Remember our call for information in our Aug. 22 issue about Longboat’s newest reality TV star Gregg L?
We have some more information ahead of the series premiere. Resident Sallie Carey, a friend of Gregg Lassen, wrote to tell us that Lassen’s friends from the dog park are looking forward to watching him on TV.
Carey said Lassen frequents the Bayfront Park dog park with his pup, Flip Flop, which is a fitting name since he wears flip flops 90% of the time, according to ABC bio.
“We are all so excited about Gregg appearing on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ and can hardly wait to watch the show,” Carey said.
“The Golden Bachelorette,” premieres Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
Library puts out call for books
As the season approaches, the Longboat Key Library is stalking the shelves with new books.
Library volunteer Debbie Calpin said they are currently asking for donations of used books to sell and restock their collection. Books of all genres are welcome.
Books can be dropped off at any time by the library doors or during library hours between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. The library is located at 555 Bay Isles Rd. People can become a member of the library for $25 a year.
For questions, call 383-2011.
End of underground project in sight
Courtesy of Disney
According to ABC, Gregg, a contestant on the upcoming season of “The Golden Bachelorette” is from Longboat Key.
Courtesy image
Barb Torrence, Longboat Library volunteer
Carter Weinhofer
Lt. JC Rapier, the simulated victim, reaches out for help from Firefighter Paramedics Josh Falcon and David Oliger.
WEEK OF SEPT. 12, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
4
“It’s a difficult time to do this. I think great work has been done over the last six months.”
Mayor Ken Schneier talking about town staff’s work on the FY25 budget Read more on page 6
Shorebird nesting season concludes
At the end of August, the removal of markers at the North Lido black skimmer nesting site signaled the end of nesting season, said Sarasota Shorebird Steward Coordinator Emily Briner in her last shorebird update email of the season.
In Sarasota County, Briner said about 180 least terns and 270 black skimmers were fledged this season, adding to the adult populations of these shorebirds.
“Every fledgling that makes it through the season brings us one step closer to stabilizing
these threatened populations,” Briner said in the update.
The final chick of the North Lido nest was capable of flight, she said in the update, but the chick will likely stick around the area a little while longer while it continues to explore and build its flight skills.
This black skimmer nesting colony was severely impacted by Hurricane Debby, which left only five feathered chicks out of the more than 120 chicks and 13 nests that were there before the storm.
On South Lido, more than
80 feathered least tern chicks were estimated to be lost by Debby’s storm surge, but there were still some adult and older chicks in the area after. In total, the colony fledged an estimated 160 least tern chicks.
Longboat Key also had a least tern colony earlier this summer, but in late July, it was discovered that the colony was abandoned, most likely caused by too many people walking around the nesting site. Before the abandonment, the colony successfully had seven fledged chicks.
‘Let’s Talk Longboat’
In October, the Town of Longboat Key will start a new monthly meeting aimed at being more informal than the regular commission meetings. The series, called “Let’s Talk Longboat” will be designed as a “no agenda” conversation, according to a release from Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips.
Starting with the first meeting on Oct. 15, residents and community members can discuss issues or ask questions to town staff. This is meant to be an open dialogue afternoon.
This first meeting of the monthly series will take place at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Parking garage in Holmes Beach on hold
At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners discussed an ongoing proposal to construct a parking garage on Holmes Beach.
Commissioner-At-Large George Kruse proposed this topic be brought up for further discussion by the board.
Kruse said that since the county hasn’t spent the $2 million set aside for negotiations and design on the design yet, he wanted to move toward tabling discussions about the project.
To build on his point, Kruse said he spoke with other candidates in the recent local races and he doesn’t think the votes will be there in the future to build the garage.
“I don’t like spending money on design for something we’re not going to build,” Kruse said.
District 3 Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge moved to table the discussions, Kruse seconded, and the board voted in favor.
The motion ensured that, not only would discussions be tabled, but no additional expenditures would be taken for the project and the request for quote be suspended. The project includes the proposed garage in Holmes Beach, as well as the two at The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch and the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
Photo courtesy of Lou Newman
A group of black skimmer chicks and an adult from the Lido Beach colony before Hurricane Debby’s impacts.
Almost time to flip the switch
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
It’s been almost a decade since the journey to underground Longboat Key’s utilities began.
Barring any unforeseen delays, the project team hopes to finish this year. With the current timeline, Longboat’s utilities should be fully switched to the underground system in October, and the remaining overhead poles and wires should be removed by the end of December.
Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman is pleased with the recently expedited process, but he said he’s not ready to celebrate.
He will celebrate in phases with his staff when they hit more milestones. First when switching orders are completed, then when the poles are finally taken out.
This summer, Florida Power & Light committed to a more proactive approach to get Longboat’s project finished. A dedicated staff member was assigned to the project, and the company allowed Longboat’s switching orders to be approved in larger batches, and with higher priority than other projects.
“Absolutely we saw a difference, both from the town’s perspective and our contractor’s perspective,” Brownman said. “FPL really went out of its way to streamline its own internal processes.”
The new commitment from FPL came after frustration was expressed by town leaders that the project was behind schedule.
Delays occurred throughout the project, including in June 2023, when Wilco Electrical discovered some of the town’s existing underground transformers wouldn’t be compatible with the new system.
This required additional transformers to be ordered, and supply chain issues compounded the delay.
Storms also frequently cause delays with FPL projects like Longboat’s undergrounding project, Brownman said. When hurricanes hit the state, FPL diverts resources to help areas in greater need, which sometimes took attention away from
Longboat’s project.
Almost 10 years after the start of the project, underground system about to become a reality.
the bulk of the infrastructure in place, not to have the project completed,” Brownman said.
The end date and timeline of the project could have been communicated better to town commissioners and residents, according to Brownman.
Aside from being close to the finish line, Brownman said there are other positives to highlight.
As a part of undergrounding the utility lines, the town opted to add a fiber conduit underground. This system allowed the town to install its own fiber optic network for town facilities, which provides faster service and cost savings for the town.
The underground conduit also provided more space for underground lines that the town could lease out to other providers in the future.
On top of that, the town is running under budget by about $6 million.
That surplus figure includes the new purchases for updated street signs and lights that became an additional piece of the island-wide project.
All of these project components required an internal collaboration among town staff, as well as external collaboration with the project team, including FPL and Wilco Electrical.
INTRICATE PROCESS
Undergrounding an island’s utilities isn’t an easy feat.
The project started in November 2015, when the town proposed a referendum for residents to vote on whether to allow the town to borrow $25.25 million to pay for the part of the project along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
After that was secured, another referendum in March 2016 gave the town permission to issue bonds not exceeding $23.85 million for the neighborhoods’ portion of the project.
This process alone required a lot of work throughout various town departments, Brownman said.
Active construction began in July 2019. When construction began, Brownman said an early estimate for an end date was three-and-a-half years.
But looking back on that estimate, Brownman said figuring out how to properly communicate the project timeline was a learning process.
“The three-and-a-half-year target, realistically, was a target to get
Nevertheless, when construction began, the bulk of the early work involved horizontal directional drilling to get the conduits under the ground.
“One of the early concerns of the project was how many things are going to be hit along the way when we’re touching every single parcel and essentially linear piece of land in the town,” Brownman said.
Though hitting things underground, like water lines, was an early concern, Brownman said the team experienced far fewer hits than expected. When accidental hits did occur, he said the team was quick to respond and remedy the situation.
“A lot of the construction alone was incredibly complex, very timeconsuming, very invasive because it touched every single parcel on the island,” Brownman said.
Throughout this time and the remainder of the project, the town had to obtain easements from property owners to complete work on private property. This was another complexity in the process, according to Brownman.
The project team involved not only FPL and Wilco Electrical but also providers like Frontier and Comcast, since those lines also had to go underground. Adding in these providers heightened the complexity and the collaboration required among all parties.
After conduits were placed underground, wires had to be pulled through before transformers were placed. Only then is the system ready for the loading and switching phases, which are handled by FPL’s headquarters.
The switching process is sequential, and it’s important for everything to be done correctly and in order, Brownman said.
“It’s an incredibly involved process, and it’s a process that really took the town to understand the timeframes involved with that process, and that’s where FPL has helped us quite a bit to speed up that process,” Brownman said.
NEARING COMPLETION
As of the town commission’s Sept. 9 regular meeting, here are Isaac Brownman’s updates as to where the project phases stand.
Phase 2 (Longboat Pass Bridge to Dream Island Road): Conversions and overhead demolition complete.
Phase 4 (County line to Dream Island Road): About 14 out of 76 transformers still need to be energized, and all 252 service conversions still need to be completed. Plus, 54 out of 115 switching orders still need to be met. This work was anticipated to begin the week of Sept. 1.
Phase 3 (North end of Country Club Shores to the county line): Fewer than 15 service conversions remaining, three switching orders and overhead demolition still required. This phase is about 95% complete.
Phase 1 (New Pass Bridge to north end of Country Club Shores): Conversions and overhead demolition complete.
photo
In summer 2021, Volt Power Co. workers removed several light poles in the Country Club Shores neighborhood.
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Utility rates to increase
Longboat Key town commissioners unanimously supported a new five-year utility rate increase schedule.
