Longboat Observer 5.29.25

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025

YOUR TOWN

St. Armands Circle needs your votes

Representatives of St. Armands Circle are calling on the public to support its bid to be named USA Today’s 2025 best shopping center.

The publication enlisted experts to compile a list of nominees for the Top 10 centers across the country, and they included St. Armands Circle.

They described the Circle as a “charming destination” that “blends history, art and upscale coastal shopping in a beautiful, European-style setting.”

Members of the public can vote online once a day until polls close at noon on June 2. USA Today will announce the winners on June 11. Visit 10Best.USAToday.com/ Awards/Best-Shopping-Center to learn more.

Fresh fish on the menu

Local seafood will be in the spotlight at an upcoming fundraising dinner hosted by a longtime Longboat Key restaurant.

Harry’s Continental Kitchen is partnering with Sammy’s Seafood and Jackson Family Wines for a one-night “Sea-toTable” fundraiser. Representatives from the local seafood supplier will share stories of their harvesting practices during the meal.

Tickets are $175, and the restaurant said a portion of each ticket sale will benefit Suncoast Waterkeeper, a Sarasota-based conservation organization that works to protect Florida’s waterways.

The dinner begins with a reception at 6 p.m. on June 7 at the restaurant. Visit HarrysKitchen.com for information about reservations.

Longboat begins exit pole strategy

Completion of underground electric lines allows town to take next step. SEE PAGE 5

Bird Key Yacht Club honors those who served and died in battle.

PAGE 15

WEEK OF MAY 29, 2025

BY THE NUMBERS

8

“This is one of my favorite and best updates on the undergrounding project in almost five years.”

Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman on the undergrounding project’s latest milestone Read more on page 5

ASarasota County beach lifeguard who rescued seven people from a rip current at Lido Beach in 2024 received the National Medal of Valor recently from the United States Lifesaving Association and was named Lifeguard of the Year by the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs Association.

Mariano Martinez received both awards on May 17. He was among three lifeguards nationally to be awarded the Medal of Honor for 2024 and the only one outside of California.

Beach patrol chiefs across

the state vote on the Lifeguard of the Year award.

“I have 15 years of experience in Argentina on the beach, and six here, and this rescue was the rescue for me for sure, for sure,’’ Martinez said.

In a video recorded in 2024, Martinez said he was off duty and relaxing on the beach after his June 22, 2024, shift on Lido Beach, when he said he saw a water-rescue alert come across the PulsePoint phone app, an app that displays fire-rescue calls.

The native Argentinian said he immediately headed toward

the address in the 400 block of Benjamin Franklin Drive. He said the first victim he encountered was underwater and drowning. He put her in his flotation tube and headed farther offshore, finding a mother and daughter in a similar state. Speaking Spanish, to try calming them down, he said he held both above water and brought them to shore. Several others were on body boards and were floating upright. He then returned for the woman on his flotation tube and brought her to safety. He then brought the others to shore.

Turtle Watch public walks start in June

Longboat Key Turtle Watch will start its free public beach walks at the beginning of June.

The organization hosts the public walks rain or shine every Saturday in June and July. The walks are led by Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers trained through Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

“The volunteers will scout for signs of turtle nesting as part of an effort to conserve sea turtles,” the promotional flyer says.

Along the walk, volunteers will educate beach walkers about sea turtle life history and other local wildlife.

Each walk could be up to a mileand-a-half. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

The walks begin at 6:45 a.m. every Saturday in June and July. Anyone interested should meet Longboat Key Turtle Watch at the public beach access point at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

For more information about Longboat Key Turtle Watch, visit LBKTurtleWatch.com.

Former LBK manager to lead Sarasota

On May 20, the Sarasota City Commission unanimously voted to tap veteran local government administrator Dave Bullock for the interim city manager position as the search continues for Marlon Brown’s replacement.

Bullock, currently a member of the Patterson Foundation Board of Directors in retirement, will begin his new role on Tuesday, May 27, with an annual salary of $228,000 until the city hires a new city manager.

Bullock served as CEO of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County from 2019 to 2021; Longboat Key town manager from 2011 to 2018; and Sarasota County deputy administrator from 1997 to 2011.

As Bullock prepares to start, commissioners will relaunch the search for a permanent replacement.

A day in the life of Longboat Key Police Department’s marine patrol.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Around 10 a.m. on a weekday, the waters near Longboat Pass are calm, aside from a handful of boaters. A light breeze breaks the air, and light waves slosh against the Longboat Key Police Department marine patrol vessel.

At the helm is Sgt. Adam Montfort, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the marine patrol unit. With him are Officers Michael Mathis and Dallas Troyer.

The three frequently patrol Longboat Key’s waters together, with a solid connection and wealth of experience.

A little after 9 a.m. on a Wednesday, the waters are quiet. Amid the natural sounds, Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” plays faintly from a radio on the boat.

“Hey Dallas, who sings this?” Montfort asked Troyer.

“The Eagles?” Troyer guessed. Country is more his style.

Montfort joined the Longboat Key Police Department in 2021 following a career as a deputy in New York. His career there led him to become a marine patrol officer on the Hudson River, as well as four years undercover in the narcotics unit.

Troyer recently became fully trained for marine patrol and is one of the youngest at the Longboat Key Police Department.

After growing up in Florida, Troyer started his law enforcement career in Pueblo, Colorado, for about two years before joining the Longboat Key department in 2024.

A little over a year ago, the Longboat Key Police Department had one full-time marine patrol officer and a couple of part-time helpers.

Now, there are eight officers trained or nearly done with their training to be on the water.

It’s a big addition in training hours for the officers, but an important increase for the Longboat Key Police Department to have a more dominant presence on the water.

The busiest times for the marine patrol unit are holiday weekends, like July 4 or Memorial Day, when boaters pack the Jewfish Key sandbar like sardines.

Common calls range from swimmers in distress to residents calling about loud music coming from boats. There are sometimes more serious calls, too, like vessel collisions or serious injuries.

On the marine patrol vessel is a fully loaded med kit with life-saving gear like an AED and pressure bandages. Montfort always has a tourniquet on him in case of a serious injury, like someone getting hit with a propeller.

“We want to be prepared, God forbid anything happens,” Montfort said.

When not dispatched to a call, the officers patrol the water checking registration stickers on liveaboard sailboats or vessels cruising down Longboat’s coast.

