Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer 8.15.24

YOUR TOWN

Your vote counts

Early in-person voting is open and continues 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Aug. 18 at six locations throughout Sarasota County ahead of the Aug. 20 primary election.

So far, more than 5,000 Sarasota County ballots have been cast, according to the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office.

For more information or to find in-person voting locations, visit SarasotaVotes.gov or call 941-861-8619.

Before-school stop

Liam Anderson, 2, was entertained by a basket of stickers at the Back to School Children’s Expo, but there was also plenty for parents to discover as well.

His mother, Emily Anderson, enjoyed learning about opportunities for him and his sister, FrankieJo Anderson, 5, at the new event, which was held Aug. 10 in the Potter Building of the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Organized and sponsored by the new nonprofit Gulf Coast Gatherings, the expo featured representatives of area preschools; organizations, including Drama Kids and Acro Fit Gymnastics; and live demonstrations of activities.

“It’s really great,” Emily Anderson said. “It’s been kind of eye-opening in the sense that we are homeschooling, and it has been nice getting to see the options for classes they can start taking.” Robin Schmidt, the former preschool director who heads the nonprofit, said the goal of the event was to connect families with local educational and enrichment programs.

Turtle Tracks

AS OF AUG. 10

Heed the speed near schools

WEEK OF AUG. 15, 2024

BY THE NUMBERS

1 The number of wins last year on the gridiron for the Sarasota Sailors. Under a new coach, with a top-notch college football pedigree, Sarasota High will look to improve on that win total in 2024. PAGE 28

n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.

n Sarasota County School Board regular meeting — 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, Board Chambers, Landings Administration Complex, 1980 Landings Blvd. (black awning entrance).

“I

think there could be a graceful way of backing into that 10% when we get to a last phase of the project.” Todd Mathes of Benderson Development. Read more on Page 5

Ringling College rolls out new AI certificate

Ringling College of Art and Design is offering a new artificial intelligence certificate program to prepare undergraduate students to prioritize human creativity while proactively employing the rapidly evolving technology. The novel program is available to all Ringling College students. The curriculum includes fundamental AI and machine learning principles; their application in creative contexts; and the ethical, societal and cultural implications of AI in art and design. Hands-on learning covers both

the technical and ethical aspects of AI. Students learn to successfully apply the technology to complement artistic disciplines ranging from computer animation, entertainment design and creative writing to game art, fine arts, film and virtual reality development. The courses also caution students of potential ethical and legal pitfalls and prepare them to navigate those risks effectively.

Upon completion of the program, students will have a portfolio showcasing their ability

to apply AI in their creative work as something that helps position them as competitive candidates in the job market. Ringling College will celebrate the new certificate program with its inaugural symposium Sept. 13-14. The ticketed event will feature a series of lectures, questions and answers, workshops and a panel discussion to help attendees navigate the ethical, legal and industry concerns posed by artificial intelligence. Registration for the symposium is currently open at Ringling.edu.

GCCF makes three leadership changes

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has made three moves to its leadership team.

Kelly Borgia, who had been promoted to director of brand engagement, Carol Martin Brown has been named chief financial officer and Emily Joslin philanthropic advisor. Borgia joined GCCF in 2018 and has served as a philanthropic administrator of the philanthropy team and strategic engagement manager of the brand strategy and experience team. She will manage partnerships, coordinate major grants, and lead event planning.

Martin Brown, a CPA, comes to GCCF with 30 years of financial leadership experience in the social sector and investments industry, most recently six years at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg as chief financial and administrative officer. Joslin joined GCCF in August after serving as associate director of development for the Circle Program at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, overseeing the museum’s highest level of membership, developing relationships with donors and offering stewardship experiences over the last two years.

Sarasota, Siesta top beach town award list

Sarasota County beach towns continues to be recognized as having the best beach towns on the west coast of Florida as Sarasota was ranked No. 1 and Siesta Key No. 2, for the 2024 Trazee Awards. Tampa followed in third place.

Created by the FXExpress Publication and Global Traveler magazine, TrazeeTravel.com has announced its annual winners in multiple categories for 10 years. The website offers travel information on a global scale specifically targeted toward travelers younger than 40. The award indicates Sarasota and Siesta Key are favorites among millennial travelers. Other Trazee Award categories include favorite airport in the world, favorite hotel chain, favorite cruise line and more. The full Trazee Awards list is available at TrazeeTravel.com.

Left behind

Hurricane Debby may be in the past, but its effects on Sarasota Bay are still present due to pollutants that entered the water from flooding.

CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER

Experts with Suncoast Waterkeeper and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program agree: It’s not safe to swim in the bay right now.

A week after Hurricane Debby dumped large amounts of rain on the Sarasota Bay area, local experts are cautioning the public about potential negative side-effects to the safety of the bay. This includes the reported millions of gallons of sewage discharged from municipalities that entered local waterways.    These impacts, and more, came from then-Tropical Storm Debby’s copious rainfall, which overwhelmed wastewater systems and brought pollutants into the bay. The full scope of the impacts is still to be determined.

“You can’t have this much rainfall without water quality being adversely impacted,” said Dave Tomasko, executive director for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.

TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECTS

Shortly after Debby passed, municipalities reported wastewater failures and estimates of how much sewage flowed into surrounding water systems began.

The latest reports from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection estimate that 25 million gallons of sewage from the city of Bradenton’s system flowed into Manatee River, according to Suncoast Waterkeeper Executive Director Abbey Tyrna. Another 17.7 million gallons are estimated to have leaked from the city of Sarasota into Sarasota Bay.

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the nearly 1 million people in Sarasota and Manatee counties

basically used Manatee River and Sarasota Bay as a toilet on Monday,”

Tyrna said, referring to Monday, Aug. 5, the day of Hurricane Debby’s main impact on the region.

As a result, Suncoast Waterkeeper issued no-swim advisories for Sarasota Bay until further notice.

Tomasko and Tyrna both said the problem largely has to do with aging collection systems, which caused failures in the region’s stormwater and wastewater systems.

“Everyone pays a lot of attention to the waste treatment plant, but the real problem is getting to the plant,” Tomasko said.

The two explained that when significant rainwater and flooding occur, the ground becomes heavily saturated. If wastewater systems have older pipes — aging infrastructure — then that excess water in the ground can seep into the pipes and cause more water to flow into the treatment plants than what the plants can handle.

That’s how the plants commonly become overwhelmed, leading to incidents like the ones that occurred with the city of Bradenton and the city of Sarasota.

“So when you see standing water on the streets … that means that the groundwater is completely saturated, which means the water that’s in the soil can make its way into the stormwater collection pipe and overwhelm the capacity of the plants,” Tomasko said.

Inundation of lift stations that move wastewater from low elevations to higher ground also played a part in the recent pollution problems, Tyrna explained.

Another component of Debby’s pollution is from land-based pollution sources, things like over-fertilized lawns, grass clippings and animal waste.

Tomasko said he’s also seen the impact of grease from flooded cars and boats, septic tanks from boats and spare gas cans trickling into the bay from flooded vessels. All these things, from sewage that leaked into the water to car grease, could play a part in potential negative side effects to come.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

When Debby passed, bay experts began seeing the impacts and wondering about the coming weeks.

“What we anticipate is that we’re going to have problems with algal blooms, potentially fish kills, high levels of bacteria,” Tomasko said.

“It’s not an unrealistic expectation.”

Harmful algal blooms commonly occur from “overfeeding,” which happens when increased levels of nutrients are introduced into waterways from runoff, like nitrogen from fertilizer runoff or other bacteria, according to the National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration.

Tyrna’s organization, Suncoast Waterkeeper, conducts regular monitoring of water quality and releases weekly reports from about 11 sites around Sarasota Bay and Palma Sola Bay. After Debby, readings for enterococci — an indicator of fecal matter — were high in some sites.

A “safe to swim” range of enterococci is between 0-35 bacteria per 100 milliliters of tidal water. On Aug. 7, some readings were 41 bacteria per 100 mL at the Longboat Key boat ramp and 2,143 bacteria per 100 mL at Bayfront Park in Sarasota.

Tyrna also said that during this week’s readings, the salinity in the areas was surprisingly low.

An average salinity level is around 25 parts per thousand, Tyrna said, and she was seeing some levels below 5 ppt.

This could be due to a lot of rainwater flowing into the bay, which can negatively affect marine organisms that rely on saltwater. Some species cannot survive in salinities that low, and Tyrna said she wasn’t sure how long those impacts would last.

High levels of enterococci bacteria and low salinity suggest that significant sewage and rainwater seeped into the area’s bays.

Tomasko said the pattern of worsened water quality is common after storms that bring as much rainfall and flooding as Debby.

“I’ve gone out monitoring after a storm event for 20 years now, and it’s a pretty consistent finding: You’ll get algal blooms, you’ll get fish kills and you’ll have high bacteria in the weeks after that,” Tomasko said.

After Hurricane Ian, Tomasko said a similar situation unfolded. For at least two weeks after Ian, he said Sarasota Bay had poor water quality but, after about a month, the bay mostly recovered.

“One good thing is, this bay is healthier than it’s been in the last 10-15 years, so we should be able to bounce back from it,” Tomasko said. “It’s an episodic impact, it’s not a chronic impact.”

Tyrna was more cautious, though. She said that while the bay may mostly recover, the sediments under the bay can act as reservoirs for the harmful bacteria. Then, when future storms cause a disturbance, those toxins could be stirred back into the water column.

“It’s not like you just dump sewage into the bay and then two weeks later it’s gone,” Tyrna said. “A lot of it’s gone. But there’s still the reservoir at the bay bottom.”

For now, Tomasko said people may start to notice water having

a darker color, maybe brown. The color should be closer to aquamarine, he said, when it’s healthy. Basic senses should be an indication of whether the bay is safe, according to Tomasko.

“When the water looks the way it does, when it smells the way it’s going to smell in awhile … just let your senses tell you whether or not it makes sense to go into the water,” Tomasko said.

FUTURE UPGRADES

“There’s a roadmap to upgrading your infrastructure to ensure that it’s resilient against these storm events,” Tyrna said.

Replacing aging pipes, for example, is one way to prevent the excess water from overwhelming the collection systems. These projects take time and money, but will be necessary moving forward Tyrna said.

These upgrades are especially important considering that some experts are warning about the impact climate change has on worsening storms.

Tomasko said that as temperatures rise and the air is as warm as it is, the air can hold more moisture. More moisture leads to more rainfall.

“All that flooding, all the damage (Hurricane Debby) did, that’s a tropical storm 100 miles offshore,”

Tomasko said. “What are we going to do if we actually have a major hurricane, not a tropical storm 100 miles away … This should be a wakeup call of: How prepared are we for a future with more storms?”

Tyrna said the same, and emphasized that tropical storms will continue to bring huge amounts of rain because of warmer temperatures.

“And that’s why it’s important that we prepare,” Tyrna said.

“I’ve gone out monitoring after a storm event for 20 years now, and it’s a pretty consistent finding: You’ll get algal blooms, you’ll get fish kills and you’ll have high bacteria in the weeks after that.”

— Dave Tomasko,

algae. These nutrients could be the result of runoff from storms, sewage or other sources.

Thursday, Aug 8 at 7:00pm STRINGS CON BRIO

Friday, aug 16 at 7:00pm Jazz daddyo’s (Garden Concert)

Tuesday, aug 20 at 7:00pm ASTRALIS chamber ENSEMBLE

Wednesday, aug 28 at 7:00pm Sarasota piano trio

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church 40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 Concerts are free - All are welcome!

ELECT MELISSA FURMAN

• Honor the unique character of each neighborhood, their history, and the diverse cultures that enrich District 1.

• Lower real estate taxes for homeowners and small businesses. Improve and expand city services. Create affordable and low-income housing, focusing on seniors and those in need.

• STOP giving away city assets to developers without compensation to the citizens of Sarasota!