Longboat Key’s two major infrastructure projects of fiscal year 2025 will require a $27 million loan.
Town commissioners say to make annual payments using utility rate revenues, increases are necessary.
At the town commission’s Sept. 9 regular meeting, the town of Longboat Key’s utility rate consultant GovRates Inc. presented a new fiveyear utility rate increase schedule which would go into effect Oct. 1.
The town’s utility rates for water and wastewater are used to collect revenues necessary to pay for Manatee County’s treatment charges and utility projects.
Per the new rate increase schedule, there will be an 8% increase every year over the next three years, followed by a 7% increase in 2027 and a 3% increase in 2028. The schedule also includes pass-through increases that might come from Manatee County.
In this case, the town has two high-dollar infrastructure projects — the Country Club Shores asbestos cement pipe replacement project and the subaqueous force main project.
The Country Club Shores asbestos cement pipe replacement project is already underway, but more recent cost estimates place the total cost around $9 million.
But the primary project driving the need for a loan is the subaqueous force main replacement project. In 2020, the town’s force main experienced a fracture on the mainland portion of the pipe.
The mainland portion of the pipe already was replaced, but the portion of the pipe that runs under Sarasota Bay is estimated to cost the town $31.4 million.
These two projects led the town commission to direct staff to target a $27 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. This loan option comes with an interest rate of 2.89%. Following a 20-year term and annual payments of $1.9 million, the total cost to the town would be $37.6 million with accrued interest.
This loan option requires a referendum in which residents will vote on whether or not the town can pursue this debt option.
If the referendum does pass, the town would need to show that it can make the loan payments using rate plans, which is the reason behind the rate increases, according to town staff’s memo.
Commissioners gave the rate schedule first approval with a unanimous vote on Sept. 9. The approval also stipulates that rates will be reassessed every three years unless an earlier review is required by the rate consultant.
| www.cvcaudit.com
Longboat Key’s water and wastewater utilities are operated through Manatee County.
File photo
Water rescue refresher
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department gets refresher on marine rescues
The first week of September signals the end of summer, but it also is the time for the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s annual Jet Ski rescue training.
Personnel on the three Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department shifts each spent a day in the waters off Bradenton Beach collaborating with the Manatee County Beach Patrol to refresh their skills on marine rescue maneuvers.
The department receives water rescue training twice a year — once from the beach and once on the Jet Skis.
Training Captain John Elwood said the lessons serve as continuous training for the crews and as a good opportunity for the department’s newer employees to get exposure to water rescue procedures.
The three days on the water also
gave Longboat Key firefighter paramedics the chance to interact with Manatee County Beach Patrol personnel, maintaining the relationship between the neighboring agencies.
That way, Elwood said, when the two respond to calls together, there’s already some familiarity with one another.
Overall, the training days were full of learning. David Snyder and JC Rapier, lieutenants from Manatee County Beach Patrol, led the session Wednesday, Sept. 4.
“The biggest thing we’re getting out of this is learning how to rescue people using a Jet Ski,” Elwood said.
Longboat Key doesn’t have lifeguards on its beaches. If there are any marine rescue calls from the water or beach, Longboat Key Fire Rescue answers the call.
Last year, Longboat Key Fire Rescue was dispatched to 125 calls for service on the water, but 99 were canceled while units were en route, so 26 calls required a response, according to Fire Administration Manager Tina Adams.
The Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department has a mutual aid agreement with neighboring agencies and can be called to respond as a second response vessel. Of the 125 calls for
service, 56 were within Longboat Key, 55 were in Sarasota County, 13 were in Manatee County and one was in Venice.
This year’s training featured a new Jet Ski for the department, one that’s a little faster than its previous one and has improved features like electronic reverse capability.
Every crew member first took a couple minutes to ride around on the Jet Ski, doing some figure-eight patterns and high-speed turns to get comfortable with the machine.
Then, the crew members practiced how to rescue a person by themselves. Using a channel marker as a simulated victim, the firefighter paramedics worked on carefully approaching from the side and also reversing toward the “victim.”
That way, if it were a real rescue, the victim would be able to grab onto the rescue sled attached to the back of the Jet Ski.
Next, the team split off into pairs and practiced two-person rescues.
As one person controlled the Jet Ski, the other firefighter paramedic on the back reached toward the victim — in this case, Rapier served as the victim. The firefighter paramedic on the back interlocks forearms with the victim, then lets the victim drift
toward the back of the Jet Ski to the rescue sled.
The final two-person rescue required one firefighter paramedic to jump into the water to retrieve the victim. It took practice to figure out the correct timing and distance to jump off the back of the Jet Ski toward the victim.
These Jet Ski training days were a part of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s emphasis on continued training for crew members. Though new recruits finish their onboarding training within a couple of years, the firefighter paramedics are continuously keeping their skills fresh.
Firefighter Paramedic Will Lewis gets the simulated victim to safety on the sled, and Richard Traugott operates the Jet Ski.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Firefighter Paramedics Josh Falcon and David Oliger practice fast maneuvers on a new Jet Ski.
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First approval for FY25 budget
Town Manager Howard Tipton presented a budget with $132,769,796 in total governmental expenditures.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Following a summer-long recess, Longboat Key commissioners met for the first meetings of the fall and went right to work to unanimously give first approval to the fiscal year 2025 budget.
On Sept. 9, town staff presented the FY25 in the first of two public hearings before the official adoption on Oct. 1. Public hearings are also required for the town to set the millage rate at 1.9600, which is the same as the previous year.
Using the millage rate of 1.9600, the town received an increase of $1,580,544 in new ad valorem revenues since the certified property values were 10.25% higher than last year.
Other millages are assessed for facility debt (fire stations) and the beach nourishment program, which has different assessments for gulfside and bayside residents. The facility debt millage is 0.0401, and the beach millage is 0.6071 for gulfside residents and 0.1518 for bayside residents.
For FY25, total governmental expenditures for Longboat Key are anticipated to be $132,769,796, and $24,739,014 of that is in General Fund expenditures.
Operating expenses come from the General Fund, and wages and benefits account for about 81% of the operating budget. These operating expenses include merit wage increases for general employees and a 10% increase in the employee health insurance policy.
New town staff included in the FY25 budget includes a town engineer position and 0.5 of a staff member for the Tennis Center, which will turn a previous part-time position into a full-time position.
The upcoming fiscal year is also a time for major capital improvement projects. The town’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan consists of $145.4 million in projects, $76.9 million of which are to be funded in FY25.
Examples of projects include the $2.5 million interim beach nourishment project near Gulfside Road, a new fire truck, public safety equip-
The second budget hearing for the FY25 recommended budget and millage rate will take place on Sept. 23 at 5:01 p.m. Then, FY25 will officially begin on Oct. 1.
ment, various park improvements and technology advances such as new smart city technology and digital display boards.
The capital improvements also include two major infrastructure projects that will require the town to incur a $27 million debt.
First is the Country Club Shores asbestos cement pipe replacement project, which has already started and has a cost of about $9 million.
But the subaqueous force main replacement is the more costly of the two, with an estimated price tag of $31.4 million to replace the force main buried under Sarasota Bay.
The town will need to apply for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan, which provides for the lowest interest rate out of other options, but requires a referendum in which voters will decide in March 2025 if the town can take on this debt.
Overall, though, the town’s General Fund budget shows a decrease in the fund balance by about $1,688,390. Total revenues are expected to be $23,070,624, and expenditures will exceed revenues at $24,739,014.
Despite that, Finance Director Sue Smith told commissioners the town still has a healthy reserve, and expenditures decreased by $956,600, or 3.7%, from the previous year.
Mayor Ken Schneier shared his confidence in the staff’s budget presentation, stating that the work can be difficult in the current economic climate with inflation rates and the insurance crisis.
“It’s a difficult time to do this. I think great work has been done over the last six months,” Schneier said. Both the proposed FY25 budget and millage rate were approved unanimously in a 6-0 vote, with Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop absent. This moves the two resolutions to a second hearing on Sept. 23.
Extraordinary content
Winning awards is one thing, but making a difference in our readers’ lives and helping our partners grow is our mission.
Over the past month, the Observer Media Group has completed its annual audit that tracks our readership and distribution with the Circulation Verification Council. We communicated the value of our partnership with our advertisers despite the continuing rise in costs of doing business; and we won a few awards.
We tend not to boast about the latter, but all three — our audience, partners and award-winning content — are all tied to our mission.
To us, you — our readers and advertisers — are a crucial part of our mission: “To inspire our communities with extraordinary local content and to help our partners prosper.”
Inspiring our readers with extraordinary local content is at our core. Reporters who live in the communities we serve produce that content. None of our content comes from a wire service, and you’ll never see a feature story about Palm Beach or Wisconsin in our papers. Our content is all about You, Your Neighbors and Your Neighborhood. And it’s award-winning.
