Longboat Observer 2.27.25

YOUR TOWN

Sip and Shop

Michelle Giannico and Jamie Engel hosted a “Sip and Shop” event with J. McLaughlin on Feb. 21 to support the Longboat Island Chapel’s Charitable Outreach Committee. Of the sales that afternoon, 10% went to the organization. The committee supports a variety of local groups, recently donating $5,000 to Turning Points for any need it deemed fit. Information about upcoming pop-up fundraisers can be found on the chapel’s Facebook page.

Steff’s Stuff celebrates 17 years

Stephanie Claussen invited community members to help her celebrate 17 years of running Steff’s Stuff, an antique shop with an ever-changing collection of unique home items.

She held the anniversary celebration on Feb. 21 and said she appreciated getting to embrace the joyous occasion after dealing with significant hurricane damage at her home. Luckily, the store, located in the Centre Shops, fared the storms with little damage, and Claussen has been glad to welcome back visitors who bring interesting items from all over.

She has been in the world of antiquing since the age of 11, and she looks forward to continuing to offer patrons tidbits of history through her shop.

BY

THE NUMBERS WEEK OF FEB. 27, 2025

“I apologize that it has gotten to this place for you, but we certainly are working diligently to get everyone back in their homes.”

Director of Planning, Zoning and Building Allen Parsons

Read more on page 3A

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Dock and lift heights earn final approval

At the Longboat Key Town Commission’s special meeting on Feb. 18, commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance that applies new height allowances for docks and boat lifts.

The special meeting was held immediately after the adjournment of the commission’s regular workshop. This special meeting was necessary to hold a second public hearing for an expedited ordinance approval process.

This new ordinance received

first approval on Feb. 3.

The changes allow property owners to build docks so the highest walking surface does not exceed 5 feet above the mean high water line. The top of boat lifts can not exceed 11 feet above the mean high water line. This new language also changes the measurement method for these regulations, now uniform to being measured from the mean high water line. Previously, dock heights were measured in relation to mean high water and lifts were measured from seawall

or dock heights.

“This is, overall, a benefit to the code and a benefit to dock and boat owners who want to elevate their dock and boat lift heights,” Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman told commissioners on Feb. 18.

The idea was sparked by residents’ experiences with boat losses or damages after Hurricane Helene’s surge dislodged some residents’ boats. The commission began the ordinance process in December 2024.

Final days of LBK Citizens Survey

The annual Longboat Key Citizens Survey is approaching the final days for residents to provide input. The last day for the online survey is Feb. 28. The survey includes multiple-choice, checkboxes and open-ended questions that should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Earlier this month, residents were mailed an envelope with a link to the survey and a unique code to access the survey.

All of the survey responses are confidential.

The results of the survey add another voice in the Town Commission strategic planning process, which happens in the spring.

After the survey results are compiled, the commission reviews the responses along with a goals and objectives workshop on April 7. Then, on April 21, commissioners will meet for a strategic planning retreat to talk about top priorities ahead of the fiscal year 2026 budget process. For questions about the survey, contact Town Hall at 941-316-1999.

Cortez Bridge construction update

Beginning in late April and extending into summer, 127th Street West, on the mainland side of the Cortez Bridge, will be closed to vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

In early March, the project contractors will need to operate 24 hours for a period of three days to pull the force main pipe through from the west to east side of the bridge.

Also, the sidewalk and bike path on the south side of Cortez Road West, and east of the Cortez Bridge, will remain closed for a portion of the road.

If lane closures are necessary during active construction, the contractor will perform flagging operations to direct traffic.

These closures are a result of the utility relocation project, which is necessary before the Cortez Bridge replacement project.

Mobile home communities work to

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

SRAISE UP

ome residents of the mobile home communities Gulfshore and Twin Shores want to raise their units to prevent future flooding, scared after seeing Hurricane Helene’s surge. And they want to upgrade quickly.

Complications arose to what seemed like simple, almost routine work. After observing some unit owners raising homes without permits, the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department issued a stop work order.

This led to confusion for property owners, nearly 50 of whom want to raise their units. Others want to make other improvements, too, like replacing tie-downs.

On Feb. 18, about 100 residents from Gulfshore and Twin Shores packed the Longboat Key Town Commission chambers. It was standing-room only by the time the Town Commission arrived at its public comment section.

First to speak was Kathleen Rylander, an owner in Gulfshore for 21 years.

“I feel let down and disappointed. There seems to be a lack of willingness to help,” Rylander told commissioners.

Her unit was one of the ones scheduled to be raised on Jan. 5, but the stop work order implemented on Jan. 2 halted the project.

From Jan. 8 to Feb. 11, Rylander met and corresponded with the PZB Department, went to a Federal Emergency Management Agency office in Sarasota and spoke with a FEMA agent in Washington, D.C.

She was told by the PZB Department an engineering report was needed for improvements but claimed FEMA told her it hadn’t heard of that requirement.

When she received an engineering report from the community’s contractor, she said the PZB Department then required the plans to be in a larger font.

In the early weeks of February, she tried requesting a meeting with PZB staff but was unsuccessful.

Now she has concrete blocks sitting in her driveway, waiting to be installed.

Some residents, like Rylander, want to raise their units with concrete blocks and replace tie-downs to make the units more resilient to flooding.

Bill Long, a Gulfshore resident who has been coming to Longboat Key since the early 1970s, emphasized Rylander’s frustration with trying to get this work done.

“We’ve been met with roadblock after roadblock and now can’t even get a meeting with them to get the permit,” Long said. “We pay taxes; we have been for years. We’ve been treated unfairly by the building department, I believe, singled out. We’re trying to improve our park and make things easier.”

Long estimated that these past improvements would have saved 90% of the Gulfshore and Twin Shores homes flooded in Helene.

That’s why residents are eager to make these improvements as quickly as possible before the next hurricane season.

About 10 residents from the communities spoke at the commission workshop, expressing their desire to make these improvements and wanting the town to make the per-

homes in

have a foundation similar to this. Residents want to improve the foundation to make the units more resilient.

Owners wanted to make resilient improvements on their units but were met with a stop work order from the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department.

“We’ve been met with roadblock after roadblock and now can’t even get a meeting with them to get the permit. We pay taxes; we have been for years. We’ve been treated unfairly by the building department, I believe, singled out. We’re trying to improve our park and make things easier.” — Bill Long, a Gulfshore resident

mitting process simpler — or waive them altogether.

PZB Department Director Allen Parsons addressed the crowd after everyone had an opportunity to speak.

“I’ll admit to being a little bit caught off-guard by the number of folks here and the issues,” Parsons said.

Parsons said he met with Rylander and a few other residents previously but was unaware of the larger ripple throughout the communities.

He explained the stop work order was placed because the town saw homes were being raised.

“When homes are elevated, we’re required by the Florida Building Code to ensure the foundations meet engineering requirements,” Parsons said.

That’s not something the town can waive, he added. The Florida Building Code requires the foundation to have an engineering report to take into account flood and wind loads.

The town of Longboat Key also participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which requires the PZB Department to document properties that may apply to FEMA’s 50% rule and document all stormrelated permit activity.

Parsons offered the insight to explain to residents why the stop work order was placed in the first place.

“I apologize that it has gotten to this place for you, but we certainly are working diligently to get everyone back in their homes.”

— Allen Parsons, Director of Planning, Zoning and Building

“I apologize that it has gotten to this place for you, but we certainly are working diligently to get everyone back in their homes,” Parsons said.

Town Manager Howard Tipton also admitted to being caught off guard and apologized to the residents and commissioners for not being more aware of the situation.

Among the discussion that ensued, District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold asked if the PZB Department could simplify the process if there were many residents doing the same type of work.

“If the engineering report for this contract is going to be the same for everybody, can we do some sort of group authorization and let them proceed with that work?” Gold suggested.

The commission chambers erupted in applause.

That was the favored outcome by many residents, and Parsons suggested his staff meet with the Gulfshore and Twin Shores communities to talk about what to do next.

A PATH FORWARD

The day after the commission workshop, on Feb. 19, Rylander submitted a revised engineering report to the PZB Department.

Then, when PZB Department staff came to the Gulfshore community clubhouse on Feb. 20, both sides

were ready for a new discussion.

“The goal is to understand the issues on both sides and come to an agreement,” Rylander said to kick off the meeting.

Parsons reiterated the town’s requirements through the National Flood Insurance Program and how the town could not waive permits altogether, though the fee waiver was still in effect.

