Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 6.29.23

Dining in a

Confidence through biking

The thrill of adventure that riding a bike can provide should be available to all, and a local nonprofit, Adventure for All, is working to ensure that’s possible.

The Adventure Biking Program empowers individuals with disabilities by instilling self-confidence and independence through bicycling. The program was made possible thanks to a grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

Already, eight participants ages 9 to 15 have successfully completed the beginner and intermediate levels of the program. The program offers three levels of instruction, starting with an Intro to Biking class, which teaches foundational skills with the goal of being able to pedal independently for at least 20 yards.

Lifting up spirits through upcycling

As attendees gathered at the Rosemary Art & Design District on June 24 to switch out their outfits at the district’s clothing swap, Alina Olofinsky’s thoughts were elsewhere, with her family.

She gathered numerous items — shorts, tank tops, dresses and more — to send to her approximately 50 family members in Ukraine. Amid the ongoing war, as well as flooding in the country after a June 6 dam collapse, her family, who live in Kyiv, are “definitely afraid to sleep at night,” she said.

Clothing can be difficult to obtain in Ukraine, but she was able to trade out old items that belong to her mother, Sofia Olofinsky, for new ones to suit the different family members.

The event, hosted in partnership with Phillip Thierman, founder of Sarasota Swaps, was held in recognition of International Upcycling Day.

Awards that count

WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2023

Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche Read more on Page 7

Expect delays, closures during holiday events

Sarasota beaches will be buzzing with activity over the July 4 weekend, which will result in certain restrictions and closures.

The 38th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix will be held July 1-2 at Lido Beach, and the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular is set for July 4, at Bayfront Park, 1 Marina Plaza. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Parking lots at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall between Van Wezel Way and 10th Street will be closed from midnight, June 29 until 10 p.m. July 2. The P-1 Racing Pit party will be held from 6-11 p.m. on June 30 in the Van Wezel Parking lot.

The Centennial Park boat ramp, the staging area for the boat races, will also be closed midnight, June 29 until 10 p.m. July 2.

On the water, New Pass west of the New Pass Bridge will be closed July 1 and 2 during the boat races.

On July 4, U.S. 41 will be closed between Orange and Gulfstream avenues from 7-11:30 p.m. The parking lot at Bayfront Park will be closed once it has reached capacity. No parking will be allowed on the south end of Bayfront Park. Parking will also be prohibited in the median of John Ringling Boulevard.

Expect delays of up to an hour exiting the boat race viewing area and bayfront following fireworks.

SMH builds Research and Education Institute

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has broken ground on a $75 million Research and Education Institute. Designed to promote collaboration, discovery and innovation in medical education and research, the five-story, 80,000-square-foot facility will house SMH’s expanding clinical research division, clinical and graduate medical education programs, medical library and a new simulation center designed for hands-on training. With Florida State University as its academic partner, SMH provides residency and fellowship training programs that help

attract and retain physicians locally.

Nearly half the residents have stayed on at SMH after completing their training, while nearly 70% remained in Florida.

“Bringing together skilled physicians, clinical investigators and nurse educators, the new Research and Education Institute will centralize everything we do under one roof, providing our physicians, clinical staff, residents and fellows enhanced opportunities to work collaboratively in an innovative clinical education environment,” said SMH President and CEO David

Sarasota market ranked No. 2 for relocation

Verinder in a news release.

Currently, the education and training programs are housed in the hospital. Consolidating the programs into one facility will enhance collaboration, while creating more clinical space at SMH for bedside care.

Slated to open in 2025, the research facility is being built at the intersection of Arlington Street and Laurent Place, the site of the former Doctors Gardens medical office building. The 1950s-era building was demolished last year to make room for the new facility and a parking garage for about 300 vehicles.

Sarasota is the No. 2 market in the country for relocating, according to Clearwater-based PODS Enterprises. The portable moving and storage solutions company identifies the top 20 cities people are moving to with the release of its third annual relocation trends report.

The report analyzes consumer movements throughout the past 15 months. Sarasota slipped one spot from the No. 1 position in last year’s report, replaced at the top by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina/Wilmington, North Carolina, which jumped up five positions from No. 6.

Other Florida markets in the top 20 are Orlando, No. 3; Ocala, No. 4; Jacksonville, No. 8; Tampa Bay, No. 9; and Melbourne, No. 12.

“This swearing in ceremony is for a special young man, Andrew Pickart. At only 4 years of age, he’s already shown us incredible strength and bravery.”

Sprig fever: Bobby Jones nearing first tee time

Sprigging the greens at the city-owned golf course means the rebuild of the Donald Ross design is nearing completion.

Riding in a maintenance vehicle from the No. 8 tee box toward the green at Bobby Jones Golf Club, Richard Mandell said one of his favorite features of the golf course lay just ahead.

The architect hired to design the $12.5 million project to restore the city-owned course to its original Donald Ross layout has seen it all. He’s restored 10 Ross courses and has rebuilt or designed from scratch 64 others. So it’s often what’s imperceptible to the uninitiated that captures his attention.

The feature doesn’t affect the play of the par-3, unless a duffed tee shot stops on the downward slope of it, leaving an awkward stance, but after the cart crossed a small rise and stopped, he pointed back to the mound complex between the tee and the green.

“That mound right behind you,” he said. “You can’t see it from the tee, but it’s there.”

Like all other elements included in the reimagining of the original Donald Ross 18 holes that were later incorporated into 36, the diminutive mound is all about drainage, the topography designed to turn the floodplain that was the Bobby Jones Golf Complex into a properly draining course, directing stormwater into a newly created wetland that will eventually become a nature park. That and other subtle contours around the course, which replicates the layout and signature Donald Ross greens when it opened in 1926, also add character to an otherwise flat piece of land.

It’s been seven years since the city awarded Mandell the contract to bring the municipal property back to life. After multiple iterations by the city since the original plan to rebuild all 36 holes, work finally began in earnest in spring 2022, two years after the course was closed. Last Thursday, the sprigging of the greens started at No. 15, which Mandell described as one of the last major milestones of the construction.

“We are at the big milestone. The next one is to finish the short course. My shaper is out there just cleaning it up, getting rid of all the weeds and shaping it,” said Mandell. “In two weeks, I’ll come back, and I will finalize all the little details and paint the grass lines. I’ll come in for two days and we’ll work sunup to sundown each day.”

The Bobby Jones course is Donald Ross’ creation restored and enhanced. The short course — a nine-hole “adjustable” par-3 — is

all Mandell. Located across Circus Boulevard, Mandell has imagined a course that can follow multiple directions and be changed, likely on a weekly basis, to provide a varying playing experience, not just in routing, but with tees playing to different greens as well.

WATCHING THE GRASS GROW

Once the greens on the Ross course are sprigged, they will take approximately eight weeks to grow in, and at that point the course is considered playable. Grass throughout the course will have twice that amount of growing time, though, before play begins with a planned opening this fall.

“The front nine will be sprigged (this week) and we’re not looking at opening until November, so we’ve got four months of growing in,” Mandell said. “The grass is going to be in great shape.”

Both the Ross course and the Mandell short course, he said, will open simultaneously.

Prior to sprigging, the greens are staked off in grids that allow Mandell to examine and give final approval for the playability of the slopes and effectiveness of the drainage. Mandell consults diagrams on his phone while stepping off sections of the putting surfaces to ensure they are as designed. Once planted and grown in, they can’t be changed, short of reconstruction.

Once sprigging is complete, work between now and November will shift to cleaning up native areas on the front nine — construction worked its way from 17th Street to Fruitville

‘VERY OLD FLORIDA’

Road, so the front nine was the last to be shaped and planted — plus manicuring playing and nonplaying areas and growing in fairways and rough. The massive practice range will also be planted.

In addition, the temporary clubhouse will be delivered and installed, on-course restrooms on opposite corners of the property are under construction, the driving range service building has been plumbed and, at the short course, a small service building will be constructed. The existing parking lot will be paved and remaining debris from demolition and construction will be removed. All that work is the responsibility of Jon F. Swift Construction of Sarasota.

Mandell, who simultaneously balances multiple projects, is gratified to see the course nearing completion, particularly when, at times, it appeared it may never get started.

“I never thought we wouldn’t get to this point,” Mandell said. “I’ve never had a project that just went belly up on me, so it was just a matter of time. I just bided my time while the city went through whatever process it needed as this went from 45 to 36 to 27 holes.”

Despite delays in getting the project started, Mandell said he is more than satisfied with the end result.

“There are a lot of features that exceeded my expectations. The short course will definitely exceed my expectations because that one I didn’t have a complete vision of when I started,” he said. “The Ross course, like other renovations, you know how it’s going to turn out. If it’s a new course, I have a vision of what I’m doing before I start, but the short course here was an opportunity for me to freelance, so that was a lot of fun.”

More than a golf course, Richard Mandell set out to create an experience with the restoration of Bobby Jones Golf Club. While following the Donald Ross original design, the course has been lengthened where it could be, a process that, along with other clearing to remove incompatible vegetation, uncovered some pleasant surprises.

“We cleared a lot of trees, but it’s still a nice walk in the park,” Mandell said. “The oaks we were able to save really frame some of the holes. Eighty years ago, somebody planted those oaks, but in the area of holes 10 and 11 and 18, there was just about an acre-and-a-half of Brazilian pepper that were 50 feet tall and some of those oaks were buried in that. We got rid of all the Brazilian pepper and, lo and behold, there they were.

“I love the stateliness of the live oaks on the front nine. And I love the ride. I love the ride or the walk that you’re going to take from the clubhouse to the driving range, how that path weaves through the oaks. It’s just going to be really serene and picturesque — and very Old Florida.”

That Old Florida vibe may be reflected by the permanent clubhouse should the City Commission approve the latest iteration of a design Jon F. Swift Construction proposed. Earlier this year, the commission requested the contractor return with an enhanced proposal over the original $2.5 million design. The latest proposal could cost between $7.5 million and $9 million.

That cost is not included in the nearly $20 million budget for the golf course, wetlands creation, temporary clubhouse and accessory buildings, all funded by a $20 million bond and a $3 million grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Obsidian receives partial DRC sign-off

The plan for a 342-foot condominium tower at 1260

Palm Ave. is moving ever closer to sign off by the city departments represented on the Development Review Committee.

Obsidian, planned for 14 luxury residences and 18 floors, received partial sign-off during the June 21 DRC meeting, which prompted Chief Planner Allison Christie to explain the process to opponents of the project who attended the session.

