Longboat Observer 8.1.24

YOUR TOWN

Peacocks’ paradise

This pair of peacocks was spotted near Longbeach Village going about their business and seemingly out of the way.

Though raccoons sometimes steal the spotlight in weekly editions of Cops Corner, peacocks were once a bigger problem for Longboat Key residents.

In 2015, the town directed Public Works to remove all peahens (female peacocks) and leave about a dozen males. That was largely successful at the time, but some still evaded the traps and tranquilizer darts. Debate over how to, or not to, control the peacock problem remained.

Peacocks don’t seem to be back by the hundreds like they once were, but the occasional couple is a sight to see on the north end.

All-terrain access

A beach-friendly accessibility chair that promotes independence for those with mobility challenges is now available for public use at Lido Beach.

The EcoRover is an electric, hand-controlled track chair with all-terrain treads that can easily traverse sand, allowing for independent enjoyment of the beach. Based in North Port, the EcoRover chair was invented by company President Cordell Jeter, a paraplegic as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

The EcoRover chair includes storage for an oxygen tank, umbrella and tools. For those without use of their hands, a remote control is available to allow a companion to walk alongside and control the chair.

The EcoRover may be reserved for up to four hours at no cost from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Heightened debate

Sailing Squadron offers a weeklong

Troubled waters?

Area residents say Beer Can Island needs more definitive boundaries and enforcement to protect swimmers and wildlife.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Thomas Mayers grew up in the northernmost house on Longboat Key. He learned how to swim in the waters off the house’s dock, waters which he now feels should have their regulations better enforced.

Mayers and several other residents in the northernmost area of Longboat Key, Land’s End, have raised concerns to Longboat Key town commissioners and staff about issues they said they have encountered with boaters not following the rules. From Mayer’s perspective, the issues impact both the safety and peacefulness of the neighborhood.

Greer Island (Beer Can Island) is a popular beach destination for residents and tourists. Although it’s technically owned by Manatee County, the Longboat Key Police Department includes the beach on patrols as part of an agreement with Manatee County. In exchange, the county now gives the LBKPD $80,000 a year.

When the sand spit gets busy, Mayers said he and others have encountered nasty boaters, loud music, property theft and people who don’t follow the motorboat prohibition zones.

“My family’s been here over 100 years,” Mayers said. “And we’re just saying, ‘Hey, try to establish some peace and order.’”

The last time the subject was investigated by the Town Commission was in 2022, an issue that was complex in the details and legalities of placing markers and creating exclusionary zones on the public beach. This resulted in an ordinance to designate zones for public bathing and swimming.

Around that time, Manatee County placed markers on the east side of Greer Island — closest to the Land’s End residents — to designate the area for kayak launches and paddleboarding, while excluding powerboats.

This also was meant to create space between the boaters and Land’s End residents for noise reduction and allow the residents freer use of the docks, according to previous reporting.

Recently, though, new issues have come to light, and the ordinance hasn’t helped the frustrations of some Land’s End homeowners, according to Mayers.

Mainly, the residents have encountered issues with boaters near the exclusion zone. Some boaters have attempted to move the buoys and markers to expand the zone, according to Mayers.

With boaters encroaching on the exclusionary zone, Mayers said this also presents a danger to the safety of swimmers, kayakers and wildlife that may be in the zone. Manatees frequently congregate around the

“My family’s been here over 100 years. And we’re just saying, ‘Hey, try to establish some peace and order.’”

— Thomas Mayers

Land’s End docks, and Mayers said he is concerned about boaters getting too close to the protected animals.

Mayers said all of these problems are a recipe for disaster.

CONVERSATIONS

RAISE CONCERNS

Mayers isn’t against recreation, rather he’s for what he dubbed “passive recreation.”

The ideal solution, in his opinion, would be increased enforcement and increased buoys and markers to draw a more definitive line around the exclusionary zone.

Mayers’ sister, Joan Bergstrom, recently sent a letter to the town about the issues the residents have been experiencing.

Bergstrom’s letter emphasized the need for a clearer separation of the zones on Greer Island and claimed it is confusing to enforce the way it is presently.

“We are daily witnesses to the comings and goings in the Greer Island Beach area and the entrance to Greer Preserve Inlet. There is a problem that needs to be solved,” Bergstrom said in her letter.

Jim Haft, a representative from

the Land’s End Homeowner’s Association, also emailed the town about the issue.

He said in his email that the “vague” dividing line between the zones creates a situation where motorboats frequently impede on the swim and kayak area.

“For all these reasons, the entire Greer beach east of the bridge should be reserved for swimmers/kayaks,” Haft suggested in his email. “There is more than ample room for motorboats west of the bridge.”

District 5 Commissioner Sarah Karon, whose district includes Land’s End, said she agreed with the proposal presented by the Land’s End residents and wanted to continue the conversation.

“We need a clear, sensible boundary for boaters that will protect this fragile waterway and establish a quiet zone for all concerned (humans as well as manatees),” Karon said in her email. “I look forward to discussing the bridge-as-boundary option when town management has feedback to offer.”

Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop also replied in agreement with the suggestions and concerns raised by residents.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

In an emailed response to residents and an interview with the Longboat Observer , Town Manager Howard Tipton explained that making these changes is a bit more complicated than people may expect.

The markers and buoys are in place due to an ordinance, something that requires town staff to work on amending or replacing, followed by two public hearings on the ordinance. Then, permitting would be required for changes in the markers, which would need to go through agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Longboat Key Police Department did not report high numbers of violations on the Greer Island boating area, according to Tipton. There will always be some people who don’t read signs closely enough, though, he said.

Tipton said Greer Island is a popular strip of beach with a lot of activity, and a compromise was reached in 2022 with the previous ordinance. For now, Tipton said increased education would be the town’s position.

DISORIENTATION DILEMMA

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

As sea turtle nesting season enters the hatching phase, sea turtle hatchlings are popping up all over the state. For Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s territory from Longboat Key to Venice, disorientations remain a problem.

Disorientations — when turtles lose their navigational ability, often because of artifical light — have been reported on Longboat Key for the 2024 sea turtle season, and final disorientation counts from the 2023 season show the issues have not improved much from 2022.

“Last year was a pretty disorientation-heavy year,” Mote Senior Biologist and Conservation Manager Melissa Macksey said.

In 2022, there were a total of 1,294 sea turtle nests on Longboat Key, according to data from Mote. Of those, 262 nests were disoriented, which is a disorientation rate of about 20.2% — one of the highest in the area (see chart below).

According to Macksey, the more accurate way to represent disorientations is by only looking at the hatched nests. When looking at the number of nests disoriented out of the total number of nests, that total number of nests includes nests that didn’t hatch, which could have been caused by a variety of factors, such as predation or storms.

A subset of 240 hatched nests in 2022 had 68 disorientations, which means a disorientation rate of 28.3%.

Last season, six adult sea turtles were disoriented on Longboat Key, and 217 hatched nests were disoriented. About 26% of the hatched nests were disoriented.

On the disorientation reports, beach patrollers who discover a dis-

Although Longboat’s lighting ordinances help, recent data show disorientations are still a problem for hatchlings.

orientation indicate the severity of the disorientation by estimating the number of hatchlings affected. This is done by checking a box next to a few different ranges of hatchlings (2-10, 11-50 or more than 50).

After compiling that data, Mote estimated that at least 4,385 hatchlings were disoriented on Longboat Key last season.

“It very well could be more than that,” Macksey said, explaining that the ranges are the patroller’s best guess, and when compiling the data, the Mote staff use the smallest number in the range.

Lido Key also continues to be a hot spot for disorientations. Last year, 45.5% of the hatched nests on Lido Key became disoriented. There were 10 adult disorientations and 61 hatched nest disorientations, which impacted at least 1,862 hatchlings.

Though Lido Key’s percentage is higher, that’s partly because there are fewer nests on Lido Key. For example, there were 978 loggerhead and 12 green turtle nests on Longboat Key last year, whereas Lido Key had 184 loggerhead nests and no green turtle nests.

DISORIENTATION INVESTIGATION

Small tracks about the width of bicycle tires are the first indication that hatchlings emerged from a nest. When those tracks don’t lead directly to the water, sea turtle patrollers investigate the disorientation.

The best-case scenario is when the hatchlings circle around and then eventually find their way to the water. But if that isn’t the case, patrollers will follow the tracks to find the baby turtles. In a worst-case scenario, hatchling turtles don’t survive the disorientation. Sometimes the hatchlings could walk toward roads or parking lots, causing them to be run over by vehicles or dry out in the morning sun. The hatchlings can also be easy meals for predators.

Macksey said tracks are followed as best as possible, which sometimes is tricky when human foot traffic or rain disrupt the tracks. Patrollers often follow tracks up to the vegetation, sometimes leading to patios or pools.

Disoriented hatchlings can end up in all sorts of places. Macksey said the other day there were hatchlings found trapped in a storm drain.

“There’s a whole lot of peril they can get themselves into,” Macksey said. “Even if we find them alive and not crushed by a car, swimming in a pool, etc., they get exhausted … so all not good things. We’d much rather they hatch and go straight to the water and start on their natural journey as soon as possible.”

When Mote staff can locate disoriented hatchlings that are still alive, there’s a chance to save them and help them on their journey.

Sometimes, that means a checkup at Mote.

“If they seem particularly exhausted, we typically hold them,” Macksey said. “If they have gotten themselves into trouble, we have a hatchling hospital at Mote that we bring them to, and they will do a fullblown assessment.”

When sea turtles hatch, they have what’s called a swim frenzy. This is when the hatchlings use all of their energy to find the water and swim out to the sargassum belt, which provides safety and necessary nutrition.

If the hatchlings use up that swim frenzy and end up in a swimming pool, they are typically taken back to the hatchling hospital to regain some strength. Then, Macksey said the hospital would coordinate boat trips out to the sargassum line and drop the hatchlings off where they need to be.

LIGHTING ISSUES REMAIN

Sea turtle disorientations are often caused by artificial lighting. Adult and hatchling turtles rely on the natural moonlight to find the water again. The nesting mothers or young turtles can become confused by inland artificial lighting and veer off course.

