The secret is out Longboat Key has taken the first slot in Travel + Leisure’s new list of Top 10 best islands to visit in the South.
The magazine labeled the Key “one of the region’s bestkept secrets,” citing its plethora of activities including kayaking with dolphins and manatees and sunset cruises, available to visitors “even in the depths of winter.”
The article also highlighted the Key’s “typically less crowded” beaches. Other states that made the cut included South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas and Mississippi.
All Angels art fundraiser surpasses $10K
All Angels by the Sea surpassed $10,000 with its annual art sale last month, beating the $9,319 raised last year, according to administrative assistant Linn Torres, above.
Community members donated about 470 pieces to support the “New to You” sale, which started Feb. 3. Torres acknowledged the church is immensely grateful for the public’s support, both in donating and buying items this year. The proceeds go to support Turning Points, which provides help for Manatee County families and individuals facing homelessness.
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025
No curb appeal on Longboat
St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church holds its annual rummage sale. SEE PAGE 10B
Courtesy image
Gail J. Weiser captured this photo of a beautiful sunset from Isles Beach on Longboat Key.
Dana Kampa
Dana Kampa
“Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury greets shoppers at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church annual rummage sale Feb. 28.
WEEK OF MARCH 6, 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
5
250 People who attended the Taste and Tunes of the Keys this year. PAGE 2B
CALENDAR
n Town Shredding Event
— 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 7, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road
n Town General Election —
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, Longboat Island Chapel (6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive) for Manatee County voters, Longboat Key Town Hall (501 Bay Isles Road) for Sarasota County voters
n ManaSota League of Cities Meeting — 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to be at this point.”
Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman on the project to bury utilities Read more on page 6A
Fire rescue department offers life-saving course
The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department will host free life-saving classes from April through August for Longboat Key residents.
During the one-hour sessions, Longboat Key firefighter paramedics will instruct participants on the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a automated external defibrillator(AED).
An AED is a commonly used device to help someone who experiences a sudden cardiac arrest. The method of CPR is an
emergency procedure of using chest compressions and artificial breathing when someone’s heart stops working.
This course will teach handsonly CPR, which does not involve breaths. According to the American Heart Association, hands-only CPR is as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes.
All courses will begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station 91, located at 5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
These courses are free to the public but spaces are limited to 16 participants per course. The dates for the upcoming courses are:
n April 17
n April 30
n May 15
n May 28
n June 18
n July 16
n Aug. 13
For more information or to register for the courses, email LBoggs@LongboatKey.org or call 941-316-1944.
Small Business Administration opens local office
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced the opening of local Business Recovery Centers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The administration can help small businesses and nonprofits after disasters with the SBA’s disaster loan program, which can help the business owners or organization heads to recover after natural disasters.
The SBA disaster loan can be awarded up to $2 million at interest rates as low as 4% for some businesses. Payments for the loans are not due until 12 months after the first disbursement. Representatives at the local centers can help applicants through the application process.
The closest center for Longboat Key residents is located at the Tingley Memorial Library at 111 Second St. N., Bradenton Beach. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Climate Adaptation Center preps forecast
The Climate Adaptation Center announced it will hold its annual hurricane forecast on April 1.
The Sarasota-based organization will hold the event from 8:30 a.m. to noon on April 1 at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus.
In the past, the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC) has been accurate in predicting the number of storms during the hurricane season. For example, the CAC states it predicted the exact number of hurricanes and major hurricanes in 2023, and over-forecasted both metrics by one in 2024.
Tickets for the April 1 forecast presentation event are on sale now through the CAC’s website starting at $49. To learn more or register for the event, visit TheClimateAdaptationCenter.org.
Courtesy of the town of Longboat Key Facebook page
Longboat Key firefighter paramedics offer CPR and AED training to Longboat Key residents.
Residents raise median concerns
Residents of Country Club Shores have mixed feelings about the addition of raised, curbed medians to some of the lanes.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
The town of Longboat Key’s project to bring turn lanes into the southern Country Club Shores neighborhoods begins construction this month.
The Country Club Shores turn lane project will add left-turn lanes to several streets that extend into the Country Club Shores neighborhoods, particularly in the Country Club Shores 1, 2 and 3 developments.
The scope of the project includes widening the portion of Gulf of Mexico Drive by 12 feet to become a 44-foot wide roadway section. Within that section will be two 11-foot travel lanes, a 10-foot turn lane, two 6-foot paved shoulders and five curbed, landscaped medians.
Overall, the project is intended to allow for safer and more efficient turning into the Country Club Shores neighborhoods.
The project has been in the works for nearly eight years. Originally, the idea was to create a single left-turn lane in the middle of the two travel lanes without any medians.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), however, turned down this proposal and added the requirement of medians to break up the left-turn lane, citing safety concerns.
The original funding reimbursement agreement between the FDOT and the town of Longboat Key included a $1.4 million reimbursement from FDOT. With the new additions of curbed medians increasing the scope of the project, construction bids came in higher at around $2.6 million. The bid winner for the project is Superior Asphalt Inc.
This bid price caused a delay in the project last year as the town negotiated with the FDOT to up its reimbursement agreement, which the state department eventually agreed to do.
CONCERNS RAISED
Residents within the Country Club Shores community have mixed opinions about the addition of raised, curbed medians.
Lynn Larson, Country Club Shores resident and former town commissioner, said some residents were surprised to learn that the project included raised medians.
Larson was a commissioner from 2009 to 2016, when the turn lane project began to take root. Residents came to her with concerns about turning into the Country Club Shores neighborhood.
“They expressed, and they were right, that they didn’t have a turn lane,” Larson said. “So that’s what I had put in a request for that turn lane to extend all the way down.”
If southbound residents try to turn left into the neighborhoods without having a designated turn lane, Larson said it backs up traffic, which can be especially bad in peak season.
“If somebody tries to turn left, it backs traffic up all the way to Publix, so it’s a real mess,” Larson said. “You hope that red light triggers at the Longboat Key Club, or you’re going to sit there for a while.”
Then, for residents turning left out of the communities to go south on GMD , there’s another problem — without a turn lane acting as a “staging” area, it forces drivers to wait for a gap in traffic, which can be hard to come by given the time of year.
“The fact that we haven’t had more accidents because you have an elderly population out here is a shock,” Larson said.
Sometimes, residents are forced to concede, turn right and go to Publix for a turnaround spot.
It’s because of these traffic issues that Larson believes the project is bigger than Country Club Shores.
“It’s not just a Country Club Shores issue, it’s an island issue,” Larson said.
Larson added some residents in her community raised issues about the medians, though, and claim the structures will inhibit the ability to “stage” in the turn lane. Also, when the drivers find a gap in traffic, having the medians in the way may be another obstacle for some drivers because they need to pull out perpendicularly around the median before turning south.
Residents like Lynn Cook feel the project is important to the safety of residents turning into the neighborhoods and are fine with the alterations.
“I’ve been begging for this project
for seven or eight years,” Cook said. “However they want to do it, whatever they need to put in, I’ll take it.” At the Country Club Shores Unit 4 recent annual meeting, Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman gave a presentation to the community members, and some were adamant about their opinions, Larson said.
After the meeting, Brownman spoke to the Longboat Key Town Commission at the board’s regular workshop on Feb. 18 and recapped the meeting with Country Club Shores residents.
“Many residents were there and strongly objected to the presence of curbs at all,” Brownman said. Brownman told commissioners curbs are a standard roadway feature and a requirement by the FDOT for this project. He said he would work to facilitate conversations with the FDOT to see if alterations to the medians are possible to reach a compromise, such as trimming the curbed medians back a couple of feet.
“The FDOT still gets the benefit of breaking up the single turn lane, and then the people exiting now have a car or two car lengths to stage,” Brownman said.
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
The project is in the mobilization phase starting the week of March 3. Signs at both ends of the nearly 1-mile project site warn motorists of the roadway construction.
A mid-March to early May time frame is where the bulk of the excavation and base installation for the project will begin.
The contractor has until the end of 2025 to finish construction with Town Engineer Jennifer Fehrs saying asphalt work may begin around mid-May, which would be the final stage of the project.
Fehrs also said the town pursued a request for information (RFI) after hearing some residents’ concerns about the safety of the medians. The FDOT will evaluate the RFI and Fehrs said this could be an aspect of the project still in flux.
Brownman previously told the Observer the contractor’s traffic plan will maintain two lanes of travel throughout construction, something important to the project team, especially starting construction during peak season.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
The center turn lane would benefit drivers entering Country Club Shores.
Ketch Lane would be one of the Country Club Shores roads to gain a turn lane with the project.
RED TIDE RESPONSE
anatee County parks officials were quick to respond when beachgoers began reporting fish kills, a side effect of red tide, on beaches from Longboat Key to Coquina Beach.
Around mid-February, Longboat Key residents experienced the effects of what seemed to be a red tide bloom. The usual suspects were prominent — piles of dead fish, foul odor and respiratory issues.
