The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Local hospitality workers in need can then apply for a grant to utilize the funds raised. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit CenterAMI.org. Tickets range from $75-$500.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Courtesy image
Jackie DeAngelo with the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild
Carter Weinhofer
Capt. Rick McCoy, with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, speaks to officers with the Coral Gables Police Department about their next assignment.
WEEK OF OCT. 31, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
“They’re here until everything is gone. I’m told they’re here for the duration, so there’s a lot of help.”
Chief of Police George Turner on the support received for storm debris traffic control. Read more on page 3
At the Oct. 21 town commission workshop, commissioners heard from Director of Public Works Isaac Brownman and Town Manager Howard Tipton about recent discussions regarding the existing motorized vessel exclusion zone off Greer Island.
The island is a popular destination for residents and guests for enjoying the beach, kayaking and boating. Residents who live closest to the island have raised concerns about the need for an extended exclusionary zone, citing issues with rambunctious
boaters and concerns about wildlife.
At the workshop, Brownman and Tipton explained any modifications require a complicated process that requires approval from multiple agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The property adjacent to Greer Island has been owned by Michael Saunders and family for generations. While she understood the timing was not ideal given the town’s hurricane
recovery, she hoped the commission would consider taking a closer look when the time arises.
Brownman said based on conversations with the Longboat Key Police Department, compliance with regulations has been good among boaters and no serious issues have arisen.
Mayor Ken Schneier suggested the commission seek advice from Manatee County and, after that, consider moving forward with a further look into the issue.
Cortez Bridge project nears next step
Starting in late October, utility work will begin along the sidewalk of the Cortez Bridge. According to a release from Manatee County, the work is expected to last through the middle of or late November.
During construction, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should be mindful of crews and potential construction materials on and near the bridge. The sidewalk on the south side of the bridge, as well as the merge lane on the eastbound lane, will be closed during construction. This construction is necessary to prepare for drilling and installation of a new pipe, which is a part of the relocation of Manatee County’s water main and force main intracoastal crossing. All of this work is in preparation for the Florida Department of Transportation’s Cortez Bridge Construction Project.
Gulfside Road nourishment begins
According to a post on the town’s social media, the beach nourishment project at Gulfside Road started the week of Oct. 28 and will be ongoing in the following months. In June, Assistant Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps and Al Browder, with Olsen Associates Inc., told town commissioners that Gulfside Road’s naturally erosive beach has become exacerbated by nearby seawall structures.
While a major project — like additional rock groins — could be needed in the future, commissioners allowed Mopps to pursue an interim nourishment project, which will include about 80,000 cubic yards of sand. This $2.5 million project will be reimbursed at least 27% by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, though the town will pursue a full reimbursement. Also, this is a planned project before the hurricanes and the excess sand from the storms cannot be used for this project.
In the next few months, the town advises that boaters, beachgoers and fishermen stay clear of construction activity in the area around Gulfside Road.
CALL FOR BACKUP
To help with traffic control and deter looting, the Longboat Key Police Department is receiving supplemental patrols from departments from Jacksonville to Miami.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Driving around Longboat Key three weeks after Hurricane Milton, the debris piles along Gulf of Mexico Drive are diminishing.
That’s thanks to a unique and invaluable sight on the island: officers from Miami Beach, Jacksonville and other agencies across the state.
The town of Longboat Key and its police department sent requests to the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the State Emergency Operations Center to supplement the police department with more officers.
Those requests were met.
Within days of the state’s response, the number of debris trucks on Longboat Key went from fewer than 10 to more than 40 trucks, according to Town Manager Howard Tipton.
And the extra officers were there to escort the trucks and direct traffic on Longboat.
Revolving patrols from different jurisdictions were sent by the Florida Police Chiefs Association. Officers from departments like Miccosukee PD, Biscayne Park, Opa-Locka, Miami Shores and Miami-Dade will be on Longboat Key to provide extra support.
“We’ve given them a mission to
keep the scavengers out, keep the illegal dumping off the island,” Turner told commissioners at the Oct. 21 commission workshop.
Scavengers on the island have become a problem on the island as Turner said they are getting a little “rambunctious.”
“Over the last couple of days, it’s become more of a problem,” Turner said at the meeting. “Now we’re actually getting burglaries and trespassing, people going beyond the pile on the road and into private property. It’s just hard to control.”
Stopping illegal dumping was also a priority for these officers.
Properties that abut Gulf of Mexico Drive are allowed to dump debris into the piles along GMD, but properties on side streets are not allowed to bring debris to the GMD piles. Doing so could result in fines or a felony charge, according to the town.
“It is a felony to illegally dump anywhere on Longboat Key. We have town code violations for scavengers and anyone else removing garbage from Longboat Key that’s not permitted to,” Turner said.
Turner said voluntary compliance is the first goal. Officers will educate people about the violations first before writing a citation, but citations or charges could be pursued if the issues continue.
The extra support from the Florida Police Chiefs Association came due to an existing agreement the Longboat Key Police Department is a part of. It allows for participating departments to send extra officers to jurisdictions in need.
This means the Longboat Key Police Department could be asked to supply additional officers or patrol vessels to other participating jurisdictions in the event of other emergencies.
DEBRIS TRAFFIC CONTROL
More officers were also sent as aid from the State Emergency Operations Center. The State of Florida has a commitment to clean up Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is a stateowned highway.
Tipton said the town had an agreement that the state would make at least two passes of Gulf of Mexico Drive to pick up construction and debris material and sand.
This agreement produced a crew of at least 50 officers and firefighters from the Jacksonville area sent by the State Emergency Operations Center focused on traffic control.
“They’re here until everything is gone,” Turner said. “I’m told they’re here for the duration, so there’s a lot of help.”
Members of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department commanded the staging area at Whitney Plaza for several days.
Dump trucks lined up and waited for an assignment. The Jacksonville crew received an address for the next cleanup site and then would share the address with both the dump truck and a police officer from one of the various outside departments.
With the additional support came about 40 dump trucks on some days. The increased traffic from dump trucks required some balancing from the Jacksonville crews that directed everyone.
But after five days into the fullforce effort, Revis Coltrane, a firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, said the work being put in by all the crews was starting to show.
“It was quite a mess, and they’ve
HOW FAR DID THEY TRAVEL?
Police officers from departments on the other side of Florida came to support Longboat Key’s debris cleanup effort. Here’s how far some of them had to travel to get here, measured from their department to the Longboat Key Police Department building.
n Miccosukee Police Department: 203 miles
n Miami-Dade Police Department: 231 miles
n Biscayne Park Police Department: 234 miles
n Coral Gables Police Department: 245 miles
n Jacksonville Fire and Rescue: 253 miles
done a lot of work,” Coltrane said.
The crews worked 12-hour days, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One of the biggest challenges Coltrane mentioned was that the dump trucks had to travel about an hour and 45 minutes to an off-island dump site once the trucks were filled.
Still, the crew transported about 100-120 loads per day, according to Coltrane.
While the Longboat Key Police Department opened its doors to the additional officers for anything they may need, the department alone couldn’t hold more than 50 people to stay the night.
The extra support had to stay near Tampa during their time on Longboat Key and commute every morning.
Toward midkey, there is a debris collection site that is operated by one of the town’s debris contractors. Extra police around that area have been helpful, too, Tipton said.
