Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 6.15.23

Observer

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOUR TOWN

Shipping out

What’s it like being a plebe (first-year student) at the U.S. Naval Academy?

Cooper Bowditch, a Sarasota Military Academy graduate, recently completed his plebe year and shared his experience on June 6 with attendees at the Sarasota-Manatee Council of the Navy League’s celebration luncheon at the Sara Bay Country Club.

The dinner was held in conjunction with the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and honored local students who earned appointments to U.S. sea service academies or Navy ROTC scholarships.

Now a midshipman, Bowditch encouraged the students present to look beyond the challenges and face their first year with an eye on the future.

The Naval Academy appointees for the Class of 2027 who attended the luncheon are Gunner Williams,Clearwater Catholic High; Michael Rossi and Thomas Canales, Sarasota Military Academy; and Christian DeLarge, Sarasota Military Academy, who will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School.

The gift of giving Shari Ashman was never one for large birthdays, and that was why she decided to celebrate her 80th birthday by giving instead of receiving.

As a young woman, she had little money, so she decided to give other young women what she had dreamed of having.

Ashman, who is chair of the Circus Arts Conservatory, established Shari’s Fund for the benefit of Take Stock in Children and Booker Promise, two programs that partner to provide scholarship and mentor programs to students at Booker High School.

Ashman said the students, who were required to have won other scholarships, would now be able to enjoy making the kinds of purchases for dorm room decor and clothes she once heard her friends describing.

HAPPENING

TABS WHAT’S

WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2023

Read more on page 4A

Rainford appointed county commissioner

Neil Rainford has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the Sarasota County Commission seat that became vacant after Nancy Detert died. The District 3 seat covers Venice and parts of Nokomis and North Port.

Rainford, 36, is a senior executive with Sarasota-based Mullet’s Aluminum Products Inc. He moved to the Sarasota area shortly after graduating from Florida State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s of science degree with an emphasis on urban and regional planning.

Rainford is scheduled to take the oath of office prior to the Tuesday, June 13 County Commission meeting at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail in Venice. He will then join commissioners for the commission meeting at 9 a.m.

Rainford is a current member of the Sarasota County Planning Commission and was an elected member of the county’s Charter Review Board.

Rominiecki elected Visit Florida chair

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Construction begins on Peninsula Sarasota

More construction is underway on Golden Gate Point, as the Gault Family Companies has officially broken ground on Peninsula Sarasota, a 23-unit luxury condominium development at 223 and 283 Golden Gate Point.

Units in the two mid-rise towers are priced from $2.6 million. The three-bedroom, threebathroom floor plans with den range from 2,400 to more than 3,000 square feet. The project is designed by Hoyt Architects and the general contractor is Gilbane.

“Our design is aimed to both honor and elevate the charac-

ter Golden Gate Point is known for,” said architect Gary Hoyt in a news release. “The building’s strong geometric expression with simple bold shapes creates an iconic statement, while two amenity spaces foster a strong sense of community.”

Peninsula Sarasota already has 60% of its residences under contract. The penthouse residences have recently been released in conjunction with the start of vertical construction. The two buildings offer one or two residences per floor, and the buildings are connected by a

common amenity platform above a gated parking garage. Amenities include a pool, fire pit areas, fitness center, a gathering room with wine storage and a rooftop lounge overlooking Sarasota Bay.

Courtesy rendering $1 MILLION The minimum amount of money per acre ideally needed to establish a sustainable operating endowment for The Bay park. PAGE 4A 225 The number of apartments planned for Roers Tamiami Trail Apartments between 42nd and 47th streets along North Tamiami Trail. PAGE 9A 307 The number of emailed comments to the city from Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle residents and merchants opposed to holding a 2023 St. Armands Circle Winter Spectacular. PAGE 6A CALENDAR n City of Sarasota parklets information meeting — 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St. n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

“Sarasota’s rising popularity has created a remarkable demand for luxury residential properties,” said developer Sam Gault in the release. “We look forward to delivering an exceptional new option on Golden Gate Point that takes full advantage of the location yet provides an extraordinary level of finish and modern design.”

President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki has been elected chair of the Visit Florida Board of Directors for fiscal year 2023-24. Currently vice chair, she will begin her one year term July 1. Rominiecki has served on the Visit Florida board since July 2020. Visit Florida is the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, serving as the state’s official source for travel planning for visitors. The not-forprofit corporation was created as a public-private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996.

“I am deeply honored to serve as chair of this vital organization that is so essential to the state of Florida’s record-breaking success in tourism and the resulting economic impact,” said Rominiecki.

“We are trying to keep everything free and available, but free is expensive.”

Stephanie Crockatt, Bay Park Conservancy president and CEO

College try

No stranger to stirring things up, Richard Corcoran goes all in on transforming a liberal arts college.

MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVER

During Richard Corcoran’s eight years in Florida electoral politics, including a stint as Florida House Speaker, he worked fast and went bold. A fitting strategy for a father of six comfortable quoting Steve Jobs and Winston Churchill in the same conversation.

As Florida Speaker in 2017 and 2018, Corcoran, among other battles, led moves to significantly shrink the budgets of Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida — jobs and tourism agencies championed by then Gov. Rick Scott. The political titans, both Republicans, got into some punchy verbal squabbles back then. Scott questioned Corcoran’s motives. Others considered it a typical Tallahassee power play.

In a January 2017 interview with the Business Observer, Corcoran said the arrows were worth it because he was taking on the status quo. “They teach you in law school,” he said, “that when you’re right, pound the facts, and when you’re wrong, pound the table.”

Corcoran, now interim president at New College of Florida in Sarasota, is again going fast and thinking bold. And again his positions have led to factions. The New College board appointed Corcoran to the interim position Jan. 31, replacing President Patricia Okker, who was fired.

The hiring of Corcoran, who was Florida Education Secretary under Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2018 to 2021, came three weeks after the governor launched a major transformation — some critics called it a hostile takeover — of New College.

Fresh off his big gubernatorial election victory, DeSantis named seven new board members in early January and tasked them with reshaping New College. “In Florida, we will build off of our higher education reforms by aligning core curriculum to the values of liberty and the Western tradition, eliminating politicized bureaucracies like DEI, increasing the amount of research dollars for programs that will feed key industries with talented Florida students and empowering presidents and boards of trustees to recruit and hire new faculty, including by dedicating record resources for faculty salaries,” DeSantis said in a statement.

DeSantis backed his words with Florida’s wallet: He proposed $15 million to “overhaul and restructure” New College, “including support for student’s scholarships and hiring faculty.” The Legislature

approved the proposal in the most recent state budget.

NOT FINE

New College, on 110 acres directly on Sarasota Bay, was founded in 1960. It’s since had a mostly triumphant, yet occasionally tortured 63-year run. In 1975, it joined the state university system as part of USF. In July 2001, it became independent and was designated by the Legislature as Florida’s Honors College.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks New College as a top five public liberal arts college nationwide. And it’s made multiple best values in college lists going back to the 1990s. The school, which requires a senior capstone/thesis and doesn’t give traditional grades, offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences; a master’s degree program in data science; and certificates in technology, finance, and business skills.

Yet Florida Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, proposed a bill in 2020 that would have folded both New College and Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland into the University of Florida. Fine and others at the time contended New College costs too much per student and wasn’t producing enough graduates going into high-paying jobs. (On the flip side, New College is tops in the nation for percentage of graduates who go on to earn doctorates.) Fine’s bill ultimately failed.

Looming over the platitudes and political salvos are five consecutive years of a drop in the already small student population. New College’s enrollment, according to data from the school, dropped from 885 in 2016 to 659 in 2021 — a decline of 24.65% and the lowest number in at least 20 years. (Student enrollment ticked up slightly, by 30 students, in 2022.)

Corcoran, who said he is applying to be named official president by the board, likens the New College transformation to turnarounds other organizations have to go through to survive. Find the biggest problems, devise a strategy to fix them and execute the strategy.

“Like the keys to real estate are location, location, location, the keys to building a liberal arts school that survives is enrollment, enrollment, enrollment,” said Corcoran. “And the more competitive your enrollment, the greater the quality of your student.”

Corcoran is in the execution phase of his plan, which by one metric is working: He projects total enrollment for the 2023 freshman class will be at least 260 students and set a New College first-year student enrollment record.

WITH HONORS

Corcoran is in strategy execution mode against a voiceful opposition. That’s particularly true on social media, where even benign posts on New College’s official public Facebook page about a student winning an award quickly overflow with antiDeSantis and anti-Corcoran comments. And in the first month or so of his tenure as interim president,

national media publications, from CNN and Fox News to the Washington Post and New York Times, sent teams of reporters to Sarasota to cover the changes — often presented in an unflattering light.

In addition, a few groups have formed to counter — or in the words of one organizer, to be a watchdog over the board — Corcoran and how the new funding will be spent. Jono Miller, who attended New College in the 1970s, met his wife there and later taught classes and coordinated the school’s environmental studies program, has been active on social media regarding the changes.  Miller is also president of a group called NCF Freedom, which he said monitors both the board and Corcoran. His and NCF Freedom’s concerns, he said in an interview with the Business Observer, include questions about academic freedom and the school’s governance structure, which previously included faculty in some decisions. He worries both are being eroded — and that’s happening too fast and under a culture of fear.

“Maybe (Corcoran) is under pressure from DeSantis to get results,” said Miller, a longtime environmental activist who ran as a Democrat for Sarasota County Commission in 2008. “But to move as fast as he has, for a liberal arts college trying to be best in class, is very problematic. There are 1,000 ways a liberal arts college can fail and a few ways for it to work well.”

STAY POSITIVE

Dressed in blue khakis, a pink golf polo shirt and Hoka sneakers, Corcoran, in a rare one-on-one interview

WHY LIBERAL ARTS?

New College Interim President Richard Corcoran on the value of a liberal arts education:

“It gives students the wonderful foundation of the liberal arts, which I think is second to none. You ought to graduate from an institution and have wrestled with those questions that make you a better citizen, they make you a better spouse, they make you a better community leader, they make you a better parent. All of those things are a component of a great liberal arts education, and they make you a lifelong learner.”

in late May, spoke to the Business Observer about his ideas for New College and more. Edited excerpts:

PROBLEMS SPECIFIC TO NEW COLLEGE

Corcoran believes New College has lost its way — something even some alumni, he adds, have recognized. Corcoran said when he was in the Legislature, in 2015, New College received an “infusion of $7 million to add more faculty to have growth.”

“And the promise was, if you give us this money, you give us the capacity, go out and get these other great professors, we can grow enrollment to 1,200 (students). But instead of going from 800 to 1,200, they went from 800 to 690. For lack of a better term, it is somewhat of a death spiral. And I think the way you get out of that death spiral, and this is what I think the governor was saying, was you have to have a new vision and a new mission, one that people can understand.”

STUDENT DIVERSITY

“We’re changing the culture because the culture is not healthy,” he said. “There’s very limited diversity on this campus. And that would be echoed by faculty; it would be echoed by other students. I think the female to male ratio is probably more than 70% female and 30% male.”

Corcoran projects Black and Hispanic student enrollment will rise in the 2023-24 academic year. “All of these things are real diversity. And when I say we’re going to increase African American enrollment, we’re going to increase Hispanic enrollment, I’m not saying much because the enrollment of those two groups at New College has been abysmally below national levels.”

STUDENT RETENTION

Corcoran said he’s met a few times with Ringling College of Art & Design President Larry Thompson, who has

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New BPC president and CEO getting her feet wet in The Bay

Stephanie Crockatt settles in to a smaller park and bigger job at the helm of the Bay Park Conservancy.

Sitting at her desk, Stephanie Crockatt’s view through a floorto-ceiling window is a constant reminder of why she accepted the responsibility of leading the Bay Park Conservancy.

The vista from the iconic blue pagoda building that doubles as the welcome center for The Bay park and offices for the BPC — the developer and steward of the city-owned

53-acre waterfront park — is of Fountain Garden. The historic pond with a restored fountain at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Boulevard of the Arts provides a prelude to the first 14 acres of the park completed and open to the public.