Residents, along with local municipalities, began noticing the symptoms around Feb. 14 according to Carmine DeMilio, deputy director for parks and county grounds with Manatee County. The next morning, DeMilio’s
The county spent the end of February raking beaches daily to clean up fish kills for beachgoers, and county officials say the area is in the clear for now.
team was mobilized on the beaches by 8 a.m., ready to begin the initial cleanup.
Over that weekend, though, Longboat Key residents reported respiratory issues and fish kill had worsened. On Feb. 17, piles of dead fish covered many parts of Longboat Key’s beaches near the tide lines. That week and into the following weekend, conditions improved and, since then, red tide symptoms have been miniscule around the island. Behind the scenes, during that week, Manatee County was cleaning northern beaches every day.
The county’s response included Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach, the Bayfront Park beach and the Manatee County side of Longboat Key. It’s about 2.7 miles of beaches to rake.
Manatee County’s red tide response included daily beach raking to clean up dead fish that washed up on the beaches.
ty has been staying up-to-date with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s red tide reports and updates. For now, though, it appears the area is safe from red tide effects.
DeMilio said any red tide remnants seem to be offshore, and the current wind conditions are keeping it that way.
“Everything’s offshore right now,” DeMilio said. “But then you can have a change of the winds. You can have westerly winds come in and then push things ashore.”
Currently, southeastern winds are keeping the red tide at bay.
WHAT IS RED TIDE?
Red tide blooms, also called harmful algae blooms, can cause side effects of fish kill, respiratory irritation, skin problems, eye irritation, and toxicity poisoning in birds and marine animals.
The most common of these blooms are formed by the microorganism
Karenia brevis (K. brevis).
Blooms typically form offshore and then are pushed closer to the shore by wind and currents, according to Florida Sea Grant.
Blooms of red tide can cause water to look discolored, sometimes reddishbrown, hence the name red tide.
According to some reports, an excess of nutrient runoff from things like lawn fertilizer can feed a red tide bloom as it comes closer to shore. This can exacerbate the issue. When red tide blooms occur and last, the effects can be damaging to local economics, according to the FWC. During one bloom in the 1970s and 1980s, its estimated local economies lost between $15 million and $25 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
DeMilio said Feb. 13-20 were the hardest-hit days, and crews had to use three rakes on the beaches daily to ensure a clean beach.
The crews mobilized early in the mornings and aimed to be done by 10 a.m. every day, completing at least four passes on each section, according to DeMilio.
“We usually start about 5:30-6 a.m. because we want to be off the beach by 10 a.m. because we don’t want to inconvenience any of the visitors that are trying to set up for the day,” DeMilio said.
Tractors along the beaches pull mechanical rakes to collect the piles of dead fish into a loader.
“That’s not only cleaned and raked but it gets sifted so that there’s no debris left behind, whether it’s fish, a bottle cap or a piece of glass,” DeMilio said. Since then, DeMilio said the coun-
The Tangible Benefits Of Private Aviation
For most of us time is a luxury. Flying private is about reclaiming that time and maximizing the efficiency and enjoyment of your travel. Let’s face it, say the word airport and we all cringe. For both business and leisure, private travel offers significant advantages over flying commercial.
TIME EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE
Bypass the stress of long security lines, crowded terminals, and lengthy check-in processes with private air travel. You can arrive minutes before your flight and depart immediately upon landing. And, you control your schedule, flying when and where you need to.
By accessing smaller airports, you’ll be closer to your destination saving valuable time. Not to mention, Commercial airlines fly lower and slower, while private jets fly more direct and immediate routes. You’ll also avoid the risk of missed connections by avoiding the commercial airline ripple effect.
ENHANCED PRIVACY AND PRODUCTIVITY
Flying privately ensures a quiet, distraction-free space to work, hold meetings, or relax. Onboard Wi-Fi and workspaces ensure productivity throughout the journey. If privacy is essential, Orion Sky Charters
“Wind direction is our friend,” DeMilio said. “In this case, we’re lucking out and our visitors are very happy.”
Recent reports from the Florida Department of Health showed no Karenia brevis cells — the organism responsible for red tide — in the area from Longboat Key down to Venice and Caspersen Beach. Those samples were last taken on Feb. 24.
Mote Marine’s reporting also showed conditions around mid-key were good on Feb. 28, with one report stating there were no dead fish and no respiratory issues that day.
RED TIDE MITIGATION TESTING
Further south in Venice, Mote conducted the first field-testing of the organization’s newly developed red tide mitigation tools on Feb. 14.
Two of the technologies — Mote’s Clear and Heartland Energy Group’s Xtreme — were used on an active red tide bloom in Venice canals. Mote collaborated with Heartland Energy Group and A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure to mobilize and conduct the field testing.
Mote unveiled these technologies and more during a media event on Jan. 29. Clear is a biocide developed at Mote that can be distributed anywhere in the water column to safely attack red tide blooms. Xtreme is a similar chemical that can be sprayed onto the water surface.
Mote scientists will continue to evaluate the canals on which the technologies were deployed to take water samples and collect data on the products.
will arrange transportation direct to your tarmac with security available for VIP clients. Clients are often provided with direct lines to a coordination team to allow for adjustments and real-time updates during their journey.
LUXURY AND COMFORT REDEFINED
Spacious cabins, plush seating, and personalized amenities provide for a relaxing flight and exceptional comfort. Enjoy gourmet dining tailored to your tastes and receive top-notch service from dedicated flight crews.
Orion Sky Charters offers access to luxurious lounges and business facilities. Orion’s staff utilizes premier FBOs and can handle a variety of requests such as hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, or last-minute requests.
A SUSTAINABLE AND SMART CHOICE: ORION SKY CHARTERS
For those seeking a responsible and exceptional experience, Orion Sky Charters stands out. Their commitment to carbon neutrality ensures that your flight’s carbon footprint is fully offset, allowing you to travel with peace of mind. As a pilot-owned company, Orion maintains the highest safety standards, ensuring that all operators meet FAA regulations and all aircrafts hold a minimum ARGUS GOLD rating.
Moderately priced “empty-leg” flights are an excellent option for impulse travelers, offering a luxurious travel experience at a significantly reduced cost.
In 2025, spend time where it matters –Choose private air travel.
Carter Weinhofer
Some parts of Longboat Key’s beaches were lined with dead fish on Feb. 17.
Manatee County cleaned up some beaches in mid-February when red tide effects were on the rise.
Courtesy images
Almost fully underground
the town of Longboat Key’s underground utilities project is closer.
The project to bury the Key’s utilites reached a milestone of having all known electrical service conversions complete for the project. This means all services to homes and businesses on Longboat Key are operating on the underground system.
Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman presented the update at the Longboat Key Town Commission’s March 3 meeting.
Brownman said Florida Power & Light (FPL) and its contractor Wilco Electrical will go through and ensure there weren’t any missed connections, but to their knowledge, the conversions are complete.
There are still some feeder lines and risers that need to be taken care of in the last two phases, Phases 3 and 4. Phase 3 extends from the north end of Country Club Shores up to the county line, and Phase 4 goes from the county line to Dream Island Road.
In Phase 3, 93 of the 95, or about 98%, of the required switching orders are complete and in Phase 4, 111 of the estimated 115 switching orders, or about 97%, are complete.
Phase 1 is the southernmost phase, which extends from the New Pass Bridge to the north end of Country Club Shores. Phase 2 is the northernmost phase, which goes from the Longboat Pass Bridge to Dream Island Road. Both are fully complete.
Brownman said another one of FPL’s contractors, Irby Construction, is working throughout the island to complete overhead pole removal.
According to Brownman, FPL estimates final pole removal will be complete no later than June.
“They loudly and clearly hear that we want them to continue to press for sooner than that,” Brownman said. “As soon as we can get these final pieces of Phase 3 and Phase 4,
About six switching orders remain and Florida Power & Light anticipates having poles removed by June.
The budget for the undergrounding project was projected to be $49 million and the town’s finance department is currently tracking a $6 million surplus.
Wilco can do their final conversion work with the feeders and Irby can press through and do those removals that we’re all looking forward to.”
Brownman said the focus of the project now is to convert final feeder lines and risers within Phases 3 and 4 and continue to allow Irby to proceed with pole removal.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to be at this point,” Brownman said.
Despite delays in the project’s timeline, the budget for the undergrounding project is positive.
The budget was projected to be $49 million and the town’s finance department is currently tracking a $6 million surplus.
Some of those surplus funds will be applied to enhance street signs and highway lights around the island.
This includes $483,245 for new backlit street signs for the town’s
side streets and $1,333,760 for additional highway lights along Gulf of Mexico Drive (GMD).
As Wilco heads toward the end of its part in the undergrounding project, Brownman said the contractor will be asked to address lights that were damaged from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
There was damage to nearly 41 lights along GMD and 76 lights in the neighborhoods. Brownman did not have a timeframe to repair those as of the March 3 meeting.
Town referendums in 2015 and 2016 began the process to bury utilities.
Voters elected to allow the town to borrow $25.25 million for the GMD portion of the project and $23.85 million for the neighborhoods’ portion of the project.
