Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 10.5.23

YOUR TOWN

Main Street demolition

Rock star reader

It’s been said that reading can take you places, but now it can also win you prizes.

Jewel Love Jackson, 11, won the grand prize in the Music Compound’s Rock Your Summer Reading initiative. She’ll get a party for up to 20 people, featuring pizza from Solarzano’s, a bounce house donated by Let’s Jump Rentals, an SRQ PhotoBooth and sweet treats donated by Crumbl Cookie.

The contest kicked off June 1, and all kids who read 50 or more books were eligible. Jackson, a sixth grader, read over 60 books this summer. She loves a good mystery and recently began the “Percy Jackson” series. This was the third year she participated in the Rock Your Summer reading program, which began in 2020.

This year, 297 students read 5,000 books, and 80 of them qualified for the grand prize drawing.

Fall tradition

Amanda Pennino has kept coming back to the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival since she was a little girl, including, since about age 13, as a volunteer.

That included the start of this year’s festival on Sept. 30.

“The first weekend of the Pumpkin Festival is always heartwarming,” she said.

Families perused pumpkins, pet animals and enjoyed rides and the offerings of more than 80 vendors. The festival runs every weekend through October.

County lifeguards performed 100 rescues this year. A lifeguard shares what it takes to be an open-water first responder.

SEE PAGE 19

WEEK OF OCT. 5, 2023

The

Read more on Page 3

CALENDAR

October initiatives aim to empty shelters

To support animal welfare and help shelter animals find homes, Satchel’s Last Resort is partnering with Sarasota Subaru to host an adoption event on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event is part of Subaru Loves Pets, a national initiative to save shelter animals.

Adoptable pets from Satchel’s Last Resort, a no-kill rescue based in Sarasota, and pet lovers will gather to promote adoptions and raise awareness for local pets in need. Subaru retailers nationwide will donate $100 to partner shelters for every pet

adopted in October.

Since 2008, Subaru and participating dealers have donated more than $51 million to national and local pet organizations.

Another global brand, Bissell, is partnering with the Humane Society of Sarasota County for its fall national Empty the Shelters event. Through Oct. 14, Bissell Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees of $50 or less at more than 345 shelters in 42 states, including the HSSC.

In partnership with Bissell, HSSC will offer $25 adoption fees for dogs six months and

County smoking ban for beaches, parks

As of Oct. 1, smoking in all countyowned parks and public beaches is banned.

Ordinance 2023-01 amending Chapter 90, Article II, of the county code prohibits smoking and was approved by the Sarasota County Commission on July 1.

The ordinance prohibits smoking at all county-owned beaches, beach access points, parks, natural areas and youth athletic and play areas. The ban, which is enabled by state statute, applies only to cigarettes. It exempts, per the statute, unfiltered cigars.

Citations for smoking in parks and on beaches could result in fines of up to $500 and imprisonment of up to 60 days.

County libraries will be closed Monday

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources locations will be closed on Monday, Oct. 9 for a day of in-person staff development and training.

All 10 Sarasota County libraries within the system along with the Sarasota County History Center will be closed. They will resume normal operating hours the following day.

Affected locations are:

■ Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota

■ Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn St., Englewood

■ Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice

older that weigh 25 pounds or more; and for all cats, including kittens. Fees will also be waived for adoption of some sponsored dogs and cats.

“Many cats and dogs that were transferred to us for safe shelter from Hurricane Idalia have now completed medical protocols and are available for adoptions,” said HSSC spokesperson Jaime Limoges. HSSC is at 2331 15th St. Anyone interested adopters can learn more at HSSC.org.

■ Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota

■ Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota

■ North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port

■ Osprey Library and Sarasota County History Center, 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

■ Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota

■ Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port

■ William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice

“This doesn’t prevent anybody from having a vacation rental.”

Sarasota Vice Mayor Liz Alpert on expanding the vacation rental ordinance.

Citywide enforcement

Following a 4-1 vote on first reading, it appears a citywide expansion of Sarasota’s vacation rental ordinance is inevitable.

During the city commissioners’ discussion at Monday’s meeting, though, Vice Mayor Liz Alpert sounded a warning for residents of established mainland neighborhoods.

Don’t expect a requirement to register homes used for short-term rentals and fees to make them to go away. And, don’t expect the ordinance to make wholesale improvements to disruptions of an otherwise peaceful quality of life.

“This doesn’t prevent anybody from having a vacation rental,” Alpert said. “The only thing it adds is the layer of the registration and a designated person to call, and I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s a good thing to have inspections and certain safety requirements for businesses.”

For the most part, they are businesses, and that they operate on neighborhood streets has resulted in a steady flow of complaints to staff and commissioners. With more than 700 homes operating as vacation rentals either part time or full time in the city, staff told commissioners Monday that subjecting them to registrations, renewals, inspections, taxes and fees puts them in the city’s database and helps assist in regulatory enforcement.

Chief among the regulations is a minimum stay of seven nights.

“You have a solid code requirement of seven days and seven nights, That is the issue,” said City Manager Marlon Brown, referring to a map that shows vacation rentals operating throughout the city. “If you look at the map, you will see the number of properties that are not compliant.”

Erik Arroyo, the lone commissioner to dissent, said he wasn’t convinced expanding the ordinance would solve any of the problems voiced by residents.

“These are not mega corporations,” Arroyo said of mainland vacation rentals. “If you had an LLC-owned property, I completely understand that. But that’s just not the vast majority of the short-term rentals, and an ordinance that was intended to be regulatory for hotel houses, which were a very big problem, has turned into an ordinance that targets short-term rentals in general, which are not what we’re talking about.”

Implementing the expansion will come at a cost, likely upwards of three new staff members to register and inspect properties and monitor regulatory compliance. A new fee schedule for vacation rentals was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Arroyo opposed, on first reading. In the likely event it is approved on second reading, staff estimates the program should pay for itself. If not, future adjustments may be made.

Staff estimated the program would cost $315,874 per year. That includes adding three new employees at current staff salary plus Granicus, the web-crawling software used by the city to identify properties operating as short-term rental. Currently, the cost to the city is $130,689 to register, inspect and monitor approximately 140 properties on the barrier islands within the city limit.

Commissioners were in agreement that the fee structure will need to be revisited to ensure all associated fees cover the city’s cost should the firstyear projections of $88,000 in revenue over expenses change over time.

“The taxpayer should not be bearing the burden of this cost,” said Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch. “However, in my discussions with staff, because we don’t know how many and what it’s going to look like as far as registration goes, in an abundance of caution of overdoing it they explained that what they want to do is the first year we’ll have that

Lido Key challenge

The city faces Harris Act challenge from owners who allege loss in appraised value due to capacity restrictions.

Before city commissioners discussed expanding the vacation rental ordinance citywide on Monday, they heard from City Attorney Robert Fournier about potential legal challenges to the existing ordinance applied to the barrier islands.

Owners of three vacation rental homes, all under separate limited liability corporations, allege the loss of property values because of occupancy restrictions in the ordinance. All three have a principal address of 1144 Tallevast Road, Suite 109-110. Authorized parties are John Hutchins of Casto Vacation Properties of Lakewood Ranch, and Adam Mott and Jennifer Mott of Bradenton.

The challenge falls under the Bert Harris Act, the 1995 legislation that created a cause of action for aggrieved property owners who demonstrate that governmental action “inordinately burdens” property and provided a formal process for resolving differences between land owners and governments.

All three homes are on Lido Key.

AT A LOSS

These property owners allege the following drops in value based on private appraisals.

n 234 Grant Drive

Owner: 234 Grant LLC

Living area: 3,385 square feet

Before ordinance value: $3,998,000

After ordinance value: $2,594,000

Diminution in value: $1,394,000

n 209 Garfield Drive Owner: 209 Garfield LLC

Living area: 3,385 square feet

Before ordinance value: $3,812,000

After ordinance value: $2,476,000

Diminution in value: $1,336,000

n 24 N. Polk Drive

Owner: 24 North Polk LLC

Living area: 3,896 square feet

Before ordinance value: $5,292,000

After ordinance value: $3,460,000

Diminution in value: $1,832,000

$88,000 and then we can monitor it every year thereafter. And if it looks like we’re going to be in trouble and the citizens will bear that cost we can go back and change those fees.”

Some speakers during public comment expressed concern that the ordinance would target owneroccupied homes with rooms for rent. Koch assured they are not the subject of the ordinance.

“We all know the feedback we’ve been getting from all the neighborhoods in the city about the impact these hotel houses have been having not only on the barrier islands, but throughout all of the neighborhoods,” Ahearn-Koch said. “I just want to be crystal clear about what it is not. It’s not homeowner-occupied Airbnbs. It’s really targeted at the ones that are really impacting our neighborhoods and their quality of life.”

During public comment period, Lido Key resident Carl Shoffstall told commissioners decisions in the past have “destroyed” the beach community. Alpert later explained that cities are exempted from prohibiting vacations rentals by state statute, with the only local authority granted to regulate them.

“I think people speaking today and people who have been writing about this think this is going to stop them from coming,” Alpert said. “If there’s a market for it, people are going to do it. It’s not going to stop vacation rentals. It just may help in the enforcement and that’s the only thing.”