At the Florida Press Association’s 2024 Weekly Newspaper Contest Award ceremony July 26 in Orlando, Observer Media Group won 47 awards, including 19 first-place awards (see box). That includes firsts for YourObserver.com for website excellence; Longboat Observer’s “Welcome Back!” edition for best special issue, section or supplement; and multiple wins for the Sarasota Observer’s layout and design. Everyone likes to win. But seeing the stories that matter to you receive statewide acclaim makes them even more meaningful. Like Sports Editor Ryan Kohn’s story, “The wait is over,” about Cardinal Mooney High School’s football team winning its first state championship since 1972. That won first place for best Sports Spot News Story. Longboat Observer staff writer Carter Weinhofer’s story, “Line in the sand,” won first place for his reporting on beach erosion impacts as a result of Hurricane Idalia on
LAWARD-WINNING CONTENT
For a full list of awards, visit https://FloridaMediaContests.com/ Awards/2024-Awards/
Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest
FIRST PLACE
Website Excellence — YourObserver.com
Overall Graphic Design — East County Observer, Melissa Leduc Page Design — East County Observer, “That’s the ticket,” Melissa Leduc
Informational Graphic — Sarasota Observer, “Cranes over Sarasota,” Melissa Leduc
Best Headline — Sarasota Observer, “Beauty in the discard pile,” James Peter
Sports Column — Sarasota Observer, “What I’ve Learned,” Ryan Kohn
Sports Page or Section East County Observer, Ryan Kohn
Sports Spot News Story — Sarasota Observer, “The wait is over,” Ryan Kohn
Feature Photo — Sarasota Observer, “The costs of freedom,” Ian Swaby
Special Issue, Section or Supplement — Longboat Observer, “Welcome Back!”
Local Government Reporting — Business Observer, “Battle Royale,” Louis Llovio Roads and Transportation — Sarasota Observer “Turns for the better?” Andrew Warfield
Hurricane Feature Story — Longboat Observer, “Line in the sand,” Carter Weinhofer
Longboat Key. And the Sarasota Observer’s exposé into radio personality Matt Bruce, who posed as a fictional 9/11 hero, won the Claudia Ross Memorial Award for investigative reporting. By providing quality news and information important to our audi-
ast week on this page, we published graphics showing the town of Longboat Key having among the highest scores for debt, spending and “Spending Pressure” as measured by StatisNostics. com.
Longboat’s scores were compared to the scores of Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, Naples and Marco Island.
In response, Longboat Key Finance Director Susan Smith inquired how the scores were calculated, and Longboat Key Mayor Ken Schneier defended Longboat Key’s fiscal position in a letter (see Letters to the Editor).
Below is the explanation from Andre Shkalikov, StatisNostics’ chief technology officer, who compiled and analyzed the census data:
The dataset we are using is the U.S. Census’ 2017 State & Local Government Finance Historical Datasets and Tables, which is the most recently available uniform data for all jurisdictions.
It’s important to note that we use this data for all jurisdictions to ensure consistency in our comparisons.
Feature Story: Nonprofile — East County Observer, “These chickens aren’t clucks,” Lesley Dwyer
Feature Story: Profile — Business Observer, “Deep Dive,”
Mark Gordon
In-Depth Reporting (Noninvestigative) — Business Observer, “Battle Bots,” Staff
Investigative Reporting (Claudia Ross Memorial Award) — Sarasota Observer, “A question of valor,” James Peter Serious Column (Sally Latham Memorial Award) — Sarasota Observer, “What ‘never again’ means to me,” Mark Gordon
Florida Advertising Media Executives
Creative Excellence Awards
Best of Show — Observer Media Group
GOLD
New Business Concept — Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Auto/Boat/RV (Digital/Social) — Elite Motorcoach
Entertainment/Dining (Digital) — Sarasota Ballet
Home Improvement/Services — Talon Home Builders
Travel & Leisure (Digital Social) — Herrig Center for the Arts
ence, we are creating a platform with which our partners can align their brands. The advertising seen alongside our news and feature content is award-winning as well. Observer Media Group won “Best of Show” at the Florida Advertising Media Executives Creative Excel-
While more recent data exists for some locations, it doesn’t cover all cities, which would skew our benchmarking.
How it is calculated: The breakdown of the $25,812 spending per person for Longboat Key shows: Federal Level: $12,289 State: $4,466
County (Sarasota County): $1,744
City (Longboat Key): $6,078
School District (Sarasota County School District): $1,319
Intergovernmental Spending Adjustment: –$84
Total: $25,812 per person
Accompanying this is the breakdown of the spending data along with the item code, amount in thousands and per capita numbers for Longboat Key derived from the census dataset above:
While this data is from 2017, it’s important to understand that government spending tends to be additive and not zero-based. This means that the relative inertia of the spending reflected in the data is generally sufficient for comparative decision support.
lence Awards on July 25 in Orlando. That was one of 26 awards for new business concepts, advertising campaigns and creative designs.
Gold awards included Talon Home Builders’ new construction print advertisement in the Home Improvement/Services category and Herrig Center for the Arts’ digital banner ad debuting its new branding after its name change from ArtCenter Manatee. We love to see our partners prosper as we help provide exposure to your goods and services and help you reach new customers.
Every year, we strive to increase our audience through our newspapers, magazines, websites, e-newsletters, social media channels and mobile apps. Our annual audit with Circulation Verification Council revealed that throughout all of our platforms and channels, we reach an audience of 481,909 people in Sarasota/Manatee. And based on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s most recent statement of ownership, our print and digital edition combined circulation more than doubles their print and digital reach. By partnering with us, our business partners are reaching the largest audience in our region.
We’re not stopping there. We’re continually growing our paid subscribers to the Your Observer mobile app (available on the Apple App and Google Play stores). Last week, we began distributing our newspapers through Publix’s new scan-based trading program. We are continuing to add new modular news racks in downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. We also are constantly evaluating how to continue growing — east into Lakewood Ranch, south toward Wellen Park and, up, with the new developments in downtown Sarasota.
Thank you for being loyal readers, for your partnerships and your trust in us. We are committed to providing extraordinary local content and helping your business grow and prosper. And we are especially grateful and excited to be on this growth trajectory with you.
CENSUS DATA ON LONGBOAT
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File photos
Above: Ian Swaby’s photo of Paul Sciacca Jr. remembering his father, Paul Sciacca, a Vietnam veteran, on Memorial Day at Sarasota National Cemetery, won first place for Feature Photo in the Florida Press Association’s Weekly Newspaper Awards. Right: Luis Trujillo’s design for the Sarasota Ballet won Gold in the Entertainment/Dining (digital) category in the Florida Advertising Marketing Executives Creative Excellence Awards.
Longboat flies its patriotic flag
Longboat Key lines up flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive for Sept. 11
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key Public Works
employee Mark Kerr is used to the honks from passing cars as he lines Gulf of Mexico Drive with American flags every Sept. 10.
After 10 years of keeping this tradition since he started working for Longboat, he said it still holds great importance to him to recognize the lives lost on Sept. 11.
“Since it has been years since that day, people have been asking us as they walk by, ‘What is with the flags,’” said Kerr. “Most people don’t realize that (Patriot Day) is this week. So, it is so important to keep this tradition so we don’t forget the lives lost that tragic day.”
Started by former Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce president Gail Loefgren in 003, eight Public Works employees have started their Sept. 10 workday by lining Gulf of Mexico Drive with American flags.
Loefgren, who was Chamber president at the time, began the tradition to show support for those who lost loved ones in the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks. In 2003, the chamber covered the cost of 2,977 flags, which represents the number of people who died. The ACE Hardware store on the island supplied the flags.
When Loefgren retired last year, she talked about the importance of the tradition with Kim Verreault, the current chamber president. The chamber now covers the cost of any flags that need to be replaced.
Mark Richardson, Parks & Recreation manager for Longboat Key, partnered with Loefgren in 2001 to provide workers to plant the flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
This is the first year they have had enough employees where Richardson hasn’t needed to join the effort.
He said he prefers it this way so that his workers can experience the importance of the tradition.
“I always tell everyone even if they don’t live on Longboat Key,” said Richardson. “‘Go drive along Gulf of Mexico Drive on Sept. 11.’ It is such a special tradition that can mean something to everyone, even if you don’t have a personal connection with it.”
Not bad for living in a ‘danger zone’
I agree completely with your theme in the Sept. 5 Opinion — “Speak now, or forever ...” — that there is insufficient public attention paid to local budget matters.
On Longboat Key, only one or two residents generally chime in, even though the process is carried out over five months at a number of public meetings. The complexity of government finance likely causes the eyes of many to glaze over and focus, if at all, only on the bottom line.
Where I differ with your Opinion involves the bottom line conclusions set out in your charts, which suggest Longboat is in the “danger” zone as regards spending and in the “moderate to high” zone as regards debt, each as compared with neighboring communities, despite having the lowest millage rate by far in the area.
While Longboat Key properties are highly valued, there are reasons: Our own fire, rescue and police services ranked 99% in satisfaction by the community over the past several years; our own water and sewerage systems; relatively private beaches for which residents pay assessments in excess of public beach communities; and one of the few completely undergrounded utilities programs in the state (by 12/31/24), which accounts for a large portion of Longboat’s bonded debt. No community provides the level of service found on Longboat Key.
None of this is inexpensive, with the costs of labor, insurance and every aspect of project construction having jumped over the past several years.