Active construction began in 2019 and had an initial timeline of about
Active construction began in 2019 and had an initial timeline of about threeand-a-half years to get the bulk of the underground infrastructure in place.
three-and-a-half years to get the bulk of the underground infrastructure in place.
One of the most challenging aspects of the project was the need to acquire easements from property owners, which contributed to a lengthened timeline.
In 2023, the project team discovered an oversight existing underground transformers would not be compatible with the new system. The need to order about 20 transformers, coupled with supply chain issues, was a setback for the project. Along the way, hurricanes also temporarily derailed progress as FPL and its contractors responded to areas in need after the storms. This included Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
It’s an unconvincing case
Each side of The RinglingNew College question can make a case. But it’s difficult to be convinced that New College is ready.
Of course it was no surprise. The minute word spread that Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing to shift responsibility for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art — Florida’s state museum — from Florida State University to New College of Florida, there was horrified gasping, choking and resistance.
That’s the way it always goes around here when someone proposes dramatic change. Especially at New College. What?! There he goes again. Power hungry Richard Corcoran just going after more empire building, and using his buddy to get there.
This is a complicated work of art and politics; a complicated work of vision and business execution (or lack of); and, as most everything does, it involves a lot of money — taxpayer money, to be precise. Depending on the insiders with whom you speak, everyone can make a good case — for keeping the museum under the FSU umbrella or transferring it to New College. But the explicit question President Corcoran has thrust into the public square for consideration is: Which institution is most likely to take the Ringling Museum “from good to great” and, at the same time, provide the best benefits to Florida taxpayers?
FSU WON THE BID
Were it not for Bradenton lawyer Bob Blalock, the late Sarasota state Sen. Bob Johnson and former Senate President John McKay back in 2000, the Ringling Museum, Ca’ d’Zan and Circus Museum, minus everything else there now, likely would be as it was — a local, Sarasota museum on the decline, growing financially desperate for a way to stay afloat.
The civic-minded Blalock and Johnson took to McKay the idea to have either Florida State University or the University of South Florida become the stewards of the museum — financially and operationally. With access to state funding, a much wider net of possible donors and possibilities of undergraduate and graduate art programs, one of the universities could sustain the museum and help it grow. Together, Blalock, Johnson and McKay pitched the idea to each university to bid. Obviously, FSU won. McKay shepherded the idea through the Legislature.
One of the key features of this stewardship was tucking Ringling’s finances within FSU’s billion-dollar operations. That prevented future governors from messing with the Ringling’s finances and turning the museum into a political pawn.
For the past quarter century, you can accurately say the merger has worked.
In that time, the fast-decaying Ca’ d’Zan was restored; the Historic Asolo Theater and Circus Museum were restored; the museum continued to grow in collections and prestige; and new additions gradually filled out John and Mable Ringling’s property, including the Tibbals Circus Model, Glass Pavilion and Center for Asian Art, among them. Along the way, as part of an FSUwide capital campaign, FSU and the board of the Ringling Museum of Art Foundation Inc., the fundraising arm and overseer of the museum, raised $101 million in 2019 in an FSU-wide capital campaign. The amount exceeded the $100 million goal. Long-time, local
museum supporters were agog that goal could be reached.
They will tell you the relationship with FSU and its donor network certainly contributed to the success. Worth noting is that in The Ringling’s annual list of top donors, FSU and the FSU Foundation are always the museum’s top two donors.
But the benefits go both ways.
The Ringling helps FSU, too.
While New College’s Corcoran makes the case that geographic proximity would create a more dynamic and intertwined relationship for the two institutions, breaking the tie between FSU and The Ringling might be like trying to saw the Sunshine Skyway in two.
Every FSU president who succeeded Sandy D’Alemberte, the president who made sure FSU won the bid, has felt and seen the importance of The Ringling for FSU.
To be sure, one of the most important jobs of a college or university president is to raise money.
In that vein, since The Ringling has become part of FSU, we were told, The Ringling typically is always among FSU’s top five colleges for generating the most donor money.
The story goes that when the late T.K. Wetherell became FSU’s president (from 2003-2010), he wanted to give The Ringling to USF. D’Alemberte said once Wetherell sees how much money The Ringling generates, “he will love it.”
Suffice it to say, behind the scenes over the next three months in Tallahassee, there will be intense conversations among powerful FSU-Ringling supporters; the DeSantis-Corcoran-New College contingent; and Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez. Perez is an FSU graduate and has already clashed with DeSantis.
It may get ugly. Don’t put it past DeSantis to use The Ringling as a chess piece. “You give me RinglingNew College, or, Mr. Speaker, I’ll veto your pet projects.”
POSITIVE RESULTS
One of the pro-FSU-Ringling arguments will be that their relationship is working well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
To that end, if you read The Ringling’s 2023-2024 annual review, you easily can get the impression the museum and its affiliates are thriving. The 28-page book is chockful of reports on the year’s new exhibitions, public outreach programming, arts performances, art acquisitions and restorations of the historic grounds. Mind you, annual reports are crafted to paint the best picture possible. Even so, numbers do tell a story. In the past two fiscal years, The Ringling has reported record financial and attendance results.
■ 2023-24 admissions income: $6,072,647, a 19% increase over the previous year and a record.
■ 2023-24 attendance: 406,510, the fourth-highest year, best since post-COVID and a 7.5% increase over the previous year. It was the first time since COVID that attendance exceeded 400,000.
FSU’S INFRASTRUCTURE
Then there is the infrastructure. Again, read the annual review. You cannot help but sense The Ringling is a complex operation with many spinning plates — all of which take honed expertise.
A key ingredient to The Ringling’s operations has been the hiring of Executive Director Steven High in 2011. Not only had he been executive director of four art museums, his MBA gave him fiscal expertise. High oversees nearly 500,000 square feet of buildings, 66 acres of grounds, 260 staff members and 400-plus volunteers.
Entwined in that are the services that FSU provides: its development office supports The Ringling’s development team; building maintenance expertise; risk and insurance management; and, as one director noted, “PSI compliance (credit card processing and security) for more than 400,000 visitors.”
Also crucial: the museum’s curators. A proponent of maintaining the FSU relationship, the former director cautioned that a change to New College could bring what often happens when leadership changes in any business: Key people leave. “Curators are the essence of the museum,” he said. “They have the relationships with the art donors.”
Altogether, the pro-FSU contingent argues that FSU’s Ringling infrastructure would not just change the logos on their shirts to New College. New College would need millions of dollars in state funding to build the people infrastructure to operate The Ringling.
How long and how much would that take? What opportunity cost?
THE CORCORAN CASE
President Corcoran presented part of his case for the merging of New College and The Ringling in the Feb. 20 editions of the Observer. He called it “an alignment that strengthens Sarasota’s role as Florida’s premier hub for arts, education and scholarship, while ensuring that this historic and cherished museum remains deeply connected to and preserved by the community that has shaped it for nearly a century.”
He argues it’s common-sense geography, which would translate into better use of resources.
FSU and its administration and leadership are 330 miles away. And as every business owner who has multiple locations knows, distance between the home office and the satellites always means there is an “out of sight, out of mind” loss of culture and attention.
You can make a good case theoretically that having the two institutions as physical, next-door neighbors would ensure a more dynamic, more efficient, day-today culture and relationship for growth for both institutions. Likewise, Corcoran is not making a case that the FSU-Ringling relationship is unsuccessful or broken. But what we don’t know — nor has he presented — is how much better The Ringling could be or should be
LBK ELECTION: WE RECOMMEND
Election day for Longboat Key’s registered voters will be next Tuesday, March 11. The Observer recommends the following:
■ Town Commission AtLarge: Steve Branham
CHARTER AMENDMENTS
■ State revolving fund loan of not exceeding $33 million to finance construction of a subacqueous wastewater line. Yes
■ Allow the Town Commission to cancel the Town Commission’s July regular voting meeting. Yes
■ Allow the town manager or Town Commission to appoint a qualified individual to serve as acting town manager in the event of the town manager’s temporary unavailability or inability to act? Yes
doing. Are there data? Show us the money, say, a cost-benefit analysis.
Part of Corcoran’s argument is that The Ringling’s potential is hampered and held back being a sliver (0.8%) of a $3 billion-a-year FSU enterprise, an institution that pays far more attention to reviving a flagging football team than to maximizing the under-invested value of The Ringling. Give him the floor, and Corcoran can passionately make the argument that a combined New College and The Ringling would propel his vision of creating the premier liberal arts college in Florida, to be sure, and among the tops in the U.S.
For Corcoran, this is not a conservative or progressive issue. It’s a vision. But he also knows he faces institutional resistance to change and doubts among taxpayers that he can execute his vision.
BUGABOO: COST PER STUDENT
You can make a case for that doubt.
For one, Corcoran’s reputation is Trumpish — disruptor.
His style is not to dither and yap. It’s action. It’s break and throw out what doesn’t fit or what he doesn’t want and do things the way he wants — within the boundaries of state law. Never mind the pieces on the floor or feelings. Corcoran is all about: Measure the ultimate outcomes.