NOT accept funding from developers, PACs, special interest groups or former politicians.

• Respect YOU along with your ideas, thoughts and concerns!

A HUMANE ACT

Divided City Commission advances sale of city-owned land to Humane Society for a dog-walking path.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Adjacent to the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s 2331 15th

St. location is a city-owned empty lot of which 60% is a stormwater collection easement as designated by Sarasota County. With the remainder of the 1.6-acre property high, dry and wooded, the organization finds it to be an ideal spot for a much-needed dog-walking path.

The HSSC has offered the city its appraised value of $130,000 for the land, a matter that at Thursday’s rescheduled City Commission meeting divided the board by a 3-2 vote.

Nothing against dogs or the organization’s fine work, dissenters Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch and Erik Arroyo explained. Ahearn-Koch’s opposition was based on the city permanently giving up land that could be used for a higher and better purpose in the future. Arroyo lamented that the price — the value assessed by the city’s own appraiser, who is paid by the proposed buyer — was too low.

With the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby still fresh on their minds, commissioners were concerned about whether the retention pond area could one day be built upon by the HSSC or some other future owner. Those fears were allayed by City Manager Marlon Brown and City Attorney Robert Fournier, who said binding language to prevent that will be written into the sales agreement.

Besides, Economic Development and Real Estate Manager Wayne Appleby told commissioners, the county has no intention of allowing that site to be used for any other purpose.

“The county has made it very clear that they intend, and that they need, this stormwater retention pond,”

Appleby said. “This is extremely important to their operation. There’s a drainage path over here to the right of our property. What the county has said to us is that whatever happens we have to retain what we have there now.”

Although no official survey was provided, the appraisal report assumes approximately 43,668 square feet of the site is used for stormwater retention, leaving about 25,800 square feet at the north end of the parcel eligible for development. The reason for the perceived devalued price is that the remainder of the parcel lacks usable access and would require that to be granted from an adjacent parcel or be assembled with such parcels in the future.

Ahearn-Koch was concerned the HSSC could build on the north end of the site someday, but David Lynch, the organization’s senior director of operations, said that would defeat the purpose. It wants the land because it currently has no place for meaningful dog walking.

“There’s not much really for a dogwalking path. We make the best with what we currently have, so that's why we made our solicitation to the city to possibly gauge their interest on acquiring that land because that would just be a very fabulous dogwalking path,” Lynch said. “We’re always looking to enrich the lives of the animals in our care. So that is our intent with today’s meeting and what we intend to do with the acquisition of that land.”

City staff reported the county has indicated no objection to the property transfer, but a purchase and sale agreement clause would need to be included to ensure all appropriate easements and maintenance agreements are in place before closing. But why spend $130,000 to purchase the land rather than lease it, SEE HUMANE ON PAGE 7

The ‘graceful’ solution

Plans to redevelop former Southgate Mall take step forward with affordable housing compromise.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Benderson Development has taken one more step toward redevelopment of The Crossings at Siesta Key, formerly Westfield Southgate Plaza and, before that, Southgate Mall.

The largely vacant, nearly 34-acre property at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail is a commercial property desert among a future land use designation of Urban Mixed Use stretching from Hillview Street to the southern city limits.

Benderson plans to change all that, and that requires the City Commission to approve transmittal of a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment to the state review agencies for comments prior to holding a public hearing later this year.

At maximum density, Benderson could build as many as 848 apartments on the eastern side of the property and, at the Planning Board’s

request, proffered to price 10% of them as attainable and affordable, or as many as 85 units.

Benderson isn’t seeking a density bonus, but instead plans to develop the residential portion of the site up to the maximum density of 25 units per acre, but it could be fewer.

Amending the Comprehensive Plan requires a supermajority 4-1 vote. That vote will come later this year. Commissioners unanimously approved the transmittal to Tallahassee, but not before a lengthy discussion over the timing of the affordable units as the project is developed.

Alpert is

The agreed upon proffer with the Planning Board, which, at its May 8 meeting, recommended approval of transmittal by a 4-1 vote, is to include 20 attainable units among the first 400, 50 among the first 450 and 85 among the first 750.

Commissioners questioned why not offer 10% of the units as attainable and affordable at each phase of residential development, particularly since Benderson could decide to stop building apartments after the first 400.

Todd Mathes, Benderson’s director of development, explained that the project requires significant investment in infrastructure on the outset and that Benderson will need to capture all available revenues in the early phases to continue the development. That includes demolition of the mall building and substantial stormwater mitigation, which currently does not exist on the site.

“The unique burden that we’re taking on here, which will yield great results over time, is that when we initially start redeveloping this property, there’s a lot to it,” Mathes said. “It’s a big property, there’s a lot of infrastructure, there’s a lot of upfront costs, and so we’re going to bear a lot of those upfront costs very early. It’s about how can we get this property started without bearing the costs associated with those early units.”

No site plan has been devised for public consumption, but a preliminary concept shows all the residential and hidden structured parking along South School Avenue, buffering the commercial area from adjacent residences. The concept envisions a number of restaurants, retail spaces, a hotel and office buildings scattered throughout the property. The plan shows Cinebistro and Connors Steak & Seafood restaurant remaining as part of the new development.

Once approved, it will all likely take 10 to 15 years to build out the project, ultimately resulting in a town center-type of development. Mathes and Philip DiMaria, of consultant Kimley-Horn, compared the vision for the site to Mercado in Naples and Tampa’s Hyde Park Village.

While applauding the vision, concerns remained among commissioners over how to achieve that 10% threshold of affordable housing, particularly if Benderson decides to stop building apartments after that first 400. That led to more proffering in real time.

“I think the concern from my colleagues is that there’s no catch-up provision,” said Commissioner Erik Arroyo. “We understand that the expense is really on the front end, and so in order to be more flexible and allow you to be less on the front end but also have some sort of assurance in the back end to ensure that we get that 10% number.”

“I think there could be a graceful way of backing into that 10% when we get to a last phase of the project,” Mathes replied. “We really anticipate that we’re going to bring these developments block by block by block because there’s a lot going on on the property. There are still leases. There is still retail tenancy. We do anticipate owning this property forever, and so if we get toward the end of the project and it ended up being a 400-unit project and not a 600-unit project, could we come up with 20 more units and back into it? That could certainly be done.”

The “graceful” back-in is a clause that would require Benderson — if it doesn’t build enough apartments to reach the 10% threshold — to convert enough of the then-existing units as affordable and attainable if no new plans are submitted five years after the most recent certificate of occupancy.

Of the attainable units that are included, they must be priced as affordable in increments of onethird each to those earning 80% or less, 81% to 100% and 101% to 120% of area median income.

Benderson first revealed its ideas for redeveloping the property at a July 25, 2023, community workshop. Only two residents spoke about the proposal at Thursday’s meeting, both endorsing the project.

REFINING DOWNTOWN

Commissioners debate composition of ad hoc committee that will take the Downtown Master Plan 2020 into the future.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

More than two decades have passed since architect, urban planner and new urbanism guru Andres Duany and company left the city with its Downtown Master Plan 2020.

Since then, much of the vision prescribed in the plan has been imple-

mented. That includes construction of several roundabouts, construction and enhancement of public parks and green spaces, installation of more than 80 public art pieces, construction of general infrastructure and beautification improvements, density bonus incentives to bring long-term attainable housing units, establishment of a Downtown Improvement District and so on.

His mark is also left by new and planned construction in downtown and along the North Trail that brings buildings closer to the street with parking behind or enclosed, which encourages slower traffic and enhances walkability.

For the most part, mission accomplished. Sarasota’s downtown is one

feature that keeps the city ranked high on multiple “best places” lists.

But that was then.

At the April 15 City Commission meeting, Mayor Liz Alpert floated the idea of updating the Downtown Master Plan, garnering unanimous support of her colleagues, who directed staff to return at a future date with a proposal for seating an ad hoc committee to guide the city toward its downtown aspirations for future generations.

The action came in the wake of a four-part speaker series hosted by Architecture Sarasota early this year, which was designed to ignite a communitywide discussion about downtown. A consistent point across the series was that Sarasota now has a

brand that should be maintained and enhanced through a strategic update of the Downtown Master Plan.

At the Aug. 8 commission meeting, Planning Director Steve Cover and planning staff members presented a concept for determining qualifications for committee members and proposed employing the invitation to negotiate process — as opposed to issuing a request for proposal — to select a consultant to guide the committee’s work.

“This will allow us to not only negotiate what will be the components of this downtown plan, but also negotiate the fee, and we think we probably will be getting a better product using that approach,” Cover said.

Whether a committee will be seated is not in question. What remains unknown at this time is its composition, as commissioners debated the appropriate balance of subject-matter experts with residents at-large.

Specific subject-matter experts recommended by staff for a ninemember committee are:

n Urban planner

n Architect

n Landscape architect

n Civil engineer

n Public art

n Sustainability/resiliency

n Downtown Improvement

District board member

n Downtown business owner

n Downtown resident

Not so fast, commissioners said nearly in unison. A committee full of subject-matter experts, save for the at-large resident, may lend itself to a group of specific individual agendas not conducive for developing a wideranging view. Some also suggested a range in demographics to fully reflect the city’s evolving population, which is skewing younger and more diverse.

“I can see where it’s really important to have subject-matter experts at least partially, but I think saturating the whole ad hoc committee with just subject-matter experts is a little bit difficult,” said Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch. “They also should be creative, neutral and flexible, and that’s where I think having too many experts who are set in their point of view makes them less able to be flexible, neutral and creative.”

At that, commissioners took turns providing their thoughts on the types

“This is not a plan for downtown now. It’s a plan for the downtown in the future. This plan is about the future, our kids’ future and your kids’ future.”

— Planning Director Steve Cover

of backgrounds committee members should possess, even if they are atlarge residents who just happen to have some inherent knowledge in these and other areas such as historic preservation, multimodal transportation, technology and more.

Sensing the list of disciplines was outgrowing the recommended committee size, City Manager Marlon Brown said there is no rush to decide and once the committee is eventually seated he anticipates a 12- to 18-month process, maybe longer.

“We will be bringing back a resolution that will be a discussion item as well in terms of the 50-member group that you will have identified today,” Brown joked. “We will come back with a resolution that identifies some of the criteria that you mentioned today, and you'll have another bite at the apple. You’re not deciding today.”

This isn’t Cover’s first bite at the master plan apple. He told commissioners he has led such efforts in several major metropolitan areas. This one, though, he said feels different from his prior experiences.

“Here, we already have a thriving downtown, but it can be it can be even better by not only updating our plan, but creating a plan with a new vision, a unique vision that includes things that haven't been considered here before,” Cover said.

“Keep in mind that this is not a plan for downtown now. It’s a plan for the downtown in the future. This plan is about the future, our kids’ future and your kids’ future.”

A date was not set for staff to return to the commission with a more narrowly focused resolution for the committee.

Ahearn-Koch asked.

“That just wasn’t discussed,” Lynch said. “We could bring that back to our internal discussions, but we just thought that it would benefit us more to outright own it and then do as we see fit with it as far as a dogwalking path.”

“We could do a lease,” Brown added. “This serves more of a purpose for the Humane Society. They want to use it for the benefit of the animals that they are trying to save, and so it’s wasted by keeping it.”

Commissioner Debbie Trice pointed out that selling the property would bring $130,000 to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, whereas lease payments would go into the general fund.

That caught the attention of Commissioner Kyle Battie.

“It's a win-win because that money goes back into affordable housing,” Battie said. “I don’t have an issue with it.”

At the commission’s divided direction, staff will prepare a purchase and sale agreement that will require the commission’s approval before the transaction can be executed. Any language binding the retention area in perpetuity will be part of that agreement.

“Really, only half the property is usable,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “They’re paying the appraised value. That’s all we can ask them to do. And I’m also not for encumbering future ownership of the property. It has an easement for the stormwater. If something did get built, it would still have to be built to today’s standards where stormwater would have to be taken into consideration.”