“They’ve been working until midnight to try to help get that pile down, and it’s been nice to have the extra police presence to help support them,” Tipton said.
Tipton said the request for additional support was extended through the first week of November. Officers will be directing traffic and may need to block one lane of GMD for debris collection trucks to safely maneuver.
That said, residents can expect traffic delays during the intense clean-up process in the coming days.
A release sent by the town of Longboat Key on Oct. 22 advised residents to be patient and allow for extra travel time.
Courtesy image
Officers from various departments stopped at Sips in Whitney Plaza, which recently reopened after the hurricanes. Chris Carter and Lorenzo Condensa (front) said, thanks to a generous donation from a resident, the shop was able to provide free coffee and smoothies to the officers who stopped in.
A lineup of trucks waiting for debris pickup assignments sits behind Whitney Plaza.
A North Miami Beach patrol car gets ready to escort a dump truck to a debris collection site.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Columbia Restaurant reopens
Cha Cha Coconuts is also back after nearly a month of work to repair damage from hurricanes.
OBSERVER STAFF
After nearly a month of work to repair damage from backto-back hurricanes, two cornerstone restaurants on St. Armands Circle reopened on Saturday, Oct. 26. Columbia Restaurant and Cha Cha Coconuts reopened at 11 a.m., the 1905 Family Of Restaurants announced.
“Everyone could use some comfort right now,” Richard Gonzmart, a fourth-generation caretaker of the businesses, said in a news release.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests back.”
The restaurants closed in advance of Hurricane Helene, which, on Sept. 26, brought more than three feet of storm surge into the dining rooms and kitchens.
Repairs already were underway by the time Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9 at Siesta Key. After that storm passed and power returned, renovation work resumed seven days a week.
‘It’s going to be even more beautiful than it was before’
Store has to rebuild after flooding from back-to-back hurricanes.
As a business owner, Audrey Guillem-Saba says she wanted to return as soon as possible after Hurricane Milton to assess the damage. But when she got to St. Armands Circle to check out her shop — Le Macaron — the scene was eerie.
“Everybody was in shock,” says Guillem-Saba. “It was really sad.”
The Columbia, which was opened in 1905 by Gonzmart’s great-grandfather in Tampa’s Ybor City, is generally regarded as Florida’s oldest continuing restaurant.
In December, the Columbia in St. Armands Circle will celebrate its 65th anniversary, and Cha Cha Coconuts will celebrate 35 years of operation next door.
The reopenings fully restore operations to all of the company’s locations, including Columbia Restaurants in St. Augustine, on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach and Celebration near Orlando; Columbia Cafes at the Tampa Bay History Center and in Tampa International Airport; and Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano in Tampa.
All of the brands were interrupted for different durations of time by either evacuations, power outages, damage or a combination of factors.
“Our family continues to pray for our neighbors who are recovering in the aftermath of the storms,” Gonzmart said. “We’ll get through
Nearly all of the kitchen equipment in Columbia and Cha Cha Coconuts has been replaced with new equipment, in addition to new drywall, electronics, furniture and food.
She and her family had evacuated from their Nokomis home to Orlando. Cameras at their company’s Bee Ridge Road headquarters in Sarasota helped provide a “better view” from afar, she says, but they wanted to be on the ground and left the hotel at 7 a.m. the day after Hurricane Milton made landfall.
“You want to go to your business right away after the hurricane to assess the damage, to do whatever you need to do,” says Guillem-Saba, who founded Le Macaron with her mother in 2009. It has grown from one store on St. Armands Circle to more than 60 franchises around the country.
The St. Armands shop had just been hit by Hurricane Helene, leaving it under three feet of water. “We lost all the equipment” from the Sept. 26 storm, Guillem-Saba says.
What she found after Hurricane Milton was about one foot of water in the store.
“There were live crabs,” she says. The estimated damage is $100,000 because the shop will have to be rebuilt from scratch, according to Guillem-Saba.
In the 15 years Le Macaron has been on St. Armands Circle, Guillem-Saba says it never flooded until Hurricane Helene.
“But for Helene, it was a disaster,” she says. “The water lifted the fridge. The coffee machine was on the floor in the water. So we had to throw away everything ... We were ready to put back the walls on (Oct. 6), and we looked at the weather” and realized it was best to wait until Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on Oct. 9, had passed.
“We are hoping to open back in two weeks,” Guillem-Saba says in an Oct. 17 interview.
During the St. Armands store closure, employees were offered work at the company’s confectionery on Bee Ridge Road, which had no damage and produces macarons for Le Macaron locations nationwide.
“They need the work, and we don’t want to lose them,” she says
of her employees. “As a business owner, you have the responsibility of people’s livelihoods. We have a lot of franchisees that depend on us too, so we have to go back to work right away.”
On rebuilding the St. Armands store, Guillem-Saba is trying to find a silver lining. “It’s going to be even more beautiful than it was before,” she says, adding it was better the storm happened now than during her busiest time of the year, which is in December.
“St. Armands is a beautiful place. It brings a lot of memories to a lot of people,” Guillem-Saba says. “So I hope that everybody wants to come back and enjoy the Circle as soon as possible because it will really help the business owners.”
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Courtesy image
Owner-operator Casey Gonzmart Jr. helps lift a new refrigerator recently delivered to the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. The landmark reopened after repairing damage from two hurricanes.
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER
Courtesy image
Hurricane Helene left Le Macaron on St. Armands Circle under three feet of water.
for the town’s debris contractors.
MAKING A DENT IN DEBRIS
Here’s what to know about the latest status of debris cleanup on Longboat Key and the complications of the town’s different types of roads.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Cleaning up debris on Longboat Key isn’t as simple as sending out fleets of dump trucks.
The town’s cleanup efforts involve three different “types” of roads: the state-owned Gulf of Mexico Drive, public neighborhood roads and private neighborhood roads. Each requires a different method of cleanup. Despite jurisdictional challenges, Town Manager Howard Tipton said cleanup crews have made visible progress along Gulf of Mexico Drive after almost three weeks of hauling. Gulf of Mexico Drive is a state highway, and it’s the state’s responsibility to make at least two passes for each type of debris. First is construction and demolition debris, then vegetative debris.
According to Tipton, the state completed its first sweep of construction and demolition debris on the Mana-
tee County side on Oct. 27 and began its second pass shortly after. The first pass on the Sarasota County side was also recently completed.
Vegetative debris pickup has also begun along Gulf of Mexico Drive, with one pass completed on the Sarasota County side. Completion of the second pass of vegetative debris will be a big help in ensuring safer driving.
“There’s still some line of sight issues coming out of some of the driveways and entrances because the vegetative material is so high,” Tipton said.
After the two passes of construction and demolition debris and vegetative debris are completed, the state will work on clearing the sand piles from Gulf of Mexico Drive. The other types of debris are more important to go first, according to Tipton.
“Sand is kind of the last thing to go. It’s kind of the least problematic,” he said. “Construction debris doesn’t look good, probably doesn’t smell good. And the vegetative stuff blocks line of sight.”
Even after the state completes the two required passes, Tipton said the town will still need to do some work before the roads look normal again.
“There will have to be some final cleaning because some of the areas are a little rough,” Tipton said.
PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE ROADS Behind Longboat’s main road, there
are both public and private neighborhood streets. Public roads, being controlled by the town, are subject to cleanup through the town’s two private debris cleanup contractors.