In that vein, when you read the New College board’s evaluation of Corcoran, all of the above is there. He has eight objectives that can earn him $200,000 on top of his annual $795,000 compensation.
In the most recent evaluation, he listed 66 major milestones and deliverables. Including:
■ An additional $32 million in state funding, on top of its annual appropriation.
■ Increased the New College of Florida Foundation funds 60% with a 54% increase in first-time donors.
■ Increasing enrollment — 360 new freshmen and undergraduate transfers, record numbers two consecutive years. Enrollment totaled 872, 10 students ahead of goal.
(For all 66 milestones, see: YourObserver.com/Opinion)
But there is still this bugaboo: New College has a long way to go for Corcoran to tout success. This one measurement hangs over him and New College: The cost to educate a student.
At New College, it’s $107,000 a year. By comparison, at Florida Gulf Coast University, it’s about $22,000. New College tuition and fees account for 3.9% of the college’s annual revenues; at FGCU, they account for 53% of revenues.
Under Corcoran’s vision, New College costs will always be higher than the other state universities because of its academics.
But for taxpayers to make the judgment that it makes economic and management sense for New College to take over the stewardship of The Ringling, if you were an investor with a moderate risk tolerance, a logical conclusion would be to say: Not now. Not yet.
Convince us with more results that the core business is stable, consistent and growing. And make the case with analysis that the idea is more than a grand vision.
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Dana Kampa, DKampa@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana
Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com
Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com
Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com
Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com
Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine
CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com
President / Emily Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles
Vice President / Lisa Walsh
MATT WALSH
Courtesy images
From the cover of The Ringling’s 2023-24 Annual Review.
NCF President Richard Corcoran
There’s more to the osprey on Longboat
I enjoyed seeing recognition given to the osprey nest at the intersection of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Longboat Key Club Road, but it was a missed opportunity to tell an inspirational story. For multiple seasons, residents have watched that nest be home to osprey as they patiently sat on their eggs, brought food to their young and fiercely chased off would-be predators. Watching those birds gave a sense of well-being — the world was spinning as it should be... but last fall the world on LBK spun apart. Many returned to find destruction and face the difficult task of letting go and rebuilding. Our world was not as it should be. Even our ever-faithful osprey nest was destroyed. We were all in this together. Smiling was difficult. Then one day sticks began appearing where the old nest once sat. Today, it appears a new
generation of ospreys are being nurtured. Watching their progress gives us a feeling of determination — If those birds can rebuild and start again, so can we!
BARBARA SHOCKEY LONGBOAT KEY
Freedom to speak and rebuttal
Freedom of the press is alive. Look no further than the Longboat Observer letters to the editor and recent contribution from Raymond Roitman. Raymond is lucky to share freely his personal thoughts on his description of the wonders of the past democratic achievements. I bet he was not silenced, condemned or deplatformed for questioning the science or propaganda coming from the media, like many doctors and health care professionals have been over the last 4 years. Raymond extolled
the virtues of Dr. Fauci. What motivated Biden to pardon a man who has not ‘yet’ been accused of doing anything criminal? A 10-year retroactive pardon just in case? Makes me even more suspicious of wrongdoing. The only thing I’d applaud from Fauci is a vaccine for Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). So Raymond says America needs unity, not divisiveness, calmness, and not disruption. Would the prominent legislators like AOC, Schift, Waters, Hirono, and Schumer, screaming hate from the podium, be shining examples of this scenario? I have yet to hear any democrats condone the abuse, fraud and waste of taxpayers’ funds uncovered by the D.O.G.E investigations. Please, just acknowledge one example of the outrageous misuse of funds. Is that so hard to do?
Hey Raymond, on a positive note, if you look to the skies you will see a dramatic reduction and some days complete elimination
of the chem trails in the skies of our area. The day DOGE suspended funds to USAID the chemical spraying of our skies stopped. It was amazing and many weather watchers noticed. We had days of beautiful, natural blue skies. For more information see GeoengineeringWatch.org.
ANN BRESLIN LONGBOAT KEY
County needs to remove dead fish from beach
My wife and I are Canadians who, along with the majority of American seasonal visitors, enjoy a reprieve from winter by coming to Siesta Key. To us, the beach is one of nature’s most beautiful attractions, but it quickly diminished last weekend.
I understand fully that red tide is a phenomenon that can impact
The state may not be able to stop red tide, but your tourist industry will end up like the forgotten dead fish if the thousands who come here like us stop coming because of such mismanagement.
the area, is harmful to humans and aquatic life and that researchers hope to find ways to combat its effects. But just as importantly, your county needs to do its part to address the impacts.
The first thing is to remove the rotting carnage.
As seasonal residents, we pay extremely high prices to stay in this exclusive area. On top of the premium rates, we pay an additional tourist tax. Presumably, recognizing that tourism is a core economic component of the community, these funds are to supply the additional services such as public beach parking, the Siesta Key trolly and other amenities to welcome the additional in-flow of residents during their stay.
According to Florida law, the shoreline where the dead fish end up is not private property. One would think that the removal of massive amounts of dead fish from the waterfront could be organized by state or municipal forces, not just for esthetics but for the physical and fiscal health of the area.
The state may not be able to stop red tide, but your tourist industry will end up like the forgotten dead fish if the thousands who come here like us stop coming because of such mismanagement.
MICHAEL SIDON SCHOMBERG, ONTARIO / SIESTA KEY
SEND US YOUR LETTERS
Have something to tell us? Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@ YourObserver.com
Dana Kampa
A pair of osprey have made a busy intersection their home this nesting season.
FWC rescues manatee
The manatee was in critical condition and transported to a rehabilitation facility in Myakka City.
n Feb. 26, a Florida Fish and
(FWC) crew responded to a manatee-in-
call in Longboat Key’s Bay Isles community. According to the crew on board, concerned citizens reported spotting the manatee in the area for a couple of days before FWC responded to rescue the animal.
In the canal was a large group of about 15 manatees, but one exhibited abnormal behavior and signs of distress. A crew of about 12 FWC members responded by boat to the canal and spotted the distressed manatee in the crowd.
The manatee suffered from cold stress and exhibited abscesses on its skin, some algae on its back and was slightly lethargic.
The FWC crew used a large net to
corral the manatee to the rescue vessel, which had a specially designed back to detach so the crew could easily pull the manatee onto the boat.
A crew member on board estimated it’s the agency’s 10th call this year for this type of injury. The manatee was in rough shape and needed urgent care.
The Observer reached out to the FWC after the rescue and, while the agency could not accommodate an interview, the agency provided an update on the rescued mammal.
“FWC’s marine mammal team rescued a 7-foot cold-stressed manatee on (Feb. 26), and it was transported to Bishop Museum’s satellite rehab facility in Myakka City,” an FWC representative said in a statement. “The manatee is critical, but doing OK so far in rehab.”
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton is part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership, founded in 2001. When a partner takes in a manatee in critical condition, it is first taken to a critical care facility at a satellite hospital to receive life-saving care. Then, the manatee is transferred to a second-stage rehabilitation facility like the Bishop Museum, where rehabilitators prepare the manatee to be released back into the wild.
MANATEE PROTECTIONS
Cold-stress is one of the common natural causes for a manatee to need to be rescued and receive critical care, according to the FWC.
This happens when manatees spend too much time in cold weather. If the manatees spend too much time in water temperatures less than 68 degrees, the mammals will begin to show symptoms of cold-stress.
Those symptoms include abscesses, skin bleaching,
sores, a heavy load of barnacles or algae and will appear to be underweight.
Cold stress often happens in smaller manatees, which can grow to about 10 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
Manatees are classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The FWC estimates there is a population of about 8,350 in Florida.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act protect these animals in Florida. Due to these protections, it’s important not to touch, disturb, feed or give water to manatees, the FWC states. If a manatee is spotted in distress, sick or dead, citizens can call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404FWCC (3922). Or text 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” and information about the manatee.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
The FWC crew used a large net to direct the manatee to the back of the vessel where it could then be loaded into the vessel.
Staff with FWC evaluate the rescued manatee, which appeared to be in critical condition from cold weather.
A Century of Care, A Future of Hope
In 1925, the people of Sarasota County came together to open a new hospital — their only hospital. With just 32 beds, it was named simply Sarasota Hospital.
One hundred years later, we have grown into something extraordinary: a healthcare system with two full-service hospitals, a Level II Trauma Center, a renowned cancer institute, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated behavioral health pavilion, and a vast network of outpatient and physician services. Today, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System stands as an award-winning symbol of excellence, recognized nationwide and respected worldwide.
While our name and reach have expanded, our mission remains steadfast. The promise endures: to safeguard our community’s health, to be there for our neighbors in times of need, and to carry forward the trust that has defined us for a century.
Because at our core, we are still a community hospital. And some things will never change.
