The island’s newest restaurant, Lo’ Key Island Grille, is now open for business. The restaurant announced the opening on social media and hosted a grand opening on Jan. 10.
Lo’ Key is marketed as a casual restaurant that specializes in coastal cuisine, small plates and fresh seafood. Guests can enjoy charcuterie boards, seafood boats and specialty cocktails either inside or on the restaurant’s patio with outdoor seating.
Lo’ Key is located at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to the restaurant’s website.
Donation warehouse to reopen
Anyone looking for a deal on gently used designer clothes, art or home furnishings can anticipate the grand reopening of one of Longboat Key’s thrift stores that sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Helene.
Longboat Island Chapel is planning The Lord’s Warehouse reopening for Feb. 1 at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through April.
The church welcomes donation drop-offs Monday through Friday at the chapel’s northeast corner, in the marked storage area. For more information, visit LongboatIslandChapel.org or call 941-383-4738.
Community center in flux
Manatee County finds more obstacles with center’s planned Whitney Plaza space. PAGE 5 Paradise Center teaches pickleball basics.
PAGE 24
Carter Weinhofer
Carter Weinhofer
Mayor Ken Schneier and Vice Mayor Mike Haycock both won races with no opponents.
Carter Weinhofer
Pete Clausen practices his serve. About a dozen attendees learned the basics of pickleball at the Paradise Center on Jan. 13.
WEEK OF JAN. 16, 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
80,000
$38,934
3
n
“As soon as the weather subsides a bit and the wave action subsides a little bit, we’ll be able to get this ramped up.”
Interim Public Works Director Charlie Mopps on the Gulfside Road beach project. Read more on page 4
image
Abeachfront estate under construction on Longboat Key is being marketed for $25 million. When complete, it will include a main residence as well as a pool house and guest house.
The property at 5695 Gulf of Mexico Drive is situated on 1.64 acres.
The main residence on the estate includes 11 bedrooms, 13 full bathrooms and four halfbaths. Its primary suite features dual bathrooms and custom closets. A formal dining room, wine cellar, stately office, dramatic foyer, great room leading
to the terrace, state-of-the-art cinema, guest suites with kitchenette as well a rooftop deck round out the offerings.
A guest house and pool house will also be constructed on the property, which will be accented by tranquil water features and resort-inspired landscaping. In addition, a pickleball court and tennis court will be among the outdoor offerings. Providing the centerpiece for the estate will be a pool and spa surrounded by decks for gatherings and alfresco dining. Sarasota-based Sweet Sparkman Architecture and Interiors
is handling the design, while Joel Schemmel of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Downtown Sarasota office is exclusively marketing the property.
Owners James and Amanda Holanda, of Montgomery, New Jersey, purchased the property in 2021 for $10.15 million, county records show.
“As construction progresses, the estate’s price will evolve” and climb to $40 million, according to a statement from Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
St. Regis to host job fair at LBK resort
The St. Regis Longboat Key will host a job fair on Jan. 23 at the resort to search for prospective new employees.
The job fair will present applicants with a variety of opportunities at the resort, including front office positions, butler services, food and beverage, stewarding, spa and recreation.
“With roles tailored to different passions and skill sets, there’s a role suited for every candidate,” the press release stated.
The St. Regis Longboat Key opened in August 2024 and was recently featured on Forbes’ top 12 destinations to visit in 2025.
The job fair will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 at the resort’s Astor Ballroom (1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive).
The press release recommends candidates should apply before the job fair. For more information or to apply, visit Careers.Mariott.com.
Grants available for bay projects
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program released a statement saying the program’s next round of grant funding for bay-related projects is now open.
The program’s grant committee will review applications for projects and could award up to $10,000 per applicant.
Groups like homowners associations, condominium associations, businesses, schools and nonprofits can apply for the grants.
According to the release, the projects will be “scored” for funding based on environmental benefits and community-building potential. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1. For more information, contact Megan Barry at 941-955-8085 or Megan@SarasotaBay.org.
COMMISSION CONTESTS
RARE IN RECENT YEARS
The last contested town commission race was in 2018 and, since then, the island has lacked campaigning and competition for the town’s most powerful board.
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key will see an oddity this year: A contested Town Commission race.
The last time a commission seat on Longboat Key had a competitive race was in 2018 and, since then, every time a seat becomes available, it’s either uncontested or one of the candidates drops out before the election.
In March, Longboat Key voters will elect a new at-large commissioner to fill the spot being left vacant by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, who will reach his term limits in March.
Residents Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy will vie for that seat.
There are two other seats available, but neither is contested. At-Large Commissioner BJ Bishop and District 5 Commissioner Sarah Karon will retain their commission seats.
Despite what seems to be a wealth of uncontested races, Longboat Key does have an election history.
PAST COMMISSION COMPETITION
Mayor Ken Schneier was a part of the 2018 race in which three commission seats were up for grabs, and all were contested.
“Going back a number of years when I first ran, there was some real campaigning that went on,” Schneier said.
Schneier faced off against John Weber for the District 3 seat; Ed Zunz and Randy Langley battled for the District 5 spot; and Irwin Pastor and Jack Wilson campaigned for an at-large seat.
Schneier said contested elections used to garner signs around town, some financial backing and debates sponsored and held by the Observer.
Usually, the campaigns bred friendly competition, but Schneier said some campaigns were more intense, especially during the time of The Colony referendum when candidates had opposing viewpoints.
During his campaign for the District 3 seat, Schneier said he did not spend a lot of money and did not take donations from anyone.
But candidates who do accept donations and spend money on campaigns must retain a treasurer and track expenses so they can be submitted to the town.
Though it might be less work to have an uncontested race, Schneier feels having multiple candidates with different viewpoints is good for the candidates and the community.
“I think it’s healthy, myself,” Schneier said. “I think it’s good for
the community and it’s actually not a bad thing for the candidates.”
Candidates who bring different perspectives can lead to competition and debate, and sharing those viewpoints during a campaign and responding to the public can be a good thing, Schneier said.
“I’m a little sad that we don’t have more of it,” Schneier said. “I’m not sure exactly why.”
COMMITMENT OF COMMISSIONERS
Schneier can’t say for sure why contested races aren’t as common anymore, but one speculation is the time commitment associated with being a commissioner.
