THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
Before the holidays, the town of Longboat Key hosted a community resilience webinar to share resources for residents who are recovering and rebuilding after the hurricanes.
During the webinar, representatives from the town’s building department, U.S. Small Business Administration, Florida Division of Emergency Management and FloodProofing.com provided information like grants for elevating homes and flood-proofing tips.
On Jan. 1, about 60 to 70 residents of Seaplace Condominiums “braved” the “frigid” waters of the Gulf of Mexico for the annual Polar Plunge.
Actually, with temperatures in the 70s, there wasn’t much to brave, but the 20-year tradition carried on.
“It has been cold in some years,” said June Hessel, events chair at Seaplace.
“But it’s really a tongue-incheek event.”
A big reason for the event is residents can gather with leftover snacks and unopened bottles of champagne from New Year’s Eve for that little extra celebration.
Now, the webinar is available on the town’s website for those who could not attend. To find the recording, head to LongboatKey.org, go to “Our Town” and “Public Notices.” $0.10
WEEK OF JAN. 9, 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
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n Planning and Zoning Board Meeting — 9:15 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road
“I think we’re in good shape to go through this interim period.”
Town Manager Howard Tipton on the timeline for the search to find Longboat Key’s next police chief Read more on page 4A
Longboat Key was named a top destination for 2025 by Forbes in its travel guide.
“While 2025’s calendar will be full of big events and noteworthy openings in alpha cities, Forbes Travel Guide is seeing travelers gravitate to more remote locales and a continued focus on wellness getaways,” the magazine’s website says.
The “Top 12” list debuted on Forbes’ website on Dec. 16.
In the “Top 12” list are destinations like Bhutan; Greece; Amsterdam; Asheville, North
Carolina; Morocco; and Longboat Key.
Namely, the St. Regis Longboat Key is the key attraction mentioned in Forbes’ blurb about the island.
“Unless you are a local, you might not know about this tranquil barrier island off the coast of Sarasota. Here, visitors will discover 12 miles of soft whitesand beaches, turquoise waters and nature preserves,” the blurb says.
According to Forbes’ website, the St. Regis Longboat Key was
the only St. Regis hotel to open in the United States in 2024 and was Longboat Key’s largest development in decades.
The St. Regis Longboat Key opened to the public for an unveiling ceremony in August 2024 and gradually ramped up operations for the remainder of the year.
At the resort, guests can experience multiple fine dining options, a saltwater wildlife encounter and a lazy lagoon that traverses around the middle of the resort.
Sarasota County remains engaged in a public library project for Longboat Key. Recently, the county granted the town an extension for its fundraising campaign.
Now, the town and Longboat Key Foundation will have until the end of April to raise the $3.5 million necessary for the enhanced version of the library.
Following a series of community workshops in 2024, the county added the option for these enhancements to better fit the community’s desires for a library.
The enhancements include a larger community meeting room and a terrace.
The county will pay the $11.1 million required for the core library, and the county will operate the library once it’s built.
The town previously asked for an extension after not meeting the fundraising deadline of August. Fundraising delays were attributed to fewer residents on the island in the summer.
Then, Hurricanes Helene and Milton disrupted the town’s operations for the rest of 2024.
According to the latest email update from Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman, the town’s utilities undergrounding project will soon reach a milestone.
After experiencing delays due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the project is on track to finish underground conversions around Jan. 31. Following completion of the conversions, Florida Power & Light and the rest of the project team can proceed to overhead pole removal, repairing storm-damaged streetlights and installing additional backlit street signs.
A timeline for complete project completion — signified by the final pole removal — is still to be determined.
The Longboat Key Garden Club brought local coastal experts to inform residents about the importance of Florida-friendly vegetation when restoring landscaping after the hurricanes.
Landscapes around Longboat Key will need some facelifts after this past year’s hurricane season.
Dead grass, changing beach vegetation and lost dunes are still reminders that Hurricane Helene’s storm surge had widespread effects on the island.
On Dec. 19, the Longboat Key Garden Club hosted an in-person seminar for interested residents to learn how to get landscaping back in shape after hurricanes.
At the “Restoring plants after major storms” seminar, representatives from environmental organizations provided expert opinions about coastal vegetation landscapes and the importance of native plants.
One of those experts was Ryan Gandy, science and restoration manager of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Gandy said this time of restoring vegetation is a chance to plan more proactively.
“I think what we’re seeing now is an opportunity to really look forward to what the state of our barrier islands is going to be, what our environment is going to be and try to meet it at where it’s going to be,” Gandy said.
Ashley Ellis shared the same sentiment as Gandy about how barrier islands should restore landscapes after hurricanes. Ellis works with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as a resident horticulture agent for Sarasota County.
“When I think about landscaping, especially in what I consider a harsh environment‚ I’m thinking about what plants are naturally occurring here, what survived here after the storm and how we can incorporate those into our landscapes,” Ellis said.
Planting more native Florida plants in new landscapes will save time and effort in the future by minimizing future replanting needs, Ellis said.
It’s not as simple as picking native Florida plants and putting them in the ground, though. Ellis said there’s a coastal plant community profile that can help guide homeowners in choosing suitable plants in certain areas.
Working landward from the beach, the most landward area is called
the “maritime forest.” This natural area is the closest to homes and other development and is often lost because it’s the most desirable place to build, Ellis said.
In the maritime forest and most of Florida, coastal soils are sandy and alkaline, according to Ellis.
Plants that are native to Florida can withstand these types of conditions better than other plants.
“They’re going to have a higher chance of survival in these conditions,” Ellis said.
With hurricanes, it’s not always about the storm surge. Many times, it’s heavy winds that deal damage.
Some plants — like sand live oaks and bald cypresses — are “windtolerant,” and can withstand winds of up to 50 to 70 mph.
“The reason why a lot of the native plantings are nice is that if you plant a majority of that in the landscape, it’s going to withstand these extremes we’re going through,” Gandy said.
“It’s going to look good, but it also fills in and saves a lot of money.”
When hurricanes reach Category 4 or 5, though, winds can get higher than 70 mph, and when surges like Helene come through and flood a barrier island with feet of ocean water, these extreme conditions will probably still cause damage to even the hardiest native plants.
“Just keep in mind, with major storms, some things are just not going to do well,” Ellis said.
DUNE DAMAGE REPAIR
One question asked at the presentation was about the town’s ability to restore the sand dunes lost or significantly impacted by this past year’s hurricanes.
Though the question could not be answered at that meeting, the topic was again raised at the Longboat Key Town Commission’s Jan. 6 meeting.
The town does not have a scheduled beach renourishment until around 2029. Interim nourishments may be possible, but that would rely on reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and permits from organizations like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection — both of which are likely lengthy processes.
Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman shared with commissioners and staff — and later to homeowners and condominium
associations — information about how beachfront properties could aid in restoring sand dunes in the meantime.
“For storm protection, bigger dunes tend to be better, but that would have to be balanced with FDEP permitting and the property owners’ desire for first-floor beach views during most normal days of the year,” Brownman said in his email.
Property owners can do simple beach work with a permit from the FDEP. These types of permits are a simple process with a field permit, according to Brownman.
But if properties would like to take on larger dune restoration projects, it’s ideal to hire a coastal engineer to help with design and permitting, Brownman said in the emailed resources.
When thinking about dune restoration, native plants play a vital role. One of the most important plants directly on the dunes is the sea oat.
“Sea oats are great because they stabilize sand dunes. Sea oats need to be there,” said Armando Ubeda, a Florida Sea Grant extension agent
and one of the presenters at the seminar.
Plants like sea oats help to stabilize the sediment, creating networks of roots that make the dunes stronger.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Toward the end of the Dec. 19 seminar, Gandy said the strong turnout the community had at the seminar amazed him, and he encouraged the Longboat Key community to continue collaborating and talking about how to restore the island’s landscape.
“This is like a recipe. Everyone is going to go back and make the recipe a little differently based on the information you have,” Gandy said.
“But if the base of that recipe is good and you learn from everybody about who’s doing a little bit better in the environment they’re in, that communication amongst yourselves can really help you along the way.”
The Garden Club’s seminar was recorded and is available on its website, along with additional resources provided by Ellis and the other presenters. To access these resources, visit LBKGardenClub.org.