DRC Emergency Services and Ceres Environmental are the two contractors that the town hired to pick up debris on public roads, not including Gulf of Mexico Drive.
However, only four privately owned roads are a part of the town’s debris contracts. This is because the roads are slim, and excessive debris would make them impassable and potentially unsafe.
Other private roads in private neighborhoods — such as at Bay Isles — would not be a part of the contract and therefore need to handle cleanup on their own.
Tipton said some residents have argued that all private roads should be included since all residents pay taxes, but that’s not what’s going on.
“We’re not using any local taxpayer dollars to clean this stuff up,” Tipton said. “It’s all federal at this point.”
If the town’s debris contractors collect all the debris within a 90-day time frame, the town would be eligible for possibly 100% reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tipton is confident that the contractors will meet this goal and the town’s work will be covered by federal dollars.
Tipton said he met with represen-
tatives from FEMA alongside Mayor Ken Schneier and other town staff to request help for the private roads in the town. In an email sent by Schneier to some residents, Schneier outlined two possible approaches.
First, the town could try to amend the existing program to allow contractors to pick up in private neighborhoods after work is completed on public roads.
“The town would need to collect information from each community supporting that community’s need for pick up and that might take more time to orchestrate than we have,” Schneier said in the email.
Another possibility is for the private neighborhoods to apply for reimbursement separately, and Schneier said the state seems willing to help advocate for the reimbursement. In this case, the private neighborhoods would need to contract their own debris collection companies and then apply for reimbursement.
Tipton said this reimbursement could come from FEMA in a similar way that the town would receive reimbursement for the publicly owned roads, but the applicants would be the neighborhoods.
“There is no guarantee this approach will work, but it seems to provide the best opportunity for private road neighborhoods to get at least some recovery for their debris removal costs,” Schneier said.
BY THE NUMBERS
As of Oct. 28, Tipton estimated the debris cleanup effort within the publicly owned neighborhood streets was around 42% completed. From Oct. 21 to Oct. 27, the town’s debris contractors collected:
9,815.8
CUBIC YARDS of construction, demolition and appliance debris
2,356.2
CUBIC YARDS of vegetative debris
45,000
CUBIC YARDS To date, the total amount of debris collected so far on the town’s roads.
waiting
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Longboat Key condo sells for $21 million
The 11,000-square-foot combined waterfront unit is the largest condominium sale in Sarasota County history.
LOUIS LLOVIO
An 10,887-square-foot condominium on Longboat Key has sold for $21.24 million — the highest price ever paid for a property on Longboat Key.
The unit is in the new The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key and was bought by an LLC with a Pennsylvania address.
The condominium itself is actually two units in the St. Regis — Armand 201 and Armand 202 — that were combined to create a single sixbedroom, seven full and two half-
bathroom waterfront apartment.
The unit’s exterior includes 7,500 square feet of open space with an extended terrace and a personal glass-front plunge pool with an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The buyer “wanted something unique,” says Michael Saunders, founder of Michael Saunders & Co., which has the exclusive listing for the residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key. (Saunders declined to disclose more information on the buyer, citing their request for privacy. Public records show the buyer’s LLC is traced back to a property in
Wyomissing, a small town in Berks County, Pennsylvania, northwest of Philadelphia.)
“What they wanted was a palatial home on the beach ... So they created this space where, truly, they had a home on the beach with all the services of a five-star resort.”
The sale ranks as the top condominium sale in Sarasota County and tops two of the biggest single-family home sales with similar price tags, according to a recent Multiple Listing Service report.
An 11,275-square-foot waterfront home on Hillview Drive sold in March for $20 million. And an 11,500-square-foot house a couple of blocks down on Hillview sold for $17.5 million in 2022.
While the condo’s sale price is eye popping, Saunders says it’s just the
beginning of what the buyer will spend. She says the buyer, working within the existing parameters, is building out the interior to personalize the unit and make it more of a home.
The St. Regis is a luxury development on 17.6 acres. The property, which includes the recently opened St. Regis Longboat Key Resort along with the residences, was built on the site of the former Colony Beach & Tennis Resort by Unicorp National Developments.
In all, it has 168 hotel rooms, 69 residential units, a ballroom, spa, two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars, as well as a four-acre saltwater lagoon.
The residences, which are already sold out, come with a private pool, spa and beach access as well as concierge and butler service.
Saunders says transforming the property into the St. Regis was an arduous 10-year process that involved buying out individual owners in the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort and winning over community support.
The effort, she says, was worth it and the property will benefit Longboat in the long term.
That’s in large part because of the St. Regis flag.
St. Regis, along with the RitzCarlton and W Hotels, is one of Marriott International’s global luxury brands. In fact, the resort is Marriott’s 9,000th property.
“I think it will bring a whole new clientele. I think it will bring a more international clientele,” says Saunders, whose firm, one of the largest brokerages in Florida in sales volume and agents, will open a sales office on the property.
“The Colony attracted an incredible international clientele of tennis aficionados from all over the world. But I believe that the St. Regis brand will bring St. Regis devotees from around the world to Longboat Key. And I think once they get to us, what’s there not to love here? I mean, you fall in love and you want to buy something. So, I think it’s going to make a big difference.”
Georgia Kopelousos and Lynn Morris represented the developer in the sale and Michael Moulton represented the buyer. All three work for Michael Saunders & Co.
St. Regis Longboat Key.
Another storm for condos
New condo inspection and repair laws, compliance deadlines and the rising cost of insurance are on the verge of creating a catastrophe for many condo owners.
The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside in June 2021 was a defining moment for Florida. Ninety-eight lives were lost, and the devastation rippled across communities throughout the nation.
In the wake of that terrible event, condo owners and condo associations began to examine their practices of building inspections, maintenance work and maintenance reserves. And widespread support for stricter regulations and transparency to ensure condo safety led to new state laws that will do a lot to prevent future catastrophic problems in condo buildings. However, as we approach the Dec. 31 deadline for the first round of inspections mandated by those laws (SB 4-D and SB 154), it is clear they have created their own set of problems, and the state needs to reassess its approach.
Those two laws (SB 4-D, passed in May 2022, and SB 154, passed in 2023) made several changes. They require that all Florida condos more than 30 years old and taller than three stories undergo milestone inspections by Dec. 31, 2024. If significant structural issues are found, further inspections and prompt repairs are required, or the building could be deemed unsafe.
The new laws also abolished a portion of state law that permitted Florida’s condominiums to continually defer needed improvements to their buildings if they voted that they couldn’t afford to make them. Both of those changes seem sensible, but they did not recognize that many condo owners and buildings have no feasible way to pay for those inspections, to say nothing of the needed repairs that these inspections identified.
As Dan Lobeck, a Sarasota-area condo association lawyer who has represented hundreds of associations told the Sarasota HeraldTribune, lawmakers created an “impossible task with an impossible deadline.”
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U.S. Senator — Rick Scott
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Representative, District 71 — Will Robinson Representative, District 72 — William “Bill” Conerly Representative, District 73 — Fiona McFarland Supreme Court — Renatha Francis, Meredith Sasso. Yes
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Amendment 1: Partisan school board elections — Yes
Amendment 2: Right to fish and hunt — Yes
Amendment 3: Adult personal use of marijuana — No
Lobeck also “compared it to fire sprinkler mandates passed in 2004.