Putting structures on new or improved foundations would still require an engineering report, but Parsons said if a large group of residents were using the same plans as Rylander’s unit, those plans could act as a “master plan.”

“I think we’re very, very close to having something that can serve as a model for all of these other mobile homes,” Parsons said.

If Gulfshore and Twin Shores residents are using this master plan for the same elevation projects, Plans Examiner Neal Mazzei said it would not be unrealistic to turn around the permits in a day or two.

After the contractor makes a few minor changes to the “master plan” for Rylander’s unit, residents of the Gulfshore and Twin Shores communities will have a template they could follow to simplify the permitting process for these resiliency upgrades.

CURRENT WAIVERS AND EXTENSIONS

The Planning, Zoning and Building Department and Town Commission have implemented fee waivers and construction hour exceptions to help homeowners in the recovery process.

Construction for storm-related repairs may commence from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. No construction is allowed on Sundays or holidays. This construction exception is in effect until May 1. Fees for storm-related construction permits are also waived until April 30. These permits could include demolition, concrete repair, lanai and screen enclosures, pool heaters, plumbing and seawalls. For more information, reach the Planning, Zoning and Building Department at 941-316-1966.

Beach Resort bounces back

eturning to the Seahorse Beach Resort feels like returning home for many of the condo-hotel’s

Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered the resort and its first floor, including the pool. The resort needed plenty of help. Sam McCarter said, luckily, the resort is built on a strong foundation — its owners and

“We could not have done this without the support of our owners

The Seahorse Beach Resort is a small, Old Florida-style beach resort located at 3453 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The resort has 36 units varying from studios to two-bedroom condos.

Those condos are dubbed “con-

the owners for guests. McCarter is one of the condotel owners and a director of the condo association. He said the resort has always had a tight-knit community feel curated by repeat renters and the owners themselves.

“We want people to have a connection. We’re looking for people who come back. There’s a lot of family connection here,” McCarter said.

This community feel was amplified after the storms as owners worked alongside staff members to shovel the resort out from piles of sand.

Now fully operational, the resort began reopening in phases near the end of October. The second-floor units were not impacted as badly as the lower units, which suffered from Helene’s storm surge.

The storm surge pushed saltwater and mass amounts of sand toward the resort, intruding into the firstfloor units. McCarter said the sand piled about four feet along the back side of the resort flooded through the walkways in between units and extended to the front along Gulf of Mexico Drive.

said his first thought was, “I thought it was going to be worse.”

That’s because, by the time he arrived, resort staff members and some owners were already working.

“It was an incredible testament to our staff’s strength,” McCarter said, adding that some of the staff have been on board for 20 years.

Staff and owners did almost all the restoration work.

This included condo owner Scott Lehning operating an excavator to dig out sand from around the resort.

McCarter said two owners, Rachelle Neck and Karen Lehning, stayed behind during Helene and were able to go around placing towels in some areas to mitigate flooding. They were also there for an immediate response after the storm passed.

One of the biggest hurdles, McCarter said, was to get the pool back up and operational.

The storm had filled the pool with debris, sand and saltwater. It needed to be drained, shoveled out and cleaned.

Additionally, the deck that surrounded the pool was completely dismantled. The staff needed to reestablish a temporary walkway around the pool and are still awaiting a full deck replacement.

BACK & BETTER THAN BEFORE

Now heading into peak season, McCarter beams with excitement about the future of the Seahorse Beach Resort.

Around the resort, staff are working diligently to ensure guests have a positive experience.

“For us, the recovery has been for our guests. I really believe the Seahorse will be better than what it was,” McCarter said.

When reopening the resort, staff wanted to focus on improving the guest experience at the resort. Staff and owners hope to expand partnerships with local businesses to help guests find more things to do in the community.

“We really want them to have the

best experience on Longboat Key,” McCarter said.

But for the staff, there’s been a significant amount of growth, too.

Through the recovery process, McCarter said he’s witnessed a lot of personal development among staff and owners, and growth through the determination to reopen the resort.

Without the hard-working staff and dedicated owners, McCarter said this level of resurgence would not have been possible.

“We’ve proven we have a strong core. Our building is strong, our people are strong and our ability to persevere is strong,” McCarter said.

“We want people to have a connection. We’re looking for people who come back. There’s a lot of family connection here.”

— Sam McCarter, an owner and director of the Seahorse Beach Resort on Longboat Key

We offer affordable Empty Leg Flights for flexible travelers, with a range of aircraft options from light jets to helicopters.

More staff means more violations

More police officers means less crime, but it also means more traffic warnings and tickets.

CARTER WEINHOFER

STAFF WRITER

Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino reports the Longboat Key Police Department now has a full complement of patrol officers. He said having the right number of fully trained officers has helped the department boost its patrolling.

“That’s been a big reason you’ve seen the impact on this,” Rubino said. “We were down almost five (officers), which, on a 15-man patrol,

that’s quite a bit.”

In addition to an increase in citations and patrolling, Rubino said having a stronger presence of officers on the island has helped decrease incidents like car burglaries.

“We used to get trends where (burglars) would come in here and just wipe us out,” Rubino said. “Now that they see as many officers out there on the street patrolling, stopping, we’re not seeing that.”

According to Rubino, almost no vehicle burglaries occurred in the past year and a half.

Rubino said increased training has been one of the biggest positives in the department in the past year.

In 2024, the department reported its officers completed over 2,000

This includes training like highvisibility enforcement training for pedestrian and bicyclist safety. This training prepared officers to conduct additional directed patrols throughout Longboat Key focused on enforcing pedestrian traffic regulations and maintaining safe crossings.

From 2023 to 2024, the department increased the number of field training officers from one to 11, which gives the department more personnel to train new hires in the field.

Additionally, the department went from one trained marine patrol officer in 2023 to now having five.

Rubino hopes the number continues to grow so the department can reduce response times for marine calls. If more on-duty officers are trained for marine patrol, it increases the likelihood a trained officer is near one of the department’s vessels.

However, the department is still waiting for one of its three lifts on the island to be repaired. The dock for the department’s lift on the north end of the island was destroyed in the hurricanes, which needs to be replaced and is in the design phase.

The department also increased the number of personnel certified to train personnel in areas like Taser training, elder abuse scam recognition and speed measurement.

The town’s fiscal year quarters begin with the adoption of the new budget in October. Quarter 1 is from October through December. When talking about the first quarter in FY25, then, that means October through December 2024.

The largest increase from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 is the number of accidents without injuries.

Rubino said this was because Q1 in 2025 was when residents were returning to the island after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“The first quarter of 2025 is when the hurricanes hit, and a lot of our vendors, a lot of the construction workers were backing into mailboxes, they were hitting other cars,” Rubino said. “We took a lot of reports during the first quarter of FY25.”

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“We used to get trends where (burglars) would come in here and just wipe us out. Now that they see as many officers out there on the street patrolling, stopping, we’re not seeing that.”

Double turn-lane trouble

Construction on the much-discussed left-turn lanes for the south Gulf of Mexico Drive is finally beginning (at the wrong time). But much to the chagrin of residents, the designs were a surprise — and not a pleasant one.

when you step back and think about what has been transpiring at Town Hall, you can get the sense there is a communication vacuum. Is this a pattern? A trend? Or just a one-off happenstance?

You remember 2024. To many Longboat residents’ surprise, they learned Sarasota County would be building an $11 million library at the Town Center Green. It was a deal Mayor Ken Schneier and former Town Manager Tom Harmer crafted with the Sarasota County Commission and county staff.

In the wake of the failure of the town developing a community, education and arts center with the Ringling School of Art and Design, Schneier and Harmer essentially took it upon themselves to secure funding from the county and decide what and where such a facility would go. When these plans came to light, to many residents’ surprise, they came across as a done deal. This is it; the town can’t turn back; there are no other options or alternatives. It’s free money and a free library building from the county. All Longboaters needed to do was raise $3 million to have what Longboaters have long wanted — a community center to go along with the library.

Yes, there were two public meetings for residents to offer suggestions. But in reality, they were perfunctory.

The whole thing has been a topdown decision.

Now come the left turn lanes on the southern end of GMD, aka State Road 789. If you look closely at the top of the accompanying Google map, you can see how Gulf

That narrowing creates constant bottlenecks, with cars stopped as they wait for an opening to turn left.

Former Town Commissioner Lynn Larson remembers raising the need for the turn lanes as far back as 2013. Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman said it has taken the town eight years to push FDOT to finally provide the funding.