As Montfort captains the vessel, Mathis stands to his side and waves to every person on the beach or in the water.

Community relations are a pillar for the Longboat Key Police Department.

It’s no different on the water.

NO DULL DAYS

As Montfort is at the helm of the 32-foot Yellowfin boat, he constantly scans the water for marine life like sea turtles, manatees and dolphins.

Getting to spend the days out on the water to keep the community safe is the focus. But for all the officers, seeing animals is a bonus.

“That is probably one of the best parts of being on marine patrol is seeing all the marine life,” Mathis said.

The quiet Wednesday morning continued as Montfort commanded the vessel to Greer Island, the tip of the island.

It’s one of their biggest problem areas, Montfort said.

Despite the heavy presence of signs saying “Motorboats Prohibited,” the officers said they frequently catch vessels in the exclusionary zone.

Plus, on busy weekends, nearby residents often call the police department to curb loud music emanating from the boats. Having a more active presence on the water helps deter these behaviors, Montfort said.

The hours of marine patrol vary and are mostly supplemented by overtime, according to Montfort. The squad makes it work with overtime, but having at least one additional officer would help with manpower and balance the shifts.

Near Greer Island and Jewfish Key

BAY BOAT BLUES

are local charter boats. Montfort and the rest of the marine patrol unit get to know many of the frequent boaters like fishing captains, parasail charters and kayak tour guides.

It’s a tight-knit community, Montfort said.

“Everyone knows everyone out here, which is great,” he added. “Especially in emergency situations, everybody chips in if necessary.”

Just off of Jewfish Key is a “No Wake” zone, and while the officers position off Greer Island, Montfort spots a personal watercraft zipping through the zone on a plane, meaning the front end “lifts” out of the water.

The watercraft slows down for a minute, and the officers watch closely. They give her a chance to see if she notices the signs. But after a brief pause, she resumes her high speed.

“Now she’s going to get stopped. We’re going to have a chat,” Montfort said.

Mathis and Troyer grab a handrail as Montfort quickly spins the boat around, pushes the throttle fully forward, and activates the boat’s lights. The Yellowfin can reach 60 mph, “quick enough to catch up to the watercraft.”

It’s a routine stop for the officers. Troyer explained why they stopped her and asked her for her driver’s license and boater safety card.

As Troyer and Mathis talk to the speedster, Montfort is still at the console. He’s scanning the nearby area, keeping an eye on the three Ws that dictate boat movement: water, waves and wind.

Having more manpower on the water is crucial in situations like this, Montfort explained. Without Troyer and Mathis, Montfort would have had to conduct the stop by himself. It’s complicated sometimes when one person has to juggle talking to a stopped person, keeping control of the vessels and running information through dispatch.

After confirming through dispatch the woman doesn’t have any active warrants, the officers let the out-of-

town boater go with a verbal warning.

It’s the most activity the officers had all morning, but it’s not always that quiet.

Montfort and Mathis both have their own stories of saving people on the water. Sometimes, it’s swimmers who get caught in currents and drift toward the Intracoastal Waterway.

“The ICW is like I-4 on the weekends,” Montfort said, explaining how busy the waters get.

From Jewfish Key, the officers head south toward the Village, now on the bay side of Longboat Key.

The dispatch radio is always the loudest voice on the boat, and the officers tune in intently, waiting for dispatch to call on them.

But on quiet mornings, the radio still faintly plays. This time, around noon, it’s “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates.

“Hey Dallas, who sings this one?” Montfort joked.

“Fleetwood Mac?” Troyer guessed.

Not even close.

The three officers spend a lot of time on patrol together and know they can rely on one another when a situation arises.

“It’s nice when I have people on my squad who are happy to be here and want to come do their job,” Montfort said.

Montfort said the department continues encouraging any officer interested in marine patrol to get trained and add to the department’s growing fleet.

“That is probably one of the best parts of being on marine patrol is seeing all the marine life.”

— Officer Michael Mathis

“The ICW is like I-4 on the weekends.”

— Sgt. Adam Montfort, explaining how busy the waters get.

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Euphemia Haye reopens after brief closure

ERIC GARWOOD DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR

Euphemia Haye, the landmark restaurant that abruptly closed about three weeks ago on Longboat Key, announced on social media this past Thursday evening it would be open again for business on Memorial Day weekend.

“We are thrilled to announce that we’re reopening our doors tomorrow, Friday, May 23 — and we’ve missed you more than words can say,” read the opening of the Facebook message posted around 5 p.m. Thursday.

The post immediately drew a flurry of responses from more than 100 commenters. Most were supportive.

“Fantastic news. My family’s favourite restaurant worldwide,” posted a well-wisher from London.

Jason and Rachel Ghormley, who purchased a $13 million condominium in October 2024 at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, purchased the restaurant earlier this month after hearing that the beloved eatery had closed.

“I’m super excited,” Rachel Ghormley said. “A lot of pieces came together on Friday, but it was standing room only and to have the support of the community is great.”

According to Guest Relations Manager Georgette Young, the restaurant had 60 guests on opening night, 70 on Saturday night and more than 100 on Sunday.

Jason Ghormley founded Hydrologic, a plumbing and lighting supply company with locations around Florida, including Sarasota.

According to Euphemia Haye’s website, the restaurant was established by Les Buntin in 1975 to create a warm, high-quality dining experience. That level of service continued through the years as Ray Arpke and his wife, D’Arcy, acquired the restaurant in 1980.

Euphemia Haye, located at 5540

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com TO ADVERTISE

Social media post announces return during Memorial Day weekend.

“... we’ve missed you more than words can say.”

— the Facebook message from the restaurant announcing the opening

Gulf of Mexico Drive, had become a staple of fine dining on Longboat Key and the Sarasota area, serving popular dishes like the Key West snapper and roast duckling.

The Haye Loft was added to the restaurant in 1992 and was designed as a more festive lounge for up to 30 people with a bar and light bites. Overall, the restaurant expanded six times over the years as it went from 28 seats to 150.

Former bookkeeper for the Arpkes, Amy Whitt, bought the restaurant in 2022 for an undisclosed amount. She did not respond to requests for interviews at the time of the closing in April.

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Town now on underground system

The last piece to finish is pole removal, which is slated to wrap up around June 30 or early July.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

fter more than 10 years of planning and construction, there is an end in sight for Longboat Key’s underground utilities project.

Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman had nothing but good news to share with town commissioners on May 19 at the Town Commission’s regular workshop.

“This is one of my favorite and best updates on the undergrounding project in almost five years,” Brownman said. “It’s official: All service conversions are complete.”

The next milestone is for Florida Power & Light to remove the remaining poles and overhead wires on the island, which is expected to conclude at the end of June or early July.

During construction, the project divided the island into four phases, each requiring a series of service conversions and switching orders before converting the area to the underground system.

Brownman said Phase 3 was complete on May 2. Then, on May 15, Florida Power & Light authorized Wilco Electrical’s final switch order, which marked a major milestone for the project.

“The entire island is now functioning on the entire underground system for the first time since July 2019,” Brownman said. “That’s some great news there.”

Besides the construction progress, Brownman shared good news about the project’s budget.

The town originally budgeted $49 million for the project and, even with additional elements not previously accounted for, the town’s finance

department is tracking a $6 million surplus.

Amid construction, the town decided to add backlit street signs and new highway lighting along Gulf of Mexico Drive to enhance the project.

The expected cost of 40 backlit street signs was $483,245, and the highway lights added another $1,333,760.

Brownman said design is in progress for some of the additional GMD poles, which will also need to go through permitting with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Contractors started installing the new backlit street signs, and Brownman estimated they will wrap up in about six weeks.

“That should wrap up the infrastructure components of this project,” Brownman said. “Great news there.”

FPL and its contractors told Brownman they are aiming for final pole removal around June 30, but Brownman said it’s likely to be in early July.

Either way, town staff are planning to host a celebration at the end of June to celebrate the milestone with town commissioners before they go on summer recess. Town Manager Howard Tipton said the town hopes to hold that ceremony on the morning of June 23.

The town initiated the undergrounding project in November 2015 with a referendum for residents to vote on whether the town could borrow $25.5 million for the Gulf of Mexico Drive part of the project.

Then, in March 2016, another referendum passed to allow the town to issue bonds up to $23.85 million for the neighborhood portion of the project.

Active construction began in July 2019, and an early estimate projected the bulk of construction to be done in three-and-a-half years.

During summer 2023, FPL notified the town it had discovered an oversight in that some of the town’s existing underground transformers would not be compatible with the new system. The need to order additional transformers, exacerbated by supply chain issues, which caused drawn-out delays until the present time.

Then, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused a temporary delay as FPL and its contractors responded to other areas in the state in its emergency response effort.

Now, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the project appears to be free of more delays as it heads toward the final stage of pole removal.

“The entire island is now functioning on the entire underground system for the first time since July 2019. That’s some great news there.”

—

If you or a family you know would like to discuss options for services, cremation, Life Story Celebrations, or returning to their home state up north, we have answers available.

Carter Weinhofer

Fire and water do mix

Longboat Fire Rescue Department hopes to purchase new rescue boat.

WRITER

The Longboat Key Fire Department hopes to purchase a new, up-to-date fire rescue boat in fiscal year 2026, with a grant funding half.

Fire Chief Paul Dezzi said the town applied for a grant through the West Coast Inland Navigation District this past year and received the $270,000 matched grant for FY2026.

If the Longboat Key Town Commission approves the item in the FY26 budget, the town will assume the remaining $270,000 cost to purchase the boat.

The Fire Rescue department purchased its current boat in 2011. At the time, Dezzi said the manufacturer was new to fire boats, so the boat is an early model.

Now, the department hopes to purchase a more updated boat manufactured specifically for fire departments.

“It’s time,” Dezzi said. “It worked for what we needed, but the next boat will be more of a fire boat.”

This one will have more upgraded features, will be lighter and able to transport patients more efficiently, according to Dezzi. More cabinet space will allow the crew to outfit it

with all the necessary equipment.

Dezzi said, pending commission approval, they can order the boat through a Seattle manufacturing company when FY26 starts in October. He estimated it would take about eight months from when it’s ordered to when it is delivered.

Dezzi estimated the new boat will probably have a similar lifespan to the current one, which is about 14 years.

The department takes the boat once a week for maintenance and to check the equipment. Aside from that, the boat is only on the water when needed for calls and not used as frequently as the police department’s marine patrol vessels.

Swimmers in distress, boat collisions and boat fires are examples of calls the department receives. Because of the severity of these scenarios, Dezzi said the boat will have advanced life support capabilities.

Also on the five-year capital budget for the fire department are new ladder trucks. Dezzi said the department ordered a new ladder truck this year, which won’t be in use for another two-and-a-half years due to supply chain issues.

Costs have continued to rise for vehicles like the ladder trucks and ambulances. On the five-year capital plan is $1.7 million carried over from FY25 for the new ladder truck.

“That was an unbelievable increase. I was shocked when I saw the increase,” Dezzi said, adding that, in the past, ladder trucks cost $750,000 to $850,000.

A missed opportunity?

With a looming $14 million library-community center a football field away from the $2.1 million Tidewell building, it makes you wonder.

In the words of that famous philosopher, Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast.”

Yes, it’s a challenge to keep up and sort things. In the past week or so on Longboat Key, for instance: Longboat Key town commissioners and Manatee County commissioners discussed in a joint session again the idea of establishing a community center on the north end of the island. As our Carter Weinhofer reported:

“… (T)he county and town stumbled upon a possible alternative space. According to Town Manager Howard Tipton, a property owned by the Chiles Group, located at 6920 Gulf of Mexico Drive, is for sale. The space is about an acre-and-a-half and includes a 1,300-square-foot multiuse room, two bathrooms and 88 graded parking spaces. Tipton said a lease is not an option at the space, and estimates for the property range from $3 million to $5 million.”

The county commissioners were cool to the idea of spending that much money.

Meanwhile, Tipton sent an effusive email last week to Longboat Key residents:

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Longboat Key residents and those who believe in the magic of our island community, we’ve reached 90% of our $3.5 million fundraising goal for the Community Hall at the Town Center Green!

That’s $3.2 million pledged so far

— amazing!

“This exciting new Community Hall will be the perfect complement to the $11 million Sarasota County Library already planned for Longboat Key. With indoor space for up to 200 people and a beautiful outdoor terrace connecting the Library and the Green, the Hall will be the heart of community life — hosting lifelong learning programs, cultural events and even serving as a vital resiliency hub during storms.”