“It’s a pretty sizable commitment of time to do the job, especially being in two counties,” Schneier said. “There are various things you need to do within a county as a commissioner and, in two counties, you basically double that.”
That means two counties’ worth of news to keep up to date on, two tourist development councils, two economic development councils and multiple other boards and commissioners to keep relationships with.
On top of that, commissioners are tasked with reviewing all the necessary background information before their own meetings and workshops.
According to Schneier, he’s recommended the idea of commission compensation once or twice during his tenure on the board.
While he agrees with other commissioners who have said serving the town is a privilege, Schneier feels like a commission stipend might encourage some who are unsure if they can give that amount of time.
“I would have to think that anyone declines to run because there’s no compensation,” Schneier said.
The last time the idea was brought up was during the commission’s
PREVIOUS COMMISSION RACES
2015
n Jack Daly won the District 4 seat against Larry Grossman.
n Incumbent Phill Younger kept his at-large seat after a race against Gene Jaleski.
2016 No contested races.
2017
n George Spoll earned the District 2 seat in an unopposed race.
n Incumbent Jack Daly retained the District 4 seat after a campaign against Larry Grossman.
n Jim Brown won an at-large commission seat against Gene Jaleski.
2018
n Randy Clair ran unopposed for the District 1 seat.
n Ken Schneier won the District 3 seat against John Weber.
n Ed Zunz kept his District 5 seat against Randy Langley.
n Irwin Pastor won the at-large seat after campaigning against Jack Wilson.
planning retreat last April, and a further discussion was moved to a commission meeting a few months later. Again, the idea was voted down.
VOLUNTEERING FOR THE TOWN
Many of the town’s current commissioners previously served on other town volunteer boards, such as the Planning and Zoning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
“It’s very, very common for people to work their way up through the boards and learn about the town,” Schneier said.
Schneier himself served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Board for several years before moving up to the town commission.
Schneier also previously went through the town’s Citizens Academy, which he said is another good source of candidates. Many people who attend the Citizens Academy learn and become interested in joining those volunteer boards, he said.
“It’s very advisable for people who want to work in the town on any board,” Schneier said about the
Citizens Academy.
The volunteer boards are good for Longboat Key’s population, Schneier said, because many residents are retirees with more time on their hands.
“They’re coming from jobs that were pretty intense and, when you retire, everyone needs to figure out what they’re going to do with the time,” Schneier said.
That’s what led him to become interested in the town’s volunteer boards and, eventually, become a commissioner and mayor.
He’s now on his last term as a commissioner and will term out in March 2026.
“I’ve enjoyed all of the town work, and I’m sort of a news junkie from local up to international,” Schneier said. “To be there as things are going on, I find it to be a tremendous amount of fun.
“I think if you’re going to be involved in government, local government is the place to be ... We’re nonpartisan, which I think is great. And you actually get stuff done that people recognize.”
When the idea of commission compensation was brought up in April and May 2024, the town attorney’s office prepared a comparison of local municipalities and commission compensations. Here is some of the data from that report that shows estimated commissioner compensations in 2019: n Bradenton Beach: $4,800 per year n Anna Maria: $4,800 per year n Holmes Beach: $6,000 per year n Palmetto: $13,112 per year
2019
n George Spoll ran unopposed for District 2.
n Jack Daly ran unopposed for District 4.
n Mike Haycock ran unopposed for an at-large seat after Randy Langley dropped out of the race.
2020
n Sherry Dominick (District 1), Ken Schneier (District 3), Ed Zunz (District 5) and BJ Bishop (at-large) all ran unopposed.
2021
n Commissioners appointed Maureen Merrigan to fill a District 5 vacancy after Ed Zunz moved out of the district.
2022
n Incumbents Mike Haycock, BJ Bishop and Maureen Merrigan were declared commissioners-elect after no other candidates filed for the election.
2023
n Ken Schneier retained his District 3 seat after no contest.
n Deborah Murphy took the District 5 seat with no contest.
n Gary Coffin and Jeff Lenobel qualified for the District 1 seat, but Coffin won the seat after Lenobel dropped out.
2024
n Commissioners appointed Sarah Karon to fill the District 5 vacancy left after Deborah Murphy resigned.
The Observer previously hosted debates for Longboat Key commission races.
Image courtesy of Manatee County Public Library System
Longboat Key’s 1979 commission election
upcoming issue of the Longboat Observer.
File images
Campaign signs in past commission races lined Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Beach nourishment nears completion
While the temporary sand placement will save the beach in the short term, the town’s coastal engineer will start the permitting process for a long-term solution.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Driving along the Longboat Pass Bridge, the dredge equipment in the Longboat Pass channel is hard to miss. The equipment indicates the town’s Gulfside Road beach nourishment project is underway.
Interim Public Works Director Charlie Mopps said he hopes the Gulfside Road beach nourishment project will wrap up by the end of January and, if so, is confident that much of the $2.7 million project — if not all — will be reimbursed.
The beach nourishment project will fill 80,000 cubic yards of sand onto the erosive Gulfside Road beach using sand dredged from the Longboat Pass channel.
As of Jan. 9, Mopps said the sand placement portion of the project was about 40% complete.
The project originally was delayed at the end of last year because of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Now, with the equipment on-site, the project experienced more delays because of weather conditions.
“Because of the size of the dredge, the contractor has been delayed numerous times because of the
recent fronts,” Mopps said. “If it’s a minor squall out there, it’s not advantageous for that small dredge to operate.”
Cold weather fronts can cause disruptive wave action that affects the dredge operation. Once the weather passes, Mopps said the project team will look to make significant progress.
“As soon as the weather subsides a bit and the wave action subsides a little bit, we’ll be able to get this ramped up,” Mopps said.
One advantage of getting the project done sooner rather than later is to make sure the beach is clear for the shorebird nesting season, which starts on Feb. 15, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
“We’re trying to get this done by the end of the month because, if we have to continue into February, we might run into the requirement to do shorebird nesting monitoring,” Mopps said.
Mopps said the chances are “pretty slim,” but he wants to ensure the project is done by then to eliminate any risk.
Another reason Mopps wants the project closed out soon is to increase the likelihood of a partial or full reimbursement from the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection.
Mopps said a grant program through the FDEP allows for reimbursement of sand-only projects for counties that were impacted by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.