“For the record for everyone here and listening, I’ll just explain what partial sign-off means,” Christie said. “Approval or denial of the project is not taking place at this time. It’s just the majority of the departments on the DRC have no more comments, so we will not have any more DRC meetings (regarding Obsidian). They will work with the departments individually to get comments addressed, and ultimately the decision will be with the director of development services.”

That individual is Lucia Panica, who will be responsible for determining if the plans for Obsidian meet all legal standards of the zoning code. That is not a certainty, given the DRC’s lingering concerns.

“As proposed, the total building height is 342 feet, which is significantly taller than neighboring buildings and other buildings within this zone district and the rest of the city,” reads one comment. “The overall building height could be reduced to improve the effects on this adjoining property.”

Another comment pointed out that a solar study indicates Obsidian would block sunlight from solar panels installed on the roof of the city-owned Palm Avenue Garage across the street from the site. The DRC has requested the developer provide a more detailed solar study on the impacts of shade not just on the adjacent Bay Plaza condominium building but on other nearby structures as well. Unmentioned during the meeting was greater-than-

typical interstitial space between a number of floors, which opponents have charged artificially adds height so upper floors can provide views of Sarasota Bay Plaza.

“We provided staff all of the information they requested and that is required under the zoning code,” said Obsidian developer Matt Kihnke, president of MK Equity Corp.

That written response Kihnke referred to, “Notes have been added to the elevations and the section labeling the interstitial space. Additional detail of sizing of the mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, electrical and structure will be provided as part of the building permit set when engineering is completed.”

Other lingering matters include Obsidian seeking administrative adjustment for a reduction in the required retail frontage at the street level, facade minimum requirements not including calculations for the garage opening and other technical issues. Should any application for administrative adjustment be denied, the site plan will need to be updated to comply.

Opponents of Obsidian, largely residents of Bay Plaza, have organized, held rallies and spoken before the City Commission. Although project approval in the Downtown Core zoning district is administrative, that decision can be appealed to the Planning Board by a legally recognized aggrieved party, the status of which is subject to interpretation.

PRIME TIME

Nearly a year after the Sarasota Planning Board approved an up to 10,000-squarefoot restaurant space in The Quay, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants on Tuesday made it official that it will build its 18th Ocean Prime location there.

With restaurants in Orlando, Tampa and Naples, Sarasota will be the Columbus, Ohio-based group’s fourth Ocean Prime in Florida when it opens in late 2024.

Located on Block 10 in The Quay, Ocean Prime is planned for more than 9,500 square feet of space across two levels of dining. It will have seating for more than 350, two bars and two private dining rooms. The second floor will feature sliding glass walls that open to the outdoors overlooking the Central Quay.

Block 10 in The Quay is located next to the historic Belle Haven building, the preservation of which was central to the general development agreement between the city and Jacksonville-based GreenPointe Developers, which is developing The Quay under the entity Quay Venture.

“GreenPointe Developers and Cross Lake Partners are thrilled to welcome Ocean Prime to Quay Sarasota Waterfront District,” said GreenPointe President and CEO Grady Miars in a news release. “It was a natural choice to bring Ocean Prime’s award-winning elevated

ON THE MENU

Ocean Prime’s Tampa dinner menu includes appetizers ranging from $19 for white truffle caviar deviled eggs to $29 for a “surf n turf” of scallops, braised short rib and gremolata (a condiment made of chopped parsley, lemon zest and garlic).

Salads range from $15 to $29; seafood entrees from teriyaki salmon at $51 to twin lobster tails for $65; steaks from $56 to $66; and sides such as smoked gouda tater tots at $15, roasted Brussels sprouts at $17 and baked lobster mac & cheese at $44, to name a few.

experience to Quay Sarasota’s scenic waterfront setting, and we know it will enhance the experiences of those who live, work and play here.”

Cameron Mitchell, founder, president and CEO of CMR, is no stranger to Sarasota. In addition to Mitchell

being a frequent visitor, sister company Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern operates a Rusty Bucket location in University Town Center.

“We look forward to bringing our extraordinary Ocean Prime dining experience to Sarasota,” Mitchell said in the news release. “Sarasota is close to my heart and where I have vacationed with my family for nearly 20 years.”

Founded in 1993, the CMR family of restaurants includes 24 brands operating in 14 states and Washington, D.C.

In addition to the restaurant space, last year the Planning Board approved 5,000 square feet of retail space on Block 10.

“We’ve shown the retail space split into four spaces. It could be one tenant, or it could be split into smaller tenants,” Chris Gallagher of Hoyt Architects told the Planning Board at the time. “The restaurant building is really designed for one tenant. We’ve got a specific restaurant in mind here, and its focus is very much on the water overlooking the water.”

Ocean Prime patrons will have a view of the marina and a sliver of Sarasota Bay, especially from the second floor. The restaurant is nestled in the center of The Quay surrounded by built and planned condominium towers on three sides and by Lennar Multifamily Communities’ 240-unit luxury multifamily development with 13,000 square feet of ground floor retail space along Tamiami Trail.

Although not within The Quay, Ocean Prime joins Jack Dusty, a 9,500-square-foot restaurant at the nearby Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota hotel that fronts the marina bookended to the north by the Hyatt Regency hotel, which is slated for redevelopment.

Per the general development agreement, The Quay is entitled to up to 695 residential units, 175 hotel rooms, 38,922 square feet of office space and 189,050 square feet of commercial space.

PRIME LOCATIONS

Sarasota will join a list of major metropolitan areas with Ocean Prime restaurants.

n Beverly Hills, California

n Boston, Massachusetts

n Chicago, Illinois

n Columbus, Ohio

n Dallas, Texas

n Denver, Colorado

n Detroit, Michigan

n Indianapolis, Indiana

n Kansas City, Missouri

n Las Vegas, Nevada

n Naples, Florida

n New York City

n Orlando, Florida

n Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

n Phoenix, Arizona

n Tampa, Florida

n Washington, D.C.

Upscale steak and seafood restaurant coming to The Quay.

PARKLET DESIGN STANDARDS

Proposed

City proposes permanent parklet plan

The

Pending Sarasota City

Commission approval, a citywide parklet dining policy will go into effect when the current temporary extension that allows restaurants to set up tables in parking spaces on city streets expires on Sept. 30.

Gradually growing across the country for more than a decade, the parklet trend was turbocharged during the pandemic as restaurants struggled to offer dining space to meet the comfort level of customers hesitant to dine indoors.

Today, there are seven  Sarasota restaurants that are using parklets to expand their dining space,

six in downtown and one in St. Armands. Installations range from permanent-looking extensions of the restaurant to parking spaces surrounded by metal barricades. City officials listened to restaurant owners who now depend on the parklets for revenue and on June 21 held an information session that laid out plans for design, aesthetic and maintenance standards plus fees that will be charged for the use of otherwise revenue-producing parking spaces. Downtown restaurants using parklets occupy either one or two parking spaces, be they parallel or angled.

Although they will be permitted citywide, with one exception, parklets will likely be used primarily in downtown where restaurants

First Physicians Group Welcomes

Justin Shinn, MD

don’t have the advantage of patio space enjoyed by their suburban counterparts. Parklets will not be permitted where a parking bond exists — an area where parking revenue is used to pay bond debt on a parking structure — specifically on and around St. Armands Circle.

In addition to assisting restaurants still in recovery from lost business during the pandemic, city staff has identified parklets as an enhancement to urban vitality.

“We’re excited to explore the potential of parklets,” said City Engineer Nik Patel during the presentation. “They are creative ways to transform parking spaces into vibrant community spaces.”

Parklets generate income for the restaurants but cost the city in

parking revenue, so they will come at a price. One parklet space will cost $35 per day, or $12,600 per year based on a 30-day month. A second space will come at a discount, a total of $60 per day, or $21,600 per year, for two.

Currently, the six restaurants that utilize parklets pay $25 per parking space per day. That cost includes lost parking revenue to the city and administrative costs to oversee the program. It doesn’t include, though, the cost to the restaurant to build parklets that conform to the new standards of aesthetics and diner safety. Parklet users must also have a sidewalk cafe permit, which costs $274 per year plus $5 per square foot of outdoor dining space used for sidewalk cleaning.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the process is transparent, fair and feasible for all stakeholders,” Patel said.

“The permit process is designed to ensure adherence to all parklet standards while fees are structured to cover the necessary regulatory measures and maintenance, including parking fees.”

Parklet permits will be valid for two years, and not every restaurant will be eligible. The number of spaces available on any one block will be limited to four, or 20% of all spaces, whichever is greater.

For example, the 1300 block of Main Street has 23 parking spaces. Allocating four spaces for parklets is 17%, which would be allowable. A fifth space, though, would constitute 22% and would not be permitted. Parklets will also not be allowed to block fire hydrants or other fire department facilities or occupy any handicapped-dedicated spaces. There must also be a four-foot separation between a parklet and an angled parking space. Wheel stops will be required to be installed, at the restaurant’s expense, between parallel parking spaces and parklets.

There will be multiple design standards required to address customer safety, cleanliness of the parklet and durability of materials and furnishings. All current parklet users will be required to upgrade their facilities to the city-adopted standards.

Building contractor Mark Baldwin, who is also a partner in Lucille Pizza and Wine Bar on Main Street, said many restaurants will struggle to meet the costs associated with the proposed parklet standards, most of which have been borrowed from parklet policies of other municipalities.

“As somebody who knows exactly what’s involved in what you’ve presented, it’s exceptionally involved and extremely costly,” Baldwin told staff members. “I’d say just based on what I’ve seen, it’s at least $50,000 between permit fees, construction and the fees overall. I think that maybe some people in the community may not realize how little restaurants actually profit, and this seems very unfeasible as a whole.”

“It does have to be commercial, and I understand the costs associated with that,” said Assistant City Engineer Dan Ohrenstein. “People are going to be sitting right next to a vehicle ... so public safety is important. Cleanliness is important. Also, we do have storm events, so we want to make sure that the parklet is not going to fly off during hurricanes, so there are a lot of components to make parklets permanent, and that’s why the standards have been put in place.”

We are pleased to welcome Justin Shinn, MD, Head and Neck Cancer and Microvascular Surgeon to the First Physicians Group network. Dr. Shinn is a board-certified head and neck surgeon who treats patients with both benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck involving the oral cavity, nose, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, thyroid, and skin. He also specializes in airway reconstruction, partial laryngectomy/voice preservation, micro-vascular reconstruction and transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Specialty : Head and Neck Cancers including mouth, tongue, throat, gland and skin cancers as well as microvascular reconstruction

Board Certification : American Board of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery Medical School : University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA

Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

To schedule an appointment, call (941) 262-0500

First Physicians Group Head and Neck Surgery

1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239

firstphysiciansgroup com

policy presented would cost Sarasota restaurants at least $13,000 per year plus construction to offer on-street dining in city parking spaces.