Ellis said not all the same recommendations will apply to every landscape. There’s no “one size fits all,” just many best practices. For barrier islands and the different coastal landscapes, Ellis provided a mitigation plantings list to provide some good examples of plants that could be beneficial when restoring the coastal landscapes. Here are some examples:
DUNE SYSTEM n Sea oat (grass) n Blanket flower (flower/groundcover) n Beach elder (shrub) n Marsh hay (grass)
BACK DUNE & TRANSITIONAL AREA
n Sea grape (tree) n Prickly-pear cactus (cactus)
n Muhly grass (grass) n Coontie (shrub)
MARITIME FOREST
n Live oak (tree) n Cabbage palm (tree) n Marlberry (shrub) n Green buttonwood (tree)
Following the departure of Chief George Turner, Town Manager Howard Tipton said the town will stick with the interim chief while setting priorities for a new chief.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Next up for the Longboat Key Police Department is a search for a new chief. But there’s no rush, said Town Manager Howard Tipton.
In late December 2024, Tipton announced that Chief of Police George Turner would leave the department in January.
Turner’s tenure as chief began in 2021, which was his second stint with the Longboat Key PD. His first employment with Longboat Key began in 2001, when he served as patrol captain until 2007.
In 2007, Turner took over as chief of police in Brooksville, where he led the department to its first accreditation. Later, in 2021, he was hired by former Town Manager Tom Harmer
to do the same for Longboat Key. He accomplished this in February 2024.
Tipton commended Turner on his 47 years of police service, but now Tipton looks to take the department in a new direction.
After Turner leaves on Jan. 11, Deputy Chief Frank Rubino will step up as interim chief of police.
Rubino will assume all the duties of the Longboat chief, which includes managing the budget process for the police department. Despite that sometimes being a difficult process, Tipton is confident in Rubino’s ability in the interim.
“I think we’re in good shape to go through this interim period,” Tipton said.
As for a search for the new chief of police, Tipton said he’s not going to rush into that.
During this interim period, Tipton said he hopes to meet with all police department employees and other department heads to find out what qualities they value most in a new police chief.
Then, once Tipton gathers this data, he said he will look at the next steps in a search. In other words, there’s no hard deadline for kicking off a search — he said that will start whenever they feel ready.
When Tipton does complete the search and select a new chief, he said having Rubino help lead the transition will make things easier by having someone already familiar with the department and the chief’s position.
“We’re anticipating a smooth transition,” Tipton said.
TURNER’S DEPARTURE
Tipton sent a memo to police department personnel on Dec. 12 to inform them that Turner would step down effective Jan. 11.
The memo did not list specific reasons behind Turner’s departure, but Turner told his staff in an email he
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was informed he would be stepping down due to Tipton wanting to take the department “in a new direction.”
“It has been an honor to serve the town of Longboat Key,” Turner said in an email to town commissioners on Dec. 13. “My professional goal was to leave L.K.P.D. better than how I found it. Mission accomplished.”
In Turner’s email to his staff in December, he also acknowledged confidence in Rubino’s ability to lead the interim period.
“I have no idea of the new direction the town manager has in mind, but knowing that Deputy Chief Frank Rubino is named acting chief of police upon my retirement comforts me,” Turner said in his email to the department. “Deputy Chief Rubino will continue in the pursuit of excellence, Florida Accreditation and our high level of community service. I am sure he will have your support, as you have supported me.”
The town of Longboat Key still has seats open for the upcoming Citizens Academy starting Jan. 15.
his
seven consecutive Wednesdays until Feb. 26. Each session lasts from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will officially wrap up at the Longboat Key Town Commission’s regular meeting at 1 p.m. on March 3 for a “graduation” ceremony.
Participants of the 2025 class will take a deep dive into each town department through interactive sessions, which include refreshments each morning.
“You’ll have an opportunity to learn about your local government and the services and projects that shape the present and future of our town,” the brochure from the town states. “The curriculum has been designed with the expectation that participants will attend all sessions for a more complete knowledge and understanding of our town’s government and services.”
Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips said the program has been around “forever,” adding that she’s seen the program since she started with the town 27 years ago.
Phillips often joins in on sessions and said she still learns something new every time.
Usually, Phillips aims to have about 25-30 people in each class and had 21 already signed up as of Jan. 3.
With participants from different parts of the country and with varying background knowledge of town government, Phillips said there are often plenty of thought-provoking questions.
“These questions generate some interesting discussions,” Phillips said.
Phillips often joins in on sessions,
and she said she still learns something new every time.
Sessions include talks with the town manager, town attorney, town clerk, Finance Department, Information Technology, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Fire Rescue, police and the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.
Examples of topics include: how residents’ tax dollars are spent, a “behind the scenes” look from IT, town election processes, “Beaches 101,” official records and an overview of wellness programs and public tennis on Longboat Key.
In some sessions, participants will meet at the departments, like Public Works or the Police Department, to take a tour of things like the Public Works boats and police training simulators. The latter, Phillips said, may also include investigation breakdowns from Longboat’s Detective Captain Robert Bourque.
Often, the department heads will bring in other members of their staff so participants get to know many other faces around the town.
“The citizens love it, and they meet pretty much everyone,” Phillips said.
With every session, the department leading the day’s session is responsible for supplying the refreshments.
Over the years, Phillips said this produced a friendly competition among the departments, each vying to whip up the “best” refreshment arrays.
The Citizens Academy is a way for residents to learn more about the people and processes that drive Longboat Key. Phillips said participants are often intrigued by volunteer boards — like the Planning & Zoning Board — and many end up joining those boards after the academy.
“It’s really a great hook to get others interested in getting involved with the town,” she said.
Seats for the Citizens Academy are limited. Residents interested in being a part of the 2025 class can contact the Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips at SPhillips@LongboatKey.org or 941-3161999, ext. 1212.
For more information and a full agenda of sessions, visit the town’s website and look under the “Our Town” and “Public Notices” tabs.
In honor of Jean Flanigan, her family donated the accessible beach wheelchairs to the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department for the public to use.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Jean Flanigan’s family wanted her memory to live on by allowing others to experience the thing she loved the most: Longboat Key.
On Jan. 1, members of Jean Flanigan’s family presented the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department with two beach wheelchairs, which can also float. These chairs make the beach accessible to elderly and disabled individuals.
Jean Flanigan lived in Windward Bay when she was younger and visited frequently after she and her husband, Harry, grew their family.
“This was Jean’s happy place,” said Longboat Key Firefighter Brian Kolesa, who married into the Flanigan family. “Even in her later years in life, she always wanted to come here.”
Jean Flanigan, Kolesa’s grandmother-in-law, died in 2024, and her obituary mentions her love for the island.
“Jean’s greatest joy was sitting in her chair on the beach in Longboat Key, soaking up the sunshine, then taking a relaxing swim in the Gulf. If there was a boat going for a pleasure ride, she was the first to claim her rights to the best seat. Her adventurous nature enjoyed all that life had to offer,” the obituary said.
Jean and Harry’s grandson, Kevin Murphy, owns and operates Ocean Cure, a nonprofit based in North Carolina. Ocean Cure enhances beach accessibility for people with disabilities.
“There is no beach that we cannot make accessible. And we want to make sure that our participants leave understanding that there is no obstacle that they cannot overcome,” Ocean Cure’s website states.
When thinking of a way to honor Jean Flanigan, Murphy and the family decided to donate two of Murphy’s accessible beach chairs to Longboat Key. This way, everyone could enjoy
Longboat Key’s special beaches as Jean Flanigan did all her life. Kolesa led to the connection to the fire rescue department, which has
the means to spread the word to the community and make sure the chairs are well-utilized, he said.
“They wanted to give that opportunity to other people since it was her happy place,” Kolesa said.
The two new beach wheelchairs — plus one the department already had — are furnished a week at a time. If anyone needs to extend past a week, they can do so as long as no one is on the waiting list, Fire Administration Manager and Public Information Officer Tina Adams said.
To borrow the chairs, a $20 deposit and signed waiver is required.
Now, the department has three beach wheelchairs, but the new ones are more “state-of-the-art,”
said Adams. These are foldable and compact, which makes them easier to transport and fit into a car.
The department also has a few life jackets of varying sizes if visitors need those.
Anyone who wants more information about the chairs or wants to check them out can do so by calling the fire rescue department at 941316-1944 or stopping by Fire Station 91 (5490 Gulf of Mexico Drive) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For those who chafe at the so-called ‘out of control’ growth, take a breath. Florida’s and the local growth rates are slowing for good.
