The town mailed out letters to residents last week, which included a unique code to access the online survey. From the survey, the town and its leaders hope to gain insight into the most prominent issues and topics of the community. Responses from the survey help guide the town commission’s future strategic planning and upcoming budget process. Residents could access the online forum as of Feb. 10, and the online survey closes on Feb. 28. The survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. For more information, visit LongboatKey.org/Residents/ Citizen-Survey.
Kiwanis talks proposed changes
Longboat Key Kiwanis Club members heard from Longboat Key Town Manager Howard Tipton and Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman at their Feb. 6 meeting. The pair touched on upcoming ballot items, including giving the manager freedom to appoint a qualified person to briefly serve as interim town manager when needed, even if they already hold a position with the town.
They also answered members’ questions about replacing the underwater sewer line and updating residents’ water meters, which they said would be a cost saver for users.
The club also agreed to shift its monthly meetings to the second Thursday of the month.
Dana Kampa Town Manager Howard Tipton
Dana Kampa
Executive Chef Michael Decorcie, from Drift at Lido Beach Resort, showcases his arancini special.
Carter Weinhofer
Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy are running for the at-large commission seat, which will become vacant in March.
WEEK OF FEB. 13, 2025
BY THE NUMBERS
2 Candidates for the at-large commission seat in the March election.
$33 MILLION
State Revolving Fund loan the town is seeking to take out for the subaqueous force main replacement.
11 Local restaurants highlighted in the Longboat Key Garden Club’s Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
CALENDAR
n The Market on the Key — 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 17, Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road
n Town Commission Workshop — 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road
n Town Commission Special Meeting — 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road
“This is not an optional project. We need to do it. It’s good for the utility system; it’s good for the health of the bay.”
Town Manager Howard Tipton on the subaqueous force main replacement Read more on page 6A
PD increases safety patrols
The Longboat Key Police Department will increase patrols focused on cyclist and pedestrian safety as a part of a High Visibility Enforcement program.
Starting now through May, the Longboat Key PD will increase directed patrols focused on speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians, illegal street crossing and bicyclists riding against traffic. These patrols will be focused on roads along the island with the highest accident
rates, a press release stated. Gulf of Mexico Drive between Yawl Lane (600 Gulf of Mexico Drive) and 1700 Gulf of Mexico Drive near the Aquarius Club were previously identified by the state as being high-risk areas. The program is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation and the Institute of Police Technology and Management. After Longboat Key officers completed a course in November 2024, the IPTM awarded the department a
$5,000 grant to be used for overtime for these directed patrols.
“Everyone has a role in keeping roads safe,” Sgt. Sean Butler said in the press release. “Follow the rules to protect yourself and others.”
According to Alert Today Florida’s website, Manatee and Sarasota counties are among the 25 counties with the highest rate of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists resulting in serious or fatal injuries.
Dock & lift height changes near
finale
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Longboat Key Town Commission will hold a special voting meeting immediately after it adjourns the workshop held at 1 p.m.
At this special meeting, the town commission will hold the second public hearing and vote for the ordinance to increase the maximum height allowed for boat docks and lifts.
The ordinance also changes the measurement method for the regulations, making it uniform to being measured from the mean high water line.
In December 2024, the commission directed the Planning, Zoning and Building Department staff and Planning and Zoning Board to expedite this ordinance to assist homeowners who were looking to rebuild docks and lifts after the hurricanes, but wanted to do so higher.
At the first vote on Feb. 3, the town commission unanimously approved the ordinance to be forwarded to the upcoming meeting on Feb. 18.
Commissioner advocates in Washington
Commissioner-At-Large BJ Bishop spent the first week of February in Washington, D.C., to meet with state representatives and to advocate for local issues.
“We had a very productive week meeting with our Senate and Congressional representatives, as well as staff who have been key to our success bringing our issues to the forefront,” Bishop said in a press release.
The advocacy trip was a part of the Florida League of Cities’ Federal Action Strike Team Fly-In. More than 50 local elected officials took part in the trip to advocate for the FLC’s federal priorities.
Some of the topics the FLC representatives talked about were long-term National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization and simplifying the federal grant process.
File photo Longboat Key Police will begin patrols aimed at a higher focus of safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
HOPEFULS MEET
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key residents filled the Temple Beth Israel social hall on Feb. 9 for an election forum hosted by the Miracle on the Key group and Men’s Club of Temple Beth Israel.
At the event, about 55 residents heard from Town Manager Howard Tipton about charter amendments and a referendum that will be on the March ballot before the two at-large seat candidates had the opportunity to talk about themselves, reasons behind running for commission and perspectives on town issues.
After Tipton explained the charter amendments and referendum, President of the Longboat Key Democratic Club Lucie Lapovsky introduced the two commission candidates: Steve Branham and Debbie Murphy.
Branham and Murphy are vying for an at-large commission seat, which will be vacant in March after Vice Mayor Mike Haycock reaches his term limit.
This will be the first contested commission election in Longboat Key since 2018.
Murphy held the District 5 commission seat from March 2023 to December 2023 but resigned due to the state’s intent to change the financial disclosure from Form 1 to Form 6, requiring candidates to disclose more information about sources of income.
At the time, Murphy said she felt that amount of detail was unnecessary for a volunteer board position and was hesitant to disclose that information due to personal reasons.
Now, the state has rescinded the Form 6 requirement and Murphy is running for the at-large seat.
This time, her platform is centered around her desire to bring another Manatee County voice to the commission.