SPD swears in youngest police officer

Make-A-Wish and police department ensure 4-year-old cancer patient’s wish comes true.

When representatives of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida were planning a Siesta Key beach vacation for a New Jersey family with a critically ill child, they made a discovery that prompted them to get the police involved.

Andrew Pickart, a 4-year-old who has battled neuroblastoma most of his life, has a fascination with police. Thanks to the Sarasota Police Department, his wish was enhanced Monday when he was sworn in as an honorary officer by SPD Chief Rex Troche.

Andrew and his family, who live in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, were treated to a morning full of police activities at SPD headquarters after being sworn in before a room filled with sworn and nonsworn personnel. Troche administered Officer Pickart’s customized oath while holding him at the podium in the briefing room.

“Do you promise to take all the bad people to jail?”

“Yes.”

“Do you promise to keep your mom and dad and your family safe?”

“Yes.”

“And do you promise to be a good and great police officer?”

“OK.”

“Officer Andrew Pickart, you are now an honorary Sarasota police officer.”

Not even a rousing round of cheers and applause fazed Andrew, who was calm and composed throughout the morning as he met and shook hands with Troche, members of the command staff and representatives of every division who presented him with challenge coins, a tradition of

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH

Based in Sarasota, Make-AWish Southern Florida has granted nearly 14,000 wishes since 1983 to children who suffer from critical illnesses.

The Southern Florida chapter’s territory includes 22 counties in southeast and southwest Florida, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands.

showing mutual respect for fellow officers.

SPD went all out for Andrew’s special day, starting with the arrival of the family — parents Anhthu and Michael; brother, Erik; sister Kyra; and grandmother Annette Tran — at headquarters. After Andrew explored a police motorcycle and patrol SUV, they were escorted to the quartermaster’s office, where he received a uniform and badge. An elevator ride to the sixth floor took them to Troche’s office, where they met in a conference room and Andrew’s official photo was taken for his ID badge.

From there, it was off to the briefing room for the swearing in.

“Today we will swear in one of our newest police officers into the SPD family,” Troche said. “I would like to thank the Pickart family for allowing the Sarasota Police Department to be a part of Andrew’s special wish. This swearing-in ceremony is for a special young man, Andrew Pickart. At only 4 years of age, he’s already shown us incredible strength and bravery that is quite inspiring.

“Andrew, my young friend, today you are granted a special title because of your bravery. We need officers like you to keep the city of Sarasota safe.”

Following the ceremony, activities moved outdoors for demonstrations by SPD’s SWAT and K-9 units. The morning was capped off by some quiet family time back in the brief-

ing room with Troche, when Andrew was presented with police-themed gifts to commemorate the day.

The Pickart family will continue their beach vacation until Thursday, when they will leave Officer Pickart’s jurisdiction and travel to Orlando to visit with relatives there.

Greatest civil document

The Declaration of Independence was much more than a secession from tyranny. It changed the world.

WHAT FOUNDERS DECLARED

This is the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence — the “what” the Founders were declaring:

WHO IS THE STATESMAN-LEADER?

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com

Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com

The founding of the United States of America has to be one of the Greatest Stories Ever. Let’s say in the top five.

For nearly 250 years, that moment has changed the course of the world.

From the Pilgrims settling at Plymouth Rock to the Declaration of Independence to the writing and adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, to everything those events spawned over the past 247 years, America’s founding has to be up there with Creation; Moses and the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land; the birth of Jesus Christ; and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Assuming you agree, it makes sense then that the Fourth of July is celebrated the way John Adams hoped it would be celebrated. After the Founders voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2, Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail:

The Declaration of Independence “will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America.”

He said the day should be “solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Through the generations, we Americans have obliged Adams’ wish with gusto — red, white and blue parades, topped with the quintessential American feast of grilled ’dogs, mustard, potato chips, corn on the cob, watermelon, homemade brownies and, yes, Bud Light.

And the fireworks.

This is a guess: If you walked Siesta Key Beach and conducted Man (or Woman) on the Beach interviews, asking why we celebrate Independence Day, of course, many of us would cringe these days at the stupidity of so many Americans. You can envision the interview:

Interviewer: “Why do we celebrate Independence Day?”

Interviewee: “Uh, because we beat the Germans and Japanese in World War I?”

Ugh.

Ever the optimist, we still want to believe most adult Americans (especially those older than Gen Zers) do indeed know why we celebrate Independence Day. (See box for the exact words.)

Forevermore, Americans have

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do …”

instinctively invoked the words liberty and freedom with the Fourth of July. More specifically, of course, we are always reminded on this national holiday of Thomas Jefferson’s immortal words in the second paragraph of the Declaration:

“We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It’s probably true that most Americans at the time of the Declaration focused on the proclamation that they were no longer under the tyrannical rule of the British king and empire; they were free of his injustices, usurpations and pillaging. But in the words of the late President Calvin Coolidge, the Declaration “had a much broader and deeper significance than a mere secession of territory and the establishment of a new nation.”

In a 4,500-word speech July 4, 1926, in Philadelphia — on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration, then President Coolidge delivered what should be regarded as one of the most insightful explanations ever recorded of the profound meaning of the Declaration of Independence (see below).

Coolidge called the Declaration “the most important civil document in the world.” And among the reasons for such a noble title, Coolidge said:

“Three very definite propositions were set out in its preamble regarding the nature of mankind and therefore of government. These were the doctrine that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable rights and that therefore the source of the just powers of government must be derived from the consent of the governed.”

These were not new principles in the 18th century, but as Coolidge

THE DECLARATION’S RELIGIOUS ROOTS

Here is an excerpt from President Calvin Coolidge’s July 4, 1926, speech on the Declaration of Independence. In this passage, Coolidge warns Americans that the ideals in the declaration flow from religion: “A spring will cease to flow if its source be dried up; a tree will wither if its roots be destroyed.

“In its main features, the Declaration of Independence is a great spiritual document. It is a declaration not of material but of spiritual

conceptions. “Equality, liberty, popular sovereignty, the rights of man — these are not elements which we can see and touch. They are ideals. They have their source and their roots in the religious convictions. They belong to the unseen world. Unless the faith of the American people in these religious convictions is to endure, the principles of our Declaration will perish. We can not continue to enjoy the result if we neglect and abandon the cause.

(To read the entire speech, go to: YourObserver.com/Coolidge.)

— MW

Managing Editor / James Peter, JPeter@YourObserver.com

Sports Editor / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com

Staff Writers / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com

Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com

Copy Editor / Gina Reynolds Haskins, GRHaskins@YourObserver.com

Senior Editorial Designer / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com

These are the eight presidential candidates leading in the polls. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established. Who among them has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers?

noted, these three principles “had never been assembled before and declared in such a combination.

“It was not only the principles declared, but the fact that therewith a new nation was born which was to be founded upon those principles and which from that time forth in its development has actually maintained those principles, that makes this pronouncement an incomparable event in the history of government.”

WHO IS THE STATESMAN?

It is noteworthy that 150 years after the issuance of the Declaration of Independence, then President Coolidge spoke as he did about the profound nature and importance of Jefferson’s words — that they still stood steadfastly a century-anda-half later as the principles that defined the United States and that made the United States exceptional.

But now, nearly 100 years later, when, if ever, do you hear our so-called national leaders — specifically, the “presidential wanna-be’s” — discuss or profess an embracing conviction to the principles that all men are created equal and we all are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Keep your ears and eyes attuned to President Biden and all of the Republican presidential hopefuls this weekend. Listen closely whether in their Fourth of July speeches they express a vision for the nation whose principles and values would be devoted to those the Founding Fathers established.

In that vein, who among the many presidential candidates has demonstrated the character of the statesmen-leaders who constituted our leading Founding Fathers? Who among them could set foot in the same room as George Washington?

In the 2000 book, “Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation,” historian Joseph J. Ellis gives readers a sense of the awe of Washington:

“In the America of the 1790s, Washington’s image was everywhere … His commanding presence had been the central feature in every major event of the revolutionary era: the linchpin of the Continental Army throughout eight long years of desperate fighting from 1775 to 1783; the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787; the first and only chief executive of the fledgling federal government since 1789. He was the palpable reality that clothed the revolutionary rhapsodies in flesh and blood, America’s one and only indispensable character.

“Washington was the core of gravity that prevented the American Revolution from flying off into random orbits, the stable center around which the revolutionary energies formed. As one popular toast of the day put it, he was ‘the man who unites all hearts.’ He was the American Zeus, Moses and Cincinnatus all rolled into one.”

Who among the candidates can rise to the statesman-leader level of, say, Abraham Lincoln or, in

modern times, Ronald Reagan?

Lincoln at Gettysburg: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here have the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Reagan at the 1964 Republican National Convention: “It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers,” he said.

“James Madison said, ‘We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.’

“This idea that government was beholden to the people, that it had no other source of power except the sovereign people, is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man.

“For almost two centuries we have proved man’s capacity for selfgovernment, but today we are told we must choose between a left and right or, as others suggest, a third alternative, a kind of safe middle ground.

“I suggest to you there is no left or right, only an up or down. Up to the maximum of individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism … ”

When he concluded his Fourth of July address, Coolidge told his fellow Americans: “If we are to maintain the great heritage which has been bequeathed to us, we must be like-minded as the fathers who created it. We must not sink into a pagan materialism.

“We must cultivate the reverence which they had for the things that are holy. We must follow the spiritual and moral leadership which they showed. We must keep replenished, that they may glow with a more compelling flame, the altar fires before which they worshipped.”

BE RESILIENT

Deep down, we have to believe most Americans are longing for the end of the strife that has torn this great nation apart for the past 15 years. They are wrought and withered over being told the country they love and its past are evil. The enmity that splits us in half has become our Gettysburg.

As you wave your flag or fire up your grill on the Fourth of July, we’ll encourage you as we did in 2021: Wave that flag hard. Be resilient, as resilient as the pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock and as courageous as the Founding Fathers who pledged their lives, their fortunes and honor with their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Continue to believe in the magnificent principles that all men are indeed created equal and stand strong for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Happy Independence Day.