On Longboat Key, a town ordinance helps alleviate these issues. At the start of turtle nesting season

on May 1, Longboat Key properties must use turtle-friendly bulbs and fixtures, or turn off lights at night.  Alternatively, things like blinds, shutters or tinted glass can be used to dim artificial light.

“We do want people to turn off their lights in their unit and close their blinds in their one unit,” Macksey said.

But sometimes the issue could be with shared spaces in condominium complexes, like pool and patio lighting. Macksey said she encourages people who may see those issues to reach out to their condo management to find solutions, whether that’s turning off the lights or utilizing shading.

Earlier this nesting season, Vice President of Longboat Key Turtle Watch Cyndi Seamon spoke to town commissioners about lighting issues that she and others noticed on the beaches at night, including some public streetlights.

Since then, the town investigated some of the issues and the Florida Department of Transportation shut off all the crosswalk lighting while the department looked into possible shielding methods.

Another cause of disorientations can be sky glow which, for Longboat Key nests, often comes from the direction of Lido Key.

“Sky glow is when general light pollution makes the sky brighter,” Macksey said. “There’s not necessarily a pinpoint of, you know, this condo had a light on and that’s what’s causing a brightness in this area.”

Streetlights, buildings and landscape lighting can all contribute to sky glow, according to Macksey. Generally, more populated areas — like downtown Sarasota — can have a brighter sky glow. Plus, more cloud cover can increase the brightness when the lights are reflected in the clouds. But the sky glow issue cannot be solved as easily as flipping a switch.

“Even if we find them alive and not crushed by a car, swimming in a pool, etc., they get exhausted … so all not good things. We’d much rather they hatch and go straight to the water and start on their natural journey as soon as possible.”

— Melissa Macksey

Raised for resiliency

FPL raises some transformers to prevent storm-related outages.

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

When high tides or storm surges impact Longboat Key again, new transformer pads for the underground utilities may help to prevent outages in certain areas.

From mid-July to August, 24-inch concrete pads will be installed under 20 underground utility transformers that failed during Hurricane Idalia last August and affected about 400 customers. Residents can see the start of this effort in areas of the north end of Longboat Key.

In September 2023, Florida Power & Light launched a forensic investigation after the failures. The investigation, which finished in January, concluded that saltwater caused accelerated corrosion. This led to the decision to raise the affected transformers.

During a June 17 Town Commission workshop, Public Works Director Isaac Brownman informed commissioners that the work to raise the transformers would start in mid-July, and replace six-inch pads with 24-inch pads for those 20 failed transformers.

Brownman also said at the workshop that FPL committed to streamlining Longboat Key’s project by allowing the island’s switching orders to bypass other areas, be approved in larger batches and have a dedicated FPL staff member for Longboat Key.

According to Brownman’s July 17 update to commissioners, FPL is meeting that standard.

Phase 2 (Longboat Pass Bridge to Dream Island Road) is now operating on the underground system. There are seven large concrete poles and 10 smaller wooden service poles that were still waiting for removal as of

the July 17 update.

The transformers in Phase 3 (from the county line to Country Club Shores) are all now energized, and the project team is working on completing service conversions and switching orders, which are nearly 100% complete.

Finally, the project team is just over halfway complete with transformer energization in Phase 4 (Dream Island Road to the county line). Only after all transformers are energized can service conversions begin.

Monthly updates will continue to be sent to commissioners, with the next one expected in mid-August.

Brownman also said the project team will update residents more frequently about when their residence is scheduled to be energized and potential service disruptions.

Also at the June workshop, Brownman said FPL committed to removing all existing poles on the island by Dec. 31, as long as no unforeseen circumstances delay the company’s efforts.

Brownman’s update sent to town commissioners on July 17 said the project remains on schedule to complete conversions islandwide within the month of October. No unforeseen circumstances, such as major storms, have yet to delay the progress this summer.

Bridge for the future

North end residents push for lowest alternative for Longboat Pass Bridge.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Though the Longboat Pass Bridge replacement is years away, north end residents want to keep up the debate about which bridge height would be optimal for the community.

The Longboat Pass Bridge is currently the subject of a Project Development & Engineering Study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation.

In March, FDOT representatives held a public workshop on Longboat Key to speak with the community about the three build alternatives — a low-level bascule bridge, a mid-level bascule bridge and a high fixed-span bridge.

A fourth, no-build option is also possible, but the current Longboat Pass Bridge is “functionally obsolete,” and repairs grow increasingly costly for the bridge’s maintenance, according to the FDOT.

In June, Mayor Ken Schneier sent a letter to FDOT representatives. Crafted along with guidance from fellow commissioners, the letter stated the town’s preference for the mid-level bascule bridge and for the department to continue to look

for ways to reduce the width of the bridge.

Since then, the bridge has been a topic of discussion at a recent Manasota League of Cities meeting, and Mayor John Chappie of the city of Bradenton Beach said the city commissioners voted to take the position in support of the mid-level bascule bridge, following in Longboat Key’s footsteps.

Members of Longboat Key North agree with town commissioners that the tallest build alternative for the Longboat Pass Bridge is the worstcase scenario, but feel that the Town Commission should have pushed for the lower-level bascule bridge.

Longboat Key North, a community group of 24 homeowner and condominium associations on the north end recently had its July monthly meeting in which the Longboat Pass Bridge was one of the main topics. The group’s interest in the Longboat Pass Bridge spans as far back as 2021, when a sub-committee first took shape. At that time, Longboat Key North sent a letter to FDOT that emphasized the importance of building a new bridge directly next to the existing one, while maintaining the same landing spot. The letter also voiced the group’s preference for a bridge “not to be significantly wider” than two lanes.

Following the March workshop, Co-Chair Maureen Merrigan sent another letter to the FDOT. This

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time, Merrigan expressed concern over the width and said many community members were opposed to taller bridges, which she said are more dangerous.

“If the bridge is to be replaced, only the lower bridge would fit the scale of the community and surrounding areas,” she said in the letter.

According to Merrigan, many of the members took the time to air frustrations over the Town Commission’s recommendation during the group’s July meeting. She said aside from the concerns the community group has about the height, width and safety of the bridge, one of the top frustrations was that members thought the commission should have reviewed more data before taking a stance.

“When in doubt, I believe the commissioners should either get more data or do what the community is asking,” Merrigan said in an email. “This was not one person making public comments at a workshop. This was a large community group with representatives from 26 neighborhoods/condo associations, who also had a task team assigned to look at this and make a written recommendation. So, of course, we were disappointed that LBK North’s position on height was not considered more thoroughly.”

Merrigan said that she understands the weight of the town taking a formal position on the project, and also realizes that the town won’t always agree with community voices. But she said she believed the town should have taken a closer look. She has continued conversations with Schneier, while also reaching out to FDOT for more information about the bridges.

INSIGHT INTO OPENINGS

The existing Longboat Pass Bridge has a vertical height of 17 feet above the mean high water line. All the other bridge alternatives are higher

than the existing one, which would mean fewer required bridge openings for vessel passage.

According to data sent to Merrigan from FDOT Project Development

Engineer David Turley, the Longboat Pass Bridge opened 2,589 times in 2021. There were an average of 216 openings per month and about seven per day.

Full annual data for 2022 was not yet available, according to Turley, but the bridge opened an average of 222 times per month and seven times per day.

Though commissioners and the community have expressed opposition to it, the high-level, fixed-span bridge would have a 78-foot clear

ance that 100% of boat traffic could pass through. The slope of the bridge would be about 4.5%, according to Turley’s data.

The mid-level bascule bridge — which the commission recently advocated for — would have a 36-foot clearance, which is a little more than twice the height of the existing bridge. The added height would allow for 69% of boat traffic to pass, and the bridge’s slope would be 4%.

Most members of Longboat Key North, though, are in favor of the low-level bascule bridge.

This bridge would have a 26-foot clearance — about nine feet higher

STILL TIME

In recent emails to Merrigan, Schneier said that, while the city of Bradenton Beach recently notified the town of its position, there are more discussions to come.

“Regarding height, our main objective was to try to avoid the high fixed bridge, despite its much lower cost.

“We felt that showing some flexibility (to reduce openings) would enhance the likelihood we could avoid the worst case,” Schneier wrote in an email to Merrigan. “If the opportunity arises to argue for the lower bascule, we will certainly do so.”

— Maureen Merrigan

Cautionary tale

Shorebird steward reminds public that human disturbances can lead to abandoned nests.

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

Shorebird nests on Longboat Key took a hit in the latter half of the nesting season.

According to Sarasota Shorebird Steward Coordinator

Emily Briner, the Longboat least tern nests have now been abandoned, leaving behind eggs and the chance for more chicks to hatch and become adults.

Briner said she first noticed something was off with the nests a couple of weeks ago. For most nests from Longboat to Lido, she checks on the colonies once a week. Sometimes, though, she was able to check on Longboat’s nests twice a week, which is when she noticed the downy chicks’ low survival rate.

As she described it, the chicks were not turning into feathered chicks — the next stage in infancy for avian chicks — but were instead disappearing. Briner also noticed a decrease in nest counts, from about 32 to six in recent weeks.

This, along with some canine tracks around the nests, first led her to think there was predation occurring at the sites, possibly from a coyote. Briner set up game cameras around the nests to try to catch the cause on camera.

“There were a lot of variables at play,” Briner said. “One of the biggest ones being there were a lot of people seen on those game cams moving through the site.”

There were plenty of eggs still on the nests that could have been successful, but because of human disturbance, the nests were abandoned by the adult least terns, according to Briner.

If adults are off the nest for just 15 minutes, the eggs can overheat and

be unsuccessful, Briner said. Plus, if there aren’t adults to protect the eggs, they become more susceptible to predation.

“People were a factor and one of the reasons why this colony is no longer here,” Briner said. “There were plenty of eggs that could have incubated, that should have incubated.”

There is some good news, though:

Seven chicks from the Longboat least tern colonies were able to fledge successfully and become independent adults.

Farther down the beach in North Lido, Briner said the black skimmer colonies have had much success and are now doing well in their second round of nesting.

In South Lido, the least terns are flourishing, Briner said. There have been more than 250 chicks and over 100 fledged so far, and Briner’s team has been able to see chicks from all stages of life in those colonies.