The office for the new president and CEO is roughly half of what it was intended to be. Crockatt insisted it was too large.

“This wall is brand new,” Crockatt said, pointing behind her desk. “They told me that this is my office, and I said that was a gross amount of

space and that I didn’t need it, and I’m sure somebody else could use an office, like our CFO, who will be going right next door.”

The downsized office is a metaphor of sorts for her task of leading the development of the last two of three phases of The Bay and establishing a financial foundation for perpetual sustainability. At 53 acres, The Bay is dwarfed by her prior assignment at Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, where she was responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance and programming for 850 acres of park land.

“It’s a bit different, but it’s still with the ultimate goal of having something for generational use,” Crockatt said of her new charge. “The whole underlying core is still the same. It’s a smaller space, bigger job, more intensive use of a site, and that’s exciting. It’s taking everything I did and condensing it, but I’m excited to help build this from an organizational standpoint.”

Until now, the founding of the BPC and the creation of the first 14-acre phase of The Bay has been largely philanthropic. That includes developing the partnership with the city, planning and envisioning the second and third phases with an anticipated time horizon of another decade to completion and the hiring of a professional staff.

Retired Proctor & Gamble Chairman AG Lafley and former KimleyHorn Senior Vice President Bill Waddill, with 31 years of experience in developing public spaces, have been the driving forces for The Bay, with the guidance of the BPC board of directors. With Crockatt’s arrival, founding CEO Lafley, who was one of the nine citizen volunteers who agreed to serve on the original master planning committee, is stepping back into an advisory capacity.

Waddill continues in his role of chief implementation officer.

Now as the BPC’s first full-time professional top executive, Crockatt is responsible for building out the team, overseeing operations and, perhaps most importantly, raising money.

‘FREE IS EXPENSIVE’

Early planning for a portion of the second phase of The Bay, known as the Canal District, has met with some objection to a plan to activate the south side of the 10th Street boat launch with privately operated restaurant space. It’s that space in the park, Waddill told city commissioners during a March 23 meeting, that is needed to generate revenue to allow the BPC to sustain the park financially.

That’s the contemporary funding model for public spaces, according to Crockatt.

“In Buffalo, we had private entities that came into a public park and operated; they shared revenue with us and it sustained that park facility,” she said. “I see that as a natural thing that happens now in public-private partnerships. This park is free, it belongs to everyone and we want to keep the programming free. We want to keep every offering here as open and inclusive as possible. Without having some type of revenue stream, we’re not going to be able to keep that standard of excellence and keep the public’s expectations met. There has to be some give and take in that way.

“We are trying to keep everything free and available, but free is expensive.”

The total cost for the capital improvements in The Bay — estimated at $175 million-$200 million, is to be evenly divided between private dollars raised by the BPC and public monies derived from a tax increment financing district overlay on several blocks surrounding the park. Both the city and Sarasota County must annually approve ad valorem revenues from the TIF district to the BPC for annual bond payments on capital projects.

“The city partnership is incredible,” Crockatt said. “With governmental support for this public-private partnership the park wouldn’t have happened. It has all the makings of a best practices example for others

in the parks and public space realm. Sarasota is very fortunate.”

That partnership with the city and county was forged to build the park. To achieve sustainability, though, requires an endowment, another of Crockatt’s responsibilities.

How much does that endowment need to be?

“There’s a minimum that I can say would be needed, and that’s a million dollars per acre, so there would need to be a minimum of about $53 million to $55 million,” Crockatt said. “Raising endowment money can be tricky because it really does require more philanthropic support from individuals. Not a lot of foundations or companies will give to an endowment because it is general operating support, so it’s going to take a little bit of finesse, but I think we can do it here.”

That’s a minimum of $53 million atop the upwards of $60 million in capital funds the BPC must raise to meet its capital financial obligations with the city over the remainder of the build-out. Having paid for the bulk of Phase 1 of the park with $40 million in donations and grants, the BPC began fiscal year 2023 with nearly $15.1 million in net assets, according to its 2022 annual report.

That comes at a time when there will be intense competition for philanthropic dollars. The Sarasota Orchestra will be raising funds for its $275 million music hall on Fruitville Road, the Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation will be raising its half of a new $275 million to $300 million facility — which would be the centerpiece in The Bay but not under the auspices of the BPC; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will be raising the remaining $35 million of a $92 million campaign for capital projects and an endowment.

A DOZEN DAYS IN Crockatt arrives at the busiest time in the BPC’s existence, with Phase 2 planning that includes redevelopment of the 10th Street boat launch, adding day docks, shoreline resiliency, the sunset pier, a dockside dining terrace, Municipal Auditorium, an event lawn and a recreation lawn all while operating active and passive park aspects of  Phase 1. Such diverse uses of a waterfront park aren’t unique, she said, but con-

densing them into 53 acres might be.

“There is a lot going on at the site,” she said. “There’s a lot to manage. There’s a lot to plan for, but I think we’re going to wind up eating the elephant one bite at a time in a very strategic way. I think Sarasota is going to be very proud of what we do.”

Meanwhile, Crockatt is spending her early days in Sarasota exploring the city and downtown restaurants — “You’ve got an amazing foodie culture, which I love,” she said — and she has found a midcentury-style bungalow where she plans to put down roots and apply her touches.

“I love mid-mod architecture,” she said.  She also spent some of her first 12 days on the job becoming acquainted with city government leadership.

“I’ve met with the city manager. I’ve met with the mayor. I’m starting to meet the commissioners. I’m meeting some of the city staff,” she said. “People are so kind as to make time. Even if it’s a half-hour, it’s half an hour well spent in formulating a relationship and having that face-to-face recognition. It’s deeply appreciated because I know how busy everybody is.”

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

In addition to building a diverse public park for a wide variety of interests and uses, a cornerstone of the Bay Park Conservancy’s mission is to clean stormwater runoff as it makes its way through the park before being discharged into Sarasota Bay.

“As fragile as Florida’s ecosystem is in some areas, I think this is critical, and it creates a wonderful educational opportunity for the whole community as well as taking some pride and responsibility for the water, the plants and for clean air,” said BPC President and CEO Stephanie Crockatt. “The mantra has been for The Bay to be sustainable in every way, so while we’re talking about financial sustainability, we’re also about ecological sustainability. It all works together.”

“In Buffalo, we had private entities that came into a public park and operated; they shared revenue with us and it sustained that park facility.”

— Stephanie Crockatt

Winter Spectacular won’t return to St. Armands Circle

The promoters of the inaugural Winter Spectacular have pulled the plug on a repeat in 2023.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

The Winter Spectacular 2023 in St. Armands Circle will not take place.

In a letter to Sarasota city officials, Jeff and David Koffman of Ride

Entertainment of Sarasota wrote that a reprise of the 2022 event will not be held.

“We are disappointed that, as a result of the loud voices of a minority of citizens, the potential and purpose of Winter Spectacular ’23 will not be realized and is still mired in contentiousness,” they wrote. “It seems that our efforts to continue down the path of bringing back the Winter Spectacular for this coming holiday season will only be divisive by these same loud minority voices and thus negate the true meaning of the holiday season and the purpose of the festival.”

There may have been more to it than that.

The city invited merchants and residents of St. Armands and Longboat Key to submit their comments about the six-week event. Of the 331 emails received, between May 5 and June 2, 307 were against a repeat, 19 were supportive and five were neutral.

“My sense is that residents are thrilled,” said Chris Goglia, president of the St. Armands Residents Association. Goglia was a staunch opponent of the Winter Spectacular, which placed him at odds with Tom Leonard, owner of Shore restaurant and chairman of the St. Armands Business Improvement District Board of Directors. Leonard part -

nered with Ride Entertainment to bring the event to St. Armands, but as a private business owner and not on behalf of the BID.

Goglia argued before city officials at the time that closing circle park — state-owned land managed by the city — for a for-profit enterprise was illegal, and that the free, less intense events traditionally held around the holidays in the circle were more appropriate for a public space.

“Our first priority when proposing the Winter Spectacular ’22 was to create a memorable, unifying and joyous experience for all of Sarasota during the holiday season,” wrote the Koffmans in their letter. “We had over 20,000 happy residents and visitors that greatly enjoyed the festival.”

In February, the event promoters were back before the City Commission seeking a permit for a sequel, describing the 2022 event as a rousing success.

Commissioners tabled the discussion, instructing staff to gather more data before determining whether to proceed.

Jeff Koffman and Leonard pitched the Winter Spectacular last year, they told commissioners, to highlight the new holiday tree paid for by the city to replace the 20-year-old tree that was no longer functional. Some residents and merchants supported the plan during hearings but others opposed it over concerns about additional traffic and private use of public space.

It was also opposed by then-St. Armands Merchants Association Executive Director Rachel Burns, who told commissioners she would

be forced to cancel some annual holiday season events long produced by the merchants group to accommodate the festival.

Among those events was the 44th annual tree lighting — Holiday Night of Lights — which Burns said she was forced to cancel because she could not safely accommodate the crowd in limited space unoccupied by the festival.

Burns said she is already at work to bring back the traditional tree lighting, Porsches in the Park and other December events.

She has stepped down as executive director of the circle association because of her application to serve on the St. Armands BID board and now serves as marketing and events director.

“I already spoke with the city events department, and there are no other conflicting permits or applications,” Burns said. “I wanted to

make sure before I jump in that I wasn’t going have the same issue as last year, where I lost deposits and I had to call people. We’re going to have Porsches in the Park again, and we’re also going to be doing activities on the weekends.

“Because of the city events ordinance I can’t do full-fledged events, but I can reserve the park for activities. They’re going to be smaller scale, but we’re going to have more going on that will be free for the public to enjoy.”

Weeks before Leonard and Burns were publicly at odds over the use of the circle park during the holidays, the pair successfully lobbied the City Commission for a replacement of the tree last fall. Commissioners approved their $286,000 grant request, which included installation of the 60-foot tree and storage for one year.

Burns joined Goglia in arguing that

a for-profit use of public park space is inappropriate and that the circle association board, which she represents, was opposed to the festival. Commissioners sided with Leonard and Ride Entertainment, agreeing that the Winter Spectacular presented an opportunity to highlight the investment in a city tree, although it is owned by the St. Armands Circle Association.

“It was pretty torn with the merchants. There were a lot of newer merchants who were very optimistic, and there were merchants who had been around for a long time who weren’t optimistic,” Burns said. “I can’t fault them for wanting to try something new,” she added of the Koffmans and Leonard. “We never know what’s going to work and what’s not. I don’t see it as they failed. They gave it an effort, and I think that what they want to do may fit somewhere else in Sarasota.”

OPINION / OUR VIEW

High side of the Obsidian

As always, there are cries of doom when a developer proposes a creative project. But fact is more are on the way, and they bring far more good than bad.

This is classic Sarasota and classic Longboat Key. It never changes, probably never will.

This is the nature of new development in Florida: People don’t like it when it’s close to their home. It drives them to go on the attack — to defend what they have and not let others have what they want. And the people working to stop the development are seemingly unaware of the irony: They likely live in a development that someone else protested years ago. It’s laughable.

To be sure, for the residents close to the proposed development, we know this is serious stuff. But if you’ve watched this region and Florida grow and grow and grow (and will continue to grow) over the decades, it’s like watching sitcom reruns.

The actors change, but the characters don’t — cranky neighbors opposing the development, packing city hall public hearings, delivering stern and passionate pleadings of doom and outrage, or flooding their elected commissioners with fiery letters, emails and petitions. There is the developer portrayed as a plaid-jacketed, greedy, duplicitous carpetbagger. The developer’s lawyers, whom the opposition views as slick and full of legal blather. And the elected commissioners — stewards of the community, but also politicians who want to be liked, reelected and are prone to giving in when the commission chambers are teeming with protesters.

The story lines are always the same, too: The neighbors say the proposed development is too big or too ugly and is going to ruin the neighborhood and the residents’ lives.

The only thing unpredictable is the ending: who wins, who loses.

This show is underway simultaneously in the city of Sarasota and on Longboat Key, albeit different episodes.