Editorial Designer / Miguel Elasmar, MElasmar@YourObserver.com

A+E Editor / Monica Roman Gagnier, MGagnier@YourObserver.com

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, JRaleigh@YourObserver.com

Sales Manager / Penny Nowicki, PNowicki@YourObserver.com

Regional Digital Director / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com

Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com

Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@YourObserver. com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver. com; Brenda White, BWhite@ YourObserver.com

Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Lexi Huelsman, LHuelsman@ YourObserver.com

Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com

Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com

Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Emma B. Jolly, EJolly@YourObserver.com

Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com

Marketing Specialist / Melanie Melone, MMelone@YourObserver.com

Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com

Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway, MHolloway@ YourObserver.com

Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com

Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com

Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com

Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com

Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon @YourObserver.com

Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

CEO / Matt Walsh

President / Emily Walsh

Vice President / Lisa Walsh

Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

PHONE LOST, BUT NOT STOLEN

3000 block of Old Bradenton Road

Disturbance: A complainant advised officers that four individuals came to her home demanding the return of a cellphone. A female had knocked on her door saying that the complainant’s son had stolen her phone. The complainant said she did not know the woman but added the woman has an ongoing issue with her son. The complainant said a male was standing across the street holding a black item at his side that appeared to be a gun. No video or photo evidence was captured of the incident. The complainant said she wanted the subjects to be told not to come to her residence again and that she was threatened by a female subject. While on that call for service, a female called dispatch and advised that she was threatened by a woman at the previously referenced location regarding a missing phone. Officers met with that caller at another address and said her phone was not stolen and was at the Sarasota Police Department property room. The subject advised that no one had a gun near the complainant’s home and said the dispute was verbal. She also told police she would not return to the complainant’s home.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

SLOW GETAWAY

10:18 a.m., 1000 block of North

Tamiami Trail

Property damage: A victim told police she had parked her vehicle briefly near the entrance of a boat launch to sit by the water with a friend. While there, a male approached and started to argue with her, telling her to move her vehicle. The victim’s friend said she saw the man kneel by the front driver side of the victim’s car before hearing the sound of air being released from a tire. The witness then saw the man leave on a blue bicycle. Officers observed the valve stem on the tire had been damaged and the tire was flat. The tire itself was not damaged. Should the suspect be identified and located, he will be charged with criminal mischief.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

NONQUALIFIED BUYER

3:47 p.m., 1900 block of Boyce Street

Trespassing: A real estate agent called police to a home she had listed that belongs to her brother. The complainant said she had received a text message from a would-be buyer, and that after meeting with her in person had determined she was not a qualified buyer. Still, she witnessed the woman inside the fenced-in property earlier in the day walking around the home. The subject was located and informed that if she returned to the property she would be arrested.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

NO BUZZARDS, NO BODY

10:30 p.m., 2500 block of Pershing

Avenue

Disturbance: While working a previous call, an officer was approached by a man who advised that his wife had told him she overheard two male subjects talking about a dead body in the vacant field off the 2000 block of MLK Jr. Way. Two officers investigated two abandoned homeless sites in the vacant field finding no body. The field is covered with sawgrass six to eight feet tall. The report further reads, “There were no buzzards flying overhead and no foul smell of a decomposing body in the area.” No further action was taken.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

DOESN’T TALK TO COPS

1:04 a.m., 300 block of North Conrad Avenue

Dispute: A complainant advised an officer that he was in a dispute with the juvenile son of his cousin and that while in the kitchen, the boy “begin to give him attitude” while preparing a bowl of ramen noodles.

The man also said he believes the youth has access to a firearm. The man stated the altercation was only verbal in nature and that no threats of violence were made. Officers met with the juvenile in the backyard, reporting that he was very uncooperative and requested officers leave the property on multiple occasions. He said he was attempting to be respectful and moved to the backyard to eat his ramen noodles. He then stated he does not talk to cops and requested officers leave the property. No further action was taken.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21

DAY DRINKING

3:40 p.m., 400 block of Benjamin Franklin Boulevard

Intoxicated person: An officer met with a lifeguard supervisor in reference to an intoxicated male who was rescued from the Gulf of Mexico by lifeguards. The subject was cooperative and intoxicated, but was able to walk off the beach under his own power. The officer requested that the subject sit down at a table and not drink any more that day. The subject was also asked if he wanted to go to detox, which he declined. The subject stated that he was done drinking for the day and he would catch the trolley off the island later.

< REVOLUTIONARY IMPROV: FST stages a onenight show in honor of our nation’s birthday. 13

EATING WITH EMMA: The best lobster rolls in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 12 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT HONOR THY FATHER

Ringling College curator creates a tribute to his Episcopal priest dad.

Tim Jaeger is the chief curator of galleries and exhibitions at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also an accomplished artist in his own right. As a painter he’s, well, painterly. His approach is gestural, with lots of multilayered impasto and loose, energetic brushwork. Coloring inside the lines is not Jaeger’s style. But a recent passion project took him out of his comfort zone.

Late in 2021, Jaeger accepted a commission to design and create 41 windows for a chapel in Tampa’s Berkeley Preparatory School. His art would comprise Biblical vignettes and nods to other faiths. It would speak to the hearts of students. It would also have a deep, personal meaning to the artist.

“Berkeley Prep is affiliated with the Episcopal Church,” Jaeger says.

“I’m the son of an Episcopal priest. Receiving this commission was very humbling for me.”

As a child, Jaeger grew up listening to his father’s sermons in the Grace Episcopal Church in Paducah, Ken tucky. A well-behaved kid, he sat without fidgeting in a church pew. He listened intently, while simulta neously drawing on church bulletins. His father’s lessons took hold in his heart. But the training of his hand and eye would ultimately lead to his life’s work as an artist.

“I always knew I wanted to be an artist,” Jaeger says. “Following in my father’s footsteps just wasn’t my path. This commission is a magical way to honor his path. It’s not my usual medium — and I really wanted to do it right!”

The artist received the commis sion thanks to a drawing of St. Francis ministering to a flock of birds by the river. He showed it to Brandon Peete, the school chaplain. Jaeger explained that it would be one of many gentle religious scenes, including the bap tism of Jesus and Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven.

Tapping a master glass artist for assistance, “I explained that the vignettes would be religious,” Jaeger recalls. “But I also wanted to give the students a sense of freedom and creative expression, whatever their belief system.”

Peete evidently liked the way the artist thought. Jaeger got the com mission. Gentle scenes or not, it was an incredibly ambitious project — on a scale the artist had never before attempted.

To create the images he’d envi sioned, Jaeger reached out to the master glass artists of our region. Jim Piercey was his first choice.

“These windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy”

“Jim had the only studio space around equipped to do this project,” he says. “Jim taught me a lot of the technique and installed everything we created. This will be the first chapel in the United States with fused glass windows.”

What’s the difference between fused glass and stained glass?

According to Jaeger, it’s a big difference. “Stained glass art is like making a mosaic,” he says. “You create the image with different pieces of colored glass. You assemble the pieces and then solder them together with melted lead. With fused glass, you’re melting different transparent layers of glass together. You can get more of a painterly effect within the glass itself. I even painted directly on many of the pieces.”

Fused glass gives windows a painterly effect Jaeger adds that this painterly quality is the reason he chose the fused glass process. That said, it’s a far cry from painting on canvas.

“Fused glass is a constructive

medium,” he explains. “In painting, I can be spontaneous. With fused glass, it’s all planning — there’s no intuition involved. I have to design everything first. So, I’ll build a drawing in Photoshop. I create outlines of figures divided into segments — then plan out exactly what colors go where.”

Big job, needless to say. Jaeger didn’t try to do it alone. While working side by side with Piercey, Jaeger also collaborated with Kathleen Bromley and her team of glass artists at KatGlass Studio in Clearwater. Everyone involved pushed their artistry to the limit — and loved every minute of it.

“Working on this project has been very rewarding,” says Piercey. “Fused glass takes us all out of our comfort zone, and that’s always a learning experience. I’ve learned a great deal from Tim, and I think he’s learned quite a lot about glass as well. It boils down to telling the story the chaplain wanted to tell — and that’s been

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before.”

a fairly painless process.”

After the chaplain approved the mock-up for a specific window, Jaeger gave Piercey the design along with a general idea of the colors he wanted. “He leaves it up to me to interpret his color palette, and that’s pretty much it,” says Piercey. “Everyone involved has been super accommodating. Window by window, it’s all gone smoothly.”

“The fused glass art we created for this chapel was revolutionary — as far as I know, it’s never been done on this scale before,” adds Bromley.

“Old-school leaded glass can be heavy-handed. Here, entire windows are made of fused glass with no divisions. When the sun hits just right, it’s like he’s painting with light.”

Bottom line? Jaeger had help. But it was still a lot of hard work. How hard?

“Looking back, this was two years in the making. Over 7,000 miles back and forth from Sarasota to Orlando.

Two flat tires, one shattered windshield. Nearly 300 panes of glass. Countless drawings and emails. 41 windows. One chapel.”

Jaeger smiles with satisfaction. And notes that Berkeley Chapel was consecrated on April 15.

During the time that Jaeger created the stained glass windows, his father lived in a nursing home.

“He wasn’t in a good shape,” Jaeger recalls. “I did this for my father, on many levels. He passed away before I finished. I wish he could’ve seen it — but I did send him drawings and photos, and they really meant a lot to him. This art speaks to the hearts and minds of the students. But these windows are also my way of honoring my father’s legacy. I’m confident that they’ll shine for a long, long time.”

— Kathleen Bromley

Get crackin’ on the best local lobster rolls

In honor of my lobsterloving sister, here are some local dishes that remind me of home sweet home.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

As a native New Englander, during this time of year, I start really missing the place I will forever call home. I yearn for northern summer weather (sans humidity and afternoon tsunamis), chasing fireflies even in my 30s and eating the nation’s best lobster rolls with my sister.

My younger sister, Maddie, is a lobster enthusiast — to put it mildly. She rates the buns, lobster meat and overall experience on her Instagram page, called Ladies Who Lobster.

In honor of Maddie’s upcoming birthday, I put on my thinking cap and eating bib and turned into a lady who lunches on lobster. I found the best luxurious summer seafood sandwiches in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Let’s get crackin’.

LAKEWOOD RANCH LOBSTER

POUND SEAFOOD BISTRO AND FISH MARKET

8740 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch; 941-755-3474; LWRLobsterPound.com

Owned by Jim and Kelly Pierzga, this market and bistro serves up seafood with staff hailing from Long Island, New England and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I was immediately transported back to Connecticut in a way that, no lie, brought a tear to my eye. Order up to 30 minutes before closing time (6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday).

How We Roll:  New England or Connecticut style? If we’re offered chunks of lobster poached in butter, drizzled with lemon on a New England roll — the Burke girls are sold on Connecticut-style ($23.99). Jim and his chef pack on nearly a pound of fresh lobster.