“Plexr Plasma-based technology is terrific for removal of extra skin and targeted wrinkle reduction without the need for surgery, and much less expensive than typical surgery costs. For indications like eyelid lifts, neck lifts, crow’s feet and smoker’s lines it’s a great option.”

- Dr. Sam

In defense of developers

It was certainly a cringe moment recently when former Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight, who is running for the District 3 Sarasota County Commission seat, made this comment about the region’s most prominent developers:

“They have a stranglehold on our county. They are as bad as the gangs I dealt with as sheriff.”

Oh dear. Really? C’mon, Tom. Gang members? Unfortunately, that apparently is the sentiment of many people. Well, that’s at least the impression you get. And that is the perception and has been the theme of the current primary election cycle in Sarasota and Manatee counties. It appears pretty black and white. There are only two types of candidates running in the primary.

The black hats: the candidates who are referred to derisively as the “bought-and-paid-for-bydevelopers.”

And the white hats: the candidates who don’t have developers’ contributions and who constantly rag about “greedy developers” causing “over development” and harping that the black hats candidates, if elected, will just do whatever the developers want.

We’ll know in two weeks after the votes are tabulated whether that anti-developer sentiment is the majority or minority. But we’re going to pray — not hope; hope is not a strategy — the majority voting in the primary thinks rationally; thinks beyond the campaign rhetoric; and rejects the notion that developers are greedy, evil bad guys. Sure, there are always bad apples. But if you have ever gotten to know developers or homebuilders, in all likelihood, you know they are like most good people and most good business people: They’re calling is to fill a noble need — to provide comfortable places to live. And like all business people, they have a self-interest in doing what they do well. If they didn’t do their jobs well, they wouldn’t exist. They and

SEEN AND UNSEEN

Consider the two — how consumers and communities benefit when there is development and what happens where there is little or no development.

With development, just look around you — housing, shops, health care, job opportunities, recreational amenities, etc.

Now consider the alternative: NO DEVELOPMENT:

■ Little to no population growth

■ Little to no economic opportunity to increase wealth and quality of life

■ Lower wages than otherwise

■ Fewer public services

■ More poverty

■ Fewer choices (restaurants, schools, shopping, jobs, health care

■ Fewer community amenities

■ Economic stagnation, lower quality of life. If housing is not available to incoming residents and workers and employers cannot hire because workers have nowhere to live, workers and employers will go elsewhere. When employers start leaving, the economic death spiral begins.

their employees would lose it all. Likewise, it is in their interest to make the communities in which they build (and live themselves) good places to live. They don’t want to live in a crummy place. They don’t want their names associated with lousy products.

But, of course, the argument goes, they’re building too many houses and apartments! They’re the cause of over-development, crowded roadways and lack of infrastructure! It’s all their fault!

When we shared those charges with Pat Neal, CEO/owner of Neal Communities, the region’s largest home-grown homebuilder, he said: “What we do is serve the market for people who want to be in this wonderful state.”

Adds Medallion Home owner

Carlos Beruff, viewed by many as Enemy No. 1 in Manatee: “We didn’t create the fact people keep wanting to move here. Maybe remind everyone they live in a house that one of us probably built for them.”

It’s not the homebuilders; population growth — over which developers have no control — is driving the so-called “over development.”

Neal told us 57% of his customers do not have a Florida address when they make their first purchase; 22% are from elsewhere in Florida.

What’s more, when you’re inclined to huff nasty expletives at developers, flip the coin.

Think about what life would be if

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT

National impact to GDP

Residential investment contributes roughly 3%-5% to the nation’s gross domestic product, which includes construction of new single-family and multifamily structures, residential remodeling, production of manufactured homes and brokers’ fees.

1-year impact of 100 homes

The estimated impacts of building 100 homes in a typical local area include:

■ $28.7 million in local income

■ $3.6 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments

■ 394 local jobs

Additional annual recurring impacts of 100 homes:

■ $4.1 million in local income

■ $1 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments

■ 69 local jobs

1-year impact of building

100 rental apartments

The estimated impacts include:

■ $11.7 million in local income

■ $2.2 million in taxes and other revenue for local governments

■ 161 local jobs

HOW THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Does housing development cost more in government services (e.g. police, fire, EMT, etc.) than it pays in taxes?

First year impact

The 100 single-family homes and 100 rental apartments built result in an estimated:

■ $6.3 million in tax and other revenue for local governments

■ $564,000 in current expenditures by local government to provide public services to the net new households at current levels, and

■ $4 million in capital investment for new structures and equipment undertaken by local

developers didn’t develop.

“The alternative to developers is for individual homeowners to hire contractors to build their homes. But one-off homes provide no amenities like sidewalks, parks, roads, bike trails, etc.,” says Adrian Moore, a resident of Sarasota and vice president of the Reason Foundation.

“There simply is no way to build significant apartment buildings or condo complexes without developers,” Moore adds. “The economies of scale of building housing in large developments means the cost per home is much cheaper than one-off housing construction. If you want lower cost housing, you are only going to get it with developers.”

Charge No. 2 against developers — and the charge that seems most volatile during election season: Developers buy politicians.

Yes, they contribute hundreds of thousands to city and county commissioner and state legislative campaigns. Asked to respond to

Final Observer recommendations

Here is why U.S. elections should revert to occurring only on election day: Things happen up to the last day that can change voters’ minds. Such is the case this cycle.

In some races, where the choices appeared clear — candidates whose political-economic philosophies aligned with liberty and freedom for the individual; whose competence and experience appeared suited for the office; and whose integrity was solid — incidents and campaign shenanigans later skewed our views. Or, as some of the campaigns progressed, voters also learned more about the candidates.

In particular, we’ve vacillated on the two Republican primaries for Sarasota County Commission District 1 and District 3; and the fourway race in Manatee for Florida House District 72. At the same time, the campaign shenanigans and controversies continue to swirl in the campaigns for Manatee County Commission, in particular the race for District 3, which includes the Manatee portion of Longboat Key.

In the two Sarasota County Commission races, three of the four candidates — Teresa Mast (District 1) and Tom Knight and Neil Rainford (District 3) — let their campaign tactics sully their candidacies and integrity. We repeatedly have noted the constant truth twisting and sometimes outright lies in their mailers; and the refusal,

ELECTION ’24

To

mostly of Mast and Rainford (as well as School Board candidate Karen Rose), to appear at candidate forums — a disrespectful snub to voters. It’s enough to sway you to abstain on those races.

But if you feel compelled to vote for someone, when you evaluate and make a judgment on who likely would perform most competently for taxpayers, we’ll go back — reluctantly — to our initial arguments and recommendations — Mast and Knight.

In the House District 72 primary in East Manatee, we noted that this race is a rare instance when all four candidates could serve the district well. We gave the edge to “Bill” Conerly, former longtime Manatee Planning Commission chair.

But for those voters who haven’t voted yet, we’ll urge you to do more last-minute homework. Richard Green, while not widely known but with nine years as an administrative law attorney, is on par in legisla-

tive astuteness and knowledge of Florida law with the district’s predecessor, Tommy Gregory.

While Conerly can be regarded as the establishment candidate, Green is the emerging newcomer and, truth be told, more independent and more suited for Tallahassee.

For the District 3 County Commission seat in Manatee, the race has been brutal. Thirty-year-old Tal Siddique has been getting a fiery baptism into the nasty world of election campaigns. He is running against April Culbreath, former Manatee sheriff’s deputy and chair of the Manatee Republican Party Executive Committee. Newcomer versus establishment.

Culbreath and her team have been barraging voters with false accusations of Siddique being associated with Black Lives Matter and a Biden Democrat. (He is a former registered Democrat.) And last week, they circulated documents showing Siddique saying “while in the Air Force” and listing his employment as the U.S. Air Force. Culbreath’s team says he’s lying. In truth, he has not served in uniform.

Siddique’s response: “I was a civil servant who worked for the U.S. Air Force helping it lead software teams to better protect our troops and our country … In addition to being a civil servant working with our U.S. Air Force within the Department of Defense, I also worked with the Department of Homeland Security

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governments

After the first year, annually

The single-family homes and rental apartments result in:

■ $1.5 million in tax and other revenue for local governments

■ $1.1 million in local government expenditures to continue providing services at current levels

After 15 years

The homes will generate a cumulative $27.6 million in revenue compared to $20.5 million in costs, including annual current expenses, capital investment and interest on debt.

Source: Reason Foundation

this, Neal sent a memo, and in big bold letters the conclusion to his explanation was: It’s “a matter of survival.”

“I think real estate developers are the only people whose lives really, really live and die on what the County Commission does,” Neal says. “The commission is in charge of land use and county policy and culture.”

We have noted this before. Local commissioners and state lawmakers have extraordinary power over individuals’ properties. Every time they make a decision on a property, they are changing the cost for the individual who may want to sell his property; for the developer and homebuilder; and for the consumer.

Says Beruff: “I have spent my adult life supporting people who think like I do. We won’t agree 100% of the time, but if eight out of 10 times we’re on the same page, why shouldn’t I support those people?”

U.S. House, District 16 — Republican: Eddie Speir; Democrat: Neither Florida House District 72 — ”Bill” Conerly, establishment; Richard Green, newcomer, independent. Lean to Green MANATEE COUNTY County Commission — Carol Ann Felts; Talha “Tal” Siddique; Ray Turner; George Kruse School Board — Mark Stanoch; Charles Kennedy Property Appraiser — Charles Hackney Supervisor of Elections — Scott T. Farrington SARASOTA COUNTY County Commission — Abstain School Board — Karen Rose; Gregory Wood Tax Collector — Charles Bear Sarasota Public Hospital Board — Sharon Wetzler DePeters; Kevin Cooper; Pam Beitlich; Sarah Lodge Charter Review Board — Nicholas Altier; Tom DeSane; Greg “Tex” Bukowski

and other federal agencies in patriotic service to our country.”

As Democrat vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and former presidential candidate John Kerry found out: Never, ever lie or even slightly fudge military service. In Siddique’s case, that should not derail his candidacy. — Matt Walsh

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Eyes on the road

Speed detection cameras will be installed in six school zones around the city.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

Seventeen thousand, four hundred and forty-five. That’s the number of drivers who exceeded the school zone speed limit on Fruitville Road at Cardinal Mooney High School over a five-day study period.

And although that was far and away more speeders than were recorded at any other school zone in the city of Sarasota, other numbers were eye-popping as well.

On three streets surrounding Tuttle Elementary, for example, 10,946 violations were recorded over five days. At four streets around Southside Elementary School, there were 10,138 violations. And these weren’t vehicles traveling at five or six miles per hour over. All of the violations were recorded at 10-plus mph over when the school zone speed limits were in effect.

To mitigate that, the Sarasota City Commission, at the request of the Sarasota Police Department, acted on enabling state legislation that authorizes counties and municipalities to install speed detection systems in school zones. The commission unanimously approved two ordinances at its Aug. 8 meeting authorizing the placement, installation and operation of speed detection systems at select school zones, establishing traffic enforcement procedures for violations and

creating procedures before a local hearing officer.

On July 1, the SPD made a presentation to the City Commission, which included the five-day study report that demonstrated significant incidents of school zone speed violations. At that time, commissioners unanimously approved directing the City Attorney’s Office to prepare the ordinance.

Per state statute, details of the ordinance include:

„ No citations will be issued until a law officer first reviews and confirms the violation.

„ A county or municipality must spend at least 30 days educating the public about the new enforcement measures and only issue warnings before they are allowed to levy fines.

„ Only the most egregious violators will be cited — those going at least 10 mph above the speed limit.

„ No points will be assessed.

„ Insurance companies will not be notified.

Commissioners swiftly passed both ordinances with no discussion, plenty of which occurred on July 1.