In Sarasota, the issue is a proposed 18-story condominium — the Obsidian, slated for a tight patch of North Palm Avenue that would dwarf the historic Bay Plaza condominiums and become downtown’s tallest building.

On Longboat, in classic, onlyLongboat fashion, the issue is, get this: a garage — a proposed twostory garage for the St. Regis Hotel & Residences.

In both instances, residents from nearby residential neighborhoods and condominiums have rallied with persistent protests to their city and town commissioners.

In the Obsidian’s city file, the condo associations from Bay Plaza, Essex House, Gulfstream Towers, Le Chateau, Marina Tower and Sarabande each submitted essentially the same form letter (see box).

In one letter, the final paragraph read: “This proposed building would stick out ‘like a sore thumb’ as the largesse of 14 residents (the number of units in the building). It would be out of bounds with, and disrespectful of, zoning codes and plans. In addition to immediate and lasting impacts on Palm Avenue, if approved, the proposed building would establish precedent for other exceptionally tall, ill-placed skyscrapers, downgrading our beautiful city for all who live in, work in and visit Sarasota.”

Matt Kihnke (pronounced KinKAY), founder and owner of MK Equity and developer of the proposed Obsidian, is befuddled over the intense opposition.

The most obvious is the fact the Obsidian would be 342 feet high, 80 feet higher than the nearby Jewel and Epoch and about 200 feet higher than the Bay Plaza. People are aghast anyone would do such a thing next to the historic Bay Plaza.

Residents also oppose losing the quaint (albeit tired) one-story retail stores on one of Sarasota’s most iconic downtown streets. And they take umbrage over Kihnke wanting to build Sarasota’s tallest building on what appears to be a tight spot — 12,366 square feet — directly in front of Bay Plaza.

“It doesn’t look that small to me,” Kihnke told us. “We did a project in downtown Chicago on an 8,900-square-foot site.”

To the bigger issue, though — the Obsidian’s proposed height, when you ask Kihnke why, he says:

“Why shouldn’t we? Why shouldn’t the Obsidian be a noteworthy piece of art or a beacon in the sky of Sarasota? … Why shouldn’t a few buyers be able to enjoy the city like others do every single day?”

At 55, Kihnke has lived in Sarasota since 2010. A native of Grand Haven, Michigan, what Kihnke calls the Sarasota of Michigan, he has developed residential projects in Chicago, Michigan, the Caribbean and Florida. He became enamored with Sarasota around 2001, when a friend in Chicago asked him to help her dispose of family real estate.

“When I drove through here, I was very comfortable,” he says. It made him think of Grand Haven. “It was sunny every day I was here, and I was like, ‘This is unbelievable.’”

Kihnke ended up buying his friend’s property and converted it into the CityWalk condominiums, just east of Sarasota Ford. That was the first of what would become a half-dozen other projects in Sarasota and Bradenton.

Most notably in Sarasota, Kihnke developed the Sansara condominium at Pineapple and Ringling and the soon-to-be completed Collection on Second Street across from Selby Library — two architecturally distinct buildings.

“I’m an artist at the core,” Kihnke says. “I love art. I love architecture, so I like to blend the two.”

ly owned the retail stores where the Obsidian is to be built, if approved. He originally asked Kihnke to design a four- to five-story rental apartment for the site.

“I said, ‘Dr. Kaufman, in all honesty, I couldn’t do it with that site because I am a highest and best use guy.’ I said, ‘That’s an incredible site, and it deserves so much more than that.’”

Six months later, Kaufman called again. They partnered. Over the next nine months, Kihnke developed his concept. When he showed it to Kaufman, Kihnke remembers Kaufman saying: “Matt, you are out of your mind. You can buy me out and do whatever you want. That’s just too much for me.”

He told Kaufman: “I want to do something special there for the city, because I think it needs it.” Adds Kihnke: “For a city that touts itself on fantastic architecture, it needs more of it.”

And for him, Palm Avenue is “a rock star for the city.”

“This is a great site,” he says.

“And now we have to come up with a building that really amplifies what that site is all about … (P)eople are going to walk by there and go, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing building.’”

Asked what benefits Obsidian would bring to Sarasota other than the distinction of being the tallest building, Kihnke responds:

“That’s one of those questions where I kind of scratch my head. The obvious would be the tax base. Those millions of dollars pay for all the parks, all the waterfront, pay for all of the arts foundations, all of the stuff that makes Sarasota what it is.

“The reason Sarasota is what it is because of all the people who are here. More residences bring more people. More people bring more businesses, more revenue. The restaurants can stay open; the funding of all the art shops and artists. That’s what makes a city. All of the people who live in these buildings are what substantiates Sarasota as one of the great cities.”

FEW AND SAVAGE

That is the irony. That the people who protest new development because they oppose or fear it is out of scale or will attract too many people, too much traffic forget they were those people themselves at one time. They live in places that someone else likely opposed at one time or another.

And they forget that they, like those who are yet to move here, added to the richness of the region. There is also this undeniable real-

FORM LETTER FROM CONDOS

As evidenced by the below signature, the 624 Palm Condominium Association hereby goes on record as opposing the proposed building at 1260 N. Palm Ave. for the following reasons:

1. At 342 feet tall, it is unlike any other development proposal.

2. It is more than 100 feet taller than any existing condominium in downtown Sarasota.

3. It is more than twice the height of Bay Plaza, the condominium building closest to it.

4. Its property lines set a bad precedent in that they are mere inches from Bay Plaza on three sides.

5. It is not in keeping with the spirit of the 18-story building height restriction.

6. Its location significantly reduces the amount of retail space on North Palm Avenue and is contrary to the city’s desire for a pedestrian and tourist-friendly vibrant retail street.

7. The proposed massive building is simply not right for this small tight site.

8. It changes the face and character of N. Palm Avenue’s long-time recognition as Sarasota’s Art District.

9. It is another major step in the negative impact of the recent development, which is creating traffic congestion, parking issues and taking away the character and charm for which Sarasota has long been known.

10. The proposed building, if approved would establish a precedent for other exceptionally tall, ill-located skyscrapers, downgrading our beautiful city.

ity: The Obsidian and the proposed St. Regis garage are emblematic of what everyone in this region should realize is unavoidable and unstoppable: More people will be moving here, and more developments are coming.

Kihnke sees it. “Sarasota is on the global map. People are moving here for the obvious reasons, which are unbelievable lifestyle. It’s safe.

It’s beautiful. It’s going to continue to become a bigger and better city. It’s an international city. When you walk around and listen to the people from around the world talking, it’s amazing.”

Rather than be fearful and resentful toward new development and think it is going to ruin your life, think of all the good that comes from population growth and development.

This growth brings to mind a simple, wise and profound observation from the late freemarket Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek: “We can be few and savage, or many and civilized.”

Population growth and development are essential to the flourishing of opportunity and prosperity.

SARASOTA/SIESTA KEY

“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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Big changes put redesigned buildings back before DRC

North Tamiami Trail apartments will combine three buildings into one, and a planned mixed-use downtown tower will be a hotel only.

Two oft-morphing developments that will eventually bring more than 100 hotel rooms and 225 market-rate apartments to Sarasota continued their path through the city’s Development Review Committee last week.

DOWNTOWN TOWER

What was first planned as a combination of 18 condos and 109 hotel rooms on Second Street next to the Embassy Suites hotel is now a hotel only. The number of rooms, according to Joel Freedman, of Freedman Consulting, depends upon the outcome of a required addendum to a previous traffic study conducted for the original plan.

There will be more than 109, he said.

“The big change that’s occurred here is that we’ve gotten rid of the condominium portion, and now we’re just going to do a hotel,” Freedman told Development Review Committee members. “The interest in the hotel is they don’t want to have condos. OK, we’ll just do the hotel.”

The planned hotel is one block east of U.S. 41. Located at 1125, 1233 and 1243 Second St., the site of the nearly century-old Palm Apartments building, built in 1925, and an office building next door, built in 1996. Both will be demolished.

After planning began on the two occupied lots, Developer M2RE Partners acquired a vacant lot — which in 2019 was announced as The Beacon, a development of five luxury condos that had since been abandoned — expanding the project.

A schematic drawing of the building shows a total of 18 floors with a three-story parking structure above

a street level lobby area. Above the parking are five floors of rooms, a sixth-floor amenity space, then a smaller eight-story tower above that capped by a rooftop amenity space.

Sounding eager to proceed with planning, Chris Gallagher, of Hoyt Architects, asked about the duration of the planning study. Deputy Engineer Dan Ohrenstein said once ordered, the study takes about 30 days, but it could be fewer.

“If that were the only outstanding item, could we get a partial signoff?” asked Gallagher.

“If you come back before the traffic study is done, we can talk about that,” said Development Review Chief Planner Allison Christie. “We don’t prefer to do that just in case there are changes that are warranted to be made that could affect other reviewers.”

The timing of the traffic study, though, doesn’t appear to be a potential holdup. The next available Development Review Committee meeting agenda space for the project is July 19.

ROERS TAMIAMI TRAIL APARTMENTS

What was once two apartment buildings became three but now will be merged to become one. At least that’s the current state of planning for an apartment development originally named Sapphire North and Sapphire South.  Sapphire North and South — two separate projects on U.S. 41 at 42nd and 47th streets, were approved by the Planning Board in November 2022. Those projects were brought by Jarzi Realty Advisors of New York.

New owner and developer Roers Cos. of Plymouth, Minnesota, acquired those parcels plus the Super 8 motel property separating the two. Roers

then drafted plans for a three-building, cohesive community and presented a revised proposal for three four-story buildings totaling 225 apartments and 292 parking spaces.

That iteration of the apartments was presented to the DRC in January.

“This is the last final design,” said attorney Charles Bailey, who represents Roers.

The reworking of the project was necessitated by Florida Department of Transportation restrictions on the number of driveways the project can have off U.S. 41. Now, the three buildings will be connected, separated by a firewall between each. The continuous building meant changes to access points and internal vehicular traffic flow behind the structure.

Under optional North Trail Overlay District standards, the parking lot and other public amenity space will be concealed from traffic along

U.S. 41, with the buildings located close to the roadway. The Roers apartments will cover 5.63 acres.

Because of the redesign, the project will require a resubmittal once comments made by the DRC are addressed. Bailey asked the committee if it can expedite sign-off to get on the Planning Board’s agenda as quickly as possible.

“I know this is on us, but if we were to hustle it up and get our resubmittal in showing the revised design, are you able to give us a ballpark rough estimate as to when we might be able to get through DRC?” asked Bailey. “Would we be able to get to the Planning Board by the end of September?”

The answer from chief planner Christie: “Possibly.”

led an enrollment resurgence at the school down the road from New College. A key takeaway from those conversations: provide students activities outside of academics, or in higher-ed lingo, co-curriculars. New College is doing that, including a budding sports program and a new mascot, the Mighty Banyan. “You add extracurriculars, sports, those types of activities,” Corcoran said. “That’s the quickest, easiest way we’ve implemented something that allows us to grow.”

ROOM AND BOARD

“If you look at exit interviews on why kids left New College,” he said, “it’s pretty much in (this) order: housing, food and cancel culture. We can fix all three.”

The first two fixes, he said, are underway. New dorms are a few years off, but the current facilities will have new air conditioners, elevators, carpets and more by the fall. The school also increased its food services contract by $500,000 and added a cafe.

Significantly more polarizing than food and beds is cancel culture — a fast-changing dynamic that can carry different definitions depending on your politics or philosophy. “I think you just have to treat every student, regardless of their background, race, anything, with human dignity. And you don’t see that here.”

Corcoran cites board of trustee meetings as an example, where students, faculty and others have shouted down speakers. “Some of the stuff they’re saying is vulgar. Some of the stuff they’re saying is vitriolic … and that’s going to change. That won’t be tolerated.”

ON CRITICS

“The criticisms will never stop, because the criticisms are not about trying to make New College the best liberal arts college in the country; the criticisms are about ‘We want our culture, and we want you to go away.’ And we’re not going away.”

“My mom was British, and I quote (Winston) Churchill a lot. Churchill

HILLSDALE COLLEGE COMPARISON

The changes at New College of Florida are often compared to the model at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, west of Ann Arbor.