Out of the seven current commissioners, two live in Manatee County, Murphy said in her introduction. With many upcoming projects and issues set in Manatee County — including the Broadway Roundabout, Longboat Pass Bridge and resiliency projects — Murphy believes having another commissioner from Manatee County would be a beneficial addition.
Branham served with the U.S. Coast Guard for 37 years before coming to Longboat Key, where he currently serves on the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees and was involved in organizations like the Kiwanis Club and Longboat Key Garden Club.
Growing up, Branham said his family values taught him to be a servant leader and serve others, leaving things better than he found them. That’s why he wants to become a commissioner and serve the town in the same way.
Lapovsky took questions from the audience about the candidate’s perspectives on town issues and future projects for the remainder of the forum. Here are some of the questions:
EARLY VOTING
If you wish to cast your ballot prior to Election Day, Early Voting will be held at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, from Monday, March 3, to Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Where: Sarasota County voters cast their ballots at Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. Manatee County voters cast their ballots at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. When: Election Day is Tuesday, March 11. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. What to bring: Current and valid photo ID with signature.
At an election forum hosted by Miracle on the Key and the Men’s Club of the Temple Beth Israel, the candidates had an opportunity to discuss their positions on town issues.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Meeting space is a problem. How do you see solving the meeting space problem on the island?
BRANHAM: I think there’s some work to be done, particularly on the north end that suffered a setback up there with the hurricane taking the space. The question now is, how do you overcome that? The library project on the south end and the community center for the Town Center Green area would be a great thing to fix the meeting space problem.
MURPHY: I’m a cheerleader for the (north-end) community center that’s sitting vacant now at Whitney Plaza. A lot of condo associations that are mid-Key and up suffer from the fact that we do not have dedicated meeting space for board meetings, community meetings. (The community center) would solve that problem on the north end. I’m pleased to hear, even though we’re still awhile out, that the library that’s being built here on Longboat Key is going to be offering space. I think between those two venues that may help to solve some of the problem.
DEBORAH MURPHY Background: Retired from family construction business County: Manatee Previous LBK experience: Currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment
COMMISSION SEAT
How do you acquire and understand the views of the community?
BRANHAM: Well, you go out and communicate ... to go out and gather information, to meet with various groups — and there are many on this island, as you know — and talk to them, to see what’s on their mind and develop a list of those things that are most important.
MURPHY: It does not matter if I am your representative from District 5 or I’m an at-large commissioner, I represent everyone here on the island. The difference ... instead of hearing directly from my neighbors about issues that they would like me to raise with the commission, I am now privy to questions from all of my neighbors, whether it’s the south end of Longboat Key or the north end of Longboat Key.
How would you pay to fix aging infrastructure?
BRANHAM: I see infrastructure in a couple of different categories, one is private and one is public. With respect to public infrastructure, it needs to be resilient, and it also needs to be funded properly. I think
The two charter amendments listed on the March ballot are “clean up” items of the town’s charter, in Tipton’s words.
The first deals with the meeting schedule of the town commission. The charter states the commission needs to have a regular voting meeting in July.
But, it has long been the practice of the commission to hold a voting meeting at the end of June to vote on any last-minute items, then cancel the July meeting and have a two-month summer recess. The charter already allows for no voting meetings in August, but this amend-
ment would change the charter so a meeting is not required for July, as well. The second charter amendment deals with who Tipton or the commission could appoint as town manager in case of an emergency. Most of the time, Tipton said the replacement would be Assistant Town Manager Isaac Brownman.
In case Tipton and Brownman are both unable to act as town manager, this amendment clears up language so the town manager or commission can appoint someone from within or outside of the town for a period of absence.
STEVE BRANHAM Background: Retired Admiral and CFO of Coast Guard County: Sarasota Previous LBK experience: Currently serves on the Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees
we’re going to face some challenges as we move forward and develop our tax base because there have been a number of properties on the key that have been eliminated. The other part is private ... we have to make it easier for our citizens to be able to make their property more resilient.
MURPHY: There is a very detailed section on infrastructure (in the strategic plan) ... I think whether you’re a single-family homeowner or condo owner, many of these buildings were built 40-50 years ago, maybe longer. That is a huge issue. The environmental resiliency issues that we now see from what happened after the two hurricanes ... I think that, when we look at our budget going forward, we have to be prepared to understand that we are going to be investing quite a bit more into infrastructure projects.
Photos by Carter Weinhofer
Steve Branham and Deborah Murphy speak at the election forum held Feb. 9.
Islandwide OnDemand sustains solid interest
Despite hurricanes disrupting service, Sarasota County Transit said utilization and response from rideshare service was positive.
CARTER
STAFF WRITER
Longboat Key’s new islandwide transit system served well in its first year of implementation.
In January 2024, Manatee County and Sarasota County implemented an agreement to extend the Longboat Key zone for Sarasota County’s OnDemand service to include the Manatee County portion of the island.
This created a unified public transit system for the island, which is divided into two counties.
OnDemand is provided by Sarasota County’s Breeze public transit system. Through the OnDemand service, riders can pay $2 for a “curbto-curb” rideshare program similar to Uber.
According to the latest ridership numbers from Sarasota County Director of Transit Jane Grogg, the riders in the Lido Key/Longboat Key zone remained steady from 2023 to 2024.
Total riders in the Lido Key/Longboat Key zone decreased slightly from 26,958 in 2023 to about 26,300 in 2024. Overall ridership for the OnDemand service increased 18% from 329,000 in 2023 to 388,000 in 2024.