Of the $36 million originally up for grabs, Mopps said there is $15 million still available.
The town will ask for reimbursements through the project billing process. The first request was $773,000, and Mopps said the town received a notice from the FDEP indicating it intends to award the town the reimbursement.
“I’m hoping that if we can get
this project done by the end of this month, we would be able to submit for up to 100% of the construction and consulting costs associated with this project,” Mopps said.
Then, as the project is completed in phases and the town receives second and third bills, Mopps will submit those to the FDEP for potential reimbursement.
“I’m pretty confident that we’ll get the second billing at least paid for,” Mopps said. “And then my confidence in getting that final bill paid for is fairly high.”
LONG-TERM FIX
The nourishment project is an interim, short-term fix to the erosion issue at Gulfside Road. The naturally erosive beach has caused issues for the town for decades.
In June 2024, the town’s coastal engineer consultant — Al Browder with Olsen Associates Inc. — presented an idea for up to seven groin structures to be installed at the Gulfside Road beach as a long-term fix to the erosion problem.
“(The project) greatly benefits that area and locks that beach in to reduce the erosional impacts,” Mopps said.
According to Mopps, Browder began the permitting process for this project.
Due to the complexity of the permits and the need to work with multiple agencies like the FDEP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mopps said the permitting process will likely take a couple of years.
One of the prominent structures along the Gulfside Road beach is the seawall of the Ohana estate, which caused controversy in previous years due to how the seawall cuts off complete beach access.
Carter Weinhofer
Sand is dredged from the Longboat Pass channel to be utilized in the Gulfside Road beach nourishment project.
Courtesy image
The proposed groin field on the Gulfside Road shoreline would include seven T-head groins and one structure off of the Ohana seawall.
Gulfside Road
SEARCH FOR SPACE
The county will still try to create a community space on the north end of the island, but where to put that space may be in question.
Manatee County is still interested in pursuing an education center on Longboat Key, but the previously recommended building may no longer be the spot county officials want.
According to Longboat Key North co-Chair Maureen Merrigan, the group’s latest conversations with the county suggested there were too
many obstacles at the current location, which is the largest space at Whitney Plaza.
The county already is leasing the space at Whitney Plaza after entering a four-year lease agreement this past year at a monthly rate of $11,256.67. After experiencing prior construction delays, the building remains in need of expansion for the proposed learning center.
Merrigan’s recent conversations include one with the new Manatee County District 3 Commissioner Tal Siddique, whose territory includes the Manatee County side of Longboat Key.
Merrigan said her conversations with Siddique were positive, and Siddique understands the community’s need for a meeting space and arts or recreational space on the north end.
Longboat Key North, a coalition of homeowners and condominium
associations on the north end of the island, has been engaged in conversations with the county for the past three years about the project.
The group started a subcommittee, the North End Space Team group, to work closely with the county’s project manager for the community center. Those conversations and brainstorming sessions led to the direction of adult education classes at the center, with an art studio and meeting room space.
Manatee Technical College would oversee the classes at the center, which would provide fee-based adult enrichment classes as well as provide meeting space for community groups.
According to Information Outreach Manager for Manatee County Bill Logan, the county is continuing to engage with the location in Whitney Plaza, but “significant hurricane
damage” complicated issues.
Logan also said in an emailed statement that the county’s property acquisition team is looking at other opportunities on Longboat Key for the proposed learning center.
No matter where the learning center is, Merrigan said the Longboat Key North group has an interest and wants to continue the collaboration through the NEST group.
“Longboat Key North represents all the communities on the north end,” Merrigan said. “We would absolutely be willing to help,” Merrigan said.
PAST OBSTACLES
Merrigan’s latest update to the Longboat Key North group reiterated the previous obstacles the county faced at the Whitney Plaza site with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations.
FEMA’s 50% rule prohibits building improvements if those improvements cost more than 50% of the building’s market value. Those improvements include the total of everything from exterior wall finishes and air conditioning equipment to appliances.
In June 2024, initial permits for the learning center were submitted to the town’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department, and Project
Manager Simona Brinkman learned the project may be subject to the 50% rule.
Then, Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted the island and left many north-end properties flooded. This included some of Whitney Plaza and, according to Merrigan’s report, the county’s leased property. Merrigan’s report said the costs of storm mitigation would be added to the total construction costs, thus making it more difficult to stay under the 50% rule.
It’s been one year since the county entered the lease agreement with Porter Investment Holdings Inc., the group that owns Whitney Plaza. The architects were working with the NEST group and county project team to design the learning center for the community’s needs, including multipurpose space, computer/ library space, art studio space and a meeting room.
Early construction costs were estimated at around $1.2 million, which were in addition to the monthly lease payments.
During summer 2023, the town held a public input session for the north-end learning center, but initial discussions about a Manatee County-operated community center on the north end date back to 2021.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
A total renovation of the space at Whitney Plaza would be needed for the county’s community center project.
The front entrance of Manatee County’s leased space at Whitney Plaza.
Donations reach new high
Despite the hurricanes that hit the Key, Longboaters continued to give for the cause.
MANAGING EDITOR
New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago can’t hold a kettle to Longboat Key. That’s a fact, says Capt. Jim Curry of the Salvation Army of Sarasota.
“I’ve represented all of those areas, and none can compare to Longboat Key,” said Curry, who spoke to the Longboat Key Kiwanis on Jan. 9.
Longboat Key has a great reputation for giving to the Salvation Army’s bell-ringers with each passing year and always outpacing the prior year.
This year, not only did donors of Longboat Key outdo themselves, but it’s a wonder the famous red kettle didn’t snap off its chains and tumble to the ground because of excessive weight.
In 2023, the Longboat community donated $24,127.47, which was second in the Sarasota region behind St. Armands Key.
This year, Curry is elated to report residents of Longboat donated a record $38,934.19.
Consider the fact with Thanksgiving a bit later this year, it was a shorter season, which begins on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. That’s a span of 25 days compared to 29 in 2023.
Curry mentioned some of the kettles in those big cities can bring in as little as $150 for the season.
Mike McCullough, a bell-ringer and a member of Christ Church on the Key, knows first-hand of a hefty donation.