Hillsdale, according to its website, is “a small, Christian, classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan that operates independently of government funding,” with students who “grow in heart and mind by studying timeless truths in a supportive community dedicated to the highest things.”

New College Interim President Richard Corcoran embraces the comparison — to a point. He wants to go bigger, reasoning that if Hillsdale can build “a tremendous branded liberal arts school,” in a small, cold-weather town, then New College can do it, too, and better.

said: ‘You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.’ Ignore the barking dogs.”

Siesta Key lodging managers adapt to staffing shortages

As staffing shortages continue to impact the hospitality industry, some properties on Siesta Key find ways to keep the island a thriving destination.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Siesta Key remains high on tourists’ lists thanks to its white sands and sunny resorts, meaning continued demand for lodging, but that popularity presents challenges at a time when many businesses, including hotels, struggle to fully staff.

According to Visit Sarasota, fiscal year 2022 saw a total of 3,255,230 room nights spent in Sarasota County, an increase over 2,945,020 in 2021.

At the same time, 82% of hoteliers reported staffing shortages in a June survey of nearly 500 hotels conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. That’s up from the 79% experiencing staff shortages in January 2023, but an improvement over the 97% that experienced staffing issues in May 2022.

Siesta Key lodging managers are pursuing different solutions to deal with the ongoing staffing challenges, but what they all have in common is an attempt to put their best effort forward to welcome guests and ensure their satisfaction.

INVITING THE COMMUNITY

Drawing potential employees from the city can be a challenge, said Eric Simonsen, assistant general manager at Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites.

That was part of the reason the hotel established The Big Tiki Lounge in September and added an adjoining food truck, The Porthole Grille.

“When you have something cool, people want to come,” he said.

He said the hotel has increased the amount it will pay staff by $1 or $1.50 an hour. However, he said it does receive a break from high-season staffing needs after spring, with occupancy decreasing from about 100% to 70%.

Simonsen said he isn’t sure why

ABOUT THE HOTELS/RENTALS

SIESTA KEY BEACH RESORT & SUITES

hotels are having difficulty attracting new staff.

“Honestly, I think it’s just the commute,” he said. “Maybe people are worried about getting caught in congestion.”

However, he thinks that the tiki bar can help by creating a new local hangout. Featuring live music, it is open seven days a week and is open to the public.

LODGINGS WITH HOSPITALITY

Gertrude Rentals owner Daniel Jones said that as staff became scarcer during the COVID-19 pandemic, hotel management grew more adept at handling the shortage.

“Service at a vacation rental is really, really, really important,” he said. “The service has to deliver what you promise to deliver.”

Staff members have revamped their approach at his locations, which include a series of cottages known as Siesta Key Bungalows, along with Gertrude’s Village House, Hoppy’s Beach-View Siesta Key, and others.

Although guests are now responsible for changing batteries and lightbulbs, Jones will reimburse them for their expenses. Paper products are no longer resupplied, while some services will be cut if he determines they do not interest guests.

Yet Jones sees better times on the horizon. For about two years since the pandemic, his Indeed job listing received no response, he said, but this is no longer the case.

“It feels like maybe it’s getting better. There’s a sense of eagerness with some people,” he said.

Although guests at some vacation rentals may have complaints about deficiencies in service, he said his business is defined by the attempt to show guests the opposite of those experiences.

“Our business model is built on

5311 Ocean Blvd. SiestaKeyBeachResortAnd Suites.com

GERTRUDE RENTALS

5233 Avenida Navarra GertrudeRentals.com

THE INN ON SIESTA KEY 515 Beach Road InnOnSiestaKey.com

SEA CLUB V 6744 Sarasea Circle. SeaClubV.com

exploiting that shortcoming,” he said.

A CLEAN GETAWAY

Although a “now hiring” sign hangs outside the Inn on Siesta Key, that hasn’t stopped owner Paige Hartmann from keeping the same priorities in mind, not the least of which is the cleanliness of the establishment.

“One person can’t keep up with all the turns we have,” she said. “We’ve had to step in.”

However, it helps that she found a cleaning staff member, Rhonda Glowniak, about a year ago.

“We were really grateful when she walked through the door to interview, and we hired her on the spot,” she said.

For quality control, Hartmann even has laundry washed in-house, to make sure the bed coverings do not become stiff and that she doesn’t lose any of the boutique linens.

However, the consequence is an extra workload, which she wishes to avoid placing on Glowniak. Hartmann and her son, Gabe Hartmann, manage the front desk and other tasks, such as accounting, in addition to some cleaning.

At the same time, she said, the days

are currently growing busier, with shorter stays. Year-round, she said, the inn has 80-90% occupancy.

“If we’re doing laundry or cleaning rooms, it doesn’t allow us to expand our business or sell our units,” she said, noting that check-in may now need to take place at 4 p.m. rather than earlier in the day.

However, she said most people who schedule an interview do not show up, while even when they do, they may not meet rigorous standards.

“We love what we do, we love the business and we’re very particular about the cleanliness part of it, so it’s really hard for us to hire just anyone,” she said.

At the same time, she is determined not to back down on the quality of the product.

“We get excellent reviews,” said Hartmann. “I would say we match expectations; sometimes we blow expectations out of the water. Guests that stay at the Hyatt or the Ritz say, ‘Why would I ever stay at a hotel again?’”

A FAMILY EFFORT Office manager at Sea Club V, El Rateni, said it is difficult for people to be unhappy while working in the environment of Siesta Key, which results in helpful customer service.

“Everybody’s just very happy to work where they work, especially if they work on the beach or with palm trees,” she said.

Although during the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort went through what she called “a very rough time,” she said it received plenty of support, with family members of management pitching in to help, and with Aaron Ayers, the son of owner Mark Ayers, joining the team.

Responses to postings on Indeed. com were rare, she said, with candidates expecting $20 to $25 for a starting salary, higher than what was proposed.

“They would say I can make that much money on unemployment or that much money staying home,” she said.

She also said the resort, which is usually close to 100% occupied, remains well-equipped to deal with hiring difficulties thanks to its loyal longtime staff members.

“Right now, we are staffed beautifully,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in six months. We’re going to try to keep the people that we have happy, so we continue to have longevity.”

She said it is easy for resorts to maintain staff if they “treat people well and pay them decently — more than you would have five years ago.”

Feeding squirrels or other wildlife never ends well

Squirrels support healthy ecosystems. We can help keep them and other wild animals healthy by never feeding them.

MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

The ubiquitous eastern gray squirrel is one of Florida’s three native squirrel species and is found in both natural and urban settings.  Although very adaptable, these diurnal mammals prefer locations with mature tree canopies. Such habitats offer abundant nesting cavities and allow them to move about without traveling on the ground, where they’re more vulnerable to predators such as owls, hawks, snakes, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and cats.

Squirrels are considered critical for the health and balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. In addition to being a food source for many species, as consumers (and cachers) of nuts and seeds, they provide other vital ecosystem services, such as seed dissemination and plant diversification. Indeed, thanks to their seed-caching activities, squirrels have an important role in maintaining Florida’s native longleaf pine ecosystem.

But when living in close proximity to humans, squirrels, like other wildlife, can become dependent on people for food, to the detriment of their ecosystems. Such dependence can occur due to unintentional feeding, as happens when animals raid loosely secured trash or find litter. But unfortunately, wild animals are often directly fed by humans.

Feeding wildlife never ends well for them. It can be dangerous for us. And in some cases (e.g. American alligators), it’s illegal. Wild animals have specialized diets and can become malnourished or die if fed foods that don’t provide the nutrients they need.

Squirrels are expert foragers, and wild mushrooms are an important part of their natural diet, providing the nutrients they need to survive and thrive.

Feeding young animals prevents them from developing critical foraging skills. Importantly, it only takes a few feeding incidents for wild animals to lose their natural fear of people and associate us with food.

Though cute, squirrels are wild animals — with sharp teeth and nails — that become demanding and aggressive when food is no longer provided. In fact, due to public safety concerns, feeding wildlife at Myakka River State Park can actually be a death sentence for animals. For example, when American alligators start approaching park visitors after being illegally fed, they have to be killed.

We can help keep Florida’s wildlife healthy and our ecosystems balanced by never feeding wild animals. By not leaving litter behind and keeping trash receptacles secure, we can avoid unintentionally feeding them, too.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver

Please Join us on one of these dates to learn more:

Tues, June 27th at Noon

Stonewood Grill and Tavern 415 University Pkwy, Sarasota 34201 RSVP 941-212-3398

Wed, June 28th at Noon

Denny’s 3701 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota 34233 RSVP 941-231-5545

Thur, June 29th at Noon

IHOP 6320 SR64 East, Bradenton 34208 RSVP 941-344-2151

Fatigue

Yeast Infections

Erectile Dysfunction

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY

2:42 p.m., 1300 block of Boulevard of the Arts

Property damage: A complainant who is the property manager reported that someone had spray painted concrete pillars that border the property along the fence line.

The officer observed five pillars that had different phrases painted on them, including “Germ” and “Kill the Plas.” Another was an obscenity.

The complainant said she believes the graffiti occurred during Memorial Day weekend. She advised that this is not the first time someone had tagged the property with “Germ,” the prior time occurring more than a year ago, and that she wished to pursue charges. There is no security footage or other evidence to aid an investigation.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

PHANTOM BURGLAR

6:14 p.m., 3200 block of Oakwood Boulevard

Residential burglary: Police responded to a call about a burglary at a home but found no suspicious activity. The homeowner said she was knitting in her living room and looked down the hallway into the bathroom. In the mirror of the bathroom she said she saw a reflection of what she thought was a male and called police. Officers cleared the home and found no signs that indicated anyone else had been in the home.

MONDAY, JUNE 5

VEHICULAR VANDALISM

9:17 a.m., 1800 block of Bay Road

Criminal mischief: A vehicle owned by the public defender’s office of the 12th Circuit Judicial Court was vandalized. An officer responded to an auto repair shop where they met with the complainant, who advised someone had poured baking powder into the gas tank, causing damage to the engine. The officer observed the vehicle on a lift and baking powder visible on the passenger side of the car. Damage is estimated at $2,000. The complainant said she believes the incident occurred on May 1 when the car was parked on the third level of the Ringling Parking Garage. There are no cameras in the garage, no witnesses and no suspect

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

LOST AT SEA?

6:29 a.m., 2 Marina Plaza

Suspicious incident: A woman called police regarding a missing man. She stated she had been staying on a 30foot sailboat with the man, who had left the day before around noon; she had not seen him or his dinghy since. Approximately an hour before calling police, she said she believed she witnessed a body floating in the water near the shoreline. After contacting SPD, she realized she had witnessed a sandbar and not a body. The man was later located alive and well in the 400 block of South Orange Avenue.

information. The case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation Division.

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

A SHOT IN THE DARK

8:20 a.m., 1100 block of Center Place

Suspicious incident: A dispatcher who heard possible gunshots during a call that abruptly ended sent officers to a location within 39 yards of where the call was triangulated. Officers arrived as a female resident was exiting her driveway. She said she did not call 911 nor did she see or hear anything suspicious. Next door, a home was being constructed where a nail gun was actively being used. Workers there said they did not see or hear anything that would have prompted a 911 call. Officers canvassed the surrounding homes, resulting in either no answer at the door or that the resident hadn’t heard any gunshots or suspicious activity. No further action was taken.

A+E INSIDE:

< ‘PLAYING THROUGH’ : The golf film will screen for free at WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival. 17A

CALENDAR: Circus Arts takes center stage. 18A >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

LOVE COMEDY STYLE

Les and Pam McCurdy celebrate 35 years of running their eponymous Sarasota club.

If you’ve ever been in theater or on TV, you most likely know the “green room” is an inner sanctum where you wait until it’s your turn to go under the lights or in front of the camera. But at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota, The Green Room is a bar where audience members can enjoy a drink before or after the show.

This green room is like a museum. It contains dozens of framed magazine covers and newspaper front pages, awards and proclamations that Pam and Les McCurdy have racked up during more than three decades in the comedy business.