Though shorebird nesting season is starting to cool off, the season doesn’t officially end until Sept. 1. As the season winds down, Briner encourages people to continue to be mindful of the shorebirds in the area and to not walk through posted sites or colonies.

“Even if the nesting site goes away, even if they don’t see eggs on the ground, even if we don’t have flightless chicks on the ground, they are still a protected species. So we still need to give them their space,” Briner said.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

KIDS WILL BE KIDS

10:16 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Juvenile Disturbance: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a report of juveniles on the beach. At the scene, the officer met with the complainant, who said there was a large group of children being obnoxious and possibly disturbing sea turtles. The officer proceeded to walk the beach, ran into a parent and explained the reason he was there. The parent said he and several other families rent out a large portion of a nearby hotel for vacation and claimed that security seemed to be exaggerating and not letting the kids be kids. In response, the officer said this was the second call received at this location and explained the complainant’s concern about sea turtles. Shortly after, the officer saw a large group of kids using white lights on the beach. The officer went back to the parent and advised him of the violation, to which the parent said the kids wouldn’t be back on the beach.

PLUMBER REQUIRED

10:55 p.m., 500 block of Dream Island Road

Officer Public Service: An officer was dispatched to a residence regarding a sewer issue. Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller, who said the property was a rental and had experienced a sewage backup, with water pouring out of the toilets, shower and bathtub. The officer then said this was a plumbing issue and not a law enforcement issue, and the renter was advised to contact an emergency plumber.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

CAMP CUT SHORT

2:47 a.m., 100 block of North Shore Road

Suspicious Person: While on patrol near Greer Island (Beer Can Island), two officers located a campsite in the woods that included a large two-room tent, trash around the campsite and a small area used as a restroom. The officers announced their presence and a man exited the tent. He was advised that camping was prohibited on Longboat Key and was asked to clean up the area and remove all trash. The officers

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

FREQUENT OCCURRENCE … 4:51 p.m., 4400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal Problem: Another call for a dog on the beach. The responding officer met with the dog’s owner, who said he was unaware that dogs weren’t allowed on Longboat Key beaches. He apologized and cut the dog’s beach visit short.

met the camper back at his car, which was cited earlier in the day for parking in the beach access lot after hours. Again, the officers told him that camping was prohibited and numerous signs around the beach access point said so. He was issued a citation for the violation.

MONDAY, JULY 22

SPARKS ARC

10:46 a.m., 1400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Assist Other Agency: An officer went to the scene of an electrical hazard when a blown fuse caused arcing wires on an electrical pole. The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department was on the scene and notified Florida Power & Light of the issue. The responding officer helped with traffic control until FPL crews arrived.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

EARLY MORNING BEACH TRIP

2:50 a.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious Vehicle: During a routine patrol of Bayfront Park, an officer noticed a car parked illegally after hours. The officer then canvassed the area and found four people on the beach, two with empty alcohol bottles on the beach and two swimming. The four were taken back to the vehicle, which was registered to one of the individuals who didn’t have a driver’s license. He was given a citation for illegally parking in Bayfront Park, and all four left in a ride-share vehicle.

Observer recommends

Republican voters have solid choices to replace Rep. Tommy Gregory for House District 72. One candidate’s qualifications stand above the others.

Whoever wins among the four Republican candidates seeking to replace state House District 72 Rep. Tommy Gregory, expectations for effectiveness in Tallahassee will be high.

In his three terms in office, Gregory rose among his Republican colleagues in the House as a low-key, smart, respected, analytical lawmaker. In 2023, as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Gregory led the effort to do what lawmakers had been trying to do for 40 years — sweeping tort reform.

This was legislation that broke Florida’s trial lawyers’ hold on the Legislature with statutes that made them wealthy, made Floridians poorer and gave Florida the reputation as one of the worst states for costly, frivolous lawsuits.

Perhaps one of the ironies of Gregory’s signature legislation is that he is a lawyer himself.

Fellow Republican lawmakers, business leaders and Manatee taxpayers were sorry to see Gregory resign his seat June 30 to become president of the State College of Florida — a win for the college, a loss for taxpayers in Tallahassee.

To be sure, the four Republicans seeking to replace Gregory know much will be expected of them.

The question now is which of the four — Bill Conerly, Alyssa Gay, Richard Green or Richard Tatem — can extend the legacy?

This is one of those rare races when all four candidates could serve the district well.

On the issues — such as taxation, the role of government, Florida’s property insurance crisis, recreational marijuana and others — little separates them philosophically. They all espouse conservative bona fides. (For the candidates’ position on issues, click the Elections tab on the homepage of YourObserver. com.)

Which candidate, then, is most likely to serve taxpayers’ interests and be able to play and win in the ugly, jostling-for-power politics that goes on in the Capitol?

n Gay is playing up her youth. She is the youngest of the four at 32 and a lifelong Manatee resident. “You want fresh, future-minded people in the House; you want younger people to be involved in the process,” she says.

Gay started her own marketing company. “Starting a business, working with clients, learning to

ELECTION ’24

FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 72

CANDIDATES

ON THE ISSUES

To see candidate profiles and questionnaires, click on the Elections tab on YourObserver. com.

work with people” are all experiences a legislator needs, she says.

While attending (and eventually graduating from) State College of Florida and the University of Florida, Gay served as a legislative intern for then-Rep. Steube. That “opened my eyes to the opportunity our legislators have to truly work for the people,” Gay said.

n Green, 39, is a thoughtful senior attorney for the statewide law firm of Lewis, Longman and Walker P.A. In his practice as an environmental, land-use and governmental litigator, Green has found himself entrenched in the dealing with Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Children and Families Services and the Florida Department of Agriculture.

“My experience includes drafting amendments” to state statutes, he says. “I am not doing this for fame, and certainly not for fortune,” Green told the Observer. “I am doing it to serve.”

n Conerly, 59, is a senior project manager and shareholder at the Kimley-Horn engineering and planning firm. A resident of Manatee since age 15, he also is a Navy veteran.

Of the four candidates, Conerly talks most stridently about what he wants to accomplish in Tallahassee and his support of Donald Trump. He told Florida Politics in April:

“We can continue to kick the can down the road, year after year, on issues like immigration, insurance and our quality of life, or we can act. I am running to take quick action, just like President Trump,” Conerly said. “The politicians in Tallahassee should be on notice: I won’t be making excuses or empty promises on insurance rates, I will

Lion and the ostrich

The contrast between the speeches of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress and that of interim “President” Kamala Harris after meeting with Netanyahu was, well, frightening, demoralizing and distressing. Frightening and distressing for the American people.

If you didn’t watch Netanyahu or read his text, you should. Then, watch Harris’ remarks after her meeting with Netanyahu.

The lion and the blind ostrich.

Here we are, ostensibly the most powerful democratic republic in the world and the leader of the free world, and yet we now have as our nation’s de facto president an individual who is so obviously feckless; oblivious to right-and-wrong reality; in a job far beyond her ability; and, like her predecessor on every foreign-policy matter, wrong on the Israel-Hamas war.

What’s more, how insulting for Harris, the head of the U.S. Senate, not to attend the speech of the prime minister of our leading ally in the Mideast, instead going to a sorority convention in Indiana. That says it all.

So do the two speeches.

Here is Netanyahu describing what happened on Oct. 7: “Like Dec. 7, 1941, and Sept. 11, 2001, Oct. 7 is a day that will forever live in infamy.

RECOMMENDATIONS AT A GLANCE

For the Aug. 20 primary elections

U.S. Senate Republican — Rick Scott

Democrat — None

U.S. Congress-District 16

Republican — Eddie Speir

Democrat — Neither

Florida House District 72

William “Bill” Conerly

MANATEE COUNTY

County Commission

District 1 — Carol Ann Felts

District 3 — Talha “Tal” Siddique

District 5 — Ray Turner

District 7/At Large — George Kruse

School Board

District 1 — Mark Stanoch

District 3 — Charles Kennedy

Property Appraiser

Charles Hackney

Supervisor of Elections

Scott T. Farrington

be lowering them come hell or highwater.”

OK, put the rhetoric aside. That’s not really Conerly’s persona. Many Manatee residents, business owners and members of the Manatee County Planning Commission know Conerly as an even-handed, analytical, trustworthy and smart individual. For the past 12 years, Conerly served on the Planning Commission, 10 of them as chair.

Paul Rutledge, a fellow planning commissioner with Conerly for eight years, says he has disagreed with Conerly at times on the board. But he says Conerly “is very respectful and respectful to the community. His process of getting through difficult situations was very measured, level and unemotional.

“He didn’t take the chairmanship as an ego thing,” Rutledge says. “He wasn’t there to aggrandize himself. We need people who have a heart for service, not just on the board, but in their homes. People’s hearts, how they conduct themselves and how they conduct themselves with people are critical. He’s all good on those. Check the box on each one of those.”

n Tatem is a retired, 30-year Air Force veteran. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Tatem served as a pilot and an assistant professor at the academy.

A Riverwalk resident, Tatem was elected to the Manatee School Board in 2022 in his first run for public office. Props to Tatem for

THE SPEECHES

SARASOTA COUNTY

County Commission

District 1 — Teresa Mast

District 3 — Tom Knight

School Board

District 2 — Karen Rose

District 3 — Gregory Wood

Tax Collector

Charles Bear

Sarasota Public Hospital Board

At Large Seat 1 — Sharon Wetzler

DePeters

At Large Seat 2 — Kevin Cooper

At Large Seat 3 — Pam Beitlich

Central District Seat 1 — Sarah Lodge

Charter Review Board

District 1 — Nicholas Altier

District 3 — Tom DeSane

District 4 — Greg “Tex” Bukowski

being willing to serve in the often thankless world of public office and wanting to make a difference. But here’s the “but”: An ethos of every branch of the armed forces is the mission — completing the mission. Tatem was elected to a four-year term on the school board. Giving up that seat before the end of his term to run for a legislative seat that may be more to his liking is giving up on the mission. It certainly colors perceptions of his motivations — that he is in it for him, to climb to the next step.