“I had a gentleman come up to me and say ‘I’ll donate this money as long as someone can match it,’” he said. “I looked at the check, and it was $10,000, so I said ‘OK.’” Checks like that, from various
“We were really surprised at how many were giving. Being a veteran of many disasters, people have other necessities to take care of and get back in order or plenty of FEMA paperwork to do. So it’s great to receive what we did.”
businesses, are the reason the St. Armands kettle led the pack for the second consecutive year. Most of Longboat’s donations came about the old-fashioned way, with passersby dropping some money into the kettles.
The outpouring of donations surprised Curry and his staff simply because of the tumultuous year Longboat Key faced because of the hurricanes.
“We were really surprised at how many were giving,” he said. “Being a veteran of many disasters, people have other necessities to take care of and get back in order or plenty of FEMA paperwork to do. So it’s great to receive what we did.”
— Jim Curry of the Salvation Army of Sarasota
Michael Harris
Salvation Army Capt. Jim Curry speaks to the Longboat Key Kiwanis on Jan. 9.
Florida shines fiscally
Measured against all states, Florida’s total liabilities per capita are among the lowest, thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature paying down debt. But local governments’ debt is another story.
The years since the pandemic recession have been good for state debt and liabilities nationwide, and in particular for Florida.
Reason Foundation has created a unique data set by collecting numbers from state- and local-audited financial reports. We recently compared all 50 states’ debt and liabilities for 2020 to 2022, the most recent year for which full data is available.
The accompanying map graphic gives you a sense of how all states look, color coded by the growth in the ratio of state total liabilities to per-capita liabilities, which better shows growth or reduction in state debt driven by state fiscal policies rather than just by changes in population.
You can immediately see that Florida looks pretty good relative
to most other states. But before we dive into that, there are a few larger takeaways.
First, almost all states saw revenues and asset values grow during the 2020-2022 period. That helped all but one state — North Dakota — to reduce their debt ratio (the proportion of total liabilities to total assets).
Florida, during this period, reduced its liabilities substantially, with the ratio of growth in total liabilities to per capita liabilities falling more than 15%.
Total liabilities fell from nearly $73 billion in 2020 to less than $62 billion in 2022. Per capita liabilities shrank from $3,383 to $2,871. That is excellent, especially compared to other states.
Connecticut has the highest per capita liabilities at $29,607, more than 10 times that in Florida.
But at the same time, Tennessee has per capita liabilities of less than $1,500, about half that in Florida.
So, there is still room for improvement in Florida. What we need is more of what we have seen in the last few years. Gov. Ron DeSantis has aggressively pursued shrinking the state’s debts in recent years, including in most of his budgets hundreds of millions in accelerated debt reduction. That saves many tens of millions of dollars each year in interest payments.
Each budget that includes paying
down debt early and avoiding adding to the debt reduces the state’s liabilities.
One of the largest and most politically volatile sources of state liabilities is employee benefits.
Florida reduced its government worker pension liabilities from $8.8 billion in 2020 to $3.5 billion in 2022 and also reduced other worker benefit liabilities from $91 billion to $7.3 billion.
Those reductions are thanks to a series of pension reforms passed early in DeSantis’ term in office and to resisting adding new debt and making full appropriate contributions to pension plans.
One caveat to this rosy picture, unfortunately, is local government debt in Florida. While the state has managed debt well, local governments have not.
According to Florida Tax Watch, Florida ranks third best in the nation on per capita debt, but local governments rank 19th from the bottom. That is not sustainable, and local governments in Florida should learn something from DeSantis’ fiscal management.
Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota.
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ADRIAN MOORE
Productive seawall panels coming soon
Officials hope for construction of the $500,000 project to start by the end of 2025.
Acollaborative project between the town of Longboat Key and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will establish new underwater homes for marine organisms at Bayfront Park.
The $500,000 project focuses on the installation of concrete panels along about 300 feet of Bayfront Park’s vinyl seawall. The project is reaching the manufacturing stage and residents will likely see installation by the end of 2025.
According to Science and Resto-
ration Manager for the SBEP Ryan Gandy, the panels — dubbed mangrove panels — mimic the look and shape of red mangrove roots.
That shape, along with the concrete material, will help the recruitment of marine organisms such as oysters, barnacles and more.
Gandy said new vinyl seawalls do not allow for organisms like oysters and barnacles to attach as well as they do to concrete seawalls. The reason remains up for speculation, he said, but fewer of those organisms can be detrimental.
“When we replace living shorelines like mangroves and flats and
things like that with a hard, concrete surface, you lose a lot of those ecosystem services that environment provides,” Gandy said.
The removal of these habitats leaves a “clean slate” and, while the vinyl seawalls do recruit organisms, it’s at a much slower rate, Gandy said.
That’s where the concrete mangrove panels come in.
“By adding this 3D structure there, we’re hopeful that it adds some of that depth and complexity where these critters can hide from predators, where they can grow and then contribute back to the ecosystem,” Gandy said.
Organisms like oysters and barnacles are filter-feeders, meaning they draw in water, collect nutrients and release the water. This process filters
FUNDING SOURCE
Funding for the project comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is a national investment in infrastructure and environmental initiatives, according to the White House.
The National Estuary Program was identified as a key partner, and the SBEP is a part of the National Estuary Program.
The SBEP allocated $2.7 million of its share from the BIL to go toward restoration projects from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2026. Of that, $500,000 will go toward Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park shoreline project.
the water — hence the name — and can improve water quality over time.
For example, some studies estimate that one adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
PROJECT PROGRESS
Interim Director of Public Works
Charlie Mopps said the town and SBEP finalized the design of the panels in December.
The attachment will need to be secure enough to withstand wave action but also have enough space in between the panel and the wall to allow for hiding spaces for larger organisms like fish.
With the design finalized, the project team will move on to the permitting phase once the attachment method is worked out.
The panels will be at Longboat Key’s public park, Bayfront Park, where residents and visitors can see the mangrove panels in action. Gandy said the project could serve to show how this type of project could be applied in other places.
“This is a demonstration project to show this concept and then we can look at it over time and see how it’s doing,” Gandy said. “Then it potentially provides something that, if a homeowner wanted to add some structure to their shoreline, they can do that.”
Courtesy image
The concrete panels will look like the prop roots of red mangroves, a common tree in coastal environments.
The upcoming project with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program will focus on 300 feet of seawall at Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park.