Nevertheless, we have managed to maintain substantial reserves and run material surpluses each year over this period, while lowering or keeping level our millages.
As an exercise, I retrieved our personal 2010 property tax bill (our first year on LBK). In the 15 years to date, our total ad valorem bill has declined by $2,700, or 15.9%, despite material appreciation in taxable value. Not too bad for the danger zone.
Bottom line, we continue to
invite our residents to attend our budget meetings and, yes, read CFO Sue Smith’s 781-page online budget book, if they dare. Sue is a little heralded star of our community. But if you can only attend the bottom line, please read the above.
KEN SCHNEIER MAYOR, LONGBOAT KEY
Opening of St. Regis is not all good
news
The news regarding the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort property is not good news for us, and probably not good for the 99% of the residents who would have voted for (our) MW Group’s proposal.
It is understood that in a competitive market a properly selected party will get the project. With our knowledge as well, the current developer for the St. Regis has not been selected in this way. The questionable selection procedure was arranged only by a few individuals.
A former president of the Colony Association accused the “whatever it takes” developer (Longboat Observer, Sept. 3, 2014), using threats of litigation, spreading falsehoods and having the purpose to bully and intimidate the (property) owners.
We are hearing that the 99% are very disappointed. Our group worked 100% for all involved; with sympathy and understanding; without any egos. Recognized not only by us, a very regrettable decision resulted also in a major and significant financial loss for the MW Group. Such negativities could have been avoided if everyone would have done it right.
MW Group worked more than 15 years (since 2007) on this development, like no other, and with relevant experience, persistency, respect, established international experts and a careful capitalization for a doable and long-term feasible project for the 99%.
MANFRED WELFONDER
LONGBOAT KEY
Petra Rivera
Mark Kerr has been a part of the tradition for 10 years. He places the American flags on Gulf of Mexico Drive 18 feet apart.
FRIDAY,
2:46 p.m., 2500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Marine Rescue: While an officer was doing some maintenance on a patrol vessel, dispatch sent the officer to a marine rescue for a sailboat in distress. Officers responded to the rescue call and found the boat with its owner, who said the wind had died and he was unable to get the boat back to shore. The officers escorted the boat and its owner back to shore, and the man assured officers he did not need medical attention.
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
UNRULY DRINKER
7:46 p.m., 1600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Disturbance: An officer was dispatched to a disturbance at a nearby bar. Upon arrival, a security staff member told the officer there was a man at the bar who became unruly after being told he would not be given any more drinks. According to the security guard’s report, the man made inappropriate remarks toward staff members, paid his tab and left down the beach. The officer canvassed the area but was unable to find the man.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 3
MYSTERIOUS PARKED CAR
11:15 a.m., 3000 block of Harbourside Drive
Officer Public Service: A report about a suspicious abandoned vehicle asked for police assistance. According to the report, the vehicle had been parked in the lot for more than a month with no license plate. The officer looked up the vehicle’s VIN, which came back negative as being a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was also not registered, and staff at the property advised they would have the car towed.
CHEMICAL SPILL
8:02 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4
DAMAGED DRIVEWAY CONES
3:06 p.m., 600 block of Marbury Lane Property Damage: Longboat Key PD was dispatched to a report of property damage caused by a blue truck. Dispatch advised the officer where the truck was heading, and the officer was able to locate the vehicle and stop it. The truck was found to be registered to a construction company. The officer spoke with the driver and advised him of the reason behind the stop. The driver said he was told by the homeowner — the caller — that he ran over two traffic cones that were at the end of the driveway. He went on to tell the officer that it was an accident, and he provided the homeowners with his contact information. Officers then followed up with the homeowners, who said this was an ongoing issue with construction workers and commercial vehicles driving down the street. The homeown ers said they did not witness the vehicle hit the traffic cones but would check their security cameras. It was agreed that they would settle the issue with the construction company in a civil matter.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 4
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL
12:33 p.m., Bay Isles Parkway
Highway Obstruction: Dispatch reported a traffic hazard around this block of GMD, which prompted police response. Four gallon-sized bottles of muriatic acid — a common acid used for cleaning, etching concrete and coat sealing — spilled in the roadway. Longboat Key Fire Rescue also arrived on scene and washed the chemicals off the road.
Officer Public Service: A citizen called to report a traffic signal that was flashing yellow on Gulf of Mexico Drive and red on Bay Isles Parkway. The Florida Department of Transportation was notified, and two officers conducted traffic control until Longboat Key Public Works arrived on scene and fixed the lights.
Open House Event
Tropical Storm Debby devastated turtle nests
Mote Marine says approximately half the sea turtle nests on area beaches were wiped out by Debby.
DELA
DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Tropical Storm Debby significantly degraded water quality in Sarasota Bay and likely wiped out nearly half of the known sea turtle nests on area beaches, scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium said in a report released Thursday.
Questions also remain as to whether the immediate impacts over days to weeks will have longer-term ramifications for these ecosystems in the months and years to come.
“Storm events like Debby can have profound effects on our coastal environments,” said Dr. Emily Hall, manager of Mote’s Ocean Acidification and Chemical and Physical Ecology Research Programs.
Mote’s initial analyses after the
storm found several immediate issues, including an increase in turbidity and water color, indicating an increase in substances such as dissolved organic matter and particulate matter in the water.
Both of which were likely caused by massive amounts of stormwater resulting from the intense rainfall in the Sarasota Bay watershed.
Mote scientists also recorded a significant spike in concentrations of nitrate and ammonia in Sarasota Bay, that could produce algal blooms that could produce toxins harmful to marine life and potentially pose health risks to humans and pets who come into contact with the water.
Water samples also saw a drop in dissolved oxygen levels at certain sites in Sarasota Bay. Dissolved oxygen fell to dangerously low levels in North Sarasota Bay and near Stick-
ney Point Bridge. Low oxygen levels can stress or even kill marine life, which could lead to fish die-offs and other ecological impacts.
“We are particularly concerned about the high nutrient and low dissolved oxygen concentrations, which could have serious implications for marine life in the affected areas,” Hall said.
TURTLES NESTS WIPED OUT
Tropical Storm Debby significantly affected sea turtle nests that were still active in the area, Mote says.
Before the storm, Mote’s Sea Turtle Patrol had documented 4,353 nests along Sarasota County’s beaches, with 2,958 still active.
Waves and high tides led to the over-wash and washout of many of the active nests. Scientists estimate 79% of the 2,332 still active nests were affected to some degree, with a total washout presumed on 1,231 nests, 42% of the total.
As of the end of August, 1,131 active nests remain on the beaches,
WORSHIP directory
A researcher from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium tests a water sample in Sarasota Bay. Scientists recorded a significant spike in concentrations of nitrate and ammonia in Sarasota Bay after Tropical Storm Debby, which could produce algal blooms.
MORE THREATS
Although Hurricane Debby’s storm surge might have had the largest impact on the area’s sea turtle nests this season, predation from other animals is still a common threat to sea turtle hatchlings.
Mote’s report says.
“Storm surge from the right side of the storm was the main concern for nests, according to Dr. Jake Lasala, staff scientist and program manager of Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program. “Debby was expected to bring three to five feet of storm surge and, coupled with the new moon, tidal influence would be higher,” he said in the report.
Surge from the storm changed the beach profiles, including adding sand to some areas, meaning hatch-
On Longboat Key’s beaches, sea turtle patrollers have recently spotted canine tracks near active sea turtle nests. It can’t be officially confirmed whether the tracks were dog or coyote, though. Some Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers reported depredation from canine species this season, but Longboat Key Turtle Watch could not confirm the recent tracks near turtle nests were coyotes. In 2020, coyote sightings along Gulf of Mexico Drive gave residents a scare, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission held a virtual safety meeting for residents. The sightings in 2020 were the first since 2018.
lings would have to dig out from deeper nests.
The report said researchers were hopeful some of the temperature data loggers buried with the remaining research nests can be recovered, potentially providing valuable insights into the storm’s impact on incubation conditions.
“Sea turtles have long navigated the challenges posed by natural events such as storms. Their evolutionary adaptations to these dynamic conditions are a testament to their enduring survival,” said Melissa Macksey, senior biologist and conservation manager of Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program.
“Tropical Storm Debby is a reminder of the ongoing need to understand and protect these remarkable creatures as they continue to adapt to their ever-changing environment.”
JIM
Image courtesy NOAA
Debby passed Sarasota and made landfall Aug. 5, 2024, as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee in Florida’s Big Bend region before being downgraded back to a tropical storm.
Courtesy image
Beyond First Class™
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The 2023-24 season was a big year for milestones among Sarasota’s cultural institutions. Both Florida Studio Theatre and Marie Selby Gardens celebrated their silver anniversaries, marking 50 years since their inception. The institution now known as Sarasota Orchestra turned 75 years old, while the Sarasota Music Festival marked its 60th birthday.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, other notable anniversaries are in the wings. The group founded as The Sarasota Players, which recently reverted back to that monicker, is kicking off its 95th season, while Key Chorale is raising the curtain on its 40th season, its ruby anniversary.
As befitting a cultural institution known for its collaboration with other artistic groups, Key Chorale will kick off its 2024-25 season with a program called “On Our Way” featuring the jazz/gospel quartet The Stephen Lynerd Group.