Demography is destiny.
That’s a long-debated phrase attributed to French philosopher Auguste Comte, who lived in the first half of the 1800s.
To be sure, there is a lot of truth to it. At the same time, we have a choice on whether we want our demographics to be our destiny. Either way, you first must know what is about to occur. If you’re a CEO or business owner, for instance, for sure it’s smart to have your eye on the coming trends.
In that vein, at the halfway mark of the 2020s, now is a good time for a snapshot of what is about to occur over the next five to 10 years in Florida’s demographics.
Probably the clearest, most succinct snapshot of what to expect is to invoke the words of a CEO who took over his father’s fast-growing software company 20-plus years ago: “If you don’t like change, this isn’t the place for you.”
That message should have rung like a cathedral bell if you read last week’s editions of the Observers. Our reporters and editors provided readers with details of some of the largest development and road projects that will be starting in 2025 and, in some cases, continue for the next five years.
The story isn’t changing. Florida’s story for the past 100 years is continuing: Population will continue to grow. Here is a big one: In 2024, Florida topped 23 million in population — 23,002,597, according to the Florida Demographic Estimating Conference.
In the past decade, Florida added 3,417,501 people, a 17% increase. That’s 341,750 new people a year — the equivalent of adding a city of Orlando each year.
And here’s a good guess: Most people dislike this growth (present company strongly excluded). You know — the traffic, the development, loss of open space, etc. But there is good news for those in that camp. For one, take solace in that even though Florida topped 23 million population in 2024 and remained the third most populous state, Florida is still a long way away from reaching the populations of No. 2 Texas (31,290,831) and No. 1 California (39,431,263).
What’s more, Florida’s population estimators are forecasting that Florida’s population growth will be slowing. Instead of adding 340,000 people a year (or 936 people a day), the five-year forecast through April 2028 shows Florida’s population growth slowing to adding only 319,109 net new residents per year (or 874 people a day).
Notably, the average annual increase from 2024 to 2028 is expected to drop from 1.62% to 1.2%.
The top line shows the peaks and valleys of in-migration fueling population growth. Since 2022, deaths in Florida have outpaced births.
Source: Florida Demographic Estimating Conference
FLORIDA CONTINUES TO AGE
Distribution of growth by age group between April 2020 and April 2030
The first cohort of baby boomers turned 65 in 2011. Fourteen of 19 cohorts have now entered the retirement phase.
Locally, the population change is expected to follow the same pattern — as noted in the adjoining table below. You can see how the growth rates will slow compared to those from 2020 to 2024. So, for those who chafe at the effects of population growth, exhale. The flood of New Yorkers, Chicago-
ans and Michiganders will slow. At the same time, Florida’s over65 population is expected to grow. Florida’s Demographic Estimating Conference is projecting 52% of the growth in population up to 2030 will be those age 60 and older. One other notable factor: Declining birth rates. This has been a long-running trend throughout the
United States and the world. Florida is no different. State forecasters say all of Florida’s population increases will come from net in-migration. For the foreseeable future, deaths will outnumber births. But watch out what you wish for. Scholars learned even in the 1600s that population growth is essential to the flourishing of prosperity.
“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
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Former Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton responds to Matt Walsh’s Dec. 24 column regarding the possible development near Celery Fields.
The recent Sarasota Observer editorial by Matt Walsh entitled
“Our priority: birds, people?” was frustrating, but not surprising. In his column Mr. Walsh suggests “anti-development forces ... ” specifically calling out the Audubon Society, “... want government to intervene and stop property owners from having the rightful benefits and use of what they own.” Matt is referring to the recent decision by the Sarasota County Planning Commission to deny a rezone petition for the 50-acre Smith property that is adjacent to the Celery Fields, a wildlife sanctuary and flood control facility. Most of the Smith property is in an area designated by FEMA to have a high risk of flooding, and during recent storms, the property can clearly be seen underwater. The contract purchaser of the Smith property, D.R. Horton, will soon be asking the county commission to ignore the planning commission’s correct determination that rezoning the property is not justified and should be denied. D.R. Horton is requesting the county commission to approve rezoning the property from an open-use rural district that would permit about five homes, to a residential single-family district that would permit 170 homes, a 3,400% increase.
The argument offered by both Horton and Matt is that since the county’s Comprehensive Plan has designated the Smith property as Moderate-Density Residential the rezoning should be a perfunctory approval, and to do otherwise would deprive the property owner’s “rightful benefits.” Hogwash!
The Comp Plan provides a roadmap to future planning decisions such as rezoning and each rezoning petition must be evaluated to determine consistency with hundreds of policies within the plan, not just those selected to favor the property owner.
Many of the plan’s policies protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, such as preserving environmental systems, wildlife sanctuaries, and preventing flooding. To approve Horton’s rezoning petition, county commissioners would have to ignore a countless number of these comp plan policies.
To be fair, Matt is not a lone wolf howling this spurious property rights threat refrain. In a recent Sarasota Herald Tribune article, one of the region’s largest developers was quoted saying, “... we operate under a field of laws and rules and regulations and court cases, and Bert J. Harris (a state private property rights law) and the decisions of the elected officials are circumscribed by the laws.” Once again furthering this illegitimate idea of a perfunctory rezoning decision. Fortunately for us all, the protection of private property rights is enshrined in both the Florida and the U.S. constitutions. This elevates the issue to a parallel with free speech, due process and apple pie. So, it should come as no surprise that elected officials who make growth and land use decisions pledge to protect private
property rights as frequently as any other symbolic pledge. You would think that Sarasota County is suffering from a private property rights takings epidemic! But if so, where’s the evidence? One would have had to have just moved here last Tuesday or be observationally impaired to conclude that property rights and new development are being threatened in Sarasota County. The County’s own 2024 citizen survey, by a more than two-toone margin, ranked “Population growth/new development” as the most important issue facing Sarasota County.
In 1972, recognizing the serious threats of development to Florida’s quality of life, natural environment & economy, state leaders approved Saving Paradise: The Florida Environmental Land &
Water Management Act, followed by the 1975 Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act that mandates all local governments to adopt a comprehensive plan, & that all development permits & rezoning be consistent with the plan.
Comp plans are intended to inform and coordinate planning decisions, not to vest property rights. Property rights are vested with zoning district approval. For over the last decade, the state legislature and local governments have been passing development industry-sponsored laws designed to reduce or eliminate environmental protection standards, diminish public participation and all but eliminate the ability to challenge comp plan decisions. As a result, the comp plan planning process itself is
now the most serious threat to Florida’s quality of life, natural environment and economy.
The land use decision process has become rigged with the deck stacked decisively in favor of large developers.
Almost 30 years ago (Sept. 1, 1995, page 12A), coincidently as chairman of the Audubon Society, I published an op-ed entitled “Property Rights: Problem is the ‘giving,’ not he ‘taking.’” It was a reality then as it is now, only now it’s worse. Currently, the cumulative comp plans approved in Sarasota County provide for enough development to effectively double the county’s existing population.
The Smith property can be legally developed today at its current zoning. Eroding those property rights would be a taking, but not giving away additional rights is not. Sarasota County is infamous for giving away property rights worth hundreds of millions of dollars in developer profits and leaving the citizens on the hook for paying the infrastructure bill, repairing environmental damage, and fixing flooding problems.
Evidence that we have a property rights “taking” problem is rare, but where it does exist, it should be eliminated. But evidence that we have a property rights “giving” problem is ubiquitous to anyone caring to make an honest assessment.
A more accurate title for Matt’s column should be “Our priority: birds developers, people?”
The Planning Commission got it right, the Smith property rezone petition should be denied by the county commission, and it has nothing to do with eroding property rights.
Jon Thaxton is a former three-term Sarasota County commissioner, third-generation Sarasota real estate professional and lifelong growth management and conservation activist.
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Garber joined his old friend Gene Goldberg on stage as a part of the club’s Seafarer’s Speakers series.
DYLAN CAMPBELL SPORTS REPORTER
Don Garber doesn’t always love having his picture in the newspaper. For most people, seeing their photo in the paper is a source of pride and excitement.
Garber, however, is not like most people. Because for the commissioner of Major League Soccer, a role he’s held since 1999, having his name and his face in the newspaper is more of a requirement than a desire.