“Our goal is to reinforce the school zones because our officers can’t be in every school zone,” said Demetri Konstantopoulos, captain of SPD’s support services division at that previous meeting. “We do have a very robust traffic unit, however we just don’t have the manpower to be at every school in the morning.”

Whether a school zone warrants speed detection is based on the benchmark average of 100 violations per day, and not just five or six mph over the speed limit, but rather 10 miles per hour or more.

In addition to Cardinal Mooney, the  schools that exceeded that daily

average are Sarasota Military Academy, Sarasota High School, Southside Elementary and Alta Vista Elementary.

To enforce the new school zone speed detection law, commissioners approved an ordinance designating the city’s code compliance special magistrate to serve as the local hearing officer and authorized City Manager Marlon Brown to assign existing staff to serve as special magistrate for school zone speed limit violations. Sarasota Police Department existing staff will serve as clerk to the local hearing officer.

The fine for school zone speeding, per state statute, is $100. Of that, $60 may be retained by the city to administer the program.

Of the remaining $40, $20 is assigned to the state general fund, $12 to Sarasota County Schools for safety programs, $5 to school crossing guard recruiting and retention and $3 to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDING HOT SPOTS

Five-day traffic studies demonstrated more than 100 daily drivers exceeding the posted speed by more than 10 mph at 12 school zones.

„ Cardinal Mooney High, Fruitville Road, 17,445.

„ Tuttle Elementary, North Tuttle Avenue, 7,907.

„ Southside Elementary, South Tamiami Trail, 3,624.

„ Southside Elementary, South Osprey Avenue, 3,160.

„ Southside Elementary, Webber Street East of U.S. 41, 2,721.

„ Sarasota Military Academy, North Orange Avenue, 2,357.

„ Alta Vista Elementary, South Tuttle Avenue, 1,848.

„ Tuttle Elementary, Lime Avenue, 1,804.

„ Alta Vista Elementary, South Shade Avenue, 1,261.

„ Tuttle Elementary, Lockwood Ridge Road, 1,154.

„ Sarasota High, Bahia Vista Street, 675.

„ Southside Elementary, Webber Street West of U.S. 41, 633.

„ Bay Haven Elementary, Indian Beach Drive, 445.

„ Booker High, North Orange Avenue, 151.

„ Alta Vista Elementary, South Euclid Avenue, 141.

„ Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Central Avenue, 110.

„ Tuttle Elementary, Eighth Street, 81.

„ Bay Haven Elementary, West Tamiami Circle, 36.

„ Bay Haven Elementary, Bon Air Avenue, 10.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

By all appearances, the more things change in the Sarasota City Attorney’s Office, the more they will remain the same.

City commissioners held a workshop Monday morning to informally discuss the process of replacing City Attorney Robert Fournier, who has held that position as outside counsel for 20 years, and Deputy City Attorney Michael Connolly, both of whom have announced their retirement effective next spring.  They’re not only leaving their posts as the faces of the five-partner

firm in its representation of the city, but are retiring from practicing law altogether.

At the end of Monday’s discussion, commissioners reached a consensus that it would be preferable to retain the firm’s remaining three partners — Joe Polzak, Joe Mladinich and John Shamsey — along with their support staff. The question now is whether to bring the city attorney’s office inhouse or retain the firm as outside counsel as it currently does.

That decision will be determined by cost and whether that office functions best as an independent counsel to the city or under the city’s authority. The three remaining partners said either way is fine with them.

“We’ve obviously talked about this quite a bit internally, and I think the consensus is we love serving the city,” said Polzak. “We want to continue serving the city in whichever way that the city feels is most appropriate.” No formal action was taken at

the workshop, but commissioners directed management and staff to embark on a cost-benefit analysis, which will be part of their future deliberations. In question is whether bringing an entire legal team inhouse — including support staff — with salary, benefits, pension, etc., versus an hourly rate paid to the firm.

Although no firm numbers were available Monday, Director of Human Resources Stacie Mason, City Manager Marlon Brown and the firm partners agreed that the costs would be similar either way. That’s why, across the state, similar-sized cities are about equally divided in their approach.

The City Attorney’s Office budget request for fiscal year 2025 is just more than $1.78 million.

“I think it’s advantageous if we do a little bit more research on that because we have neighboring communities that have gone from external to internal for their own reasoning,” Mason told commissioners. “It is a good point in time to review that and see what decisions we want to make.”

The departure of Fournier and Connolly, though, leaves the firm shy of two of the five attorneys who worked on behalf of the city, meaning they will need to be replaced — and then some. Fournier said even five attorneys were not adequate, and should the firm be retained, it will need to hire additional help.

As for hierarchy, the three attorneys have had internal discussions about who will replace Fournier and Connelly in meetings. Polzak would assume the city attorney title and both Mladinich and Shamsey would be deputy city attorneys.

“We would support Joe Polzak,” said Mladinich. “We’re basically equals as far as experience.”  Mladinich oversee litigation, records and business affairs and Shamsey over real estate and land use matters. They would seek to hire another land use attorney and a business affairs attorney as well.  Whether in-house or otherwise, as a charter official, the city attorney has full authority over hiring within the legal department. With the apparent consensus in place, Polzak and company can now go about recruiting for the impending open positions. That’s an important

step because viable candidates will require the promise of employment stability and bypass any transition period should the commission have decided to explore other options.

It also keeps the firm’s support staff on board.

“If we had some sort of vote of confidence, I think that would help secure the group and our employees to make sure we do stay together moving forward,” Mladinich said.

“As we’ve all stated here publicly, we’re comfortable internal or external, but before we get to the internal versus external, you’ve got to decide what’s going to happen here on March 1.”

With two decades of experience in representing the city in all matters legal, Mayor Liz Alpert wrapped up the discussion by saying that retaining the institutional knowledge of the firm, rather than starting over, will provide for a smoother transition.

“I think the institutional knowledge is really important. I think that’s huge,” Alpert said. “I think that’s probably one of the biggest things, and all three of the attorneys who will still work either for the city or trying to find another city to go to work for, have been just excellent.

“I would hate to lose that institutional knowledge.”

Myakka wetlands help reduce flooding

By containing water, flooding in the park supports downstream human communities.

MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

watershed is an area of land that channels rainfall into a common body of water. Myakka River State Park lies within the Myakka River Watershed, which encompasses approximately 600 square miles. Within this watershed, the Myakka River collects water from numerous creeks and sloughs. It provides drainage by channeling water into Charlotte Bay to the south, where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

Four major depressions act as natural water detention areas in the Myakka River Watershed. These include Flatford Swamp near Myakka City, Tatum Sawgrass Marsh just north of the park, and Upper and Lower Myakka Lake within the park. Tatum Sawgrass Marsh, the largest of these detention areas, has the capacity to store an equivalent of 1.8 inches of rainfall, which is four times that of Upper and Lower Myakka Lakes combined. And in numerous smaller wetlands, water covers the soil periodically.

During rain storms, the amount of water running over land in a watershed increases, and in severe storms, flooding may result. Low-lying areas of land, where water periodically spreads when a river or creek overflows its banks, are known as floodplains. Flooding in floodplains is an expected and important natural process. Indeed, as a rain-fed river, during our rainy season the Myakka River routinely overflows into the park’s floodplain marshes, other wetlands and hydric hammocks. As Myakka’s ecosystems have adapted to this natural ebb and flow of water, it’s critical for their health. Therefore, restoring impacted wetlands and maintaining

PARK CLOSED

Myakka River State Park is experiencing flooding, with high water levels expected in the park for a while. The park is closed to the public until further notice. For updates, visit FloridaStateParks.org.

their health is a priority for Myakka’s team.

To protect the park’s natural communities, and our own, Myakka is minimally developed. Impervious surfaces, such as those found in urban areas, greatly increase the rate and volume of runoff, resulting in a higher risk of flood damage. Conversely, wetlands, particularly floodplain wetlands, have the capacity to temporarily store flood waters during high runoff events, such as the one we’re currently experiencing as a result of Hurricane Debby. By holding back flood waters and slowing the rate that water reenters the river channel, Myakka’s abundant wetlands greatly reduce the severity of downstream flooding and erosion.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31

PHOTO EVIDENCE

8:07 p.m., 2000 block of Central Avenue

Disturbance: Responding to a disturbance call, an officer met with the complainant who advised she and her roommate, an adult male, were in a verbal argument earlier. She stated she returned from work just before 7 p.m. when the two were supposed to have a “serious talk.” She said her roommate went into the bathroom and, when he took longer than expected, got frustrated and started yelling at him. When the man exited the bathroom, the argument intensified over “inappropriate” photos he found on the woman’s phone, indicating that she was cheating.

The woman said the two have been on and off for more than four years and just recently moved in together. Officers attempted to separate the two, but neither was able to leave the residence. Both agreed to sleep in separate rooms to avoid further conflict.

FRIDAY, AUG. 2

STOPLIGHT SCARE

1:12 p.m., SPD headquarters

Disturbance: A complainant called the SPD front desk to report an incident that occurred in the area of North Washington Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. She said she had recently ejected her husband from their Bradenton apartment because he was cheating on her. At the time of the incident, she was driving with her son through Sarasota when she stopped at the traffic signal. That’s when she said her husband, pulled up next to her and began yelling at her, accusing her of following him, apparently for good reason.

She said he yelled, “I can’t believe you put me out. I’m going to kill you. You ruined my life.” Then he allegedly advised her that she should take a trip to a very hot destination. Opting to decline his travel suggestion, when the light turned green, she drove away.

The complainant wanted the incident documented because of prior abuse. She also asked about her husband using her debit card without her permission to make a child support payment to another

THURSDAY, AUG. 1

BIKE RAGE

8:20 p.m., 500 block of South Orange Avenue

Criminal mischief: The driver of a Tesla met with an officer after he was attacked by a bicyclist. The complainant said he was driving his uncle’s vehicle on Orange Avenue when he stopped to turn into the parking lot. That’s when a man described as in his late 60s riding a bike in the opposite direction stopped, dismounted, raised his front tire into the air and hit it against the driver’s door.

The officer observed a small black mark consistent with a bike tire.

The complainant said he is from out of state and is in town visiting his uncle, adding that his uncle did not wish to prosecute but wanted a case number for insurance purposes.

child’s mother in Tennessee. The officer advised she would have to check with her bank to find out if it required a police report and also to consider obtaining an order of protection against him if she was afraid of violence.

SATURDAY, AUG. 3

IPAD INCIDENT

8 a.m., 5000 block of North Tamiami Trail

Dispute: A complainant told an officer that his “lady friend” had taken his iPad and would not return it. He said the two left their motel room to go shopping, but upon returning around 1 a.m., the woman locked him out of the room.

Spending the next four hours at an undisclosed location, the complainant said he knocked on the door at 5 a.m., and the woman agreed to return all of his property except the iPad. The officer knocked on the door and asked the woman to return the tablet, which she did.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

The art of getting sober

Florida Studio Theatre’s The Recovery Project works to diminish the stigma of addiction and support artists in recovery.

EMILY LEINFUSS CONTRIBUTOR

Learning how to navigate life successfully without using mood- or mind-altering substances is the core challenge for anyone seeking recovery from addiction — whether through a 12-step program or other means.

For performing artists, however, there’s an added twist: Many elements of the profession’s lifestyle are directly at odds with getting and staying sober.

And, as any recovering addict (this writer included) has learned, “If the drugs don’t kill you, the lifestyle will.”

While this saying typically refers to the risky situations and questionable behaviors many addicts engage in to get more of their substance of choice, it’s doubly true for performing artists. Sean Daniels, director of Florida Studio Theatre’s The Recovery Project and the Anti-Stigma director at Live Tampa Bay, knows this firsthand.

In his autobiographical comedy, “The White Chip,” which ran earlier this year at FST and returned to Off Broadway in New York City in February, Daniels fictionalizes his own descent into addiction and his eventual recovery. The title refers to the token given to addicts at 12-step meetings who want to stop drinking or taking drugs.