Grogg said while these numbers are steady year over year, the numbers include an asterisk since the OnDemand service lost at least a month of ridership during Hurricanes Helene and Milton when access to the barrier islands was limited.
Of the 26,300 riders in 2024, about 3,300 riders had trips that either started or ended in Manatee County.
That number of riders is close to the number Manatee County pro-
jected it was transporting with the former Longboat Key shuttle provided by Manatee County Area Transit.
Grogg said this also presented a cost savings for Manatee County.
Manatee County estimated it was spending between $200,000 and $250,000 a year to operate the Longboat Key shuttle. Now, Manatee County pays Sarasota County about $30 per trip for the services to Manatee County.
At about 3,300 trips, that’s $99,000 in expenses for Manatee County.
After riders complete a ride with OnDemand, they can fill out a survey, which Grogg said the department uses to collect feedback. Overall, it’s been positive.
“Those who work on Longboat Key have appreciated not having an additional transfer,” Grogg said. “This has at least simplified that trip making and improved that process for those riders.”
Previously, riders had to take a bus through MCAT to Coquina Beach, then take the Longboat Key shuttle to around Publix before booking an OnDemand ride in Sarasota County.
Grogg said her marketing team has conducted outreach programs with resorts and larger employers in Longboat Key, including the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, to ensure that employees know this rideshare service exists.
Courtesy image Sarasota County’s OnDemand service debuted in 2021.
Starbucks to open Longboat location
The shop, located at 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, will emphasize the brand’s ‘community coffee house’ feel with a modern look tailored to Longboat.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
tarbucks will soon join the shortlist of big-name brands on Longboat Key with a new location expected to open this year.
The mid-Key coffee shop will be located at 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, and with a lease signed and permitting in the works, the managerial group expects a mid to late summer opening.
Big-name brands are uncommon on the Key, with Publix, CVS and J. McLaughlin being on the shortlist.
CEO of Topper’s Craft Creamery and Master Licensee for Starbucks Greg Sausaman is bringing Starbucks to Longboat Key with the help of some other local partners.
Located on the 3100 block of the island, the plaza is mid-Key and across from a public beach access point with parking.
The traffic from beachgoers looking for mobile orders, plus the midKey location is what made Sausaman realize the spot’s potential.
Sausaman and his team finalized plans and concept art for the 1,800-square-foot space, which he hopes will embody the look and feel of the island community.
“The environment, the image of the space is really updated,” Sausaman said.
“We’ve got a beachy feel, some murals, so we really asked for the graphics to reflect Longboat as best we can ... We’re just really excited about it.”
The Starbucks brand is also shifting in a new direction, Sausaman said, thanks to CEO Brian Niccol.
“Starbucks is getting back to the roots of the community coffee house,” Sausaman said.
The emphasis on a community
coffee house and social aspect is one Sausaman hopes will be welcomed.
The idea, Sausaman said, came after he learned there were many former Starbucks executives and employees living on the island. After garnering some interest among people he knew on the island, Sausaman had a small group of partners interested in a Starbucks location.
Sausaman is a master licensee for Starbucks, which is similar to a franchisee.
Starbucks does not technically have franchises, but a hospitality group with a master license could bring the Starbucks brand into places like hospitals or college campuses‚ or, in this case, a small, standalone location without a drive-thru.
After Sausaman had some support, he began working with Tom Johnson III who is the director of leasing for Casto Commercial Real Estate. Plans were then submitted to Starbucks corporate and received approval, according to Sausaman.
This whole process started about a year ago and, speaking from experience, Sausaman said it typically
takes about a year and a half from the start of this process to being ready to serve coffee.
Sausaman said the recent hurricanes took a toll on the site, but the contractor has been working to get the site back on track. The contractor is now in the permitting stage, Sausaman said, with plans ready to keep moving forward toward what Sausaman hopes will be a mid to late summer opening.
The new location will probably produce about 25 new jobs on the island, according to Sausaman.
The lot is currently zoned C-1 Commercial. Restaurants can be put in C-1, but would need to go through a special exemption approved by Planning and Zoning Board.
SPRUCED-UP SPACE
Johnson is excited about Starbucks and transforming the commercial plaza into a new vision.
“It’s going to be an awesome space,” Johnson said about the Starbucks location.
The plaza also includes retail store Swim City, and Johnson hopes to
bring in one more addition in the remaining 1,400-square-foot space.
The available space lease is listed as $32 per square foot for a lease term of up to 10 years and triple net, meaning the tenant is responsible for taxes, maintenance and insurance. With Starbucks slated to have an art deco-style, Johnson said he hopes to bring in either a local or regional food group or a small boutique to go next to the coffee shop.
Either way, he wants to draw a business into the space that fits the overall feel of the modern Starbucks in the plaza.
An office of Michael Saunders & Co. used to occupy the property. It moved away from the 3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive location in 2023 to combine with the office further south at 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
A space in the same plaza, at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive, used to be the Turtle Coffee Bar. According to a post on the coffee bar’s Facebook page in October 2024, the shop was unable to reopen after the hurricanes.
A vote down the pipeline
The upcoming ballot includes a referendum which, if passed, would allow for a necessary underwater pipeline replacement.
Replacing Longboat Key’s underwater wastewater pipeline is not optional.
But the town is seeking a low-interest loan for the project, which must be approved by town voters.
In March, town voters will see the referendum on the ballot to either approve or deny the town’s request to pursue a loan of up to $33 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
“This is not an optional project. We
need to do it. It’s good for the utility system, it’s good for the health of the bay,” Town Manager Howard Tipton said. “The question for the voters is: How do we want to pay for it?”