Two of them — 234 Grant Drive and 209 Garfield Drive — are zoned multifamily, which under the ordinance caps overnight occupancy at 12 people or two per bedroom, whichever is less, plus two additional persons. One home at 24 N. Polk Drive is zoned single family, where occupancy is limited to 10 people or two per bedroom, plus two additional persons.

All three properties can accommodate 16, and the restrictions, the owners claim, have resulted in diminished property value — collectively $4.56 million. Those valuations are based on private appraisals.

Commissioners voted unanimously to defend the ordinance, if it comes to that.

“There could be some basis for an argument that there’s no loss of value,” Fournier said. “I can’t get into what that is, and I’m not qualified to say. I’m just aware that potentially there is some basis for that.”

Fournier told commissioners their options include a settlement agreement brought forth by the owners that will permit them to operate at their capacity in exchange for a higher level of scrutiny; let the matter go to court; or offer a settlement to allow them to operate at capacity with a step-down over three years until meeting ordinance compliance.

“I would want to defend it. At the same time, I don’t know if there’s been any research on the pricing models and the valuation models for a six-bedroom house on Lido,” said Commissioner

Vice Mayor Liz Alpert offered a contrarian viewpoint.

“I think that the best regulation is what we’re doing in terms of having them register and having somebody to call if there is a problem,” she said. “I don’t know how the difference between whether you have four more people or two more people is going to change that fact. They still would have to follow all of those regulations.”

Fournier suggested commissioners consider a counter offer that would show a good-faith negotiation should the matter go to court. That could go a long way toward shielding the city from opposing counsel fees, or even allow the city to recover its own fees should it prevail.

Commissioners agreed to offer operating for three years at their capacity of 16, under the additional scrutiny measures, before coming into compliance with the ordinance.

City commissioners approved the expansion of the vacation rental ordinance to the mainland.

“The only thing it adds is the layer of the registration and a designated person to call, and I think that’s a good thing. I think it’s a good thing to have inspections and certain safety requirements for businesses.”

— Liz Alpert, vice mayor

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Better than basic for Bobby Jones

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Anticipating eventual City Commission approval of a bigger and grander facility than originally anticipated, Jon F. Swift Construction held a lightly attended community workshop on Sept. 25 to lay out plans for an approximately 17,000-square-foot, two-story clubhouse at the Bobby Jones Golf Course,

Restoration of the original 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course is complete as grow-in continues.

Meanwhile, work on the nine-hole adjustable par-3 course across Circus Boulevard is underway in addition to on-course restroom buildings and a practice range service building.

With an anticipated budget of up to $9 million, in addition to a golf shop, the clubhouse is proposed to include a full-service restaurant on the second level with a veranda overlooking the course, cart barn and office space. That budget includes a fleet of electric golf carts.

The city had planned a basic clubhouse at a cost of less than $2.5 million, but during a May meeting, a majority of city commissioners determined that an opportunity to monetize the golf course with a fullservice restaurant and event space existed and should be explored.

The new clubhouse would feature Old Florida architecture and be built next to the temporary facility, a three-unit portable structure that has been installed.

“We’ve been working on how this clubhouse lands on the site so that we can take advantage of the beautiful views that it will have from the second floor that has 360-degree views out to the golf course and to the

nature park,” said Chris Cianfaglione of project consultant Kimley-Horn.

The rear of the clubhouse will provide the backdrop for golfers playing into the No. 9 green with the front facing the No. 10 tee boxes and No. 18 green. The restaurant and veranda will overlook practice chipping and putting greens and the No. 1 tees.

Cianfaglione said construction of the clubhouse is expected to begin in the second half of 2024. Golf course architect Richard Mandell of Pinehurst, North Carolina, led the design of the course, restoring the 36-hole complex to its original 18-hole Donald Ross layout, which opened in 1926.

The Ross course and Mandell’s par-3 adjustable creation are both expected to open for play in November. Jon F. Swift is constructing the accessory buildings, which include restrooms at the northeast and southwest corners of the property, the driving range service building, which will also include restrooms, and the Gillespie Building, the starter building for the Mandell short course.

The city has contracted Troon Golf to operate and maintain the golf course.

At a maximum of $9M, work on the Old Florida design is expected to begin in late 2024.

Penthouses, a pool, dining and more

set terrace for residents only, featuring an outdoor kitchen, lounge and private lockers for wine and spirits.

WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Fences have been erected and interior demolition of buildings at the corner of Goodrich Avenue and Main Street has begun. In approximately two months, the site will be cleared for construction of SOTA, a hybrid boutique hotel and luxury condominium coexisting in a 16-story tower.

Trepp Development announced the start of the project on Sept. 22, with the first step being removal of asbestos from buildings currently on-site.

Within 60 to 70 days, developer Rodrigo Trepp said all the structures will be removed, including pizzalovers’ favorite, Il Panificio, which will be the last building razed.

When SOTA is completed, Il Panificio owner Nick Melone will own a street-level restaurant in the building, which will include a fifth-floor restaurant owned by Trepp and project financial partner Michael Ealy that will be open to hotel guests, condo owners and the general public.

The $124 million project will include a 120-room hotel operated by Tapestry Collection by Hilton with 35 condos above, ranging in price from $1.8 million to $5 million.

Completion is expected in March 2026.

As redevelopment continues eastward on Main Street, SOTA is being marketed as “In the heart of what’s next.”

“We plan on transforming the way luxury is looked upon,” Ealy said. “With the team we put together, we look at every detail of this project to cater to all the residents and guests who visit this property. It’s just not a

development, but a testament to how we want to transform Sarasota.”

That includes the concept of residents and hotel guests sharing public

spaces such as the fifth-floor, lobbylevel pool and restaurant. In addition to the restaurants, pool and fitness club, residents may also avail them-

selves of all the amenities a luxury hotel has to offer.

“You could have room service, you could have maid service, everything would be optional to pick and choose, but it’s still available and all about convenience,” said Michael Saunders, whose real estate firm is marketing the condos. “If you’ve got your workout clothes on, you can pop in downstairs and get a muffin and a bagel and take it back up to your balcony.”

Above the first-floor restaurant and retail space will be four levels of parking. The fifth floor will hold the hotel lobby, a luxury restaurant and bar with sliding glass walls that will open to the pool deck. On that floor will also be a fitness center, meeting rooms, and separate elevator banks for residents and hotel guests.

Hotel rooms will occupy the next five floors, topped by six floors of condos, with the lowest residence elevated at more than 100 feet. The 16th floor, at 180 feet, will have a sun-

SOTA has operated a sales center across Main Street from the site for several months, recently taking delivery of a scale model of the building set against a wall-sized photo of downtown looking toward Sarasota Bay to give prospective buyers a glimpse of the future view.

Trepp said interest has been strong with two condos already under contract. He said the entry-level price has been held steady at just more than $1.8 million since announcing the start of marketing the project in February.

Six floorplans on the lower floors will range from 1,843 square feet to 2,697 square feet.

“I think that we will maintain that price until the end of the year when there will be changes because we have the demand to do it,” Trepp said.  “We want to offer the buyers that price point for now from $1.8 million because is accessible to a lot of people that want that price point.

“And of course we have penthouses.”

Five penthouses, in fact, starting at $5 million. Those will range from 1,834 square feet to 3,064 square feet.

“It’s exciting because I think everyone, no matter what price range, wants service,” Saunders said. “We have hotels that deliver incredible service, but to have a hotel that will have one of the most exciting bars and lounges and gathering spots in Sarasota in the same building where the residences have access to all the services is unique.

“We don’t have $10 million and $12 million residences like many of the other branded properties, so I think it’s very exciting to have a better price point for people who want the services of a hotel.”

Beautiful

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

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.

your

HEARING SCHEDULED

During Monday’s meeting, the Sarasota City Commission scheduled a special meeting beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, to consider amending the general development agreement for The Quay to allow One Park be built on blocks 1 and 9. An all-day hearing is anticipated.

the site from The Quay master developer GreenPointe Developers of Jacksonville for $37 million.

“The acquisition of this land once again demonstrates our dedication to following through with constructing and delivering a quality project to the community of The Quay,” said PMG Managing Partner Dan Kaplan. “We are firmly committed to fostering growth within Sarasota, and we are thrilled to take the next step in doing so by developing this transformational project for its residents.”

To be developed as planned, One Park must first receive a ruling in its favor from 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Hunter Carroll. One Park development entity Quay Blocks 1 & 9 and GreenPointe were challenged in court by condo owners in RitzCarlton Residences in The Quay, collectively known as Block 6, over the conveyance of the air rights over Quay Commons to combine blocks 1 and 9 into one building above an amenitized breezeway.

Carroll’s ruling is expected soon.

The breezeway over Quay Commons is in the proposed One Park development. A transfer of air rights to the developer is being challenged in 12th Judicial Circuit Court.

Also, a public hearing before the Planning Board that began in March but was suspended for several months druing an FDLE investigation surrounding the project is scheduled to continue on Oct. 11. There the matter is a petition by One Park to combine the two blocks across Quay Commons from each other. The anticipated daylong hearing will result in a recommendation of approval or denial to the City Commission, which also must hold a

public hearing before voting.

Both determinations are subject to further legal appeal.

In the interim, the One Park development group continues planning.

According to a news release, the 123-unit development will offer two- and three-bedroom residences ranging from 2,460 to 4,219 square feet priced from $1.95 million. Each will feature 12-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, large outdoor terraces with glass railings and summer kitchens, along with smart-home technology.