Altogether, each of these candidates would represent the District 72 taxpayers and voters well in Tallahassee. There is no wrong choice. Indeed, it’s encouraging to see the promise of the two young candidates — Gay and Green. They should be encouraged to stay involved in the community and continue to build their reputations and name recognition. Their days will come.

But when you paint an entire picture — someone who has deep roots in Manatee; demonstrated success in his or her profession; has the right principles for limited government, fiscal responsibility and the freedom philosophy; demonstrated the temperament and motivations to serve first for others; and has the learned wisdom of how government and the government process works — one candidate sits above the others.

We recommend: William “Bill” Conerly

… And I will not be silent.”

“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

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“It was the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. It began as a perfect day … And suddenly, at 6:29 a.m., as children were still sleeping soundly in their beds in the towns and kibbutzim next to Gaza, suddenly heaven turned into hell.

“Three thousand Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel. They butchered 1,200 people from 41 countries, including 39 Americans … And these monsters, they raped women, they beheaded men, they burnt babies alive, they killed parents in front of their children and children in front of their parents. They dragged 255 people, both living in dead, into the dark dungeons of Gaza … ”

Now read what Harris said about Oct. 7. Mind you, she didn’t need to repeat all of the vivid, gorey details. But here’s what she said:“Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization. On Oct. 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages. There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza.”

Now, before Harris said that, she also said, “I said it many times, but it bears repeating: Israel has a right to defend itself … ”

But at the end of stating that, she added: “and how it does so matters.”

n Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress: Youtube.com/ wWatch?V=RKkcstwPd9K

n Kamala Harris after meeting with Netanyahu: Youtube.com/ watch?V=pW41MZVnqKU

There you go. She did not condemn with forceful emphasis the barbaric leaders of Hamas and what they perpetrated. Netanyahu called Hamas “rapists,” “murderers” and “terrorist thugs.” But with her six words — “and how it does so matters” — Harris clearly signaled she is not really a supporter of Israel, especially not a supporter of eliminating the terrorist thugs who have vowed for decades their mission in life is to wipe out Israel and its people. Here’s more of Harris lecturing: “I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concerns about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the deaths of far too many innocent civilians. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there, with over two million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity … We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies.

Now had Harris attended Netanyahu’s speech, she would have heard this:

“The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has shamefully accused Israel of deliberately starving the people of Gaza. This is utter, complete nonsense. It’s a complete fabrication. Israel has enabled more than 40,000 aid trucks to enter Gaza. That’s halfa-million tons of food, and that’s more than 3,000 calories for every man, woman and child in Gaza.

“If there are Palestinians in Gaza who aren’t getting enough food, it’s not because Israel is blocking it; it’s because Hamas is stealing it.”

Netanyahu also quoted the foremost military historian at West Point, who says, “Israel has implemented more precautions to prevent civilian harm than any military in history and beyond what international law requires.”

Shockingly, at the end of her remarks, Harris said the “war in Gaza is not a binary issue.” She couldn’t be more wrong. As Netanyahu said: “It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life.”

If Harris truly believes in Israel, she would know and endorse that the only way to a better future is the elimination of Hamas and its leadership.

She is the ostrich — her feckless head in the sand. — Matt Walsh

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1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

Sarasota County Commission cuts will affect at-risk children

When county commissioners cut $510,000 from early learning, they created far-reaching negative effects.

The Sarasota County Commission recently voted against funding parental choice school readiness child care.

Commissioners cut $510,000 from the program, the amount voted through last year, and turned their backs on a long-term partnership with the Legislature and governor. And to make matters worse, that cut likely will cause the loss of an additional $292,000 in matching state funds for parental choice in school readiness.

This devastating cut will have negative consequences that will flow down to at-risk children, the county’s criminal justice system, business stability and future government budgets.

The Legislature created the Early Learning Coalition in recognition of the importance of school readiness child care services. The statutes that create the ELC are listed under Chapter 1002, “Student and Parental Rights and Educational Choices.” It requires the Florida Department of Education

to, among many things in school readiness, “preserve parental choice by permitting parents to choose from a variety of child care categories.”

Statutes allowed for the creation of Early Learning Coalitions throughout the state. Sarasota’s ELC is its own 501(c)(3) with a board of directors.

The cross-section of the community required to hold seats on this board reflects the importance of school readiness in a variety of areas affecting our quality of life and economy.

The governor appoints the chair and two other members who are private sector business members. Among the other required seats are a local workforce development board member; a children’s services or juvenile welfare board chair or executive director; a county commissioner; the public schools superintendent; a Department and Families regional administrator; a president of a Florida College System institution; and many others.

Among the many ELC responsibilities are: “Each early learning coalition shall: (1) Administer and implement a local comprehensive program of school readiness program services … which enhances the cognitive, social and physical development of children to achieve performance standards.”

This is clearly about more than just day care.

State taxpayer funding for parental choice in early learn-

ing school readiness is allocated through the state ELCs. The local ELC reports that federal laws prohibit ELC employees from fundraising and that all of the ELCs that receive state match money use either local county government or children services council funding as their matching money.

So that means, if no county dollars, then no state dollars.

Which also means Sarasota County will no longer receive its fair share of state funding for parental choice in early education, and fall behind in early education.

Now consider these effects: There are 202 businesses struggling to keep and hire workers that now have an employee child care problem because of these cuts.  The most affected are the self-employed, who are typically small-business owners who don’t have economies of scale to leverage for child care. Many self-employed struggle to stay afloat, especially with the economic blows we have been dealt in the last five years with COVID and Hurricane Ian.

When you glance through the list of employers affected, you see employers with essential workers

— Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Publix, for instance.   Governments were on the list as well — the Sarasota School Board and city of North Port. Retailers such as Hobby Lobby and Detwiler’s had employees on this list, as did charter schools, including the Sarasota Military Academy. Even the U.S. Army is an affected employer.

There are 251 working poor parents or ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) families living paycheck to paycheck. This money was a hand up for the working poor for educational choice, not a handout to those refusing to work.

Now, these families will likely have a choice to make — either leave their young children home alone while they work, or, more likely, stop working to stay at home and care for their children because they can’t afford day care.   In the latter case, these families will likely end up on welfare and cost all of us a lot more, while a business loses that employee.  These cuts occurred while the County Commission lowered the millage rate during an election year.

This will be an economic blow to each of these businesses and will cost all of us a lot more money when these kids are older and become a part of the expensive parts of our government systems. We also have no idea what this will cost us in Tallahassee in terms of damaged relationships with the Legislature and Gov.  DeSantis, who firmly believes in parental choice and found this investment in educational choices for our children and economy worthwhile.

The county budget is not finalized until September. There is still time for the County Commission to help the working poor continue to work; small businesses with their employee shortages; and more importantly, help at-risk young children in their most important developmental years become productive students and citizens through school readiness educational choice.   Your commissioners can be contacted at Commissioners@ SCGov.net.

Christine Robinson is executive director of the Argus Foundation.

Lynn Noel Nieting (née Poerchke) 1940-2024

Lynn Noel Nieting (née Poerchke), aged 84, of Longboat Key, Florida and Valparaiso, Indiana was called to her Lord’s home on July 13, 2024, in Valparaiso. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing.

Lynn was deeply committed to her faith, actively participating in both St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida and Immanuel Lutheran in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was a long-time resident of St. John, Indiana where she was a dedicated congregant of Grace Lutheran in Dyer. Her giving spirit was evident through her hobbies which included sewing for family and her church, quilting for church charities and playing bridge.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Joel Nieting; her daughter, Elizabeth (Keith) Timmons; her son, Steven (Kim) Nieting and her brother Thomas Poerschke.

“Lynn’s legacy of kindness, faith, and community involvement will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.”

Lynn also leaves a legacy of nine grandchildren; Nathan, Evan, Joel, Chad, Corinne, Griffin, Finn, Riley and Knox, and two great grandchildren; Avery and Evelyn. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Verona Poerschke and her brother, Rev. James Poerschke.

Lynn graduated from both Valparaiso University with a BS in Primary Education and Purdue University with a MS in Education, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lynn’s memory may be made to Dunes Hospice at www.duneshospicellc.com. A celebration of life will be conducted on September 7 at Immanuel Lutheran in Valparaiso. Lynn’s legacy of kindness, faith, and community

involvement will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her. Condolences can be sent to 808 BrandonburyCourt, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

“Her giving spirit was evident through her hobbies which included sewing for family and her church, quilting for church charities and playing bridge.”

SERVICE: A celebration of life will be conducted on September 7 at Immanuel Lutheran in Valparaiso

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lynn’s memory may be made to Dunes Hospice at www.duneshospicellc.com

Harvey I. Steinberg

STEINBERG, Harvey of Framingham, MA and Longboat Key, FL, on July 23, Beloved husband of the late Arline Steinberg.

Devoted father of Brenda Steinberg of Framingham and Robert Steinberg of Boston, his late wife Wendy, and fiancee Jo-Ann. Cherished “Mumphf” to Melissa (Paul) Nixon of Watertown, Jonathan (Christyne) Kaufman of Lakeville, Lea Steinberg, and Jennifer Steinberg. Great-grandfather to Benjamin and Gabriel Kaufman. Proud alum of Cambridge Latin School, Brandeis University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1954).

He led Beacon Construction Company for many decades, transforming the skyline of Boston and other cities. He served as a trustee of the MIT Museum, Fay School, and USS Constitution Museum where he lent his leadership, construction and management expertise.

He is remembered for his forceful and sincere nature, sharp intellect and honesty. Funeral Service at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MIT Class of ‘54 Mitzvah Fund, the MIT Museum, or the MIT Council for the Arts.

“He is remembered for his forceful and sincere nature, sharp intellect and honesty.”

SERVICE: Funeral Service at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:30 am

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MIT Class of ‘54 Mitzvah Fund, the MIT Museum, or the MIT Council for the Arts.

Sarasota

Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, a nod to the very beginning of their nearly 13-year friendship.

Brian and Dara were first introduced in Tampa shortly after Brian co-founded Mariash Lowther Wealth Management here in Sarasota. Dara was studying biomedical sciences at the University of South Florida when the two became connected through mutual friends.