Joining Key Chorale’s 110 singers on Sept. 21 will be local baritone Jamal Sarikoki, who will also perform with the symphonic chorus two other times during the upcoming season.
“This music speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the entire human condition,” says Caulkins about the gospel/jazz program. “It lifts us all as we strive toward a greater place. While much of the music is Christian based, no matter who or how you worship, you’ll find this music will resonate and fill your soul.”
BIG SHOES TO FILL
Caulkins, who is starting his 18th season at Key Chorale, is only the second artistic director in the group’s history. He took the baton in 2007
AR BY ANNIVERSARY
from Daniel Moe, who served for 21 years. Before joining Key Chorale, Moe was the conductor of the Oberlin College Choir in Ohio and was dubbed the “dean of choral conductors” by The New Yorker magazine. Moe’s wife, Ann StephensonMoe, organist and choirmaster of Church of the Redeemer, and Don B. Ryno, minister of music at St. Boniface Church, founded Key Chorale in 1985. Moe announced his retirement in October 2005, giving the organization plenty of time to find his successor. Caulkins was chosen to lead Key Chorale after a nationwide search. He came to Florida from Illinois, where he was artistic director and conductor of the Bach Chamber Choir in Rockford and directed the St. Procopius Chamber Orchestra and Choirs at Benedictine University in Lisle.
Despite the towering legacy of his predecessor, Caulkins has put his unmistakable stamp on Key Chorale, forging creative collaborations with such local arts groups as the Sarasota Ballet, the Circus Arts Conservatory and Westcoast Black TheatreTroupe.
With the help of his board and members, Key Chorale has enriched the community by supporting youth education and bringing music to elderly and disabled music lovers who may not easily attend live con-
certs or perform themselves.
Other feathers in Caulkins’ cap (The avid alpinist has more than one.) are Key Chorale appearances in Washington, D.C., and Europe, as well as innovative programs such as last year’s Bachtoberfest, bringing together the joys of Bach and beer, and Misatango, which combined Argentinian tango with a Latin Mass.
SINGING THE PRAISES OF THE MAESTRO
No one would accuse the gregarious, fun-loving Caulkins of hiding his light under a bushel, but in the interest of modesty, we’ve tapped longtime Key Chorale member Lorraine Murphy to crow about the group’s achievements during its 40-year history.
Murphy moved to Sarasota in 1987, after enjoying singing success in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area. She joined Key Chorale, which was then called Gloria Musica, after auditioning. Today, Murphy is the soprano section leader of Key Chorale, which counts 35 sopranos among its ranks.
In addition to fielding questions and taking attendance at rehearsals, Murphy keeps her section updated on personal news such as births, marriages, travel and deaths. She also compares notes with her counterparts — the alto, tenor and bass section leaders.
During Murphy’s long tenure with
Collaboration with other cultural groups has been Key Chorale’s hallmark during its 40-year history.
Key Chorale, the number of singers has remained relatively constant, she says. What has changed is the number of performances, which has risen to 17 this season. “When I first started under Daniel and Ann, there will only about two or three classical masterworks a year,” she said in a telephone interview.
In addition to Caulkins’ penchant for artistic collaboration, Murphy gives him kudos for forming a smaller chamber singer group of about 25 members, who won their positions through auditions. “This allows us to come up with concert-ready material more quickly,” she says. “The
one of
most anticipated events.
Courtesy images Cirque des Voix, the collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale, is
season’s
Clockwise from top left: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale partnered for “American Roots: The Gospel Experience” in October 2019; Key Chorale’s first maestro, Daniel Moe; Key Chorale during its 21st season; Kristen Stanton, a Key Chorale music teacher, leads a kindergarten class in song; Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale’s second artistic director.
TECHNOLOGY
TO KEEP EVERYONE IN TUNE
What has really been a game changer, Murphy says, is Caulkins’ willingness to embrace technology to help Key Chorale members prepare for performances. “Joe has upped the communications game with online tools and online videos of the chamber singers doing the music in the summer,” she says. “All of our rehearsals are video. If someone is out of town, they can catch up.”
It’s no secret that awards are prized by many in the arts. Hollywood has the Oscars, Broadway has the Tonys, TV has the Emmys and the music industry has the Grammys.
Community music and choral groups like bringing home their version of Olympic gold, silver and bronze. The Suncoast Concert Band, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023, is quite proud of its Sudler Silver Scroll, awarded in 1993 by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.
At Key Chorale, the trophy case includes the 2020 Chorus America Award for Education and Community Engagement, which was given in honor of the group’s extensive education programs reaching more than 400 students each year, and its commitment to community outreach.
The first chair of educational committee, Murphy helped develop Key Chorale’s student scholar leadership program, now in its seventh year. Through this program, 12 to 15 scholars have the privilege of singing with Key Chorale after auditioning. They also receive complimentary voice lessons, free concert tickets
and can earn scholarship money by performing such duties as running a rehearsal.
At the end of the season, the scholars perform a “soiree,” which Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Artistic Director Nate Jacobs has allowed to take place in recent years on the WBTT stage at the Donelly Theatre.
A MARRIAGE BASED ON MUSIC
For their efforts, Murphy and her husband, Holden, received Key Chorale’s Standing Ovation Award for Leadership in 2021, which she said was a real surprise. Holden has held several administrative positions within the symphonic chorus including board president, board member and director of donor engagement. He is retiring from the latter position to become Key Chorale’s ambassador at large.
In addition to playing up Caulkins’ achievements, Murphy is a cheerleader for her husband’s involvement in Key Chorale. “He was the first nonmusician to become board president,” she notes.
“It was a little rocky at first,” she adds, but the organizational skills Holden honed during a career in the automotive industry paid off for Key Chorale.
Without Caulkins’ ability to forge partnerships, Murphy says, Key Chorale would never have gone to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in 2017, which celebrated circus arts. Along with Circus Arts Conservatory President and CEO Pedro Reis, Caulkins created the Cirque des Voix in 2011. The marriage of voice, music and thrilling aerial performances has become one of the most popular events of season in Sarasota.
Caulkins has extended Key Chorale’s international reach with foreign tours, a tradition that began under Moe, who took the chorus to Prague, Vienna and Budapest in 2001.
Key Chorale returned to Europe in 2009, when they presented concerts in France and Italy, including one in Asolo, Sarasota’s sister city, and performed at a Mass at the historic San Marco Basilica in Venice. Three years later, Key Chorale toured Ireland and Scotland, including performing in Saint Giles’ Cathedral.
Caulkins was recognized for his tireless artistic efforts in 2019, when he won the Arts Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.
Newcomers to Sarasota like myself have to depend on longtimers like Murphy and Holden to put Key Chorale in perspective. It would seem difficult to top last season’s schedule, but Caulkins is pulling out the stops for the Ruby Anniversary.
Instead of Bachtoberfest, this year’s hops-infused celebration will be a Baroquetoberfest, a three-day, four-concert festival that will run from Oct. 18-20.
PIONEER MEMBER OF FIRST LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL
In true trailblazing fashion, Caulkins has brought Key Chorale on board for the city’s first Living Arts Festival, Sarasota Rising, with a youth celebration on Nov. 17. The festival is the creative “baby” of Jeffery Kin, former artistic director of The Players.
Key Chorale’s holiday lineup will include its traditional collaboration with the Sarasota Ballet’s studio
company on Dec. 1, a performance called “Winter’s Glow,” as well as a team effort with the Venice Symphony from Dec. 20-22 called “Home for the Holidays.”
South Florida triplets The Lubben Brothers have decamped to Nashville to pursue their music career there, but the band will be back in Sarasota to perform with Key Chorale in a program called “American Roots: Storytellers” from Jan. 18-19. It wouldn’t be season for circus arts fans without the annual Cirque des Voix, Key Chorale’s evolving partnership with the Circus Arts Conservatory. Mark your calendars for March 21-22. Don’t be surprised if you see some familiar faces in the orchestra accompanying Key Chorale and the aerialists. It’s a circus day for some members of the Sarasota Orchestra. Step right up, folks, for Key Chorale’s 40th season. It promises to be a real gem — a ruby, in fact.
Key Chorale performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in 2017.
Husband and wife Lee Holden and Lorraine Murphy received Key Chorale’s Standing Ovation Award in 2021.
ON OUR WAY
EATING WITH EMMA
Gettin’ crabby with it
In a town full of crabby options, here’s the ultimate guide to crab delicacies.
Growing up, my sister and I begged our parents for an older brother. One of the many things that made me fall in love with my husband was watching him be an older brother. The relationship that Patrick and my sister-in-law, Anna, have is the one that my sister and I dreamed of with our hypothetical brother. When Anna told us she was pregnant, I immediately pondered, “Can pregnant women eat crab?” Anna is a crab aficionado, and I couldn’t imagine her being crab-less for nine months — but she was.
Our nephew, Elliott, was born in March, and I am still waiting for my sister-in-law to visit. In the meantime, I’ve found claw-some eats for her to try upon her return.