Amenities will include a 120-foot-long resort-style pool, a 14,000-square-foot fitness studio, staffed executive office suites designed to serve as a flexible office space for residents, private theater and golf simulator room, lounge, wine room, children’s play room, and guest suites for use by residents and their families and more. A wellness spa will include a reception area, treatment rooms and private locker rooms with steam and sauna rooms. Additional services led by the dedicated concierge staff include valet parking, package delivery and dog walking.

Also planned is more than 13,000 square feet of street-level retail space.

“One Park Sarasota is an exquisite project full of world-class offerings with an unbeatable location on the bay,” said Moneyshow CEO Kim Githler, who leads the local investment group in partnership with PMG. “We are excited to continue working alongside PMG to raise the bar for luxury living with its stunning design and planning, and we look forward to it engaging the community for years to come.”

Founded in 1991 by Kevin Maloney, PMG operates in Florida, New York, Colorado, Arizona, Tennessee and Georgia. It specializes in acquisitions and land use, design and architecture, construction management, capital markets, asset management, sales and marketing and in-house legal and accounting.

The company’s multibillion dollar portfolio includes assets across predevelopment, construction, leaseup and sell-out, totaling more than 8,500 residential units and more than 16 million square feet of development.

Is Gaetz really the bad guy?

Matt Gaetz’s outspokenness wouldn’t make it in a business. But his brazenness just may be the disruption that is needed in Washington. Finally.

The Wall Street Journal called Gaetz and other House members on his side “Jacobins,” a pejorative reference to political activists during the French revolution in 1791. (Often called radicals, the Jacobins actually advocated for a republic rather than a constitutional monarchy. What’s wrong with that?)

HOW NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN WASHINGTON

Clinton last fiscal year 2001

Surplus: $128 billion (actual)

Debt: $5.67 trillion (54.6% of GDP)

Bush first fiscal year 2002

Deficit: $157.8 billion (actual)

Debt: $6.228 trillion (56.6% of GDP)

Obama first fiscal year 2010

Deficit: $1.294 trillion (actual)

Debt: $13.53 trillion (89% of GDP)

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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

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

Managing Editor / 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

MATT WALSH

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.”

Let’s say Groucho has two of the four correct — that Washington politics (in our lifetimes) indeed has been the art of diagnosing the trouble incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.

Certainly, the wrong fiscal remedies have been the course of action for the past 22 years. The last time our Washington lawmakers produced a budget surplus was in Bill Clinton’s final year in 2000.

Ever since the Clinton-Newt Gingrich four years of budget surpluses our subsequent presidents and Congresses have produced an unbroken trendline of ever growing deficits and debt.

As the accompanying box shows, Presidents Bush II, Obama, Trump and Biden and the Congresses from 2001 to 2023 just keep spending, spending and spending and borrowing, borrowing and borrowing. That trend can’t even be considered the well-known definition of insanity — doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Our congressional leaders from either party don’t even pretend that Congress actually will spend less money than it did the previous year — and produce different results. They just keep raising the farcical debt limit.

For Pete’s sake. How many more times are the House and Senate members going to take the country to the brink of a government shutdown, only to avert it with an agreement that just keeps the status quo?

C’mon. Americans’ eyes are totally glazed over by this ridiculous drama and charade.

Which brings us to Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Republican from Pensacola. Wherever you turn in the media, Gaetz is pilloried. Conservative commentators such as Mark Levin, Hugh Hewitt and Sean Hannity all have castigated Gaetz repeatedly. You hear Gaetz being called a flamethrowing, narcissistic lunatic and charlatan.

The flamethrowing intensified Sunday, when Gaetz announced he was going to file a motion to have Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed. Later in the day, Fox News reported House Republicans in turn were organizing to expel Gaetz. Fox quoted an unnamed member of Congress Sunday, saying: “No one can stand him at this point. A smart guy without morals.”

Now, none of us outside the D.C. bubble knows what has occurred behind closed doors in the House, in particular what Gaetz or McCarthy have said or done to each other. You read in various places that the rift between Gaetz and McCarthy is personal. Gaetz says otherwise. He contends his quest is rooted in principles.

But from observing the drama from afar, this is what we see through the looking glass: Gaetz and six to 20 other House Republicans who side with Gaetz’s positions are explicitly saying: “Enough is enough! No more of the status quo!”

Not only are they saying it, they are taking action to reverse Congress’ spendthrift, destructive behavior.

Finally, finally, someone up there is trying to change things — and not just bloviate like so many of them with their pious, meaningless words flowing like wastewater through a sewer.

“But … but,” say those who despise Gaetz. “There is a more adult and mature and respectable way to go about it.”

True. Rarely, if ever, do you succeed or gain respect if you’re constantly a grenade-throwing agitator. People write you off. The common refrain: You need to work within the system and patiently, tactfully go about building coalitions like a mature adult and statesman.

Has that worked over the past two decades?

What’s more, what Gaetz and his colleagues are fighting for are two things that we are guessing the vast majority of Americans want Congress to do:

1) Quit spending and borrowing money at unsustainable rates. Actually reduce spending.

2) Operate the way Congress is supposed to operate. The Republican-controlled House had from January until this past weekend to do both. It did neither.

To understand what happened and what spurred Gaetz to go all

WHY THEY VOTED THE WAY THEY DID

We contacted Florida’s two Republican U.S. senators and three Florida Republican House members from Florida’s west coast to ask why they voted the way they did last Saturday on the continuing resolution that prevented a government shutdown.

Of those contacted, three House members did not vote with the majority. They are:

Rep. Greg Steube, representing Sarasota County, voted against.

Rep. Byron Donalds, representing Collier and Lee counties, did not vote.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who represents Pinellas County, did not vote.

Rep. Vern Buchanan, representing Manatee County and portions of Hillsborough County, voted in favor with the majority.

Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio voted in favor of the resolution.

As of press time, we heard from Reps. Steube and Luna and Sen. Scott.

Rep. Greg Steube

“On Friday, the House attempted to pass H.R. 5525, the Spending Reduction and Border Security Act to avert a shutdown. I supported this package because it would have cut spending by 29% across the board while fully funding our veterans, homeland security and defense operations. It also would have taken historic measures to secure our southern border …

“I voted no on (the) continuing resolution … I have heard from thousands of you over the past few weeks that you elected Republicans to cut spending, secure the border and get our economy back on track.

Unfortunately, this deal does none of those things…

“I’ve always fought against wasteful spending and business as usual in Washington D.C. …

out, here is how Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Arizona, who often sides with Gaetz, explained what happened in a Sept. 28 letter to constituents:

“House Republican leaders promised that we would restore the regular process of producing a budget. That means that 12 separate bills covering the spending of the Great Leviathan, federal government, would be completed in the House by the end of June, and then forwarded to the Senate for consideration.

“Typically, there would be disagreements and then a conference committee of members from the House and Senate would get together and work out the differences.

“Speaker McCarthy boxed in himself and the Republican House by foregoing the promise of limiting spending to $1.471 trillion and allowing those addicted to the federal spending drug to ignore, manipulate and gimmick the various bills to actually spend above that level.

“A significant plurality in the House has made its position known for almost 10 months now. This could have and should have been resolved months ago. I called for a return to pre-COVID spending levels, which are lower than last year’s revenue, and would ensure we don’t add more to the national debt.

“We were told that we would work through August to resolve differences and get the bills ready to go forward. That didn’t happen.

“Before the August recess, the Speaker allowed the Military Construction and Veterans Administration bill to be voted on. We all voted for that because we want to take care of our veterans, and we were told that by the time the recess was over the other bills would be ready.

“That, too, didn’t happen.

“As it stands today (Sept. 28), my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee haven’t finished writing all 12 bills.”

Biggs went on to explain his version of what House members were about to face last Friday, when, as it turned out, Gaetz and others stopped another McCarthy proposal:

“Now, however, the Speaker is advocating for passage of just a few more bills plus a continuing resolution. And of the four bills that

“I am hopeful we can find a path forward that puts American taxpayers first and finally begins to rein in reckless, out-of-control spending that has been going on in Washington for far too long.”

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

Rep. Luna’s communications director, Edie Guy, wrote that Rep. Luna did not vote because she “just had a baby is currently recovering from an infection. She was told she was not allowed to vote by proxy.”

“Her position on the CR has been clear: The latest data says typical Americans are spending over $700 a month more than they were two years ago just to buy the same goods and services. That’s nearly $9,000 a year being stolen from Americans through the hidden tax of inflation.

“Rep. Luna is standing with the constituents of her district, many of whom are on fixed incomes, who

Trump first fiscal year 2018

Deficit: $779 billion (actual)

Debt: $21.5 trillion (104%)

Biden first fiscal year 2021

Deficit: $1.4 trillion

Debt: $31 trillion (123% of GDP)

he wants to bring to the floor, three actually increase spending over the current year …

“Now we are told that there is a new plan, that looks a lot like the old plan. Pass a few bills now and pass a CR. The claim is that the new CR cuts spending and requires the Biden Regime to enforce border laws.

“But instead of limiting the spending to the promised topline of $1.471 trillion, spending will be $1.526 trillion.”

That is Biggs’ version. But it gives us context as to why outspoken Gaetz has gone as far as he has to challenge McCarthy and his handling of the budget process.