The pair hit it off instantly, especially when Dara showed support for Brian’s daughter, Lexi, a then-9year-old with a love for sea turtles and a powerful desire to engage in philanthropy. Lexi made her mark by fundraising for Mote Marine, a passion project enthusiastically supported by Dara. It

only made sense for Brian to bring their journey full circle with an intimate proposal in front of Mote’s otter exhibit.

Dara is a licensed pharmacist passionate about diversity and inclusion, health equity, and animals.

Throughout her career, Dara formed strategic partnerships with patient assistance programs, enabling her to counsel and dispense medications at no cost to patients with rare conditions across the country. Dara believes strongly in the value of diversity, which is one of many reasons she loves living in vibrant Sarasota

and traveling abroad. Dara’s explorations include Cuba, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Brian leads a private wealth management team in downtown Sarasota. His mission is to “educate, connect, and contribute” – a philosophy he lives by both personally and professionally. Brian is a familiar face to many in the local nonprofit community, having supported many philanthropic initiatives and previously serving on the boards of the Child Protection Center and Jewish Family and Children Services. A musician with a love for the arts, culture, and all things Sarasota, Brian is the proud father of Anthony, Zachary, and Lexi, as well as grandfather to Everly. Brian and Dara plan to celebrate with friends and family early next year.

Keep politics out of medicine

There has been a lot of talk about medical freedom over the past two years, in particular since I and a handful of candidates ran for a seat on the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board in the wake of the pandemic.

I was one of two nurses who successfully ran on the Medical Freedom platform in 2022. We were both passionately focused on one thing — advocating for patient rights.

With the hospital board primary elections just weeks away, I am troubled by the statements and stances of some of today’s candidates who are claiming to stand for medical freedom.

This time around, the slate of Medical Freedom candidates has morphed into something much more political ... and polarizing. The candidates seem more interested in advancing an organized political agenda rather than a genuine public interest in our community hospital.

This political divide will not help patients and, I fear, presents an imminent threat to the quality, safety and longevity of a valued, 100-year-old public institution — Sarasota Memorial Hospital. When I ran for the hospital board, our nation and community were emerging from two years of fear, isolation and sorrow. Once on the board, I shared a lot of that angst with SMH administrators and physician leaders — two years of frustration and heartache I witnessed working as an advocate for patients and families terrified of being hospitalized with COVID.

To my surprise, I found sympathetic ears and responsive hearts. They understood the trauma some of us experienced and went out of their way to address every question and concern I brought to them.

Over the past two years, we listened and learned from each other. We do not always agree, but we have been able to reach consensus and work collaboratively on what’s most important —  protecting the health of our community and five-star care provided by Sarasota Memorial.

My time on the board has shown me that the administrative and medical leaders at SMH are a team that deeply cares for patients and wants to ensure that every treatment path reflects the patients’ values and comfort level. As a longtime patient advocate, I am grateful for the extra steps SMH leaders have taken to promote and support patient rights, including the enhanced nurse-led patient advocacy program and the important commitment the hospital board has made to respect and

recognize those rights and the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship.

Medical freedom is not just about the right to access specific medications or treatments. It embodies the broader principle of allowing patients to collaborate with their doctors to make informed, mutual decisions about their care. It’s about respecting individual choice.

But that broader concept, in my opinion, is lacking in today’s Medical Freedom movement. Candidates are more interested in stirring the pot and advancing personal agendas rather than the health of our community. Their approach can be seen as disruptive, counterproductive and could sabotage SMH’s reputation and ability to recruit skilled physicians.

If elected, their tactics threaten to slow or stop progress and Sarasota Memorial’s strong legacy of providing high quality care.

As the hospital board primary elections near, I urge everyone to research who they are voting for and better understand the partisan influence driving today’s Medical Freedom movement. On Aug. 20, vote for candidates who prioritize patients, not politics, and whose focus revolves around what truly matters — ensuring access to the best care.

— PATRICIA MARAIA BSN, RN, SECOND VICE CHAIR OF SARASOTA COUNTY PUBLIC HOSPITAL BOARD

Circular madness

I am writing this letter in regards to the roundabout project for the north end on Broadway.

I have been coming to Longboat Key almost every year since 1983. We have owned a house here since 2011 just a mile or so from Broadway.

We have lived here full time for four years. I do a lot of driving — almost every day, 90% of the time I leave off the north end and at different times. In all the years of being here, I have never seen a pedestrian having trouble crossing Gulf of Mexico Drive by Broadway — especially since the crosswalks have been added.

I have never seen a backup of cars having trouble coming out of Broadway or the adjacent streets. I truly can’t think of a bigger waste of our tax money.

I have already been subjected to the lack of common sense that has gone on with the underground power on our road; this just takes me over the edge. Please, someone with common sense stop this.

— MICHELLE COATES

LONGBOAT KEY

Direct library funds to foster care kids

“We’re from the government, and we’re here to help.”

Those words from Ronald Reagan come to mind when reading the full-page Observer article (“More than books,” July 11) on the new Sarasota County Library that Longboat Key is being “given” by

WORSHIP directory

the county.

While this project is filled with good intentions, common sense still begs the question: “Why?”

We all have fond memories of gathering at our high school, college or small town libraries. Just the words “town library” spark the nostalgia of motherhood and apple pie. However, this isn’t the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s. Nor is Longboat Key in 2024 like the small towns of yesteryear, in particular demographically.

Modern libraries are morphing to provide county services other than just book borrowing to stay relevant in this era of unlimited resources provided by the high technology held in our hands or available in every home on Longboat.

Fast fiber-optic internet and cellular service is being enjoyed in every home on Longboat, providing every book ever written, complete encyclopedic resources, current and historic world events, sports, satellite weather, entertainment etc., at the speed of light.

Excellent, important and popular adult continuing education for our Longboat population is readily available at our Education Center and The Paradise Center near Town Hall.

In short, Longboat does not need a library as do other areas of Sarasota County in need of these services.

The $11.1 million in county tax dollars for this facility, as well as the additional $3.5 million being sourced by private money and $1 million in annual library operating costs would add so much more value to such programs as the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation, which provides tutoring to area foster care kids. This would give them a critical hand up educationally. Other programs that help our area kids in need would provide so much more ongoing value, aided by these multimillion dollars of redirected county tax money, rather than for a library for affluent Longboat Key.

The strategy of redirecting this tax funding to help kids in real need instead of a library also would allow us to keep the Town Green green and open for community entertainment and events — as prioritized by a vast majority of Longboat citizens in the annual town survey.

Our town commissioners in the past wisely sequestered this four acres for town gatherings for which our citizens have asked.

Let’s use it for the highest and best use — community event and entertainment gatherings.

Let’s listen to our neighbors regarding their priorities for our community Town Green events and more important, redirect our

county tax money to our foster care kids in real need and focus on other county children in need.

Let’s all send an email to our Longboat Key Town Commission members to that end.

— BOB GAULT LONGBOAT KEY

District 5 candidate sets record straight

I ask that you make a correction for fair and accurate journalism.

Your opinion piece (“Source of Manatee’s strife,” July 25) stated, “If you speak to them (Robert McCann and Ray Turner) separately, they have the same themes: Manatee is growing and will continue to grow, and the County Commission must take steps to address the stresses of growth and plan for the next 20 years.”

At no time did I say that Manatee will continue to grow. That is a mischaracterization of my answer to your “growth” question in your candidate questionnaire.

Turner and I are polar opposites on this issue, and that distinction should be made painfully obvious to all voters.

I stated, in answer to the “growth” question:

“Manatee County’s population expansion calls for a multifaceted strategy that takes the environment, society and economy into account.

“Maintaining the county’s distinctive character while attaining sensible growth requires cooperation between local enterprises, government and citizens. This includes maintaining green spaces, encouraging purposeful developments and building walkable neighborhoods.

“Green spaces, parks and waterfront areas contribute to residents’ quality of life. Zoning laws can lessen urban sprawl by promoting higher-density housing close to commercial and transit hubs.

“Protecting the environment while balancing expansion is crucial.

“Quality of life indicators, such as access to health care, education and cultural amenities should be prioritized.

“Economic growth, while important, should not come at the expense of residents’ well-being. Conservation initiatives should be used to protect Manatee County’s natural beauty.”

– ROBERT MCCANN DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE FOR MANATEE COUNTY COMMISSION

SEX, DRUGS & ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

The Sarasota Players stages Green Day’s explosive rock opera, ‘American Idiot.’

With its incendiary concept album

“American Idiot,” Green Day went straight to the explosive heart of the post-9/11 generation. Broadway director and playwright Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”) collaborated with Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and distilled his Grammy Awardwinning album into a rock opera. Director/choreographer Brian Finnerty is bringing this multisensory experience to the stage in the Sarasota Players’ latest summer production. Expect a pulsating score, raw emotion and a snapshot of three lifelong friends traveling a long, hard road into a not-so-brave new American century. According to Finnerty, you’d be an idiot to miss it. He was happy to share what’s down the road …

Why did you decide to produce this musical?

The Players wanted an edgy show that college students on summer break would enjoy. We considered many options, but “American Idiot” excited this age group the most — and it would also appeal to adults. I also love Green Day, along with our director of education. (Many people auditioned simply because they love Green Day.) So, the decision was a combination of casting younger performers, attracting audiences who love this music and our own personal love for Green Day. Aside from all that, it’s a fantastic show.

How would you describe this musical to someone who has never heard of Green Day?

Pure chaos — and a great rock opera. Mayer adapted it from Green Day’s “American Idiot” concept album. They also drew on the journals of Billie Joe Armstrong — Green Day’s lead singer, guitarist, composer, lyricist, you name it. What they created is an hour-and-a-half of nonstop song and dance, with a relatable and timely story.

What’s the basic story?

The musical follows three friends who move to the big city to improve their lives—only to make their lives worse. One stays home due to his pregnant girlfriend; one gets depressed and joins the military; and another becomes a drug addict. Despite its sad moments, it’s fun, high-energy and honest, with smart

IF YOU GO GREEN DAY’S ‘AMERICAN IDIOT’ When: Aug. 7-18 Where: The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Tickets: $13-$30 Info: ThePlayers.org

orchestrations and beautiful harmonies.

What does the show look like?

