organizations, but to also initiate programs and activities that will enhance the overall community and property values. They recognize that The Landings has aging facilities, is changing and has added many new and younger families. The Landings is a jewel, close to downtown, abutting the intercoastal bays, with great landscaping, and activities. However, The Landings has many challenges going forward. Jeff noted that LMA’s board has identified five major priorities for the coming year. 1. Improving Safety for Residents Given that there are more children, there are concerns about the lack of sidewalks and the need to educate residents about best ways to walk, bike and operate motorized vehicles within the community. Controlling speed and reducing dangerous driving are among the main safety concerns. 2. Lakes and Drainage There is a need to harden and control rainwater runoff, especially for areas close to the mangroves and waterways.
areas are anticipated improvements this year. 2. LRC App He indicated that the rollout of the new LRC app is a big upgrade and members will soon be able to reserve courts, pay bills, sign up for programs and activities online.
Jeff Smith 3. Property Values There is a need to focus on issues related to insurance costs and highlight our location, landscaping and the LRC . These are key ingredients that add to property values. Work is also being done to update the external part of The Landings’ website which is used frequently by realtors and those seeking to explore housing and information about our community. 4. Key Relationships There is also an effort to develop more clout with our FPL and Sarasota County partners. 5. Parks A new parks committee, under the leadership of Doug Booth, will be addressing the nature trail, inva-
Neil Goldman sive plants, and cleaning up Bayles Park post-2024 hurricanes. LRC Priorities Neil, who is new to his position as President of LRC, is focused on infrastructure needs given that the Club is 35-40 years old. LRC’s challenge is how to compete when there are so many new housing developments that have modern and expansive social and recreational facilities to offer. He acknowledged that the LRC has limited land and, therefore, is unable to expand as much as would be desired. He also indicated that LRC will be undertaking a major renovation this coming year. 1. Pool Area will be Enhanced Resurfacing the pool and the deck
3. Expanded Membership Committee Niel indicated that LRC has established a new committee to reach out to current and potential members Both Neil and Jeff noted how important it is for LMA and LRC to work together. LRC provides a lot of support to LMA, such as the use of rooms for meetings, programs and activities. In addition, LRC is working with LMA to upgrade technology so that Zoom meetings and programs, that need better acoustics, can be accommodated within the LRC facilities. In addition to providing security, LMA works with LRC on common drainage issues and the removal of invasives from the mangroves in areas that are the responsibility of both organizations. LMA, which is in charge of the Eagle, provides significant space for the Club’s social, fitness and tennis activities. LRC has significantly benefited from technological upgrades being made to the LMA website, to name just a few of the cooperative relationships that exist between the two organizations. Story continues on page 6
How Katie Kindelan Landed in The Landings By Mackenzie Palmer
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KID’S CORNER WYATT MORGAN, 4 1/2
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HOW’S THE BEACH TODAY?
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In August 2020, journalist Katie Kindelan traded the fast pace of Washington, D.C., for the quiet charm of The Landings. Now, nearly five years later, she calls the Sarasota community home—while continuing her work as a senior editor for ABC News on the Good Morning America digital team. A Career That Almost Wasn’t Kindelan, who grew up in Winter Haven, Florida, just two hours from Sarasota, initially had no plans to enter journalism. She earned her undergraduate degree in political science and history from the University of Florida, with aspirations of working in politics, government, or
lobbying. But life had other plans. At age 20, Kindelan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. That led her to an internship with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, where she worked in public relations. “That was my first job out of college,” Kindelan said. “From there, I worked at a few places in lobbying and government relations.” It wasn’t until she landed a position at a corporate relations firm that she realized her true passion was storytelling. She pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Georgetown University, where she landed an opportunity that changed everything. “I got my job at ABC through their advertising at Georgetown,” she said. “That was how I ended up there, and I did internships along the way, which I think helped too.”
natural disaster recovery, mental health, medical research, and hardhitting human-interest stories—including a powerful series marking the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook school shooting. “That was really inspiring,” she said. “We spoke to survivors and loved ones of victims, and they wrote letters to future school shooting survivors, knowing this issue keeps happening. It was eye-opening to hear from young people who had been through so much.” Kindelan has also covered rising suicide rates among young people, the impact of COVID-19 on families, and women’s access to abortion care. One Florida woman’s personal story particularly stood out to her. “The fact that she was willing to speak out and share her experience—it really impacted me and everyone who read it,” Kindelan said.
A Front-Row Seat to the News For 13 years, Kindelan has been at ABC News, where she oversees a team of reporters, writes digital content, and collaborates with producers to bring Good Morning America’s biggest stories online. “Since it’s Good Morning America, we do a lot of women-focused coverage and lifestyle content,” she said. “The articles I usually oversee are about wellness and family.” But her work spans far beyond lifestyle news. She has covered
A Move to Sarasota That Became Permanent Like many professionals, Kindelan’s job went remote in 2020. Looking to be closer to her parents in Sarasota, she set out to find a second home—somewhere she could stay during visits. “My intention was for it to be a second home,” she said. “Then I found The Landings and just loved the neighborhood, the tennis, everything. I ended up buying here, and since I’ve been able to stay remote for work,
I’ve lived here full-time ever since.” Loving Life in The Landings When she’s not covering major news stories, Kindelan makes the most of her Sarasota lifestyle. She enjoys walking and running the nature trails, going to the gym, relaxing at the beach and pool, and most of all—playing tennis. “I’ve met a great group of people through tennis,” she said. “I look forward to playing every weekend.” She also enjoys decorating, shopping, and even making jewelry. She and her dad have even taken art classes at a local college. Recently, her home has been even more full. Her sister’s family, who lives in Siesta Key, has been staying with her after Hurricane Helen flooded their home. While unexpected, Kindelan is happy to open her doors while they rebuild. “Every time I drive through The Landings, I think about how lucky I am to live here,” she said. “I’ve lived in New York City and Washington, D.C., and now I get to be in a place that’s so beautiful and so well-loved.” From major cities to small beachside communities, Kindelan’s journey has taken her across the country. But in the end, out of all the places she could have chosen, she picked The Landings—and she couldn’t be happier.