The state law that requires highrise condo buildings to have the life-saving equipment installed in older buildings has been delayed twice since it passed, with the new deadline to comply set for January 2024.”
However sensible it may be that all condos get inspected, there must be a realistic path to accomplish what the state law intends.
Since the legislation became law, the demand for inspections has been immense, but the supply of qualified professionals is limited.
This bottleneck has placed condo associations in a precarious position, forced to comply with a law that may bankrupt them.
The costs of these inspections and subsequent repairs identified in them are solely the responsibility of the condo owners, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, making it impossible for them to keep up.
To be certain, condo owners and associations that deferred maintenance are reaping what they sowed. But because state law allowed deferred maintenance until it didn’t, new state rules to fix the problem need to be realistic about how to get the inspections and repairs completed. The money to pay for that doesn’t just appear because of a new state law.
If we cling to the current infeasible time line and approach, the consequences will be plummeting values for condos, huge spikes in maintenance fees, many people fleeing those units, few buyers to buy them and possible massive problems with empty and abandoned condo buildings.
Condo prices in Sarasota have been fairly stable over the past few years, perhaps reflecting few buildings with serious deferred maintenance, but statewide the impact is appreciable with many units recently dropping $150,000 or more in value.
Meanwhile, insurers are less inclined to offer coverage for older buildings, especially those with structural deficiencies, or are dramatically increasing premiums on top of recent years of premium hikes because of hurricane risks.
To be sure, Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton will add to the cost of insurance.
This lack of insurance options also compounds the problem, making it even more difficult for condo associations to secure the necessary funds for repairs or even maintain basic operational insurance.
If we cling to the current infeasible time line and approach, the consequences will be plummeting values for condos, huge spikes in maintenance fees, many people fleeing those units, few buyers to buy them and possible massive problems with empty and abandoned condo buildings.
Recent condo buyers are likely to be the most impacted by these developments. Unlike legacy owners who deferred repairs and benefited from lower fees, these buyers now face severe financial challenges.
The sudden need for expensive repairs or the potential devaluation of their properties could leave them underwater on their mortgages and facing foreclosure.
Worse, they may be forced to sell at a loss or, in extreme cases, face displacement if their buildings are deemed unsafe.
As one condo market expert told the Business Observer: “It’s naturally going to cause a migration. You know, if you’ve got folks who can’t afford to live in the place they’ve got to go and find somewhere else. And as we are already hearing, in the current economic environment, buying is not an option and renting as well.
“What do you do if you’ve lost your original purchase — that two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that was affordable five years ago for $300,000? What are you doing now if you’ve got to sell it at a $100,000 hit, and you’re barely breaking even? It’s a quandary for a
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Amendment 4: Limit government interference with abortion — No
Amendment 5: Annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead exemptions — No
Amendment 6: Repeal of public campaign financing — Yes
MANATEE COUNTY Supervisor of Elections — Scott Farrington County Commission, District 1 — Carol Ann Felts County Commission, District 3 — Tal Siddique County Commission, District 5 — Joseph Di Bartolomeo County Commission, District 7
At-Large — George Kruse School Board, District 1 — Mark Stanoch School Board, District 3 — Charles Kennedy
MANATEE REFERENDA
■ Continue school ad valorem
tax: Continue 1 mill ad valorem tax from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. Yes
■ Tourist development tax: Shall Manatee County Ordinance No. 24-
lot of the fixed income folks in our state.” Despite the negative impact, there will also be positive outcomes for developers and future buyers.
Developers may acquire and rehabilitate distressed properties, revitalizing communities and upgrading housing stock. Future buyers will benefit from increased transparency and disclosure requirements, ensuring that the structural integrity and financial health of buildings are more thoroughly scrutinized and maintained. This shift toward greater oversight will ultimately lead to a safer and more stable real estate market.
But uncertainty remains about how these requirements will play out in practice. No one knows how many condos will be affected, the scope of the assessments or the broader impacts on the market.
The Legislature would be wise to maximize its options, acknowledging that the effects of this law are already reverberating through the market. This uncertainty calls for a cautious and flexible approach, ensuring that the law’s implementation mitigates the negative impacts wherever reasonable.
Additionally, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees the enforcement of these regulations, is likely overwhelmed by the volume of issues arising among condo associations. The DBPR needs more resources to address these challenges effectively. Given these dynamics, the best course of action may be to stay the course, but with eyes wide open. Transparency and mitigation must be central to our approach.
The Legislature should host a Special Session to delay penalties for one year and conduct a deep dive during the session in March. We must balance the need for safety with the time required to evaluate the law in light of evolving circumstances.
The memory of those lost at Champlain Towers should drive us to make Florida’s buildings safer, but it should also remind us of the importance of preserving the communities that call these buildings home.
By keeping condo owners and the public fully informed and making necessary adjustments, we can protect both the physical safety and financial well being of condo owners while navigating these challenges more effectively, without blowing up Florida condo associations.
Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Jeffrey Brandes is president of the Florida Policy Project and a former state senator from St. Petersburg.
SARASOTA COUNTY
Tax Collector — Barbara FordCoates
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Petra Rivera, PRivera@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com
49 be approved authorizing Manatee County to levy an additional 1% Tourist Development Tax from all short-term rentals of all lodging or accommodations. Yes
Charter Review Board, District 1 — Jay Riley
Charter Review Board, District 3 — Tom DeSane
Charter Review Board, District 4 — Greg “Tex” Bukowski
Hospital Board, Central District Seat 1 — Sarah Lodge
SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION
District 1 — Kyle Scott Battie
District 2 — Liz Alpert
District 3 — Erik Arroyo
SARASOTA COUNTY REFERENDUM
■ Continue school ad valorem
tax: Continue the 1 mill per year ad valorem millage … beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.Yes
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR
Courtesy image
Former state Sen. Jeffrey Brandes
ADRIAN MOORE
LBK condo group informs residents about recovery
The federation hosted a virtual webinar to share helpful tips to prepare for and recover from storms.
WEINHOFER
When handling post-hurricane recovery and restoration, it’s important to do things the right way the first time.
That was the main theme of the virtual seminar presented by the Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums on Saturday, Oct. 19. The webinar included speakers like restoration companies, insurance adjusters, and the Director of Planning, Zoning and Building Allen Parsons.
Throughout the nearly two-hour presentation, speakers touched on important topics relating to storm preparation and recovery and answered questions from some participants.
Here are a few of the important points from the webinar:
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING BEFORE AND AFTER
When dealing with documentation before and after major storms, more is better.
Nick Alzate with SRQ Public Adjusters said his usual pre-loss photo folders have 400-700 photos for a property to adequately document everything. These photos are important for insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency claims after storms to prove damage occurred during storms.
After storms, Alzate said the same number of photos is important to show exactly how the storms caused damage. Separate claims need to be filed for separate events, so having those photos after each event that specifically shows damage caused by the events is important.
PROPER CLEANUP
After a storm passes, Alzate said it’s important to “stop the bleeding” and mitigate potential continued losses.
Gary Septer, from Rainbow Restoration, said that water intrusion from storm surges is treated as contaminated water, and any porous materials — like drywall and insulation — must be removed quickly to prevent mold.