This month, Pam and Les will have to make some room on the walls for the latest round of tributes. They are celebrating 35 years of providing a clean, comfortable venue for comics and teaching people from all walks of life the fine art of making a joke.

Told that a recent father-and-son team had attended McCurdy’s Comedy Camp even though one was a professional marketer and the other a successful actor, Les McCurdy wasn’t surprised. “It’s on a lot of people’s bucket lists,” he said. Like skydiving or visiting Yellowstone National Park? “Sure,” says Les.

The McCurdys met in 1982 while they were both working at Bennigan’s in Sarasota. Both servers were interested in working in the arts. Their romance took a hiatus in 1984 when Pam graduated from the Asolo Conservatory and moved to New York City. Les took his comedy act on the road and helped a boyhood friend run The Comedy Catch in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Pam eventually joined Les in Chattanooga, where they got engaged and married in 1987. The following year, on June 15, they opened their own comedy club in Sarasota at the nowdefunct Holiday Inn Airport Marina. They later took the club to the Big Kitchen on Clark Road before renovating the old Teatro Movie Theatre, where they remained until 2014, when they moved to their current downtown location.

Making people laugh is harder than it looks, especially during a typical performance of about 20 minutes. What’s even harder is keeping a marriage alive and growing for 35 years.

The McCurdys aren’t planning on adding couples therapy to their repertoire. But they have some tips for sustaining successful relationships.

Les wastes no time in offering

advice. “No lying,” says the Chattanooga native, who often wears a straw cowboy hat.

What about white lies? “No lying of any kind,” Les says more forcefully. One lie leads to another, he says, destroying credibility and trust.

Lies of omission can be fatal to a relationship, Les says. They can lead to years of built-up resentment that, like shifting tectonic plates, slowly move toward an earthquake. “Everyone thought they were so happy because they had been married for 20 years and then boom,” Les says.

Some things, like chemistry, love and mutual respect, can just come naturally. The McCurdys don’t have to work too hard on those.

Communication is key, Pam says. But you’ve got to make time for it. “It doesn’t always happen by itself,” says Pam, a petite blonde. Les agrees.

While some professional partners who are also in a romantic relationship try to keep business separate from pleasure, that’s not feasible in their line of work, the McCurdys say.

Even vacations involve scouting new talent. The McCurdys’ most recent getaway was to the Boston Comedy Festival, where they were wowed by the talent of the show’s winner, Learnmore “Long John” Jonasi.

Les still does some performing of his own. At a recent show, his audience included visitors from Indiana. They seemed surprised when McCurdy informed them Indiana is

home to one of the world’s largest collections of sex paraphernalia.

It’s part of the archives at Indiana University, where sex researcher Alfred Kinsey was based in the mid20th century. This piece of trivia was news to the Indiana comedy fans, and their reactions provided grist for Les’s mill.

Interacting with the audience and quizzing them about what brought them to Sarasota and to McCurdy’s generated plenty of risque material

SEE MCCURDY’S, PAGE 16A

“McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.”

from McCurdy. There were jokes about “special” (wink-wink!) birthday presents, aging and online dating.

When something wasn’t getting any laughs, McCurdy quickly moved on. When a camera flashed, he calmly said, “Don’t do that” and immediately segued back into his routine.

Along with possessing the ability to size up someone in an instant and other formidable soft skills, Les has great respect for hard numbers.

“If you don’t have a handle on your alcohol and food costs, you’re not going to stay in business,” he says.

That’s where Pam comes in, dealing with vendors, making sure deliveries are accurate and on time.

Her soft skills are pretty impressive, too. They come in handy when hiring and managing staff in a time of service industry personnel shortages. Pam also handles press and publicity inquiries and other housekeeping issues. The latter literally means making sure McCurdy’s shines.

Les remembers how one of his patrons once came up to him and said, “Your men’s room is so clean that I decided to take a dump there.”

Clearly, bathroom humor comes as naturally to Les as jokes about sex.

In restaurant or theater parlance, Pam is in charge of the back of the house, while Les’ domain is the front of the house, scouting and booking talent for the shows and the Humor Institute.

Pam mostly lets Les be the star of the show. But she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind. When Les started talking about their predecessors in Gulf Coast comedy, she gently interrupted and said, “I’m sorry, Les. McCurdy’s did put Sarasota on the map when it comes to comedy. We have a recognizable brand.”

To support that brand, servers at McCurdy’s wear T-shirts with the tagline, “This place is a joke,” adorned with signature McCurdy’s stick figure holding a microphone that also graces the outside of the building.

McCurdy’s merchandise can be purchased in The Green Room, which, like the main club, can be rented out for parties. But the McCurdys don’t use a hard sell approach to club swag. They let their headliners push their own promotional T-shirts and hats.

Many well-known comedians have come to McCurdy’s over the years. The list includes Amy Schumer, Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, Chris Rock, Tommy Chong and Rosie O’Donnell, to name just a few. Famous funnymen (and women) often come back to McCurdy’s when they’re on the road, especially if they’re looking for a cabaret setting.

Not every comedian can fill the Van Wezel the way former Tonight Show host Jay Leno did in March. Among the household names who will be coming to McCurdy’s in the coming months are Pauly Shore and Andrew Dice Clay.

Have these polarized times forced comics to retreat from the no-holdsbarred style of Lenny Bruce, George Carlin and Richard Pryor? Nothing’s off limits, according to Les.

“It doesn’t matter what a joke’s about if it’s funny,” he says.

Comedy venues have come and gone in Sarasota. With its signature royal purple paint, McCurdy’s is the last club standing. Like many other businesses in the performing arts, the comedy club was knocked flat by COVID. Luckily, the McCurdy’s were in a position to take the hit.

With the pandemic mostly behind it, McCurdy’s is sitting pretty. Their 2014 move to the former location of Shaner’s Pizzeria looks exceptionally shrewd, given the development now going on in their part of downtown.

Sprouts recently signed a lease for 23,000 square feet at Main Street and Links Avenue. The natural grocer will have space in Aster & Links, a two-story building with 424 luxury residential housing units. If residents are in the mood for a laugh or two, they can walk around the corner to McCurdy’s. On the McCurdy’s website, Pam and Les say they plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary at their downtown comedy club. With their 35-year track record, they’re not kidding around.

“Communication is key, but you’ve got to make time for it. It doesn’t always happen naturally”

Pam McCurdy

A Sarasota Juneteenth event to remember

Juneteenth celebrations in Sarasota are expanding this year with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s inaugural Juneteenth Arts Festival.

WBTT and other organizations have held Juneteenth events in the past, but nothing of this magnitude, says WBTT founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs.

Juneteenth, the U.S. holiday commemorating the day all enslaved Black Americans were freed, is all about joy, but there is an educational aspect to WBTT’s Juneteenth Arts Festival, too, Jacobs says.

“We want to invite the community to help celebrate an extremely important date in African American history. We have planned educational, fun-filled activities for the entire community,” Jacobs says.

Two highlights of the festival, which will take place at WBTT, 1012 N. Orange Ave., are a performance of musical group RAD and screenings of the golf-themed feature film “Playing Through.” Screenings will be held in WBTT’s air-conditioned Donnelly Theatre.

RAD members Raleigh Mosely II, Ariel Blue and Derric Gobourne Jr., who each have their own artistic careers, have been making a name for themselves around town with their concerts of soul and R&B hits.

RAD will be one of several performers on an all-day outdoor stage for spoken word and live music, which will also feature students from Ringling College of Art and Design.

The movie “Playing Through” holds a special place in the hearts of WBTT staff and artists because of their intimate involvement in the production. Much of the filming

IF YOU GO

JUNETEENTH ARTS FESTIVAL

When: 1-9 p.m. Sunday, June 18

Tickets: Free

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. Info: WestcoastBlackTheatre.org

took place at the Laurel Oak Country Club and other locations in Sarasota.

Written by Curtis Jordon and directed by Balbinka Korzeniowska, “Playing Through” tells the story of Ann Gregory, the first Black female golfer to play in a U.S. Golf Association tournament.

Jacobs says the Juneteenth Arts Festival has the capacity to serve about 500 guests, between the 200seat Donnelly Theatre and seating in front of the outdoor stage and in shaded areas. There also will be food trucks onsite. Preparations have been made for a hot and sunny day and for guests of all ages, Jacobs says.

THIS WEEK

‘GOLD

$30 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival.

Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet makes its festival debut in this chamber showcase. They will perform Caroline Shaw’s Three Essays: First Essay (Nimrod) and Ravel’s String Quartet. Continues through June 24.

‘REEL MUSIC’

6 p.m. at Florida StudioTheatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Reel Music” celebrates the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century, with classics like “Singing in the Rain,” “Circle of Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” This lively revue reminds us that movies and music have always gone hand in hand. Runs through June 25.

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE ’70S IN CONCERT

7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30 Visit ThePlayers.org.

It’s time to get up and boogie as The Players presents a fast-paced musical romp through the muchmaligned decade. Runs through June 18.

THE SURFER BOYS

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to Sarasota with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

‘SHEAR MADNESS’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. There’s been a murder in a local

hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 2.

FRIDAY FRIDAY FEST: KETTLE OF FISH

5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit VanWezel.org.

Kettle of Fish’s original music is an amalgam of rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul.

‘RADIANT TAROT: PATHWAY TO CREATIVITY’

Tony Barnstone 6:30 p.m. at Bookstore1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Tony Barnstone’s “The Radiant Tarot: Pathway to Creativity” presents a new yet ancient approach to awakening creativity and personal growth.

DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING JR.’

7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

$10.50-$18

Visit ManateePerforming ArtsCenter. com.

School’s out for summer and camp hasn’t started. Entertain the kids with Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.”

OUR PICK

‘APPALACHIAN SPRING’

SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Marion Kuszyk, associate principal oboist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joins hornist Michelle Reed Baker in Mozart’s serenade for wind octet. Music Director Jeffrey Kahane conducts the Aaron Copland work that gives the program its name and also plays piano with Attacca Quartet on Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor. Continues through June 24.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16

Where: Sarasota Opera House

Tickets: $29 and up

Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/Festival

DON’T MISS ‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to make their dreams come true. But are the sacrifices each must make to win the championship belt worth it?

IF YOU GO

When: Through July 9

Where: 7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487

Second St.

Tickets: $39

Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre. com

The concert in the Sarasota Music Festival features the works of Respighi, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Continues through June 24.

SUNDAY ‘RISING STARS’

2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

$15 and up Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival.

STORIES’

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

$30 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org/ Festival.

Fellows studying at the Sarasota Music Festival perform the works of Dvorak, Brahms, Ibert, Faure and more. Continues through June 24.

MONDAY IMPROV AND MORE

11 a.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St. $10 Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

For many, improv is on the “bucket list.” Here’s a low-risk chance to give it a try at the Osher LifeLong Learning Institute course at FST.

TUESDAY A FRANK LECTURE ON SINATRA

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

11 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum on the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $10

Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

Everything you wanted to know about Ole Blue Eyes but were afraid to ask will be covered in this entertaining talk, part of OLLI’s summer education series.

THE MANY LANGUAGES OF JENNIFER CROFT

6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5

Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Writer Jennifer Croft will appear on Tuesday, June 20, at Hermitage Artist Retreat with her husband, Boris Dralyuk, a writer and translator. Croft won a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship for her novel “Amadou,” which will be published this year by Bloomsbury US and Scribe UK .

WEDNESDAY

FRANKIE PAUL

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Frankie Paul has been touring professionally since 1990 and is sure to tickle your funny bone with his material on marriage, family and human stupidity. Runs through June 24.

Cat companions combat loneliness

The program, sponsored by Pets for the Elderly, offers senior cats to senior individuals for one-third the cost of a regular adoption.

Susan Kurowski, executive director of Pets for the Elderly, said she has seen an outpouring of thanks from seniors for the reduced-cost pet adoptions the program sponsors.

“I have gotten a thank-you card from a woman who said ‘Thank you for helping me adopt Sadie. I’m a 72-year-old woman, and she has taught me to laugh and play again.’ It takes me to my knees. This is exactly what we’re hoping for.”