TOASTIQUE
10 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; 941312-4099; Toastique.com/Sarasota
BIG WATER FISH MARKET 6639 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; 941-554-8101; BigWaterFishMarket.com
Crab-tivating Eats: When I was a kid, I was a picky eater. But one thing I always wanted to order was a soft-shell crab sandwich. This Siesta spot supplies me with a sensational crab sandwich ($18): lightly fried soft-shell crab, lettuce, tomato (pass for me) and elite-tasting aioli on a brioche bun.
Crab-tivating Eats: Step into this modern bistro and feel transported to a trendy spot you thought you’d only see on social media. Ever hear of gourmet toast? Whether you answer “yes” or “no,” it’s here. Snack on the spicy crab toast ($16) made with lump crab, melted Swiss and fontina, siracha aioli, tomato, bibb lettuce, jalapeno, microgreens and lemon twist on rustico toast.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Searching for summer flavors that aren’t found in a shell? The tomato burrata ($13) makes me forget my fear of tomatoes. Stacked with herbed ricotta, pesto, tomatoes, beautiful burrata, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze on rustico toast, this gourmet moment will leave you gleeful.
Crab-tivating Eats: On Sunday, brunch is served at this contemporary comida café, and the La Gorda Maria Bloody Mary serves four. Be prepared for the price tag ($200 — split four ways, remember). It includes their famous fuego bloody with chilled prawns, lobster tail, Ahi ceviche and Dungeness crab. Don’t stop the crab tour there! Order the crab Benedict ($26) with lump crab, asparagus, poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise with shaved truffles on a toasted English muffin.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Please browse your menu, and I will wait for your jaw to drop when you hit Mexico City garlic noodles ($25+). Gracious heaps of garlic butter, fresh lo mein, secret sauce tied together with cotija and scallions. Add whole Dungeness crab (market price) to make it a crab feast frenzy.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: Market price, shmarket price: Don’t let that stop you from indulging. Go ahead, treat yourself to the snow crab legs (market price) served with one pound of stupendously scrumptious snow crab, corn and potatoes.
SAMURAI JAPANESE FUSION 1936 Hillview St., Sarasota; 941777-7707; Samurai-FL.com
Crab-tivating Eats: This relatively new sushi and hibachi location dishes out tasty Japanese cuisine crab offerings. I may have to unbutton my pants to finish this plate, but the Out of Control roll ($17.99) with soft-shell crab tempura, cucumber, topped with spicy tuna, avocado and chef’s special sauce is worth every bite (and unbutton).
Shell-ebrate Flavor: The Hillview team took crab rangoon, innovated and elevated it to create the golden cream cheese ($8.95): seasoned crab meat cream cheese wrapped in wonton shell, deep fried and served with special mango sauce.
THE PORCH RESTAURANT ANNA MARIA 9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; 941782-8683; ThePorchAMI.com
Crab-tivating Eats: Now open for three years, this quaint and colorful restaurant cooks everything from scratch, in-house with no additives or preservatives. First order of business? One Cajun shrimp and crab dip ($20) served with naan and crostinis, which makes a bread lover like me one happy camper.
Shell-ebrate Flavor: While I’m here at the Porch, I can’t skip dessert. The burnt basque cheesecake will change your culinary views. Imagine if créme brûlée and cheesecake morphed into one heavenly dessert.
Courtesy image
Fuego Comida’s chef special: Mexico City garlic noodles ($25+) dished out with whole Dungeness crab (market price).
THIS WEEK
THURSDAY
DEAN NAPOLITANO
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$26 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.
Dean Napolitano’s latest effort is “The Caregiver Comedy Special,” about the four years he spent taking care of his Italian-American father. Runs through Sept. 15.
OPENING RECEPTION: BECK
LANE EXHIBITION
5-7 p.m. at Gaze Gallery at Arcos, 340 Central Ave.
Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net.
Creative Liberties, which curates the gallery, welcomes artist Beck Lane. Runs through Oct. 31.
‘SEUSSICAL’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $30; $13 for students Visit ThePlayers.org.
The Sarasota Players presents “Seussical,” a musical based on the many children’s books by Dr. Seuss. Runs through Sept. 22.
FRIDAY
’THE MOUSETRAP’
7:30 p.m. at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $35 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
DON’T MISS
GALLOWAY’S FURNITURE SHOWROOM
When: Runs through Oct. 27
Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free with $15 admission Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Opened in 1959, Galloway’s Furniture Showroom became an instant local landmark with a circular design by Victor Lundy, a leading figure of the Sarasota School of Architecture. In the 1980s, renovation concealed the building’s original structure and windows. This exhibition, curated by Architecture Sarasota President Morris Hylton, explores the building’s architectural significance and reimagines new designs and uses for the former furniture store.
Scott Keys directs the Venice Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery. Runs through Sept. 15.
CLASSIC MOVIES AT THE OPERA HOUSE: ‘A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 63 N. Pineapple Ave.
$12
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Come see the 1964 film starring Clint Eastwood and directed by Sergio Leone that kicked off the “spaghetti Western” genre.
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, sketches and songs. Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.
OUR PICK
JAZZ THURSDAY Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Hot Tonic Orchestra on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, bistro and shop.
IF YOU GO
When: 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail Tickets: Free to $25 Info: Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Season 29 | Talent Unveiled ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 941-306-1202
September Serenade
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Bharat Chandra, clarinet; Natalie Nedvetsky, piano
September 22, 4:00 pm • First Presbyterian Church
A founding member of the Dover String Quartet, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt received two Grammy nominations and was awarded first prize in multiple chamber music competitions. Sarasota Orchestra principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra has performed in concerts throughout the world, including at the Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and the Ravinia Festival. Natalie Nedvetsky is a laureate of several international piano competitions. This program includes trios by Mozart, Bruch, and Robert Schumann, and an arrangement of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano.
French Connection
Arnaud Sussmann, violin and Michael Stephen Brown, piano
October 8, 7:30 pm • Church of the Palms
CHILDREN FIRST FALL EVENTS
Over the past decade, Children First’s fall events have collectively provided more than $1.1 million in support to our community’s most vulnerable children and families. Hosted annually on the last Wednesday of October and the first Saturday of November, the Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon and Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party are more than just fundraisers—they showcase family empowerment. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, this critical funding provides at-risk children and families with the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success.
At Flip Flops & Fashion, presented by Bealls Inc., guests experience a unique blend of philanthropy and fashion. Dining on delicious fare from Sharky’s on the Pier, attendees watch as friends and colleagues showcase the latest styles against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf. The event is not just a fashion fête; it’s a celebration of community impact. Leah Jones, a 2023 parent speaker, shared how Children First has empowered her as both a parent and a community leader, highlighting the transformative power of this support.
Rockin’ Lobster, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co. — Chase Bank offers a relaxed, seaside experience with live music and mouthwatering lobster dishes. Set against the beautiful Venice Fishing Pier, this event is a testament to the power of community coming together for a cause. For Renee Sensenbrenner, another past parent speaker, Children First provided her daughter with essential services that she could not have found elsewhere, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. While these events create memorable experiences, they are chiefly critical to the ongoing mission of Children First. With every dollar raised, more children and families gain access to the resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and achieve lasting success.
Be a part of these impactful events and help make a difference by purchasing tickets online now. Your attendance at Flip Flops & Fashion or Rockin’ Lobster not only promises a fun and memorable experience, but also directly supports Children First’s mission of empowering children and families in our community. Visit childrenfirst. net to secure your tickets and join us in creating a brighter future for those who need it most!
French-born violinist Arnaud Sussmann and pianist Michael Stephen Brown have been heard in recitals and with major orchestras across Europe, Israel, and the United States, and have been featured on PBS Live broadcasts as Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center artists. Their program of French music includes sonatas by Debussy and Saint-Saëns.
Art Center Sarasota Executive Director Kinsey Robb is stepping down
Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City.
MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Kinsey Robb, who guided Art Center Sarasota through the pandemic and elevated the profile of the 98-year-old cultural institution, is departing after three years as executive director.
Robb is leaving to pursue a nonprofit visual arts role in New York City, where she lived before moving to Sarasota in 2021.
A graduate of Syracuse University’s Visual and Performing Arts program, Robb worked at such high-powered art galleries as Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin and Perrotin.
Reflecting on her tenure, Robb called her three years at Art Center Sarasota “immensely rewarding.”
She added, “I am constantly inspired by the talent, enthusiasm and dedication of our artists and the Sarasota community. As I look ahead, I am excited about Art Center Sarasota’s growth and evolution.”
Although it is Sarasota’s oldest artistic institution, Art Center Sarasota is frequently misunderstood. It isn’t a museum and doesn’t charge an admission fee. The nonprofit gallery holds regional juried shows and solo exhibitions that allow artists to sell their works. It also offers art education, including summer camps for children.
Located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Art Center Sarasota now finds itself within the confines of The Bay, Sarasota’s two-year-old public park. During her tenure, Robb improved the physical plant of Art Center Sarasota, hired professional installers and streamlined the submission process, working together with Christina Baril, curator and director of exhibitions.
Art Center Sarasota’s opening receptions have become mustattend events for arts patrons in Sarasota as have its talks with artists and jurors for its themed regional shows.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we extend our deepest gratitude to Kinsey for her exceptional leadership and dedication over the past years,” said Ramsey Frangie, Art Center Sarasota board president, in a statement. “Her inspirational guidance through unprecedented times has been instrumental in our growth and success.”