Roofing contractor Michael DeMichele, with Strong Roofing, told the audience that putting tarps on a damaged roof is an important step after a roof takes considerable storm damage. Tarps can prevent further rain damage after a storm and can reduce liability for the homeowner.
Emergency repair work can be done without a permit, but a permit application for emergency work must be submitted within 24 hours of starting the work, according to Parsons.
Alzate cautioned people that FEMA has specific guidelines on reimbursement for how a “dry-out” and roof tarping should be performed.
For example, Alzate said FEMA will only cover up to a certain number of days for the dry-out restora-
tion process and dehumidifier rental depending on the degree of flooding. Some properties, depending on the severity of damage, may need more work that is outside of the scope that FEMA reimburses.
In any case, it’s important to carefully review FEMA’s guidelines and speak with licensed contractors about these processes.
GET PERMITS WHEN NECESSARY
Parsons provided details about the necessary permitting process for structural repairs within the town.
He said there is a limited amount of work that can be done without a permit, which includes emergency repairs, like temporary roof repairs to prevent continued damage, covering exterior walls with plywood or plastic and temporary stabilization to prevent structural collapse.
Other than that, most post-storm repairs will require a permit through the Planning, Zoning and Building Department. This can be done through an online portal on the department’s website. Alternatively, permit applicants can email PermitDesk@LongboatKey.org or visit the department at 501 Bay Isles Road.
Additionally, the town commission approved a temporary fee waiver for building permit applications during hurricane recovery. Town Manager Howard Tipton also approved a 30-day exemption for repair work to be allowed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
UTILIZE TRUSTED, LOCAL CONTRACTORS
The presenters all emphasized that having good relations with local and trusted contractors will come in handy during storm recovery.
Parsons also said in his presentation that hiring an unlicensed contractor can be a huge risk for homeowners.
During times of emergency recovery, Parsons said scammers try to take advantage of homeowners, so it’s important to recognize warning signs and ensure the contractor you are using is trusted and properly licensed.
Parsons said using unlicensed contractors could lead to poor quality work, loss of coverage under homeowner’s policy, noncompliance with town building codes and liens imposed on properties.
Carter Weinhofer
Removed drywall in Carolyn Wedekind’s house shows how high the water rose during Hurricane Helene’s storm surge.
SUNDAY, OCT. 20
STUCK IN THE SHOWER
2:03 p.m., 600 block of Old Compass Road
Assist Other Agency: An officer was asked to assist the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department to help free a homeowner stuck in a glass shower and unable to open the door. Before the officer arrived, though, Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and freed the homeowner.
FRIDAY, OCT. 18
SIGN TOO SMALL
8:53 a.m., 600 block of Spanish Drive North Officer Public Service: A Longboat Key officer responded to a resident’s request to investigate a stolen mattress, dresser and tables. A neighbor spoke with the officer and said he helped the property owner move the furniture and there was a sign taped to it that said the furniture was not to be removed. The officer noted that the sign was small and not easily visible; other items, like a TV and other electronics, remained. The property owner said about $1,000 worth of furniture was lost, and the officer provided a case number for the report.
CANINE WELFARE CHECK
11:35 a.m., 4100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Animal Problem: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a report of two small dogs inside a vehicle that was not running. At the scene, the officer located the reported vehicle and found the dogs’ owner inside with the vehicle running. She said she lived in a nearby complex and, while waiting for friends, she briefly turned off the vehicle
but was inside the entire time. No criminal activity was reported by the officer.
SUNDAY, OCT. 20
DISPUTE OVER DOGS
7:50 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Civil Disturbance: A dispute about dogs that were not allowed on the property required police assistance. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the complainant who identified himself as the homeowners association president and confirmed that dogs were not allowed on the property. When he confronted a guest with a dog, he said the guest started yelling and using foul language. The HOA president demanded that the officer kick everyone out of the house, but the officer advised him that if it was an HOA rule and not a law being broken, the officer could not do that. The officer spoke with the dog’s owner, who said the property owner gave her approval to stay there temporarily with her dog since she lost everything in the hurricanes. The story was checked out with the owner, and the officer left the scene without further incident.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
NEIGHBORLY ASSISTANCE
8:33 a.m., 2000 block of Harbourside Drive
Suspicious Person: Dispatch sent an officer to a report of a suspicious person. The complainant claimed someone had come onto her property the previous night and moved an Amazon package. At the scene, the responding officer met with the homeowner, who reiterated the story. But, she added that, shortly after she reported the incident, her neighbor called to say they moved the package to the other side of the front door so it would be less visible from the street. In the end, nothing was stolen, and instead, it was a neighbor trying to help out.
Storms put canal project in question
Longboat Key commissioners now want to tread lightly about imposing additional tax assessments for the canal maintenance program during the town’s recovery.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Now that Longboat Key is in recovery mode after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, commissioners were hesitant to move forward with taxing for a canal program, which would require both ad valorem and non ad valorem assessments.
The town’s canals haven’t been maintained for about 20 years, and commissioners agree that a dredging program is necessary. But now that residents face costly repairs after the hurricanes, commissioners said the timing might be off.
At the commission’s Oct. 21 regular workshop, Assistant Director of Public Works Charlie Mopps presented an update to the town’s canal maintenance program. He was joined by Mark Stroik, of First Line Coastal, and Tara Hollis, of Willdan Financial, both companies that are a part of the project.
This past November, Mopps presented an initial program estimate. The initial dredge cost was around $16.8 million with a complicated funding method, so commissioners advised Mopps and the team to
cut costs and simplify the program.
This led Mopps to call in a new coastal management company, First Line, which conducted updated canal surveys. First Line was able to cut the initial dredge price to $4.58 million after finding that not all canals were in need of dredging.
How that total amount breaks down is 40,000 cubic yards of sand will be dredged, at an effective rate of $92 per cubic yard for a $3.68 million figure. The $4.58 million is achieved when permitting, design and management are included.
Mopps returned to the commission on Oct. 21 with Willdan Financial, the same company that handled assessments for the town’s undergrounding project.
At that workshop, Tara Hollis, with Willdan, presented a map of Longboat Key with an updated method of districting the island for the project. What used to be seven districts turned into six based on location, construction logistics and staff input.
Within those districts, three types of canals exist: general benefit, shared benefit and direct benefit. “General benefit” includes access channels, “shared benefit”
canals are arterial canals and “direct benefit” canals specifically benefit properties that abut the canal. Some commissioners also raised concerns about the funding method, which would tax all residents even though some residents don’t own a boat and utilize the canals. Due to the different uses, each type of canal requires different types of assessments, either ad valorem or non-ad valorem. To add the assessment to the next fiscal year’s tax roll (FY2026), the town’s finance department must submit the assessment to the counties by December.
Mayor Ken Schneier suggested commissioners allow the project team to continue refining the funding method until the next commission workshop on Nov. 12, at which time commissioners will decide whether to move forward with the program or postpone it another year.
“I apologize for this because I know it looks like a roadblock is being put up in something that you’ve done a lot of work on, and you have, and it’s important,” Schneier said. “But we’re in an extreme situation now.”
Friends and Neighbors,
The storms we have endured in the past number of weeks have been devastating, and their effects will be felt throughout our community for a long time. Recently, we’ve heard from many friends and past clients who have been seriously affected and are uncertain about their immediate next steps.