On June 1, Cat Depot, a rescue, adoption and education center, launched its Seniors to Seniors program, drawing on funding from Pets for the Elderly to offer senior cats to persons ages 60 and up at an adoption fee of $25, reduced from $75.

Cat Depot isn’t the first organization to take advantage of Pets for the Elderly’s program, which expanded nationally in 2002 to work with 56 shelters in 32 states and achieve 100,000 adoptions. But Cat Depot is the first organization to do so that is focused entirely on cats.

Kurowski said one of the many factors that caused Pets for the Elderly to choose Cat Depot was its success ratio; the center has found homes for around 18,000 homeless and abandoned cats in the past 20 years.

“They wrote such a compelling application, and from what I can see, they appear to be very well run, so we decided to include them in the program,” she said.

“I was honored,” said Susan Hanus, executive director at Cat Depot. “We see a need for senior cats finding good homes. This gives us a vehicle for raising awareness for senior cats.”

Thus far, three adoptions have taken place through the program, which was promoted on social media. Hanus said the long-term partnership is expected to go beyond 2023.

SENIOR CATS FOR SENIORS

Hanus said there are some reasons seniors might consider adopting a cat in particular. One reason is that cats do not need to be walked.

“They really do need to stay inside here, just because of the harshness of

ABOUT PETS FOR THE ELDERLY

Mailing address: Pets for the Elderly Foundation, Attn: Missia Vaselaney, 200 Public Square, Suite 3500, Cleveland, Ohio.

Information: To become a participating shelter, email Executive Director, Susan Kurowski at Susan@ PetsForTheElderly.org.

More information: visit PetsForTheElderly.org.

the climate, the regularity of wildlife — coyotes or raccoons that will fight with a cat,” she said. “They’re pretty easy to take care of.”

She said senior cats are particularly appropriate for senior owners.

Cats are considered seniors at 8 years old, and an 8-year-old cat has, on average, 10 years of life, unlike a dog, she said. She noted one advantage of those cats is that they offer a more fixed and easygoing personality.

“A lot of people want kittens because they’re cute, and they’re fun to watch,” she said, noting they also have a tendency to hide under beds, needing to be dragged out.

Pets for the Elderly does not require that the adoptions it funds involve senior cats.

AN EXCEPTIONAL APPLICATION

One factor in the application important to both Cat Depot and Pets for the Elderly was the size of Sarasota’s senior population, said Kurowski.

According to Age Friendly Sarasota, Sarasota has one of the nation’s highest proportions of people age 65 and older, at 34% of the population.

The major goal of Pets for the Elderly is combatting loneliness among seniors. This was a factor that Kurowski said encouraged her to select Cat Depot.

Hanus said extensive research and empirical evidence demonstrates the benefits of companion pets, particularly for those who are retired. People are sometimes in the position where they have lost a spouse and are alone, she said, noting that pets help with mental health, stress, depression, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and more.

“We all have those moments where you just want to cuddle with the dog or the cat,” she said.

Kurowski said in addition to health benefits, pets encourage seniors to

stick to a routine, and they feel that someone is counting on them.

“It’s a story that I’ve been telling for 17 years, and it got a whole lot easier to tell when the pandemic hit because all of a sudden, much younger people were seeing what it feels like to be isolated, to be lonely,” Kurowski said.

Kurowski said the application also noted the ability to reach seniors in areas surrounding Sarasota County. However, when it comes to seniors, there can be obstacles to adopting a pet, said Kurowski.

She said today, these are mainly financial. Some shelters have very high adoption fees, while prospective pet owners worry they may not be able to afford veterinary care or other services needed to retain a pet.

Those who adopt from Cat Depot are recommended its low-cost clinic. However, it isn’t just the senior humans who are disproportionately

IF YOU GO

in need of companionship.

Peyton Davis, communications specialist at Cat Depot, said while many surrenders into shelters involve senior-aged cats, the shelter can only handle so many at a time. Medical care, as well as dental care, are often required, she said.

At any given time, around 5% of the shelter’s cats are seniors, Davis said.

Kurowski also said the choice of

Cat Depot was driven by the organization’s clear willingness to outline how they intend to use the program and their willingness to make sure they were a safe place for seniors trying to adopt.

She said over time, shelters have grown safer for seniors, who can count more strongly on being treated fairly.

“There was a time that people would be strictly rejected because of their age, without any consideration given to the fact that they may have a more stable home than a 30-yearold,” she said. “I think that as a nation, we’ve gotten wiser.”

She said if it’s necessary to reject someone, the organization asks that shelters exercise compassion.

Kurowski noted the organization made changes to the program in 2020; for 25 years before then, the program had strictly involved reduced-cost adoptions through older adults. It had facilitated 105,000 adoptions during that time since going national in 2002.

However, the program was altered so shelters can offer one of three services. Shelters can now either take advantage of reduced cost adoptions, apply to offer veterinary and dental assistance, or perform retention services, which involves assisting with food shortages, toenail clipping or other needs.

As the partnership continues into the future, it appears there are many more adoptions to come.

“Unlike some grants that are one and done, Pets for the Elderly looks at this as a long-term relationship, which is really nice,” Hanus said.

Silver Pride offers a colorful celebration

Although it was the first time Silver Pride was held at Senior Friendship Centers, the event on Saturday drew around 500 attendees eager to socialize, dance and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community ages 50 and up.

“There’s hardly anything in the gay community for seniors. We are going to support it 100%,” said Mary Cumisay, who attended with her neighbor, Pauline Tondreau.

The event included food and drink vendors such as Kombi Keg Mobile Bar; representatives of services including Aviva Senior Living, LGBT+ Seacoast Bank Associate Resource Group, Inspired Living, and Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s; along with live entertainment by performers including ShimmyBOOM Tribal Bellydance Troupe and drag performer Dame Lindsay Carlton-Cline.

“It’s been a great event, a great partnership. We’re super happy to just spread love,” said Jenny Macias, Senior Programs Manager with Senior Friendship Centers, calling the event an opportunity to reach the LGBTQ+ community within the senior community.

Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610

Celebrating Ocean Day the Mote way

Once wasn’t enough for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to celebrate World Ocean Day. After Mote partnered with Salt Life on June 8 to host a beach cleanup on Siesta Key for the dayof observance, it hosted its own World Ocean Day celebration on June 10 in the aquarium courtyard, with several conservation organizations presenting exhibits.

The 30x30 challenge theme was featured prominently in the courtyard. The campaign encourages the protection of 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. According to the Ocean Project, only about 8% of the planet’s oceans qualify as highly protected.

“We want to remind people about this wonderful nature and how vital it is to our tourism and in general,” said Sam Douglass, event coordinator.

Donna Krusenoski was on hand from the Sarasota Shell Club to share the organization’s mission, which includes education, community outreach, building respect for the environment and support for ocean-based charities.

Among the club’s efforts, members sell artwork and jewelry made from the shells to donate to conservation causes and nonprofits. The club also will help identify shells that people find on the beach.

Many people are surprised to learn that shells have handedness, with most being “right-handed,” explained Krusenoski. The relatively rare lightning whelk, though is sinistral, or left-handed, and can be found on Florida beaches.

“You see this beautiful nature and you can’t resist picking it up,” said Krusenoski.

Randy and Martha Wells were on hand from the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and shared

Murray Friedberg, M.D.

Robert Edelman, M.D.

Scott Silverman, M.D.

Robert Sambursky, M.D.

Pooja Khator, M.D.

Jeffrey Davis, M.D.

Jody Abrams, M.D.

Paul Brannan, M.D.

Selina Lin, M.D.

Philip Ames, M.D. Neal Kansara, M.D.

some of what the organization has learned about local dolphins.

About 170 dolphins live in Sarasota Bay year-round, said Martha Wells, volunteer. The program has observed six generations now.

“We’re learning a lot about their relationships. We can look at their communication and other factors that they need to be successful,” said Martha Wells.

Part of the organization’s outreach included educating aquarium visitors about best practices at sea to ensure people don’t unintentionally harm marine life.

The No. 1 cause of death for local dolphins is recreational fishing gear, said Randy Wells, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program director and chairman.

“We need to take more responsibility for what we put out there,” said Randy Wells. “We’re all neighbors and we share the environment. We share the same air. The same water. The same fish.”

Non-profit serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Rides to medical appointments, grocery store, or other errands for adults 60 and over who are unable or feel unsafe driving. Also, those of any

Undergraduate: Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL Medical School: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Residency: Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Fellowship: Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; Hospice and Palliative Care, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

Certification: Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine with Subspecialty Certification in Hematology/Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Care. Hospital

Make A Plan.

A love of a lifetime

PLACES TRAVELED TOGETHER

49 U.S. states (George and Janice Johnson), and Hawaii (George Johnson only)

It Makes a Difference.

Sunnyside Village residents

George and Janice Johnson tell one another they love each other “many times each day.”

It’s a principle they have lived by for 75 years.

“We’re still very much in love — thankful for all the years together. It’s been many wonderful years of ministry,” said George Johnson, whose career as a Baptist pastor spanned multiple churches.

On June 5, friends and acquaintances of the couple filled much of the auditorium at Sunnyside Village for a celebration of their 75th anniversary, which hosted speak-

n Germany, at the time the Berlin Wall was present

n France

n Switzerland

n Israel, during the Six-Day War

n Costa Rica

n Ecuador

n Panama

n Venezuela

n Trinidad

n Barbados

n St. Martin

n St. Thomas

n Dominican Republic

ers including Larry Potts, a former pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Venice.

Proudly Sponsored by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

June 28 | July 19 | August 23

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Michael’s On East, Sarasota

Only $39 Per Lecture—Includes Luncheon!

Rebecca Klein

AJC’s Director of National Political Outreach

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023

Finding Common Ground in a Hyper-Partisan Environment

In an increasingly polarized political climate, finding areas of common interest can be challenging. Issues of concern for the Jewish community often bridge the partisan divide and provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations.

Benjamin Rogers

AJC’s Director, Middle East and North Africa Initiatives

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023

The United States, Israel, and the Arab World: Where do we go from here?

As we prepare to celebrate the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords, where have there been successes, and where have there been challenges? Join us as we discuss the ever-shifting dynamics of U.S. – Middle East relations.

Belle Yoeli

AJC’s Chief Advocacy Officer

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2023

The State of Jewish Affairs: Around the World with AJC

There is never a dull moment for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Join us for an in-depth conversation as we tackle some of the most challenging current events and how they are impacting our community.

Reservations Required.

RSVP Online at AJC.org/Sarasota/summer2023

Or Email: sarasota@ajc.org

Or Call AJC at 941.365.4955

In their 90s, George and Janice Johnson tell one another they love each other ‘many times each day.’

The decadeslong relationship of George Johnson, 97, and Janice, 98, has been rooted in their faith from the start.

It began at the youth group of Bellerose Baptist Church on Long Island, where they met.

Each Saturday, many teenagers would head into New York City for a rally, Word of Life Fellowship, and in the afternoon, would head to the automat, a type of vending machinebased cafeteria that was common during the era.

World War II was underway, and as the young people passed through Times Square, they would see groups of military representatives inviting the public to serve. At the time, George Johnson was serving in the Navy. His reason for enlisting in 1944 was his father, Francis Johnson, who served in World War I.

“It instilled in us as a family a tremendous sense of loyalty and patriotism, and I felt it my duty to serve in the Navy,” he said, calling his service a “special privilege.”

One such evening, a large Word of Life rally was held at Carnegie Hall, where an invitation was given to young people to devote their lives to serving God. The Johnsons remember that night as the time they responded to that request, but also the one that George Johnson asked if he could sit beside Janice, whose maiden name is Clougher.

As Janice headed out to eat with a group of the other girls, George asked if he could come along. Feeling “a little embarrassed,” Janice told him that the rest of the group was girls.  He tagged along anyway.

“I had my eye on one girl,” he said.

That was also the night he asked her for their first date.

Their dates were a little different from those of other young people, Janice said. Starting with their first date, which also involved playing a game of checkers at Janice’s house (she was dealing with a blood clot in her leg and could not leave home), they recited Bible verses they had memorized and prayed together.