So voila! FDOT informs the town that construction is starting now — at the height of seasonal traffic (You’ve got to be kidding!), and, oh, yeah, here are the designs. Another done deal. No time for citizen feedback.

But there is a reason for everything (as we learned after the fact).

WHY RAISED MEDIANS?

Brownman told us there will be five raised medians installed. Four will be 150 to 200 feet long. All will have

REALLY? GMD CONSTRUCTION NOW?

As you notice the electronic signs warning of impending construction on Gulf of Mexico Drive, the obvious reaction of a seasoned Longboater is: Who is the idiot who decided to begin construction at the height of season?

Longboat Key Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman explained: Construction on the left-turn lanes on the south end of Gulf of Mexico Drive was supposed to start last summer. But, alas, and as per government, there were

funding delays in Tallahassee. (GMD is owned by the state.) Then came Debby, Helene and Milton.

“It was not intentional to start in February,” Brownman said. But FDOT says when the contractors are ready, that’s when it happens.

Brownman says FDOT intends to keep two lanes of traffic open during the days. There likely will be some lane closures when the contractors work at night. Or during the day since that is when concrete delivery is available.

tion. It doesn’t want to peeve FDOT and lose the funding.

Brownman told us the town is asking FDOT if it can slightly modify the designs as “field changes,” rather than redrawing the designs. He said the town is requesting that the end-caps on the north side of the medians be shortened to allow for cars entering Gulf of Mexico Drive to do so at an angle.

Clearly, you can see all this could have been avoided with advanced communication. It’s almost a truism: how lack of communication triggers conflicts and misunder-

OVERCOMMUNICATE

There is a lesson here. And it applies to what is known as the “Gulf of Mexico Drive Complete Street Corridor.”

“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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make it safely onto the road.

Of course, some motorists use that third middle lane as a way station — to get halfway onto GMD and then merge into traffic.

FDOT officials and engineers hate that. They hate even more when someone uses the third lane to pass a slow driver.

Their answer: raised, curbed medians. And: Reduce the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph.

Never mind that the middle turn lane actually works. Never mind what the people who drive on GMD every day know or want. There apparently was no need to engage them before the designs were sealed.

So it comes as no surprise again that once residents learned of the medians, they protested. And predictably, this has created a delicate situation for the town administra-

Longboat Observer Staff Writer Carter Weinhofer has reported on this massive project. But few Longboaters know the scope of it.

The illustration below shows what is envisioned for the entire length of Gulf of Mexico Drive — a project estimated at $30 million.

Its birth was back on Nov. 15, 2021, when the Kimley-Horn engineering firm presented the plan for the first time to the Town Commission. Commissioners discussed it again March 21, 2022.

Then on May 3, 2022, the town conducted a public workshop. Kimley-Horn reported, “The community was well represented with bicycle enthusiasts, full-time residents and town commissioners … 15 participants signed in on the workshop sign-in sheet.”

The town advertised the meeting on Facebook and Twitter, and the town manager included a notice of the meeting in his May 2022 Town Manager Brief.

On Dec. 12, 2022, the final project and plans were presented to the Town Commission. A done deal.

Are you aware of this pending complete transformation of Gulf of Mexico Drive?

Apparently, it’s moving forward.

The report says the Metropolitan Planning Organization has identified $18.4 million in funding for the project between 2026 and 2030. Given the scope of this project and what has transpired with the library and GMD turn lanes, let’s hope town commissioners and the town administration get the message, which is: the importance of overcommunicating and overengaging constituents before a decision is

in

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Ringling

Dear Ringling Patrons, FSU Alums, Locals and Visitors, As former board chairs, trustees and donors of The Ringling Museum, we are writing you, our fellow citizens, about the governor’s proposal to allow New College to take over The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It is clearly a waste of taxpayer resources to disrupt a proven Florida State University-Ringling partnership that has delivered significant benefits to our students, state and local community.

The Ringling has enjoyed a marvelous 25-year partnership under FSU’s excellent and supportive stewardship. FSU has provided infrastructure, resources, expertise, programs and master’s and Ph.D. level student programing to The Ringling. FSU has benefitted from its association with the museum’s nationally recognized collections, educational programming and Gulf Coast footprint. Each has enhanced the reputation of the other. A takeover by an institution that lacks FSU’s resources, infrastructure, experience, expertise, academic programing and strategic plan would significantly harm The Ringling and FSU.

The Ringling Museum estate contains 66 acres of land. The property includes Ca’ d’Zan (the Ringling mansion), the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens, and other buildings and grounds. The museum has been recognized as one of the top six art museums in the United States for visitor experience and one of the most visited museums in the U.S. The strong arts community and history of Sarasota/Manatee drive tourism and the historic Ringling is the crown jewel of a rapidly growing Gulf Coast.

While the physical proximity of New College to The Ringling may seem convenient, the proposal would negatively impact taxpayers, The Ringling and FSU in the following ways:

1. Burden to taxpayers

n The cost of transferring the stewardship to an institution much smaller than either FSU or The Ringling and without the resources, infrastructure, expertise and plan, will be costly to our community and the state. This change could bring protracted lawsuits by donors or others.

2. Risk to collection and asset security

n Potential sale of post-1936 art collection and buildings.

n Disruptions to programs, performances and professional curatorial level exhibitions.

n Absence of plan for maintaining standards, certifications and its national museum accreditation.

n Disruption to donor relationships. Key donors are signaling an end to contributions and others plan to remove The Ringling from their wills.

n Risk to future acquisitions and donations.

3. Loss of academic and professional integration

n The Ringling enhances FSU’s stature as a world class university with its integrated programing.

n FSU students pursuing advanced degrees in arts administration, museum studies and museum education gain invaluable hands-on experience through The Ringling.

n The unique partnership between the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Conservancy, and FSU Theatre Department creates distinctive educational opportunities unavailable at New College.

4. Jeopardy to facility preservation and management

n New College cannot match FSU’s facilities management capabilities required for the museum — an institution both

larger and more complex than New College itself.

n FSU preservation experts and architects provide an ongoing invaluable resource to the historic and partially restored Ca’ d’Zan, and the museum. New College has no such experts.

n Annual review of the Hazardous and Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Reports by professionals at FSU and The Ringling staff is required to deal with the complexity of the museum’s buildings and grounds. New College does not have the staff, expertise nor infrastructure to assume this role.

5. Imperiled emergency response n FSU’s rapid emergency and recovery team prevented damage to the buildings and collections in the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes. As an example, FSU provided an emergency chiller in just

24 hours, preventing catastrophic mold damage to the collection and facilities.

n New College lacks the expertise, staff or a facilities network to handle such a crisis.

These are just a few of the concerns we want to share about this proposal. The Ringling and FSU have spent 25 years building a thriving, productive, mutually beneficial relationship, cultivating donors, collections and awareness of our two incredible organizations globally. We are asking the citizens of and visitors to Sarasota to help by becoming involved and calling representatives in the Florida Legislature requesting their support of this thriving FSURingling synergistic collaboration. Thank you for your time and consideration.

NANCY PARRISH ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS TO PROTECT THE RINGLING

Making Waves on Siesta Key: Azure Siesta Key Sets New Standard for Luxury Living

The highly anticipated Azure Siesta Key development is making remarkable progress, with an expected completion date set for September 2025. This extraordinary new condominium promises to redefine luxury living on one of Florida’s most coveted barrier islands. The boutique development will feature just three exclusive residences, ranging from 2,300 to over 4,000 square feet, with prices starting at $3.2 million. Each unit is designed to offer sophisticated, high-end beach adjacent living, blending elegant design with world-class amenities.

What truly sets Azure Siesta Key apart from other luxury properties in the Sarasota area is the addition of private pools for each residence - an exclusive feature that provides

an intimate, tranquil retreat just steps from the beach. This unparalleled offering ensures that residents can enjoy the ultimate in privacy, comfort, and relaxation.

Built to withstand the test of time, the development has remained un-weathered by recent storms, a testament to its solid construction and the use of premium materials. Azure Siesta Key is designed to offer long-lasting durability and resilience, providing residents with peace of mind and a home that will stand strong for years to come.

Molly Higdon, along with Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes of Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota, is leading the sales initiative for Azure Siesta Key. With their deep expertise in the local market, extensive knowledge of the luxury real estate sector, and strong connections both nationally and globally, they are perfectly positioned to connect discerning buyers and agents with this exclusive property. More information can be found at Azure Siesta Key

For sales inquiries email Molly.Higdon@kw.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

USER ERROR

9:41 p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Welfare Check: to conduct a welfare check after a citizen called to report his father arrived in town earlier that day, but the family had not heard from him. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke with the caller’s father. He said he accidentally left his phone on airplane mode and had been sleeping. Everything was fine, he said.