Steve Branham announces he is a qualified candidate for Longboat Key Town Commission election on March 11, 2025 running for the At Large Seat 1 which will be vacated by Vice Mayor Mike Haycock’s term limits.
Resident of Longboat Key for 13+ years. Married to Susan Phillips – 27+ year resident and 27-year employee of the Town of Longboat Key. Steve is running because he cares very much about the town and is committed to Longboat Key and its residents. Steve retired from the Coast Guard having served 37 years. He was the CFO for the entire service and later the operational commander of the busiest of nine regions worldwide. Steve has been the Chairman of the Longboat Key Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees for 10 years and has learned a great deal about the Town of Longboat Key and its needs. He is ready to serve in a greater capacity to help support the town and to deal with the issues we face as a community.
Steve is committed to ensuring that “Longboat stays Longboat” and that we remain a “premier community receiving exceptional service”.
If you would like to support Steve’s campaign, make your contribution by check payable to
“Steve Branham Campaign” and send it to: Mike Haycock 3400 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
FRIDAY, JAN. 3
NEEDED HELP TO FIND FAMILY
6:11
p.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Suspicious Person: An officer was dispatched to a restaurant after staff called 911 to report a suspicious person. According to the 911 call, an elderly woman at the restaurant was asking staff where her family was. Upon the officer’s arrival, restaurant staff advised they contacted 911 and canceled the request because everything was fine.
SATURDAY, JAN. 4
CLOTHING THIEF
12:33 p.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Information Report: A resident called the Longboat Key police to report a potential theft. The residents claimed that contractors stole items from her home while doing work sometime after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In late December 2024, the resident found that plastic was removed from the ground-level cabinet and it appeared the locked cabinets were forced open. According to the resident, clothes were thrown around the cabinet, and clothes with an estimated value of $350 were stolen. She provided the name of the contractor she knew had access to her home during that time. The resident said she just wanted the incident documented, and the responding officer concluded that no further investigation was necessary.
WHAT’S THAT SMELL?
10:47 p.m., 500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Vehicle Stop: An officer on patrol noticed a vehicle with a defective headlight and initiated a traffic stop. While the officer spoke to the driver, the smell of marijuana spread from the car as the driver rolled down her window. The officer asked her if she had marijuana inside the vehicle, and she opened her center console to show a partially smoked joint. After seeing what appeared to be marijuana, the officer asked the driver to step out of the vehicle so the officer could conduct a probable cause search. During the search, the officer found a metal tin with more partially smoked joints, a white container labeled “THC” with edible gummies and a THC vape pen. The officer detained the driver and conducted a field test on the “green leafy substance” while another officer responded as backup. The tests confirmed the substance was marijuana, and the officers concluded the driver had about 2.35 grams in total. The driver was issued a notice to appear for the possession of marijuana, and a citation for the defective headlight.
MONDAY, JAN. 6
CAN’T CAMP THERE
1:45 p.m., 600 block of Bay Isles Parkway Suspicious Vehicle: While on patrol, an officer noticed a suspicious motor home parked and connected to a town-supplied water tap, as well as a town power supply via an extension cord. Officers knocked on the door of the motor home and asked the owner what he was doing. The owner did not realize it was a problem to camp on town property, but was cooperative and left without issue, according to the police report. The camper was issued an ordinance citation for camping in a motor home on town property.
case near a kayak launch. Upon arrival, the responding officer met with the caller who led the officer to the gun, which the officer discovered to be a flare gun. The officer inspected the flare gun, which was rusted and not loaded. There were no identifiable numbers on the gun, and the officer took custody of the gun to be inventoried at the police department.
TUESDAY, JAN. 7
NOT FROM AROUND THIS COMMUNITY
3:28 p.m., 5300 block of Sandhamn Place
Animal Problem: Residents called to report an unknown man walking two dogs in a private neighborhood. The responding officer noticed the entrance and exit to the community were open and proceeded to speak with the complainant. The complainant said he knew every resident in the community and did not believe this man to be one of them. According to him, one of the dogs defecated in his yard and he attempted to speak with the man but did not have any luck. The officer canvased the area briefly but did not find any men walking dogs before being called away for a priority call.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8
CAR LEFT RUNNING
11:57 p.m., 600 block of Emerald
Harbor Drive
Citizen Assist: An officer on night patrol noticed a vehicle with running lights parked in the driveway of a residence. No one was in the vehicle, so the officer knocked on the front door of the residence and spoke with the homeowner. The homeowner said he did not know his vehicle was still running and appreciated the officer letting him know.
THURSDAY, JAN. 9
SUSPICIOUS SNUGGLE TIME
1:44 a.m., 5300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Suspicious Vehicle: A Longboat Key officer on patrol noticed a car parked and running in the lot of a business after hours. The officer approached the suspicious vehicle and found a man and woman in the back seat. The man said he and his girlfriend were, “enjoying some snuggle time and watching Netflix,” the report states. The officer explained to the couple that the businesses in this lot were closed, and they needed to move to a more appropriate location to continue snuggle time. After receiving a verbal warning, the couple was sent on their way to watch Netflix somewhere else.
KEEP THE WORLD AT BAY. By the water, in the water, on the water. Whenever you wish. Wherever you want. All this, steps to Sarasota, yet secreted privately away on Golden Gate Point. This is the incomparable life Amara, unquestionably, Sarasota’s most exciting and remarkable residences, ever. Add your name to our early interest list.
Chamber recognizes new shop
Three Island Monkeys owner Brigette Kubin was emotional when speaking about resilience and how her business was resurrected through the support of others.
Kubin celebrated the opening of her business, Three Island Monkeys, on Longboat Key on Jan. 8 among friends, family and representatives from the town, including the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.
Kubin thanked Mayor Ken Schneier, who was in the crowd, for how town leaders keep the town genuine, with a multigenerational feel.
“I hope that our little boutique adds some color to everyone’s life here,” Kubin said.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kim Verreault said the ceremony was one of its largest attended ribbon-cutting ceremonies, with about 50 people.
Guests enjoyed a spread of food, wine and prosecco, and admired the elegant floral arrangements, Verreault said. Some of the food was provided by Lazy Lobster, where
Kubin used to work.
“It’s going to be an incredible addition to our community,” Verreault said about the business. “It’s very, very unique.”