That is, of course, unless it’s a shot of him holding a large snook or tarpon, his smile plastered ear to ear, the trophy of a long day of fishing in Sarasota Bay, typically with his close friend Capt. Warren Girle.
‘OUR HAPPY PLACE’
Sarasota is an area that Garber is quite familiar with. An avid fisherman, Garber has been coming to the area for more than 35 years with his wife, Betsy. In 2008, he bought a property on Longboat Key. He currently owns a place on Lido Key and makes the trip down whenever he has a moment — a rarity, given that time is not exactly in abundance for the face of soccer in the United States.
“I love it here,” said Garber. “Sarasota Bay is one of the best fisheries in the country. The weather is amazing and Sarasota has a great food scene. If I’m not catching a fish, I’m eating one in a restaurant. A couple of days ago, I was at Mar Vista. Last night, I went to Veronica Fish and Oyster and we spent New Year’s at Euphemia Haye.”
after working in the NFL for 16 years, the league was in disarray. Ten teams played in nonsoccer specific stadiums, dotted around the country. The league’s very survival — not to mention its status as one of the top professional leagues in the country — was in question.
Today, MLS is thriving, thanks to a strategy of sustained growth implemented by Garber over his 25-year tenure. In 2024, 29 teams across North America called MLS home — with a 30th, in San Diego, set to be added in 2025.
On Jan. 3, Garber made the trip down to the Bird Key Yacht Club where he spoke in front of roughly 140 members as a part of the club’s Seafarer Speakers series, sharing stories about his time as commissioner, his career path and what the future holds for soccer in the United States. It was a night made possible by member Gene Goldberg — an old friend and colleague of Garber’s from the time they spent working at the National Football League in the 1980s and ’90s.
For the members in attendance, it was a chance to see something truly special — the leader of one of the top five professional sports in the country, speaking about the future of MLS at a critical juncture in the league’s existence.
When Garber came to MLS in 1999
According to MLS, more than 11.4 million fans attended regular season matches, the most in league history and a 5% increase from 2023. Additionally, the average attendance of a game — 23,234 in 2024, was also the highest in league history, with 10 clubs either matching or setting records for average attendance.
The massive growth of MLS can be attributed to a number of factors, but started with the idea that teams needed to be playing in their own sport-specific stadiums. When the league was founded, it was meant to act as counter-seasonal programming for NFL owners, who also owned all of the MLS teams.
“They thought that they needed something to do in their stadiums when their stadiums were empty in
the spring and summer, and I came in and pretty quickly realized that didn’t make sense,” said Garber. “I’d go to a game in the Meadowlands and there would be 800 or 1,000 or 2,000 people.”
Now, 26 of the league’s 29 teams are playing in their own stadiums. It’s a sign of how far the league has come and how the perception of professional soccer has changed in North America.
The rise in popularity of MLS has also come from its increased ability to attract big-name international talent, which started in 2007 with the recruitment of David Beckham to the LA Galaxy and has extended into 2023, when the league lured international superstar Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.
As much as MLS has grown under Garber’s 25-year tenure, he’s confident the league will continue to rise in prominence in the coming years. In 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup, a competition featuring 32 of the world’s best professional teams, including two from MLS, will be played in North America. In 2026, 12 host cities will also host the international soccer championship, the FIFA World Cup.
“It’s going to be like dozens and dozens of Super Bowl matches,” said Garber of the 2026 World Cup, “It already captures the attention of everyone in the world, but now it will capture the attention of everyone in this country. With all of the sports activity happening here in the next three years between the World Cups and the Olympics in 2028, I hope that we’re able to capture the attention of everybody that is coming here and use that as the rocket fuel to launch us into a new era of MLS.”
ELIZABETH KING BUSINESS OBSERVER
Video-sharing and cloud services platform Rumble, which is based on Longboat Key and aims to provide access to uncensored content, has entered into an agreement with a cryptocurrency company for a strategic investment of $775 million. The crypto firm, Tether, has agreed to purchase 103.33 million shares of Rumble’s Class A Common
Stock at $7.50 per share, according to a statement. Tether reports it did $10.29 trillion in transaction volume in 2023, with many of its 350 million users in developing countries.
“Many people may not realize the incredibly strong connection between the cryptocurrency and free speech communities, which is rooted in a passion for freedom, transparency and decentralization,” Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski says in a statement. Rumble, which posted $81 million
in revenue in 2023, will use $250 million of Tether’s investment to support growth initiatives, the statement says.
The remaining $525 million will fund a self tender offer for up to 70 million shares of Rumble’s Class A Common Stock at $7.50 a share.
“I truly believe Tether is the perfect partner that can put a rocket pack on the back of Rumble as we prepare for our next phase of growth,” says Pavlovski, who will retain his controlling stake in the company following completion of the transaction, the release states.
Tether will own a minority position and will not be able to designate any members of the board.
Collaborating with Rumble “aligns with our long-standing commitment to empowering technologies that promote freedom and challenge centralized systems,” Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino says in a statement. “Beyond our initial shareholder stake, Tether intends to drive towards a meaningful advertising, cloud and crypto payment solutions relationship with Rumble.”
The investment and tender offer are expected to close in the first quarter. If the transaction has not occurred by April 30, the agreement is subject to termination.
The publicly traded video-shar-
— Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski
ing platform, which rose to national prominence by catering to a conservative-leaning audience, especially during the pandemic, officially opened its new U.S. corporate headquarters on Feb. 27, 2023, on Longboat Key. The stylish renovated, two-story office is in the back building of the Sailboat Square office complex, next to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Founded in Toronto in 2013, Rumble moved its corporate headquarters to Sarasota County in November 2021.
OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, MODIFYING AND AMENDING TITLE 15 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 158: ZONING CODE; MODIFYING AND AMENDING ARTICLE V, SUPPLEMENTAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 158.099, STRUCTURES OVER WATER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on proposed Ordinance 2025-03 will be held on January 17, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida.
All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to proposed Ordinance 2025-03 Copies of Ordinance 2025-03 and related material associated with the amendment may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing.
Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 941-316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.
No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Fla. Stat.).
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, F.S., persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-3161999 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired or require an alternative means of communication, utilize Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 (TTY) or one of the following toll-free numbers: 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII), 1-877-955-8260 (VCO-Direct), or 1-800955-5334 (STS) David Lapovsky Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published: 01/09/2025
In 1925, the people of Sarasota County came together to open a new hospital — their only hospital. With just 32 beds, it was named simply Sarasota Hospital.
One hundred years later, we have grown into something extraordinary: a healthcare system with two full-service hospitals, a Level II Trauma Center, a renowned cancer institute, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated behavioral health pavilion, and a vast network of outpatient and physician services. Today, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System stands as an award-winning symbol of excellence, recognized nationwide and respected worldwide.
While our name and reach have expanded, our mission remains steadfast. The promise endures: to safeguard our community’s health, to be there for our neighbors in times of need, and to carry forward the trust that has defined us for a century.
Because at our core, we are still a community hospital. And some things will never change.
SUNDAY, DEC. 29
DISPUTE OVER DAMAGE
2:09 p.m., 500 block of Putter Lane
Property Damage: An ongoing civil dispute between residents from property damage sustained during Hurricane Milton led to this police report. The complainant went to the Longboat Key Police Department to report that his neighbor’s Jet Ski came loose during the hurricane and came onto his property, allegedly causing damage to his fire pit and the stone base on which the fire pit was placed.
The complainant said he spoke with the Jet Ski owner to attempt remediation, but there remained a disparity on how much the repairs would cost. According to the complainant, the repairs would cost between $3,500 and $4,500. He said the Jet Ski owner refused to pay more than $1,000 unless the complainant could provide proof the Jet Ski caused the damage.
The complainant also claimed the Jet Ski owner trespassed on his property to retrieve the Jet Ski in October. The officer said in the report that this matter is being handled civilly between the two residents, but the complainant wanted it documented.
SATURDAY, DEC. 28
SUSPICIOUS LIGHT SIGHTING
12:14 a.m., 3000 block of Grand Bay
Boulevard Suspicious Incident: Dispatch alerted the Longboat Key Police Department to a report of multiple bright lights coming out of the water and moving toward Sarasota. The lights were white lights blinking red. An officer responded to the location and walked along the beach. In the distance, the officer saw blinking lights of what appeared to be a boat traveling toward Sarasota. Nothing seemed suspicious, and the officer closed the case.