The 2.8-mile subaqueous force main — simply put, an underwater wastewater pipe — transports the town’s wastewater across to the mainland, where it is then processed in Manatee County.
The current force main is about 50 years old. In 2020, there was a small leak that resulted in the mainland portion of the pipe being replaced and pushed the town toward a necessary replacement of the underwater portion.
The mainland portion of the pipeline was replaced in 2023 and cost $2.6 million.
This existing pipeline is made of 20-inch ductile iron and would be replaced with a state-of-the-art 24-inch high-density polyethylene pipeline — a type of thick plastic.
The project is important for the health of Sarasota Bay, under which the pipeline is installed.
“This is not an optional project. We need to do it ... The question for the voters is: How do we want to pay for it?”
— Howard Tipton, town manager
“Wastewater is probably the single largest risk to the health of Sarasota Bay,” Tipton said. “Nobody wants to see anything that would cause any damage (to the bay).”
The State Revolving Fund loan presents the town with the lowestcost option compared to the other options, which would be revenue bonds.
But the SRF loan requires a secondary pledge. For example, if the town’s primary method of paying the loan back — in this case, utility rate revenues — would not work out, the town would need to use other funds like tax revenue.
“We have no plans to do it, but it’s just a requirement of the state that there’s a backup pledge, and that’s what triggers the referendum,” Tipton said.
This puts the loan in the voters’ hands.
The town can’t advocate a position for or against the referendum, but Tipton said it’s a fact that with the SRF loan, the town and its residents pay less over time.
“What we have said, and it’s a factual statement: ‘If you vote less, you pay less,’” Tipton said.
The town also received a $3 million state appropriation for the project with the help of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, with another $1.5 million being requested in the upcoming legislative session.
This shows the town’s activeness in seeking other funds, Tipton said, which is also good to show the loan granters.
If the referendum fails, though, it could mean the residents pay more on utility rates.
LOAN BREAKDOWN
Without the SRF loan, the town would need to pursue revenue bonds, either at a 20-year or 30-year term. Either way, the revenue bonds carry higher interest and do not require a referendum.
In September 2024, the town commission approved an updated utility rate schedule that considers the SRF loan payments.
If the revenue bonds are the only option, then the town would have to reevaluate those rates and likely increase them due to the bonds being higher-cost options.
We
Courtesy image
Photograph of the broken sewer main lying on its side at the town of Longboat Key’s Public Works Department. The breach was in the bottom invert of the pipe.
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.
Deaths rose under Bondi
Fewer Americans are drug addicts, yet more people are dying from drug use. Law enforcement’s crackdown on opioids just caused users to shift to fentanyl.
When President Trump
nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to be the nation’s top lawyer, he emphasized her track record cracking down on drugs and fentanyl and essentially promised to take that approach nationwide to save many lives. And if you remember, Bondi was trumpeted during her terms from 2011-2019 for cracking down on “pill mills,” putting in place restrictions on prescription pain killers and suing the CVS chain for causing the opioid epidemic with loose prescription practices.
Unfortunately, according to Florida Department of Health data, drug overdose deaths in the state nearly doubled from 13.7 per 100,000 residents in 2011, when Bondi took over as the state’s attorney general, to 25.1 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2019 when she left office.
During the pandemic in 2020, overdose deaths increased dramatically nationwide and in Florida.
While overdose deaths have since gradually decreased, they are still well above pre-pandemic levels at 30.8 per 100,000 residents in 2023. There are several things going on here that provide important lessons and tell us what we can expect in the next four years.
Bondi is a national champion of what is called the “overprescription” hypothesis, which blames rising rates of opioid overdoses starting in the early 2000s on increasing prescribing of opioids starting in the 1990s. There is some truth in that.
As opioid prescribing increased in the two decades before 2010, prescription opioids became the leading cause of drug overdoses.
The response that Bondi helped to champion, which was followed in most states and funded with federal grants, was prescription drug monitoring programs, which are state laws limiting the number of pills a patient can receive.
The Drug Enforcement Administration also ordered prescription opioid manufacturers to reduce opioid production.
These approaches made perfect sense to policy makers at the time. Bondi made her implementation of the E-FORCE PDMP a centerpiece of her accomplishments as state attorney general, and it probably makes sense to you reading this.
The problem is that everyone involved in drug policy, including
Bondi, had a steady drumbeat of evidence that the PDMP approach caused a rapid increase in opioid overdose deaths. This was true in states nationwide, including Florida, where the rate of opioid overdose deaths remains far more than double where it was in 2010.
Look at the accompanying graph showing what happened in five states and Washington, D.C., when prescription monitoring was put into place between 2000 and 2020. As prescription rates declined, opioid overdose deaths rose.
At first thought, this seems counterintuitive. But these results should have been easy to expect, and easy to see in the annual data on opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths.
Our history of drug prohibition consistently shows that when government restricts access to something people want, it drives demand to the illicit market.
In this case, abuse of prescription opioids was a growing problem, but it was a fairly safe way to consume opioids. Once PDMP cut off that supply, just as alcohol prohibition in the 1920s pushed bootleggers to switch from beer to potent bathtub gin, opioid traffickers switched to fentanyl and its ilk.
Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that pain reliever abuse rates have flattened out since 2002, while heroin and fentanyl abuse rates increased only after opioid prescription rates started to decline.