Through this work, Daniels sheds light on stumbling blocks specific to artists — including the belief that drinking is essential for creativity — and is an accepted part of navigating the social demands of theatrical success. “Going out after a show, attend-

LEARN MORE THE RECOVERY PROJECT

„ Visit SeanDDaniels.com/ RecoveryProject.

„ The “warm line” for artists seeking support is (883) OKIQUIT (654-7848).

ing opening night parties and being present at donor events where alcohol flows freely are all part of the job,” says Casey Murphy, a Sarasotabased actor who is 12 years clean and a supporter of The Recovery Project. Murphy adds that income instability and a culture in the arts that glamorizes drug use and drinking further hinder an artist’s path to recovery.

“With addiction, though, there’s a stigma around asking for help, so you might end up trying to handle it on your own — and that’s the trap.”

— Sean Daniels

Moreover, the nature of stage work exacerbates the problem. Actors and directors, like Daniels, often work nights — performing eight shows a week, with the expectation of being emotionally open and at their best every night at 9:45. That’s a tall order if you’re battling addiction.

“Being an actor is emotionally and physically draining, but the mindset is to ‘just power through it, no matter what,’” says Daniels. “Those suffering from a disease like diabetes or asthma know that ‘powering through’ could be deadly, so they seek help. With addiction, though, there’s a stigma around asking for help, so you might end up trying to handle it on your own — and that’s the trap.”

The isolation that comes with the profession can also be a trigger.

“Let’s say you live in New York or elsewhere and get hired by a regional theater. You’re now spending two months in a community far from your friends, family and doctors,” Daniels explains. Isolation and addiction are known to be destructive bedfellows, echoing another recovery truism: “An addict alone is in bad company.”

Despite these challenges, The Recovery Project has made significant strides since its inception nearly two years ago. The program has introduced key initiatives, such as new play commissions, educational

SEE SOBER, PAGE 15

resources, artist workshops and a help line for artists. Yet, the overarching mission remains ongoing: to transform the narrative, break the stigma surrounding addiction and ultimately save lives.

A SUPPORTIVE LIFELINE FOR ARTISTS

One of The Recovery Project’s standout features is its “warm” line, designed specifically for artists who may be struggling or have questions but are not necessarily in “hotline” crisis.

“When an artist calls the warm line, they’re connected to peers or local resources through our partnership with Lightshare in Sarasota. It doesn’t require insurance and is designed to be accessible and supportive,” says Daniels.

Karina Clarke, vice president of operations at Lightshare, played a pivotal role in developing this service. Before joining Lightshare two-anda-half years ago, Clarke was program director of Sarasota County’s Drug Court for 18 years under 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Charles E. Williams. “Judge Williams, who is heavily involved in Sarasota’s artistic community, introduced me to this project,” she says.

Clarke explains that the warm line is like a concierge service for artists, assessing their needs and connecting them with appropriate services.

This can include screening for residential facilities, immediate detox placement, mental health crisis intervention, outpatient services and peer support. It’s also available

to family members seeking guidance.

“By creating a supportive environment, Lightshare aims to make it easier for artists, who often face unique challenges, to ask for and receive help without shame,” says Clarke. The ultimate goal, which aligns with The Recovery Project, is “to educate and reduce the stigma associated with addiction, ensuring individuals are treated with respect and have access to necessary services without bureaucratic hurdles.”

DEBUNKING THE MYTH OF THE WILD AND CRAZY ARTIST

A common misconception about and among artists is that substance use fuels creativity. Daniels calls this “the myth of the artist who sacrifices himself for supposed genius.” Murphy adds, “The notion of the wildly talented but self-destructive artist is just that — a myth.”

Playwright Jake Brasch is living proof this myth is untrue. He didn’t begin writing his award-winning

Smithsonian recognizes ‘Mermaid Fountain’

Sarasota’s downtown “Mermaid Fountain,” created in 1993 by artist Nancy Matthews, has been included in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of public art sculptures.

In recognition of this honor, the city of Sarasota will hold a celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Paul N. Thorpe J. Park at the intersection of Pineapple and Lemon avenues.

“We are happy to see Nancy’s ‘Mermaid Fountain’ receive the recognition it deserves from the Smithsonian Institution,” said Mary Davis Wallace, the city’s public art manager, in a statement. “Her work has not only beautified our city but has also become an integral part of Sarasota’s cultural and artistic identity.”

Matthews’ creation includes several pools and bas-relief imagery. The fountain gets its name from a depiction of a mermaid and two dolphins on the south-facing panel.

Raised in the Virgin Islands, Matthews’ work has been influenced by the cultures and spirituality of the Caribbean as well as the teachings of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung.

Matthews attended the New York School of Visual Arts from 1969 to 1971. After receiving a grant from the government of the Virgin Islands, she attended the Art Institute of San Francisco, where she studied printmaking and ceramic sculpture.

Eventually settling in Southwest Florida, Matthews received her first commission for architectural ceramics from renowned Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott.

During the next four decades, Matthews received a series of commissions through word of mouth and client referrals. Her work has been shown at the Allyn Gallup Gallery,

plays until after he got sober. “That’s when I realized my way to process the world was through writing and comedy,” he says.

He also discovered that the shared experience of addiction, while painful, could be funny. “Recovery spaces are the best theater on earth,” says Brasch, reflecting another recovery truism: “If you’re not laughing in

“By creating a supportive environment, Lightshare aims to make it easier for artists, who often face unique challenges, to ask for and receive help without shame.”

— Karina Clarke

recovery, you’re not doing it right.”

Brasch first connected with Daniels in 2022 and held a workshop based on his play, “How to Draw a Triangle” at FST in April. He related to The Recovery Project’s “mission to reach people through stories about addicts or people affected by addiction (because it) aligns with my central mission as an artist — to reach other artists in our profession who are struggling.”

Daniels adds, “Casey and Jake are two sober artists I first encountered and wanted to support. They’re both incredibly talented, smart, open about their sobriety and game to help me save a few lives — especially those who are wondering if they should give sobriety a shot or are in early sobriety.”

Brasch emphasizes the power of storytelling in recovery. “Before I got sober, no one could tell me what was happening until it was too late. Stories have a different potential to advocate compared to usual meth-

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling Museum of Art and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton.

Sarasota Players names new development director

Amy Gorman has joined The Sarasota Players as the new director of development.

Gorman brings experience from finance, education and nonprofit organizations to her new role at the nonprofit community theater. She was most recently director of development at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, where she focused on fundraising, community relationships and student programs.

Her previous positions include parents fund director and assistant annual fund director at The Taft School and corporate and community advancement associate at the State College of Florida Foundation. Gorman holds a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

“We are thrilled to have Amy join our team,” said Sarasota Players CEO William Skaggs in a statement. “She brings the perfect mix of experience and local knowledge that someone in this role needs to shine. We look forward to seeing what she’ll accomplish.”

Commented Gorman, “It’s a tremendous

ods. Being able to get people to say, ‘me too,’ is a big moment for recovery. Seeing someone else go through it, or showing someone going through something that mirrors their life is my ethos around writing recovery stories. It’s not about finger-wagging; it’s about saying, ‘Come on in.’”

STORYTELLING CAN HELP SAVE LIVES

Helping artists struggling with addiction connect with peers and find the help they need is vital, but The Recovery Project has further ambitions.

“We measure success through surveys, feedback and the impact of our educational and support initiatives,” says Daniels. A recent Anti-Stigma report shows that it’s working.

The community is responding to The Recovery Project’s storytelling, says Daniels. “Seeing and hearing stories that people relate and respond to can not only change national narratives, but can reduce stigma, which helps people to seek care, which ultimately saves lives.”

As for advice for performing artists struggling with substances, Daniels says, “I would tell you it’s better on the other end. I have a wife and a daughter who have never seen me drink.”

“Many artists and writers did their best work despite addiction, not because of it,” notes Murphy, adding, “the experience of getting sober humbled me and made me better on stage.”

Brasch offers these words: “Allow yourself to express as freely and openly as you can. Dance, write, sing — not to promote, but to process what’s happening to you artistically. It will help you understand how to recover, rebuild and realize what matters most to you.”

honor to join The Sarasota Players team. They are such an important and trusted part of this community, and their ongoing dedication to the performing arts and rich history instantly drew me to the position. I’m happy to have been chosen for this role.”

Local restaurant group hosts summer dining tours

Sarasota-Manatee Originals, which partners with Visit Sarasota for an annual restaurant week showcasing local eateries, has announced a summer dining series.

Scheduled for August and September, The Blend tours will take guests on a guided culinary trip abroad a trolley, with stops at five locally owned restaurants.

Each restaurant on the tour will serve a specially crafted dish paired with a complementing wine. At each stop, a wine expert and a chef will be on hand to guide the tasting experience.

The first tour is on Aug. 20 and will explore Venice and Nokomis, with stops at Pop’s Sunset Grill, Chaz 51 Steakhouse, Café Venice, Fins at Sharky’s and the Paradise Grill.

The second tour, which takes place Sept. 25, focuses on Bradenton and Palmetto, with visits to Mean Deans Local Kitchen, Birdrock Taco Shack, Ortygia, The Riverhouse and more. Tickets for available online only for $135 per person. The cost covers all food, wine pairings, trolley transportation and gratuities. Specific dietary restrictions and meal requests cannot be accommodated.

For more information, visit EatLikeALocal. com/Events/The-Blend.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

ROB SCHNEIDER

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $53 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

“Saturday Night Live” veteran Rob Schneider tapped his personal life for his first Netflix comedy special, “Asian Momma, Mexican Kids,” which premiered in 2020. His credits include the NBC sitcom “Men Behaving Badly” and the feature films

“Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” “The Hot Chick” and “The Benchwarmers.” Runs through Aug. 18.

DON’T MISS

OPENING RECEPTION FOR NEW EXHIBIT

Art Center Sarasota hosts an opening reception for its latest round of exhibitions by artists

Precious Darling, Tanner Simon and teens from the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County. Darling’s show, “How He Sees Me,” uses black-and-white photography and sculpture to focus on the way women are viewed while Simon’s “Big Soup, Big Responsibility” explores the intersection of humor, seriousness and the absurd with large-scale paintings. All three exhibitions run through Sept. 28.

IF YOU GO

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15

Where: at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: Free Info: Visit ArtCenterSarasota. org.

‘THE MUSIC OF LAUREL CANYON’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret,1265 First St., Sarasota

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Sept. 1.

GREEN DAY’S ‘AMERICAN IDIOT’

7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30; $13 for students Visit ThePlayers.org.

Broadway director and playwright Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”) collaborated with Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and distilled his Grammy Award-winning album into a rock opera. This explosive production, directed by Brian Finnerty, is just the cure for the summertime blues. Runs through Aug. 16.

‘THE FOUR C NOTES’

8 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.

$18-$42

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

For fans of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons, the doo-wop sound never goes out of style. With “The Four C Notes,” Florida Studio Theatre continues the tradition of presenting Four Seasons tribute shows in its summer cabaret series. Runs through Oct. 13.

‘THE OUTSIDER’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. $29-$46 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

After the past few weeks in politics, we could all use some laughs. Florida Studio Theatre serves up a political comedy about the world’s least likely candidate for governor who just might be exactly what the voters want. Runs through Aug. 18.

FRIDAY

CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘VIVA LAS VEGAS’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

If you’re a fan of campy Elvis Presley movies, it doesn’t get much better than “Viva Las Vegas,” which created a lot of chemistry on screen (and off, according to gossip columnists) between the King of rock ’n’ roll and his sexy co-star Ann-Margret.

SATURDAY

COMEDY LOTTERY

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St. $15-$18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Everyone’s a winner in this FST Improv show, where audience members select the night’s lineup of games, replete with scenes, sketch-

OUR PICK

‘ANYTHING GOES’ Can’t get enough of Cole Porter? Then the Manatee Players’ revival of the 1934 musical “Anything Goes” is the show for you. Set sail on the S.S. American as two unlikely couples try to chart a course to lasting happiness with the help of singing sailors. Runs through Aug. 18.