MONDAY, DEC. 30
TRAFFIC TEMPORARILY BLOCKED
6:20 p.m., 7200 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Disabled Vehicle: A Longboat Key officer responded to a report of a vehicle blocking traffic on the Longboat Pass Bridge. Upon arrival, the officer located the owner and the vehicle, which was facing mechanical issues. The owner pushed the vehicle to the shoulder to clear the roadway and said he had help on the way to repair or tow the vehicle.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
GOLF CARTS STOPPED ON GMD
4:47 p.m., 6800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Vehicle: Dispatch received a report of two golf carts traveling southbound on GMD. While en route to the location, the responding officer saw the golf carts and initiated a traffic stop while
another officer arrived on the scene to assist. The officers advised the golf cart group about the regulations that prohibit golf carts along certain parts of GMD. The golf cart rental company was notified of the stop and said it would arrange to pick up the golf carts. Both operators were issued citations.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
NEW YEAR’S EVE NOISES
12:50 a.m., 500 block of Ranger Lane Noise Disturbance: A Longboat Key officer was dispatched to a noise disturbance call after a resident called 911 about alleged loud music and screaming coming from a nearby residence. At the scene, the officer could hear loud laughter but no screaming. The officer spoke to the homeowner who said they had a few guests earlier, but the gathering had since ended. Nothing suspicious was observed by the officer.
RACCOON RESCUE
10:12 a.m., 100 block of Sands Point Road
Animal Problem: An officer responded to a call about an injured raccoon on the third floor of a complex. As animal services were also en route, a Longboat Key officer responded and found the raccoon in a stairwell. According to the officer’s report, the animal appeared to be injured but still alive. The officer advised the caller that animal services was on the way, and there was nothing left for the LBKPD officer to do.
The attractions of Amara, diverse and extraordinary, know no equal. This begins with its Golden Gate address — for the Point is one of those rarest of natural wonders — an enclave that looks across the bay and back to the city — once-in-a-lifetime views that are yours every day. Add your name to our early interest list.
Exclusive Dinner, Wine for Four at the famous Maison Blanche
Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks
Thursday, Jan. 16 | 5 to 7 p.m. at The Resort at Longboat Key Spike ‘n’ Tees, Islandside
Friday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 19
Longboat Key Public Tennis Center
Four Players per Team at Comparable Levels (2 women, 2 men)
Two doubles pro sets (men vs. men; women vs. women)
Two mixed doubles matches; tie breaker if necessary
$60 ENTRY FEE PER PLAYER
Includes reception, trophies, balls, refreshments
Pre-tournament reception: $40/person for non-players
Albert Donald “Don” Klingenberg, 94 of Longboat Key, Florida passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 18, 1930, Don is preceded in death by his loving parents Albert Charles and Elizabeth (Dragin) Klingenberg. Don spent his formative years on the Chesapeake Bay surrounded by aunts and uncles, Katherine & Bill Rades and Nell & Vic Dragin, where he developed a lifelong love of Maryland Blue Crab, Scrapple, and sailing. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Dee (Dineen) Klingenberg, son Douglas (Jennifer) Klingenberg, grandchildren Astrid, Anders, and Owen Klingenberg; and daughter Janet Dee (Shawn Roberts) Foster, granddaughter Kristina Dee and great-granddaughter Brianna Murphy. Don received his undergraduate at Cornell University in mechanical engineering in 1952 and rowed crew. He continued his education at Harvard Business School and earned his MBA in 1954. While in Boston, he met and married his wife, Mary Dee Dineen. After graduation, Don joined the U.S. Airforce and served as an officer at Wright Patterson Airforce base in Dayton, OH. He moved his young family from Peabody, MA to Towson, MD, and eventually landed in Akron,
OH, where he worked as a vice president of business planning management at BF Goodrich and Tremco before retiring in 1987.
In retirement, Don and Dee helped design and build their home on Longboat Key, Florida and spent the last 37 years enjoying daily walks around their neighborhood and at the beach, golfing at Longboat Key Club and trying to sail their little sailboat, the No Time IV. Don and Dee are members of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Longboat Key. They enjoyed spending time with family and all the friends they made throughout college and various moves, staying in contact
with them all these years. Don will be missed by his wife, his children and grandchildren, to whom he instilled love, kindness, and technical wizardry. He made the summers magic for his grandchildren, hosting “Camp Bayou” and making Saturday sandwiches and Sunday breakfast for all.
SERVICE: A private memorial will be held for family and friends in March, 2025 to celebrate Don’s birthday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send any contributions to Moffit Cancer Research, The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Catholic Charities
TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING & HEARING ORDINANCE 2025-02
JANUARY 17, 2025 – 9:15 AM
Please take notice that a public meeting and hearing of the Town of Longboat Key’s Planning and Zoning Board will be held to consider proposed modifications to Title 15, Land Development Code, Chapter 158, Zoning Code, Section 158.114, Personal Wireless Service Facility Development Standards, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Longboat Key, as more particularly set forth in Ordinance 2025-02: ORDINANCE 2025-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY, FLORIDA, MODIFYING AND AMENDING
TITLE 15 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHAPTER 158: ZONING CODE; MODIFYING AND AMENDING SECTION 158.114, PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on proposed Ordinance 2025-02 will be held on January 17, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Town Commission Chambers at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida.
All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to proposed Ordinance 2025-02 Copies of Ordinance 2025-02 and related material associated with the amendment may be viewed at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays prior to the hearing. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 941-316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement.
No verbatim record by a certified court reporter is made of these proceedings. Accordingly, any person who may seek to appeal any decision involving the matters noticed herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the testimony and evidence at these proceedings upon which any appeal is to be based (see Section 286.0105, Fla. Stat.).
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, F.S., persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Town Clerk’s office at 941-3161999 seventy-two (72) hours in advance of this proceeding. If you are hearing impaired or require an alternative means of communication, utilize Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 (TTY) or one of the following toll-free numbers: 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), 1-800-955-1339 (ASCII), 1-877-955-8260 (VCO-Direct), or 1-800955-5334 (STS) David Lapovsky Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published: 01/09/2025
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The state is supplying the town’s planning department with extra staff to help with a surge in storm-related permitting.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Longboat Key’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department encountered a surge of permit applications as residents began the rebuilding process.
Now, thanks to supplemental staffing from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the town’s PZB staff could take a backlog of 700 permits down to 170.
The town’s initial damage estimate showed damage to about 2,300 properties, which was estimated to be around $190 million. After further assessments, about 66 properties were identified to be damaged by more than 50%, with 100 between 40-50% damaged.
This amount of damage led to numerous permits.
According to Director of Planning, Zoning and Building Allen Parsons, the town’s permit activity increased by 50% from this time last year (October to January). About 75% of that increased permit activity is storm-related.
“We’re still getting other permitting activity, but clearly, permitting is heavily oriented toward repair and rebuilding,” Parsons said at the commission’s Jan. 6 meeting. “We have had a definite surge of permitting activity.”
To help, the Florida Division of Emergency Management sent additional staff like permit technicians, building inspectors and claims adjusters on a six-month program to help the Longboat Key department.
“We’ve been fortunate to have supplemental help, which will time out on us after six months, but we are working on getting contract staffing
that we anticipate being around and helping us probably for the year, perhaps 18 months,” Parsons said.
The challenge, though, is to find properly licensed workers in the industry. Parsons compared getting a plans examiner to finding a unicorn.
Still, with the help the department already has, the team worked through weekends and holidays to turn a backlog of 700 permits to 170 as of Jan. 6.
Additionally, the town extended allowable construction hours and temporarily waived storm-related building permit fees to help residents rebuild as quickly as possible.
“We’re doing as many things as we can to try to streamline our processes where possible,” Parsons said.
Another example is the town’s recent decision to eliminate the need for a permit to replace drywall in single-family homes. The permit is still required in multifamily structures, like condominiums or hotels, because of the complexity of plumbing and electrical systems, plus additional requirements from the Florida Building Code.
Parsons expects the permits will keep flowing, and he encouraged all applicants to ensure the permits are fully completed before submitting to ensure the permits are processed as quickly as possible.
For more information or to reach the Planning, Zoning and Building Department, call 941-316-1966 or visit the department at 501 Bay Isles Road.
invited to join us in
song & friendship at Shabbat services every
evening at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 10 am.