You can see this clearly in the lower accompanying graph on opioid mortality in Florida. When PDMPs were enacted in 2011 and prescription opioid prescribing declined, deaths from fentanyl and heroin began to skyrocket.
You would think policymakers in Florida and nationwide would look at these data and suspect that PDMP and similar policies are not working. But you would be wrong.
Instead, they have clung to a simple narrative, often used by Bondi in her press releases, that PDMPs reduced deaths from prescription opioids, ignoring data showing vastly more deaths from other opioids.
It is particularly tragic that we are seeing rising overdose deaths at a time when the United States is enjoying an appreciable drop in drug addiction rates.
Opioid addiction, in particular, has been dropping for years.
In 2002, 9.4% of Americans were addicted to a drug, including 0.7% of Americans addicted to opioids.
In 2019, the last year measured with a comparable standard (DSM-IV), 7.4% of Americans were addicted to substances with 0.6% of those being addicted to opioids.
Additionally, record levels of naloxone and addiction treatment medications are being distributed, which means more people received addiction treatment in 2021 than any other year in American history.
Fewer Americans are addicted to drugs and more of those who are addicted are receiving medicationassisted treatment for addiction, yet more people are dying from drug use.
The reality is that drug addiction and drug-related deaths don’t have much of a relationship. Drug-related deaths are almost solely caused by the safety of the drug supply, which is made more dangerous by
DeSantis
no longer king of Florida?
From Governing Magazine, Alan Greenblatt, Jan. 30: There have been no real changes to Republican Ron DeSantis’ power as governor, but the way he’s being treated in Tallahassee has changed a lot since his first term, when he got essentially everything he wanted out of the Legislature.
It was just a year ago that DeSantis returned to Florida after his unsuccessful bid for president … With his return to Tallahassee,
FLORIDA OPIOID MORTALITY AFTER PDMP IMPLEMENTATION
drug enforcement like PDMPs.
The shift from prescription opioids to fentanyl and heroin meant those with substance use disorder began dying at such a high rate that overdoses are spiking despite a shrinking population of regular drug users.
Which raises the question of why do we still have too many people with a substance use problem?
Researchers point to a plethora of causes, including poverty and financial distress, severe fears and anxieties and difficulty getting mental health treatment and addiction treatment. The summary, as best we can tell, is that many people have something in their head or in their life that they are so desperate to escape that they will use even a very dangerous drug like fentanyl to get that escape.
Making a drug illegal has done little to reduce the number of people wanting it. But the false narrative of the drug war is easy to explain and easy to pursue.
Unfortunately, trying to figure out why people are hurting so badly,
and even more difficult, how to help them deal with it in a healthy fashion, is extremely difficult.
No surprise, policymakers tend to choose the easy route, regardless of whether it works. Bondi was no different. Nevertheless, there are other ways that can work.
In France, policy makers addressed their overdose epidemic by relaxing regulations on medication-assisted treatment, which combines addiction therapy with less-dangerous prescription opioids.
The result was a 79% drop in overdose deaths in four years.
We don’t expect Attorney General Bondi to have learned from what her drug policies wrought in Florida or to change her approach when applying it nationwide. So we can look forward to at least another four years of exceptional opioid deaths that could be prevented.
Adrian Moore is vice president of the Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Jacob James Rich is a policy analyst at Reason Foundation.
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
President and Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com
Executive Editor and COO / Kat Wingert, KWingert@YourObserver.com
Managing Editor / Michael Harris, MHarris@YourObserver.com
Staff Writers / Dana Kampa, DKampa@ YourObserver.com; Carter Weinhofer, CWeinhofer@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com
Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Taylor Poe, Louise Martin, Shawna Polana
Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com
Information Technology Manager / Homer Gallego, HGallego@YourObserver. com
Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver.com
Controller / Rafael Labrin, RLabrin@ YourObserver.com
Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@ YourObserver.com
there were real questions about whether he’d still dominate the state as he had before. This year, it seems that legislators are determined to establish their independence. On Jan. 27, they overrode DeSantis’ line-item veto of $57 million in legislative support services. That may sound like they were feathering their own nests, but it was the first time the Legislature has overridden DeSantis — or any Florida governor,
for that matter, since 2010. All but one lawmaker voted for the override. “This veto was at best a misunderstanding of the importance of the appropriation,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez, “or, at worst, an attempt to threaten the independence of our separate branch of government.” A bigger fight was soon to come. DeSantis appealed directly to President Trump to lobby legislators to strengthen an immigration bill meant to align the state with the administration’s enforcement efforts. Lawmakers were happy to accommodate Trump’s requests
— they’d named the bill after him — but they preserved a provision designed to ding DeSantis. The bill would shift most responsibility for immigration enforcement from the governor to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. After the bill passed Jan. 28, DeSantis vowed to veto it. It’s not certain that legislative leaders will have the votes to override the governor on this one. But it’s clear that they’re no longer afraid of picking a fight with him. “Threatening others to get your way isn’t leadership, it’s immaturity,” Perez said.
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine
CEO / Matt Walsh MWalsh@YourObserver.com
ADRIAN MOORE & JACOB RICH
Jacob James Rich
Alamy.com
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
A spot for Lola
Dogs with disabilities, permanent or temporary, still need exercise at their local park.
MICHAEL HARRIS MANAGING EDITOR
You have to hate it when you drive around looking for an available parking space close to your destination, only to park a million miles away.
Now do it with three kids in the car, one of them with a disability, and all you want to do is take them to the park for some exercise, socialization and air.