Meanwhile, another headline: “Former Tidewell building under new ownership after $2.1 million sale.”

For those familiar with Longboat’s terrain, the Tidewell building is the office building on Bay Isles Road across the street from Town Hall and the Longboat Key Library and sits next to the Town Center Green property, say, 75 yards away from the Karon Family band shell. Put all three of these news items in one basket. And if, say, you were new to Longboat Key and at least familiar with the island enough to know where all three of these properties are and what they look like, and if you were the slightest bit cynical, as well as wary of most government spending, you might be confused. “Wait a minute. What’s going on here?”

A community center for the northern end of the island for the 2,740 permanent residents, perhaps 5,400 from January through April?

And: Purchase the property with taxpayer money for a center whose use would be, what, how often?

And: An $11 million public library, along with a $3.5 million community center on the south end of the Key? A $15 million facility to serve who and how often? The Longboat/ Sarasota population is 4,790 permanent, and say 10,000 to 11,000 during season. Add in the Manatee population, and you get to 7,530 permanent residents, mushrooming to, say, 20,000 during season. It would be making a big assumption that the island’s entire population would use the two community centers at one time or another. Which they won’t.

But here’s the kicker: The cynical newcomer is likely to look at the former Tidewell office building and say: “If the town wants a community center so badly, would it have made more economic sense to save a lot of taxpayer money and just buy the Tidewell building and retrofit it?” … Just sayin’.

Arts can (and should) stand on their own

Whenever the region’s arts organizations and their leaders and representatives convene for a conference or summit, inevitably, discussions get around to lamenting the state of taxpayer funding for the arts.

That occurred last week when arts leaders and supporters gathered for the Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Arts Summit at the Sarasota Opera House. As our Arts & Entertainment Editor Monica Roman Gagnier reported, the gathering featured “a mixture of optimism, defiance and facts and figures.” And let’s say some hope.

Angelica Hull, the Arts Alliance’s director of grants and advocacy, told attendees the perception is state lawmakers — Republicans and Democrats alike — would like to see state funding restored. In the 2024 session, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts funding.

One argument always used to justify such funding is the economic impact studies reporting how much the arts contribute to local economies.

In this region, that is a big deal. The area proudly claims it is Florida’s Cultural Coast.

We love the arts.

At the same time, given our bent against government subsidies, the logical preference should be that the visual and performing arts are like any other business or selffunded not-for-profit organization and should stand on their own financially.

Consider this: Should taxpayers

IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS TO RESIDENTS

86.6% — “This venue or facility is an important pillar for me within my community.”

90.6% — “I would feel a great sense of loss if this activity or venue were no longer available.”

91.4% — “This activity or venue is inspiring a sense of pride in this neighborhood or community.”

88.6% — “My attendance is my way of ensuring that this activity or venue is preserved for future generations”

Source: Americans for the Arts study of economic and social benefits of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study included Sarasota’s Arts & Cultural Alliance.

fund professional sports stadia and arenas? Pro sports franchise owners, like arts organizations, immediately respond with data showing the wonderful economic impact of their teams on local economies. Yeah, well, if they’re so wonderful, why don’t those billionaire owners finance their own stadia and arenas instead of sapping taxpayers?

On whose shoulders should the arts and sports arenas rest?

French economist Frederic Bastiat in the late 1840s was one of the best on this topic. An ardent advocate for capitalism, free trade and individual liberty, Bastiat addressed funding “Theaters and the Fine Arts” brilliantly is his famous essay, “What Is Seen and What Is Not Seen.”

Take the example of a new performing arts center in Sarasota. If, say, city government obtains tax revenue — in Bastiat’s example, 60,000 francs — from its citizenry to build the PAC, that is the “seen.” We will see a wonderful arts hall.

But as Bastiat asked: “From where do those 60,000 francs come? This is the other side of the coin. What is the source of these 60,000 francs? And where would they have gone if a legislative vote had not directed them to the rue de Rivoli and from there to the rue de Grenelle? That is what is not seen.

“It is clear,” Bastiat wrote, “the taxpayer who will have been taxed one franc will no longer have this franc at his disposal … He will be

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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deprived of a satisfaction to the tune of one franc, and that the worker, whoever he is, who would have procured this satisfaction for him, will be deprived of wages in the same amount.”

Bastiat clearly sided with the arts having to stand on their own without subsidies. They should compete in the marketplace just as every private business does.

If their product fills a need that pleases enough customers (including philanthropists) — just as is required of every privately owned business — they will thrive.

In a true capitalistic world, government should not be in the business of paying for and developing sports stadia or performing arts halls or funding the arts — with perhaps one exception, and that is if taxpayers vote democratically to do so, presumably understanding the effects on their pocketbooks.

We don’t need economic impact studies to prove or justify the worth of the arts. This region already knows that. And our bet is, even without government grants, this community would support the arts. (see box). —MW

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Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023)

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

Regarding tyranny of Trump’s tariffs, Matt Walsh’s editorial of Thursday, May 1, 2025, in particular the second last paragraph, which I will reproduce here: “But the question on so many minds is this: Did Trump and his advisers not do what we all do when we are about to make a big decision? We ask ourselves: What are the likely consequences of our decision?”My comment: “Did Matt Walsh, when he wrote his former pro-Trump editorials, and then in all probability placed his vote for the new president, consider the likely consequences of his decision?” Instead of complaining post facto about tariffs, it might have behooved Mr. Walsh to consider the probable consequences of electing to the highest office in the land a man who, amongst other dire deeds, stoked the Capitol Hill rioters whom, to add insult to injury, he has since pardoned. I will conclude

by quoting the late historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr., who wrote in his Journals 1952-2000 (I am paraphrasing here because I cannot find the exact quote.): “Democracy only works when a crazy person is not in charge.” It takes foresight and forethought at the ballot box, and yes, indeed, consideration of the likely consequences of one’s decision, to prevent such an event from happening.

ROSEMARY SEXTON LONGBOAT KEY

SEND US YOUR LETTERS

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

Town of Longboat Key ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS

From Wall Street to Longboat Key: How CAIM Built a Top-Tier Investment Firm with a Personal Touch

Catherine Avery, Founder Catherine Avery Investment Management (CAIM)

to pay dividends, but many of them also increased their dividend.” This approach proved especially effective during the 2022 market decline, when CAIM outperformed by as much as 20%.