In 1948, they were married at Bellerose Baptist Church in a service attended by 200 or so guests and featuring a song, “It was Heaven’s Grace That Made Thee Mine,” composed by the church’s organist Norman J. Clayton and dedicated to the couple.

George Johnson still had another year-and-a-half at Houghton University, a Christian liberal arts college in Houghton, New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history, the cost of which was covered by his Navy service.

Afterward, he attended Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia for three years, through the financial support of Janice Johnson, who had attended the Pratt Secretarial School and worked in roles in New York City, including secretary to the editor at McGraw Hill Publishing and Business Week Magazine.

At George’s graduation, the wives at the seminary received a piece of recognition, too, noted Janice — a “Ph.T.,” which stood for “Put Husband Through.”

George then went on to serve as a pastor at churches around the country, with Janice also working at each church.

First was New Durham Chapel in Piscataway, New Jersey, where they served from 1950 to 1959. George

CHURCHES SERVED

n New Durham Chapel, Piscataway, New Jersey

n Brentwood Bible Church, Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri: 19591972

n Clinton Hill Baptist Church, Union State, New Jersey: 1972-1976

n Association of North American Missions, St. Louis State, Missouri:

1976-1982

n Venice Bible Church, Venice, Florida: began in 1982

n Bethel Baptist Church, Englewood, Florida

called the church, which seated about 75 people but has now grown into a larger, multiethnic congregation, “a tiny country church,” that saw “wonderful growth.”

They went on to locations including a brand-new church, Brentwood Bible Church in St. Louis, Missouri, which, due to its belief in performing missionary work, sent them overseas to other countries.

The couple visited Germany at the time the Berlin Wall was in place and visited Israel during the Six-Day War, when they stayed in a kibbutz and climbed Masada, an ancient fortress in the southern Judean Desert of southern Israel.

Other travels included Switzer-

land and France and locations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

They went on to serve at Clinton Hill Baptist Church in New Jersey, and then the Association of North American Missions in Missouri, through which they traveled together to 49 of 50 U.S. states, with George Johnson also visiting Hawaii. They also served at Venice Bible Church in Venice, Florida, and Bethel Baptist Church in Englewood, Florida.

Their daughter, Janice Nothum, who lives locally, orchestrated the anniversary celebration.

“We didn’t know all she had planned,” said George Johnson. “We are wonderfully surprised.”

LIFE TOGETHER CONTINUES

After the couple’s retirement,

not end.

work did

their

They volunteered for a Christian publisher, Nelson Publishing, and have over 2,500 hours of volunteer service at Venice Memorial Hospital, where George Johnson was a Surgical Transporter and Janice Johnson was a receptionist.

After many years of happiness, they’re continuing to find it at the independent living village in Sunnyside Village.

“This is a really super retirement community,” said George Johnson, complimenting the warmth and friendliness of the whole staff. “We feel exceedingly blessed to be here at Sunnyside, as well as being together here.”

They stay occupied with activities that include reading, music and picture puzzles, singing twice a week with a neighborhood group. Janice Johnson enjoys knitting hats, sending them to a New York City ministry for the winter.

“They’re such a wonderful blessing to everybody,” said Regina Potts, wife of Larry Potts, associate pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Venice. “Everybody that knows them knows that sense of peace they have in serving God.”

The couple said their happiness comes from putting God first in their relationship; they continue to practice their faith together, reading the Bible and praying together each day.

They said another factor guiding their marriage is that they always mutually agreed on major purchases or decisions before taking action. Also, a day never goes by that they do not say “I love you” multiple times.

Sarasota Beach home sells for $3.9 million

Ahome in Sarasota Beach tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Timothy Hensey and Judith Melanie Hensey, of Sarasota, sold their home at 326 Island Circle to Steven and Katherine Groya, of Sarasota, for $3.9 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,464 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA CHEROKEE PARK

Annika Sandstrom sold the home at 1722 North Drive to David and Jennie Heskett, of Sarasota, for $2,595,000. Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,193 square feet of living area.

SAPPHIRE SHORES

Andrew Misner and Sabrina FuscoSullivan, of Sarasota, sold two properties at 438 S. Shore Drive to Sarasota Sapphire Shores LLC for $2.5 million. The first property was built in 2015 and has four bedrooms, four full baths, two half-baths, a pool and 3,644 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 2015 and has one bedroom, one bath and 417 square feet of living area.

MARK SARASOTA

Clifford Dale Snyder and Marylin Snyder, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1012 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Brian and Sheree Salesin, of Sarasota, for $1.49 million. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,559 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,034,000 in 2020.

AVONDALE

Evan Kraus and Patricia Turk sold their home at 1960 Lincoln Drive to Bonnie Strickland, of Sarasota, for $1.42 million. Built in 1940, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,611 square feet of living area. It sold for $700,000 in 2020.

ONE WATERGATE

Pamela Hahlbeck, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 6-F condominium at 1111 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Timothy Joseph Nelson and Lorraine Jocelin Nelson, of Canton, Massachusetts, for $1,175,000. Built

in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,577 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2010.

RUSTIC LODGE

Chase and Kati Mariano, of Ontario, Canada, sold their home at 2476 Floyd St. to Jason Besse and Camillia Mankovich, of Sarasota, for $1,175,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,231 square feet of living area. It sold for $604,500 in 2018.

Cheryl Mendelson, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2437 Floyd St. to Francesco Orselli, of Rye Brook, New York, for $589,000. Built in 1925, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,119 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2021.

CITRUS RESIDENCES

Merrick Morgan and Roy Tony Ramage Madsen sold their Unit 301 condominium at 555 N. Orange Ave. to Brenda Schleper, trustee, of Englewood, for $1.05 million. Built in 2021, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,033 square feet of living area. It sold for $603,200 in 2021.

INDIAN BEACH

Michael Meiser and Theresa Farina-Meiser, of Lakeland, sold their home at 593 45th St. to Jesse and Wendy Rojas, of Sarasota, for $939,000. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,692 square feet of living area. It sold for $240,000 in 2014.

GULF GATE EAST

Jacqueline Conroy, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6635 Easton Drive to Nicole Marie Young and Jeffrey William Westmoreland, of Sarasota,

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

dollar amounts.

Other top sales by area

SARASOTA

Town of Sarasota

215 Downtown LLC and Downtown 215 LLC sold three properties at 1245, 1243 and 1235 Fourth St. to 400 Tamiami North LLC for $2.8 million. The property at 1245 was built in 1925 and has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,387 square feet of living area. The property at 1243 was built in 1925 and has one bedroom, one bath and 480 square feet of living area. The property at 1235 was built in 1950 and has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,350 square feet of living area.

PALMER RANCH

Prestancia

for $735,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,789 square feet of living area. It sold for $660,000 in 2022.

SARASOTA VENICE CO.

Mervin Hochstetler, of Sarasota, sold his home at 5505 Ruby Lane to Daniel and Sara Stoltzfus, of Quarryville, Pennsylvania, for $725,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,594 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2022.

ONLINE

See

Mark and Amy Stout sold their home at 4184 Boca Pointe Drive to Dennis Laliberte, of Sarasota, for $2.15 million. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,440 square feet of living area. It sold for $855,000 in 2021.

OSPREY

The Villas at Osprey Harbor Village

Douglas and Regina Porter, trustees, of Fleming Island, sold the Unit J3 condominium at 14021 Bellagio Way to William Andersen, of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, for $1.12 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,214 square feet of living area. It sold for $985,000 in 2021.

NOKOMIS

Casey Key

Sandra Webber, of Osprey, sold her home at 3216 Casey Key Road to James Spencer, of Longboat Key, for $2.75 million. Built in 1964, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,049 square feet of living area. It sold for $864,800 in 2014.

Showroom for the Extensive Collection Anywhere.

OWNER

SARASOTA, FL  34232

THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Beautiful AND Durable Exterior Door Hardware

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance and repair. There is a practical solution to this common problem – Bronze or Stainless

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY

COOKOUT

Noon-2 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. Join the community for the oldest celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This event for all ages will include a free meal from the Newtown Farmers Market for up to 40 participants, snow cones, a live DJ, games and a hula hooping class. In case of rain, festivities will be moved inside. For information, visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

FATHER’S DAY BLOCK PARTY

10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive. Held on the eve of Father’s Day, this event includes plenty that dads will enjoy, with sports player meet-and-greets, beer and liquor sampling, a men’s expo with more than 30 exhibitors showcasing services in sports, health, entertainment, home improvement, and more, along with fun activities. For information, visit MallAtUTC. com.

PLAYGROUND POP UP CRAFT:

FATHER’S DAY CARDS

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ibis Playground, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Participants can create Father’s Day cards at this unique drop-in event. No registration is required. For more information, visit TheBaySarasota. org.

SPLASH! PRIDE ROOFTOP POOL

PARTY

BEST BET

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

CHARLIE’S THIRD ANNUAL LIGER

LUAU

5:30-8:30 p.m. at Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd. Join Big Cat Habitat and its wild animals for the third annual occurrence of this fundraising event. The evening, which will welcome special animal guests, will include a barbeque buffet by Rodizio Grill, Perry’s Roadside BBQ, and Butcher’s Mark, a performance by That Bald DJ, a specialty drinks and beverage bar, a silent auction, raffles and more. For information, visit EventBrite.com.

Osprey. Park entrance and event free; preregistration required. Choose from three courses in navigation, from a simple visual course, to a novice course for honing skills, to a challenge course involving points in the woods. Compasses will be provided for use on a limited basis. For information and to register, visit FloridaStateParks.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 19 TO WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28

ABC BOAT SAFETY: INTRO TO BOATING FOR FIRST TIMERS

Showroom for the Extensive Collection Anywhere.

OWNER

SARASOTA, FL  34232

THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM

Beautiful AND Durable Exterior Door Hardware

Both materials offer excellent salt tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of styles and finishes provide a perfect match to existing color schemes including rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

Noon-6 p.m. at Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar at 8th Floor, Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. Admission is $10 pre-sale; $15 at door. VIP cabanas $50 reservation fee and $300 minimum. Celebrate Pride from the rooftop of the Art Ovation Hotel, with music by DJ Johnny Blaze, pride-themed cocktails and stunning views. For information, visit SarasotaOut.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

FATHER’S DAY ORIENTEERING

EVENT 10 a.m. to noon at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail,

7-9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Sarasota Power & Sail Squadron Classroom, 2814 Hyde Park St. Registration $50. In this classroom presentation of America’s Boating Course by Adult & Community Enrichment at Suncoast Technical College, learn about types of boats and their uses, boating laws, safety, navigation, communication and more. For information, visit CampusAce.net.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

DELICIOUS SCIENCE

2-3 p.m. in the meeting room at Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. Live scientific demonstrations will showcase the instant freezing power of liquid nitrogen to ages 5 and older. Then, participants can sample the resulting ice cream. For information, visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.

It’s a frustrating reality for many Gulf Coast homeowners – discolored, pitted and tarnished exterior door hardware caused by our harsh salt-rich air.

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located

The Plumbing Place, displays many lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.

Beautifully crafted bathroom and kitchen fixtures, fittings and accessories from leading designers. Masterpieces of functionality and style showcased in an astounding showroom. Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment. 5678 Fruitville Road

We eventually learn that the tease of “lifetime brass” really means a lifetime of maintenance and repair. There is a practical solution to this common problem – Bronze or Stainless

Both materials offer excellent salt tolerance and oxidation/corrosion resistance with a minimum of maintenance. A variety of styles and finishes provide a perfect match to existing color schemes including rich patinas of classic bronze, contemporary polished or matte nickel, and black.

FAUCETS SINKS TUBS VANITIES

www.theplumbingplace.com

Smitty’s Architectural Hardware, located inside The Plumbing Place, displays many lines of door hardware in beautiful styles for your home that are well suited for our demanding environment, and will create the first impression your front door deserves.

Beautifully crafted bathroom and kitchen fixtures, fittings and accessories from leading designers. Masterpieces of functionality and style showcased in an astounding showroom.