Historically, our Seaward Companies have focused primarily on new construction— both residential and commercial—as well as consulting services. However, in light of the many inquiries we’ve received, we are now prepared to extend our services to those in our community who have been most impacted by the storm. We are ready to meet with property owners to discuss the best options moving forward.
Our Seaward team members are here to assist our clients and friends with all of your needs at this time.
•
Substantial Home Remodeling
Let us assist you with a full scope of services including initial assessment, engineering, selective demolition, and through the execution of your property restoration.
• New Home Construction
Let our team guide you from architect selection and home design through vertical construction on a new or replacement elevated home with enhanced hurricane resistance safety features.
• Sale of your Property
For owners who desire to sell their property at this time and forego a construction project, we may be able to assist by purchasing your property. Alternatively, we can also connect you with one of our island team members from our real estate division at The DiPinto Group at Coldwell Banker to accommodate your real estate needs.
We at Seaward Companies are happy to meet with you to discuss all options that you may be considering at this time. We understand over the past two weeks that these storms have affected everyone differently and there is no “one size fits all” solution. What we can do now, is provide you with as much information as possible regarding your property options, from local and trusted professionals in our marketplace. With this important information you will be in the position to make the best decision for you and your family moving forward.
Best regards.
Patrick DiPinto Seaward Homes and Seaward Consulting
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Small Business Support
Longboat Key businesses ask for help from the community to keep their establishments from closing after the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Longboat Key businesses were left in disarray after hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed their locations and most of their inventory.
With no clue how to move forward, they look toward the community to help keep them in business with the hopes that residents find them necessary enough to donate.
“We have had multiple customers, thankfully, opening their checkbooks to us,” said Debra Murphy, owner of Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar in Whitney Plaza. “They want to help in any way to keep us on this island because we’re an integral part and this island needs us.”
If you want to support the small businesses of Longboat Key and St. Armands Circle, here is a roundup of GoFundMe pages and events.
VENTURA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN AND WINE BAR
Along with a hard summer, September was the worst month on record in the two years Ventura’s has been open on Longboat Key.
“Then Hurricane Helene hit,” said Murphy. “We have to replace everything. The flooring, chairs, tables and so much more.”
Ventura’s received about eight inches of water inside the restaurant.
This caused damage to the men’s restroom, floors, chairs and tables, along with other structural damage.
During the closure of Milton, the restaurant lost about $7,000 of food.
In starting a GoFundMe page, Murphy is hoping to raise $10,000 to pay bills and repairs, buy new fixtures and pay her staff as they work to keep the restaurant in business.
“I didn’t want to do a GoFundMe because I didn’t want to ask anybody for money,” said Murphy. “But we got to the point that after the Helene, it was necessary. My husband, Mike,
could with sandbags and elevating items, the store received two-anda-half feet of flooding along with losing 80% of its inventory.
“People donating to us would mean the difference between us getting reopened again and not,” said Snell. “This is our fifth hurricane, and out of two stores in basically two years, we’ve rebuilt a number of times. Now, we’re out of money and we need all the help we can get.”
In hopes of raising $50,000, they plan to replace the flooring, purchase new fixtures and replenish inventory and supplies. They also plan to financially support their employees during the time they are closed.
After falling in love with owning their gift shop in St. Armands Circle, Florence and Scott Keenan were saddened when 90% of its inventory was lost due to being flooded for the fifth time during the last hurricane season.
To raise $50,000 to repair their shop, they hope to replace all lost inventory, pay rebuilding bills and help staff get by after the hurricanes.
“We are doing everything we can to save Garden Argosy again and take care of our dearest employees as we consider them our family,” said Florence on her GoFundMe page. “Any help for our family at Garden Argosy will mean the world.”
Owner Jeffrey Snell has endured five hurricanes since being a business owner in Sarasota and has not been lucky with the outcomes. At his second store, Cariloha, in St. Armands Circle, it has become a critical situation for him to continue being an entrepreneur on the island.
Despite preparing as best as they
For decades, Karavan Treasures from Turkey has brought unique Turkish trinkets to cities around the country, including Columbus, Ohio, Annapolis, Maryland and Sarasota. Through hurricanes Helene and Milton, the St. Armands Circle location received about four feet of flooding, damaging its electrical system and inventory and rotting display cases and walls.
Trying to stay on the Circle, owner Max Onder hopes to raise $20,000 to rebuild the shop along with replacing the inventory lost. An anonymous donor plans to match the first $5,000 of donations.
Visit GoFundMe.com/F/KaravanHurricane-Helene-Relief-Fund to donate.
GAUTHIER SALON AND WELLNESS SPA
Being on the second floor of a St. Armands Circle building, Gauthier Salon and Wellness Spa was spared damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. However, owners Sonia and Serge Gauthier were saddened when listening to the destruction their neighbors had to face.
During conversations with other St. Armands business owners, they realized many of the merchants didn’t have flood insurance and would have trouble keeping their doors open for customers to support them.
Wanting to help, Gauthier Salon and Wellness Spa plans to host a Halloween party from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 2 at its second-floor loca-
tion, 369 St. Armands Circle. The proceeds will benefit St. Armands merchants.
“After Helene, I was in shock when talking to all the St. Armands merchants, but they are all very resilient people,” said Sonia. “They still had energy and motivation after being destroyed. So, we want to re-create the same magic St. Armands Circle usually offers on Halloween to give people some hope and help.”
For more information contact Sonia Gauthier at 388-5500 or email TheGauthierSalon@gmail.com.
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE ART FESTIVAL
The St. Armands Circle Association plans to officially invite customers back to St. Armands Circle at the 35th annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 9-10, all proceeds will benefit the merchants group.
“The business owners on St. Armands Circle were greatly impacted by the recent hurricanes,” said Rachel Burns, executive director of the St. Armands Circle Association, in a press release. “Some have reopened, and we are looking forward to a full reopening in the next month or two. Hosting the St. Armands Circle Art Festival is another step in restoring our island, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the circle.”
Most businesses are planning to open for the first time since the hurricane for the festival since it brings such a large amount of patrons.
For more information, call (561) 746-6615 or email Info@ArtFestival.com.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
If you are a small business asking for donations after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, you can email your GoFundMe page or website to Longboat Observer Community Reporter Petra Rivera at PRivera@YourObserver.com to be added to this ongoing list.
Courtesy images Ventura’s damage after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Cariloha Sarasota after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
2067 HARBOUR
The potluck of positivity
hen attending a potluck with her neighbors, Longboat resident Sue DiNatale said the atmosphere lightened up for the first time after the hurricanes. Their community opened back up again, feeling like Longboat’s positive community again.
Sharing this with the Rev. Robert Dziedziak, DiNatale and Dziedziak thought it would be important to spread the same supportive environment with Longboat, no matter how the hurricanes affected them.
Milton helping after Milton
Twin Shores Mobile Home Park.
His trailer was packed with items such as toilet paper, diapers, cleaning supplies, bottled water, moving boxes, yard tools, batteries, canned food and clothes.
“People have lost so much,” said DiNatale. “We just want them to know that the church is there to help and support even if it’s a hug or a little dinner or whatever.”