It has to be tough. Personally, I don’t know what it’s like. I did have one “kid” who had a surgically repaired leg. But when she ran around the park, you would never know she had a leg with a plate and a bunch of screws in it.
One of Longboat resident Debi Nettlow’s furry kids does have a disability, and when she goes to Bayfront Park to give the kids exercise, she finds herself having to park in the overflow lot many times.
That’s tough on Lola’s legs. Lola can’t walk a great distance and for her to get to the actual park, well, Debi would have to carry her. Carrying 55 pounds can be quite heavy when you may have to walk several hundred feet.
So now you’re thinking ... “That’s an outrage. How can they not have parking for those children?”
Well, here’s the thing: The scenario I describe above could very well be that of a human child with a disability and their parent taking them to the park.
But Lola doesn’t have two legs, she has three, and at one time, she had four.
By now, you know Lola is a dog.
During snowbird season, Longboat’s Bayfront Park has a shortage of parking spots by its dog park, especially with the pickleball courts nearby. But we’re not stepping into that “kitchen;” let’s just put that on the back burner for now.
Debi presented to the Longboat Town Commission what I think, and many other dog enthusiasts will consider, an absolutely wonderful idea.
A designated parking spot, next to the regular designated accessible parking spots for parents who have disabled dogs.
Now you’re thinking, “Sure, but there are so few dogs who have disabilities, would it actually be used?”
Well, no doubt. Here’s the thing, I mentioned my dog — Mauldi — who as a puppy, had a broken leg in a Fort Myers pet store for more than a month before we got her and noticed a persistent limp.
Mauldi’s leg was surgically repaired, but after the surgery, she needed rehab and the best way to do that was exercise.
So if a veterinarian could sign off with a temporary permit for dogs after surgery for, say, six weeks, it ratchets up the usage. There are many dogs who have to struggle with surgery and the “cone of shame.” The pooch of our own executive editor, Kat Wingert, had leg surgery this week.
Lola’s injury is permanent, as are many other dogs’. There are companies that specialize in dog carts and prosthetics like nonprofit Ruck9 and K-9 Carts, just down the street in Englewood. So there is a demand.
Lola lost her leg when she was
a stray in Tampa and was hit by a car. A Tampa police officer rescued her and she ended up at Satchel’s Last Resort and Pet Sanctuary, just off Clark Road, a couple miles east of I-75. And that’s where Debi and Lola met.
“I do some fundraising for Satchel’s,” Debi said. “It took about five days of bringing her treats, and slowly she would warm up. Then I had her meet my other two dogs. It took time.”
Debi has had Lola for about five years, and she’s hitting the age of 9, so she is getting up there. So the need to be close to THE spot built for pups to have a little fun is paramount.
So when she presented her idea to the Longboat Key Town Commission, it was not entirely met with a “What? Are you serious?” look from commissioners and
Mayor Ken Schneier. In fact, it was the opposite.
“We have everything to decide on, like a $32 million subaqueous loan, to other things,” Schneier said. “But we try to accommodate people in situations like that.”
Schneier can sympathize with Debi and Lola’s plight. He had a Yorkshire Terrier that needed back surgery, and his pal laid in bed for three weeks. But when ready, the Yorkie needed exercise and rehab, too.
The dog parks are the best place to socialize and get back in the swing of things.
With a little bit of discussion near the end of the Feb. 3 meeting, commissioners came up with a bit of a plan, then it was changed, and changed again before settling on a solution.
So the outcome is the town of Longboat Key will designate a
“drop-off” spot for dogs with a disability next to the blue disabled parking spots. Debi can drop off Lola, and put her in the park while she finds a freed-up spot.
It’s a start, and that’s something Debi is thankful for.
If other dog parents get on board, it can lead to an awareness and advocate for our four-legged family members.
“This is progress, and this is making a difference not for Lola but other dogs,” Debi says. I’m very happy.”
It’s not the ultimate goal of having designated spots, but who knows, if Longboat is the first town to do it, maybe other cities will add spots.
We even have a name for them.
“Lola’s Lots.”
Courtesy image
Longboat resident Debi Nettlow and her dog, Lola. Lola has three legs, and Nettlow asked the town of Longboat Key for a disabled dog parking spot by the dog park at Bayfront Park.
Lee Heineman
DINNER MEETING
Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc. P.O. Box 8181 Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181
Tuesday, February 18th | 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Speaker Alice Rothbauer Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.
Elected Vice Chair in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Alice Rothbauer impacts every operation of the Republican Party of Sarasota County. Her responsibilities include organizing Get out the Vote (GOTV) teams, recruiting new members to the Executive Committee and staffing volunteers at the precinct red greeting tents. As the RPOF Region 11 (5 counties) Regional Field Director in 2022, Alice Rothbauer knocked on the doors of over 11,000 voters.
Alice has been co-chair of both the REC Membership Committee and Precinct Committee. In 2023, she was the President of the NOVA (Nokomis Osprey Venice Area) Republican Club.
An activist since the early nineties, Alice was a pro-life crisis pregnancy volunteer and treasurer for The Pregnancy Helpline in Madison, WI. As her family grew, she became an entrepreneur with a home sales and marketing business. The 2020 election and Covid lockdowns inspired Alice to re-engage in political activism. Currently, she is the Director of Donor Relations at a local college. Married to her husband for over 30 years, they have raised three grown children and enjoy three grandchildren.
Her goal as Vice Chair is to build on the historic election successes of 2024 by gaining a Vote by Mail ballot advantage and ensuring Republicans continue to be the majority on every elected board.