FRIDAY, FEB. 14

11:46 a.m., 600 block of Jackson Way

Suspicious Person: An officer responded to a citizen’s report of a suspicious person who was possibly illegally trimming mangroves. Upon arrival at the scene, the officer spoke to the person in question but did not initially observe the man violating any mangrove trimming regulations. The man said he was only trimming them and intended to apply for permits to trim them further, because he was planning on selling the property.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

OVERNIGHT STAY OK

2:02 a.m., 700 block of Broadway Street

Suspicious Vehicle: While conducting a routine business check, a patrol officer noticed a vessel moored to a restaurant’s docks in a section that prohibited overnight mooring. The officer spoke with the owner of the vessel, who claimed his rudder was broken and the manager said he could stay overnight until he could repair the rudder. There was no way for the officer to verify the man’s claim he had permission and no other criminal activity was observed. The officer did not have any service calls regarding the man’s presence, so he was allowed to stay for the time being.

SEEKING ALLIGATORS AND FAME

10:18 p.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Parkway

Trespassing: tacted emergency dispatch to report a man who refused to leave the property after being asked to do so. Upon arrival, the responding officer met with the store employee who said he was trying to close up the shop when he observed the man in question loitering in the back of the

property. After the employee asked him to leave, the man moved to another side of the building where he remained. The employee said he wished to have the man trespassed from the property.

The officer then spoke to the loitering man who said he did not feel like he was trespassing because he moved to the back of the property. When asked for his identification, the man gave his out-of-state driver’s license and a Florida identification card that belonged to a different man in Clearwater. The man said he recently found that one.

While speaking with the man, he revealed he moved from Arizona and was heading south from Clearwater to somewhere “he could find alligators and make YouTube videos swimming with them,” the report states. The man refused any medical treatment and, after completing an official trespass warning, was sent on his way.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19

TRANSFORMER TROUBLE

4:23 p.m., Bay Isles Parkway and Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire: Longboat Key Police was sent to assist in a report of a blown transformer and wire hanging down near the mentioned intersection. At the time, the traffic light was not operational. The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department secured the area with cones and Florida Power & Light was en route. Later, the light was restored and cycled normally, so the responding officer was able

The attractions of Amara, diverse and extraordinary, know no equal. This begins with its Golden Gate address — for the Point is one of those rarest of natural wonders — an enclave that looks across the bay and back to the city — once-in-a-lifetime views that are yours every day. Add your name to our early interest list. SOMETIMES, LOOKING BACK IS THE BEST WAY TO LOOK AHEAD.

Vote Yes on replacing the subaqueous pipeline

On the March 11 General Election ballot, you will be asked to approve up to a $33 million low-interest State Revolving Loan to finance the replacement of the subaqueous wastewater line running across Sarasota Bay. The current pipeline is over 50 years old and in 2020 it developed a leak, releasing 14 million gallons of LBK’s sewage. This pipeline is the ONLY means of transporting our raw sewage to the treatment facility in Bradenton. It must be replaced and quickly. Doing nothing is not an option.

The pipeline replacement project will proceed in early 2026. The only question is how it will be financed. The proposed state loan is the lowest cost option and would save the town anywhere from $8 million to $21 million in interest payments compared to a traditional bond issue.

However, the town charter requires that voters approve the state loan.

Therefore, I would urge you to vote YES on March 11 to approve the state revolving loan.

Please also encourage your friends and neighbors to vote YES.

JIM HAFT

LONGBOAT KEY

Biden, Obama, Clinton: Era of great prosperity

I am saddened by Matt Walsh’s Opinion in the Jan. 23 Observer. Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States. Walsh is ecstatic. I am not.

I am fearful that our democracy and rule of law are under attack, even since last week with the fusillade of executive orders — essentially unconstitutional decrees that have shut down our government, stopping programs that impact the lives of millions of our fellow citizens and humanitarian services we provide abroad that enhance our security at home.

Not to mention his pardon of the Jan. 6 criminals who are now back among us plotting further violence.

Walsh characterized the BidenHarris administration and the Obama and Clinton presidencies as “catastrophes” deserving to be shamed “for what they inflicted on American families.”

Unbelievable and untrue.

His screed about Anthony Fauci is equally outrageous. I am thankful that President Biden pardoned him.

The 20 years of the Biden, Obama and Clinton presidencies were times of great prosperity for American families. Clinton left

us a robust economy and a balanced budget; Obama led us out of the Great Recession of 2008; and Biden, with Dr. Fauci’s help, led our recovery from the ravages of COVID, a return to a healthy economy and passed historic legislation with unprecedented job growth.

Walsh’s selective memory does not erase these clear benefits to American families as a result of their leadership.

The truth as I see it is that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have left our country far better off than they found it. They deserve our thanks, not vitriol.

America needs unity, not divisiveness, calmness and not disruption.

I urge all Americans to pay attention to what is coming next. Our democracy continues to be at risk.

RAYMOND ROITMAN SARASOTA

Advice for Trump’s first 100 days

Dear President Trump:

Congratulations on your election and return to The White House. With both houses of Congress in GOP hands, you have a unique opportunity to pursue a positive agenda to move our country forward.

We at Miracle on the Key are a group of Republicans and Democrats that have been working together for three years to address local, state and federal opportunities and problems in a civil fashion. We love these United States, and despite differences in our approach, we all look for ways to improve our great country. Here are a few recommendations for you to address in your first 100 days that we humbly submit:

1. Work to unite the country and not divide it. Your victory in November was impressive in that you increased your vote with virtually all constituencies versus the elections of 2020 and 2016.

2. The economy was the most critical issue in the election, with inflation being a key

item of dissatisfaction as so many families have gone backwards in their ability to afford the basics of life, food, housing and energy. We suggest you appoint a bipartisan group focused on:

n Dealing with Government debt and spending. The bond market needs to see a credible pathway toward significantly reducing our deficits.

n An equitable tax policy needs to be developed to accomplish the above while keeping the economy growing. Incentives for investment need to be balanced with enhancing revenues.

n We are enthusiastic about DOGE and its efforts to reduce regulations, bureaucratic rules and expenses.

n Energy policy is critical; we encourage you to look pragmatically at enhancing production of low-cost alternatives including more hydrocarbons, more solar power and more nuclear. Massive government incentives for wind power and electronic vehicles need to be reined in.

3. Immigration Reform is imperative.

n We need a secure border.

n We need to expand the legal avenues to allow more qualified immigrants who share our values to move to the U.S. legally.

n We need to develop a pathway to citizenship for the millions of productive undocumented immigrants already in the country.

4. It is critical to address foreign policy. The United States is still the strongest country on earth, and it is in our interest to promote world peace through strength:

n We need to lead negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion on Ukraine.

n China must be contained and an invasion of Taiwan prevented.

n Our allies in the Mideast, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia need our support in keeping Iran on its heels and avoid them from going nuclear.

n Let us immediately stop the Houthis from disrupting worldwide shipping.

n We need to incorporate changes in technology into our military and, at least in the short run, increase spending to

We love these United States, and despite differences in our approach, we all look for ways to improve our great country.

enhance our position of strength.

Here are a couple of “Do’s and Don’ts” that we believe will enhance your success in managing the above most important priorities:

n Do support “The Rule of Law.” To the extent that pardons for Jan. 6 participants come up, Don’t pardon those involved in violence.

n Consistent with your positive campaign comment, “Success is the best revenge.” You won the election in a remarkable political comeback, which speaks for itself.

n Don’t use the Department of Justice as a weapon to attack foes and former foes. Your success has proven that this can backfire.

n Do take an early trip to California to support short- and longterm solutions to wildfire prevention and mitigation. Thanks for reading/listening and may God continue to bless America.

MIRACLE ON THE KEY GROUP LONGBOAT KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@YourObserver.com.

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Righting the Sip

Over the past two years, the family-owned breakfast and coffee business has expanded its offerings, and its family.

ometimes, it’s difficult for

businesses to survive on an island that’s reliant on seasonal tourism. But Sips has thrived through almost two years of business on the north end. The north-end coffee and breakfast shop in Whitney Plaza has not only made it through its first two years of business but found ways to expand its operations.