— PETRA RIVERA
St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church hosted as many as 120 Longboat residents at a community potluck on Oct. 24. Longboaters from different condominiums and churches, such as Christ Church of Longboat Key and Longboat Island Chapel, attended, searching for camaraderie and laughter after the past hard weeks.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Milton, Georgia, wanted to make amends with Longboat after a hurricane with its namesake came ashore on the Key.
When Twin Shores resident Sharon Austin shared the disarray left on the island by the two recent hurricanes, her friend who lives in Sarasota, Julie Swanger, looked for ways to assist. Her solution was to reach out to their hometown of Milton, Georgia, which is a suburb of Atlanta, because she knew they would band together to help one of their own.
Students from their children’s alma mater, Milton High School, organized a hurricane relief drive to donate emergency items for all Longboaters. Milton High School parent Jack Berube drove down on Oct. 22 and unloaded the supplies at
Berube grew up visiting his grandparents at their house on Longboat Key. So, when Swanger contacted him to help, he didn’t hesitate to organize the drive with the help of his daughter, Reagan, who is on the Milton High School equestrian team.
The Milton High School student council and flag football team also helped collect items. The art department at the school put the finishing touches by decorating and signing the trailer.
Berube plans to drive down again in the next week to drop off another trailer full of supplies.
The Milton High School Hurricane Relief is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. every day until supplies run out at Twin Shores, 3740 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The supplies are available for all Longboaters to take if they need them. Austin will be there to help and answer any questions.
Mary Lou Ivaska and Connie DiMaggio
Cindy Noble, Sheila Nemes and George Noble
Photos by Petra Rivera
Gayle Sobieck, the Rev. Robert Dziedziak, Sue DiNatale, Susan Udermann, Maureen Watterson at the St. Mary, Star of the Sea potluck.
Hurricane relief supplies collected by students from Milton High School will be available for all Longboaters at Twin Shores Mobile Home Park.
Courtesy image
Milton High School art students Samantha F, Courtney W, Carly P, Lauren P and Audrey B
Petra Rivera
Tony Falagario hands out water collected by Milton High School to Julie Swanger from Northern Trust.
Several people have
PLEASE CONTACT US AT 941.376.5311 before proceeding down this road so that you are completely informed and receive the highest value of your property.
If you are needing any referrals for reliable handymen, contractors, landscapers, etc., we have those contacts to share with you — just give us a call!
A HELPING HAND
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Bob and Mary Parrish from Bob Parrish CPA were at a loss on how to move forward after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Along with other physical losses at their business in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key, they lost a $13,000 desktop computer, a big loss for their business. They also lost a 2014 Camaro, which is still sitting behind the Centre Shops to this day.
After having no clue as to how to recover, the Parrishes noticed the Florida SBDC RV sitting in the parking lot of the Centre Shops.
“We didn’t know where to go,” said Bob. “So, this is where we came for the direction of choices that we have, and they have been very helpful and friendly in helping educate us to our sources. This is actually our second time coming in this week.”
Through connections with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Small Business Development Center set up its mobile assistance center on Longboat Key
from Oct. 25 to 31 to help businesses like Parrish CPA and more.
Its professionally certified consultants guided multiple small businesses from St. Armands Circle, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island through applying for Small Business Administration disaster loans after Helene and Milton.
SBDC consultant Mark Cooper traveled from Jacksonville to open the mobile assistance center in Sarasota County and Longboat Key. Although he never envisioned assisting people to apply for disaster loans when he first started working for SBDC, Cooper said it has been satisfying to help these small businesses in any way he can, especially after seeing the destruction of the island.
“A lot of our clients that come in aren’t as tech savvy as maybe the younger generation is,” said Cooper.
“So, we help them navigate that and talk to somebody they trust so that we can get them the help they need.”
Consultants like Cooper help these businesses through all aspects and questions people might have when applying for these loans. He
Bob Parrish
has helped business owners create SBA accounts, answer questions on the applications and even apply for a replacement social security card. Another consultant, Brad Mix, set up an email account for a business owner who didn’t have one so they could finish their disaster loan application.
Cooper said most businesses he saw applied for emergency bridge loans, which are short-term loans that help businesses bridge the gap between the time of impact and when longer-term resources become available. Those loans were just extended to be applicable for two years between $50,000 and $100,000. The application deadline for emergency bridge loans is Dec. 4.
Consultants also assisted with applying for SBA physical disaster loans and economic injury loans.
Businesses in Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties are still able to apply for these loans online with the help of an SBDC consultant at
their county offices. The application deadline for physical disaster loans is Dec. 10, while people can apply for economic injury loans until July 11, 2025.
From the Manatee County branch of the SBDC, Mix has been working as a consultant for the center around the country for more than 20 years, starting in California. He said it has been the most rewarding job to help these small businesses get hurricane relief. He hopes they continue to work with the SBDC for its other resources as well.
“We’ve had a couple of people that recently acquired a business less than one or two months, and then they got hit by the hurricane,” said Mix. “They come in frantic, and we give them some relief that they will get back on their feet and move forward. I really hope after they get through this, we’ll be able to help with other aspects of their business.”
Bay Nguyen and Brad Mix
the SBDC Mobile
Center.
Mark Cooper, Bob and Mary Parrish meet in the SBDC Mobile Assistance Center.
Photos by Petra Rivera
1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive #105 - $2,575,000-Furnished
The Water Club on the South end of Longboat Key is a rare jewel in condominium living. Almost new 2,585 sq. ft. under air, features a garden, and partial Gulf views. Southern exposure w/walls of glass, 10 ft. ceilings, wood flooring, extended 1,000 sq. ft. terraces. The Water Club exquisite clubhouse offers state of the art fitness center, message room, spa, lounge, library w/fiireplace, ballroom, game room and phenomenal staff providing concierge services, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis, and 2 pets under 35 lbs. welcome. Walk down the beach and enjoy restaurants at the new St Regis. No water intrusion from hurricane WaterClub105.com
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2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive #204 - $7,999,000
This epic Gulf-front corner residence, which feels like a home on the beach, offers 3 bedrooms plus an office (or 4 bedrooms) and 3.5 bathrooms in a lavish 4,032 sq. ft. space. Gourmet Miele kitchen with large walk-in pantry. 3,400 sq. ft. terrace featuring a 40-foot private infinity pool, fire pit, and summer kitchen, with private stairs leading straight to the beach, Garage suitable
415 L’Ambiance Drive #A401 -$5,840,000
Experience luxury at L'Ambiance with this Southwest corner residence featuring a spacious wraparound terrace and stunning sunsets. Enjoy private elevator access opening directly into your own beautiful foyer, a custom-designed interior with new windows, doors, kitchen, and baths. This choice Royal floorplan offers three bedrooms, all ensuite, a powder room, and a bonus room. Residents benefit from concierge service, a 24-hour guard gate, an Olympic-sized pool, two tennis courts, a fitness center, game rooms, a library, a wine room, and guest suites. Small pet welcome, and one underground parking spot is included. L'Ambiance on Longboat Key is not just a residence; it's an exclusive lifestyle waiting for discerning buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury living. No water intrusion from hurricane. lambianceA401.com
and Instant enjoyment is
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in this 3BR bedroom home w/deeded
and a Bosch induction cooktop. Updated bathrooms and an abundance of closet space—including brand new closet organizers. Large storage room/ bonus room, in-residence washer and dryer . No water intrusion from hurricane.
on protected, sailboat water w/direct access to SRQ Bay w/no bridges. It is located in desirable Country Club Shores on the South Longboat key. This home offers Newer HURRICANE IMPACT GLASS/Sliding glass throughout the entire home. Newer roof, air conditioning, mar-cited pool and spa, newer seawall and lift rated for a 10,000-lb capacity, . Enjoy all the amenities of elegant living, plus the social and enriching events that make Sarasota the cultural capital of Florida. Sarasota bustles with many art galleries and antique shops. From New York bagels to elegant bistros and world-class restaurants, its marinas, and golf courses. No water intrusion from hurricane.