Visit our showroom or call to arrange an appointment.

Fruitville Road

SPORTS

Fast Break

File photo Mary Tucker transferred from Kentucky to West Virginia for her senior season; the former SMA student has continued her collegiate and international success in women’s rifle.

Former Sarasota Military Academy rifle shooter and Olympic silver medalist Mary Tucker finished second in the 10-meter air rifle and seventh in the 50-meter three-position smallbore at the 2023 USA Shooting Rifle and Pistol National Championships, held June 1-10 in Fort Moore, Georgia.

… Former Riverview High softball star Devyn Flaherty and the Florida State University Seminoles saw their trip to the NCAA Women’s College World Series finals end in heartbreak, as FSU lost the three-game set 2-0 to the University of Oklahoma in games played June 7-8 in Oklahoma City.

Former Sarasota Military Academy girls basketball coach Rob Beckmann was named the head coach at Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas, on May 26. Beckmann previously spent three years at ICC as an assistant.

Sarasota skateboarder and Tokyo Olympian Jake Ilardi finished second at the 2023 Jackalope Fest street event, held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ilardi finished with a score of 83.02, behind only Mickey Papa’s 85.10 score. According to The Boardr, Ilardi is ranked as the 10th-best overall skater in the world and the ninth-best street skater.

In 15 games with the AAlevel Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants), former Sarasota High baseball outfielder Vaun Brown is hitting .286 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and eight RBIs, plus two stolen bases. Brown is the No. 5 prospect in the Giants’ system according to MLB.com.

The Sarasota Little League Intermediate 50/70 All-Star team won its District 16 championship June 11. The team beat Venice 13-0 and beat Englewood 26-3.

Youth movement

The U17 men’s 8+ boat took gold while the varsity women’s 8+ boat finished in fifth place.

The Sarasota Crew rowing team had a slew of high finishes from its boats at the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships, held June 8-11 at Nathan Benderson Park. None shone brighter than the U17 men’s 8+ team.

The 8+ squad took gold in the event’s A final (6:07.85), crossing the finish line approximately one second before second-place RowAmerica Rye.

“We had some sort of understanding that we had the ability to win, but I never thought we actually would,” Michael Euker said. “We’re young. I thought we would be grinding (this year) to win as juniors and seniors. But winning now gives us an understanding of our potential.”

The boat led the whole race, but never felt comfortable in its positioning until the race was over. Logan Mello said the boat “caught a crab,” or had a rower lose control of their oar, causing a slowing, multiple times in the lead-up to the finals. It never left their minds, Mello said, which helped the rowers keep their focus the whole race.

William Warren said he was nervous before the race and questioning whether he could perform at the level the team required. But once he heard his family shout “Crew power!” from the land, he calmed down.

“I felt so motivated by that,” Warren said. “I just absolutely sent it throughout the race. I’m so happy that we won. My emotions were at the absolute peak. Logan came and hugged me from behind. It was awesome.”

The U17 division, as with other age divisions, is considered a stepping stone to the varsity level, or top level, of the sport. In taking home the win, the members of the U17 8+ boys team were excited by the win, but also what it could mean for the future.

Earlier in the day, the Crew’s women’s varsity 8+ boat finished fifth overall in the A final (6:41.30),

OTHER NOTABLE SARASOTA CREW RESULTS

n The men’s U15 4x+ boat reached the event’s A final and finished seventh (7:40.92)

Yana Krivosheeva competed in the Crew’s varsity 1x boat and reached the B final, finishing first (8:30.50)

n The men’s second varsity 8+ boat reached the B final and finished third (6:14.59)

n The women’s second varsity 8+ boat reached the B final and finished fourth (7:03.35)

n The men’s U16 8+ boat reached the B final and finished second (6:49.02)The women’s U17 8+ boat reached the B final and finished fifth (7:23.08)

approximately 13 seconds behind winner Marin Rowing Association. It was the Crew’s first time reaching the event’s A final in nine years, according to senior Ada Giraldo, who took the No. 5 seat in the boat.

“I think we were all a little nervous coming into the event,” Giraldo said. “We knew that all we could do was try our best. Our main goal was getting into the A final, and we did that. Once that was secured, we thought, let’s just have the best pace we can.”

The members of the gold-winning U17 8+ boat could follow a similar path to Giraldo and her teammates. Giraldo rowed in the Crew’s second varsity 8+ boat a year ago, reaching the B final, before stepping up to the varsity level in 2023 and realizing her and the boat’s potential.

Giraldo, who will row for Boston University next year, said it is a thrill to go against the best rowers in the country, something she never could have imagined when signing up for the Crew. Giraldo said she uses the opportunity as a type of measuring stick, comparing where her skills are to the skills of rowers from other crews. She also uses it as a chance to look at how far she and her teammates have come in their own development.

“We were saying to each other before the race, if you had told us last year, coming off a second varsity B final, that we would be in the varsity A final this year, we would not have believed you,” Giraldo said. “It was an exciting opportunity.”

Giraldo said she’s spent a lot of time in recent weeks thinking about the impact Sarasota Crew and the sport of rowing have had on her life. She’s proud that she decided to join, she said, as it not only is giving her a chance to compete in college, but helped shape her as a person.

“Rowing has helped me with selfconfidence, fitness and overall life skills,” Giraldo said. “I think I would be totally different if I had never joined. The organization means so much to me because of that.”

“If I had offers from every school ... I wouldn’t pick Alabama. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.”

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

Will these seniors step up?

Did you know there are actual dates attached to the phrase “dog days of summer?”

It’s true. According to “The Farmers’ Almanac,” the dog days of summer are July 3 through Aug. 11. Those are supposedly the most unbearable days of the year. Respectfully, I don’t think anyone who made the decision on those dates has been to Florida during the summer, otherwise the window would be a lot bigger. I think we’re in the spiritual dog days already, is what I’m saying.

That being the case, there isn’t much in the way of live, competitive sports happening. To fill the void, I’ve decided to write about the sport I can’t wait to arrive: football.

I’ve compiled my list of the top senior football players to watch in the Sarasota area come fall 2023. The list is not necessarily of the best returning senior players in the area, though the players below are quite talented. It’s filled with players I will be watching closely, so-called “glue guys” who may not get other accolades but are crucial parts of their teams.

GRIFFIN GISOTTI, CARDINAL MOONEY

HIGH

Gisotti became the ultimate utility player for the Cougars’ offense in 2022.

Gisotti began the season as a wide receiver and caught 18 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown through three games. But the team soon had a need at quarterback and asked Gisotti to step up. He did.

Gisotti mostly served as a running quarterback, rushing for 362 yards on 62 carries and adding four touchdowns. But he did throw the ball some: He completed 24 of 59 passes for 292 yards in six games at the position, throwing four touchdowns and just one interception. His performance buoyed the team’s offense down the stretch of the season.

I don’t know how Gisotti will be used in the Cougars’ 2023 offense — it’s likely too early for the team itself to be entirely sure — but I can say with some confidence that he’ll be able to handle whatever is asked of him.

HENRY FIORIGLIO, RIVERVIEW

HIGH

With the Rams’ four leading tacklers from 2022 all graduating, they’ll need others to carry the load, and Fioriglio seems like a likely candidate.  Fioriglio was fifth on the team with 25 tackles while playing defensive end/defensive tackle. He added two tackles for loss and one sack. It can be tougher for guys playing in the middle of the line to get attention, as their play is often not flashy, but Fioriglio — who is 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, according to MaxPreps — has earned offers from schools like Carnegie Mellon University and Tennessee Technical University.

JADEN JUDGE/JOE ZIEGLER, SARASOTA HIGH

It’s impossible to separate these two players when talking about their roles on the Sarasota offense. Last year, while the Sailors’ passing game was struggling, Judge and Ziegler churned through defenses. The duo combined for 1,477 yards, and almost had an even split: Ziegler had 750 yards to Judge’s 727 yards. They combined for 10 rushing touchdowns.  Judge also contributed as a receiver, adding 268 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches.

Now that former Manatee High head coach Josh Phillips has taken over the reins of the Sailors program, expect him to lean on the team’s backfield duo for a repeat performance in 2023.

AHMAD HUNTER, BOOKER HIGH

Hunter, a rising senior running

back, does not have the attention from colleges that some of his teammates have received, but he’s been wildly productive as a high school player.  Hunter ran for 1,212 yards on 229 carries in 2022, good for a 5.3 yards per carry average. That total yardage was 12th best in Class 2S, and he got it despite sharing carries with now-graduated quarterback Will Carter Jr. (68 carries for 579 yards). Hunter added 12 rushing touchdowns, proving he can still find room when the field gets shorter and the yards get tougher. His production was balanced, too: Hunter ran for more than 100 yards in six of Booker’s 13 games.

If Booker’s offense remains steady in 2023, he’ll be a big reason why.

GEORGE LEIBOLD, CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH

Two recently graduated members of the Cardinal Mooney defense’s front seven earned walk-on spots at big-time schools this offseason: Jack Mackinnon landed at the University of Michigan, and JR Rosenberg is taking his talents to Texas A&M University. Members of the secondary, like Teddy Foster and Chris McCorkle, have earned multiple Division I scholarship offers as well.

But it was George Leibold who led the Cougars in tackles this past year with 117 (84 solo), 20 more than second-place Rosenberg.

Leibold also had eight tackles for loss and two sacks. With Rosenberg and Mackinnon now gone, the Cougars will be more reliant on Leibold than ever to smother opposing skill players on defense.

JAYSON EVANS, BOOKER HIGH

He’s not just a track and field star.  Evans, a safety, has carved out a nice career in the Tornadoes’ secondary. In 2022, Evans had a team-leading 66 total tackles (21

solo), eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, using his speed to get into the backfield. He also made some game-changing plays, recovering three fumbles and recording an interception against Wiregrass Ranch High.   Booker will have most of its top tacklers back in 2023, so Evans won’t have to shoulder as much responsibility in that area as other players on this list may, but the team will graduate defensive backs Dior Keys and Gavin Stanford. In that respect, Evans’ coverage skills will likely be under a greater spotlight. But Evans’ natural skills should allow him to roll with the changes.

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

Maddox Marchbank

Maddox Marchbank is a recent Sarasota High graduate and football player. Marchbank, who played on the offensive and defensive lines at Sarasota, has received offers from NCAA Division I schools like Stetson University, Presbyterian College and Valparaiso University.

When did you start playing football?

I played a little bit when I was a young kid, but then I got out of it for a few years and I started wrestling. But after I moved to Sarasota from Mokena, Illinois, I started playing youth football again. I think I was in fifth grade at that point, and I stuck with it.

What is the appeal to you?

I like the team aspect. I like the competition because I always like competing. It makes everything fun. But I also like hitting people legally.

What is your best skill?

On the offensive line, I’m good at pulling. I can find a linebacker and take them out. On defense, I’m good at reading what the offensive lineman does. After a couple plays, I can go off basically everything he does.

What have you been working to improve?

The weight aspect. I have been trying to put on a couple pounds. I’m up to 290 right now. Other than that, I’ve been staying consistent with my training.

What is your favorite football memory?

Either beating Palmetto

High last year or beating

If you would like to make a recommendation for the Sarasota Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Ryan Kohn at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

Manatee High in the playoffs. Palmetto because we had not beaten anyone good in awhile. That one was big for us. And then we had our playoff win, which was our first in a long time as well (18 years).

What has the recruiting process been like?

It’s been exciting but also a little weird. I committed somewhere on a PWO earlier in the year, but I ended up de-committing. Then I got these (NCAA Division I) offers. There are people in my class who are at their schools already, but I’m still getting offers. But I’m extremely excited. They’ve been stacking up.

What are you looking for in a school?

I’d like to be somewhere a little close to home. I want a school with a good culture. And I like an underdog school. I like working from the bottom and moving my way up, just like I did in high school. If I had offers from every school in the country, I wouldn’t pick Alabama. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true. It’s just fun for me that way, being part of the come-up.

wer would Invisibility. I don’t know what I’d use it for. I guess I could do anything, since no one would be able to see me to stop me.

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