Mind you, McCarthy is in a no-win situation, trying to herd 221 Republicans and 212 Democrats. Neither he nor anyone else likely could ever persuade every Republican (nor all Democrats) to side with him on how to manage and cut the federal budget.

And castigate Gaetz if you will for being what his detractors are calling a petulant child and for not showing an inch of compromising statesmanship.

But from an ordinary taxpayer’s perspective, that of taxpayers who are exasperated with Congress’ ineptitude, give Gaetz and his few so-called renegade Republican colleagues credit. For once in our lifetimes, there are a few leaders in Congress who — in spite of their disdained approach — have the courage to stand up to the status quo Establishment.

While Gaetz’s tactics would not be accepted in small businesses, corporations and other publicly visible organizations, let’s hope his disruptive ways will move the feckless, sheep-like, cowardly members of Congress to begin the process of ending the reckless spending that is deflating and destroying Americans’ standard of living.

People don’t change until they have enough pain. Perhaps Gaetz has provided the necessary pain.

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literally cannot afford the uniparty’s reckless spending and Bidenflation.”

Sen. Rick Scott

“I voted the way I did because 1) The disaster relief got in there; 2) We worked to make sure we were able to pass something that stopped the government shutdown; and 3) We have a path.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to get there, but we have a path now not to have an omnibus bill and a process toward spending sanity.

“We’re not going to get a balanced budget in the next 45 days, but we’re better off than we were.

“I think the American public won:

1) We don’t have a government shutdown; 2) We didn’t tie disaster relief to Ukraine aid; and 3) We now have the chance to have more fiscal sanity.”

(“Why Sen. Scott is optimistic about fiscal sanity,” go to: YourObserver.com/Opinion-Rick-Scott)

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Planning Board divided over bar zoning changes

ed in establishments being classified as nightclubs that do not operate as such, or other establishments that are classified as restaurants despite operating like nightclubs later into the evening.”

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Planning Board members were divided — but not as sharply as a 3-2 vote during a Sept. 21 special meeting would suggest — over the city planning staff’s proposed zoning text amendment drafted to streamline the definitions and approval process for new alcohol-serving establishments in the downtown area.

Board member Daniel Deleo said he approved of much of the amendment, but he was uncomfortable with the lack of assessment, as much as one is possible, on the overall impact of the balance among restaurants and bars and residents.

Chairman Dan Clermont said he was 95% for the changes, but the 5% of doubt regarding possible loopholes in the definition of a rooftop outdoor bar was enough to leave him opposed.

The two joined to vote against recommending approval of the amendment to the City Commission, while members Michael Halflants, Terrell Salem and Shane Lamay voted in favor.

“I’ve never heard anybody say, ‘I love Sarasota. It’s amazing. It’s such a great place to go retire, but only if it had more bars it would be better,’” Deleo said. “I want high quality in the community. I don’t want to do harm to the community, but I’m having trouble understanding exactly what the impact of this is going to be.”

Clermont said a rooftop bar was not defined clearly enough and that enterprising businesspeople will find a way to turn an indoor bar into an outdoor bar with no consequences.

Under the ordinance, as long as

the seating and serving bar was fully under roof and in a fully enclosed space, it qualifies, even if it has outdoor seating, essentially the purpose of a rooftop bar.

But, Clermont told staff, a structure with garage doors or folding glass walls that can be opened could easily convert an indoor rooftop bar effectively into an outdoor bar, operating well into the night close to residences.

“I’m just very concerned about this because we could have several of

them in a row in an area, and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Clermont said. “This is my only hangup out of a 95% yes, but I’ve got this 5% gnawing at me. It’s hard for me to advise the commission to go ahead and approve this when we don’t really know what’s going to happen here.” Planning Director Steven Cover reminded board members that an establishment with a rooftop bar will require a major conditional use permit, which includes the Planning Board and City Commission public hearing process.

TURNING BARS INSIDE-OUT

City staff began working on the proposed zoning text amendment earlier this year and unveiled its proposal during a June virtual public workshop. It is intended to create new, or modify existing, definitions for bars, outdoor bars, nightclubs and bottle clubs. It also:

■ Updates primary use charts.

■ Applies additional standards for outdoor seating and other outdoor

areas of establishments.

■ Updates the distance of separation requirements between religious institutions and bars, outdoor bars, nightclubs and alcoholic beverage stores.

■ Expands the downtown exemption area to include other redeveloping commercial areas of the downtown.

■ Modifies the permitting process for outdoor bars.

The new rules do not affect current establishments, which were permitted per state licensing standards that don’t always match their uses. They also allow for restaurants of less than 2,000 square feet, providing they meet the 51% food to alcohol sales ratio, to no longer be categorized as nightclubs as they are today.

“There is confusion and a  lack of clarity pertaining to the definitions and standards of bars, outdoor bars and nightclubs within the city zoning code,” said Senior Planner Brianna Dobbs. “Tying definitions to state licensing is not a reliable way to determine how an establishment will actually operate. This has result-

Currently, the city’s zoning code lends to confusion and lack of clarity pertaining to the definitions and standards for uses typically associated with nighttime activities. The definition of a bar does not provide a clear distinction between a bar and an outdoor bar, rooftop or otherwise. The current definition of outdoor bars, for example, only permits them as an accessory use to a hotel, motel or private club. Outdoor bars cannot be considered as a primary use.

The amendment proposes to allow an outdoor bar as a primary use or as an accessory use to an attached establishment. It does not, however, address noise issues. That, Cover said during a prior public workshop, will come in the form of a separate ordinance.

In addition to redefining uses, the text amendment also proposes to expand the Downtown Exemption Area Map relative to bars, restaurants, nightclubs and bottle clubs to other redeveloping commercial areas of the downtown, including those north of Fruitville Road and east of U.S. 301.

That means the 500-foot separation requirement from the nearest school or church/synagogue/sanctuary, residential zoned property, or another bar, outdoor bar, nightclub, or alcoholic beverage store applies outside of the Downtown Exemption Area.

That means bars that provide live, amplified music after 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or 11:59 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays or the day prior to a holiday would be classified as a nightclub and would be required to obtain a major conditional use permit.

The entire text amendment and staff report are available on the city’s website at Sarasota.Granicus.com.

How outdoor rooftop bars are defined and the unknown impact of new rules are points of concern.

“There is confusion and a lack of clarity pertaining to the definitions and standards of bars, outdoor bars and nightclubs within the city zoning code.”

Brianna Dobbs, Senior Planner

County breaks ground on new admin center

Staff is expected to vacate the current downtown headquarters and move into the new building in late 2025.

After 50 years in its downtown Sarasota location, Sarasota County government broke ground Thursday at the site of its new administration center off Fruitville Road just east of I-75.

The latest county government operations facilities to migrate to the northeastern part of the count will be housed in the 120,000-squarefoot building in the developing area north and south of Fruitville Road near Celery Fields, a county park. At a cost of $74 million, the new building will include Sarasota County Commission meeting chambers, along with offices for county administration, county attorney, clerk and comptroller, communications, human resources, libraries and historical resources and financial management.

The county sold its downtown building at 1660 Ringling Blvd. and

parking lots to Benderson Development in December 2021 for $25 million. The decision was made to sell the building and move to a location convenient to a greater number of county residents rather than spend millions repairing, renovating and upfitting.

According to terms of the sale, the county must vacate the building by Dec. 31, 2025.

“It was going to cost about $49 million in improvements over the next 20 years, so this is a good decision,” said County Commission Chairman Ron Cutsinger before tossing the ceremonial dirt. “As we move out of that facility and as it is redeveloped in the heart of downtown Sarasota, that’s going to create an economic engine. The redevelopment is going to be so exciting down there.

“It’s a win for the city of Sarasota. It’s a win for the county. It’s a win for me because I live in south county.”

Although Benderson has not revealed any firm plans for redevelopment for the current site, the company is holding a three-day planning charrette Oct. 3-5 at McCullough Pavilion at 265 S. Orange Ave.

In the new building, the public will have access to the ground floor where the 3,500-square-foot

the Bay

meeting chamber will be located. A 2,400-square-foot “think tank,” currently on the third floor, will also be on the first floor, allowing easier and more secure public access. The floor will also have conference rooms, a canteen for staff with views of Celery Fields, and a 4,000-square-foot gym.

“This facility is a beautiful design. It’s going to be efficient. It’s going to be functional. It’s not going to be extravagant, but it’s going to serve this community well,” Cutsinger said. “It was designed to offer a variety of meeting space types, new technology and all the things we need in this changing work environment to attract and maintain the best workforce in the country.”

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Although it has more than 200,000 materials in its physical collection, Sarasota’s downtown library has grown into much more than a collection of books.

That much was evident at Selby Public Library’s 25th anniversary celebration on Sept. 29.

The new Pop-Up Library parked outside the building showed off its own collection and will soon be offering library services across the county. The Pop-Up Library can even make library cards.

“The goal is to reach people who may not live that close to a library,” said Katie Dow, manager of programs and partnerships.

She added that the pop-up will be making trips to Longboat Key, Wellen Park and the area around Jacaranda Boulevard east of I-75.

While the vehicle has been in service for only about a month, the effort to bring it into the library’s offerings was years in the making, said Merab Favorite, marketing coordinator for Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources. The effort was largely donor driven and was made possible thanks to the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and an anonymous donor, she said.