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the following board:

The Town of Longboat Key is accepting applications for appointment to the following board:

Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees

Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees

Catherine Avery, owner of Catherine Avery Investment Management (CAIM), began her investment journey as an 18 year old New York University finance student while working at Oppenheimer Funds. “While gaining real work and real life experience on Wall Street, I quickly realized I wanted to manage money for a living,” says Catherine. After earning her finance degree from NYU, she worked at several top investment firms in New York City, including Morgan Stanley, where she was a portfolio manager for nine years.

All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on June 11, 2025 All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications will be held for one year for any future board or committee vacancies that may arise.

All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Town Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on June 11, 2025. All applicants must be registered voters of the Town of Longboat Key. Late applications will be held for one year for any future board or committee vacancies that may arise.

All appointed individuals are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 112.

All appointed individuals are required to file a financial disclosure form within 30 days after appointment and annually thereafter for the duration of the appointment as required by Florida Statutes Chapter 112.

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 to request an application or for any questions. Applications are also available online at www.longboatkey.org Completed applications may be submitted to:

The Town Commission may schedule a Meet and Greet with applicants at a later date. Please call the Office of the Town Clerk at 941-316-1999 to request an application or for any questions. Applications are also available online at www.longboatkey.org. Completed applications may be submitted to:

Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk

Town of Longboat Key – Office of the Town Clerk 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

Stephanie Garcia, Deputy Town Clerk II

501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL 34228

Published: 05-28-2025, 06-04-2025

Stephanie Garcia, Deputy Town Clerk II

Published: 05-29-2025, 06-05-2025

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Catherine, who was a new mom, left the Morgan Stanley office in the Twin Towers to run an errand, just moments before the attack. Like so many New Yorkers following 9/11, her life was suddenly changed forever. The devastating events of that day inspired her to build a career on her own terms and she began looking into starting her own investment firm. In 2007, CAIM was launched in Greenwich, CT and Catherine has never looked back!

How is CAIM different from other investment management firms? “Our investment strategy is unique in that we look for the best yields possible, combined with dividend growth and share price growth. Seventeen years later, that strategy has held up well in difficult markets,” Catherine explains. “During those difficult times our companies not only continued

While Catherine’s long-term career in portfolio management is impressive in itself, she has also received numerous awards, including the PSN Top Guns Manager of the Decade in December 2024. This prestigious award, conducted by independent experts, recognizes investment managers whose strategies have consistently outperformed their benchmarks over a 10-year period. This success has translated into significant growth, with firm assets nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024. Four years ago, Catherine moved her successful business from Connecticut to Longboat Key and now welcomes new clients with $1M or more in investable assets, including retirees needing to supplement income, those focused on maximizing longterm growth, and those approaching retirement. “Each member of our investment team has more than 30 years of investment experience,” says Catherine. “Simply put, CAIM offers extensive investment expertise and individualized strategies combined with a personal touch.”

Schedule your complimentary consultation today at (941) 388-7249 or visit caimllc.com.

Property Damage: A citizen called to report two broken windows in one of the condominium’s units. The responding officer observed the large, broken windows and a group of large crows in the area. The complainant blamed the damage on the possibility of bird strikes from the crows, and a downstairs neighbor confirmed he heard loud crashes at about midnight and 6 a.m. The officer could not find any condominium personnel in the area and witnessed no more bird strikes while on scene. The complainant was advised to contact the property owner to inform them of the damage.

SNORKELER STARTLES BOATERS

2:11 p.m., 2600 block of Gulf Drive

Marine Rescue: While on marine patrol, an officer received an alert of a marine rescue in the area and rushed to the scene near Bradenton Beach. The officer met with Bradenton Beach rescue units, who said another vessel operator noticed an empty vessel and a man overboard, which prompted concern. The Longboat Key marine patrol officer found the boat and a man in the water who was snorkeling. The man said everything was fine, and he had the correct dive flag in the water to signal there was a swimmer in the water. The Longboat officer assumed the other vessel operator must not have seen the flag.

TUESDAY, MAY 20

SUSPICIOUS CUTLERY SALESMAN

12:14 p.m., 500 block of Ketch Lane

MONDAY, MAY 19

OWL ON THE PROWL 9:09 a.m., 800 block of Longboat Club Road

Animal Problem: A resident called to report a small owl near the side of her house, though she did not believe the owl was in trouble or injured. One of the responding officers contacted Save Our Seabirds to speak with an employee and also sent over some pictures of the owl. The SOS employee said the owl did not appear to be sick or injured and advised the officers to leave the screech owl alone.

was driving along GMD when a golf ball struck his vehicle. He said the golf ball hit the front of his vehicle, so he immediately pulled over, but did not see any damage. Later, he realized some of the safety features of the vehicle stopped working, and the dealership said it would cost $4,000 to fix the features. The man said he tried speaking with staff at the golf course but was told it was not their issue, but the man wanted a police report for insurance purposes.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

SUSPICIOUS SPITTING

11:22 p.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

3 Stores n Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095

Suspicious Person: Police responded to investigate this neighborhood after a resident called to report a suspicious man going door-to-door selling cutlery. The complainant called 911 to report the incident, but when the responding officer tried to call the complainant, the man did not pick up. The officer canvassed the area but could not locate anyone suspicious or any solicitors.

STRAY GOLF BALL

12:43 p.m., 5400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Property Damage: A citizen visited the Longboat Key Police Department to report that, several days earlier, he

Disturbance: Officers responded to a call referencing a suspicious group of men throwing objects and spitting in the water. Upon arrival, the officer found four fishermen who claimed they were not throwing or spitting anything. According to the officer’s report, no objects were floating in the nearby water. The fishermen told the officer that a boat approached them and started to yell at them, telling the fishermen they could not afford a boat. The group backed up the claim with a video they took of the altercation. The boat was nowhere to be found, though, and the claim of throwing and spitting appeared to be false.

Sleepy Lagoon looks for upgrade

Several drainage improvement projects are in various stages of design and surveying.

5-YEAR PLAN

The town’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan sets aside funds for several other drainage and flooding projects, including:

n $1.4 million in FY26 for Norton Street Drainage Construction

n Bayview, De Narvaez, Juan Anasco Flood

Mitigation Project —

$323,343 in FY26, then

$2.2 million in FY28

n Village Phase 1 — $1 million in FY26 and $1.8 million in FY28

n Buttonwood Flood Mitigation Phase 1 —

$987,204 in FY26, then

$2.6 million in FY27

n Village Phase 3 and 4 — $900,000 in FY26, then $5.4 million in FY28

Drainage issues and flood mitigation projects continue to be a top priority for Longboat Key commissioners, and the town’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan indicates several projects will be in the works over the coming years.