Started by 25 Longboaters in 2004, the church will host a service on Jan. 12 to reminisce on all its progress throughout the years.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
When walking into Christ Church of Longboat Key, one can’t help but notice the giant stained glass window behind the altar.
Thirty-three panels of vibrant colors in blue, yellow, orange, red, white and brown make up the picture of a risen Jesus Christ with three fingers raised in a blessing while his other hand reaches out in a welcoming gesture.
This focal point of the church represents everything Christ Church is about: the traditional Christ-centered faith and welcoming others with love and fellowship.
Founding member of the church Patty Buck looks at the window frequently. Underneath it holds the signatures of all her fellow founding members that were placed there during its construction in 2010.
Now, the signatures are covered from the years of construction. But as the church reaches its 20th anniversary on Jan. 16, Buck can’t help but think back to the beginning.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
It started in 2004, with a group of 25 Longboaters who met frequently in their homes to discuss faith matters. After meeting over a couple of months, the group grew because of its focus on Christian-centered worship. This growth inspired them to form a church on the island, not affiliating with any denomination at first.
“What’s special about the story is that founders were more interested in following Christ than being any particular part of the denomination,” said the Rev. Julia Piermont of Christ Church. “They actually interviewed denominations, which no one does that.”
Buck remembered the first service was January 2005 at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center with 69 attendees. Her husband volunteered her for the choir at the service after not singing for 25 years, but
she enjoyed how it got her out of her comfort zone. They had no piano for the first couple of services and their lectern was an upside-down cardboard box draped with a cloth.
The Rev. Ray Woody, a retired Presbyterian minister from First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota and the Siesta Key Chapel, became the first part-time pastor of the church following the first service that February. In October, the group rented two rooms in Mediterranean Plaza to host everyone who joined. They officially became a Presbyterian congregation in February 2006 because of the influence of Woody.
CONSISTENT FELLOWSHIP
Buck said fellowship was one pillar of Christ Church since the beginning. The group would have Wednesday night dinners, which helped the growth. She also led “Dine Around” dinners where the members would take turns hosting potlucks to get to know each other better.
Buck held her husband’s funeral in the tiny space they rented at Mediterranean Plaza since he died in the early days of the church.
“It has always been more like a
family,” said Buck. “My husband died in the beginning, and I can’t tell you the support and the love that I got and I still have that today.”
The Rev. Bruce Porter took over as the part-time pastor in September 2006 and was their pastor for seven years. Christ Church bought its current location at 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive in February 2008, with construction of the church completed in 2011.
In 2012, Robert Romanski started as the director of music, instilling the importance of music at Christ Church. Throughout the years, Romanski has hosted concerts of world-renowned artists such as opera vocalist Gerrit Paul Groen. Romanski also leads the Christ Church choir in musical programs based on different holidays for congregants to enjoy.
“Music is a big part of the church’s ministry,” said member Glenn Cassens. “My favorite memories are around Christmas, with the special programs that they put on. The choir is just fabulous.”
INSPIRING SERVICE ON THE KEY Congregants didn’t waste time on forming another pillar that defines Christ’s Church: mission. Starting in 2012, members raised $17,000 for charities around the area. Just two
years later, this number grew to over $100,000 in 2014.
Christ Church partners with 12 mission organizations in Bradenton, Sarasota and around the world. These include Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Hope Seeds, Our Daily Bread, the Dream Center, Selah Freedom and Turning Points.
This year, the church raised $40,000 to build a new food pantry of Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, which provides hunger relief, education, health care and spiritual growth to the farm-working community in Wimauma. It also hosted a discussion with Selah Freedom, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit organization, and the other houses of worship on Longboat to raise awareness of the danger of sex trafficking.
“In 2007 or 2008, they adopted this phrase as their vision, ‘drawing others to Christ,’” said Piermont. “You can see through all of our mission programs that inspiring service around the island is so important to us.”
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Piermont became the first full-time pastor in August last year after the Rev. Norman Pritchard retired, who was the Christ Church part-time pastor from 2014 through 2023. She can attest to the importance of community and the congregation’s priority of being welcoming.
Piermont remembered she expected the church to be empty when she came in for her interview in the slow month of July. To her surprise, the whole search committee waited to greet her by the door with refreshments and cookies.
“They are always thinking of the details on how to make people feel welcome when greeting,” said Piermont. “What strikes me about them is their joy. It’s not a happy-golucky’ type of joy. It is based on their trusting faith.”
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, Christ Church will be hosting a service at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12. On Jan. 15, there will be a celebratory dinner starting at 5 p.m. in its fellowship hall.
On the 20th anniversary, Christ Church is starting the 20th anniversary campaign to raise $740,000. This will benefit the church’s current projects, which include hurricane recovery for the congregation, improvements to its buildings, expansion of the parking lot, landscape refurbishment and hurricane relief for its mission partners.
As the first full-time pastor, Piermont plans to lead Christ Church in being a resource to Longboat Key. Using its values of fellowship, she hopes Christ Church will grow stronger in its faith and bring a helping hand to those around the island.
At its annual gala on Jan. 26, Temple Beth Israel Music Director and organist Ann Stephenson-Moe and choir soloist Kei Sulhi will be honored.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
Temple Beth Israel Music Director and organist Ann StephensonMoe and choir soloist Kei Sulhi said they are more like sisters than just co-workers.
“Ann actually knew my daughter before she knew me,” said Sulhi. “The first time she called me about a singing job was to hire my daughter, who was a child, to be in one of her productions. So this made us more like family even before we started working at the temple together.”
When Sulhi’s daughter, Allison Clayback, lost her father as a child, Stephenson-Moe hired her to be in the girl’s choir when she worked at the Church of the Redeemer in
Sarasota.
Sulhi said this was the perfect coping mechanism for her daughter during this hard time. Clayback died when she was only 26, but Stephenson-Moe’s kindness solidified a lifelong friendship between the two women.
After their heartfelt meeting, the musicians started working at Temple Beth Israel around the same time, with Stephenson-Moe starting in 1996 and Sulhi following in 1997.
Sulhi said the best part of them working at the temple is that neither of them is Jewish. She doesn’t practice religion and StephensonMoe attends the Church of the Redeemer.
Through the years and their many Shabbat services, their love for the
religion has grown and made them “Jewish by proximity,” according to Stephenson-Moe.
The temple plans to honor them at its annual gala on Jan. 26 after almost 30 years of working there.
The Observer spoke with the honorees to find out what their years at Temple Beth Israel mean to them.
MUSIC DIRECTOR AND ORGANIST ANN
STEPHENSON-MOE
What inspired you to become a musician?
My sister, who is 12 years older than I am, started playing the piano when I was 3. After she played, I would sit down and start to play what she played, which she hated. I couldn’t even reach the pedals.
How did you start working at Temple Beth Israel?
I learned to play the organ by accident at a Presbyterian Church in Venice. Their organist had just quit, so they asked me to play because I could play piano. After I retired from that church, I started here after the former music director retired.
How is it working with Sulhi?
Since I knew her daughter, she is almost like a sister. We definitely bicker like sisters, but we always manage to figure it out and work great together.
How does it feel to be honored at this year’s gala?
It was a big surprise, but I’m very thankful after being here for almost 30 years. It’s always nice to be recognized for what you do.
What does the temple mean to you?
The temple is very familial. When I lead the choir, our sense of community is very important. I am also very fond of our Executive Director Isaac Azerad. He always looks after me, even when he doesn’t have to.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My sister and I started as a singing and dancing duo as small children when we were 5 and 6 years old. Then my mother put us in piano lessons. This led to my undergraduate studies in performing and singing.
In my midteens, I was starting to develop a case of stage fright. Any kind of performance turned me into a noodling mess, so I ended up doing my graduate degree in counseling.
How did you start working at Temple Beth Israel?
After 20 years of working in human services, I really missed music. In the mid-1990s, someone told me about this position opening up the temple of Longboat. I decided it couldn’t hurt to go audition. After the month-long audition, they offered me a contract. One of the other singers said, ‘You’re going to be singing in front of around 400 people for high holy days. Is that a problem?’ I was like, no problem. I definitely felt my stage fright coming back in that moment, but I got through it.
Do you think the temple helped you grow out of your stage fright? I think part of my stage fright was I just did not see myself as a performing singer, but by being out there and having that role, it did become my identity. It allowed me a chance to change, to return to singing. I couldn’t have done without the people being so welcoming.
How is it working with Stephenson-Moe?