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS
DINNER: $75 CASH BAR
Make your reservation online and pay securely with your credit card by going to our website: rclbk.org Phyllis Black 941-374-5745
Donors can bring a
The proposed library/community center hinges in part on donors contributing $3.5 million. Longboat Key has been a part of my life for more than 50 years. My father was a three-term mayor and a town commissioner for almost 14 years. I have been a seasonal resident for more than 30 years.
For nearly 25 years, Longboat Key has envisioned a central gathering place for our island. Over the years, this vision has taken different forms — from a community center funded by Longboat taxpayers to a donor-funded arts, cultural and education center in collaboration with Ringling College.
While these earlier initiatives did not come to fruition, the dream of a vibrant Town Center remained strong. What was missing was the right partnership.
Now, Longboat Key has found the perfect partner to bring this vision to life, and I am assisting in any way I can to help make this a reality.
The journey began with a partnership between the town and Sarasota County to acquire the land for the Town Center Green, a 4.81acre park at the heart of the Key. To complete the first two phases, town taxpayer money was used, Sarasota County provided a substantial grant and private donors generously contributed — all to fund the pavilion and stage that are now being enjoyed by the community.
Now, Sarasota County has committed $11 million to build a new library/community center at the Town Center Green. Today’s libraries are far more than books. They have evolved into dynamic hubs of technology, learning and community engagement. This new library/community center will feature state-of-the-art technology, gathering spaces and opportunities for lectures, workshops and lifelong learning. Most importantly, all events and programming will be free to the public, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Through extensive public outreach, residents have voiced a clear desire for a larger and more versatile space to enhance the core offerings of the library/community center.
To meet these needs, the town is seeking to raise at least $3.5 million in private donations for critical additions, including:
A welcoming plaza with a spacious social area; a larger meeting space for 200+ attendees with built-in versatility to break out into smaller spaces if desired; an elevated and covered outdoor terrace connecting the library/community center to the Town Center Green. While Sarasota County will allocate $1 million annually for operations and maintenance for the entire facility, the above three essential enhancements will not be county funded. Longboat Key needs the support of donors, large and small, to make this vision a reality. Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring us closer to transforming the library/community center into a true gathering place — a space for learning, connection and enrichment that will serve our island for generations to come.
I hope many of you will be open to a meeting to discuss this opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Longboat Key. Your support will help create a space where knowledge, culture and community come together, all free and open to the public.
I would be delighted to set up a meeting with those parties from Sarasota County and the town to provide more specifics on this wonderful project. Alternatively, I can set up individual meetings if that would be your preference.
Please contact me at Jeffrey. Lenobel@gmail.com or 917-3767000, or Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager, at SPhillips@ LongboatKey.org or 941-316-1999, x1212.
JEFFREY LENOBEL LONGBOAT KEY
SEND US YOUR LETTERS
Have something to tell us?
Send your letters to Michael Harris at MHarris@ YourObserver.com
a time when people express their feelings for loved ones. Whether celebrating with romantic partners, friends, or family, it’s a day to cherish relationships and spread happiness. THANK
Advisor Michelle Johnson of Edward Jones Receives
Financial Advisor Michelle Johnson in Longboat Key, FL has achieved the Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, or CPWA®, designation through the Investments & Wealth Institute®. Coursework was provided by the Yale School of Management. CPWA® designation study topics focus on the needs of high-net-worth individuals and include:
• Human dynamics: Ethics, applied behavioral finance and navigating family dynamics
• Client-specific needs: Business owners, executives and retirees
“At Edward Jones, we’re committed to continuous learning as we serve our clients in achieving their financial goals,” Johnson said. “I look forward to bringing this new knowledge into the work I do for clients as I continue to help them achieve financially the things that are most important to them.”
Congressman Buchanan’s office delivers valentines to veterans
Handmade Valentine’s Day cards made by local students put a smile on the faces of veterans serving the Longboat Key community.
police department and four in the fire rescue department.
Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue officers received an early Valentine’s Day surprise.
According to an email from Adams, more than 4,000 Valentine’s Day cards were made by students and delivered to other veterans in the area. Adams said Buchanan’s office reached out about a week prior to coordinate the surprise.
595 Bay Isles Rd Ste 260 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-7821 Start the
595 Bay Isles Rd, Suite 260 Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-263-7821
Johnson’s office is located at 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 260, Longboat Key, FL.
Representatives with Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office delivered the surprise to officers and firefighter paramedics within the Longboat Key Police and Fire Rescue Departments on Feb. 6.
The representatives showed up to deliver the Valentine’s Day cards handmade by local students in Manatee County. Each one was personally decorated and unique.
“They each had their own little touch on them,” Fire Administration Manager and Public Information Officer Tina Adams said. “They had these sweet messages inside, thanking them for their service and wishing them a happy Valentine’s Day. It was great.”
Between the two departments, there were 14 veterans — 10 in the
The “Valentines for Veterans” initiative, which Adams believes will continue in the future, helped bring a little joy to the officers’ days.
“Our police and fire veterans were honored to have received them and, as you can see, brought smiles to their faces,” Adams said in an email.
Interim Chief of Police Frank Rubino, who also received one of the Valentines, said his officers were thankful for the unexpected delivery.
“They’re very appreciative of anything the community does for them,” Rubino said. “It really meant a lot to them for someone who isn’t even on the island to appreciate them like that.”
TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION MARCH 11, 2025
EARLY VOTING will take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL for ALL Longboat Key (Sarasota and Manatee) registered voters.