“We’re already getting requests to show up at community events,” said Dow.

Inside the Selby Library, Renee di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, welcomed anniversary celebration attendees. Her remarks were followed by comments from county commissioners Mark Smith and Ron Cutsinger.

The Creation Station was open for the celebration and provided library patrons with free gifts. Commemorative buttons and coasters were produced in the Creation Station to remember the occasion.

The Creation Station offers a 3D printer, glowforge, button maker, sewing machines and other craft areas and is open to the public and to groups. Every county library has a Creation Station, but the Selby Library’s is the largest, said Favorite.

The Creation Station is just one of the offerings at the Selby that highlight the transformation of public libraries from repositories of physical materials to fully fledged community gathering spaces.

In his special anniversary presentation on the history of the Selby Library, Joshua Goodman, manager of the Division of Historical Resources, explained that the design of the second Selby Library took this evolution into account, including an auditorium (where his lecture was given), open spaces, areas to create, gather and collaborate.

So even though it took almost a century, when the second Selby Library opened in 1998 with 78,000 square feet of space at a cost of $15 million, Sarasota finally had a downtown library building it was unlikely to outgrow anytime soon.

On its 25th anniversary, the Selby Library offers space for community and tools for creators.

New College of Florida names president after six-month search

AMANDA POSTMA

STAFF WRITER

The search for a permanent president at New College of Florida has concluded.

Richard Corcoran, who has served as interim president since Jan. 31, was selected Oct. 2 following a six-month search process. Contract negotiations will be reviewed at the next board meeting later in October, according to a press release.

“With the selection of President Corcoran, New College is poised to continue on its path of becoming the best liberal arts institution in the nation,” Board Chair Debra Jenks said.

Corcoran, who was Florida Education Secretary under Gov. Ron DeSantis from 2018 to 2021, stepped into the interim role to replace Patricia Okker, who was fired after the governor launched a major transformation — some critics called it a hostile takeover — of New College.

Following DeSantis’s gubernatorial election victory, he tasked seven new board members in early January with reshaping New College, which was founded in Sarasota in 1960.

“In Florida, we will build off of our higher education reforms by aligning core curriculum to the values of liberty and the Western tradition, eliminating politicized bureaucracies like DEI, increasing the amount of research dollars for programs that will feed key industries with talented Florida students and empowering presidents and boards of trustees to recruit and hire new faculty, including by dedicating record resources for faculty salaries,” DeSantis said in a statement.

DeSantis backed his words with $15 million to “overhaul and restructure” New College, “including support for students’ scholarships and hiring faculty.” The Legislature approved the proposal in the most recent state budget.

An employment contract for Corcoran will be negotiated before being reviewed and voted on by the board.

Once that’s been approved, the contract will go to the State University System of Florida Board of Governors during its Nov. 9 meeting for final approval.

Corcoran was one of three finalists considered for the role; the committee reviewed 63 applications.

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

CUTTING THE CABLE

11:59 p.m., 700 block of Lemon Ave

Property damage: An unknown subject entered the mechanical room on the second floor of a building and cut multiple wires for internet service. A complainant said there were no cameras in the hallway or in the room to capture the incident, and that the cable provider had estimated the cost to repair between $2,500 and $5,000. The door handle to the room was removed, but building maintenance reported that the handle was already gone before the crime occurred. Should a suspect be identified probable cause exists to file a charge of criminal mischief greater than $1,000. The incident was reported to the criminal investigation unit for further investigation.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

BACK BITING

8:52 a.m., 3500 block of Fruitville Road

Animal problem: Police responded to a report of a dog bite and an ensuing altercation between the victim and the dog owner. Upon arrival, officers met with the complainant who said he was bitten by the dog while walking through a parking lot. The owner of the dog, an unknown subject, then proceeded to initiate an argument with the victim. The victim stated that he was walking when an unleashed dog jumped up and bit his lower back area and right calf. Immediately after the dog bite, he said the dog’s owner started a verbal argument and dared him to strike him. Instead, he said he backed away and as the subject was leaving was able to take a photo of him on his phone. The unknown subject was last seen leaving the area in a black SUV with the dog.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

LEAKY STORAGE DAMAGE

2:49 p.m., 2200 block of North Washington Boulevard

Property damage: The manager of a self-storage facility called law enforcement after a customer advised that she observed damage to the ceiling of her storage unit, which allowed water and rodents to enter the space and damage her furniture.

An employee of a retail store observed a man enter a bathroom and proceed to open and drink a 16-ounce can of light beer, one of a four-pack that was not available for individual resale. Because of that, the complainant said the remainder of the four-pack had to be discarded, and that the value of the loss was $5.70. An officer met with the subject outside of the store who admitted to drinking the frosty malted adult beverage. He said that he did not have any money in his possession at the time to pay for it. In lieu of criminal charges, the subject was issued a citation.

An officer met with the complainant who estimated the cost of the damage at $5,000. She said she called the corporate office of the company and was told it would provide $2,000 in compensation. She requested a case number of the incident so she could pursue civil action.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

MOTHER OF THE YEAR

9:30 p.m., 5000 block of North Tamiami Trail Dispute: A woman who was involved in a verbal dispute with her son called law enforcement to their hotel room. The complainant told the officer that while attempting to get her younger child to sleep, her elder son was being disrespectful and that she wanted officers to do something about it. She said while no criminal activity had occurred, she wanted the older son to leave.

After officers explained that because her son was a minor child and would not be required to leave the premises, and he was her responsibility as the legal guardian, the woman became upset because they were “doing nothing.” The son told police he did not know why his mother called them and they had only been laying in the bed for the previous hour. No further action was taken.

Fast Break

“Be patient. When you try to rush things, they sometimes don’t go as you plan.”

— Kevontay Hugan, sophomore football lineman defensive Booker High. SEE PAGE 18

EMOTIONAL DEBUT

Former Sarasota High running back Brian Battie, a junior at Auburn University, is a nominee for the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to a player that shows versatility and high-level performance.

Battie has 152 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards and 281 kick return yards in 2023 as of Oct. 2. Fans can vote for Battie at PaulHornungAward.com.

… Cardinal Mooney High sophomore quarterback Devin Mignery, making his second varsity start, completed 10 of 19 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown Sept. 29 in the team’s 31-21 win over Sarasota High. Mignery also ran the ball 11 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. His effort helped improve the Cougars’ record to 5-1. Mooney has an off week before hosting John Carroll Catholic (1-5) at 7 p.m. Oct. 13.

On Oct. 2, New College of Florida announced it had been accepted as a full-time member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics starting July 1, 2024. The Mighty Banyans will be a member of the Sun Conference. The school currently offers six sports: baseball and softball; men’s and women’s basketball; and men’s and women’s soccer.

Former Riverview High football defensive lineman Eli Renick was named the North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week on Oct. 2. Renick, a sophomore at Wittenberg University, had eight tackles, three sacks and a pass break-up Sept. 30 in the Tigers’ 27-24 overtime win over Denison University.

Cardinal Mooney High volleyball junior Izzy Russell had 11 kills, 14 digs and an ace in the Cougars’ 3-0 home win over Braden River High on Sept. 29.

or violated a uniform rule.

Orion gave three words in response: “I don’t care.”

He’d deal with the consequences later. Expressing what was weighing on his heart was more important.

Todd Kerkering was not a baseball guy growing up. He admits he does not know the finer details of the sport as well as others might. When Orion Kerkering started his Little League career, Todd Kerkering did not know if his son had something special, though others hinted he might. All Kerkering cared about was his son having fun, he said.

As Orion Kerkering got older, it became clear that he had a future in baseball — if not at the major league level, then at least at the college level. That’s when Todd Kerkering started giving him the only piece of advice he ever gave.

“I told him, ‘Know that somebody wants your spot,’” Kerkering said.

Orion Kerkering took it to heart, over and over. He never let someone take his spot — and in fact was motivated to take other people’s spots, like he did with the Phillies.  Kerkering’s appearance was not a one-off. He made two more regular-season appearances, against the Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates, and did not allow a run in either. On Oct. 3, nine days after his MLB debut, Kerkering was officially named to the Phillies’ postseason roster for the team’s National League Wild Card Series against the Miami Marlins. The best-of-three series is scheduled to conclude after press time. But if the Phillies advance, there’s a strong chance Kerkering will be with the team for however long its postseason run lasts.

Todd Kerkering said on Oct. 2 that he would be flying to Philadelphia for the series opener and would be there for every game, though he joked that he hoped for a two-game sweep so he can get back to work sooner. It has been a whirlwind few weeks, he said, but he would not change it for anything.

“You’re watching your kid put their everything into something,” Kerkering said. “It doesn’t matter what it is. Some people want to be the best AC guy or the best plumber or the best doctor. Just seeing your kid get to where they want to be, that’s what it’s really about, not just baseball.”

Sarasota baseball dad watches his son’s MLB dreams come true.

Sarasota BMX legend gets her due

when it plays host to the Sunshine State Nationals, an event that will serve as a World Championship qualifier.

On Oct. 7, a legend of the Sarasota BMX scene will be immortalized.

Alice Bixler, who has dedicated 50 years of her life to the sport of bicycle motocross, will be inducted into the National BMX Hall of Fame in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bixler, 75, will also receive a lifetime achievement award from USA BMX, which oversees the hall.

Bixler likes to say she was born on two wheels.