Kubin opened Three Island Monkeys at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, in a section of the building co-owned by her friend, Courtney Rossler. Rossler recently opened Lo’ Key Island Grille on the same lot.
Three Island Monkeys officially opened its doors on Nov. 29 after some setbacks caused by the 2024 hurricane season.
Before that, the business was located on Anna Maria Island and was started by local artist Kandi Kerekes in 2009.
Kubin vacationed on Anna Maria Island for 30 years and always visited Three Island Monkeys when she was in town. In 2015, while on vacation, Kubin found out that Kerekes was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and wanted to pass the business down to someone with the same mission to spotlight unique finds from local artists.
Kubin bought the store in 2015 and learned from Kerekes how she operated the business during the last
months of Kerekes’ life.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, and Kubin had to move Three Island Monkeys to another location. She later had to pause the business entirely to take care of her parents during the pandemic.
A short period of selling products online followed, but Kubin looked forward to reopening a building for Three Island Monkeys.
Kubin worked at Lazy Lobster, where she met Rossler, who eventually left Lazy Lobster for her own business venture, Lo’ Key Island Grille. Rossler offered Kubin a section of the lot to reopen Three Island Monkeys, this time on Longboat Key.
With the opening of the Longboat Key boutique, Kubin decided to lean more into the unique gifts aspect of the business, focusing on art and specialty items that pull from her local art connections.
“I
hope that our little boutique adds some color to everyone’s life here.”
— Brigette Kubin, Three Island Monkeys owner
Three Island Monkeys gift store opened in November, but the ribbon cutting was this week.
Brigette Kubin cuts the ribbon for her business, Three Island Monkeys, on Jan. 8.
Courtesy images
Three Island Monkeys offers unique gifts from local artists.
What Would the Founding Fathers Think of America Today?
It would be nearly impossible to overestimate the reverence afforded America’s celebrated founding fathers. They were real men whose brilliance launched our country, and they vigorously discussed and debated the important political issues of their time.
By focusing on key writings and speeches of founders such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams and others we can certainly speculate what they’d think about the issues of today. That’s the fascinating and unique idea behind the Observer’s upcoming event in Sarasota on February 6th. It will be presented by renowned Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller, Chair of the Department of Political Science.
Here’s an example. The partisan hostility of our two major parties
has certainly frustrated nearly everyone. It turns out that the “Father of our Country” and our very first President was concerned about that very issue. In George Washington’s words from his famous farewell address in 1796, “There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and keep alive the spirit of liberty. But then he went on to assert “the constant danger of excess” and ended by referring to a political party as “ a fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance topresent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume”
Another subject area that was discussed thoroughly at the start of our country and continues to be a major focus today is the role of religion. While many believe
that the Founders felt that religion should be kept entirely outside political life, that’s really not what most of them felt. James Madison wrote that all men are “equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience”. In actuality the founders were less concerned about religious influences on government than they were with any effort to exclude some religions and favor others. That is what they had experienced as citizens of England and was what they were primarily concerned with. One more example would be concerns about economic and wealth inequality. Many think of this as an area of concern only in recent times, e– launched in large part by the now well known “occupy Wall Street” movement in 2011. In fact, it was a subject ad-
vanced by many founders, and some of their thinking was quite advanced. Thomas Paine wrote of the need to “make some provisions for people become poor and wretched not only at the time they become so. Would it not, even a matter of economy, be far better to devise means to prevent their becoming poor?”
And finally, apparently federal spending has been a hot button
Dive into the past with our exciting speaker series, featuring renowned scholars from top universities. Each lecture brings history to life with fresh insights and captivating stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
issue for as long as our country has been in existence. It was Thomas Jefferson who wrote
“That same prudence which in private life would forbid paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public monies” Sounds a lot like something you hear every day on TV!
Cleaning parks by day, bodybuilding by night
Matthew Ballew’s busy days working for Longboat Key Public Works are paired with a lifestyle of weightlifting and bodybuilding, which has taught him important life lessons.
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
Matthew Ballew’s days working for the Public Works department on Longboat Key are always busy.
Whether it’s routine maintenance at Bayfront Park or early morning trash collection before the sun rises, Ballew’s days are tiring, especially in the Florida heat.
But after the workday is over, Ballew’s day doesn’t end. Since high school, Ballew has been passionate about weightlifting and bodybuilding, which he has intertwined with his daily life.
CAREER BY THE BEACH
In high school, Ballew was involved in a variety of sports — basketball, soccer, football, baseball and track. Then, in his later high school years, he wound up getting in too much trouble to participate in sports and turned to weightlifting. He was hooked.
Ballew went to Indiana State after high school to study kinesiology, where weightlifting was a hobby and the main social environment for him.
“From then on, it was like a habit,” Ballew said. “We were all kinesiology majors, sports exercise science, just kind of into that lifestyle and all athletes.”
Ballew lost enjoyment in the college experience and realized his end goal with kinesiology would likely be a personal trainer, something that doesn’t require a college degree.
His parents had been snowbirds after he graduated from high school. While debating whether to continue his schooling, he took his parents up on an offer to see what the Bradenton area was like.
“I actually had a plane ticket to go back two weeks after, but I ended up staying and found a job on Siesta Beach working for Sarasota County,” Ballew said. “I fell in love with working on the beach and taking care of it.”
For a couple of years, Ballew jumped around in similar jobs for Sarasota County, including working on Lido Key for about six years before working on the Legacy Trail for about a year.
In early 2023, Ballew decided he wanted to go back to working near a beach, and his manager at Sarasota County mentioned Longboat Key had a job opening.
Ballew didn’t travel to Longboat often before taking the job, but he chose to give the area a try.
“Over time, I’ve learned that it’s a very peaceful, quiet, safe place,” Ballew said. “It’s very ideal to retire here. It’s like paradise.”
Ballew said he’s been grateful for the town’s emphasis on keeping staff wages competitive, but also appreciates the relationship he’s built with the community members.
“I really love the community part of working here on Longboat and how we try to please our community as much as we can, and be a little more personable and build good relationships with people,” Ballew said. “I’m very grateful for all of that.”
BODYBUILDING IN THE BACKGROUND
Weightlifting and bodybuilding continued to be a big part of Ballew’s life in Florida.
Typically, his workouts are about 45 minutes of weightlifting, a 30-40 minute cardio session and 20 minutes in the sauna — all of that after a day of working outside on Longboat Key.