This charming single-story beachfront home offers an incredible opportunity for those seeking a slice of paradise. Sold as-is, the property is situated on a generous
Whether
8 a.m. at Christ Church of Longboat Key, 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Kicking off the season’s first meeting of Christ Church’s Mens Club is a presentation by local real estate owner Steve Walter. He will focus on the state of the pre and post hurricane Longboat housing marketplace. A full breakfast will be served before. No charge or reservations are necessary, but Good Will donations are appreciated. Call 383-8833.
RECURRING EVENTS
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; free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
‘COPING WITH OUR TIMES’ SUPPORT GROUP
1-2:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. The Paradise Center provides a space for people to share their hardships after being affected by two hurricanes. Retired therapist Scott Anstadt will discussion groups on all storm-related topics. Call 383-6493.
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, free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
QIGONG
From 10-11 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Qigong is a mind-body-spirit practice designed to improve mental and
BEST BET
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
LIBRARY
POP-UP
10-11:30 a.m. 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 Library PopUp 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.
physical health. Class is outdoors, weather permitting. Cost is $15; free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
YOGA
From 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Debby Debile, of Feel Good Yoga & Massage, leads a gentle yoga class that can be done on a mat or in a chair. Cost is $15; free for members. Call 383-6493.
MAHJONG
From 1-3 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Fun time for 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; free for members. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
THURSDAYS
KIWANIS CLUB OF LONGBOAT
KEY
At 8:30 a.m. at Lazy Lobster, 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive. This service organization meets every first and third Thursday of the month for breakfast and a speaker. Breakfast is $15. Email Lynn Larson at LynnLarson@comcast.net to register.
Opening its doors
Club Leaf and Bean opened its doors for residents to have a spot to mingle and feel some normalcy while Longboat recovers after two hurricanes.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
After losing his home during Hurricane Helene, Longboater Edward Principe was the new neighbor on the block when he started renting at Beach Harbor Club.
Even though his living situation was temporary, residents at the condominium were quick to include him in their community by inviting him to all their outings.
When they decided to check out an open house at the island’s exclusive cigar lounge, Principe couldn’t say no to his new friends. The gathering gave him some comfort and relief after weeks of uncertainty.
“This was the outing I needed after these past few weeks,” said Principe. “Our group is great, especially after these weeks have been so unpleasant. So, for them to invite me to enjoy free drinks and music at this club has been a treat.”
Club Leaf and Bean opened its doors for the first time to Longboaters in addition to its exclusive members for three days only.
From Oct. 22 to 24, Longboaters had a free chance to see inside the private, members-only club. After the island endured three weeks of damage and uncertainty from Hurricane Helene and Milton, coowners Mark Zini and Matt Kaltenberger wanted to offer a comfortable space for people to relax, reflect and connect with friends.
Zini said it has been a great week to reach out to new Longboaters and make new connections for
CLUB LEAF AND BEAN
Interview with Zini and Kaltenberger to be one of Club Leaf and Bean’s 55 members. All membership costs are kept private. To be considered for a membership, call 491-9299 or visit ClubLeafAndBean.com/ Longboat.
potential members. The club was fairly busy throughout the week, with a few people coming in to enjoy the free WiFi. Originally owning two cigar clubs in Pennsylvania, Zini and
Kaltenberger opened Club Leaf and Bean on Longboat Key in January as a space for like-minded men and women to build a community around the exclusive experience, even if they didn’t smoke cigars. The club is only limited to 55 members, inspired by the year that Longboat Key was founded.
To celebrate the last day of the open house, local musician Mike Martin performed live from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24. Along with the live music, free drinks and WiFi, residents said that the open house provided the first look at normalcy on the island.
“This is the first thing that has allowed people to be a bit lighter,” said Connie Darrah from the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. “It was so great that they opened it up to the community so people could go have a drink and sit down in a comfortable chair.”
Photos by Petra Rivera
Matt Kaltenberger, Mark Zini and Edward Principe enjoy drinks at Club Leaf and Bean’s community get-together.
Mike Martin performs live at Club Leaf and Bean.
Connie Darrah at Club Leaf and Bean’s community get-together.
Home in John Ringling Estates
top week’s sales at $2 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in John Ringling Estates tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. William and Kymberleigh Quinn, of St. Pete Beach, sold their home at 253 Coolidge Drive to 253 Coolidge Dr LLC for $2 million. Built in 1947, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,357 square feet of living area. It sold for $140,000 in 1994.
LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWER
Timothy and Dawn Sweeney, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 707 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Donald and Dawn Meagher, of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, for $1.25 million. Built in 1972, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $560,000 in 2020.
GRAND BAY
Sherry Lee Thomas Bell, trustee, of Knoxville, Tennessee, sold the Unit 422 condominium at 3010 Grand Bay Blvd. to Joleen Frick and Daniel Frick, trustees, of Longboat Key, for $1 million. Built in 1999, it has three
bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $545,000 in 1999.
LONGBOAT HARBOUR Ulf and Jan Langgard, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 302
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
condominium at 4320 Falmouth Drive to Thomas Koch and Diane Koch, trustees, of Livonia, Michigan, for $525,000. Built in 1969, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,072 square feet of living area. It sold for $255,000 in 2017.
Images courtesy of Michael Busch
Timothy and Dawn Sweeney, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 707 condominium at 4401 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Donald and Dawn Meagher, of Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, for $1.25 million.
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MONSTER MASH by Lisa Senzel and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
Gail J. Weiser captured this photo of a beautiful sunset from Isles Beach on Longboat Key.
Homes for Sale
2/2 furnished condo for sale, seller concessions, move in ready. Stephenweeks@michaelsaunders.com
at 941-202-6957.
STORM ANGELS - Cash or Contract for your property. 48 hrs. Call Tony 573-216-7000
Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals
L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT K KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high oor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club. Sunrises, sunsets through oor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call John at: 203-984-8477 or E-mail: garment@optonline.net
LONGBOAT KEY: Beachfront Condos, 1st or 2nd floor, 2BR/2BA, W/D in units, free Wi-Fi, heated pool, & parking. Call 941-383-3338.
WEEKLY MONTHLY SEASONAL RATES
Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos
Reservations 941-383-5577
wagnerlbkrentals@gmail.com Visa/MC
5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228
Rental of ce 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F
Ask about our special rates! Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.rentalsonlongboat.com
vibrant city center. Positioned on the fourth floor, this home offers breathtaking views of the city, serene resort-style grounds, and sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay. Arriving is effortless with a private, residents-only elevator that transports you directly from secure parking to your personal lobby. As you enter through double doors, you’re greeted by exquisite features including Travertine flooring throughout, which creates a harmonious transition from one space to another. Nearly 10’ ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite abundant natural light, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere. Resort-