In our production, it looks like a garbagy grunge-a-palooza. The floor features the heart hand-grenade symbol from the album cover; the walls are covered with posters, eviction notices, newspaper articles and magazine clippings. We also have pieces like scaffolding, spinning couches and staircases. It’s an immersive setting that draws you into this grungy world. David Walker’s costumes have the same punk feel.

Who’s your set designer?

Kelly Jar is doing scenic painting, and the cast and I are dressing the space.

It’s a collaborative effort.

What’s your take as a director/ choreographer?

It’s a challenging show with nonstop, high-energy performances. I’m lucky to be working with such a great cast. Directing this produc-

tion has given me a greater appreciation for this musical and Green Day. Creating the choreography has also been rewarding. It’s more grungy than other rock musicals I’ve done — and I love its blunt attitude. This show says “Screw you” to traditional musicals and remains current and applicable. I’m thrilled for people to see it.

Who’s playing the lead roles?

Jason Ellis is Johnny, Judah Woomert is Will, Benjamin Eisenhour is Tunny, Vera Samuels is St. Jimmy, Caitlin Ellis is Whatshername, Amanda Heisey is the Extraordinary Girl and Lexi Lowther is Heather. The ensemble actors all get a chance to shine.

What’s the cast’s take on the show?  They’re very excited — sometimes too much so. They love discussing Green Day even during choreography. Everyone is positive and supportive — and that’s made rehearsals a blast.

“Their story is relatable. It’s not a happyhappy story — but life is like that. The music might be a little loud for older audiences, but we have earplugs.”

— Brian Finnerty

Any creative challenges in rehearsals and tech?

Well, the script features dated, ignorant language. We decided to keep it because it reflects the story’s reality. This is the story of an American Idiot, right? He should sound ignorant. Tech has a heavy reliance on lighting and projections, a wireless rig for guitars and a live band. That’ll be our biggest challenge, but we’re up for it.

I figured there’d be a live band. Will there also be a mosh pit?

Our live band is led by Michelle Kazanowski, with Tommy Bush on guitar, Dorian Boyd on bass and Aaron Downard on percussion. (We’re in talks for more string instruments.) There won’t be a mosh pit. If audiences want that experience, they’ll have to find it elsewhere.

Is “American Idiot” this rock opera’s signature song?

It’s one of many great songs.

“American Idiot” is a protest song that sets up the story well, featuring the entire cast. It does go straight to the heart of the story.

Do you think baby boomer theatergoers will relate to the music, story and characters? I do. Every adult age group has seen

their friends and loved ones in similar situations. Their story is relatable. It’s not a happy-happy story — but life is like that. The music might be a little loud for older audiences, but we have earplugs.

Whatever the age demographic, why should people see this show?

Because “American Idiot” is not your usual musical. It’s darker, grittier, loud and unapologetic. The story is relatable and told through Green Day’s music. Even non-Green Day fans can love the show. The dancing, lighting, vocals and cast’s energy make it a really wild ride.

What’s your ideal audience take-away?

I hope they’ll see that life isn’t always cushy and comfortable. This show features sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, but it’s more than that. It’s a showcase of talent, stamina and camaraderie. I read an article about walkouts during the original Broadway show. One critic said, “Some people fear hyper youth voicing their opinions through punk rock.” I’d like to think local audiences are fearless. If you go with an open mind, you’ll enjoy the show.

Artist Retreat receives $238,000 in grants

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (pictured above) has been awarded nearly a dozen grants totaling more than $238,000. The awards will help support a variety of programs and initiatives, including residencies for Hermitage Fellows, arts education and program accessibility.

Among the organizations that each gave the Hermitage $50,000 grants or more are Sarasota County Commission’s tourist development/arts program, the Welles Murphey Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Koski Family Foundation.

In addition, the Hermitage received a $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and $10,000 from The Exchange to promote “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens” and “Hermitage Sunsets @ Benderson Park.”

The Exchange also awarded the Hermitage a $5,000 Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant to support its work in bringing leading artists to Sarasota County public schools.

“We are deeply appreciative for these generous grants from both new and longtime supporters, all of which will provide invaluable support and resources to the diverse and accomplished Hermitage artists who are making a meaningful impact in our community and with audiences around the world,” said

Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg in a statement.

A leading national arts incubator, the Hermitage hosts artists on its Manasota Key campus for multiweek residencies where they create and develop new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, film and more.

Key Chorale hires first event manager

Key Chorale appointed Tom Tryon as its event manager, a new position for the symphonic chorus.

Tryon recently retired to Sarasota following a career of more than 30 years working in entertainment, special events and catering at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Before joining Disney, Tryon worked at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, and in professional theater in Chicago, including the Goodman Theatre, Pegasus Theatre and Victory Gardens Theatre.

“Tom has been a member of our professional core for a number of seasons and has been a volunteer with our development team as well. When he said he was thinking about spending more time with Key Chorale, we were thrilled,” said Key Chorale Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins. Added Caulkins: “Being able to tap into his extensive work at Disney, presenting a number of major events, will really add that professional polish to our events. With this being our 40th anniversary season, the timing just couldn’t be better.”

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $20 adults; $15 kids Visit Ringling.org.

If you’ve never seen a performance in The Ringling’s jewelbox venue, the Historic Asolo Theater, here’s your chance. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.

‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’ 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret,1265 First St., Sarasota

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Sept. 1.

‘THE OUTSIDER’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.

$29-$46

OUR PICK

EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW

Canadian jazz singer EmilieClaire Barlow has released 12 self-produced albums and has picked up two Juno awards (Canada’s answer to the Grammy) along the way. She brings her considerable talents to Fogartyville to support her new album, “Spark Bird.”

IF YOU GO

When: 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court

Tickets: $14-$34

Info: Visit WSLR.org.

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

After the past few weeks in politics, we could all use some laughs. Florida Studio Theatre serves up a comedy about the world’s least likely candidate for governor who just might be exactly what the voters want. Let’s hear it for democracy! Runs through Aug. 18.

‘DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE’

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$29-$46

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.

FRIDAY

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ‘METALLIC MIRAGE’

6 p.m. at Define Art Gallery + Studio, 68 S. Palm Ave.

Free

Visit DefineGallery.com.

Define Art Gallery and other downtown Sarasota galleries are keeping alive the tradition of the First Friday Artwalk. Define’s opening showcases metallic artwork in a variety of mediums, from gold and silver leaf to iridescent paints and metal. The gallery recently added three new artists to its roster: Eddie McClure, of Parrish, Robert Davis, of Orlando, and Odilia Iaccarino, of Dallas. On view through Sept. 27.

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘A STAR IS BORN’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12

Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

There have been several big-screen versions of “A Star is Born,” but this 1954 film is the one on the American Film Institute’s list of the Greatest Movie Musicals (No. 7) as well as the U.S. National Film Registry. Starring Judy Garland and James Mason, this musical drama follows a romance

SUNDAY

HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘IL TROVATORE’

1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12-$20

Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

In this film from the Metropolitan Opera’s 2015-16 season, Anna Netreboko plays Leonora, a young noblewoman in love with the titular troubadour (tenor Yonghoon Lee), but who is the object of desire of Count di Luna, sung by Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Rounding out the cast is Dolora Zajick in her signature role of Azucena, a gypsy woman.

between a movie star whose career is waning and a showgirl whose star is on the rise.

SATURDAY

‘FAST TIMES AT JOHN HUGHES HIGH’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.

$15-$18

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Inspired by classic 1980s teen movies such as “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Risky Business,” FST Improv will create its own story of teenage angst and big hair in “Fast Times at John Hughes High.” (The high school’s name is a nod to the director who gave “Brat Pack” actors such as Molly Ringwold, Rob Lowe and Emilio Estevez their start.)

TUESDAY

‘THE FOUR C NOTES’

8 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

For fans of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons, the doo-wop sound never goes out of style. With “The Four C Notes,” Florida Studio Theatre continues the tradition of presenting summer cabaret shows inspired by doo-wop. Runs through Oct. 13.

WEDNESDAY

SARASOTA MUSIC ARCHIVE JAZZ

HAPPY HOUR

6 p.m. at Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with registration Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

Sarasota Music Archive presents Synia Carroll, a local favorite who lit up the lobby at the Art Ovation Hotel during the Sarasota Jazz Festival singing “Water Is My Song: A Jazz Journey” with Mauricio Rodriguez on bass and Chuck Stevens on guitar.

GREEN DAY’S ‘AMERICAN IDIOT’

7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30/ Student $13 Visit ThePlayers.org.

Broadway director and playwright Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”) came together with Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong to translate and transform the band’s “American Idiot” album into a rock musical. Directed by Brian Finnerty, this show, filled with tunes from the Grammy-award winning album, is just the cure for the summertime blues. Runs through Aug. 18.

DON’T MISS MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET

The Jazz Club of Sarasota keeps the music going during the sizzling days of summer with the MJR Latin Project featuring Pablo Arencibia, Zach Bornheimer, Andy Fornet, Carlos Javier Navarro and Mauricio Rodriguez. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and bar service.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug.

5 Where: FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.

Ticket: $34-$39 Info: Visit JazzClubSarasota. org.

Did somebody say ‘doo-wop’?

‘The Four C Notes’ brings back the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

August 3 is a special day for John Michael Coppola. But it’s not his birthday or his wedding anniversary. It’s the anniversary of a Chicago bride who asked him to perform the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at her 2013 reception.

That performance led Coppola to create his Four Seasons tribute show, “The Four C Notes,” which will play at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret from Aug. 6 through Oct. 13.

The bride-to-be got Coppola’s name from a wedding planner who had seen him in the Midwest production of the hit Broadway show “Jersey Boys,” which played in Chicago more than two years.

“We keep in touch every year on Aug. 3,” Coppola said in a recent telephone interview. “She’s got two little girls now.”

A native of New Rochelle, New York, Coppola moved with his wife to Chicago in 2007 to become part of the “Jersey Boys” Midwest production. “I’ve never looked back,” he says. “All of the guys from the Chicago ‘Jersey Boys’ tour moved back to the East or West coasts, but we stayed. We love it here.”