You Butter Believe It: The Toss Up roll ($33.99) allows foodies to feast on both styles so you don’t have to choose. Want to see what a real storm looks like? Let’s try our best to nosh on the Nor’easter with sultry stacks of lobster on double buns — then we can roll into a nap time. Also, the clam chowder ($6.99) had my tastebuds doing cartwheels, so we can’t leave without that.

THE MAINE LINE FOOD TRUCK

Locations updated weekly on website; 941-246-9090; TheMaineLine.net

Owner Kurt Turner was heavily disappointed in the lack of homecooking vibes when he and his wife, Brenda, moved to town — so they brought the Pine Tree State to the Sunshine State in a scrumptious way. This gourmet food truck serves

up some of Maine’s finest offerings. We’re lining up for the lobstah extravaganza.

How We Roll: The classic lobster roll with warm butter, lemon, coleslaw and chips ($22.95) takes me right back to New England. With each bite of lobster, the air gets less humid, and I feel like I’m home sweet home.

You Butter Believe It:  Lobster tacos with cilantro lime sauce, lob-

ster quesadillas, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese and a crabster roll (crab meat and lobster) are offered to those who skip the classic. The next time you’re in town, Maddie, I can’t wait to munch on the Maine maniac mega lobster roll with 1 pound of lobster on a 12-inch roll, coleslaw, chowdah, chips and a bib ($64.95) with you.

DETWILER’S FARM MARKET

2881 Clark Road, Sarasota; 6100 N. Lockwood Ridge Road., Sarasota;

6000 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota; 1800 U.S. 301, Palmetto; 1250 U.S. 41 BYP, Venice; 941-378-2727, Detwiler Market.com

When I was starting my new job in Sarasota, I noticed my mentor’s Boston accent within moments of meeting her. I noticed myself becoming distracted in my training session. I just wanted to ask her where to get a more than decent lobster roll. Where she sent me to “pahk the cah” surprised me in the best of ways.

How We Roll: The colossal chunks of lovely lobster salad nestle within a traditional New England roll for an unbeatable, unbelievable price of $15.99. The surplus of shellfish in this cold-rendition roll is just as generous as it is delicious.

You Butter Believe It: While you’re at the sub shop, be sure to order a lobster bisque (12 oz. for $4.99 and 16 oz. for $5.99) or clam chowder for the same price. We can also head to the seriously splendid seafood counter and continue our lobster explorations in three more delicious ways — lobster-stuffed flounder, lobsterstuffed mushrooms and lobster cakes are available for purchase too.

KELLY’S ROAST BEEF

5407 University Parkway, Bradenton; 941-263-1911; KellysRoastBeef.com

Did you know that this chain has been in business since 1951? Kelly’s has come a long way from Revere Beach in Boston to the Gulf Shores of Bradenton but still holds true to its New England roots by serving up seafood that will have you salivating.

How We Roll: We’re rolling with the succulent North Atlantic lobster mixed with the correct volume of celery and accurate amount of mayonnaise. This lobster roll ($24.95 and up) is served with an overwhelming selection of fantastic sides, including French fries, onion rings and a side of Kelly’s own tangy tartar sauce.

You Butter Believe It: Let’s take a short break from the lobster lifestyle and snack on the clam or scallop roll ($25.95 each) and treat ourselves to some cheese fries ($5.95) because we can. The seasoned fries are topped with melted cheddar cheese sauce with real bacon.

RIVERHOUSE WATERFRONT

RESTAURANT

995 Riverside Drive, Palmetto; 941729-0616; RiverhouseFL.com

Yes, there are three options for waterfront dining with a mouthwatering lobster roll moments away from my front door. I’m ab-shelllutely ready for this last stop on the lobster tour.

How We Roll:  Order up a New England-style lobster roll (market price). It’s offered at both the Reef & Grill, the ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, as well as on the Second Floor. Chopped cold-water lobster, mayo, celery and onion are all positioned perfectly on a New England style roll.

You Butter Believe It:  Maddie, I have three words to end here — lobster pot pie ($18). Three more? I love you. I can’t wait to bite into the blend of lobster, whitefish, shallots and more tucked under a baked puff pastry with you. Or we could get a big lump of lobster and a big lump of knobs. The lobster corn chowder ($18) is defined as a house favorite.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR

2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-20 Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12.

‘THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN’

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $39 Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

DON’T MISS THE SURFER BOYS

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 life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

IF YOU GO

When: June 29, Runs through Aug. 13.

Where: FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $18 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth it? Runs through July 9.

‘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

OUR PICK

FST IMPROV PRESENTS ‘FREEDOM!’

Feeling patriotic and looking for a laugh? FST Improv promises “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter” in this one-night-only performance that reveals the secret history of the American Revolution.

IF YOU GO

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 1

Where: FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.

Tickets: $15

Info: Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

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 16.

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ Florida Studio Theatre

8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. From $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship forged during the Depression between Susannah, a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music, and an African American prisoner, Pearl, who has the knowledge and memories that Susannah needs for her project. Runs through July 30.

FRIDAY

DISNEY’S ‘FROZEN’ KIDS SHOW

7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Beat the heat with this stage adaptation of the popular Disney film “Frozen,” featuring favorite songs from the film such as “Love is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go.”

This For KIDS By KIDS Production also includes new songs from the Broadway production.

‘FINDING NEMO JR.’

7 p.m. at The Players Centre, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail

$17 Visit ThePlayers.org.

This stage adaptation of the popular Pixar film “Finding Nemo” features

new music by Kristen Andersen. What’s more, it’s only 60 minutes long, so it’s perfect for kids who get fidgety during long shows. Runs through July 2.

WEDNESDAY

STEVE WHITE

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

$25

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Steve White got his first break from hometown buddy Eddie Murphy when he was cast in “Coming to America.” White has also been a mainstay of Spike Lee films, with roles in “Do the Right Thing,” “Clockers” and “Malcolm X,” to name a few. Runs through July 9.

A business community that cares

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce awards highlighted area businesses that are positioned for continued success and have provided opportunities for the community.

David Crawford said he was thrilled to be named as a finalist for the Community Impact Award and be among the “amazing” organizations honored at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Frank G. Berlin Sr. 2023 Small Business Awards.

As the owner of Catalist Realty, a brokerage firm built on a model of offering 15% of all commissions to a charity of the homebuyer’s choice, he said his company’s mission was made possible through Sarasota’s philanthropic community.

That community, he said, was on display with the awards, which were presented during a luncheon on June 23 at the Hyatt Regency and included honorees such as Rise & Nye’s and All Faiths Food Bank, organizations to which Catalist Realty had previously donated.

He added that a “thriving” chamber of commerce was also important to help local businesses.

“This event today is hands down a favorite event that we do every year,” said Sarasota Chamber CEO and President Heather Kasten, citing the organization’s mission of supporting businesses in a competitive market, helping them grow and creating an attractive business climate.

Ed Hill, vice president of the chamber, said he could speak for the value of the awards, having originally experienced them while representing the Venice telecommunications company Lightspeed Voice.

“The additional exposure this event gives businesses — you cannot put a price on it,” he said.

RISE & NYE’S

A downtown coffee shop, Rise & Nye’s, won the Community Impact Award, thanks to its unique mission.

Of the 35 people who currently work at Rise & Nye’s, most never had a job before they began working at the coffee and ice cream shop at 1534 State St., said owner Beaver Shriver.

Since its founding two years ago, the shop’s purpose has been to provide jobs for people with developmental disabilities and to serve as a two-way street between staff and customers, said Shriver.

While the staff receive a job, a paycheck, a share of the tips and a chance

2023 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS

LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

n First Watch Restaurants, Inc. (Winner)

n Dutchman Hospitality Group

n FCCI Insurance Group

MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD

n Florida Elevator, Inc. (Winner)

n DMSI

n JMX Brands

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

n One Stop Housing LLC (Winner)

n Express Employment Professionals

n Wealth Strategies Partners

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

n Rise & Nye’s (Winner)

n All Faiths Food Bank

n Catalist Realty LLC

MINORITY BUSINESS AWARD

n Herrera Psychology (Winner)

n Aginto | A Digital Agency

n Jah Movement

NON-PROFIT AWARD

n Education Foundation of Sarasota County Inc. (Winner)

n Humane Society of Sarasota County

to show their talents, customers also benefit by having the chance to meet people with disabilities.

“Here they are, making your coffee, making your beignets, smiling, sitting down with you. It’s just been an honor to be able to create the space for these people,” Shriver said. “They want to have jobs; they want to have boyfriends and girlfriends; they want to get their own house and live on their own — they just want to do all the same things that all of us do.”

Shriver said the shop helps right the fact that an inclusive environment was often denied to such people in the past.

“We’ve neglected these people, marginalized them, institutionalized them, forgotten them for way too long, and it’s just high time we give them a chance to shine,” he said.

He noted that while the bakery’s mission appears to be hitting home, it also offers quality products, having been voted best coffee shop two years in a row through a Sarasota Magazine reader poll.

“It’s been great to see recognition and appreciation of what we’re doing,” he said of the Community Impact Award.

DOOR STUDIOS

STAGE

Students from across the 16 years that Stage Door Studios has been in operation have returned there with stories of the impact dance had on their lives, said owner Jill Athridge, whose company won the Woman-

“I’ve been so thankful to find values aligned, passionate individuals who have a diversity of background, and thought, and expertise, who are now able to work with youth.”

Owned Business Award.

Although Athridge knows a thing or two about running a business, bringing experience from the New York restaurant scene, she said the studio, which she described as the largest in the Sarasota and Manatee County area, is about more than turning a profit.

“What I do is not about making great dancers,” she said. “It’s about making great kids.”

Among the skills the kids learn are time management, body awareness, and being able to perform and be confident in front of an audience, she said. The studio also works closely with schools, having served as a business partner of multiple schools since its founding.

When she established the studio in 2007, Athridge was working at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on weekends to pay her bills and purchase props, and there were 40 kids participating. That number has since risen to 750, but it isn’t just the efforts of one woman that have made the business

a success.

Ian Swaby

“I have an incredible staff of women that support me and that continue to move our mission forward,” she said. “It is hard being a woman, where most people don’t always take what we do seriously. It is a really great honor to be up for that.”

Yet she said it was important for the students as well, who are mostly girls.

“Having this award shows them that their dreams are important to us,” she said.

HERRERA PSYCHOLOGY

The winner of the Minority Business Award, Herrera Psychology has grown considerably since its 2016 founding. When Dr. Stacie Herrera started the practice, she intended to serve as its sole proprietor, but she found such an overwhelming demand for its youth-oriented services that she sought out more staff.