We spend a lot of time together, and she has become just like a sister to me. Sometimes, we have a little spat because that’s what happens when you work closely with people, but we always get through it. It is also really special the way she was with my daughter.
How does it feel to be honored at this year’s gala?
It was a shock when I was called and told they were honoring me and Ann. I told them to just honor Ann because she is the titan of choral music. But they insisted.
What does the temple mean to you?
I feel grateful that I’ve had this time with them and that they’ve given me this chance to build this new person that I’ve become. It’s a very unique place.
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2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000
MLS# A4178487
THE SANCTUARY ON LONGBOAT KEY
545 SANCTUARY DR #B406 | OFFERED AT $1,975,000
Experience luxury beachfront living in this 3 bed/2.5 bath oasis behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club. Enjoy big bay, city and golf course green views from the floor to ceiling sliders in this creatively updated property.
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
MLS# A4631653
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat
A4178487
A4178487
THE SANCTUARY ON LONGBOAT KEY
575 SANCTUARY DR #A201 | OFFERED AT $1,850,000
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
Sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico are enjoyed from every room of this 3 bed/2.5 bath residence. Situated perfectly for captivating sunsets behind the gates
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4 Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
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everything is handmade at Debbie Lemieux’s booth at the Market on the Key.
“I like to keep everyone on their toes,” said Lemieux. “So I knew it was important to change up my booth from last year.”
Lemieux uses repurposed paper, jewelry, utensils, bottles, fabric and kitchenware to make unique suncatchers, clothes, cards and other trinkets for her to sell at local markets.
But she isn’t the only one selling one-of-a-kind handmade art at the Market on the Key. To stand out, Lemieux focuses on her presentation the most.
Along with making her own tablecloths, she uses old wine crates and thrifted suitcases to display her work. She also makes her own paper and loves to share the process of making it.
In September, Lemieux taught a class at the Paradise Center how she makes her special suncatchers. This year, she plans to teach Longboaters “do-it-yourself” crafts, including floral arrangements and homemade paper, at the center. Lemiuex’s booth is one of many vendors at the Market on the Key. Right next door, Longboat resident Kay Heigle is selling handmade cozies in all patterns. Heigle has been sewing and
selling cozies for seven years now. She said they are perfect when eating from a cold bowl or warming up a hot meal. Someone gave her a cozie as a housewarming gift and now she can’t stop making them.
While shopping, people can enjoy a variety of food trucks and vendors.
On Jan. 6, food vendors included Magic Crepes, The Maine Line food tuck, F.E.W.D., Currywurst food truck and Buonissimo Mobile Italian Kitchen.
Hosted by Markets By Nancy, Market on the Key will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every
first and third Monday, January through April, on the Town Center Green. Vendors span from art, clothes, jewelry, unique trinkets and treats.
For more information, call 2894141 or visit its Facebook page.
Scooter of the Beach, Sarasota County’s most celebrated lifeguard, reflects on over 30 years in the lifeguard stand.
Scot Ruberg feels he was destined for the Florida sands where he became known as Scooter of the Beach, the lifeguard who has been keeping watch at Siesta Key Beach for over 30 years.
When he received his first pair of surf shorts in seventh or eighth grade, growing up in Illinois, he required a note from the principal to be allowed to enter class wearing the swim trunks.
“I think I was switched at birth with someone from Illinois, someone that was supposed to end up in Illinois and I was supposed to end up
Family: Ruberg has been married for almost 15 years to his wife, Mandy, and has a 13-yearold son, referred to as “Little Finn” in his videos.
Favorite activities: “I love music festivals and I love beaches. Those are basically my two things I do.”
Favorite bands: “I’ve got this new saying, I say, and it kind of covers my three heavy hitters. It’s Allman Brothers for breakfast, Marshall Tucker for lunch, and the Grateful Dead for dinner.”
in Florida,” he said.
His passion for lifeguarding is still going strong, while he has gained even more recognition when he started offering his daily “beach reports” on social media a few years ago. It has all served to make him an easily recognizable face in the community of Siesta Key.
Ruberg, 60, started lifeguarding in high school, and never stopped.
“I could have retired and pulled my pension 10 years ago. I’ve been lifeguarding for 40 years,” he said.
Having begun at a country club in Illinois, he later headed to Daytona Beach, serving as a lifeguard in the summers while attending community college, where he swam competitively.
Initially, it was the fun of the role that attracted him, but eventually, he chose it over completing his degree in hotel and motel management, after meeting Volusia County’s older lifeguards.
“From the chief all the way down to the mid 20s guy that had been there for two or three years, they all seemed very happy and had what they needed in life, and I kind of followed their path,” he said.
He said the fact lifeguards are not paid a large salary did not deter him.
“It’s something that you know going into this, that you know you’re not going to get rich, but you are
going to be healthy and you are going to be happy.”
For Ruberg, lifeguarding competitions replaced swimming competitions, eventually bringing him to Siesta Key Beach in about 1989, when he attended the USLA Regional Lifeguard Competition with another lifeguard.
“We pulled into there, and we walked out onto the beach, and I see the white sand, and it was just like, ‘Oh my gosh.”
A lifeguard descended the threestory tower formerly located on the beach, welcoming them to Siesta Key. Finding out they had no place to stay, he invited them to stay at his home.
Ruberg and his friends continued to return each year, bringing more and more people, which grew to include many others who were not lifeguards.
At the time he took up his position at the Key, the county was restructuring the beach patrol and many older lifeguards were moving on.
He decided to join an eight-week academy that was being held.
“They were bringing all these new people in, and I wanted to be one of them,” he said.
Ruberg says any day now, he can claim his 30-year lifeguard pin, but he says his longevity in the role isn’t unique.
“Almost every single beach in the nation’s got a Scooter,” he said. “Almost every single one has that guy that just can’t let go, that loves it so much.”
Over the years, across the variety of days from sunny to cold, from less crowded to more crowded, he sees the same people coming back—usually to the precise spots they visited before.
“It’s like United Nations,” he said. “It’s every walk of life. It’s every religion, it’s every race. They all get along when they’re at the beach, and that’s what’s magical about it.”
The relationships he forms often grow to encompass multiple generations within a family.
“I have one German family in particular. They took pictures with me and their daughter for the last 25 years. I’d give it, and now she’s got two kids of her own, and she’s com-
ing here with her husband on their vacation. Now I’m taking pictures with her kids,” he said. Over his 30 years, he’s seen considerable changes to the island as well.
“On days when 20 years ago, there’d be 200 people out here, now there’s [5,000] or 6,000 people, and yes, it has changed, but still as beautiful as it ever was, and the people that come here are amazing, and it’s been a nice ride. And most people look down upon the growth, but it was inevitable growth because we were so late in development here.”
Even at his home, he says, his passion for lifeguarding is still evident in the form of décor that includes lifeguard signs, pictures of lifeguards and model lifeguard towers, as well as old license plates he collects from people all over the world, who move to Sarasota.
“You think you would outgrow that, that feeling, and I really don’t think you have to,” he said. “Being a lifeguard kind of keeps you young, kind of gives you that excuse not to grow up.”
Six or seven years ago he began posting on social media, and has gained 85,000 followers on Facebook and 4,769 on Instagram for his content, which includes his daily beach reports that bring an informal touch to describing the beach conditions.
Yet the end of his time in the stand is in sight, with his retirement set for two years from now, something he calls “really kind of scary.”
“Something you’ve been doing for 42 years. By then, you don’t really know what else to do,” he said.
However, he plans to continue on social media, posting the beach reports, as well as traveling the east coast to document every single lifeguard tower. (He’s already covered all the ones in Florida.)
But he doesn’t think it will be necessary to go far.
“People ask me all the time, what are you gonna do when you retire? Where are you going to go? And I say, ‘What do you mean? Where am I going to go? This is paradise. I’m not going anywhere. Yeah, I’ll go on vacations, but this is my home base, forever, ever, and ever.”
hat do a hog, star, onion, orange, skim board, pineapple, anchor, conch, buzzard, stuffed opossum, olive, a red M&M;, an apple and a chili pepper have in common?
It’s no joke. These are all items that are dropped on New Year’s Eve from various places around the world beginning at 11:59 p.m. to shoo out the old year and ring in the new.