Her father, Albert “Hap”

Poneleit, opened Hap’s Cycle Sales in 1948. When her mother, “Bunny” Harriet Katheryn Poneleit, was going into labor with Alice, Hap drove them to the hospital on a motorcycle and drove them home the same way.

Any chance of escaping that life vanished in an instant — not that

Alice ever wanted to escape it. She loves anything that has two wheels and goes fast. Even now, she works at Hap’s Cycle Sales four days a week as its office manager and an insurance agent.

It was in 1974 that she added BMX bikes to her focus. That was the year Sarasota’s BMX track opened. Some of the kids in her

neighborhood, including her son, David Bixler, wanted to check it out, so she tagged along. Back then, Alice Bixler said, the track was as basic as could be.

“It had a flat starting hill and flat turns and little jumps with a piece of wood underneath them,” Bixler said. “There were water holes that the fire department came to fill up.”

The kids — and adults like Bixler, who was 25 at the time — loved it all the same. To make sure everyone could have a good experience, Bixler volunteered to help run the track’s races, and she also helped create track rules. They were necessary. At the first race, the rides didn’t wear helmets or long-sleeved clothing. That immediately changed, she said with a laugh. She persuaded her motorcycle friends to help out and teach the parents of each kid how to ride.

In 1979, the track was sanctioned by the National Bicycle League, with Bixler helping to create the Florida chapter of the organization, which they called the Sunshine State BMX Association.

She started as the secretary, she said, but quickly became the race commissioner and president when

everyone else resigned. Bixler never dreamed of doing that; BMX was too important to the kids. Slowly, the SSA recovered, and eventually became well established.

Bixler joined the national NBL board in the late 1980s and stayed on through the 1990s, helping the board establish the President’s Cup, an annual race held during Christmastime in Columbus, Ohio, where state teams would compete for supremacy. The race existed for 26 years, and Bixler’s Florida teams — she served as their coach — won 23 times, according to the SSA. In 1995, Bixler was named the NBL’s Volunteer of the Year. The track remained sanctioned by the organization until 2011, when it joined USA BMX.  It was not just on-track success that Bixler wanted. It was giving kids opportunities.

Bixler said she saw what sports like football and baseball were doing for kids in terms of scholarship money for college and wanted to replicate it, if on a smaller scale.

In 2008, a year after stepping down from the top leadership positions of the SSA, her dream became a reality.

The organization established the Alice Bixler Scholarship Program, which assists riders and their families in furthering their education. Since 2008, the program has awarded 152 scholarships totaling $152,750.

Her contributions to the sport make her induction into the National BMX Hall of Fame feel well deserved. Yet Bixler said she was surprised when she received her induction call. There are so many people who are deserving of the honor, she said. To know that the BMX community believes she is one of them? It moved her.

“I’m so honored,” Bixler said as her voiced wobbled. “It makes me feel like my life has mattered. It makes me feel like my life, the things I did for BMX, made a difference.”

The Sarasota BMX track looks different now than it did when it opened. In 2016, the track reopened after being given $2.5 million in renovations, including an eightmeter ramp and a dual-purpose amateur and supercross track, complete with big-time jumps. The track is primed for national events, and in January will do just that

Those renovations happened, in part, because a group of people convinced the Sarasota County Commission they should. In August 2013, over a year before the renovations were eventually approved, three people spoke to the commission about what at the time were simply proposed changes. Bixler was one of them. Another was Jeff Leto, then the vice president of Sarasota BMX. The third was Joey Leto, Jeff Leto’s son, who was 12 year old. He told the commission that it was his dream to become an Olympic BMX athlete someday, and that the renovations would help him do that.

He’s on his way. In August, Leto represented Team USA in the BMX Men’s Elite portion of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. If Leto qualifies for the 2024 World Championships — perhaps with a strong showing at the January qualifier in Sarasota — he has a real shot at a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics later in the summer.  Does Leto get to this point if Bixler was not there in the 1970s to help the track and the Sarasota BMX community? He might not. And Leto is but one of many riders whose lives were changed because of Bixler and her efforts to support this sport.

So let there be no more doubt: Alice Bixler’s lifetime achievement award is more than deserved, it was overdue.

Undergraduate: Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN Graduate: Marshall University, Huntington, WV Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL Residency: Family Practice, Sun Coast Hospital, Largo, FL

Certification: Board Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians Hospital Affiliations: Doctors Hospital; Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Alice Bixler dedicated 50 years of her life to the sport.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kevontay Hugan

Kevontay Hugan is a sophomore defensive lineman at Booker High. Hugan holds NCAA offers from the University of Miami, South Florida University, Penn State University and the University of Maryland.

Hugan has 17 tackles (6.5 tackles for loss), two quarterback hurries and a sack through six games in 2023. Hugan has also been used as a short-yardage running back and scored two touchdowns Sept. 29 in the Tornadoes’ 50-6 win against Bayshore High.

When did you start playing football?

I started when I was 5 in flag football; then I moved onto tackle football. I played baseball and track and field, too, but I stuck with football.

What is the appeal to you?

The feeling of getting after it, tackling someone and helping your team win. It just feels good. I’m happy when I’m on the field.

What is your best skill? Using my strength to get off blocks. That just comes naturally to me. What have you been working to improve?

I’m trying to improve my technique.

I want to get off the ball quicker and add more pass-rushing skills.

What is your favorite football memory?

For me, my favorite memory is get ting my first offer from Penn State. They had seen my film and reached out to me. To get an offer at 14 years old was crazy. I was so happy.

Where does your recruitment stand now?

I have offers from four schools. I don’t have any favorites right now. I’m just taking it slow, playing this season and seeing what happens.

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’s the biggest key for Booker (4-2) as a team going forward?

We just have to work harder. We can’t talk during practice, things like that, because we have to get the little things right still. But we have the talent we need.

What is your favorite TV show?

I’ll go with “The Boondocks.”

What is your favorite school subject?

I like math. That’s come easily to me.

What are your hobbies?

I usually keep it chill, just hanging with friends or reading a book or something. I read pretty much every day. I like mystery books.

Which superpower would you pick?

Flying. I want to go wherever I want.

What is the best advice you have received?

Be patient. When you try to rush things, they sometimes don’t go as you plan. Just be patient and learn the things you have to know in order to be great.

Finish this sentence: “Kevontay Hugan is …” … Greatness.

A (WORK) DAY AT THE BEACH

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

For Rick Hinkson, Sarasota County’s lifeguard manager, being a lifeguard is all about the people.

It’s about making sure beach visitors head home safe, but it’s also about getting to know them, whether they’re locals or tourists.

“Sometimes we’re the only Sarasota County employee that people encounter,” he said. “I like to think that our team does a really good job of representing the county government, representing the city, and being able to share the great things about this community and this area.”

Hinkson has been interested in lifeguarding since he was a child growing up in western New York involved in competitive swimming. He also visited Daytona and New Smyrna beaches in Florida, eventually serving as a lifeguard, starting at age 15, at Lake Ontario.

After a stretch of time spent in broadcast communications, his degree field, he made a move to Florida and discovered the profession once again, realizing that it was, in fact, a career choice of its own.

As Hinkson described, there is constant training involved, as well as staffing issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it’s a role he’s keen to continue in each day.

“This mission, this job and this lifestyle fit into what I wanted to achieve when I moved down here,” he said. “I didn’t really think it was going to turn into what it has, but I think that happens to a lot of people who go into the profession.”

ON THE JOB

Before lifeguards take to their towers at 10 a.m. each morning, they start the day with training.

But you might find Hinkson working out at 5:30 a.m. to ensure he can fit the session into his busy schedule.

Recently, Hinkson has been serv-

ing in the towers periodically, where he will stand for over half the day. Thanks to staffing shortages, he has more to manage now, but he has plenty of experience in a variety of roles.

Hinkson’s journey with the county began as a seasonal employee; he became a full-time lifeguard in September 1999, a lieutenant in 2002 and a captain in 2018.

He has served in his current role

since January 2022.

There’s more to the role of a lifeguard than keeping watch, he said.

A portion of the job is customer service, which includes ensuring people know about local ordinances.

“A good lifeguard is a dry lifeguard, meaning if you’ve done your job well, you’ve communicated all of the things you need to communicate to the people who are on your beaches, you should not have to be going out and making rescues,” he said, noting that rescues cannot be avoided entirely.

Beachgoers can do their part, he said, by being aware of conditions and hazards, as even in lifeguarded areas rip currents can emerge and endanger swimmers.

In addition to serving the public, he also enjoys the scenic nature of the job.

“We’ve got six different locations that we work at, so depending on where you work, you see different locales, you see different people (and) you see different things pretty much every day,” he said.

And each week, there is another important piece — the rescues themselves.

“When you’re leaving your tower to make a rescue and you’ve radioed

to your teammates that you’re going in, every single time that happens, that’s an intense experience,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many calls have left their mark on me personally and have made me a better lifeguard and have made me make sure that I’m doing everything correctly.”

There have been more than 100 rescues this year, he said, some of which took place amid the rough waters following Hurricane Idalia.

Lifeguards also manage medical events on the beaches and outside their response zone with the Sarasota County Fire Department. In recent months, medical responses have increased significantly, Hinkson said.

KEEPING IN SHAPE

There’s plenty that lifeguards must do to maintain their jobs, he said.