CAT DEPOT SUPPLY &
LETTERS
is
for town sewer project
The town of Longboat Key requires a new multimillion-dollar sewer line laid on the bottom of Sarasota Bay. Thanks to the efforts of our town’s leadership team, we have an outstanding opportunity to save significant taxpayer dollars on this large infrastructure project. First, some background. Since sewer lines were installed on Longboat Key in the early 1970s, all our collected sewage has been pumped to the Manatee County treatment plant through a pressurized pipe located on the bottom of Sarasota Bay. Sewage is the No. 1 environmental concern for coastal and bay waters in Florida. Following a sewage leak in 2020, the town of Longboat Key entered into an agreement with Tallahassee to replace the old sewer line. The line replacement project has completed all planning and permitting hurdles and is ready to go pending financing.
We have three options to pay for the project. We can finance it using standard 20- or 30-year revenue bonds issued by the town. Or we can utilize a third option, a lowinterest inter-government loan from the state’s revolving clean water infrastructure program. The town staff have worked long and hard to qualify us for the infrastructure loan, which would be paid off in 20 years. It will save us $8.3 million versus 20-year bonds
and save a whopping $20.9 million versus 30-year bonds. It will also minimize the impact on our credit rating, reducing additional costs for future bonded programs like beach renourishment.
Most states have these infrastructure loan programs. They are always in great demand, with far more projects wanting than approved. Financed by the interest payments, they are not gifts or grants, but true loans. Qualifying for them requires three factors, a genuine public need, a solid repayment plan, and sound municipal finances. It is an indication of how well-managed Longboat Key is that we qualified for a large loan (less than $25 million) on our first try. It also emphasizes Tallahassee’s concerns about protecting the health of north Sarasota Bay.
Now that the town manager, commissioners and staff have done their part, we registered voters need to complete the program by voting YES on the town referendum in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, March 11. Early voting will be available at Town Hall 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 3 through March 8.
MARK M HULLINGER
LONGBOAT KEY
Mark Hullinger served as a utility commissioner in Washington State from 1993-2005. He has been a Longboat Key resident since 2005.
A swath of algae is pinned up against the eastern shore of Sarasota Bay by the west wind after Longboat Key reported a sewer line break in Bradenton in 2020.
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.
Early voting begins
Early voting takes place at Longboat Key Town Hall for the town election.
Early voting for the town of Longboat Key’s March election began on Monday.
Registered voters on the island can go to Longboat Key Town Hall, located at 501 Bay Isles Road, to cast early ballots. Polls for early voting are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Saturday, March 8. The town clerk’s office will offer a spread of treats for early voters throughout the week, including root beer floats in the afternoons.
The election includes a contested race for a commission seat, which is a rarity for Longboat Key elections. The last time Longboat Key had a contested commission race was in 2018.
Steve Branham and Debbie Murphy will vie for the at-large seat that will become vacant as Vice Mayor Mike Haycock terms out.
Also on the ballot is a referendum that asks town voters if the town should be allowed to pursue a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of up to $33 million for the subaqueous force main replacement project.
The project is necessary, and this
SRF loan offers a lower interest rate than alternative routes, like revenue bonds. If the referendum fails, the town would need to go with bonds at a higher interest rate, which would result in utility rates for residents being re-adjusted.
The last two items on the ballot are charter amendments.
The first deals with the town commission’s summer recess schedule. The town code already permits the commission to break in August, and it’s been a long-standing practice for the commission to wrap up voting matters during the last meeting in June and cancel July meetings to allow for a two-month recess. This amendment would make that twomonth recess a part of the town code.
The other charter amendment clarifies some language to allow the town manager or town commission to appoint an acting town manager in the event the town manager is unable to serve for some reason.
Alarm: A homeowner reported hearing a security alarm in their residence from the basement motion activation system. An officer arrived on the scene and spoke with the spooked homeowner who asked the officer to check his basement. The officer checked the basement but found nothing out of the ordinary and all windows and doors appeared to be secure.
SATURDAY, FEB. 22
RACCOON EVICTION
6 p.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Animal Problem: Officers were sent to deal with a raccoon that was on the fourth floor of a condominium building for several hours. The responding officers contacted Manatee County Animal Services, which told the officers it would only respond to emergencies. The Longboat Key officers then had to take matters into their own hands, eventually removing the raccoon with a 5-foot animal snare. The raccoon was released back into the wild with minor injuries, the report states.
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
SUSPICIOUS, LARGE MARINE LIFE
8:35 a.m., 100 block of Broadway Street
THURSDAY, FEB. 27
SMOKEY DISH
6:14 p.m., 2400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Alarm: Dispatch sent the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments to a fire alarm. Fire Rescue responded first and advised the alarm was triggered by cooking smoke and there was no emergency. Police assistance was canceled.
with a $7,000 check for lodging, but she claimed she never was provided lodging. When she tried to confront the man and ask for a refund, he was uncooperative. She then had to relocate out of state until recently and now wants to address the situation. The officer advised her this was a civil matter, which could be taken up in civil court.
Animal Problem: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a citizen’s report of a dead manatee washed on shore. At the scene, the officer discovered it was not a manatee but rather a goliath grouper dead on the beach. The officer contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to inform them it was not a manatee, and Longboat Key Public Works was notified.
MONDAY, FEB. 24
LODGING NOT RECEIVED
2:20 p.m., 5100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Civil Disturbance: A citizen called to report she had been scammed out of $7,000. She told the responding officer her home was destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and a neighbor put her in contact with a man from a local resort to arrange a stay. The complainant said she reached out to the man and paid him
5:59 p.m., 5200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Citizen Assist: A resident reported a group of fishermen using beach chairs belonging to a rental property. At the scene, the officer spoke to the fishermen, who said they were staying at the nearby rental property and claimed they were given permission to use the chairs. The officer advised them about the complaint made, so the fishermen returned the chairs without incident.
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
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.
Reprinted from the Business Observer
Longboat PD warns of scams
The department said it’s important to verify a request if it seems suspicious or marked as ‘urgent.’
Longboat Key Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino hopes to increase public awareness of rising scams targeting some of the island’s population.
According to Rubino, these scams ask residents to share sensitive information or send electronic payments by phone, text or other messages.
These scams often have messages that claim to be urgent, which Rubino said is the first red flag.
“If it seems urgent and you’re not sure who it is, hang up and verify who it is,” Rubino said.
Rubino said one scam that’s been increasingly popular asks people to purchase gift cards at stores like Publix or CVS and input the numbers from the gift card online to steal the funds.
Electronic payment solicitation has also been on the rise, Rubino said, requesting people to send money through platforms like Venmo, Cash App and Zelle.
Sometimes, the scammers pose as representatives from state, federal or local agencies. For example, the middle of tax season is a common ruse for scammers to pose as the IRS and send fake messages.
“What we’re asking is to be alert about people claiming to represent themselves from any agency or utility company,” Rubino said.
New technology also allows scammers to transfer sensitive information between phones by simply being near another phone.
That’s why it’s important also to be suspicious of strangers claiming their cell phone is dead and asking to use your phone. Rubino suggests asking the stranger for the number to call and dialing yourself instead
of handing your phone over to a stranger, from which they could then extract data.
Overall, Rubino said the department asks for residents to be aware of the potential scams, not to respond to unknown messages and, when in doubt, verify the request.
“If we can get everybody to be a little more conscious and a little more aware‚ it’s important not to give anything out without checking,” Rubino said. “Nothing is ever that urgent. Every one of these scams, they’ll tell you it’s urgent. As soon as you hear that and you suspect it’s some type of scam, hang up and verify.”
Additionally, Rubino is sending some officers to training about cryptocurrency security and scams in the coming weeks to stay up to date with modern currency methods.
Rubino also plans to have public sessions at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church and some homeowners associations to boost public outreach and awareness about the scams.
Bay Isles recognizes Longboat personnel
At its annual community forum, the Bay Isles Association honored Longboat Key town staff and Bay Isles board members for their efforts during hurricane recovery.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
The Bay Isles Association invited its community members to the second annual Bay Isles Community Forum to honor several Longboat Key personnel and BIA board members.
The forum, held on Feb. 26 at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Ballroom, began with a luncheon and a presentation by Town Manager Howard Tipton.
Tipton informed the audience about the upcoming ballot items for the March 11 election and provided updates about some projects on the island, like the utility undergrounding project.
After Tipton’s updates, BIA President H. Joseph Reiser began the presentation of the Hurricane Heroes Recognition Awards.
“It’s certainly a privilege for me to stand here and recognize the
hard work of our town officials and Bay Isles staff,” Reiser said. “Your unwavering commitment to preparing for extreme weather events, protecting lives and rebuilding our town in the aftermath has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Among the honorees were Tipton, Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi, Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino, Public Works Director Charlie Mopps and Mayor Ken Schneier.
Rubino wanted to recognize the department staff for their actions during the two storms. The award, he said, should be for the whole department.
“This is on behalf of the entire police department for all of their hard work,” Rubino said.
Reiser recognized the hard work of public information officers Susan Phillips and Tina Adams during the two hurricanes.