Frangie added that the organization will launch a search for a new executive director soon.
Like other Florida cultural institutions, Art Center Sarasota lost funding in June when Gov. Ron DeSantis unexpectedly vetoed $32 million earmarked for state cultural grants in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2024, Art Center Sarasota received $45,297 from the state grant. Robb was one of the first arts administrators in Sarasota to speak out publicly about the unprecedented cuts in state arts funding.
Art Center Sarasota will honor Robb with a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP. For more information, visit ArtCenterSarasota.org.
Art Center
Sarasota
Executive Director
Kinsey Robb stands in front George Zebot’s “Healing Democracy,” the first-prize winner in the 2023 Annual Juried Regional Show.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Flavor + facts
Key Culinary Tours educates patrons about Sarasota’s cuisine and rich history.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
When Susan Robinson opened her business, Key Concierge, on St. Armands Circle, she recognized the wealth of restaurants and the history the area held.
But it took a lot of work for most tourists and locals to understand the depth of its culture without digging for it themselves.
The answer to this problem was Robinson’s must-do itinerary item every time she travels — a culinary tour. Robinson said she doesn’t visit a city without going on a culinary tour because it is the perfect combination of cuisine and history to experience what each location has to offer.
After being inspired by a client looking to show off the area to family members, Robinson created Key Culinary Tours in 2016. Now, the company has expanded past St. Armands to provide various opportunities for people to experience the culture of Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton.
“We feel like we’re ambassadors to Sarasota or Venice or whatever town we’re in,” Robinson said. “We want to show the location in its best light.”
LOCALS ARE THE KEY
Starting as the only tour guide of her business in 2016, Robinson led patrons from all over the country through St. Armands Circle to share its unique cuisine and history. She is proud that about half of her customers are locals.
Robinson said the best feedback is when people tell her they discovered their new favorite restaurant in town.
“You can pick up a lot of secrets and a lot of information that you might not have known before about where you live,” said Robinson. “I love seeing people’s eyes light up when you tell them something that they didn’t know.’”
Key Culinary Tours keeps locals in mind when choosing restaurants and crafting the concepts for new tours. Robinson constantly meets with local restaurants to curate stops for her customers. She takes into account what tour regulars recommend, what’s popular and businesses that reach out, as well.
Robinson doesn’t lead as many tours as she did when she first started the company. Six tour guides have taken over to continue her legacy of providing top cuisine with a side of history. Currently, they are looking for more tour guides to join their team.
RINGLING’S CIRCLE
With the St. Armands tour as the
original model, the culinary tours expanded to breakfast, lunch and dinner tours on the Circle.
The Circle is not the first place that comes to mind for breakfast, but the St. Armands Breakfast Tour is the perfect starter for locals wanting to experience a culinary tour because of its casual concept.
Mike and Sherry Dover drove from Venice to attend the breakfast tour. The tickets were a Christmas gift from their son.
“We haven’t explored Sarasota, and going on this tour introduced us to places we would have never tried,” said Sherry Dover. “It makes me want to go to the tours in Venice and come back to explore more of Sarasota.”
There is no other way to start a historical culinary tour of St. Armands than to meet at the John Ringling statue. Tour Guide Susan Johnson, a chef and caterer, sets the tone by sharing how Ringling helped popularize St. Armands.
Fun fact from Tour Guide Susan Johnson: “For breakfast, John Ringling would eat 12 oranges, five grapefruits, two pounds of grapes and nine mangoes. Then, he would have a king-sized sirloin steak or corn beef hash with a dozen eggs and would end with coffeecake and coffee. Occasionally, he’d top it with a Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.”
According to Johnson, people were scared to cross from the mainland over to St. Armands Key. In true Ringing fashion, he eased everyone’s nerves by leading a procession over the bridge with his circus animals to show that it was safe.
The Dovers started their tour by trying breakfast crepes at a restaurant that Key Culinary Tours has considered adding to this tour: Cilantro Grill. They enjoyed seeing the Circle from a different view on its balcony and tasting a heavier meal to start the tour.
Johnson then led the tour group for the breakfast essentials of pastries and coffee at Le Macron French Pastries.
On the way to the final eatery, Johnson shared how the area was
supposed to be “St. Amand Key,” named after a homesteader of the island, but instead, a misspelling on the deed led to “St. Armands Key,” which stuck.
THE PERFECT COMBINATION
Robinson said people can continue to dig deeper into the history of the Circle in the dinner and lunch threehour tours. Tour guides lead guests through four of the famous restaurants of St. Armands and how they connect to the story of John Ringling.
Along with their classic lunch and dinner tours, the team brainstormed unique ways to experience the cuisine of the area such as the brunch tour, “Taco Tuesday” tour and “Wine Walks.”
The company also offers unique historical and ghost tours, such as the Wild Women of Sarasota, which Robinson leads.
Key Culinary Tours also expanded past just offering walking tours. They recently partnered with a local trolley company to offer tours that cover larger areas.
“What better bang for your buck than to be able to try sick food offerings, learn about the neighborhood that you’re in, learn about the history of the city and have fun at the same time?” said Robinson. “What better combination of things to do than that?”
“
... We want people to come away feeling favorable, not just about the food they ate, but about the city they’re vacationing in.”
Key Culinary Tours host tours in St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice for lunch, dinner and other unique events. Visit KeyCulinaryTours.com/ for more information.
Mini donuts from Meaney’s Mini Donuts
The meat-lovers breakfast crepe at Cilantro Grill
Photos by Petra Rivera
Jenna Barnett at Le Macron French Pastries on the St. Armands Breakfast Tour.
Sara Mackey and Sheila Monaghan at Le Macron French Pastries on the St. Armands Breakfast Tour.
Susan Johnson leads the St. Armands Breakfast Tour.
Susan Robinson, owner, Key Culinary Tours
Walking: Put your best foot forward
MIRABAI HOLLAND CONTRIBUTOR
Scientists are still debating exactly when, where, how and why the species that became us stopped scampering around on all fours and began to walk erect.
But with gradual anatomical changes over six million or so
years, we’ve gotten used to it, and at this point, it feels quite natural. People in many regions of the world, where there aren’t a lot of cars and such, walk as their main means of transportation.
For better and worse, nowadays, most of us, around here anyway, only have to walk from the car to the elevator or over to the bus stop. Walking has been relegated to recreation, or simply, exercise. September is National Healthy Aging month, and when I ask people what they want from their later years, one of the top
answers is mobility. We want to be able to get around. We don’t want to lose the ability to walk if we can help it. There are a lot of reasons we might lose our mobility. Some, like accidents or certain unforeseen health issues are out of our control. But for most of us, walking for exercise is one of the most important things you can do to stay mobile in old age. If you’re using it, you’re much less likely to lose it. This strategy goes back to the beginning of humanity. This brings me to the fact that walking is good for you. We all
“September is National Healthy Aging month, and when I ask people what they want from their later years, one of the top answers is mobility.”
know that. But, just as a reminder, here’s a partial list of the health benefits of walking from the American Heart Association.
My friend, pioneer cardiologist Dr. Richard Stein puts it this way: “It buys you extra years of life, or living as an active, inventive, in a sense powerful person in terms of your own destiny.”
For years, conventional wisdom has been “get 10,000 steps a day for health.” But for those of us who don’t love to walk, recent studies have shown that we can get a similar benefit from half that amount.
I’m a walking advocate and a walking enthusiast. However, as you may know, I believe in the ease in, start with a little, stay in your comfort zone, set attainable short-term goals, build up to your ultimate goal over time method of exercise. And I know from personal experience that it’s more sustainable when it’s fun.
Start with a pleasant gentle stroll, and if you build up at your own pace over time, it stays easy, even when you eventually build up to a vigorous walk. Smart watches are a great tool. They count your steps, monitor your heart rate, monitor any activity plan, and nag you about it. But some of the fittest people I can think of, the people who walk everywhere every day because walking is their only mode of transportation, don’t use them. Enjoy your smart watch, but don’t let it rule your life. Sport-specific shoes are good,
walking, running, cross-training, or hiking shoes, if you can afford them. But I’ve been to countries where some of the fittest people can’t afford them and frankly don’t miss them. Some of the people I’m thinking of don’t have shoes at all. You can get plenty fit in just plain all-purpose sneakers or any shoes if they’re comfortable to walk in.
Good posture is essential for walking. Stand and walk with your head over your shoulders, your shoulders over your hips, and the whole-body line-up centered over the base of your feet. Don’t slouch forward or lean back. Try to keep your abs pulled in when you think of it. If you’re used to less good posture, it may feel awkward at first. But once you get used to it, I don’t think you’ll want to stand or walk any other way.
Music is the plane that flies you to your destination. So, if you like music, plug in your ear buds and walk to your favorites. Try to pick music that motivates you but helps you walk at a comfortable pace, not too fast or too slow. Stay in your comfort zone.
Do walk. Please make time in your day for it. Whether it’s outside, in a mall, on a treadmill or in place. It’s in our nature. And I think you’ll thank yourself for the effort.