“A lot of days, you do struggle to get in the gym,” Ballew said. “But once you get in there and get the blood flowing, you’re always happy
you made it in there.”
When he first started his job with Longboat Key, Ballew realized he was consistently losing weight — something that spells trouble for weightlifters trying to put on weight in the form of muscle.
“That is definitely a big challenge out here, especially since it’s such a long, hot summer,” Ballew said. “When I first started this job, I was consistently losing weight and I was a little concerned.”
Then, Ballew found that adding a protein shake or bowl of oatmeal helped maintain his weight. Hydration helps, too, for maintaining energy levels.
Outside of the gym and working long hours with the town, Ballew said meal preparation is essential. At least once or twice a week, Ballew cooks chicken or a big batch of carbohydrates like rice.
“That’s going to help keep from eating bad food,” Ballew said about the meal preparation.
On Sept. 21, 2024, Ballew took the stage at the Physical Culture Association United States Championships show in Bradenton.
Competing in a bodybuilding show requires a lot of preparation, including a stricter diet, which Ballew started 10 weeks before the show date. This means no alcohol, no fast food or junk food.
His strict preparation earned him second in the Classical Bodybuilding section of the show. It’s a high honor,
WORSHIP directory
but Ballew did not earn his pro card and “pro status,” which had been his goal for the past five years.
Dieting that hard depletes energy levels, and Ballew said he ate well in the days after the show to get his energy back up — just in time for Hurricane Helene’s arrival on Sept. 26.
“I was able to eat well after the show and kind of get my energy levels back up for the storm,” Ballew said. “And then when the storm hit, we were basically working nonstop for about four to six weeks.”
Ballew said Public Works staff were working 10- to 12-hour days in the aftermath of the hurricanes. During that time, he said he went to the gym maybe once or twice.
“There’s obviously moments where you’re working hard and you’re just not going to get to the gym,” Ballew said.
Getting back on the bodybuilding stage requires a lot of time and commitment. Currently, Ballew is putting bodybuilding to the side but knows it will always be something that will be there for him. Weightlifting will continue to be a passion of his.
Over the years, weightlifting has been an important outlet.
“I think it’s just a lot of selfimprovement, a lot of discipline — being self-disciplined and achieving your goals,” Ballew said.
“Bodybuilding taught me a lot about discipline and sacrifice.”
“A lot of days you do struggle to get in the gym. But once you get in there and get the blood flowing, you’re always happy you made it in there.”
— Matthew Ballew
Petra Rivera
Matthew Ballew playing with a dog in Bayfront Park
Courtesy image
Ballew competed at the Physical Culture Association United States Championships show on Sept. 21, 2024, in Bradenton.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Paws and Applause
CARTER
WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
On a day in St. Armands Circle when flashy sports cars filled the streets and revved up engines drowned the chatter, Birdie McClaine and his white Chihuahua, Lady Haha, stole the show.
The duo performed on a bench next to one of the famous St. Armands Circle statues. McClaine donned a vintage black circus cap and a serious smile.
He played a tune on his accordion.
As McClaine struck the keys and compressed the accordion, he barked commands at his partnerin-crime, Lady.
“Sit pretty,” he said.
She obliged and sat on her hind legs in the small rocking chair. The chair seemed to rock back and forth with McClaine’s forearms as he squeezed the accordion.
A passerby offered up a tip in appreciation. “Give it to her,” he said. He smiled as if he had a trick to show.
Lady walked over, held the dollar bill in her mouth and took it to the hat lying on the ground in front of McClaine. She dropped it in the pile and retreated to her rocker.
Though McClaine lives in Tennessee, where he’s from, part of his history connects to Sarasota’s own.
Almost 50 years ago, McClaine was a graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Venice.
Then, from 1976 to 1979, McClaine traveled as a juggler and clown with the Ringling Bros. Circus. The famous circus and Ringling name is rooted in the Sarasota area, where he sat and performed.
Since he was a boy, McClaine had a knack for juggling and riding a unicycle — skills that transferred to his tour with the Ringling Bros. com-
A pre-holiday afternoon was busy on the Circle, but a random street performer with a Ringling Bros. history stood out the most.
pany.
During his time with them, he traveled the country by train.
What was his favorite part about the tour?
“Probably just living on the circus train,” he said.
It wasn’t only people who rode the train, but the animals, too. Monkeys, elephants, you name it.
“It was just one big party,” he explained.
The accordion is something he picked up about 15 years ago, and now McClaine spends most of his time traveling and performing.
“I’m basically retired,” he said. “So I just come out and play music with
my dog.”
Lady is no ordinary chihuahua. She doesn’t yap and misbehave like most Chihuahuas.
Instead, she sits calmly on her rocker, waiting to do a trick with McClaine. Sometimes, it’s taking a dollar bill, while other times, she vaults over his legs or takes a bow. McClaine enjoys coming to perform in the Sarasota and Tampa Bay areas. One of his favorite spots is the St. Pete Pier.
But during the holiday season, St. Armands was at the top of his list.
He said it’s the holiday feel and decorations on the Circle that he loves the most.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Birdie McClaine plays a tune on his accordion while his dog, Lady Haha, performs. He used to travel with the Ringling Bros. circus.
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Sarasota’s Zack and Greta Hamric spend 100 hours each year maintaining their 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster formerly owned by Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
When they saw it at the St. Louis Car Museum & Sales four years ago, they quickly decided to purchase the vehicle.
In addition to the average of 12 miles per week they drive the car, they enjoyed showcasing it at St. Armands Circle Park, during Concours d’Elegance on Jan. 11.
Zack Hamric called the event “tremendous” because of the number of Jaguar enthusiasts present, calling it a “great show” with a “beautiful job” of production.
Held by the Sun Coast Jaguar Club, the free event allowed the public an opportunity to view the British luxury vehicles, which came mainly from around Florida, as well as for members of the club and affiliated clubs to gather together.
Originally scheduled for Oct. 12, it was postponed due to Hurricane Helene, and Hamric noted he was glad for the chance to support the businesses of St. Armands to help them move forward into the new year. Club member Craig Green said members enjoy gathering together “because we love Jaguars, because we enjoy the legacy of Jaguars, the beauty of the car.”