Sips is owned and operated by Chris and Justina Carter, with Justina’s brother, Lorenzo Condensa, often at the front of the house.

Aside from running a business on Longboat Key, the Carters and Condensa call the island home.

When the shop celebrated its first anniversary, Justina was expecting her and Chris’s first child.

Justina Carter continued to help run the shop during her pregnancy.

Condensa remembers his sister was still making orders of avocado toast and breakfast croissants the morning before she went into labor.

Now, Sips’ customers receive greetings by the newest family member, Micah, who was born in March last year.

Condensa said working alongside his family and watching both the business and family grow along the way has been fulfilling.

“It has meant the world to me to see the business and family grow,” he said. “I’ve never been more excited about the future of Sips but, most importantly, the future of our family ... every day it’s easy to serve coffee with a smile knowing I’m always with family.”

In two years, the family-run business expanded from a single-unit coffee shop to taking over a neighboring unit to expand its kitchen in

early 2024 and, thus, its menu offerings.

Through the process, the menu has expanded to include things like the sunrise breakfast burrito and fresh acai bowls.

Recently, Chris Carter said they are also trying to make more inhouse baked goods with the expanded kitchen space.

The Carters said offseason lulls

were never too low, thanks to the support of year-round and loyal customers.

“We had very good support from the locals,” Carter said. “And a lot of seasonal vacationers have continued to support us, too.”

Hurricanes Helene and Milton proved to be a challenge, one which forced the shop to close for nearly a month.

When it reopened, the community support was prominent.

This support flowed from all directions. During the town’s recovery process, donors helped Sips serve coffee to Longboat Key’s first responders and also the visiting first responders who were helping in the cleanup process.

The second anniversary of Sips is on March 1, when the shop had its ribbon-cutting ceremony. This year, Sips will host a special anniversary event.

At the event, Sips will put on live music, a special grill menu, “happy hour specials” and cake and coffee all day.

Most important, Carter said the celebration is meant to appreciate the community’s support of the business, which has been crucial in the first two years.

“That’s what we’re celebrating. It’s all about their support of us,” Carter said.

BRANHAM

Proven Servant-Leader

• Retired Admiral US Coast Guard

• CFO - US Coast Guard - $10B Budget, Strong Planning Experience

• Led a Force of 11,000 As Regional Operational Commander

• Led Local/Regional Service Organizations, Non-Profits

My Longboat Key Priorities:

• Advocate For The Entire Island

• Major Projects, Plan/fund Canal Dredging and Subaqueous Waste Pipeline

• Resiliency - Beach/Dunes, Public Infrastructure, Private Property, Solve Street Flooding

• Readiness - Storms, Emergency Response, Comms, Public Awareness

• Resources - Strategic Planning, Fiscal Stability, Responsive Capital Investment

• Preserve Our Island’s CharacterEnsure “Longboat Stays Longboat”

Abraham Lincoln revisited as teacher of valuable leadership lessons

A New Jersey college professor and Abe Lincoln aficionado, at a Southwest Florida event, details why one of the most famous Americans ever is also an underappreciated leadership expert.

By Mark Gordon Reprinted from the Business Observer

It’s hard to overlook Abraham Lincoln.

For starters, the 16th U.S. president signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, ending slavery in the country. It’s also well known that Lincoln was physically hard to miss, standing six-foot-four, the tallest of the 46 U.S. presidents. And, of course, he was so celebrated for telling the truth that his famous nickname, Honest Abe, lives on 159 years after he was assassinated.

What is sometimes overlooked with Lincoln—despite the 16,000 books written about him—is the set of soft skills he learned, and then exhibited, about leadership throughout his life. This is the message Louis Masur, a Lincoln expert and Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University in New Jersey, shared in Southwest Florida in 2024.

Masur was a keynote speaker for a Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. Speaker Series event. His talk, “Lessons of Abe Lincoln: How Effective Leadership Can Change the World,” was given at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. In a virtual interview, Masur remarked, Lincoln “saved the union and freed the slaves, but what made him such an incredible leader during such a divisive and partisan time?”

Masur, who has researched, taught, and spoken about other historical figures, says Lincoln remains his No. 1 educational and leadership muse. Masur has distilled Lincoln’s leadership into a few powerful lessons:

Education: Lincoln’s dedication to selfeducation was critical to his success. Despite his father’s disapproval of reading, Lincoln’s “love of learning” played a pivotal role in his ability to lead. When Lincoln became president in 1861, he had no formal military experience, except for volunteering in the Black Hawk War. To prepare, he read military strategy books from the Library of Congress, immersing himself in the details of military tactics.

Diplomacy: Masur points to Lincoln’s letter to General George Meade after the Battle of Gettysburg as an example of his restraint. Lincoln wrote a letter to express disappointment that Meade didn’t pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee after the Union victory. However, Lincoln ultimately chose not to send the letter, recognizing that chastising his general would be counterproductive.

Empathy: Lincoln’s empathy and ability to step outside himself were hallmarks of his leadership. Masur tells a story of Lincoln writing a condolence letter to the daughter of a friend who had died in combat. In the letter, Lincoln wrote, “You are sure to be happy again,” sharing his own experience with grief. This ability to connect with others helped him lead with compassion.

Principle over power: Lincoln’s commitment to principles is another lesson Masur highlights. During the 1864 presidential election, Lincoln refused to postpone the vote, even though he risked losing. He believed that “We cannot have free government without elections.” This resolve to uphold democratic principles, even in times of war, defined his legacy.

Masur’s insights emphasize that Lincoln’s leadership was as much about character as it was about strategy. “I just never tire of reading about him and thinking about him,” Masur says.

Join us for an engaging speaker series featuring two of the nation’s leading historians. Dive deep into American history as our expert speakers bring the past to life with captivating stories and fresh perspectives.

Charles Joseph (“C.J.”) Nager 1930-2025

C.J. Nager died peacefully at his home at Freedom Village of Bradenton, in Bradenton, Florida, on February 3, 2025.

C.J. was born November 8, 1930, in New York City. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Mamaroneck High School in New York. He obtained his degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his MBA from Columbia University. He served as Communications Officer on the U.S.S. Healy during the Korean War and went on to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

C.J. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Kathleen (“Katzy”) Bailey Nager, sons Adams Bailey Nager (Elizabeth), George Worthington Nager (Lisa) and Thomas Dwight Nager, grandchildren Adams (Hilary), Keaton, Bryson, Matheus, and Gabriela, and great-grandson Elliot. C.J. was predeceased by his parents, Charles Joseph Nager and Alice Clark Norton Nager, his sister Genevieve Nager Windle and his brother George Norton Nager.

C.J. began his career with General Electric before moving to Crown, Cork & Seal. He culminated his career with Hughes Aircraft, traveling around the world as he served as project

manager for radar installations in F-18 fighter jets. C.J. and Katzy’s journey took them to Schenectady, New York; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Marblehead, Massachusetts; Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Creve Coeur, Missouri; Portola Valley, California; and Palos Verdes Estates, California. In retirement, they lived in River Hills at Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and in Longboat Key, Florida.

C.J. will be remembered for his outgoing nature and positive spirit. He had a warm greeting for everyone. He was a strong advocate for youth to pursue excellence. He served as the long-time scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 970 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and as president of the Babe Ruth Baseball League in Palos Verdes Estates. In retire-

ment, C.J. was an active member and officer of the River Hills Lions Club and, with Katzy, created and led the Lions Club’s Roaring Readers book distribution program at Kinard Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Clover, South Carolina.

C.J. was an avid tennis player, bridge player, carpenter and sailor. Many early mornings he could be seen running in his “Jog For Joy” sweatshirt or sculling the fiberglass shell which he built.

MEMORIALS:

Memorials may be made to All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, FL 34228.

SERVICE:

A service of remembrance will take place at All Angels by the Sea Church at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

441629-1

WORSHIP directory

Roger W. Brown 1936 - 2025

Roger Brown, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 88.

Roger was born on March 5, 1936, in Columbus, Ohio to Orville W. Brown and Lucy T. Brown (Norris). He grew up in Columbus and graduated from North High School in 1954. Roger went on to attend The Ohio State University where he earned a degree in Accounting.

Roger had a long and successful career in Accounting and Finance. He began his career at Firestone and moved on to Fiberfil, a plastics company owned by Dart Industries. Roger continued his tenure at Dart Industries and its various iterations (Dart & Kraft, Premark, International), holding leadership roles in Accounting and Finance at the corporate and business unit levels. Prior to his retirement, Roger served as Vice President, Finance, at Ralph Wilson Plastics (Wilsonart) in Temple, TX. Roger was known for his dedication to his work and his ability to build strong relationships with his colleagues and staff.