“I’ve been so thankful to find values aligned, passionate individuals who have a diversity of background, and thought, and expertise, who are now able to work with youth,” she said.

The practice offers individual therapy and group therapy focused on helping children and teens, as well as evaluations for learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and any type of anxiety or depression that may affect a student’s ability to perform.

Herrera said as she worked to establish the practice, she saw that the reality of running a business

n Sarasota Ballet of Florida Inc.

RISING STAR AWARD

n Town Square Sarasota (Winner)

n Castle Concierge

n The Breakfast Company

WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS

AWARD

n Stage Door Studios Inc. (Winner)

n BSWANKY

n MakSchu LLC

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION AWARD

n PGT Innovations (Winner)

n Children First

n Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

did not align with the definition of “freedom” typically associated with the idea, but amid her hard work, she was able to assemble a “very strong team.”

She called the group’s psychologists excellent collaborators, adept at having raw and honest conversations that result in everyone feeling seen, heard and valued.

“I think what makes us exceptional is that we are all about being part of each family’s village,” Herrera said.  She said the practice not only works with families, but ensures they are connected throughout the community. An important part of that mission is innovation. For instance, this summer, Herrera Psychology is providing skill-building workshops to help kids learn to manage the emotions “that come with being a human.”

Keeping it shipshape

The YachtWave app is intended to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for all needs related to boat care, maintenance and use.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

After the O’Keefe family started boating in 2009, they found a love for the pastime, and let down an anchor in the boating community.

Yet while the six boats the Lakewood Ranch family owned increased in size, so did the maintenance needs.

John O’Keefe decided to bring his background in software to the issue, leading the creation of the app called YachtWave, which made its debut at the Suncoast Boat Show held April 21-23. The app is available for iOS and Android or online.

“I can’t think of a better place (than Sarasota) to have built and launched an app,” he said. “Maybe Fort Lauderdale would be its rival, but Sarasota, which is a major hub for boating on the west coast of Florida, was the perfect place. It’s like the stars coming into alignment that I’m able to launch it here.”

While he said the online version of the app is complete, the next major step is the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from Oct. 26-30, which will showcase a full-featured release of the mobile app.

AT THE HELM

Originally, O’Keefe used a spreadsheet to record his boat’s maintenance, inventory and identification information.

Mega-yachts, which are boats over 90 feet in size with a crew and a captain, use software to track their maintenance, he said, but that software costs thousands of dollars per year.

But smaller boats have the same needs as larger ones, he said.

“When people ask us about the boating lifestyle, my wife (Debbie) and I tell people, you have to love it. It’s not only the cost of it; the amount of work that it takes to manage it is

ABOUT THE APP

For info, visit YachtWave.com.

tremendous, and if you’re not loving it, then it’s not worth it.”

As O’Keefe searched the apps available, he found them to be fragmented. He was looking for a service that was professional and definitive, something that would bring together the features the average boater would need in one place.  Since the launch of YachtWave, he said, the feedback has been promising.

“We’ve had a really, really good response, both from individual boaters, as well as businesses in the boating industry,” he said.

Unlike similar apps, the app is currently free to download.

“What I want for this app is adoption,” he said. “What I want is to get people to use it, provide good feedback, and make it the best boating app out there.”

YachtWave is far from O’Keefe’s first venture in the realm of software.

Having earned a degree in engineering, in the early days of the internet he started a software company, Fine Point Technologies, which provided support automation for dial-up internet service providers, to help users connect to the internet and solve issues.

In 2005, he started a technology company called ITelagen, which provided IT services to the health care industry; he ran it for the past 15 years.

As he moved upwards in his career, he found that software development began to be performed by employees who worked under him. In his semiretirement, he was glad to merge his passion for software with his boating industry knowledge.

His boating qualifications are significant, as he boasts a 100-Ton Master Captain’s License from the U.S. Coast Guard, which certifies him to operate as a charter boat captain, although he does not use the license professionally.

Features: Quick & easy login, boat details, share with others, engines info, assignable tasks, inventory, maintenance logs, checklists, cruise logs, notes, offline access, data privacy and security.

Available on: iOS, Android, and web

A MULTIFACETED APP FOR A COMPLEX PASTIME

O’Keefe said the app brings together maintenance, inventory and more, with additional features planned for the future to fully meet the needs of boaters.

Maintenance required on boats include two engines and a generator which all have individual maintenance schedules.  Also, users must stay on top of components’ maintenance before they break.

In the family’s boat recently, he said, an exhaust fan broke, which would have caused a lack of air flow to the engine. Once on the way back from the Florida Keys, a fuel filter became clogged, but the family kept the boat moving by using a spare on board.

Stored in the O’Keefes’ boat are thousands of dollars of spare parts — propellers, impellers, filters and more.

The app helps users keep track of how many parts they need and currently have, which John O’Keefe said is important in times of supply shortages, when inventories are slow to be replenished.

There are also receipts to be tracked, another need the app will address.

“If you don’t have that information and proof of maintenance, it becomes very, very difficult to sell the boat later,” he said.

He also has some more ambitious ideas planned for implementation prior to the Fort Lauderdale

International Boat Show taking place from Oct. 26-30. Since the Suncoast Boat Show, the app has acquired just over 1,000 signups, he said. When that number reaches 6,000 or 7,000, he said, the app can incorporate additional features, including some currently available online.

The mobile app will gain a feature of the online app, which is the ability to fill out a logbook automatically using the start and end points of a journey. This capability, he said, incorporates data on weather, including conditions and temperature, and will prevent users from having to go through the “mundane” and “arcane” process of filling out the data manually.

O’Keefe plans to add tracking capabilities, which can display the boat’s location. He also believes artificial intelli-

gence can be an asset to the app, after seeing its ability to automate the creation of 100 characters of code at a time during the app’s creation.

“I strongly believe there’s applications for AI in every industry, and I’m convinced there’s going to be good applications for it to help boat owners,” he said. “When you buy a boat, you could spend seven figures on it, and there’s really no tech support line to call for it.”

Even though the app may already be released, he’s still looking forward to this definitive version.

“I’m excited about it,” he said. “It’s getting back to something I enjoy doing, in a leisure industry that I really enjoy as part of my personal life.”

On patrol in America’s favorite park

director of the Manhattan and Queens boroughs. Her work in the latter role involved overseeing the supervisors of the park rangers and performing field work like crowd control.

CAREER

NEW YORK CITY

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

1979: Urban park ranger

1980: Program assistant (responsible for building programs)

Carolyn Angiolillo knew she wanted a career in the outdoors from the time she was attending St. John’s University in Queens, New York City.

Through summer jobs, she quickly found that desk work wasn’t her talent, especially when a job as a receptionist didn’t last as long as she’d planned.

“I got fired because I didn’t know how to answer the phone correctly,” she said.

After graduating, it was difficult to find jobs in her field of environmental science, but then her professors at St. Johns University suggested an opportunity — a ranger for Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

The city was establishing a new program, based on the model of the National Park Service, intended to improve the quality of the city’s parks.

“When that job came up, I said, ‘This would be perfect.’” Angiolillo would go on to serve in high-ranking roles with the ranger program, overseeing city parks, including Central Park.

At the time, the city was bouncing back from the fiscal crisis of 1975 and Mayor Ed Koch was pursuing a revitalization of the park system, founding the Central Park Conservancy in 1978.

Infrastructure was deteriorating, said Angiolillo, crime was frequent and many people avoided Central Park entirely.

The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop was closed, Belvedere Castle had been vandalized and the Sheep Meadow and Great Lawn were sand lots.

“Even though there were garbage cans, people littered on the ground,” she said.

Starting her career in 1979 at

Prospect Park, she underwent three weeks of training, learning interpretive and tour skills, crowd control and conflict resolution.

Soon equipped with a familiar uniform that included a Smokey Bear hat, a gray shirt and green pants, she set to work, which included patrolling and teaching guests not to throw charcoal from a grill onto the grass or dump car oil into the lake.  Her success developing educational curriculums centered on the parks and later expanded the ranger program into low-income neighborhoods, sent her climbing the ladder with the urban park ranger program. In 1981, she was appointed deputy director and in 1983, she became

fun. I was never hungry and had zero cravings. I have a long way to go but this was the kick start that I needed.

Danee, Lisa and Annie are helpful, friendly and motivating. Thank you for your continued encouragement and motivation.

If YOU need a weight loss “Jump Start” and a weight management “Life” plan, I highly recommend Danee Barnett.

Over time, she said, the effects of the ranger program became evident in the city’s parks.

“We went from having no one in the park to having tens of thousands of people in the park, riding their bikes and jogging.”

Although Central Park became a peaceful and tranquil environment, with buildings restored and lawns reinstalled, the responsibilities weren’t always pleasant, she said. Often, she’d discover a crying child without parents in sight. Her days might end at the police station alongside as many as 10 lost children.

“A lot of people would be having such a great time that they would lose track of their kids during the day,” she said. Angiolillo supervised park events, getting the chance to see musicians such as Elton John, Simon and Garfunkel and Diana Ross perform.

Although Angiolillo since came to live in Longboat Key before moving to The Meadows in Sarasota in April, she sees a different Central Park from the one she once knew in New York City today.

Litter can scarcely be found, she said, while joggers hold onto their plastic bottles to take them to the nearest recycling center.

“As we worked year after year, and

1981: Deputy director of all five boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island)

1983: Borough director of Manhattan and Queens

1986: Acting director of park ranger program

1986: Trainer of supervisors

NEW YORKERS FOR PARKS (Now known as The Parks Council)

1988: Director of Urban Conservation Corps.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

SOCIETY IN NEW YORK

1994: Manager of guest services

FLORIDA

2007: Development assistant, Pines of Sarasota Foundation

2008: Recreation manager, Manatee County Parks & Recreation

2014: Development assistant, United Way of the Suncoast

you saw the difference, you really appreciated the impact you had,” she said.

Paradise Shores home tops sales at $5.95M

Ahome in Paradise

Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Randy and Melinda Powell, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2168 Sparrow Court to Richard Bendure, trustee, of Johns Creek, Georgia, for $5.95 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,643 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA

SAN REMO ESTATES

James Neis, of Dunedin, sold his home at 1410 Siesta Drive to Adnan Dedic, of Sarasota, for $3.2 million. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,119 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.05 million in 2017.

THE LANDINGS

Richard and Kathryn Stern sold their home at 4816 Peregrine Point Circle W. to Randy and Melinda Powell, of Sarasota, for $2,569,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,698 square feet of living area.