“You can’t just get this job and put your feet up and expect to keep it; you have to maintain a certain level of swimming and running ability, and it’s not easy,” he said.

In fact, many lifeguards with the county are triathletes, endurance runners or paddlers, he said.

Every morning, lifeguards undergo an hour of training that includes simulated active rescue scenarios, including ones involving CPR and an automated external defibrillator.

That training helps lifeguards maintain their skills for an evaluation every six months by the U.S. Lifesaving Association and accrue continuing education credits for EMTs and first responders.

The evaluation involves a 500-meter swim test in 10 minutes or less, plus a 200-meter run down the beach and a 50-meter swim to a victim. In Sarasota County, a halfmile run is incorporated as well.

New hires undergo a four-week minimum training period to become certified as open-water lifeguards and first responders. They’re also trained in basic life support and AED use.

Contributing to the challenges of the role, he said, are staffing shortages currently impacting the profession on a national level. This has been continuing for about two years, Hinkson said.

“I just wear a few more hats during the day, I’ve always focused on my managerial duties, but it’s important that I am still there for my team when it’s needed,” he said.

Personal watercraft were incorporated years ago. Around two years ago, ties with the fire department began, involving lifeguards in emergency responses off-site.

“We’ve been able to kind of branch out the last couple of years,” he said.

Hinkson noted some improvements that are emerging. The starting pay for lifeguards in the county increased on Oct. 1 from $17.03 to $19.13.

Also, last month, three new hires joined the county, and will be starting their roles in the next six weeks.

Sarasota County’s lifeguard manager explains it takes a special set of skills to become a beach lifeguard.

“This mission, this job and this lifestyle fit into what I wanted to achieve when I moved down here.”

A VISUAL FEAST

PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER

St. Armands was packed with art lovers roaming the Circle on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as they enjoyed a newly added weekend of the St. Armands Circle Art Festival. From watercolor paintings to sculptures to clothing, the weekend showcased the vibrant community of artists in the area.

Leigh Engh just moved to the area and was fascinated by the wide variety of things to see at the festival.

“This was better than I expected. I thought it was just supposed to be a craft festival, so I was a little bit surprised. There is so much to see, so many star artists just waiting to be discovered.”

Here are a few of the outstanding artists whose work was shown at the St. Armands Art Festival.

ALFRED ADOBE

Growing up in Ghana, Africa, Alfred Adobe’s artwork was inspired by his childhood. His father was a sculptor who encouraged him to use anything in his environment to express himself through art. He now lives in Suwanee, Georgia.

“We grew up playing with sawdust and making sand castles with it,” said Adobe. “I started using it for my influence about 28 years ago. I use it in different ways, like using different adhesive, molding it into different shapes and finishing different styles. This time I finished it with metallic colors which makes it look even better.”

Each art piece displayed at the festival is made completely out of sawdust. He said he loves to make art in

an eco-friendly way and it motivates him to work hard to make all his work extra special.

APRIL DAVIS

A longtime art festival artist, April Davis originally was a biology major in college but switched to art after being encouraged by a high school art teacher. She has been an artist for 40 years and has been doing festivals for 20 years.

Davis specializes in landscape paintings, with a variety from lush tropical landscapes to vivid cityscape recreations. She has a gallery in Jupiter, Florida.

She also has taught at the University of Pittsburgh on topics such as oil painting, watercolor, drawing and design. She received the teaching excellence award for her time there.

“St. Armands Circle is so special, because it gets not only the local people but it gets lots of tourists,” said Davis. “It’s usually a very

sophisticated art-buying crowd, which is nice. So I think it was great that they added this extra date in the festival scene.”

ALINA EYDEL

Originally from Ukraine, Alina Eydel focuses on creating work based on her spirituality. She hopes to provide meditative processes that represent love, health and gratitude through her paintings. Her art featured at the festival is uniquely made out of butterflies sustainably farmed in developing countries.

“After the butterflies die within one to 14 days after emerging from the chrysalis, the farmers collect and sell the insects instead of poaching them or logging the valuable rainforest,” said Elizabeth Dashiell, from Palm Beach Public Relations.

Eydel now lives in Naples and is a frequent artist at the festivals.

JONATHAN HERBERT

“I just take dictation from God. This is God’s paintbrush,” said Jonathan Herbert.

Originally from New York, Herbert now lives in Sarasota and has been in the art world for 50 years.

He focuses on using art to process past traumas and show the world what he is feeling deep down.

Herbert’s most recent paintings are created with alchemical acrylic and urethane paint on a canvas. He makes his paints from scratch.

This was his debut in the art festival world after sticking strictly to displaying his art in galleries.

“I’m so excited to be talking to people and not leaving it to some other person to sell. This is the perfect way to meet new people in the area and share my creativity and art.”

The St. Armands Art Festival featured accomplished artists from around the world.

Blessed friends

Several pet owners brought their companions on Sept. 30 to Unity of Sarasota for the church’s annual pet blessing.

The event celebrated the unconditional love of four-legged friends and the joy they bring their human caretakers.

The pet blessing is scheduled each year to fall on or near the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4), said Amy Zehe, associate minister at Unity of Sarasota.

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals.

“We’ve had as many as 70 people show up,” said Zehe.

Unity’s celebration of pets has been held for more than a decade.

In addition to receiving the minister’s blessing, the group of mostly dogs was able to enjoy the church’s lush grounds and a barbecue with regular and vegan hot dogs.

Mary Brugger brought her poodle, Piper, 13, to Unity for her first blessing since she was a puppy.

“She never used to miss a farmers market,” said Brugger. “She’d always know where the stands with the treats were.”

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Ready for frights? Close your eyes ...

THE CAST

Aden Russell: Dracula

Tom Aposporos: Abraham Van Helsing

Tahlia Chinault: Lucy Westenra

Once the lights go out, The Gothic Library’s audience is encouraged to simply close their eyes and become immersed in the classic tales of horror playing out before them in the loft at Bookstore1Sarasota.

“Two speakers, two mics and a bevy of really talented actors make it work,” said Ren Pearson, artistic director of the series.

This month, the audience will be able to stay immersed in one story for even longer; while previous events have featured multiple segments, the upcoming The Gothic Library presents “Dracula,” held Oct. 12-14, will be the first to focus on a single story.

It’s a special edition for the Halloween season, explained Pearson.

“It’s our spooky show in a spooky season.”

Pearson, a bookseller at the store, was responsible for bringing the program forward.

After he proposed his idea for sharing his love of old radio theater and Gothic literature to the store’s director of programming, Bryn Durgin, he was given the chance to realize his vision.

For each performance, Pearson brings together a cast of professional actors, as well as a series of sound effects assembled by Pearson and his brother, Vincent Pearson. Drawn from a library of pre-recorded sounds as well as sounds he has recorded, the sound cues total 119 for the upcoming show.

During the latest performance at the bookstore in August, which

included “Lot No. 249” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, attendees said they were indeed taken back to the days when radio programming loomed larger in the entertainment landscape.

“I loved it. I’ve been a fan of radio theater since I was a young kid,” said Michael Bille, an attendee. You close your eyes and you can’t beat the immersion.”

“Being able to present a literary work in a unique audio form is exciting, and something that isn’t happening in this community elsewhere,” said Durgin. “It’s like if you were to have someone read you a bedtime story, but spooky, and with your friends there.”

For actors involved in the production, the experience is different as well.

Actor Tom Horton said performing live radio theater is unlike performing in a conventional production, with a different result for the audience.

“You’re almost exclusively focusing on voice,” he said. “In a conventional stage production, you are worrying about your body and your staging and things like that … You can give (the voice) a little bit more emphasis, instead of spreading your attention outwards.”

“Most acting is done on stage or in films, but this is a bit more of an immersive experience,” said Vincent Pearson, who also acts in the productions. “I think it harkens back a lot to old school radio shows that a lot of people enjoy; it’s a different experience.”

The Gothic Library wasn’t Pear-

Amanda Heisey: Mina Murray

Tom Horton: John Harker

Lucy Manuel: Dr. Jacqueline Seward

Vincent Pearson: Renfield/ Quincey P. Morris

son’s first round with radio theater.

When Theatre Odyssey began holding its performances via radio during COVID-19, he also served as technical director for that program. In fact, he was able to bring along many of his acquaintances from Theatre Odyssey to perform in The Gothic Library.

For Pearson, it wasn’t a given that he would select Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” as the performance for the month of Halloween, yet eventually he decided that it “just made sense.”

“It was funny, because the night I decided I was going to do it, I saw bats flying overhead all night,” he said. “So I figured that must be a sign that ‘Dracula’ is the right choice.”

This month’s show brings a few notable changes. This time, audiences will find some changes to the narrative itself. Pearson said the decision to cast a woman, Aden Russell, as Dracula resulted in a few tweaks to the story.

“While we are sticking close to Stoker’s plots, we’re also adding our own twists and turns and layers to the character that we hope will ring with people and add to that mythology.”

Since the last performance in August, Pearson has had the chance to adjust the lighting setup; this time, the lights in the loft will be

turned off entirely, leaving just two stage lights for the actors.

There’s also a bonus opportunity, as those who arrive half-an-hour early will have a chance to view a vampire hunting kit featuring weapons and objects from the story.

“I hope people come and enjoy themselves,” Pearson said. “And I hope people are ready for a couple of the twists and surprises we give them, for those that are familiar with the book, and are open to getting a little spooked.”