IF YOU GO

When:When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15

Where: at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton Tickets: $32-$42 Info: Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

es and songs designed to provoke laughter. Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.

SUNDAY

HD AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘COPPÉLIA’

1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $12-$20 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Find out what happens when the lonely Dr. Coppelius brings a doll to life. His “daughter’s” beauty is so great that it threatens to derail the engagement of a peasant couple to be married during the village harvest festival.

WEDNESDAY

JAZZ HAPPY HOUR

6 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free with reservation Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

Sarasota Music Archive presents the Barbara Jordan Quintet playing a program of “Swinging the Classics.”

Thinking small at 502 Gallery

The new 400-square-foot gallery in the Burns Court district showcases small, affordable works.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR

Somewhere, Syd Solomon is smiling.

The late artist and his wife, Annie, who died in 2020 at age 102, were known for bringing Sarasota’s visual arts community together and sparking dialogue, collaboration and fun.

As a result of the teamwork at Ringling College of Art and Design’s recent Solomon exhibition, a new gallery has opened in the historic Burns Court district.

The team behind the new 502 Gallery at 502 S. Pineapple Ave. — Ringling College Chief Curator Tim Jaeger, art collector and investor Dr. Richard Mones, and gallery Operations Manager Christina Antoniou — collaborated on “Fluid Impressions: The Paintings of Syd Solomon,” which ran from November 2023 to March in the college’s Lois and David

IF YOU GO

‘SHOPLIFTABLE’

Where: 502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Ave.

When: Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Runs through Nov. 9.

Stulberg Gallery. Rounding out the 502 Gallery team is Jaeger’s wife, Cassia Kite, who is an arts educator and an artist herself.

Including the Ringling College galleries that Jaeger oversees, the 502 Gallery brings the number of galleries that he’s actively curating to nine.

Like all artistic endeavors, 502 Gallery is a labor of love. But the partners aim to make money for themselves and for the Sarasota artists whose works are on display in the 400-square-foot gallery.

The grand opening of 502 Gallery

was scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 4, but Hurricane Debby threw a monkey wrench into the works, and the event was delayed until Aug. 11.

On Aug. 9, the partners in 502 Gallery were presiding over a soft opening of sorts, as friends and well-wishers dropped by the gallery, which was dealing with some airconditioning problems. Even with the last-minute opening snafus, the excitement was palpable.

Despite lifelong admonitions heard by every American to “think big,” 502 Gallery is doing exactly the opposite. Its first show, “Shopliftable,” features multimedia works no larger than six inches high, wide and deep.

The pieces are billed as “small enough to steal,” but they also seem like the perfect stocking stuffers for arts lovers. (It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping.)

The response to 502 Gallery’s request for entries was so great, its next show, in November, will be called “Shopliftable II.”

Even with a soft opening, artworks were being purchased on Aug. 9. Antoniou, a Boston native who graduated from Ringling College in May, slipped into the back room to pick up new pieces to replenish the gallery’s display.

The price points range from $300 to $1,300, Antoniou says.

The Jaegers and Mones see 502 Gallery as filling a niche in the Sarasota arts scene that has been overlooked.

By focusing on small works, 502 Gallery is offering affordability, giving both established and emerging artists the opportunity to connect with collectors who need art to fill a corner or a space on a bookshelf. “It’s all about being accessible,” Jaeger says.

For their new venture, partners considered South Palm Avenue downtown, home to other art galleries and the scene of First Friday Artwalks during season, but the rents were too high, Mones says.

The block of Pineapple Avenue where 502 Gallery is located is filled

with restaurants, antique stores and other retailers, and the sidewalk art has been refreshed ahead of this November’s Chalk Festival. Just around the corner is Burns Court Cinema. “It’s a perfect location for us,” Mones says.

About 50 Sarasota artists are featured in the first edition of “Shopliftable.” Among them are familiar names such as Omar Chacon, Keith Crowley, Jack Dowd, Joe Fig, Virginia Hoffman, Joseph Melancon, Marina Shaltout as well as Kite, who has been married to Jaeger since 2012.

Kite met her future husband when she took a class at Ringling College, which included a visit to Jaeger’s studio at the time. “We started talking and we haven’t stopped since,” she says.

Despite their small space, Jaeger and his collaborators envision 502 Gallery as a hub for artists and their collectors.

The gallery is just a few doors down from Project Coffee, and Jaeger hopes the space will be the kind of place where folks drop by just as they would a coffee shop. “We want to build community,” Jaeger says.

The pieces are billed as “small enough to steal,” but they also seem like the perfect stocking stuffers for arts lovers.

BACK IN CLASS

Students returned to school Aug. 12 in Sarasota.

Most students in Sarasota’s schools had the same firstday jitters Skye Evans did as she walked through the doors to her second grade classroom.

For its back-to-school theme this year, the school chose “A-Team” in celebration of being an “A” rated school.

To carry out the them of the 1980s TV series, all teachers dressed in 1980s-inspired attire and played songs from the beloved era as parents dropped off students.

“We are really excited to have the kids back here,” said Principal Mindy Long. “We expect sunshine and rainbows for the first day.” Meanwhile, students were also celebrating their return to school throughout the district.

At Southside Elementary, some students took playfully to the fields as they were dropped off by their families, with a large “Welcome Back Panthers” sign in front of the school to recognize the occasion.

At Tuttle Elementary, one celebration turned a little bittersweet, as fifth grade science teacher Justine Holcomb helped commemorate her class’ “last first day” of elementary school.

On her first day of school back at Alta Vista Elementary School on Aug. 12, the thought of a new teacher made her nervous for the year to come.

Her mom, Nikea Morgan, calmed her down and reminded her she knows the school backwards and forwards, because she has attended it since kindergarten.

Meanwhile, the Alta Vista teachers decided to turn nerves around by making the welcome to elementary school fun.

Students donned back-to-school themed glasses to have a class photo taken. Holcomb said the students could now end the year with a souvenir to help them remember how it began.

Superintendent Terry Connor said it was a beginning that saw kids eager to resume school activities.

“In every instance, the kids have got their fresh haircuts, they’ve got their new clothes, and they’re excited to see their friends, and excited about the new possibilities that they have with their teachers in their classes, so it’s just been a really warm welcome and an exciting start to the school year.”

Fandom comes to town

Sarasota’s August Kane thoroughly enjoys the community spirit at SarasotaCon, even from his spot at the entrance. Each year, he’s eager to come and volunteer at the event, which celebrates pop culture with comics, other items and collectibles, and plenty of attendees in costume.

“It’s fun. Family friendly. Kids come out. Costumes, arts, crafts, locals. It’s just so much joy, something to do around here. Carmine cares a lot about these people,” he said, referring to organizer Carmine De Santo.

During the event, held Aug. 10 at the Carlisle Inn & Conference Center, the community put on its best face — or rather, faces — with plenty of elaborate costumes, as well as a costume contest.

It also brought Tami Erin of the 1998 film “The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking,” the “Baby” vehicle from the TV series “Supernatural,” and a modified DeLorean mimicking the one from “Back to the Future.”

“It’s my first con. It’s fantastic, and I love the fact that the community comes out for it,” said attendee Nicholas Thomas. — IAN SWABY

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Don’t miss this

ters like tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and forest fires.

PCCR’s Joseph Miller said there is a close relationship between the Amish and Mennonite communities. Those friendships will help with facilitating the relief efforts in Sarasota’s largely Amish community of Pinecraft, he said.  The community is something of

a vacation site for many Amish and Mennonite people, he said, although since Hurricane Debby, the scene has been far from idyllic.

A journey down the community’s streets sees piles of furniture, mattresses and household items lying outside, as residents clear their houses, often tearing out damaged walls and pulling up flooring.

As of Aug. 9, the organization has a handful of volunteers at its base in Pinecraft, where it is staging outside the Yoder’s Amish Village restaurant.  Miller said it’s working on sourcing skilled volunteers, from wherever they will come from in the country, including the local area if possible.

HISTORIC FLOOD

The levels of flooding seen in Hurricane Debby have been historic for Sarasota as a whole, and Pinecraft saw particularly serious impacts.  Pennsylvania Mennonite organization helps Pinecraft residents with flood damage.

For instance, resident Christopher Lee’s home on Bellevue Street filled with 42 inches of water, resulting in a water rescue for him and his cat, Ella.

“A lot of private volunteer agencies have come through, and that’s amazing,” he said on Aug. 10, noting the city had also removed a load of materials from his property.

He said the community had been responsive.

“I’ve had a lot of people come in to offer to help, but they have their own problems to deal with, and I’ve hired a group to tear everything out, so I’m trying not to utilize resources that could be better utilized somewhere else,” he said.

He also said that if the repairs to his home exceed 50% of the home’s market value, he would be required to elevate the house, based on the rules of the National Flood Insurance Program managed by FEMA.

Chris Miller and his wife, Janelle Miller, ended up moving into their new home quicker than they anticipated, after their home on Bellevue Street flooded in the early morning.

Miller is the head of delivery at Miller’s Dutch Haus Furniture, the Amish furniture company owned by

his parents, Tim and Sarah Miller, and has lived in the Pinecraft area his whole life.

However, he’s never experienced anything like the flooding caused by Hurricane Debby, which saw him traveling by boat from his parents’ house, back to the house where he and Janelle lived, the Monday after the storm.

“My personal opinion, I think it’s the building,” he said. “In my mind, you have all these big buildings. … I used to drive around and around here,” he said. “There were fields, there were small groves, and stuff like that around in Sarasota here, and now everything’s condos, everything’s concrete, and I just don’t think there’s a place for the water to settle.”

Joseph Miller hopes the PCCR’s work can get fully underway quickly.

“It’s bad enough, definitely,” Miller said. “It’s not the worst I’ve seen, by a long shot, but flooding is always hard. Somehow, it brings an air of hopelessness with it. I’m not sure how to describe it. Something about everything being wet and smelly and horrible and gross, and it just wears you down.”

The PCCR has already begun with some relief efforts. One home the crew has worked on is the one where Dennis Fry resides.

They have helped to remove materials from the house including flooring and walls.

“Without them, we’d still be starting,” Fry said. “Without them and their organization, we would not have had help today. Special thanks to them, a very well-needed organization.”

Lung Associates Joins

First Physicians Group

First Physicians Group is delighted to announce the addition of Lung Associates of Sarasota to our award-winning healthcare system. As part of this exciting transition, they will now operate under the name First Physicians Group Pulmonology.

With over 30 years of expertise in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Lung Associates of Sarasota has delivered exceptional care for conditions such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

As part of First Physicians Group, the dedicated professionals of Lung Associates will continue providing the same services and level of care that patients have come to expect and rely on, but now with the backing of the entire Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and its quest to provide comprehensive and seamless healthcare to our community.

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Keep training like an Olympian

The Summer Games fun doesn’t have to end; here are two more Olympic sports you can learn in Sarasota.

Editor’s note: The first part of this two-part series appeared in the Aug. 1 edition under the headline “Olympic pursuits close to home.”

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

The Summer Olympic Games may have come to an end for another four years on Aug. 11, but there are still opportunities for training in Olympic disciplines in Sarasota — if you know where to look.

Here are two more ways to train like an Olympian, right here at home.

SKY HIGH ON TRAMPOLINE

While growing up in Idaho, Ryan Weston often jumped on his neighbor’s trampoline.

Now, as an instructor at the Circus Arts Conservatory, he’s showing kids and adults the skills and fun the sport and performance art offers.

As a 2000 Olympic alternate, an eight-time national trampoline champion, USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductee and a former member of Cirque du Soleil, he has the expertise to share.

“It’s very enjoyable,” he said. “It’s fun. It’s an amazing feeling to be jumping. It’s like you’re flying.”