OYSTER BAY ESTATES

Peter Scanlan, of Sarasota, sold his home at 4409 Camino Real to Michelle Witzer, trustee, of Sarasota, for $2.37 million. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,336 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2015.

SUNSET ROYALE

Robert Morris, of Oceanside, New York, sold his Unit 416 condominium at 711 Beach Road to Maria Bogdanova, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, for $1.25 million. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,248 square feet of living area. It sold for $45,000 in 1973.

1350 MAIN RESIDENTIAL

Arthur and Christine Friedman, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1401 condominium to William Jeffries and Amy Jeffries, trustees, of Centreville, Virginia, for $1,075,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,364 square feet of living area. It sold for $810,000 in 2021.

Other top sales by area

SIESTA KEY: $2.98 MILLION

El Presidente

Linda and James Gammello, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 210 condominium at 6326 Midnight Pass Road to The Parking Co. for $2.98 million. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $855,000 in 2002.

PALMER RANCH: $1.25 MILLION

Arbor Lakes on Palmer Ranch

Ian Swaby

A home in Paradise Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate at $5.95 million. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,643 square feet of living area.

BAY PLAZA

Christian Panin, trustee, sold the Unit 206 condominium at 1255 N. Gulfstream Ave. to Robert and Billie Delaney, of Sarasota, for $989,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,654 square feet of living area. It sold for $890,000 in 2021.

SARASOTA BAY CLUB

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 506 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail to Diana Bacon, of Sarasota, for $950,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,546 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2014.

HIBISCUS PARK

Garrett Grace and Linda Eiko Anzai, of British Columbia, Canada, sold their home at 2526 S. East Ave. to James Ian Murrhee, of Sarasota, for $900,000. Built in 1952, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,846 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2020.

RIVERVIEW ESTATES

Jacob Aslanian, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 2535 Riverview Court to David Suwinski and Jaclyn Hahn, of Sarasota, for $830,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,554 square feet of living area. It sold for $165,600 in 1992.

THE LANDINGS TREEHOUSE

Kenneth Cole III and Anne Ireland, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 2 condominium at 1363 Landings Drive to Peter Brayton Scanlan, of Sarasota, for $809,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,932 square feet living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2018.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

FOREST LAKES COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES

Margaret Sweeney, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2115 Brookhaven Drive to Samuel and Ada Ruth Blank, of Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania, for $805,000. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,875 square feet of living area. It sold for $758,000 in 2022.

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

David and Shaina Starr, of Orlando, sold their home at 6199 Anise Drive to Gustavo Adolfo Romualdo and Johana Romualdo, of Sarasota, for $1.25 million. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 4,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $633,100 in 2016.

OSPREY: $825,000

Park Trace Estates

Stuart and Darlene Gamble, of Sarasota, sold their home at 138 Willow Bend Way to William Hughes, of Osprey, for $825,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,506 square of feet living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2022.

NOKOMIS: $555,000

Vermeer

Jennifer Neighbors, trustee, of Garner, North Carolina, sold the home at 1438 Vermeer Drive to Abdullatif Najib Elhabash and Priscila Farias Ronqui Elhabash, of Nokomis, for $555,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,129 square feet of living area. It sold for $162,800 in 1993.

BEST BET

TUESDAY, JULY 4

BAYFRONT FIREWORKS

SPECTACULAR

Free. The area’s signature fireworks display is organized by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack and produced by Pyrotecnico. According to Suncoast Charities for Children, the best viewing is from Bayfront Park at 5 Bayfront Drive. Seating can also be found at other locations downtown. For information, visit SuncoastSummerFest.org.

featuring APBA and UIM Class 1 boats and approximately 90 competitors. Purchase official Grand Prix merchandise at the Pit Party or Tunaskin store at 17 South Blvd. of the Presidents, St. Armands Circle. For information, visit P1Offshore.com.

MONDAY, JULY 3

NBP FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE

5-10 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle. Free; Parking $30 (Regatta Island) and $20 cars; $50 RVs (South lot); VIP tickets $75. Hosted by Lamborghini Sarasota, this year’s event includes live music by Kettle of Fish, a kids’ zone, food trucks, family friendly activities and the Publix Fireworks 5K on the Lake race, all concluding with a fireworks show around 9 p.m. For information, visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

RED, WHITE, AND TEQUILA

POOL DAY & BUFFET

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Sarasota Modern, 1290 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota. $45–$450. Relax with friends and family as you enjoy food and tequila, with tunes by Joey D Entertainment. For information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 4

FOURTH OF JULY

ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT

with an open bar, casino-style games, music, and raffles. For information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

TO SUNDAY, JULY 2

POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX Lido Key Beach, 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive. Free; VIP tickets $150-$350. Watch high-performance powerboat racing

Locals team up to clean up

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Rich Iven, director of operations for Zoom Electric Ultimate Sports, said having lived in Sarasota since 2000, he has seen the amount of trash left on beaches after Fourth of July.

However, he wasn’t the only business concerned about the issue; about four other local stores will participate in a planned July 6 cleanup of Siesta Key Beach, as well as staff from AT&T, where Iven also works.

The cleanup will take place 7-9 a.m., with everyone meeting at the Siesta Beach playground.

who wish to attend.

“The more people show up, the better,” he said.

5:30-9:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Members $25; nonmembers $35; children ages 5-17 $10; children 4 and under free. Enjoy all-American favorites from Michael’s On East, Uncle Dave’s Popcorn, The Purple Belle Ice Cream Truck and Kona Ice, family friendly activities and games and the fireworks in Sarasota Bay. For information, visit Selby.org.

While beach litter is also being addressed by groups like Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, Iven hoped Zeus, an electric sports vehicle shop and rental provider, could offer its own efforts.

Iven will be deploying the resources of the store, using electric tricycles being to help move the burlap trash bags provided by the city of Sarasota.

With staff, friends, family and AT&T staff included, he expects a turnout of 30 but welcomes others

Iven hopes to entice participants with the possibility of a free experience on some of the store’s other rental equipment, including eFoil electric surfboards and SEABOB underwater diving scooters.

“We just wanted to do something that reflects both the business values, and how much we care about the area,” Iven said. “We have fun stuff to do in a beautiful place, and we just want to keep it beautiful, and keep it fun.”

A local sports store partners with AT&T to clean up post-Fourth of July litter left on Siesta Key beaches and show some love for the area’s beauty.

Fast Break

championships, also held in Thailand, where competed in the Senior A Men’s boat and won silver and bronze medals, but no gold.

That’s something he’s chasing this year, as a member of the Senior C Men’s boat.

“I have that drive to train and to help the team get to that point,” Hoffmann said. “This is the ultimate team sport. There’s 20 paddlers in the boat. So you want to give everything you have got to help your team get there.”

It’s not only about the gold medal. Hoffmann said he wants to hear the national anthem play over the loudspeakers while on the podium. Hoffmann said the thrill of representing his country on the national stage is a feeling with no equivalent.

Former Riverview High football wide receiver

Malachi Wideman was ruled eligible for the 2023 NFL Supplemental Draft, which will be held on July 11.

The Supplemental Draft is for players who were not eligible for the standard NFL Draft in April and requires the league to approve each player’s entry on a case-by-case basis. Wideman had 12 touchdown catches at Jackson State University in 2021 but was ruled ineligible to play in 2022. Wideman started his high school football career with the Rams before finishing at Venice High.

Former Sarasota High baseball catcher Satchell Norman is hitting .346 with one home run and nine RBIs in eight games with the Arizona Complex League Brewers (Milwaukee Brewers) as of June 27.

The 20-year-old Norman was drafted in the 15th round of the 2022 MLB Draft.

... Nathan Benderson Park will hold a Learn to Row event July 8-9. USRowing certified instructors will teach new rowers how to use the sport’s fundamentals to put their best oar forward. The course will entail four hours of instruction each day. Registration is $200 per person. To register or for more information, visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

Four Sarasota Sharks swimmers — women’s swimmers

Gracie Weyant, Addison

Sauickie and Michaela Mattes and men’s swimmer Amadeusz Knop — will compete at the Phillips 66 National Championships, held June 27-July 2 in Indianapolis. Weyant is scheduled to swim in the women’s 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter individual medley and 200-meter breaststroke.

Sauickie is scheduled for the women’s 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle and 400-meter freestyle. Mattes is scheduled for the women’s 200-meter freestyle, 400-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle, 1,500-meter freestyle and 400-meter individual medley. Knop is scheduled for the men’s 800-meter freestyle, 1,500-meter freestyle and 200-meter backstroke.

Dragon riders

Ten athletes will represent Nathan Benderson Park at the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Thailand.

Paul Hoffmann’s athletic future changed because of a single email.

Hoffmann was living in Seattle in 2013 when he received the note from his then-boss. Come try dragon boat, it said. No experience necessary. Only four practices required to compete. Hoffmann didn’t know anything else, but he was a marathon runner and was intrigued by what he found after a quick Google search for “dragon boat.”

“I was like, ‘Eh, I can do four practices,’” Hoffmann said.

Hoffmann said the chance to use the sport as an upper body workout, while still running marathons, was the type of cross-training he found appealing. And as it turned out, he was good at it: Hoffmann quickly transitioned from his initial team — a

community team — to a recreational team, to a competitive team.

A decade later, Hoffmann has been named to Team USA for the 2023 International Dragon Boat Federation’s World Dragon Boat Championships, held Aug. 7-13 in Pattaya, Thailand. Hoffman was one of 10 Benderson Park athletes named to the team on June 20, joining paddlers Mandy Boyers, Doreen Clyne, Don Bickel, Brian Long, Dana Trimble, Duneska Grant and Joni Carone, plus steerer Angela Long and drummer Paula Murray.

The appointment is technically Hoffmann’s third Team USA spot, though he personally doesn’t count his 2021 appointment, because that year had its world championships canceled due to the pandemic. Hoffmann did compete at the 2019

“You put that uniform on, and it has the red, white and blue and the USA, and it is just an honor,” Hoffmann said. “You have earned it, but it is still an honor. After doing this, you look at what Olympic athletes are doing. You understand the dedication and training that goes into representing the country. It’s a privilege.”

Mandy Boyers, who will race on the Senior A/B Women’s team, has a similar story. Like Hoffmann, Boyers started in dragon boat in 2013, at a community festival in Burlington, Vermont. She didn’t consider herself to be an athlete and was at the festival to be social, but she decided to give it her best shot.

Never could she have guessed where that decision would lead her. She, too, is headed to the world championships, after also having her 2021 stint on Team USA canceled.

“It’s overwhelming,” Boyers said. “I worked hard for this. It feels incredibly satisfying that this goal that I have had for years has finally come true.