Coppola says he owes his livelihood to Frankie Valli, who is still on the road himself at age 90. (Valli performed a show in Sarasota in November 2023 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.) “My entire adult life has been about Frankie Valli,” says Coppola.

Actually, that’s not exactly true, since Coppola is also the creator of a 2011 show, “A Jersey Voice: Sinatra to Springsteen ... and Everyone in Between.”

Coppola says his late Uncle Frankie would be proud of his role in keeping the tradition of doo-wop alive on stages throughout the Midwest and in Florida. The Four Seasons fan taught his nephews (Coppola has a twin brother) how to sing “I Wonder Why,” by Dion and the Belmonts, when they were growing up.

Following the success of “The Four C Notes,” which Coppola produces, directs and choreographs, he has stepped back from performing. Instead, he relies on a roster of 15 singer/dancers to appear in the show. “I have a first-rate group of guys that I keep in rotation,” Coppola says. “It’s not like there’s an A team and a

B team. Everybody is great.”

The four crooners making their FST debut in “The Four C Notes” are Max Trotter, Ethan Lupp, Tyler Meyer and Michael Ferraro.  Catherine Randazzo, FST associate artist/literary manager, will be the line producer for the show, which she has been trying to bring to the summer cabaret since she discovered it about five years ago.

The FST run is the longest residency to date for “The Four C Notes,” which mostly does one-night appearances, Coppola says.

Its Sarasota run continues FST’s tradition of presenting doo-wop shows in its summer cabaret series that began about two decades ago with “The Wanderers.”

“It was a huge hit,” says Ran -

IF YOU GO

‘THE FOUR C NOTES’

When: Aug. 6 to Oct. 13

Where: FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.

Tickets: $18-$42

Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org

dazzo. “The audience demanded more of this musical era, and FST developed two more shows.” One was “Unchained Melodies” and the other was an updated “Wanderers” that played two seasons ago.

Like Coppola, some of the performers in FST’s recent summer cabaret shows were veterans of “Jersey Boys.” Among the FST shows they have performed in were last year’s “The Surfer Boys,” “The Jersey Tenors” (2017) and “The Jersey Tenors Part II” (2022).

In the process of creating a 90-minute ode to the Four Seasons (cut down to 75 minutes for FST’s summer cabaret), Coppola has become an expert in all things Frankie Valli.

Fun fact: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” the 1967 single released by a solo Valli and written by Four Seasons bandmate Bob Gaudio along with Bob Crewe, was actually three different songs before it was distilled into one.

It rose to No. 2 on the charts, freed Valli from the restrictions of always having to sing falsetto and was the singer’s biggest solo hit until “My

Eyes Adored You” in 1975.

Who knew that the Four Seasons did a cover of Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” which was a hit by the Shirelles? That song is in the long version of “The Four C Notes,” but ended up on the cutting room floor to whittle the show down to FST’s 75-minute requirement.

As the name “Jersey Boys” implies, Valli hailed from the Garden State, but the Four Seasons and other doo-wop bands were favorites in the Midwest, says Coppola, due to the efforts of the late Chicago deejay Dick Biondi.

Biondi, who died in 2023 at age 90, was a fast-talking deejay on WLS, was a huge promoter of doo-wop and is also given credit for being the first disc jockey to play The Beatles in the U.S.

Given the Chicago-Sarasota connection that has existed since Bertha Palmer arrived in Florida by train in 1910 from the Windy City, it makes sense to bring “The Four C Notes” to FST.

“Even after all these years, doowop never goes out of fashion,” Coppola says. “Having four guys sing in harmony brings out a certain reaction.”

Even if you’re not old enough to have been around in “December, 1963,” the Four Seasons song best known as “Oh, What a Night,” “The Four C Notes” is bound to bring back memories and make new ones.

“Even after all these years, doo-wop never goes out of fashion. Having four guys sing in harmony brings out a certain reaction.”

— John Michael Coppola

Thursday, Aug 8 at 7:00pm STRINGS CON BRIO

Friday, aug 16 at 7:00pm Jazz daddyo’s (Garden Concert)

Tuesday, aug 20 at 7:00pm ASTRALIS chamber ENSEMBLE

Wednesday, aug 28 at 7:00pm Sarasota piano trio

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Set sail at any age

Sarasota Sailing Squadron teaches adults to sail in weeklong camp.

May Tal Gongolevsky didn’t have a passion for sailing when she enrolled her son in a summer camp at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, but after seeing his enthusiasm for it, she yearned to learn herself.

“It is the coolest thing to see my son sail,” said Gongolevsky. “So when I found out I could learn at the same time that he was, I thought it would be a great way to connect with him.”

Instead of finding ways to fill her time while her son was at camp, Gongolevsky signed up for the first adult sailing camps, introduced to the squadron this year by the new general manager, Eduardo Sylvestre.

After a week of sailing over the waves of Sarasota Bay, Gongolevsky has already signed up for another week to get certified to join the boatsharing program at the squadron.

Sylvestre hopes these camps will provide opportunities for adults like Gongolevsky to master the skill in one week.

CRASH COURSE

Throughout the year, the squadron offers adult sailing lessons spread over a long period. Sylvestre said they will usually start with a theory class first and then go out to the water on the next lesson.

Sylvestre hopes these one-week camps make learning to sail afford-

LEARN TO SAIL

Adults can pay $350 for a nine-hour camp of sailing lessons during the summer. The lessons are held from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursday. For more information, call 388-2355 or email SSS@ SarasotaSailingSquadron.org.

able and more accessible. Adults attend a nine-hour crash course that teaches the basic skills of sailing split between Tuesday through Thursday. According to Sylvestre, most beginners finish the week ready to sail on their own.

With Alan Staniforth as their instructor, campers start the course by learning the different parts of the sailboat and their purposes. Then they head out on the water that same day and work as a team to build their sailing skills and become familiar with the boat.

Sailors have the opportunity to take the camp multiple times in the summer to practice but by the end of the first or second week, they usually feel confident in their skills.

SAILING FOR EVERYONE

Sylvestre said the adult sailing camps are open to more than just the SYS parents. David Zilinskas decided to learn this summer because it reminded him of his childhood of windsurfing.

“It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing at first, but since today is the last day, I have definitely learned a lot,” said Zilinskas. “It was also so fun. There was one day when we were in the middle of the kids’ races, and Alan decided to join the race. Small things like that made the whole experience.”

After living near water his whole life, Christian Santa Cruz was surprised he hadn’t learned to sail

“Growing up sailing and being on the water, that was my backyard. So discovering it as an adult gives you a whole other meaning to it ... When you master it, you feel like the king of the world.”

— Eduardo Sylvestre

sooner. Learning to sail with Gongolevsky and Zilinskas, he said the biggest challenges of the week were the technicalities and timing of sailing. For him, it was at first tricky to know when to how to multitask on the sailboat.

BEST OF THE BEST

Originally from Brazil, Sylvestre started working at Sarasota Sailing Squadron in December. His father gave him his first sailboat when he was 10 years old. Sylvestre inherited his father’s sailing school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and made a name for himself in the sailing world. He taught in South America, Africa and Asia and became an expert for the International Sailing Federation.

Sylvestre came to the U.S. to teach sailing at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He also taught at multiple yacht clubs across the country such as the Manhattan Yacht Club and the Cali-

Sylvestre said many of the adults who have taken the camp became members because they fell in love with sailing after their first week. He hopes to hold an intermediate camp in the fall to follow up with these new sailors.

“Growing up sailing and being on the water, that was my backyard,” said Sylvestre. “So discovering it as an adult gives you a whole other meaning to it. It means that you can control your own narrative. When you master it, you feel like the king of the world.”

Connection center

Centre Shops’ tight-knit community of small businesses anchors the plaza, which has a handful of

PETRA RIVERA STAFF

LWRITER

ongboat Key native Julia Yesler

started working for Michael Garey, co-owner of Lazy Lobster, three years ago in the midst of a career change.

“When you work for Michael, he has a way of getting you involved in everything,” said Yesler. “That’s really how it is out here on Longboat and definitely here in the Centre Shops.”

Yesler said it’s hard to work at the Centre Shops of Longboat Key without getting to know everybody. She met Lisa Baskfield, who owns Natures Gem CBD Health and Wellness located next door to Lazy Lobster.

The two connected over their passion for fitness and Pilates. Last year, Baskfield asked Yesler if she wanted

to start teaching Pilates part time at her shop. Garey saw how much Yesler loved working with Baskfield, so he encouraged her to pursue it as a full-time career.

Yesler now works full time as a personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Pilates Longboat Key. She said she wouldn’t be doing her dream job if it wasn’t for the connections she made in the Centre Shops.

Lazy Lobster and Pilates Longboat Key are only two of the businesses of the Centre Shops. Located at 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, the shopping plaza houses many well-known Longboat spots, including the Blue Dolphin Cafe, Steff’s Stuff Antiques, Club Leaf and Bean, Longboat Key Flower Shop, the UPS Store and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

As one of a handful of retail centers on the island, it’s rare for plazas on Longboat to have openings because of the longevity of the businesses. Currently, the Centre Shops has three available office spaces for rent on the second floor.

The Centre Shops was built in 1986. ICORR Properties International purchased the property in December 2014 and performed a

$540,000 renovation in 2015. The property was sold to the current owner, Thomas Mohr, this year, but ICORR still manages the site.

The second floor above the Blue Dolphin Cafe was the original home of Longboat Key Education Center, according to program manager Susan Goldfarb. She said it was a major pull for people to visit the plaza.

Goldfarb said The Education Center almost closed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Relocating after this struggle, it reopened as The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel.

After The Education Center relocated, smaller businesses started to rent the second-floor units. These upstairs suites usually appeal to Longboaters who work from home and need a change of scenery or people who want to start new businesses on the island.

The turnover of businesses may be due to the season ending and people departing for the season. Susan Wells from ICORR Properties said

that the lack of knowledge of the upstairs offices is also a reason for the vacancies.

“This plaza is really neighbors helping neighbors and friends helping friends,” said Kim Verreault, president of the Longboat Key Chamber. “Everyone always makes sure to pop their head in whenever they are walking by. We all also refer each other’s businesses to our customers. ICORR is also great. They are very responsive when we need something.”