One of Longboat Key’s lowestlying areas, Sleepy Lagoon, is a focus of upcoming projects.

In the town’s five-year capital plan, $1.4 million is budgeted for Norton Street drainage construction in fiscal year 2026, and projects in other low-lying areas received some allocation as well.

Public Works Director Charlie Mopps said the town must wait for the design grant process to close on a federal grant before it can proceed with construction grant applications.

Within the projects, Mopps said some included elements could be additional drainage structures or elevating roads and tying into properties.

These drainage improvements could be eligible for some funds Longboat Key received from Manatee County through the county’s Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Manatee County has $252,711,000 allocated from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the county decided to share $1,392,000, or about 0.6%, with Longboat Key.

How the $1,392,000 will spread out among the town’s project requests — which totaled $10.2 million — will be up to Town Manager Howard Tipton and the finance department.

“That’s a conversation that will happen with the town manager and finance on how they want to allocate those funds,” Mopps said.

President of the Sleepy Lagoon Homeowners Association John Connolly said the community hopes to see the projects be shovel ready sooner rather than later.

Survey work began on May 19 for another group of Sleepy Lagoon streets, including General Harris Street, Marbury Lane and Penfield Street.

The other group of Sleepy Lagoon streets are Juan Anasco Drive, De Narvaez Drive and Bayview Drive, which are also already designed.

“We’ve been pushing really hard to get this designed and constructed. It’s been a long time,” Connolly said.

He said he’s pushed for these projects for almost seven years, and others in the community predate his efforts.

Connolly said it’s also important to remember these projects aren’t targeted to prevent flooding during major storm surges like Helene. In low-lying areas like Sleepy Lagoon, high tides and normal rainstorms can cause drainage issues that impact the entire neighborhood.

“Just typical tidal flooding can leave saltwater in the streets for a long time,” Connolly said. “We’re not talking about a storm surge.”

WORSHIP directory

Bird Key Yacht Club wins endorsement

Light and noise leaking into the surrounding neighborhood were the primary concerns expressed by residents of Bird Key during a May 14 Planning Board hearing on applications by Bird Key Yacht Club to rebuild its clubhouse facilities.

Satisfied with the club, staff and architecture firm DSDG Architects, the Planning Board unanimously endorsed the plan to the Sarasota City Commission, as recommended by staff who has adequately addressed those concerns.

The project is more than a renovation or expansion. The plan is to demolish the existing 22,300-square-foot clubhouse and replace it with a 21,500-square-foot structure plus 3,500 square feet of covered outside decks, replace the pool, relocate two bocce ball courts and add a fourth tennis court with new, modern lighting.

The 4.99-acre site, positioned in the middle of the Bird Key residences, is zoned Residential Single Family-1 and both the site plan and major conditional use permit require City Commission approval.

Bird Key Yacht Club Vice Commodore Tony Britt said the tropical weather events of recent years drove the club’s decision to rebuild rather than to renovate and, while at it, make improvements to the site plan.

“This process has been in place for about four years,” Britt told the Planning Board. “It started as a renovation, and then after more consideration and thought we realized that to make it FEMA-compliant, which is critical for the long term — given the club has been on the island for 65 years and we certainly intend to have it last another 65 years — that a renovation really didn’t make any sense. We’re literally putting a BandAid on an issue that was never going to go away.”

Anna Keitel of DSDG Architects told the Planning Board the new single-story clubhouse will be located in the exact footprint of the current

facility, but elevated to meet FEMA standards. The addition of underground vaults to mitigate stormwater runoff and a new driveway on East Royal Flamingo Drive will provide for egress only from the parking lot. That curb cut concerned some residents about possibly adding traffic to East Royal Flamingo Drive and the additional tennis court and lighting bringing noise and light pollution to nearby residents.

Keitel explained the Sarasota County Fire Department requested the new driveway.

“It was easier for them turning out of the site from that route versus coming up our new 3-foot incline ramp and exiting out of the existing entrance and exit that currently exists,” Keitel said.

As for light and noise emanating from the tennis courts — three of which will remain in place — the club has proffered lights-out at 9 p.m. A photometric plan has not yet been submitted to the city but will be subject to code at the building permit stage.

Keitel and landscape architect Phil Smith assured the Planning Board the combination of modern, targeted LED lighting and the landscape buffer plan will contain light and even sound within the court area.

“The foot candles where it reaches the property line are required to be in the neighborhood of 0.2,” Smith said. “The beauty of the fixtures that are LED now is that they’re so accurate they can cut the light off at the property line. That’s the intent. That’s what’s expected by the city.”

Lining the perimeter of the tennis courts will be two layers of landscaping material, Smith added, including brushy areca palms planted at 16 feet in height, maturing to as tall as 30 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. A layer of saw palmetto, the fanshaped frond plant, will augment those that can spread four to six feet. Britt, who will assume the title of commodore in just more than a month, said the club intends to continue to be a good neighbor.

YOUR

Meet the Rabbi

DANA

KAMPA STAFF WRITER

Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates held up a picture of a piece of artwork by Nathan Hilu, explaining how the veteran of World War II uniquely captured his own experience interacting with Nazi German leaders as a prison guard during The Nuremberg Trials in the 1940s.

She showed how his use of color and bold outlines makes his storytelling accessible to even young viewers, but also offers valuable nuance about how people view history.

It’s in her nature to teach, especially considering she started her career as a rabbi leading tours of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Now, she is bringing her experience with art and history to the Longboat Key community as Temple Beth Israel’s new senior rabbi.

She officially starts on June 1, when she will lead a special Shavuot service with guest speaker Aaron Rose, founder and chair of the Israeli Veterans Club clubhouse. She replaces Rabbi Stephen Sniderman, who joined the temple in 2016. Mates grew up in New York and attended school at the University of

what to strive for,” she said.

Before coming to Longboat Key, Mates worked as an assistant rabbi in Charlotte, N.C., then at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

“I was a tour guide for American youth visiting Israel,” she said. “It has shaped my whole rabbinical perspective.”

— Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates

Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates joins Temple Beth Israel.

Wisconsin. She later met Rabbi Tony Bayfield, head of the Movement for Reform Judaism.

“He sat me down one day and said, ‘You should really think about becoming a rabbi.’ I’d never even thought about it before, and I’d never had an adult see something like that in me,” she said. “He’s very special to me, still.”

Only fairly recently did women get the opportunity to be ordained.

Sally Priesand became the first in the United States in 1972, according to the Jewish Women’s Archive.

Mates worked in a Jewish com -

munity in Chicago for several years before applying to rabbinical school, and she then traveled to Jerusalem for her first year of study.

“I was a tour guide for American youth visiting Israel,” she said. “It has shaped my whole rabbinical perspective.”

She continued to visit Jerusalem over the summer to lead tours, even after returning to New York to complete her final four years of rabbinical school. She interned at a synagogue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

“That was a great first job experience because I saw what could be and

She didn’t know it then, but that move would spark an electric devotion to uncovering and preserving history, especially as it relates to the Holocaust.

While she always appreciated history education, she discovered a new fascination with understanding accounts of what happened, particularly when she saved original documents, which were tucked away, from The Nuremberg Trials in a closet at a university.

“It was around then I realized that to get people to synagogue beyond a funeral or a bar mitzvah or a wedding, I needed to provide good programming,” she said.

She went on to develop a friendship with Hilu, a fellow New Yorker. Mates recently shared her expertise for a documentary about his artwork, titled “Nathan-ism.” Nancy Spielberg, sister of Steven Spielberg, produced the film directed by Elan Golod.

It started making the film festival circuit in late 2023, and Mates said she looks forward to bringing the film and pieces of his art here early next year as one of her educational offerings to the community.

“That experience changed my life, and at some point I realized I wanted to do more with this,” she said.

Even as she discovered this inspiration to explore the history of the Holocaust, Mates said she didn’t believe she had any personal connection to it.

That is, until the early 2020s, during the peak of the COVID pandemic. Mates discovered she did indeed have a familial connection to the historic tragedy.

“A man reached out to several members of my family through Facebook,” she said. “My mother’s grandfather had been one of seven children. He came to America then died in 1929. All six of his brothers and sisters died in Europe. This man was the grandson of one of those siblings — his father had escaped. He had a picture of my great, great grandfather. So, I found out I had lost family in the Holocaust.”

Inspired by history, Mates has begun pursuing a doctorate degree in comparative studies through Florida Atlantic University, particularly exploring how “transactive memory” may carry trauma forward through generations.

While she works toward her degree, she will work in Longboat Key at Temple Beth Israel, and she said she can’t wait to step up to the bimah.

Even though she’s lived in Florida since 2002, Mates said this was the first time she visited the Sarasota area. She immediately fell in love with the community, and she looks forward to fully embracing the organization’s commitment to promoting education.

Meredith Piazza explained to attendees at the drive on May 20.

“We

Fellow

For

Cyesis

Bird Key honors fallen heroes

Gemma Briggs started learning how to play the bagpipes 15 years ago, and she said she takes immense pride in now being able to share her musical talent at special occasions. This past weekend was even more meaningful for her as she remembered her grandfather’s military service while performing for members of the Bird Key Yacht Club.

The club held a holiday program on Sunday, featuring a parade of the colors led by Jay Plager, musical tributes by Briggs and vocalist Lorraine Murphy and a tribute to the fallen by Commo. Michael Landis and Rear Commo. Saul Landesberg.

Briggs, currently based in Clearwater, started playing the bagpipes in middle school and went on to join the Tampa Bay Pipe Band.

She often performs at weddings, funerals and other community events where there is a need. But she said she especially appreciated that evening in Bird Key as she recognized her grandfathers, William Briggs and Ralph White, who fought in World War II in the Army and Navy. One fought in the Battle of the Bulge, a moment that contributed significantly to the end of the war.

“I can’t imagine what they went through,” she said of their service

that took a toll long after they returned home — but she was grateful to use her talents to help recognize their sacrifice and that of others in the armed forces.

The ceremony continued with Murphy’s singing. With her encouragement, members lent their voices to harmonies of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and sang along while Briggs played “America the Beautiful” and “Amazing Grace.”

Murphy, who is a choir member with the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, displayed delight when so many people joined in.

“I’ve been singing since I was 4, and I remember my mother

always said, ‘Make it count. Sell your song.’ If I could get people to sing along like that, I think I’ve done it. It was amazing, and I didn’t expect it,” she said. “I hoped they’d sing with the ‘Glory, glory, hallelujah’ chorus, but when they started singing with the piper, it was great.”

Before members retired the colors, the commodore proceeded to name each war in which Americans have fought and the total number

Steffany’s

college

“I was living a completely normal life. I worked full time, went to school full time and was always on the go,” she said.

When she began feeling sick on April 18, she wasn’t overly concerned and attributed it to anxiety, as she had occasional panic attacks during times of stress at school. When she started to lose strength on her left side, her boyfriend encouraged her to call 911, but she still believed it to be a panic attack. Then, she began vomiting. “All I tasted was iron,” she said. After he helped her to the bed to lie down, Steffany’s left arm began to contract, and she could no longer control her left hand. It was then that her boyfriend insisted she call the paramedics.

By the time she arrived at a local acute care hospital, doctors told Steffany’s family

she had experienced a stroke. Though the bleeding had stopped, she still had a large amount of swelling in her brain that was leaving her unable to walk, talk or swallow on her own. After seven days in the ICU, Quintana was deemed medically stable enough to be transferred to Encompass

of casualties since the country’s foundation, accompanied by a bell ring from Landesberg.

Landis is a veteran with the U.S. Army, and flag-bearer Jay Plager is from the U.S. Navy.

In his remarks, Landis encouraged attendees to take time to honor and remember those who gave their lives to protect the nation. He shared his appreciation for their courage and dedication.

Heath Rehabilitation Hospital to begin her recovery.

Though she was determined to progress as much—and as quickly—as possible, Quintana soon found that her stroke had also caused her to lose her ability to control her emotions. “The first day I came in, someone in the gym was ringing the bell,” she said. “I broke down crying. The director of therapy told me that would be me soon.”