For the month of October, Bookstore1Sarasota will offer a radio-style dramatization of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula.’

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Casey Key home tops sales at $3,425,000

Ahome on Casey Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Alan and Seri Bergold, trustees, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, sold the home at 608 S. Casey Key Road to Clayton Taylor and Pamela Taylor, of Nokomis, for $3,425,000. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,495 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.85 million in 2016.

of Sarasota, sold her Unit 1806 condominium at 888 Boulevard of the Arts to Anthony and Gina Fragoletti, of Mount Sinai, New York, for $1,213,000. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,555 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,188,300 in 2022.

SARASOTA BAY CLUB

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 223 condominium at 1299 Tamiami Trail to Thomas Stovall and Gail Chase, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,790 square feet of living area. It sold for $695,000 in 2016.

MONTCLAIR PLACE

Anna Lanta, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, sold two properties at 5363 Montclair Place to John Misiak and Kathy Kopp-Misiak of Sarasota, for $960,000. The first property was built in 1984 and has one bedroom, two baths, a pool and 1,750 square feet of living area. The second property was built in 1984 and has one bedroom, one bath and 749 square feet of living area. They sold for $173,500 in 1991.

CITYSCAPE AT COURTHOUSE

CENTRE

SMC Residential PH18 LLC sold the Unit 18 condominium at 1990 Main St. to Benjamin Hodous, of Sarasota, for $955,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,597 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2021.

Doreen Zammit, trustee, of Tampa, sold the Unit 16 condominium at 1990 Main St. to Ryan Shtirmer, trustee, of Sarasota, for $735,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,665 square feet of living area. It sold for $550,000 in 2022.

JAMES S. HALL’S

Curley and Squirrely Holdings LLC sold the home at 1646 Seventh St. to Kalter Consulting Group LLC for $931,000. Built in 1924, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,340 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,000 in 2000.

Other top sales by area

SARASOTA: $1.45 MILLION

Johnson Estates

Myriam and Randall Graham, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1611 Pine Bay Drive to Anne Dennis, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.45 million. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,764 square feet of living area. It sold for $935,000 in 2021.

SIESTA KEY: $2,625,000

Siesta Isles

Polizzi Family LLLP sold the home at 925 Contento Circle to Frederick and Julie Scheler, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for $2,625,000. Built in 1968, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,826 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2019.

PALMER RANCH: $1,515,000

THE LANDINGS TREEHOUSE

Louis and Kim Salvatori, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 26 condominium at 1380 Landings Point to Lidia Mayumi Nagae, of Sarasota, for $865,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,048 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2017.

BRUNKS Jacqueline Planchard, of Homosassa, sold her home at 2747 Floyd St. to Martel Gomez Investments LLC for $765,000. Built in 1947, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,752 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2021.

GULF GATE EAST

Michael Bach, of Charleston, South Carolina and Carla Marie Ciricillo, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4307 Kingston Loop to Austin and Ashley Maginnis and Christina Lynn Lickteig and Douglas Eugene Lickteig, of Sarasota, for $606,800. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,223 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000 in 2019.

THE LANDINGS SOUTH

Douglas Passett and Patricia Hennel Passett, of Nokomis, sold their Unit 202 condominium at 1736 Starling Drive to Randall and Myriam Graham, of Sarasota, for $600,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $330,000 in 2021.

Catherine Urban, of Nashville, Tennessee, sold her Unit 103 condominium at 5337 Landings Blvd. to Kathleen Gallison, of Sarasota, for $539,000. Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,588 square feet of living area. It sold for $390,000 in 2021.

THE STRAND OF SARASOTA

Sesslar Properties III LLC sold the Unit A517 condominium at 1709 N. Tamiami Trail to Gerald John Plotke, of Frankfort, Illinois, for $600,000. Built in 2022, it has one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths and 803 square feet of living area. It sold for $365,000 in 2022.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Eugenia Randolph, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1318 Loma Linda Court to Scott and Denise Sorenson, of Sarasota, for $559,000. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 981 square feet of living area. It sold for $490,000 in 2022.

ONLINE

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Legacy Estates on Palmer Ranch

John William Pulling and Terry Pulling, trustees, sold the home at 5381 Trails Bend Court to Keith and Wendy Kapp, of Sarasota, for $1,515,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,100 square feet of living area. It sold for $894,900 in 2021.

OSPREY: $1.1 MILLION

South Creek Gary Didonna and Lynne Galipeau, of Bradenton, sold their home at 1762 Island Way to Richard Balaz, of Osprey, for $1.1 million. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2016.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

FUN FRIDAYS: MUSIC WITH DAVE MORAN

11-11:30 a.m. at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St. Free. Join Mr. Dave for original children’s music accompanied by the Selby Puppets. For information, visit SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6 TO SUNDAY, OCT. 8

INKMASTERS TATTOO EXPO

1 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturday) and 11 a.m. to 9

p.m. (Sunday) at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. $20 ($5 off before 5 p.m. on Friday).

Live tattooing by up to 100 awardwinning artists will be featured along with custom jewelry, piercings, food and free raffle giveaways with up to $1,200 in free tattoos. Tickets available only at door. For information, visit InkMastersTattooShow.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 TO SUNDAY, OCT. 8

27TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SARASOTA CRAFT FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave. Free. Discover jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting and clothing, as well as a market with plants, orchids, exotic flora and more. For information, visit ArtFestival.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

TO SUNDAY, NOV. 2

THE ORCHID SHOW 2023: A 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St. Campus admission: $26 (Adults), $11 (Ages 5-17), $11 (Member guests); free for ages 4 and under and for members. The orchid show celebrates Selby Gardens’ 50th anniversary and highlights orchids from its collection. The experience will involve a horticultural display in the Tropical Conservatory and an exhibition in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. For information, visit Selby.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11

ROAR! ON THE ROAD WITH THE RINGLING

5-6 p.m. at Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd. In this program aimed at preschoolers and toddlers, kids will enjoy a reading session, making art and will learn about an object in the Ringling Museum. For information, visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

DISCOVERY DOME PLANETARIUM

Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Road. Various times from 12:30-4:30 p.m. This full-dome planetarium event features showings on Mayan

BEST BET

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

BEST BET: PAINT THE TOWN FRESH

7-10 p.m. at Main Street and Pineapple Avenue. Parking available at the State Street and Pineapple Avenue parking garages. Free. The popular Fresh Fridays series of events returns for a new season in an event featuring live music, games and giveaways. The event is headlined by The Brett Foreman Band, while food will be on offer from Brick’s Smoked Meats, State Street Eating House + Cocktails, Art Ovation Hotel, Azul Steak & Sushi Lounge and other restaurants. For information, visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.

archaeoastronomy, an exploration of the universe, dark matter and more. Each showing lasts 20-30 minutes each. For information, visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

with “Power” and “Gator”

112 ___-Ball (arcade classic)

115 School commencement?

116 Language of Southeast Asia

117 High-end Canon offering (Abbr.)

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

“R ... SJV ST DCS YZ IFBA ZECCH YZ HTZZRWEC. ... OCKCJ ZXRH TO ZECCH; RS’Z BJYNV RIHTJSYOS.”

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Help Wanted

AIMPOINT DIGITAL, LP seeks

Senior Data Scientist in Sarasota, FL. Augment talented data science teams, build cutting-edge models, and make impactful recommendations in a fast and dynamically changing environment. Build deployable models to generate valuable insights. Strategic assessment of existing infrastructure and business processes. Designing and developing the analytical layer (data warehouse, data lake, ETL, ELT, etc.). Remote/WFH available.

TO APPLY, please visit: https://aimpointdigital.breezy.hr/p/ 02a7eb1545fe-senior-data-scientist?source=SarasotaObserver

OUR

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Boat

YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Cleaning

ARELIS CLEANING Services Inc. Residential & Commercial cleaning, powerwashing and interior/exterior painting. Licensed, bonded & insured. 941-822-4114

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

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FL 34236

SOTA RESIDENCES & HOTEL

Set privately above the hotel, 35 spacious residences pair stylish city living with the luxury of serviced simplicity. An iconic modern design by the renowned Hoyt Architects of Sarasota is paired with innovative interiors by the visionary firm Andre Kikoski Architect from New York City. Flow-through residences feature airy, light-filled interiors and spacious terraces overlooking the downtown skyline and streetscape below. Residences from $1.8 million.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

PENINSULAGOLDEN GATE POINT

Construction is underway on Golden Gate Point as the Gault Family Companies has officially broken ground on Peninsula Sarasota, a 23-unit luxury condominium development at 223 and 283 Golden Gate Point. Units in the two mid-rise towers are priced from $2.6 million. The three-bedroom floor plans, and three-bedroom with den floor plans range from 2,400 to more than 3,000 square feet.

ROSEWOOD - LIDO KEY

This 65-unit property is a collaboration between Rosewood Hotels & Resorts & Naples-based Ronto Group, & is Rosewood’s first all-residential development. Scheduled for completion in 2025. Situated on 3.5 miles of Gulf-front property. Swedroe Architecture, with interiors by Lillian Wu Studio. Each condo will offer sweeping water views; on the ground floor, residents will have access to Rosewood-serviced amenities. Units range from 3,3005,000 SF & prices start in the high $5 millions.