Right next door to the chamber is Longboat’s new, exclusive cigar club, Club Leaf and Bean. As a new business in the plaza, co-owner Mark Zini said the variety of shops in the plaza created a great atmosphere for their members.

Many Club Leaf and Bean members go to dinner at neighboring restaurants, shop and then enjoy the cigar club.

The numerous options and welcoming atmosphere proved the plaza to be a prime spot for its members to

SHOPS

“All businesses have an open-door policy,” said Wells. “They’re just all very accommodating and very active in the community, always participating in different Longboat events and giving back to the community. It is just perfect for new business owners or people who want to be more involved on the island.” CENTRE

understand the culture of Longboat Key.

LIFE ON THE LAKE

Volunteers in paradise

The Paradise Center’s volunteer program thrives after relaunching last year.

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

Paradise Center Executive Director Amy Steinhauser describes its volunteer program as “volunteers in paradise.”

Last October, Steinhauser relaunched the volunteer program when she was working part time at the center as the program manager. Through her work, TPC now has 14 volunteers. Since the program began, they have clocked just under 300 hours as of June.

“We wouldn’t be able to do anything without our volunteers,” said Steinhauser. “Both me and Debby teach classes, so it is so important to have people helping during those times and other events, like mahjong on Tuesdays.”

The program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure health safety. A $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in July 2023 jumpstarted the volunteer program’s revival.

The grant money was used mostly for Steinhauser’s salary, since coordinating volunteers was a big part of her job as program manager. Now, through the network of volunteers she’s built, funding isn’t needed specifically for the program anymore. For other funding needs, the nonprofit relies on its membership dues and its loyal sponsors around the island.

Current Program Manager Debby Debile organizes the volunteer program. Volunteers help with a variety of positions, including working the front desk, gardening, leading programs, marketing and helping out with events. Some volunteers have scheduled hours, and others come in when they can.

Angela Bennink started attending

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

If interested in volunteering at The Paradise Center, call Debby Debile at 383-6493.

classes at TPC during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she was quickly drawn into the community and became friends with many of the regulars.

“I was already spending all my time here, so I thought, why not help?” said Bennink. “The people really make it here. When I volunteer, I feel like I’m giving back to them and just keeping my favorite place going.”

Tory Newman also started attending the center during the pandemic. It was a no-brainer for her when Steinhauser was asking for volunteers. Newman said the center is a great asset to the community, providing opportunities to work on body, mind and social skills.

Newman emphasized that if people wanted to give back to Longboat Key as a whole, The Paradise Center is a great place to do it.

Lifestyle changes for prevention

Dr. Coerlida Ashby hosts seminar on heart disease prevention.

The leading cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease, said The Paradise Center’s Dr. Coerlida Ashby.

“People dying from heart disease and strokes is usually unexpected,” said Ashby. “No one ever knows their risk for it, and you can always find a reason for why you have it. Eighty percent of heart disease is preventable, so it is important to identify your risk early and take steps to lower it.”

The lifestyle medicine specialist led a seminar on July 24 at The Paradise Center to teach Longboaters how to calculate their risk for heart disease. About 10 residents attended with their most recent cholesterol and blood pressure readings.

The most common misconception of heart disease is that it is mostly caused by high cholesterol. While having high cholesterol levels does play a role, Ashby said that high blood pressure is the silent killer.

People’s risk for heart disease also can be affected by family history,

metabolic health, chronic kidney diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Most people don’t know they have these conditions because they are internal and don’t have painful or visible symptoms. Ashby recommends being aware of these through your physician because everyone is impacted differently due to their lifestyles.

Even though more than one in three men in America have cardiovascular disease, one in three women die from heart disease. Ashby said that women are put at further risk because cardiovascular disease symptoms often get confused with menopausal symptoms.

With your cholesterol and blood pressure readings, Ashby recommends using the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk calculator from the American College of Cardiology to predict the 10-year risk of a first ASCVD event.

Once you have calculated your risk, Ashby is there to help identify the reason and lower it through a personalized plan based on the principles of lifestyle medicine.

Ashby said that changing a person’s nutrition usually lowers most people’s risk. She makes the plan in a way that people can still enjoy life instead of being on a strict diet.

Moves to the beat

Salsa nights are back on St. Armands Circle.

Alessandro Di Ferdinando, owner of 15 South By Napule, promised to bring dance parties back to the Circle, and he didn’t disappoint: 15 South By Napule was full of salsa enthusiasts on July 26 for a night of music with Sol Caribe, a Latin band from Tampa.

Formerly known as 15 South Ristorante in the 2000s, the location was beloved for its unique two-story concept. While the bottom floor was an intimate family-friendly restaurant, the second-floor bar hosted lively salsa nights and DJ parties on the weekends.

When planning to bring this two-story concept back, Di Ferdinando prepared to accommodate as many people as possible. The spacious dance floor and powerful air conditioning assured guests would be comfortable for a night of dancing.

Mel Rangel used to dance at 15 South Ristorante with her friends Mahely Rangel and Niedja Alcantara when it was in its prime. The trio was ecstatic to hear that their former favorite salsa place was opening again. About 60 guests attended the salsa night. A majority of them were former regulars at 15 South Ristorante.

The restaurant also hosted a salsa DJ party with two DJs from Miami the next day. The dance night brought in about 180 people, according to Di Ferdinando.

Di Ferdinando plans to host monthly salsa nights. A happy hour is also in the works to spread the word about the restaurant, which opened in April.

— PETRA RIVERA

We are a collaboration of savvy real estate professionals with decades of local experience. We focus on selling exceptional properties located in downtown and on our local islands. We represent buyers and sellers in our marketplace with a unique viewpoint, as we live in the communities that we sell. This local perspective makes us experts in our field, allowing us to provide you all the information for you and your family to make the best decision in your real estate endeavor.

Country Club Shores home tops sales at $5.75 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Country Club Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Nadine Richardson, trustee, and William Witzel, of Aurora, Illinois, sold the home at 551 Putter Lane to Michael Lynch and Katherine Lynch, trustees, of Waterford, Wisconsin, for $5.75 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,059 square feet of living area. It sold for $3,995,000 in 2007.

BIRD KEY

Alysia Mitten, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 225 Bird Key Drive to MRP Properties Sarasota LLC for $1,415,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,140 square feet of living area. It sold for $304,000 in 1998.

LONGBEACH Martin and Nina Skol and Alex and Maria Licciardello, of Allenwood, New Jersey, sold their home at 680 Fox St. to Brett and Lisa Ruthberg, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, for $1.24 million. Built in 1967, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,544 square feet of living area. It sold for $995,000 in 2022.

Gregory Watts, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, sold his Unit 14 condominium at 7095 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Robert and Leticia Turner, of Winter Haven, for $1,165,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $852,000 in 2021.

LONGBOAT SHORES

Robert and Carol Erker, of University Park, sold their home at 602 Buttonwood Drive to Scott and Kerri Carlson, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, for $1,237,500. Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,796 square feet of living area. It sold for $488,000 in 2011.

FAIRWAY BAY

Myron and Kathy Bernstein, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 327 condominium at 2016 Harbourside

JULY 15-19

Drive to Robert Baskin and Kathryn Whitley Baskin, of Longboat Key, for $862,500. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. It sold for $497,000 in 2010.

BUTTONWOOD COVE

Amy Charron, of Lakewood Ranch, sold her Unit 301 condominium at 3500 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Anthony Holland and Kristy Lynn Holland, of Longboat Key, for $825,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,486 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2020.

WHITNEY BEACH

Donald and Kathleen McCroskey, of Flowery Beach, Georgia, sold their Unit 308 condominium at 6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Greg Sinnamond, of McMurray, Pennsylvania, for $775,000. Built in 1971, it has one bedroom, one bath and 990 square feet of living area. It sold for $755,000 in 2023.

SUTTON PLACE

Mary Jane Cecka and Vladimir Cecka, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit A201 condominium at 605 Sutton Place to Michael and Vicki Chohany, of Longboat Key, for $600,000. Built in 1973, it has two

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of July 19-25 in order of dollar amounts.

bedrooms, two baths and 1,148 square feet of living area. It sold for $270,000 in 2013.

HARBOUR OAKS AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Joseph Perino, of Rolesville, North Carolina, sold the Unit 904 condominium at 2125 Harbourside Drive to Kevin and Brenda Clifford, of Danvers, Massachusetts, for $550,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,906 square feet. It sold for $190,000 in 1999.

SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB

Daniel Gutmann, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 214 condominium at 683 Spanish Drive S. to Joseph Gutmann, of Lutz, for $260,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,361 square feet of living area. It sold for $135,000 in 2000.

MONDAY, AUG. 5

OCTOPUS ODYSSEY MOTE

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Campers will immerse themselves in the world of octopuses, learning about their intelligence and adaptations. This camp includes a water activity, dip netting in the bay. Register online at Mote. org/Education/Programs/SarasotaDay-Camps/ or call 388-4441.

TUESDAY, AUG. 6

POP-UP LIBRARY

10-11:30 a.m. at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. On the first and third Tuesday of each month in the back parking lot of Town Hall, the Library Pop-Up will be at Longboat Key with books for all ages. Swing by to sign up for a library card and read a book by the beach. Call 861-5475.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT

STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

MONDAYS

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.

THINKING OUT LOUD

1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Retired Lawyer

Mike Karp will lead a lively discussion on current topics such as world affairs, national politics and local issues. Bring questions, thoughts and an open mind. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday and Friday. 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 3832011.

BEST BET

SATURDAYS

PUBLIC TURTLE WALKS

6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Free. Learn about protecting sea turtles. Participants will learn about turtle tracks and how volunteers scout beaches for signs of turtle nesting. The walk will also provide information about keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. Arrive by 6:45 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water and sunscreen. No unattended children. In the event of severe weather, the walk may be canceled.

TUESDAYS PILATES SCULPT

From 9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. This class is for all levels. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

QIGONG

From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

YOGA

From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby 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.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for this year’s prize, and happy travels!

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

FRIDAY, AUG. 2

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, AUG. 4 High: 89 Low: 82 Chance of rain: 56%

TIDES

Thursday, Aug. 1 9:39a 6:44p

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