In addition to the fun, trampoline is also an activity that straddles the divide between sports and art form.

Currently, Weston said, Cirque du Soleil prefers to hire ex-Olympians, for athletes make the best circus artists.

“They’ve already got the strength; they have the flexibility; they have the body awareness. They have all the foundation necessary to be a great circus artist,” Weston said.

But joining the circus hadn’t always been Weston’s plan. When he first started in trampoline, he didn’t have any desire to move beyond competition.

After his parents enrolled him in gymnastics, he started competing internationally at age 10, winning the world age group tumbling championships at 10 and 12 years old.

IF YOU GO

n Acro/Trampoline Beginner (Ages 5-17) – Mondays & Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. Currently on hiatus

n Acro/Trampoline Intermediate (Ages 5-17) – TBD

n Fitness/Trampoline Beginner (Ages 18+) – Tuesdays 7-8 p.m.

Class times/days may change due to arena events.

2075 Bahia Vista St. Visit CircusArts.org.

However, when the chance to compete in the Olympics just barely escaped his reach, he decided to change course.

As one of two athletes representing the U.S. at the 2000 Olympics, amid a limited total number of spots, he was dropped to an alternate spot so that Africa could be represented in the competition, he said.

Later, he turned in a video to Cirque du Soleil, joining the company in 2008. After a two-week hyper-training in Montreal, he was performing in “La Nouba” at Walt Disney World.

“I actually love Cirque way more than I ever did competing, because you don’t know what you don’t know until you know it, right?” he said. He performed in thousands of shows over 10 years, until about 2018, then moved to Montreal and became a head coach, before becoming a stage artist again and performing in “The Beatles LOVE” and “Michael Jackson: One” in Las Vegas.

After that, he was seeking freelance work, and set his sights on the Circus Arts Conservatory, what he says is the only such school among Sarasota and all surrounding areas.

He said he was drawn by “the great opportunity here, just to really help develop this program, because there’s so much potential here.”

Weston teaches both kids and adults, using a competitive Olympic trampoline that has the ability to send its users soaring 30 to 35 feet in the air due to its specialized beds, springs and frames.

As a coach, first and foremost, his concern is always safety.

“You’ve got to treat trampolines like swimming pools,” he said. “You have to go to a place where it’s a con-

trolled environment, with someone that knows what they’re doing, so that they can learn the proper technique, learn how to flip and twist, learn the body awareness, have the strength and flexibility necessary to be safe and to mitigate injury,.”

Once those features are in place, he hopes to see students soar.

FIND YOUR STRENGTH IN JUDO

Sensei André Vitorino de Lima Neto started judo when he was bullied in school while growing up in Brazil.

Although Neto never used judo to fight with bullies, it changed his way of thinking, and soon, there was no need to fight in the street.

“I started to respect myself, then other people started to respect me, too, because judo is not about violence, judo is about our confidence, it’s about the people, about partnerships, about friendship, so it’s changed my life, and now this is my mission,” he said.

The martial art, the fighting style from which Brazilian jiu-jitsu sprung, is popular in many countries around the world, but is only just taking off in the U.S., Neto said.

Fortunately, he finds the country’s environment conducive to sharing his love of judo.

Five months ago, he opened JuDojo, which is now Sarasota’s premier judo location.

“I’m excited to come to the U.S., because the U.S. is an Olympic country,” he said. “It’s more opportunity for my martial art and for my kids to grow up and fight ... I know the United States has a lot of problems, like every country in the world, but for us, working in the martial arts, it’s the best place.”

He said starting a business in the U.S. is much easier than in his former home of Brazil, while he also saw an absence of judo in Sarasota, to be filled.

A black belt in judo, Neto has been training for more than 25 years.

After one year in the martial art, he went to his first tournament, in which he won a silver medal. He didn’t stop competing after that, enjoying a long career in Brazil.

He said judo is “for anybody.” He calls it easier to learn than other martial arts and said it is not specific to any age or body shape.  Judo is similar to Brazilian jiu-

IF YOU GO

Monday to Friday

6-9 a.m. – All levels (by appointment)

4-5 p.m. – Kids (ages 4-7)

5:30-7 p.m. – Kids (ages 8-11)

7-8:40 p.m. – All levels

Private Judo Class

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)

4088 Bee Ridge Road Visit JuDojoUSA.com.

jitsu, but Neto describes the main difference as being that in judo, an effective takedown will end a fight.

Judo doesn’t involve kicks or punches, he said, noting that what it does involve is lots of repetition.

Classes begin with the repetition of moves learned during previous classes.

“You just repeat it over and over and over again,” said Ali Arthur, 19.

Classes are held from Monday to Friday, and Neto emphasizes that students can’t come just one day a week and expect to pick up the skills.

“Judo is about discipline. Judo is a lot of discipline,” he said.

Arthur said she enjoys the discipline of the classes, and felt compelled to join a gym since becoming involved in judo.

“In judo, we believe repetition make perfect, so in judo you need to respect the body, and take your time and keep training,” Neto said.

“That’s it.”

André Neto.

Sorrento Shores home tops sales at $3.51

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Sorrento Shores tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Kevin and Patricia Traier, of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 425 Titian Drive to Gregory Arov and Jean Margolina, trustees, of Osprey, for $3.51 million. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, five-anda-half baths, a pool and 5,903 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.65 million in 2011.

SARASOTA

ONE ONE PALM

John and Carol Palmer, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 204 condominium at 711 S. Palm Ave. to Lori Bonavolante and Allan Sague, of Brewster Massachusetts, for $1,875,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,883 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,317,800 in 2019.

MARK SARASOTA

Isabella Wagner, trustee, and Robert Wagner, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, sold the Unit 1010 condominium at 111 S. Pineapple Ave. to Dawn Buthorn, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, for $1,815,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,746 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,299,300 in 2020.

BAYSO SARASOTA

Lynn Burton, of Ontario, Canada, sold the Unit 903 condominium at 301 Quay Commons to Michael Maggs and Christy Grecco, of Venetia, Pennsylvania, for $1.58 million. Built in 2023, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 1,811 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,208,400 in 2023.

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS RESIDENCES

Mark and Lily Clemann, of Ontario, Canada, sold their Unit 15E condominium at 50 Central Ave. to Mihaela Lafleur, of Sarasota, for $1.45 million. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,035 square feet of living area. It sold for $875,000 in 2013.

HARBOR HOUSE SOUTH

Vincent Ebbecke and Joan Toborowsky, of Philadelphia, sold their Unit 11 condominium at 400 Golden Gate Point to Stewart James Moon and Trudy Anne Moon, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1.4 million. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet of living area. It sold for $800,000 in 2019.

SCHOOL AVENUE TOWNHOMES

Michael James Fitch, of Sarasota,

sold his home at 2197 Main St. to Berkeley Claiborne, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, for $1.4 million. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,428 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,326,700 in February.

HOLIDAY HARBOR

DL Properties LLP sold the home at 7779 Holiday Drive to Christine Petrillo and Thomas Potts, of Sarasota, for $1.15 million. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,363 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.1 million in 2021.

HARBOR OAKS

Jingqing Zhang and Andrew Hilmer, of Scarsdale, New York, sold their home at 2111 Palm Terrace to Niles Garden, of Sarasota, for $1 million. Built in 1950, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,068 square feet of living area. It sold for $850,000 in 2022.

PHILLIPPI GARDENS

Kenneth Lee Hamel, of Denver, sold his home at 5595 Merrimac Drive to Colin and Sarah McDonagh, of Sarasota, for $840,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,732 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2020.

Samuel Weston Schmidt and Natalie Modly Schmidt, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2465 Constitution Blvd. to Veronica Plasencia, of San Rafael, California, for $619,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,567 square feet of living area. It sold for $369,900 in 2020.

Martin Young, of Sarasota, and Brenda Due Hodes, of Centerville, Georgia, sold their home at 2504 Waneta Drive to Solano Holdings LLC for $517,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $178,500 in 2018.

GULF GATE EAST

David and Michelle Herring, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3707 Kingston Blvd. to Jose Antonio Garcia and Toni Bosco Garcia, of Sarasota, for $746,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,048 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2021.

MARBLEHEAD

Aniko Zsuzsanna Gati, of Sarasota, sold her home at 2525 Marblehead Drive to Mary and Michael Leach, of Sarasota, for $715,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,309 square feet of living area. It sold for $469,000 in 2018.

PINE SHORES ESTATES

Nancy Hofstetter, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6036 Border Lane to Erin Elizabeth Kennedy and Ryan David Tackla, of Blue Ash, Ohio, for $699,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,286 square feet of living area. It sold for $320,000 in 2016.

5,903 square feet of living area.

SARASOTA: $3.05 MILLION

Cherokee Park

Daniel and Courtney Snyder, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1715 South Drive to Mary Patricia Goodan, trustees, of Sarasota, for $3.05 million. Built in 1966, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,517 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,345,000 in 2013.

SIESTA KEY: $1.2 MILLION

Siesta Bayside

Krab Holdings LLC sold the home at 718 Birdsong Lane to Julie Kahn, trustee, of Carmel, Indiana, for $1.2 million. Built in 1974, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,370 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2021.

PALMER RANCH: $830,000

Other top sales by area ONLINE

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Deer Creek

Carol Ann Stares, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8566 Woodbriar Drive to Eugene and Claudia George, of Sarasota, for $830,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,801 square feet. It sold for $545,000 in 2018.

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YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

TOAST LOCAL

5-9 p.m. at 3000 Ringling Blvd. $35. The Rotary Club of Sarasota invites the community to its second annual Toast Local, an event featuring local beers, cocktails and food, with proceeds benefiting the local community. The Rotary Club performs fundraising and hands-on efforts to support Sarasota-area nonprofits and schools. Visit RotaryClubOfSarasota. com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 16

WELCOME BACK SHABBAT DINNER

6:45-8:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road. Adults $20; kids $10; Jewish future families $18 (immediate family members only). This family style Shabbat dinner features members of the Family Shabbat Band and offers a menu of roasted chicken, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, garden salad and dessert. Visit SarasotaTemple.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

ZUMBA AT THE BAY WITH YAËL CAMPBELL: END OF SUMMER ZUMBA PARTY

10:30-11:30 a.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. Join Yaël Campbell and become a zumba rockstar as you dance, jump, shake and sing. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

MUSIC CLUB Noon to 1:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Join teen teacher Anni Szantosi, who brings numerous instruments to this club for those who want to learn to play an instrument or meet others who like music. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket. com.

LIMELIGHT MARKET

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Bazaar on

Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. Free to attend. Held the third Saturday of each month, the Limelight Market features guest vendors, animal rescues and live music in the courtyard. Visit BazaaronApricotAndLime.com.

MONDAY, AUG. 19

SOCRATES CAFE

12:30-2 p.m. at 7112 Curtiss Ave. Free. Socrates Cafe invites people from different backgrounds for the thoughtful exchange of ideas using the Socratic method of respectful listening and debate. SCGovLibrary. LibraryMarket.com.

TUESDAY, AUG. 20

MEET THE PUPS

4-5 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Meet therapy dogs and their owners, and enjoy spending time with therapy pets. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.

THURSDAY, AUG. 22

EVENING NAMASTE AT THE BAY WITH PETRA RATNER 6-7 p.m. at Bayfront Community Center. 803 N. Tamiami Trail. Free. Petra Ratner leads a morning session of kundalini fusion yoga, ending with meditation and a sound bath. Most kundalini yoga is performed sitting down in a comfortable pose, and no experience is necessary. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

SPORTS

Fast Break

Former Cardinal Mooney High football punter Carter Jula committed to the University of Nevada on Aug. 12. Jula, a 2024 graduate, is rated as a 4.5-star punter by Kohl’s Kicking. Jula also played for the school’s basketball team.