“Importantly, your consistent communications relative to storm
AWARD
WINNERS
The full list of honorees at the Hurricane Heroes Recognition Award Ceremony includes:
n Mayor Ken Schneier, on behalf of the Town Commission
n Town Manager
Howard Tipton
n Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman
n Fire Rescue Chief Paul Dezzi
n Interim Chief of Police
Frank Rubino
n Public Works Director
Charlie Mopps
n Public Information Officers Susan Phillips and Tina Adams
n Managing Director of the Longboat Key Club
Rick Konsavage
n Director of Agronomy at the Longboat Key Club John Reilly
n Bay Isles Association
Members:
- Mark Hullinger
- Julia Fosson
- Philip Deming
- Neil Fleet
WORSHIP directory
Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m. Live Stream the 10 a.m. service at AllAngelsLBK.org Pet Blessing | Pets of all faiths are welcome Town Center Green | Saturday, March 8th from 10:30 - 1 pm St. Patrick’s Day concert and dinner on March 17th. AllAngelsLBK.org 563 Bay Isles Rd • 941-383-8161
impact and access to the island were informative, timely and provided important contact information,” Reiser said.
Within the Bay Isles community, Reiser said the residents came together to show community strength and shared support after the storms.
“What was truly impressive was our communities spontaneously working together, and neighbors helping neighbors,” Reiser said.
Behind the scenes, though, Reiser said people like Longboat Key Club Managing Director Rick Konsavage and Director of Agronomy John Reilly were instrumental in getting the resort and Bay Isles operational again.
Reiser identified the other members of the BIA board who helped to manage the association during and after the hurricanes.
“This committee worked tirelessly
to ensure remote access, disseminate critical information to homeowners, restore vehicle control and begin the arduous process of debris management,” Reiser said.
The presentation included a summary of Bay Isles’ hurricane recovery status.
Reiser said, so far, the BIA has spent about $600,000 in hurricane recovery efforts, which included repairing damage to the beach facilities and canal cleanup. Overall, infrastructure restoration is about 85% complete, according to Reiser.
The cleanup and restoration provided the BIA an opportunity to reevaluate how to replant and analyze procedures — changes that could be a future benefit to the Bay Isles community.
“Get ready for a great new look in the next year or so,” Reiser said.
You are invited to join us in worship, song & friendship at Shabbat services every Friday evening at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am.
us. We’d be delighted to talk with you. Questions? Email us at info@longboatkeytemple.org
W
C ON CERT S ERIES
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Members of the Bay Isles Association Neil Fleet, Philip Deming, Julia Fosson and Mark Hullinger accept awards from the president of the association H. Joseph Reiser (center).
Public Information Officer Tina Adams was honored at the award ceremony, where she accepted an award from H. Joseph Reiser.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Behind the
CASTLE GATES
Sand sculptor gives glimpse of his craft.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key is home to artistic creations of every medium, but perhaps one of the most unique resides at Zota Beach Resort. Visitors need only turn left down the hallway past reception to come faceto-face with one of Patrick Harsch’s handcrafted sand sculptures.
Harsch has been honing his craft since the mid ’90s, and he became the owner of Tampa Bay Sandsculpting Co. in 2023.
His work is consistently on display at the resort, and though his previous creation suffered as many other buildings did in last year’s hurri canes, he recently rebuilt.
The latest piece features half a dozen stacked castle spires layered with roof tiles and window frames; a stoutly boarded gate prevents mali cious attackers from storming the Zota castle.
Harsch said in an interview he met his first tutor, his neighbor, while working with a video production house shortly after graduating col lege.
“He had a sandbox where he would practice, and he showed me the process of how to pack the sand together,” Harsch said. “He had a little bucket, just like you would have at the beach.”
However, this bucket was modified to be open on both ends, as a tube, so the artist can layer the water and sand, then simply lift the bucket, rather than flipping it over.
The assortment of other unique tools like cake-decorating spat ulas, cement trow els, melon ballers and palette knives, allows this sculptor to get to work.
“Everything can be ripped off from the kitchen or the garage for sand sculpting,” he added. His mentor set the challenge of recreating a carnival teddy bear, and Harsch tried his hand at it. He must have done well because he received a job offer on the spot, and he has continued sand sculpting the rest of his life.
Be it for a large-scale competition piece or an intricate design like that found at the resort, the required techniques are fairly similar. Maintaining consistent levels of packing and ratios of sand to water is essential, especially when it’s a long-lasting design.
Harsch said he has made about five sculptures for Zota, and with his experience, it takes about two days to create them. The sand comes in one wheelbarrow at a time, and he uses wooden formwork to make the larger blocks of sand he carves into intricate castle towers.
“The more details you add, the more your eye looks around the piece,” he said, noting how viewers enjoy peering through cut-through windows and other design elements.
However, it is always a balancing act between building awe-inspiring, gravity defying aspects and a structure to last as long as possible.
“You try to push the sand as far as you can push it, but there’s a mantra — safe is pretty,” he said.
The pieces get updated about twice a year, but the impression they make on guests lasts a lifetime.
Fans of his work can also find it on display at other resorts and The Mall at University Town Center.
“The more details you add, the more your eye looks around the piece.” —
Bleu: A Comedy d’Art.
The towering sculpture features a figure coming to life from the paint on an artist’s palette. Harsch said the author actually got to see his work after the showcase and shared it online.
This year’s festival has a new ele-
Photos by Dana Kampa
Sculptor Patrick Harsch’s latest work is on display at Zota Beach Resort. Harsch uses wooden frames to hold the base of his castle scuplture.
Patrick Harsch, sand sculptor
rganizers
This year, the Longboat Key Garden Club focused its fundraising energy on helping the community rebuild from last year’s hurricanes through beautification projects.
Club Vice President Lyn Haycock said the club was thrilled with the turnout of about 250 people that evening, who circulated around the room to sample the culinary offerings of the dozen restaurants involved in the event this year.
“All the restaurants do a fabulous job with their food, and we’re just glad everyone is having a good time,” Haycock said.
As they dined, attendees also took the opportunity to hit the dance floor to the tunes of The Klick Band, which delighted the patrons with groovy tunes, including “I Will Survive.”
Pastas, pizza, fresh fish and decadent sweets graced the ballroom tables. A favorite among the crowd, including attendee Kelly Shrout, was the mini crab cakes prepared by the Lazy Lobster.
Tom Huling, the food and bever-
age manager at the soon-to-open Cirque St. Armands Beachside, said the team was delighted to join the community event and looks forward to getting more involved after opening.
The high-end, circus-honoring resort features the restaurant Ringside. Huling said he’s particularly excited for future patrons to try out the resort’s raw bar and other restaurant-specific dishes. Moreover, he looks forward to what the resort will bring to the
bustling Lido Beach area. Club President Melanie Dale commended Haycock for the tremendous effort she put into making this year’s event a roaring success. Haycock said she hopes attendees realize just how much they’ve done to help re-energize the island, “not only with the landscape but also with the time they’ve spent together.”
— DANA KAMPA
Photos by Dana Kampa
Trudy Katstra, Kelly Shrout, Linda Crouse and Val Evanko
The Klick Band kept partiers dancing until the end of Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Paul Grothouse of
up sweets at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Bart and April Rickerch
Garden Club President Melanie Dale and Vice President Lyn Haycock
Peaceful lagoon views are enjoyed from this completely remodeled Junior Suite with 10’ ceilings in the hotel program. Enjoy the amenities of the Longboat Key Club while using owner time. MLS# A4639379
THE SANCTUARY ON LONGBOAT KEY 545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | OFFERED AT $1,899,900
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
Experience luxury beachfront living in this 3 bed/2.5 bath oasis behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. Enjoy big bay, city and golf course green views from the
ongboat Key residents shared their appreciation for an event focused on levity and togetherness at the kickoff of this season’s Savor the Sounds concert series, hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.
The first of three shows took place March 1 at the Karon Family Pavilion, with Big Z Band headlining. Even with overcast skies, plenty of music lovers made their way toward the main stage after the 4:30 p.m. start while opener Mike Sales sang and strummed his guitar.
Sales did his best to dispel the clouds with laidback tunes including “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Smooth” by Santana.
Concertgoers, including Kathy Sanford, said they have been eagerly looking forward to the return of the concerts.
“We came last year, and we had so much fun we’re back with two tables,” she said.
By the time the band had played Gloria Gaynor’s iconic “I Will Survive,” most attendees had gotten on their feet to dance.
Many attendees brought their own picnics, but they also had five food trucks from which to choose: Buonissimo, Charrúa, The Currywurst Truck, The Maine Line and Georgia Girl.
Georgia Reed, owner of Georgia Girl, said it was her first time being part of the concert series, and she was excited to offer her soul food-focused cuisine.
— DANA KAMPA
Dave Band performs on March 15, and Easy Street Band plays on April 19. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. at 600 Bay Isles Road, and the bands play from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Individual general admission tickets are $25. To register, call 941-383-2466, stop by the chamber offices at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, or visit LongboatKeyChamber. com.