Steffany’s used the AutoAmbulator®, a treadmill-like device that allowed her to get in a standing position in a harness. Robotics assist the patient’s legs, simulating walking. Though she was skeptical of the equipment at first, she admits, soon she realized its purpose. “My therapist kept repeating ‘Heel, toe’ to remind me how to move my feet,” Steffany said. “As time progressed, I noticed I was doing it on my own.”

Occupational therapy helped her regain fine motor skills and prepared her to walk with a backpack for when she returned to school. Regaining her ability to swallow—Steffany’s most important goal—was celebrated with Coke, her favorite beverage.

Steffany’s team knew when to push her and when to comfort her and showed her that she was capable of doing more than she thought. Most importantly, her team taught her to be patient with herself and trust the plan put in place for her.

“In the first two or three days, I was thinking, ‘Why am I here, this isn’t going to work,’” Steffany said. “It did. I definitely came out stronger.”

BEST BET

THURSDAY, MAY 29

ZOOM INTO ZOTA

5-7 p.m. at Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Residents can take the opportunity to socialize at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s “Off the Clock” networking event at Zota Beach Resort. Attendance is $10 for chamber members; $15 for nonmembers. Call Ellen Thomas at 941-383-2466 with questions.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

MEET THE RABBI

7:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. New Rabbi Jessica Mates hosts her first service, a “Shavout of Hope and Hello,” featuring guest speaker Aaron Rose, founder and chair of IVC Clubhouse. The Sunday service concludes with a champagne and cheese reception. Holiday services continue Monday morning at 10 a.m. a Shavout Morning Service and Yizhor, with a cafe hour to follow. RSVP by May 29. Call 941-3833428.

RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 941-383-6493.

SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS

YOGA

10-11 a.m. Sundays and 6-7 p.m. on Mondays at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle. This slow-flow yoga class is free to those 18 and older or accompanied by an adult. Bring a mat or towel and water. Register at Paige@YogaWithPaige.us or visit YogaWithPaige.us to learn more.

MONDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN

10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. The focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 941-383-6493.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

QIGONG

10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Learn all about this ancient healing art of movement and meditation. Fee is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 941-3836493.

PILATES SCULPT

9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories, and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels. Cost is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 941-383-6493.

YOGA

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby Debile of Feel Good Yoga & Massage leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $20. Call 941-3836493.

FRIDAYS UP YOUR TAI CHI SKILLS

10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Certified instructor Reuben Fernandez leads a weekly intermediate tai chi class, held outdoors when weather permits. Fernandez also leads a beginner class at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, but builds off those skills with a focus on Chen Style, Lao Ca Dija. It’s recommended to wear close-toed shoes with low heels rather than running shoes. Cost is $20. Call 941-383-6493.

Dig it

With a flick of a trowel and a few sprinkles of soil, volunteers lent a hand to the Longboat Key Garden Club as it officially began work renovating the hurricane-damaged Butterfly Garden at Bicentennial Garden. Members collaborated with town experts earlier this month to map out the renovations, and early Monday morning, they set to work planting the new garden.

The plants they added included many familiar pollinatorfriendly flowers, such as silky deep red milkweed. But the new garden also includes a rainbow of other plants, like orange lantanas, pink pentas, blue porterweeds and red gaillardias.

Cyndi Seamon, vice president of Longboat Key Turtle Watch and one volunteer, said they hope to attract the monarch butterflies, like those they release at the Fourth of July celebration of

the park, but also other species. She said members of the public have recently spotted some atala butterflies, also known as coontie hairstreaks. These colorful blue, orange and black butterflies call southern Florida home. Scientists believed the atala butterfly to be extinct from

1937 to 1959, but it has made a small resurgence.

Susan Phillips, former assistant to the town manager, public information officer and former garden club president, also pointed out the first succulents going into another bed, featuring brilliant blue agave.

The club invited community members to assist at 7:30 a.m. on Friday with a second wave of gardening to finish the Butterfly Garden and succulent beds, and get started on other areas. She said on May 30, volunteers will focus on planting 50 firecracker bushes and 50 sea oxeye daisies.

Condo in The Condominium Residences at Longboat Key tops week’s sales at $9,125,000

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Cote Family Business LLC

sold the Unit 308 condominium at 1581 Gulf of Mexico Drive to G. Barrie Landry and Highmount Fiduciary LLC, trustee, for $9,125,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 3,817 square feet of living area. It sold for $7.65 million in 2024.

THE WATER CLUB AT LONGBOAT KEY

Jeffrey Simbrow and Rhoda Simbrow, trustees, of Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 1005 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Terry and Denise Rehfeldt, of Longboat Key, for $3.75 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,285,000 in 2009.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Judith and Herbert Gofman, of Sarasota, sold their home at 591 Putting Green Lane to Roberto Pacifici and Monica Rizzo, of Atlanta, for $2.5 million. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,858 square feet of living area.

SANCTUARY AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Rochelle Bernard, of Lenox, Massachusetts, sold her Unit A-304 condominium at 575 Sanctuary Drive to Esther Garfinkel, of Longboat Key, for $2,201,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,785 square feet of living area. It sold for $395,000 in 1990.

LONGBEACH REVISED

Melanie Carrozza, of Longboat Key, sold the home at 610 Russell St. to John Scott Phillips and Erin Phillips, of Longboat Key, for $1,149,000.

Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $409,000 in 2015.

LIDO SURF AND SAND

Thomas Krisztinicz, of McLean, Virginia, sold their Unit 714 condominium at 1102 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Linda Kay Gross, of Auburn, Indiana, for $725,000. Built in 1976, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,213 square feet of living area.

WINDWARD BAY David Samuels, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 203 condominium at 4600 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Lori Ann Ritchey and Eugene Roger Baldwin, of Cincinnati, for $700,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $579,700 in 2021.

Valerie Korsgaard, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit

204 condominium at 4540 Gulf of Mexico Drive to KPA Group FL Inc. for $335,000. Built in 1975, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,096 square feet of living area. It sold for $317,500 in 2018.

SEAPLACE

Ronald and Mary Gemma, of Indianapolis, sold their Unit G1-205-C condominium at 2089 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gene Brayman and Tatyana Brayman, trustees, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, for $548,200. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 933 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2015.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

and Zoning Department for the week of May 16-22 in order of dollar amounts.

LONGBOAT HARBOUR

Juergen and Christine Wache, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 4440 Exeter Drive to Gregory and Natalie Roy, of Lebanon, Connecticut, for $455,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 2015.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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