“I tear up when I think about putting that uniform on.”

Boyers said she never knew how competitive she was before trying the sport, and she’s proud of how driven to improve she has become. Boyers said she was a “study nerd” growing up. Before dragon boat racing, she said, she was out of shape. Getting into the sport helped Boyers turn her overall fitness around, and led to her losing 30 pounds.

“It’s possible for other people, too,” Boyers said. “I never thought I could compete at this level, but I have. It is amazing to see it happen.”

Boyers said Benderson Park’s facilities give its paddlers an advantage in training. Not only can local paddlers practice year-round, unlike in northern states where the water gets too cold in the winter, but the park offers the chance to train in singleperson outrigger canoes. Boyers said spots on her Team USA Senior A/B Women’s boat were decided by time trials conducted in those canoes. Access to them can be tough to find, and Boyers said the canoes can cost thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer.

Boyers has also been working with personal trainers to improve her strength, she said, something she has not done previously.

“You can continue to do this sport as you age because it is age bracketed,” Boyers said. “You don’t have to go against 20-year-olds. I can go against people my age, which is awesome.”

“I don’t watch a lot of TV. If I do watch, I’ll go to Netflix and turn on something basketball related.”

— Connor Heald SEE

Get your competitive eater on

In honor of July 4th’s hot dog eating contest, these local challenges will have your mouth and stomach putting up a fight.

It is nearly July 4th, and as much as that day makes me feel patriotic and proud to be an American, it also makes me think about hot dogs and perhaps the greatest athlete the 50 states have ever known.

I am talking, of course, about Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest champion of the world. On July 4, 2022, Chestnut ate 63 hot dogs and buns to win the title, which sounds like a lot until you remember that Chestnut’s world record is 76 hot dogs, which he set in 2021. From that perspective, 2022 was a down year for Chestnut, but the competition itself was weird —  Chestnut was recovering from a leg injury, and he was interrupted during the competition by a fan wearing a Darth Vader mask who was seeking some unearned attention from the internet. It did not matter much; Chestnut threw down the trespasser and continued eating, and by the end of his 10 minutes, he still smoked the competition.

I truly believe Chestnut, 39, is one of the greatest athletes living today. I even went with my father to watch the competition in person on July 4, 2013, when Chestnut won by eating 69 dogs, at the time a world record.  His hot dog capacity is well known, but think about all of the other foods he has trained his body to hold: Chestnut owns the world record for eggs (141 hard-boiled in eight minutes), cheesesteaks (23 6-inch subs in 10 minutes), jalapeno poppers (118 in 10 minutes), bowls of gumbo

(15 16-ounce bowls in eight minutes) and cherry pie (17.5 pounds in eight minutes). That’s just a taste. You can see more of his records at MajorLeagueEating.com. The point is, the man has range.  I played baseball and football growing up. I was not raised to gorge on 390 shrimp wontons in eight minutes (another Chestnut record). A large eating capacity is not a skill I

have. But I greatly respect the people who do, and I have a hunch that some people with that capacity reside in Sarasota. So, in the spirit of the day, I’ve compiled a list of some food challenges in the area, in case you decide to take on one in Chestnut’s honor this July 4th.

MUNCHIES 420 CAFE

Munchies calls their challenge “Fire In Your Hole!!” and it is wing-based. Eat 10 wings coated in the cafe’s special, secret sauce, and you get a free T-shirt and, according to the menu, “eternal glory,” while competitors who fail the challenge will get shamed on the internet. Talk about high stakes.

Since the rise of the entertaining and actually insightful celebrity interview show “Hot Ones,” I’ve taken an interest in hot wing challenges, but this one sounds even worse than what Sean Evans puts his guests through. The challenge is required to have 24 hours notice, and participants must be 18 or older and sign a liability waiver before chowing down. A sign that the challenge is no joke? Former “Man vs. Food” host Adam Richman attempted the challenge and failed.

If you want to try your luck, it will run you $32.99. Wimps need not apply, as the cafe’s menu says. In this case, I think I’m OK being a wimp.

RICO’S PIZZERIA

Now this is what I’m talking about. Rico’s Pizzeria’s challenge, “The Big Ritchie,” is about three things I like a lot: friendship, determination and delicious pizza.

The challenge goes like this: Two people get 45 minutes to eat an entire 24-inch pizza with three toppings, including the crust. Rico’s estimates that the average challenge equates to 12 pounds of pizza. That’s a lot of food, but with a friend helping you, it doesn’t sound impossible if you

want it bad enough and bring a big enough stomach. Contestants can drink whatever they want during the challenge, with water being free and soda or beer coming out of the contestants’ pockets.

This, to me, is the ideal food challenge. Nothing against hot foods, as I like them quite a bit, but when talking about food challenges, I always picture them as eating “X” amount of food in “X” amount of time, as is tradition in the hot dog world. Call me a purist if you must, but it’s how I feel. I would absolutely watch Chestnut and another MLE competitor take Rico’s challenge head-on.

If you attempt the challenge, make sure you keep your stomach contents intact. Otherwise, you’ll have to clean up the mess yourself — though Rico’s helpfully says it will provide you with a mop.

Each winner receives a T-shirt and gets their meal for free, as well as the pride of knowing that they accomplished a great feat. A failure means the challenge will cost about $60.

SOLORZANO BROTHERS

Hosted at the pizzeria’s Webber Street location, the Solorzano Brothers’ “Gavone Challenge” is done solo. Competitors must down a 20-inch cheese pizza (New Jersey

style), plus six “softball-sized” garlic knots and a basket of cheesy garlic bread, all in 30 minutes or less. It sounds like the limit on a human’s consumption of carbs in that time frame, but it also sounds delicious. Again, this is the type of challenge I respect the most, as it’s purely about how bad you want it.

Professional food challenge-taker Randy Santel attempted the challenge in 2021 and finished in 27 minutes, 6 seconds. At the time, Santel was just the third person to complete the challenge, which should give some idea of how tough it is.  Challenge champions receive their meal for free, plus a T-shirt, a $25 gift token and a picture on the restaurant’s wall of fame. Losers have to pay for the meal to the tune of $35. The challenge has to be set up ahead of time by calling 926-4276.

Connor Heald

Connor Heald is a rising senior boys basketball player at Cardinal Mooney High. Heald scored 39 points in a Florida Association of Basketball Coaches camp June 18. How did you start playing basketball?

I was just exploring a bunch of different sports when I was young. I picked up a basketball and I have loved the sport ever since. I play it every day. I just love the energy of it.

What is your best skill?

I’m a good shooter. I always have been. I work on it every single day. I get up between 300 and 500 shots per day.

What have you been working to improve?

My leadership. During my sophomore year at Cardinal Mooney, we had a great leader. His name was AJ Russo. After he graduated, I knew I had to step up and be a leader. I’m vocal with the team. I’m still working on it. I think I’m a good leader, but I’m working to be better.

What is your favorite basketball memory?

It has to be my shot at the buzzer against Riverview High (on Jan. 12, 2022). We came into that game super underrated. No one thought Cardinal Mooney could beat Riverview. They overlooked us. I mean, they had three NCAA Division I athletes. But it was a close game, and I took the shot late. I knew it was going in. Seeing the crowd get super quiet, except for the Mooney fans, was such a good feeling.

How is your game feeling right now?

I’m super confident going into July. I’m waking up at 5 a.m. every day and doing everything I can to get better. I’m doing three or four workouts a day because I want to play at the next level.

Beautiful

What is your favorite food?

I like Buffalo wings a lot.

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.

What is your favorite TV show?

I don’t watch a lot of TV. If I do watch, I’ll go to Netflix and turn on something basketball related like “Last Chance U.” But usually I’m either in the gym or sleeping or watching film and making highlight tapes to send to coaches.

What is your favorite school subject?

I like learning about the body. I’m going to go to school to be a chiropractor. I just like helping people who are struggling with their body. It’s nice to help them move and do all the things they want to do.

What is the best advice you have received?

My mom (Stephanie Heald) is always telling me, “Go be great.” That’s always stuck in my head.

Finish this sentence: “Connor Heald is …” … Dedicated.

Hematology/Oncology

WELCOMES

Galina Vugman, MD

Board Certified, Hematology and Oncology Hospice and Palliative Care

Dr. Galina Vugman brings to Intercoastal Medical Group at the Cattleridge Medical Building II office a wealth of knowledge and experience in Hematology/Oncology medicine.

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 Affiliations: Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL 941-200-1125

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

Cattleridge Medical Building II 5951 Cattleridge Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232

www.intercoastalmedical.com

Medicare and most insurances accepted

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

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

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.

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

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.

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group l National Expertise l Multiple Locations

REAL ESTATE TRENDS IN SARASOTA

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Carlisle Inn – Sarasota 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Member: $55

Non - Member:

your

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“GL VIC FRZO OI HM DRXXV GZ NGLM, AIZBGTME VICEBMNL R BOCTMZO. MPMEV TRV IL VICE NGLM, ODGZS: DIF ARZ G GUXEIPM?” ZGAS ILLMEURZ

“Z GTU GA IFDL ZNYXD XRXU, XMN GLY AMYD GLXG RZKK MAG KYXOY WY XKAMY

XTY GLY AMYD GLXG FKGZWXGYKU YMN

FI LXIIYMZME.” B.B. XPTXWD

“MYBMUY ENBXUA MXDEXY VNCF FNYW’DY MCEEKBOCFY CPBXF. FNCF

VKUU HCRY FNYH NCMMKYD FNCO MDYFFW HXTN COWFNKOS YUEY.”

YUBO HXER

RED PAGES

The Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.

*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Sarasota and Siesta Key Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

RED PAGES EARLY DEADLINE

Announcements

RELOCATION OF Amanda Hoelscher, APRN, AGNP: Pursuant to FL Administrative Code Rule 64B8-10.002(4)

The Observer Media Group will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th.

Deadline for the July 6th editions will be due Friday, June 30th at 2:00 pm.

patients of Amanda Hoelscher, APRN, AGNP at Virtue of Health SRQ, LLC (VOH) are hereby noti ed: On June 10, 2023, Nurse Practitioner Amanda Hoelscher terminated her relationship with VOH. Patient records owned by VOH can be obtained at 4161 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233. To cont. care with Amanda until

13X22X15. $85. 941-387-0567

PIANO ROLLS - 40 Aeolian piano rolls with 40& 50 music. $100 for all. (941)926-7254

RCA TV, 55” with remote, cable ready, great bedroom TV. $50 (941)724-9044

RUBBERMAID DUEL action commercial carpet/ oor sweeper. New in box. Model 4213-88 $30. 941-387-0567