Last but not least, walking is an adventure and an education. You never know what you might encounter. Walk on.
Mirabai Holland is CEO of NuVue LLC, a health education and video production company. She is a certified health coach, exercise physiologist and wellness consultant for Manatee County government employees and has a private practice. Her wellness programs are implemented in hospitals, fitness facilities, resorts and corporations worldwide. She is also an artist who believes creativity enhances health. Contact her at AskMirabai@MovingFree.com.
2067 HARBOUR
2067
the North Pole is required. This recurring event raises money to fund the cost of Christmas gifts for the children.
Children supported by the nonprofit attended the Exotic Car Festival, as well. Santa, also known as Tony Wilburn, greeted the children as they checked out the lineup of cars with their families.
“We are here at every one of these car festivals,” Wilburn said. “It is great to spread some joy to these children and provide gifts.”
Santa made a rare September appearance at the Exotic Car Festival on St. Armands Circle.
Exotic Cars on the Circle drew dozens of car enthusiasts despite the heat Sept. 7 at St. Armands Circle Park in an event sponsored by Ferrari Drivers SRQ.
Owners of exotic cars parked their vehicles before mixing with other car lovers in an effort to support the local nonprofit, Flight to the North Pole. The charity provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
To display a car in the Exotic Car Festival, a $25 minimum donation to Flight to
Along with supporting local charities, new residents Marlee and Tim Gabriele use car festivals to meet new friends after they moved to the area from Michigan. When hearing about Exotic Cars on the Circle, they thought it was a perfect event to attend.
“This area has such a vibrant scene for car lovers,” Tim Gabriele said. “We have met so many of our friends through the different car clubs and events. It always is great to attend because we will run into someone we know or meet someone new.”
— PETRA RIVERA
Photos by Petra Rivera
Brian, Holly and Austin Highfield enjoy Exotic Cars on the Circle.
Cassiel Gonzalez, Alyssa Born and Tony Wilburn, aka Santa, enjoy the event.
Marilyn and Tim Imming check out a Batmobile at Exotic Cars on the Circle.
YOUR CALENDAR
10-11:30
at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. On the first and third Tuesday of each month in the back parking lot of Town Hall, the Pop-up Library will be at Longboat Key with books for all ages. Swing by to sign up for a library card and read a book by the beach. Call 861-5475.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18
MOVIE MATINEE
1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Enjoy some fresh popcorn during a free showing of “The Laundromat.” Meryl Streep plays widow Ellen Martin trying to take an idyllic vacation in this 2019 film. A surprising turn leads her to begin an investigation into insurance fraud with two cunning lawyers in Panama. Call 383-6493.
RECURRING EVENTS
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE
The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to noon at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.
MONDAYS STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. This class is mostly seated and great for all fitness levels. Focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.
FRIDAY, SEPT.13
MUSIC BY AKIEM ESDAILE
6-9 p.m. at Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Akiem Esdaile will bring you into a new generation of Jazz guitars. While at Whitney’s, enjoy the soothing sounds of Sarasota’s most refreshing jazz guitarist. Call 383-4606.
experienced players. To check availability at the tables, email Amy@ TheParadiseCenter.org.
WEDNESDAYS
BEGINNER TAI CHI
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 3836493.
Hop
TUESDAYS PILATES SCULPT
From 9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt is a combination class mixing traditional Pilates exercises into a fun, challenging workout to upbeat music. It will make you sweat, encourage your body to burn calories and make you stronger and more flexible. This class is for all levels. Cost is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
MAHJONG
From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for
MARIACHI MUSIC
From 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Grill, 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Enjoy dinner and a serenade by Mariachi Contemporaneo. Call 383-8033.
FRIDAYS INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Reuben Fernandez teaches Chen style class. Outside if weather permitting. Free for members; $15 for others. Walkins welcome. Call 383-6493.
Grand Bay condo tops sales at $1.45 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Acondominium in Grand Bay topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Dunham Family Ltd. Partnership LP sold the Unit 244 condominium at 3040 Grand Bay Blvd. to Louis Del Tufo and Mary Agnes Del Tufo, of Longboat Key, for $1.45 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,369 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.14 million in 2014.
JOHN RINGLING ESTATES
Jacqueline and William Ritchie, of St. Andrews, Scotland, sold their home at 244 N. Adams Drive to MDS Capital Holdings Inc. for $1.26 million. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,472 square feet of living area. It sold for $655,000 in 2014.
ISLANDS WEST
IW11B LLC sold the Unit 11-B condominium at 2525 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Giuseppe Lasorsa, of Howard Beach, New York, for $1.25 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,491 square feet of living area. It sold for $579,000 in 2001.
PELICAN HARBOUR AND BEACH CLUB
4239 Gulf of Mexico Drive LLC sold the Unit MH-1 condominium at 4239 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Thomas Meadows, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $980,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,241 square feet of living area. It sold for $240,000 in 1997.
FIRST LONGBOAT HARBOUR
Gregory Lowell Janssen and Patricia Janssen, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 201 condominium at
RESIDENTIAL
4320 Falmouth Drive to Corinne Knibbs, of Longboat Key, for $795,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $649,000 in 2022.
BEACHPLACE Andrew Litvin, trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 402 condominium at 1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive to A LIT Investments LLC for $696,800. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $213,000 in 1986.
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Source: Town of Longboat Key
Images courtesy of Debra Lichter
Bay Blvd. to Louis Del Tufo and Mary Agnes Del
New speaker series debuts in Sarasota
‘Disruption, Innovation & Opportunity,’ set for Sept. 23
new speaker series in Sarasota aims to inspire upcoming entrepreneurs by bringing local experts together to share their
Called the Sarasota Speakers Series, the organizer, financial consultant Lynn Kitchen, said participants at the first event, set for 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Sarasota, will come away with stories, strategies and secrets they can use to grow their own businesses.
“Business building is now more complicated and needs collaboration, cooperation and mentorship,” Kitchen said. “We do believe that they can take home with them some ideas for positive disruption for their own businesses and their own lives.”
The first event features three successful local beauty salon owners: Terry McKee, of Nuovo Salon Group, Coral Pleas, of Cutting Loose Salons, and James Griffith, of James Griffith Salons.
The event will be co-hosted by Kitchen, along with branding consultant and TEDxSarasota founder Judy Winslow. The title of the first talk, “Disruption, Innovation & Opportunity,” will focus on the speakers’ success with growing their businesses in a spirit of cooperation.
“The theme was actually chosen by our current speakers ... what they call ‘positive disruption,’ meaning that we can streamline, working together, collaborating with each other and really coming together rather than pulling apart,” Kitchen said.
“They’re not only friends, they’re collaborators and competitors. It’s rather interesting.”
IF YOU GO
SARASOTA SPEAKERS
SERIES When: Monday, Sept. 23, 5-7
p.m.
Where: Aloft Hotel, 1401 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota 5 p.m.: Panel discussion of local legacy business owners
n James Griffith — Owner, James Griffith Salons
n Coral Pleas — Owner, Cutting Loose Salons
n Terry McKee — Owner, Nuovo Salon Group 6:30 p.m.: “Meet n Greet” in the lobby. Light bites and a cash bar. Meet the speakers and mingle with business leaders.
Tickets: For more information and to purchase tickets, and for 10% off, go to SarasotaSpeakerSeries.EventBrite.com.
The event will start at 5 p.m. with a panel discussion. Afterward, a meet-and-greet opportunity will allow participants to connect with the speakers and network with others in attendance.
Kitchen says future panel discussions are planned with notable local restaurateurs and media entrepreneurs.
“I think it’ll be a conversation that will be uplifting and inspiring,” Kitchen said. “How many times do we get to see three leaders in a particular industry group talk about what worked, what didn’t, and how they see the future?”
Kitchen said she and Winslow have a long-term goal of creating a leadership program “that can help mentor new, upcoming entrepreneurs,” that will inspire a legacy project.
“We look forward to the future partnership with a nonprofit whereby we can raise some funds for young entrepreneurs in Sarasota County.”
For more information and to buy tickets, and for 10% off, visit SarasotaSpeakerSeries.EventBrite.com.
Courtesy image
James Griffith, Coral Pleas and Terry McKee will participate in the first event in the Sarasota Speakers Series on Sept. 23.
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LOWER-LEVEL FUNCTIONS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
Brian Wamback took this photo of the waves crashing into rocks along the north end of Longboat Key.
The
*It
*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.
3030 GRAND BAY BOULEVARD #346
Immerse yourself in luxury with this exceptional Antigua residence at Grand Bay, perched on the corner of Building III and offering sweeping panoramic views of Sarasota Bay, Harbourside Golf Course, the marina, and the shimmering downtown skyline. This nearly 3,000-square-foot residence is a sunlit, expansive retreat, perfectly designed for comfort. As you enter, the grandeur of floor-to-ceiling glass sliders draws your attention to the expansive wraparound terrace, where breathtaking vistas create a captivating backdrop. The interior offers a neutral palette, enhancing the lightfilled ambiance and seamless flow throughout the space. Grand Bay is nestled within the prestigious Bay Isles community on Longboat Key, blending exclusivity with convenience.