The 25th annual Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop celebration began at 1 p.m. with thousands of people enjoying the closed roads, carnival rides, games and food. Local merchants set up outside service areas with chairs and tables, and there were VIP areas for a guaranteed view — with the exception of fog — of the pineapple drop and the fireworks that go off at midnight from Sarasota Bay. Several bands played in two locations, including BYNGE, Gashouse Gorillas and the Daniel B. Marshall Band.
Although there is no clear history of pineapple production in Sarasota, we do, in fact, have a lighted pineapple that drops from a crane and serves as a beacon for a massive block party.
Pineapples, when placed right side up, are a symbol of hospitality and welcoming. The area around Five Points was originally built with a pineapple theme in mind and several of the buildings have a stamped pineapple decoration embedded in the framework.
Ron Soto and Darci Jacob, president of Destination Downtown Sarasota, a collection of local businesses, and their team began the physical work of preparations some four days ahead of the event. Together with the Sarasota Police Department, which provided security, more than 30,000 guests lined the streets to usher in 2025. With the temperature hover-
ing around 67 degrees and heavy dew hanging in the air, the dense fog held off for a great view of the pineapple drop, which is actually a carefully executed lowering to the ground.
Although this event began 26 years ago, 2025 marks the 25th anniversary with one missed event due to the pandemic. — JANET COMBS
The Observer Challenge is back for its 25th year with a new format and surprise criteria for its grand prize.
PETRA RIVERA STAFF WRITER
From Jan. 17-19, the Observer Challenge returns to Longboat Key. Hosted at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, the tennis tournament will keep players on their toes with a different format this year.
“The center is already busy off the bat this season,” said Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer. “Since people are coming later than usual in January, I think the new format will make them excited, have fun and forget about everything happening with the hurricanes for a little bit.”
In previous years, the tournament hosted teams of two men and two women from all around the island.
This year, a team of four is matched against another team of four. If people aren’t a part of a set team, Thayer can assign them to a group if they want to participate in the tournament. She said it is a great way to meet new people.
For its 25th year, Thayer removed the singles portion of the tournament. The teams will begin a game of doubles, followed by everyone playing mixed doubles.
The tournament will start with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Spike ’n’ Tees restaurant at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.
“This is a hard tournament to put together because of the format,” said Thayer. “I lose a lot of sleep putting people in the right divisions and doing the draw in the right order. Once that is done, I can relax and enjoy the party. I love seeing everyone get excited to play and form camaraderie throughout the whole tournament.”
Ute Vela competes in the Observer Challenge in February 2023. She and her husband, Enrique, have won the tournament four times in their division.
At the reception, the surprise criteria will be announced for the tournament’s grand prize, which is an exclusive dinner for four at Maison Blanche. Thayer said this criterion will not just apply to the players from the top division, so anyone can win the prize. They hope this will intrigue more players and get them excited about this year’s tournament. The cost to participate is $60 and includes the reception, trophies, tennis balls and refreshments. For nonplayers, the reception is $40. Call the Tennis Center at 316-8367 to register.
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Tramonto Estates tops this week’s sales. 6877 Gulf of Mexico LLC sold the home at 6877 Gulf of Mexico Drive to 6500 Gulfside Road LLC for $8.7 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,820 square feet of living area. It sold for $9.45 million in 2023.
AT LONGBOAT KEY
Alan Kaufman, trustee, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, sold the Unit 401 condominium at 1241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Gary and Judith Spiezio, of Longboat Key, for $4 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, five baths and 3,400 square feet of living area. It sold for $497,000 in 2016.
BIRD KEY
Jeff Rhinelander and Jacqueline Bohannon, of Sarasota, sold their home at 453 E. Royal Flamingo Drive to Leslie O’Connor, trustee, of Sarasota, for $3.98 million. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,926 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.75 million in 2023.
THE PIERRE
Elyse Gail Schneider, of Titusville, New Jersey, Pamela Garlick, of Washington, D.C., and Brooke Ilene Garlick, of New York City, sold their Unit 905 condominium at 455 Longboat Club Road to Gordon and Mary Jo White, of Longboat Key, for $2,398,600. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,880 square feet of living area. It sold for $690,000 in 1994.
GRAND BAY
Debbie Massey, of Miramar Beach, sold her Unit 346 condominium at
3030 Grand Bay Blvd. to David Glorius, of Sarasota, for $2.1 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2024.
Andrew and Gillian Anderson, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 252 condominium at 3040 Grand Bay Blvd. to Longboat Condo LLC for $1.45 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,143 square feet of living area. It sold for $925,000 in 2019.
PROMENADE What Wine Cork LBK LLC sold the Unit 205 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Cheryl Kandel, trustee, of Novi, Michigan, for $2,033,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,598 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,033,000 in 2023.
VILLA DI LANCIA
Blairmoor Properties LLC sold the Unit 212 condominium at 2185 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Diana Cable, of Longboat Key, for $1.85 million. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 2,448 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 1997.
THE BEACHES OF LONGBOAT KEY SOUTH
Sheridan and Leslie Sheri-
dan, trustees, of Frankenmuth, Minnesota, sold the Unit 804 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Anthony Ingram and Stephanie Ingram, trustees, of Denver, for $1.5 million. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,602 square feet of living area. It sold for $825,000 in 2021.
BEACHPLACE
Amanda and Stephen Heese, of Tampa, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 1045 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael Pister and Lesly Schlender, of Western Springs, Illinois, for $1.41 million. Built in 1981, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,392 square feet of living area. It sold for $935,000 in 2021.
EMERALD HARBOR
Frank and Brenda Cox, of Charlottesville, Virginia, sold their home at 5930 Emerald Harbor Drive
to James Johnstone, trustee, of Bradenton, for $1.35 million. Built in 1961, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,986 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,256,000 in 2006.
WHITNEY BEACH
Dilip Mathur trustee, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 325 condominium at 6701 Gulf of Mexico Drive to LBK Beach Place LLC for $1.25 million. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,449 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 1996.
See more transactions at
SATURDAY, JAN.
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current classics and modified prototypes. All Jaguar owners are encouraged to register. Participating vehicles are awarded in a variety of classes. Special recognition and club winners are scheduled to be announced in the park after 3 p.m. For more information, visit SuncoastJaguarClub.com.
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS LONGBOAT LIBRARY
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.
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. The focus is on strength training and flexibility for balance. Suzy Brenner leads the class. Fee is $15. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
PRIVATE PIANO LESSONS
Thirty-minute appointments starting at 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Learn to read music and play your favorite songs the “easy” way with popular piano instructor Betsy Tomasso. Eight lessons. Members, $280; nonmembers, $320. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO BRIDGE BIDDING AND PLAY-ADVANCED PLAYERS
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Advanced players will hone their skills and learn new strategies with certified bridge teacher Dick Wegman. Four sessions. Members, $60; nonmembers $70. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org.
HOLLYWOOD ICONS THROUGH THE DECADES (1920S-1950S)
From 1-4 p.m. at The Education Cen-
The Cornerstone Capital Group At Morgan Stanley Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, 2024
If you would like to learn more about our team please visit our website or: Join us at our office Mondays at 9:30am for an Outlook on the Market and latest thinking from the Morgan Stanley Global Investment Committee. Please RSVP to Amanda Lewis by calling 941-364-3549 or email Amanda.R.Lewis@morganstanley.com.
Susan Tomlinson Wilson
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management
Family Wealth Advisor
Alternative Investments Director
Financial Advisor
Thomas Bardwell, CFP®
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management
Senior Porfolio Management Director
Family Wealth Advisor
Financial Advisor
T. Michael Osterman
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management
Financial Planning Specialist
Financial Advisor
Rylan K. Lanham
Financial Advisor
Financial Planning Specialist
Susan A. Knight
Sr. Registered Associate
Financial Planning Specialist
Adrienne Lambers
Sr. Registered Client Associate
Amanda Lewis
Client Service Associate
BEST BET
MONDAY, JAN. 13
PICKLEBALL BASICS
11:30 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Certified Pickleball Instructor Terri Noyes will be teaching the basics of pickleball, including the rules and scoring of the game. Cost is $15 per person. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
ter at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Film critic Gus Mollasis will show and discuss three iconic Hollywood films, followed by stimulating discussions. Three sessions. Members, $60; nonmembers, $70. Proration available. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@TBIEducationCenter. org.
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
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 $20. 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 $20. Call 383-6493.
2 North Tamiami Trail, Ste 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-cornerstone-capital-group
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.