Roger married the love of his life, Jan, in 1958, after a courtship of three years. They had three children, Hugh, Leanne and Doug. Roger was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.

After his retirement, Roger and Jan lived in Prescott, AZ, Durango, CO, Bradenton, FL, and Longboat Key, FL, and were active members of their communities.

Roger served on the board of The Highlands Center for Natural History and was a volunteer at various non-profit organizations.

Roger was passionate about giving back to his community and making a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his adulthood, he was active at church, most recently at Christ Church of Longboat Key, and in The Ohio State University alumni association.

Roger will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and dry sense of humor. Always active, he enjoyed skiing and was an avid senior softball, tennis and pickleball player. A gardener at heart, there was never a landscaping or yard project too big or complicated for him and Jan to tackle. In his final years, Roger relished the simple pleasures of living on the Gulf of Mexico, where he would take in nearly every sunset and make daily rounds on his beloved

A Buckeye through and through, Roger loved The Ohio State University marching band and enjoyed supporting his alma mater at every opportunity - a fact lost on no one, especially his Michigander friends and neighbors.

Roger is survived by his children, Hugh, Leanne and Doug; his grandchildren, Landon, Kyrsten, Krisha and Blake; his great grandson, Cameron; and his granddog Rosie. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Lucy; his sisters, Pat and Barbara; and his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Jan. SERVICE: A private celebration of life will be held for family and local friends on February 22, 2025.

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Roger’s memory be honored by enjoying a cup of coffee, a chocolate milkshake, a walk or a sunset with a friend, loved one or even a stranger.

441857-1

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Bird-trained

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

Longboat Key is home to an extensive cohort of wild birds, from diminutive parakeets to towering herons. On occasion, those animals run into trouble, and that’s where the volunteers at Save Our Seabirds step in.

The nonprofit held one of its semiannual volunteer trainings on Feb. 22, and invited community members to learn about joining the network of people who venture out to rescue injured or otherwise distressed birds to be brought back to its emergency care center.

Jonathan Hande, senior avian hospital technician who has been with the center for 12 years, led the free training with senior volunteers Heather and Ray Sellers. More than 40 people attended.

The avian rescue group has made about 1,200 rescues — responding to about 5,000 calls — often taking in brown pelicans that had hooks lodged in their bodies or perhaps a fish-eating bird that’s built up too much toxicity from red tide.

Hande said it all begins with their text messaging network, which allows them to find available volunteers near the injured animal.

Save Our Seabirds teaches volunteers life-saving responsibility.

WANT TO HELP?

Anyone who is interested in learning more about volunteering but couldn’t attend the session can visit SaveOurSeabirds.org/Volunteer. Hande said the team hopes to host the handling seminars more frequently and looks forward to welcoming any new members.

“One of the best perks of assisting with rescues is responsible volunteers get the first chance to release the rehabilitated bird back into the wild.”

Jonathan Hande, senior avian hospital technician

From there, the citizen volunteer can hopefully meet whoever called in the incident. He said the center doesn’t always need to take in an apparently distressed animal. Owls, for example, can quite convincingly play dead when disturbed during the day. Or an anhinga may simply be taking extra long to stretch out its wings to dry on a chilly day.

But it always pays to follow “FOAM,” according to Hande as he explains to volunteers. It stands for Focus on finding the bird, Observe its behavior, Assess if it needs help and then Make an action plan.

Having the right tools is essential, Hande said. The basics include a box or nonwire carrying kennel of appropriate size, gloves, eye protection, a net or towel, and any other useful protective gear.

Sellers said certain tricks of the trade can be helpful, like carrying a net handle-forward to appear similar to a fishing pole.

Also key is knowing how to handle the bird based on species. The team recommended the Merlin Bird ID app, which can help quickly identify a species with a picture or audio recording.

The most important step is securing the “danger bits,” as Hande described. For a large bird like a crane, that may include their muscled legs. Or for fish-eating birds, such as cormorants, that may be their slicing beak.

Hande reassured volunteers they never should have to put themselves in a dangerous position to save a bird, for the safety of both the rescuer and bird are paramount.

Save Our Seabirds sends out its most experienced volunteers to handle challenging birds, such as great blue herons. But Hande said it pays to be informed on how to handle any situation.

He said volunteers are what keep the rescue organization running, especially when they can help ensure an injured animal reaches the rescue center as quickly as possible to have the best chance at survival.

Unfortunately, injured animals aren’t always able to be saved, even with the team’s best efforts. But Hande said the center’s efforts, facilitated by volunteers, have had an immeasurable impact on Longboat Key’s wild bird population.

One of the best perks of assisting with rescues is responsible volunteers getting the first chance at releasing the rehabilitated bird back into the wild, Hande said.

Attendees Stacey and Murray Israel said they are seeking ways to give back to the community in their retirement, and they are eager to do more with Save Our Seabirds.

A Belle of a singer

Delores McKenzie finds inspiration in the works of many a talented Broadway artist: Nicolette Robinson, Josephine Baker, Toni Braxton, and many more. What she says they all have in common is the power to move the audience.

“It really came down to what songs make me come alive when

I hear,” she said of compiling her set list.

“If it makes me feel good, it’s going to make me feel even better when I sing it.”

McKenzie, a member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, performed her special “Belles of Broadway” show on Feb. 19 for members of the Christ Church of

Longboat Key congregation.

Joined by pianist Carl Haan, she stepped into her spotlight on the main stage and belted out her ballads inspired by the groundbreaking Black women of theater.

McKenzie said she especially appreciated performing for the Longboat Key audience, for many members quickly recognized the tunes and happily clapped along to groove-inducing songs like “All That Jazz.”

“There’s nothing like live theater — seeing people’s faces, interacting with them and connecting in the moment,” she said. “I was like yes, let’s go on this journey together.”

Audience members were perhaps most enthralled with her performance of “Satisfied” from “Hamilton.”

The Sarasota-born performer said she is glad to be performing at home after traveling to pursue her craft, including seven years aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines as

a solo artist.

Among the stage shows she performed that night was “Porgy and Bess,” and she noted she previously had the honor of playing Bess at a show in Atlanta.

She said the operatic role changed the trajectory of her entire career.

Nate Jacobs, the troupe’s founder and artistic director, said he has appreciated the community’s support for the past two decades. He also shared his gratitude for the many years of friendship he’s enjoyed with the McKenzie family, for he first met Delores’ parents in college.

“I’m just so very proud of Delores,” he added.

McKenzie said she doesn’t currently have upcoming dates scheduled for this specific show, but she welcomes venues to reach out through the troupe.

— DANA KAMPA

“There’s

— Delores McKenzie

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Relaxing by the art

ith the St. Armands Circle Art Festival still fresh on art aficionados’ minds, many took the opportunity to

the more breezy and spacious setting of the fourth-annual Longboat Key Festival of the Arts in Sarasota County this past weekend.

The festival, which took place Saturday and Sunday at the Town Center Green, presented attendees with the opportunity to enjoy and buy art of many mediums.

Madeline Rubenstein and Alan Goldman said while they appreciate both festivals, they liked the relaxed atmosphere, which allowed them to take their time appreciating the sculptures on display and talking with the artists.

The feeling was mutual with the artists displaying their works.

The Indiana-based artist said it does take time and money to participate in Florida’s art festivals, but she said it is worth it to connect with community members.

Attendees wove among the branches of art booths while being serenaded by musician Vladimir Gorodkin on the hammer dulcimer. They had opportunities to interact with the art as well.

Artist Jackie “Jax” Kalin has been part of the art festival circuit for about four years, and she enjoyed this particular festival for offering chances to speak directly with clients.

over 12 hours to make. “I’m selling, so I have to make more, and that’s where I want to be.”

“I love doing the art, but the festivals help fuel the business aspect of it because now I have a reason to paint more consistently,” she said, noting that her pieces can take well

Her mixed-media pieces incorporate reflective mirror fragments and gold leaf accenting her pastels. She said she enjoys incorporating humor into her landscapes, one of which featured the iconic Albert Einstein.

Sculptor John Denis crafts his nature-inspired pieces with acrylic and glass, and he encourages viewers to — with care — feel the artwork. Denis said he draws inspiration from nature, particular waves, botanical features, feathering and other flowing lines.