Pam and Andre Sampson, Stephenie and Mark Whitfield, and Regena and Rodney Perry
Photos by Dana Kampa
Commissioner Gary Coffin gives Jack Helme a toss in the air.
Richard Fine, Linda Hurwitz, Kathy Sanford and Kathy Grieder booked two tables this year.
Iconography on display
A local artist creates intricate portraits and scenes from Christianity.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Iconographers primarily use two mediums for their meticulously detailed works depicting religious scenes and figures: egg yolks mixed with natural pigments and 23-karat gold leaf. As artist Christine Hales explained, that shine is meant to depict God’s light, creating a more interactive experience for the viewer.
Hales hopes viewers have an opportunity to experience that connection when visiting her showing of pieces at All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church. They will be on display until the end of April.
She originally hails from New York, but has been a Sarasota resident for the past five years. Right now, between the Longboat Key showing and an extensive display at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, almost her entire body of work from the past several decades is available for public viewing.
Hales said in an interview it takes about three months to complete her more detailed pieces, and she often flows between multiple works at the same time, sketching out sacred geometry and layering the unique paints to give the enthrallingly deep sense of iconography.
“The egg tempera gives an almost jewel-like finish,” she explained.
This unique art form dates back to as early as the 16th century, and Hales said she, despite being a contemporary artist, relies on longstanding traditions in depicting Christian religious scenes.
When it comes to selecting a subject, Hales said what inspires her is her scripture reading of the day.
The All Angels display includes 26 pieces, including portraits of Jesus and Mary, as well as scenes depicting the transfiguration of Jesus and the entry into Jerusalem.
“When God gives me an idea or thought, I research it further,” she said. “I go by a feeling of life that starts to feel like a little fire inside, and I follow that and see where it leads.”
Hales said she is immensely appreciative of the Key’s community of artists. This opportunity came about when a friend of hers had a showing at All Angels a few years ago, and she
FOR SALE BY OWNER
570 Putting Green Lane, Longboat Key
“When God gives me an idea or thought, I research it further.”
— Christine Hales, artist
met Rev. David Marshall and Linn Torres at the opening.
The positive feedback from her showing last year led to the St. Petersburg showing, and Hales said she was more than happy to return to Longboat Key this year.
“I have so many great artist friends here, and there are so many opportunities,” she said. “It feels like the art community here is really alive and flourishing.”
Working with more than 100 pigments, Hales said she does her best to bring stories to life for viewers. She created the portrait of Mary currently on display while completing a residency in Vermont.
“For me, it’s a portrait of a beautiful, strong woman,” she said. “Strong, and yet peaceful and serene in her strength. Whereas here you have St. Michael, who is very strong also, but more warlike.”
She first got into this specific art form while attending art college in Boston. She said her husband, Michael, was photographing monastic gardens.
“We visited convents in France and the United Kingdom and here,” she said. “In France, the nuns introduced me to their iconographer, and I just got transformed. ... I thought, ‘Wow, this is what I’ve always been searching for.’”
From there, she trained with iconographer Vladislav Andreev for her independent graduate studies and went on to make a career of it, studying all over the world with fellow artists and now leading her own classes. Hales said she appreciates how the art has passed from expert to student for centuries and hopes it continues to thrive.
Visitors can see her work during typical opening hours, and Hales said she is happy to lead group tours by request. The St. Petersburg exhibit will be available until April 30. She invites anyone interested in learning more about the art form or her workshops to visit her website at ChristineHalesIcons.com.
Build your dream home on a prime, rarely available sun-facing Country Club Shores building lot, only the 3rd Lot in from the end-cap!
Expansive 103x100 foot waterfront, with NEW $85K raised and widened seawall for peace of mind and a sturdy buttress on which to build your dream home. This property has been leveled and Geotech-tested for building without pilings. Included within the price are full, Structurally-Engineered Construction Drawings for a custom home as pictured, designed by Dan Lear of Lear Studios, formerly of the prestigious DSDG Architectural firm.
This property was independently appraised in December 2024 at $2.1MM, without regard to the value of the new seawall or the plans. This Lot is priced at 2.25MM and only serious offers will be entertained.
Dana Kampa
Christine Hales’ work will hang in All Angels by the Sea until the end of April.
The sunny weather the morning of Feb. 27 didn’t call for heavy attire.
Nonetheless, Cat Depot volunteer John Kloeckner didn’t mind wearing a full mascot costume on the sands of Siesta Key Beach.
“Oh, it’s a little warm, but that’s OK,” he said.
He was among the mascots from various organizations that came together for a quick race promoting the 39th Annual Run for the Turtles, set to be held by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium on April 5.
A race participant of 10 years, Kloeckner said he gets “a kick” out of representing Cat Depot’s mascot, Petunia, at various events, motivated by his love of cats — but also turtles.
All proceeds from the run support Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program, which monitors 35 miles of beach in Sarasota County.
Program Manager Jake Lasala said the county’s sea turtle population has been steadily growing thanks to efforts in conservation and protection.
“We think that a lot of that growth is because of the citizen science that has occurred in this area, and we’re really excited about that,” he said.
— IAN SWABY
The Ram from Riverview High School, and Shelley from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, head to the finish line.
The Mustang, the Ram, Shelley, Mote’s Jake Lasala, Gilly, Morris the Explorasaurus, Petunia, Super Tooth and Floody the Frog prepare to race.
Gilly, from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, gets some stretches in prior to the run.
Mote’s Kaitlyn Fusco holds out a trophy in front of Super Tooth from Varone Orthodontics, Petunia from Cat Depot, and the race’s winner, Mustang from Lakewood Ranch High School.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Lakewood Ranch High School Dean Brandon Ludwig accompanied senior Jayson Corpus, who played the Mustang, the winner of the race.
Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin
TREASURE HUNT
One of the early entrants walked into Father Edward Pickering Hall, took a look, and whispered, “This is crazy.”
From wall to wall, and even beyond into the back lot, patrons wove among the laden tables of donated goods for St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church’s legendary annual rummage sale. The sale took place over Friday and Saturday, with the aim of raising as much funding as possible for community organizations.
Eager shoppers lined up as early as 8 a.m., three hours before doors opened, to be the first to search through the rows, according to volunteer Lyn Kennelly. As in previous years, the line of waiting shoppers curled around the hall as the early birds hoped to score the best finds on the Friday morning pre-sale, which had a $5 entrance fee.
It was quite the undertaking to keep the tide of incoming shoppers flowing. Corralling the masses was “Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury, who commanded the microphone, wishing everyone luck in finding their treasures and reminding them to be on their best behavior.
Terri Leonard, who was in charge of managing the arts and collectables section, said goods were flying off the shelves just as quickly as volunteers could restock them.
“People have purchased crystal vases,
different pieces of unique silverware, music boxes, religious items and art in various styles,” she said. She said many shoppers have been searching post-hurricane to refill their homes with art and decor that exemplifies their taste, making it feel like home again.
— DANA KAMPA
Photos by Dana Kampa Brent Leonard shows the offerings for golf clubs to Rob Dice, who found a selection of art books at the sale as well.
Mary Del Pup assists an early-bird shopper in jewelry.
bayfront, is a masterclass in architectural elegance and modern coastal living. Designed by the esteemed Stofft Cooney Architects and brought to life by Chris Jorgensen of Florida West Builders, this 2024 custom-built West Indies-style residence showcases impeccable craftsmanship, curated interiors by Phoebe and Jim Howard, and a seamless connection to its breathtaking surroundings. With 217 feet of direct bay frontage and an elevated location for
views, this residence embodies the pinnacle of luxury living. A private, gated entry leads to winding “Tabby” seashell driveways that guide you to the grand entrance. Thoughtfully designed with meticulous attention to detail, the property includes an oversized three-car garage for the main house and a separate four-car garage under the guest house. Inside, walls of oversized, floor-to-ceiling impact glass windows frame uninterrupted bay views, bathing the interiors in natural light. Every element, from the European oak hardwood floors in a warm Milano finish to the bespoke cabinetry by Campbell Cabinetry Designs, has been carefully selected for both beauty and functionality. The home’s intelligent Control4 lighting and sound system, along with a whole-house water filtration system, enhances everyday comfort. The estate’s extensive outdoor spaces create an unparalleled setting for relaxation and entertainment. Call us today to experience this spectacular residence in person. WELCOME TO CRYSTAL WATERS ON SIESTA KEY $31,500,000
Fascia-nating physical therapy
Author and bodyworker to lead workshops.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Fascia, the tissues that connect bones, muscles, organs and the rest of the body, are not always apparent for their importance in long-term mobility. But physical therapists like Karen Gabler have been curiously exploring methods for working with the fascial system in the hopes of reducing chronic pain and improving stability.
The Paradise Center is hosting two workshops with Gabler from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22.
Gabler, who is also a licensed massage therapist, has been studying this physical therapy for years, even penning a book titled “Your Body’s Brilliant Design: A Revolutionary Approach to Relieving Chronic Pain.”
She said in an interview that fascia is “like a spider web.”