Dan Parke and David Sunter look inside a car.
Sarasota’s Zack and Greta Hamric sit in their 1956 Jaguar XK 140MC Roadster formerly owned by Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Above: Santiago Fuintos, 13, and Alma Fuintos explore the cars.
Peter Goldreich, of Sarasota, displays his 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II
Photos by Ian Swaby
WILD FLORIDA
Myakka counts record black skimmers
food source.
Audubon Society community-science project that helps highlight conservation action required to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive.
As this year’s count took place in the aftermath of three major storms, resulting impacts on habitats critical for countless bird species were widespread. Nonetheless, 120 species were tallied, only four less than last year’s count, with a count total of 11,853 birds!
Of note, 158 black skimmers, a Florida State-threatened bird, were spotted in three areas of the park. Skimmers were first sighted during the Myakka CBC in 1954, then off and on in the 1960s-80s. Since the 1990s, skimmers have only been spotted seven times. The previous record, set in 2003, was 28 skimmers. Strictly coastal in most areas of North America, black skimmers are threatened by habitat loss from development, storms, rising sea levels and human disturbance. They’re also impacted by oil spills and chemical pollution, which threaten fish populations — their
In winter 2023, with red tide conditions persistent in the gulf and bay, a flock of over 90 skimmers took shelter in the park. Interestingly, coastal red tide blooms are prevalent again this year, whereas at Myakka, ample untainted food is available.
Seasonal low water levels, work to restore the natural flow of the river and reduction in invasive vegetation — all of which create favorable loafing and feeding areas for skimmers — are also factors that likely attract these boisterous birds inland to the park. Thanks to bird band sightings, we know that both local and migratory skimmers winter in the park. In previous years, skimmers from the Lido Key colony, as well as ones from New York and New Jersey, were spotted at Myakka. And on the first day of 2025, H64, a banded young black skimmer from North Carolina, who migrated south for the first time this year, stood up to be counted, too.
Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we’re protecting and sharing Myakka’s Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver
Miri Hardy
At Myakka River State Park, imperiled native species, such as black skimmers, find undisturbed habitats and abundant food.
Residents learn pickleball basics
bout a dozen interested Longboat Key residents gathered on Jan. 13 at The Paradise Center to learn the basics of pickleball from fellow residents Terri Noyes and Elizabeth Apmann.
The event cost $15 per person and offered an hour-long course where participants learned the basic rules, scoring and practiced some mock matches on a makeshift court at The Paradise Center.
Noyes said to her, pickleball is great because it offers fun, fitness and friends.
She and Apmann said not much is needed to start playing pickleball, mainly court shoes, water and a paddle. Apmann suggested glasses or a hat, too, to protect from getting hit in the face with a shot.
Both Noyes and Apmann are certified pickleball instructors and avid players, often at Bayfront Park, the island’s main public place. Though scoring can be difficult and lead to disagreements, Noyes
and Apmann said the game is all about fun. At the end of the day, people are on the court to have a good time.
After going over the basics of the game, Noyes and Apmann brought attendees on the court to practice serving, volleying and started some mock games to learn the scoring first-hand.
Pete Clausen and his wife, Kim, attended the clinic after seeing an ad about it in the newspaper.
“We wanted something different to do, something active,” Pete Clausen said.
The pickleball basics clinic is held monthly at The Paradise Center, and beginners are always welcome at the Bayfront Park courts, Noyes said.
For more information on future clinics, visit The Paradise Center’s website at TheParadiseCenter.org or call 941-383-6493.
— CARTER WEINHOFER
Elizabeth Apmann hands Franklin Cohen a ball to practice his serve.
About a dozen attendees learned the basics of pickleball at the Paradise Center on Jan. 13.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Corey’s Landing home tops week’s sales at $3.3 million
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Corey’s Landing tops the week’s real estate.
David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, sold the home at 3464 Mistletoe Lane to Michael Konig, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $3.3 million. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,367 square feet of living area. It sold for $2 million in 2024.
JOHN RINGLING
George and Ellen Featherstone, trustees, of
3,300 square feet of living area. It sold for $385,000 in 1997.
LIDO HARBOUR TOWERS
Jerry and Diane Pate, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 1770 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Russell and Saundra Schuster, of Sarasota, for $800,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $495,000 in 2004.
30-JAN. 3
RINGLING
Philip and Cathy Byler, of Palmetto, sold their home at 750 Saint Judes Drive N. to HOTH LBK LLC for $600,000. Built in 1958, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,224 square feet of living area. It sold for $570,000 in 2004.
ONLINE
See more transactions at YourObserver.com
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Courtesy images
The veranda of 3464 Mistletoe Lane features a spa and a view of Sarasota Bay.
The home at 3464 Mistletoe Lane has four bedrooms, three baths and
The open floor plan at 3464 Mistletoe Lane features cathedral ceilings, quartz countertops and Thermador appliances.
YOUR CALENDAR
MONDAY, JAN. 20 MARKET ON LONGBOAT KEY
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Join the fun every first and third Monday through April. Try the many food trucks while you do your local shopping. You will find artists, apparel, sandals, fresh flowers, plants and more. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing. You can also pre-order pies, cakes and breads to be ready and waiting upon your arrival. Call 289-4141.
RECURRING EVENTS
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 $20. 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 can 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.
SHARKTOBERFEST
7-10 p.m. at Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Raise a glass with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium during Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival in the aquarium after hours. Tickets start at $55. For tickets or more information, go to Mote.org.
HOLLYWOOD ICONS THROUGH THE DECADES (1920S-1950S)
From 1-4 p.m. at The Education Center 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. Pro-ration 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. Cost is $20. Walk-ins welcome. Call 383-6493.
TUESDAYS KUMIHIMO: THE ART OF JAPANESE SILK BRAIDING
From 10 a.m. to noon at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Louise Gallagher, a Florida West Coast Bead Society member, will teach students a Japanese braiding technique and provide beads for creating beautiful jewelry that you will be excited to wear or give as gifts to friends or family members. Four sessions. Members $130; nonmembers, $140. Call 383-8222 or email Admin@ TBIEducationCenter.org.
Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin
NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH
FORECAST
FRIDAY, JAN. 17 High:
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
SUNRISE /
MOON PHASES
TIDES
By Luis Campos
ONE-OFFS by Aidan Deshong, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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