Art connoisseurs have plenty of upcoming events to fill their calendars, including the third-annual Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair on March 15-16.

— DANA KAMPA

Teachers share trials and triumphs at fundraiser

Longboat Island Chapel filled several tables with school supplies to donate to Daughtrey Elementary School.

DANA KAMPA

ebruary can be a

teachers as classroom supplies from the beginning of the

rapidly dwindle. But educators at Daughtrey Elementary in Bradenton got an extra boost thanks to Longboat Island Chapel’s latest “Gather and Give” social hour.

Members welcomed school leaders to speak about the importance of supporting area schools.

Staff members, including Assistant Principal Scott Flynn, have worked with the School District of Manatee County for 17 years and shared stories of their passion for supporting their student body.

“There are a lot of challenges that our students have to overcome and that our teachers are working with to try to meet the needs of all our students,” he said.

He said regardless of the hardship or trauma many of the students’

He noted any recent debate on the criteria for qualifying for assistance as a Title 1 school is fairly moot, considering 98% of their population — approximately 730 students — experiences significant economic hardship. Flynn said many of Daughtrey’s students also face challenges, not only in keeping up with lessons in English, but also with building their foundational literacy skills. About 525 students are English Language Learners.

families have experienced, they are some of the most dedicated, kindest and most grateful community members he knows.

School staff must go above and beyond to support students beyond the curriculum, and Flynn said Daughtrey’s staff is always seeking ways to help students thrive. In fact, staff members pointed to one particular piece of school-themed decoration that brightened the tables: “Teaching in a work of heart.”

“It’s really, truly, a neighborhood school,” he added.

Daughtrey Elementary teachers in attendance joined in Flynn’s praise of their pupils.

Annette Marines said she is a former student of the school, and she couldn’t imagine a more rewarding career than giving back to her alma mater.

“I lived in the neighborhood my whole life,” she said. “This is where my heart comes from. This is my background. These students are me when I was that age. It’s just a privilege to work at Daughtrey. It’s just a pleasure working there, and we thank you for supporting us.”

Organizer Muriel Klosterman and

the Rev. Brock Patterson said the church happily assisted the school during a challenging time of the year. They said they were glad to see such a robust turnout for the social hour.

“All the teachers we’ve had come speak are just so dedicated to what they do,” Klosterman said, who noted that many of the chapel’s retired teachers are more than happy to lend their support.

Attendees filled two folding tables full of coloring tools, pencils, hand sanitizer, tissues — a plethora of midterm supplies. Klosterman noted the collection is ongoing and invites those who couldn’t attend to still donate classroom supplies through the month of February.

Myakka marks backcountry

New trail markers will enhance wayfinding and help rangers locate park visitors in need.

MIRI

HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

Park visitors who venture into Myakka’s extensive backcountry will notice an important new wayfinding feature: Trail intersections are now marked with numbered posts.

With nearly 200 miles of trails, Myakka’s backcountry offers an unparalleled and increasingly rare opportunity to experience expansive Wild Florida ecosystems. But to date, most park visitors did not venture into the backcountry, largely due to a lack of clear wayfinding and trail markers.

In the past, many park visitors who ventured out to the backcountry got lost, which resulted in a negative and potentially dangerous experience for them and also created a substantial drain on park resources.

Over the past few weeks, Friends of Myakka River and Florida Park Service volunteers have placed 192 unique trail markers to aid navigation. As each marker is a unique point identifier, park rangers will now be able to locate easily those who are lost or need assistance.

Fabricated by MC Metal Works, a Sarasota-based small business, the laser-cut markers were custom designed for the park. They are intentionally unobtrusive, so as not to detract from Myakka’s wild and scenic vistas.

To protect sensitive ecosystems, they have no painted or plastic parts that could deteriorate and pollute the environment.

Since the majority of Myakka’s backcountry natural communities are fire dependent, the markers are aluminium, which are fireproof and don’t combust. They’ll therefore be able to withstand the

Look around for art treasure

park’s required regular schedule of prescribed burns. This impactful project was made possible by a Two for the Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Co., awarded to Friends of Myakka River.

Named after co-founder and CEO Bill Shufelt’s family tradition of taking two brews to toast post-trail adventures, this grant program donates up to $2 million annually to nonprofits working to protect and restore local trails, waterways and urban green spaces around the world.

To further enhance accessibility to the park’s off-the-beaten-path areas, four trailhead kiosks with maps will soon be installed. But even without a map, the markers already add value to those who get turned around in the backcountry: All markers were placed with the number facing south, in the northwest corner of intersections.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

Area chapter of American Pen Women is coordinating a surprise art giveaway.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

At a time when it seems everyone could use a bit of cheer, Sarasota’s band of elite female artists have found a creative way of hopefully brightening the days of at least 50 community members.

The local branch of the National League of American Pen Women Inc. has made preparations to, for the first time, participate in International Art and Found Day on March 12.

This celebration, which began five years ago, brings free art to unsuspecting residents. Volunteers wrap then distribute the gifts in public areas, each with a note explaining the found present is a surprise treat for whoever comes across it.

Wilma Davidson, president of the Sarasota branch, said in an interview she was inspired last

summer to bring the celebration here for the first time.

“The idea is to let people know who we are, but also to give them a day of joy,” she said.

Members plan to distribute the gifts throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties, including on Longboat Key.

She noted the local chapter includes artists of many talents, which are reflected in the parcels. They contain books, paintings, stationary and illustrations, among other media. In the literature category, parcels include children’s books, books on Florida history and nature, thrillers and more.

Without giving too much away, Davidson encouraged eagle-eyed treasure hunters to be on the lookout for the parcels in high-foottraffic areas. Many of the gifts are wrapped in floral or brown paper, and all of them have a label proclaiming, “YOU FOUND ME.”

The hidden gifts, crafted by the Pen Women themselves, are completely free. All the members ask is for those who find them to leave a note on the group’s website letting them know the gifts found a good home.

The giveaway is part of the Pen Women’s renewed efforts to be involved in the community. Davidson said members are always pleased to give lectures for fellow organizations or join pop-up art events.

Becoming a Pen Woman is a somewhat rigorous exercise, with new additions requiring final approval from the national organization. However, Davidson encourages anyone who thinks they may be a good fit to reach out to the group.

One of the branch’s main service missions is its “Launching Leaders in the Arts” award program, which supports high school seniors seeking higher education in creative writing, music and art.

“Our primary goal is to support and encourage our authors, artists and musicians,” she said.

The window for applying closes March 5, and members award the winners on April 9.

Time to Ski-daddle

The Ski-A-Rees team braved rough conditions to offer its first performance since the hurricanes.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Crested waves were visible as the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Show Team headed into Sarasota Bay on Feb. 16.

Although the team didn’t find ideal conditions, it still found a sense of fun as team members performed signature waterskiing moves, including jumps and their pyramid formation.

Yet something had, in fact, been hindering the ski shows prior to that day: the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

A City Island site that was a little rougher around the edges indicated some of the damage, as a crowd of attendees still turned out and filled the bleachers.

“Everyone’s out here for fun,” said Ella. “They love seeing the falls as much as they love seeing something work because it’s super entertaining, so I don’t feel like anyone feels like a lot of pressure to be perfect.”

ROUGH WATERS

All members of the organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that teaches waterskiing and water safety to people of all ages, are involved in a volunteer capacity.

That means members could only turn out on weekends to work on repairs.

“I think a lot of people would have questioned whether or not we’d be doing any shows at all this season, so it’s pretty cool that we’re at this threshold, this milestone, I guess,” said Brian Robbins, a member for nearly 40 years.

Hurricane Helene brought mainly water and storm surge-related damage to the property, while Milton exacerbated the issues with wind damage and fallen trees.

Some of the major water damage included a dock being lifted and moved to a neighbor’s property, the stage being lifted over the deck and a section of the concrete walkway being hollowed out.

When Milton came, numerous

Australian pines fell, resulting in the ski shed and costume shed having to be reenclosed and the costumes collected from the surrounding area.

“All of our trees had yellow insulation just covering them from all of the destruction,” said Lance Robbins, Brian Robbins’ brother. “There were just hanging limbs and everything everywhere.”

Yet, amid the repairs needed to community members’ homes, there was still help to be found.

One Ski-A-Rees member who is a site work contractor helped with replenishing sand, while another brought friends from the outrigger canoe rowing at Nathan Benderson Park on multiple occasions.

Loss of the ability to perform was financially taxing, members said, since shows are the organization’s main source of revenue.