“If a bug flies into the web, it changes the shape of the web,” she continued. “Then the spider comes in, takes out the insect, and the web bounces back. When we have injuries or poor posture or surgeries, it all changes the shape of the web.”
Gabler said her job is to find the wrinkle in the web and help a client work it out.
She first became interested in this form of physical therapy because she was interested in how physical alignment affects one’s emotions.
“If things are stuck and not moving, it changes the state of mind,” she said, noting she has a background in psychology.
As a Boston-based instructor, Gabler said the collaboration with The Paradise Center came about when one of her regular clients retired to Longboat Key.
She noted while such physical therapy can be especially helpful for seniors looking to improve their mobility, it can be valuable to people
IF YOU GO
AWAKEN YOUR INNER CORE
WORKSHOPS
When: 4-6:30 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 22
Where: The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key Tickets: $75
Info: Visit TheParadiseCenter.org
of all ages, including athletes.
“In the Western anatomy paradigm, the body is broken down into parts — muscles, bones, joints,” she said. “Muscles are levers, like when you bring your bicep up and down. But actually, the body doesn’t move that way. We do not move in levers. We move as a whole. The whole arm is connected to the shoulder, hip, leg and foot. When you reach, you’re reaching from your foot, not just the bicep.”
The workshops take a whole-body approach to strengthening the core. Gabler said they are open to clients of all fitness levels, as they focus on very particular balancing movements.
Courtesy image
Karen Gabler, an author and expert in physical therapy, is leading two workshops at The Paradise Center in March.
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
THE DARK SIDE OF THE WHITE HOUSE
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Hear stories of “sex, scandal, intrigue and deceit” in the history of the country’s highest office in the first of a four-part Thursday lecture series. Cost is $80 for members and $90 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
EARLY VOTING ENDS
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. Early voting in the general election takes place from March 3 to March 8. Visit the town website at LongboatKey.org for more information.
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
GOING TO THE DOGS
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Drive. Bird Key Women’s Association is “going to the dogs” with its community dog parade. Everyone is invited to join a festive day that includes dog contests, playful rescue puppies, a deejay, raffle baskets, the Maine Line Food Truck, a cash bar and more. Attendance is free and entry into the parade is $25, with cash votes determining the winners. Proceeds go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Contact Carolyn Christian at cmchristian4@gmail.com to volunteer.
TROUPE PRESENTS SONGS OF ’60S
7:30-8:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the “Men of Soul,” focusing on the late 1960s with songs by Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding. Cost is $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers. Call 941383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
TAKE WING WITH SOS
6:30 p.m. at Save Our Seabirds, 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway. The Longboat Key Garden Club is holding its monthly meeting at the bird rescue facility. Tour the facility and learn about the wonderful services it provides.
BEST BET
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Join the town of Longboat Key for a free community gathering with live music, food trucks, local businesses and more. Representatives from town departments, nonprofits, houses of worship and other local groups will share information about their activities. All Angels by the Sea plans to host a booth for pet blessings as well.
File image
Rev. David Marshall blesses Reva, an 8-year-old labradoodle.
LEARN ABOUT THE NIGHT SKY
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Astronomy educator Chap Percival delves into the phenomena and history of the mesmerizing aurora borealis, and why it is now showing up as far south as Key West. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Registration required. Call 941-3838222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER
1 p.m. to 2 p.m at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Community members can learn more about best practices for protecting the wellbeing of those caring for others at a talk presented by the Tidewell Foundation. Call 383-6493.
YOUR CALENDAR
YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
• Live Music by Tim Michael McCaig
• Gourmet Chef Catered Dinner Overlooking Sarasota Bay & Movie Under the Stars
• Complimentary Beer, Wine, Champagne & Bottled Water
• Fresh-popped Popcorn & Candy Concessions
• Fantastic Prizes Awarded throughout the evening
EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:
• OPAL Properties 3-day/2-night stays at:
• Opal Key West Resort with Key West Express Ferry for 2
• Reefhouse in Key Largo
• Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
• OPAL Grand in Delray Beach
• Zota Beach Resort
• Cirque at St. Armands
• St. Regis Resort & Spa, Longboat Key 3-day/2-night w/ breakfast
• Dinner for 6 at Zota Beach Resort
• Catered Sunset Cruise for 4
• Cannon’s Marina Full Day Boat Rental, and MUCH MORE!
purchase tickets, Visit LBKGardenClub.org
LakeHouse Cove at Waterside, Sarasota
Near Close Out
Shellstone at Waterside, Sarasota
Now Selling
Palmera at Wellen Park, Venice
Now Pre-Selling
Models Opening Soon
Branham
Bird Key home tops week’s sales at $7.25 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
William Goshorn, of Sarasota, sold his home at 340 W. Royal Flamingo Drive to Larry Lieberman, trustee, of Sarasota, for $7.25 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, six-anda-half baths, a pool and 6,067 square feet of living area.
LONGBEACH ON LONGBOAT KEY
Kenneth and Jennifer Cobbs, of Bradenton, sold their home at 690 Russell St. to Susan Boll, trustee, of Sparta, Michigan, for $3 million. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a
and 5,614 square feet of living area.
COUNTRY CLUB SHORES
Jorie Riesen, of Longboat Key, sold her home at 611 Ranger Lane to Hertam LLC for $2 million. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,983 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2015.
THE PLAYER CLUB
Maria Mori Brooks and Eugenia Mori McCauley, trustees, of Palo Alto, California, sold the Unit 309 condominium at 1485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Richard Lawrence Green Jr. and Lori Blaker, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1.3 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,839 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 1997.
LONGBEACH
Emily Jung, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 13 condominium at 7001 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Longboat Sunshine II LLC for $1.25 million. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2013.
WINDING OAKS
Deborah Adler, Sidney Lansburgh III, Elizabeth Ferro and Deborah Adler, trustees, of Silver Springs, Maryland, sold the Unit 28 condominium at 3455 Winding Oaks Drive to John Flaherty, trustee, of
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Longboat Key, for $960,000. Built in 1988, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,112 square feet of living area. It sold for $765,000 in 2020.
PELICAN HARBOUR
AND BEACH CLUB
Arthur Hartmann, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit Y-1 condominium at 4234 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Roy Hall of Palm Desert, California, for $675,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,150 square feet of living area. It sold for $272,500 in 2013.
LIDO BEACH CLUB
Richard and Alitza Trumpler, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 305 condominium at 1212 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Lawrence and Donna Francis, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $431,000 in 2017.
more transactions at YourObserver.com
Image courtesy of Barbara May
Barbara May and Fred Sassen sold the Bird Key home at $7.25 million.
STEPSTOBEACH
You’ve dreamed of building your own custom island home for years, but the idea of dedicating three years to making that dream a reality can feel overwhelming. Seaward Homes has the solution: 1212 Center Place in Lido Shores.
This custom-designed home, just steps from your private beach access, is now available. Built by Sarasota’s premier home builder, Seaward Homes, this property is part of our exclusive Seaward Curated Collection. We take pride in delivering a very limited number of custom homes each year, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet, West of the Trail and on the Sarasota islands.. Our business model focuses on delivering fewer homes while maintaining the highest quality. A reputation we’ve built over the past 30 years. We use only the finest materials, collaborate with top consultants and trades, and leverage the latest technologies to ensure every detail of each project is a success. Our Seaward Curated homes feature elevated first-floor designs, superior concrete structural elements, and glass systems that often exceed code requirements-ensuring beauty, strength, and durability. Additionally, we offer clients construction schedules, open-book pricing, and a dedicated full-time project manager for added peace of mind. May we assist you with your new build?
• Exciting 1,100 sq ft rooftop terrace with views of Sarasota Bay the Gulf of Mexico, and the Ringling Bridge
• Concrete and block masonry
• High quality hurricane safety glass throughout
• First floor master suite
• Large second floor family room and dry bar, perfect for guests
• Yoga room or art studio
• Dramatic 2-story great room
• Custom steel floating staircase
• 10’ tall glass sliding doors
• 8’ solid interior doors with Emtek hardware
• Large designer format 24x48 porcelain tile
• European hardwood floors on the second floor
• Designer quartzite stone countertops in the kitchen
• Cucine Ricci custom fabricated Italian cabinets throughout
• Designer Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures
• Thermador commercial appliance package
• Custom Lutron lighting package by Wicked Smart Homes
• AV package including home security, shade prewire, and security cameras
• Summer kitchen with stainless steel appliances
• Tim Borden tropical landscape package with shellstone exteriors
• Gorgeous pool, with waterfall feature and built-in spa
Seaward Homes would love to talk to you about building your Dream Home. 941.323.0033
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
FORECAST
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
MARCH 8
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
MOON PHASES
TIDES
Thursday, March
By Luis Campos
DIVISION OF LABOR by Priyanka Sethy & Rajiv Sethy, edited by Jared Goudsmit
Donna Jablonski captured this photo of cloudy sunset on Longboat Key.
INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages
DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at 2PM Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card
The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.
*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.
*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.
Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