… Sarasota Crew head coach Casey Galvanek, who coached with Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics, received the Order of Ikkos from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee on Aug. 3. The award is presented by Team USA medalwinning athletes to a coach, mentor or other individual who has been instrumental in their success. Galvanek coached the Men’s Four to a gold medal and the Men’s Eight, which included Sarasota rower Clark Dean, to a bronze medal.

… The Marko Polo Water Polo club, based out of Sarasota Sports Club, had its 12U and 14U teams win gold medals at the USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics, held Aug. 1-4 in Dallas.

… Former Sarasota High baseball star Vaun Brown, a member of the San Francisco Giants organization, was promoted from A-level Eugene Emeralds to the AA-level Richmond Flying Squirrels on Aug. 11.

… The Sarasota Crew rowing club is starting middle school and high school rowing programs at Nathan Benderson Park this fall. No prior rowing experience is necessary to join. A trial season will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. through Sept. 26 before the racing season begins. For more information, visit SarasotaCrew. org. The Crew will still hold programming at its current Osprey location, including elementary student programming.

“Winning with your team is one of the best feelings ever.”

Sailors seek stability in 2024

Sailors have a new coach in Amp Campbell following 1-10 season.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

Afootball program cannot be built in one day — but one good day, stacked on top of other good days, is how a strong foundation is established

This is the philosophy Anthony “Amp” Campbell is bringing to Sarasota High football. Campbell, a former Riverview High standout who played college football at Michigan State University, was hired as the program’s head coach in January.

He was previously an assistant at Riverview, and before that coached defensive backs in the college ranks, including a stint at Division I Western Michigan University. Campbell takes over for Josh Phillips, who led the Sailors to a 1-10 record in his only season with the program; Phillips initially stepped down in January to accept an assistant coaching position with Wagner College, but left Wagner a month later to take a job with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sailors Athletic Director BJ Ivey, who was elevated to that position last year, has a similar philosophy to Campbell when he coaches the Sarasota boys basketball team. After years of turnover, Ivey has brought stability and success to the Sailors. Campbell wants to do something similar on the gridiron. And he’s bringing knowledge from perhaps the best coach that college football has ever seen: Nick Saban, who coached Campbell at Michigan State.

“Everything that we are doing is pretty much the way we did things at Michigan State,” Campbell said during a Suncoast Gridiron Media Day event July 26. “Everything is a symbol of the way he (Saban) did things, (even) from a conditioning standpoint.”

That also includes accountability, Campbell said. It is on every person in the program to make sure they are

SARASOTA HIGH: AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Anthony “Amp” Campbell, first season 2023 record: 1-10, missed the postseason Key to the season: Learning. With not only a new coach in the fold, but a majority of new starters on both offense and defense, the 2024 Sailors season is about growth. Even if wins do not come in bunches, the foundation the 2024 team creates will help wins come in the future.

Schedule (All games at 7:30 p.m unless otherwise noted): Aug. 16 vs. Brandon High (7 p.m., preseason)

Aug. 23 vs. Cardinal Mooney High Aug. 30 at Braden River High (7 p.m.)

Sept. 6 at Booker High Sept. 13 vs. Gibbs High Sept. 20 vs. Ida Baker High

Sept. 27 vs. Riverview High

Oct. 4 at Lakewood Ranch High (7 p.m.)

Oct. 10 at Lehigh High

Oct. 25 at Venice High

Nov. 4 at Parrish Community High (7 p.m.)

“Everything that we are doing is pretty much the way we did things at Michigan State.”

— Amp Campbell

doing what they can to get better every day.

The players took notice. At Media Day, senior defensive end Brian Klingel said the speed of play that Campbell expects at practice is significantly higher than it was a season ago. Campbell expects full effort at all times, Klingel said. There are no plays off. In addition to the structure of practice, senior linebacker Nathan Pralle noticed a more rigid expectation of player conduct: Being late to practice or goofing off in the locker room instead of going to class were things laughed off in the past, but not anymore.

Those are necessary changes. Whether they lead to wins in 2024 remains to be seen, but the Sailors will give it their best shot.

Sarasota will be led by its defense, where senior linebacker Pralle (42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks) and senior defensive end Klingel (60 tackles, 14 tackles for loss) will give the Sailors reliability in the front seven, surrounded by more inexperienced players. In the secondary, the team graduated its six top defensive backs from a season ago, so young players will get a chance to make a name for themselves.

The offense brings even less experience. Running back Joe Ziegler, the leader of last year’s attack, is now at Stetson University. Quarterback Johnny Squitieri graduated, as did the team’s top-five receiving yards leaders. In terms of total yards, the returnee with the most is junior

tight end Scott Wells, who had eight catches for 75 yards in 2023. Lucas Crowley is also expected to take on a bigger role; the senior receiver had four catches for 56 yards last year.

The Sailors have three players listed as primary quarterbacks on their HUDL roster: junior Jace Ekes, freshmen Hudson West and Cooper Hamilton (who is also listed as a kicker). None of the three have recorded stats at the varsity level in the regular season, but the 6-foot Ekes was at the team’s Media Day event, a sign that he’ll have the first shot at going under center.

The team’s schedule will not make things any easier. After a preseason game against Brandon High on Aug. 16, the Sailors will start the regular season against defending Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1S champion Cardinal Mooney High at home. The slate also includes games against Venice High, Booker High and archrival Riverview High, to whom the Sailors have lost 13-straight games.  2024 will likely be a season of learning for the Sailors. That’s exactly what Campbell wants.

“The most important thing for us is to stay ‘green,’” Campbell said. “As long as we stay green and continue to grow, we will be OK.”

Tornadoes want even more in ’24

Booker High football gets talent injection for the season ahead.

RYAN

KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

How did the Booker High football program follow a 9-5 season and a trip to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 2S state semifinals?

By putting together a team that, on paper, has even more potential.

The Tornadoes are entering year three under head coach Scottie Littles and have shown improvement each season. In 2023, thanks to a hard-charging running game, a big-play passing game and an athletic defense, Booker put together a successful season and got better as the year moved forward, peaking in a 38-32 regional final road win over Bishop Verot High and quarterback Carter Smith, a University of Michigan commit. Though the Tornadoes’ dream postseason run came to an end with a 41-3 loss to Cocoa High the following week, it was a level of success Booker had not seen in a long time.  In 2024, the Tornadoes expectations are to match and exceed what they accomplished a year ago. Thanks to a slew of transfers on both sides of the ball, Booker feels like it is ready to be a real contender for the Class 2S crown.

“The expectations are high,” Littles said at a Suncoast Gridiron Media Day event July 26. “We’re excited to see how we can build this and take it to the next level.”

It starts under center. Last season, the Booker offense was able to create big plays based on the strength of weapons like wideout Josiah Booker, who now plays for Central Michigan University. But the passing game overall was inconsistent. Tornadoes quarterbacks completed just 48.8% of their passes in 2023.

The team believes it has a solution to that problem in Ryan Downes, a senior who transferred into the program from Venice High. Downes split time with Venice quarterback Jadyn Glasser last year before an injury ended his season after five games; he saw significant action in three of them and finished with 231 passing yards and two touchdowns. He will get a shot at hanging onto the starting spot with the Tornadoes.  Downes will have no shortage of weapons to use. Though Josiah Booker is gone, returnees include 6-foot-2 sophomore receiver Tyren Wortham, who caught 15 passes for 272 yards and six touchdowns and earned scholarship offers from Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and East Carolina University among other Division I schools. Senior Rashawn Peterson was used as a running back last year, but is traditionally a wide receiver, with offers from the Uni-

versity of South Florida and others. The Tornadoes could use him at either or both positions in 2024.

In addition to those returnees, Booker added junior Dylan Wester, who previously played at Palmetto High and caught 26 passes for 433 yards and a touchdown in 2023. Wester holds offers from South Florida, Marshall University and the University of Toledo.

The defense is a similar story. Senior defensive lineman Jordan Radkey, the team’s leading tackler in 2023 (100 total, 22.5 tackles for loss), is back, as is the second-leading tackler in senior linebacker Dajien Walton (73 total, 3.5 tackles for loss).

But the Tornadoes also added junior defensive back Chauncey “Chuck” Kennon from Southeast High, one of the fastest-rising prospects in the country this summer; Kennon, a consensus four-star player, has offers from the University of Georgia and the University of

Michigan among his extensive list of suitors.

Junior safety Karaijus Hayes (50 tackles, four interceptions), junior defensive lineman Kevontay Hugan (46 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks) and junior defensive back Jason Thomas (five interceptions) are among other names to watch on the Booker defense, which could be an impactful unit if all the pieces work in cohesion.

“Booker has always been a place that has talented players,” Littles said. “We are continuing to build our program and to be a brand that people want to be a part of and get behind. We are not going to sneak up on anybody (this year). We’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”

The Tornadoes’ schedule will reflect the program’s expectations.

Early regular-season games against reigning Class 2M state champion Berkeley Prep (13-2 in 2023), Carrollwood Day School (8-2) and Riv-

BOOKER HIGH: AT A GLANCE

Head coach: Scottie Littles, third season 2023 record: 9-5

Key to the season: Managing and meeting expectations. On paper, Booker has enough talent to go far in the postseason, but the Tornadoes cannot rest on that knowledge. To reach its potential, Booker will require that talent to come together as a full-fledged team.

Schedule: (all games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted): Aug. 16 at Cardinal Mooney High (7 p.m., preseason)

Aug. 23 vs. Lely High

Aug. 30 at Berkeley Prep (7 p.m.)

Sept. 6 vs. Sarasota High

Sept. 13 vs. Carrollwood Day School

Sept. 20 at Riverview High

Oct. 4 vs. Sebring

Oct. 18 at Bayshore High (7 p.m.)

Oct. 25 vs. Boca Ciega High

Nov. 1 at DeSoto County High (7 p.m.)

erview High (8-5) will test Booker’s ability to quickly mesh its new talent with its returning talent, as will its preseason game against Class 1S champion Cardinal Mooney High (12-2).

Booker’s new quarterback believes his team will meet the challenge.

“I think we have the best talent pool in the county, if not this side of the state, if not the whole state,” Downes said at the Media Day event. “We have a bunch of younger guys and a bunch of older guys. My job, solely, is to get them the ball as much as I can, as efficiently as I can. That is why Booker was such an appealing place for me. Where else are you going to find talent like this?”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Riley Greene

Riley Greene is a senior on the Cardinal Mooney High volleyball team. Greene, who is committed to Long Island University, had 284 kills, 55 aces and 77 blocks in 2023. The Cougars will begin their 2024 home regular-season schedule with a match against Lakewood Ranch High at 7 p.m. Aug. 22.

When did you start playing volleyball?

I started when I was 8 years old, I think in second grade. It was like my fifth sport because my family put me in everything to see what I liked best, and volleyball was what I liked best. I’ve played ever since.

What is the appeal to you?

As I have gotten older, my understanding of the game has changed. I know how I can impact my team and how my teammates can impact me. It’s the true meaning of being on a team. Winning with your team is one of the best feelings ever.

What is your best skill?

My hitting and blocking are both strong, hitting more so. But I know when we play a team with a strong hitter, my main focus is going to be to block them, and that feeling of getting a big block is a good one. So I would say both hitting and blocking.

What have you been working to improve?

Well, our team is run ning faster-paced sets this year, so as a middle blocker, I have to quicken my footwork and get faster so I can beat the ball to the location.

What is your favorite memory?

I don’t know if I have one specific favorite, but all the times my club

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.

To come out with those victories are some of my favorite moments.

Why did you commit to Long Island University?

Before my visit, I had never been to New York before. I went into it not setting my expectations too high or too low. But I loved the city more than I thought I would, and I loved the coaches and the girls on the team — they were all so nice. The atmosphere and the area, I loved it all.

Finish this sentence: “Riley Greene is … ” … Caring. I try to be selfless on the court and to be there for my teammates, especially now being a senior. I want to look after the underclassmen and give them tips just like the seniors here did for me when I was a

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