Walker, a senior in high school, said because of the damage, she missed out on the season for which she’d been hoping.

“I’m going to college, so I won’t be back all the time, so this is one of my last seasons that I could really be here, and I kind of lost that,” she said.

Having been skiing for about 14 years and involved with the organization for 10, she’s found a supportive environment with the SkiA-Rees.

“There’s a great support team out here,” she said. “There’s a lot of past people that have been ... ski pros at some point, so there’s a lot of great teachers that you can learn anything from.”

Abby Duplissey, 19, has been skiing

with the organization for 10 years, and was eager to be back in the water.

“It’s a family; it’s just a secondary family,” she said. “It really is. I’ve been out here since I was 10, so as much as I’ve seen other people grow up, they’ve all gotten to see me grow up as well, so we all spend every weekend together, at least, and have for the past decade.”

President Brad Satterlee, meanwhile, was ready for the Ski-A-Rees to return to its mission.

“We’re not here to clean up and fix things,” he said. “We’re here to ski and put on shows for Sarasota. It’s great to be back here and doing shows, so we’re excited to be back on the water and hope everyone comes out and sees us.”

MUSCLE MEMORY

Although members of the ski team had little chance for practice recently, they nonetheless were confident as they prepared to enter the water.

Following the show, skier Andrew Hawblitzel said it was a good day despite the conditions, still calling the weather “beautiful.”

“Everything becomes muscle memory, like riding a bike, so the longer you do it, the more you just know you’re going to go out there and do what you know,” he said.

He also said the weather wasn’t a hindrance to having fun.

“Unpredictable weather leads to the best practice, ultimately, so it was a fun time,” he said. “A big crowd came out to support for the first show back, so can’t ask for much more than that.”

IF YOU GO

SARASOTA SKI-A-REES WATER SHOW TEAM

Where: 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway When: Shows will continue through the spring each Sunday at 2 p.m., with the last show scheduled for Sunday, May 11. Visit: SkiARees.com.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 27

TASTE AND TUNES OF THE KEY

6-8:30 p.m. at Longboat Key Club

Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive. The Longboat Key Garden Club presents an evening of spectacular music and dining, featuring a dozen local restaurants. $90 general admission; $100 admission with guaranteed seating. Visit LBKGardenClub.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 28

ROYAL RUMMAGE SALE

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 and 9 a.m. to noon on March 1 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, at 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The church is holding its annual Royal Rummage Sale at the Father Edward Pick Hall. Early bird admission is $5 for the sale on Feb. 28; admission is free on March 1.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

TOASTING TO SIPS

Noon to 3 p.m. at Sips, 6828 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The centrally located coffee shop celebrates its second anniversary with live music, coffee and cake, a grill out lunch menu and happy hour specials. Call 941312-5646 with questions.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

CONSERVATION STATION

3-4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Conservationist Jon Thaxton leads a lecture on balancing the need for development in protecting our natural environment. Cost is $20 for members for a single lecture; $25 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222, email Admin@TBIEducationCenter. org or visit TBIEducationCenter. org.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-6493.

PUMPING THE PRIME

10 a.m. at Bayfront Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Led by Mirabai Holland, classes focus on low-impact cardio and muscle-toning strength exercises. Recommended that participants

BEST BET

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

SAVOR THE SOUNDS

5:30-8 p.m. at the Town Center Green Karon Family Pavilion, 600 Bay Isles Road. The Big Z Band performs in the first of a three-part concert series organized by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and a Mike Sales will perform soon after. Tickets are available online at 941-383-2466 or in person at the chamber office.

can readily lower to and rise from the floor. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Email Mirabai@MovingFree.com or call 956-1466.

MONDAYS MARKET ON THE KEY

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. first and third Mondays at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. The outdoor market features local artists, vendors of all types and food, continuing through April. Call 941-289-4141.

STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. The focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

PILATES SCULPT

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. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels. Cost is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.

New St. Mary, Star of the Sea members get ready to rummage

Organizers expect turnout this weekend to meet or even exceed last year’s gathering of 800 people.

DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER

In the final weeks before doors open, the nearly 100 volunteers worked feverishly to sort and stage items for the largest rummage sale on Longboat Key, which had a turnout of about 800 people last year.

The Women’s Guild of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church is holding its annual sale this weekend, starting with the early bird kickoff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 28. Deal hunters pay a $5 admission to get a first pass at the available wares, while entry is free for the regular sale from 9 a.m. to noon on March 1.

Co-Chairs Julia Graziano and Barb Puchta said it pays to join the early crowd considering the line to enter the sale has historically wrapped around the Father Edward Pickering Hall.

Lining the entire event space are folding tables and shelves stacked high with clothing, purses, decorations, books, board games and many other gently used items. Outside, more volunteers crated out furniture, large pieces of art and other prized items that can otherwise be challenging to find on sale.

“It’s a little chaotic at the moment, but it will be great when we get to the day of the sale,” Puchta joked, while guild members deftly folded shirts and sheets into neat piles behind them.

She said she believes it is the wide variety of quality items that draws such a large crowd year by year. To put it simply, “People just love a good deal.”

Graziano and Puchta are both new guild members who volunteered to step up and lead the preparations for the sale.

Graziano said women’s clothing is particularly a big draw, and their stock includes items for every occasion.

Though both are new members of the guild, they agreed to rise to the occasion and coordinate the large-scale sale in its 18th year, which is made possible through

FOR SALE BY OWNER

donations and helps support local organizations.

Graziano anticipates this year’s sale may be bigger than last year as residents work to redecorate their homes, replacing storm-damaged items.

“It’s really a great cause, and everyone here today is so nice and very helpful,” she said. Puchta added, “They’ve all recruited their husbands, too.”

$16,000,000

Bird Key home tops this week’s sales at $5.5 million

ADAM HUGHES

RESEARCH EDITOR

Nancy David, of Sarasota, sold her home at 247 Robin Drive to 247 Robin LLC for $5.5 million. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,059 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in 1996.

BIRD KEY

Dockside Homes LLC sold the home at 435 Pheasant Way to Tillman Investments LLC for $3,775,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,889 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2023.

L’ELEGANCE ON LIDO BEACH

Roberto Jimenez, trustee, sold the Unit B-507 condominium at 1800 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Thomas Andrew Vella and Cynthia Jean Vella, of Longboat Key, for $2.1 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,980 square feet of living area. It sold for $975,000 in 2018.

JOHN RINGLING ESTATES

Graham and Rebecca Wright, of Sarasota, sold their home at 148 Polk Drive to Seaward Development LLC for $2,085,500. Built in 1956, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,115 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 1992.

QUEEN’S HARBOUR

Monika Osborn, trustee, of Cincinnati, sold the home at 3607 Fair Oaks Place to Marcy Fagin, of St. Louis, for $1.7 million. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,339 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.65 million in 2023.

EMERALD HARBOR

Lee Ann Salle, trustee, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, sold the home at 720 Old Compass Road to

Clifford Scott Franklin and Amy Franklin, of Lakeland, for $1.6 million. Built in 1970, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,393 square feet of living area. It sold for $340,000 in 1999.

GRAND BAY

Andrew and Gillian Anderson, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 252 condominium at 3040 Grand Bay Blvd. to Longboat Condo LLC for $1.45 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.45 million in 2024.

EMERALD POINTE SOUTH

David Valentine, of Hamilton, Ohio, sold his Unit 1 condominium at 1901 Harbour Links Circle to Robert and Barbara Libby, of Longboat Key, for $1,175,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,376 square feet of living area. It sold for $544,000 in 2015.

McCALL’S BEACH CASTLE Puravida FL Investments LLC sold

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

the Unit 11 condominium at 5310 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Carol Koenig, trustee, of Hinckley, Illinois, for $700,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,014 square feet of living area. It sold for $580,000 in 2023.

LONGBOAT ARMS

Margot Eagleton, of Rockledge, sold her Unit 302-C condominium at 3320 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Brian Lenaghan and Mary Colleen FallonLenaghan, of Tampa, for $478,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,187 square feet of living area. It sold for $43,500 in 1977.

for the week of Feb. 14-20 in order of dollar amounts. Source: Town of Longboat Key

LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY ACG RE INV FUND 1 LLC sold the home at 610 Fox St. to Elizabeth Brito and Sebastian Pirritano, trustees, of Orlando, for $459,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,206 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in January.

ONLINE

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST

FRIDAY, FEB. 28 High:

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