March 3 through March 8, 2025 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The following schedule has been established regarding the Town of Longboat Key Canvassing Boards for the March 11, 2025, General Municipal Election. All meetings are open to the public.
LOCATION
Sarasota County
Supervisor of Elections 4400 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL
Initial Canvass of vote-by-mail ballots, as needed
Times and locations to be determined
March 11, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Canvass vote-by-mail, early voting, and election results
March 13, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Canvass provisional ballots, if needed
March 18, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Voting system audit
LOCATION
Manatee County
Supervisor of Elections 600 301 Blvd West, Suite 108 Bradenton, FL
DATES/EVENTS
February 26, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Logic & Accuracy Testing (of equipment)
March 11, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Canvass of vote-by-mail, early voting, and election results
March 14, 2025, 9:00 a.m. Manual voting system audit
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION DAY - MARCH 11, 2025
Polls Open: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sarasota: Precinct 201
Polling location: Town Hall 501 Bay Isles Road Longboat Key, FL
Published: 02-13-2025
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
Courtesy image
Buchanan staff member Mike Jackson, Interim Police Chief Frank Rubino, Fire Lieutenant Kerri Brooks, Officer Gregg Pescuma and Officer Dallas Troyer each received a valentine.
1212 CENTER PLACE | Lido Shores | $6,995,000 – New Construction | 5 Beds | 6 Baths | 4,750 Sq. Ft. Steps to Private Beach Community | Ready for Occupancy | Contact: Patrick DiPinto 941-323-0033
You’ve dreamed of building your own custom island home for years, but the idea of dedicating three years to making that dream a reality can feel overwhelming. Seaward Homes has the solution: 1212 Center Place in Lido Shores.
This custom-designed home, just steps from your private beach access, is now available. Built by Sarasota’s premier home builder, Seaward Homes, this property is part of our exclusive Seaward Curated Collection. We take pride in delivering a very limited number of custom homes each year, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet, West of the Trail and on the Sarasota islands.. Our business model focuses on delivering fewer homes while maintaining the highest quality. A reputation we’ve built over the past 30 years. We use only the finest materials, collaborate with top consultants and trades, and leverage the latest technologies to ensure every detail of each project is a success. Our Seaward Curated homes feature elevated first-floor designs, superior concrete structural elements, and glass systems that often exceed code requirements-ensuring beauty, strength, and durability. Additionally, we offer clients construction schedules, open-book pricing, and a dedicated full-time project manager for added peace of mind. May we assist you with your new build?
• Exciting 1,100 sq ft rooftop terrace with views of Sarasota Bay the Gulf of Mexico, and the Ringling Bridge
• Concrete and block masonry
• High quality hurricane safety glass throughout
• First floor master suite
• Large second floor family room and dry bar, perfect for guests
• Yoga room or art studio
• Dramatic 2-story great room
• Custom steel floating staircase
• 10’ tall glass sliding doors
• 8’ solid interior doors with Emtek hardware
• Large designer format 24x48 porcelain tile
• European hardwood floors on the second floor
• Designer quartzite stone countertops in the kitchen
• Cucine Ricci custom fabricated Italian cabinets throughout
• Designer Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures
• Thermador commercial appliance package
• Custom Lutron lighting package by Wicked Smart Homes
• AV package including home security, shade prewire, and security cameras
• Summer kitchen with stainless steel appliances
• Tim Borden tropical landscape package with shellstone exteriors
• Gorgeous pool, with waterfall feature and built-in spa
Seaward Homes would love to talk to you about building your Dream Home. 941.323.0033
Sarasota’s
Venice Home Show
Person: When a homeowner was away from her residence, a neighbor called her to alert her that a general contractor was at her residence. The homeowner told Longboat Key PD that she did not feel comfortable with the contractor being at her home since they were in the middle of a civil dispute regarding payment for his services. Upon the officer’s arrival at the residence, the contractor was unable to be found and the case was closed.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5
NEIGHBORLY VISITS NOT SUSPICIOUS
1:21 p.m., 500 block of Wedge Lane
Suspicious Vehicle: Dispatch sent an officer to investigate a report of two suspicious vehicles parked on the street in front of a residence. The responding officer observed the two vehicles in question and checked the tags, neither of which came back as stolen or abandoned. Upon further investigation, the officer discovered one of the cars on the street belonged to another Longboat Key resident and was there to go fishing with a neighbor. The other car belonged to a citizen visiting a different neighbor. Neither car was suspicious, according to the officer.
GAS LEAK SHUTS DOWN GMD
1:33 p.m., 3400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive Fire: Longboat Key PD was dispatched to assist the fire rescue department with a reported gas line break. At the scene, the responding officer smelled natural gas and blocked off both lanes of Gulf of Mexico Drive while waiting for Longboat Key Fire Rescue to respond. It was later determined that a 4-inch pipe was cut by contractors working on the property. The fire rescue department handled the scene and GMD was reopened around 3 p.m.
BRIGHT LIGHTS AND JAIL TIME
9:24 p.m., 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Vehicle Stop: While on patrol, an officer spotted a vehicle with its high beams on and, when the driver failed to dim the headlights, the of-
SATURDAY, FEB. 1
BARKING PROBLEM
7:57 p.m., 5600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive
Noise Disturbance: A resident called to report a barking dog causing a noise disturbance in a neighboring residence. At the scene, the responding officer met with the complainant, who invited the officer into his home to hear the barking dog. Upon entering the home, the officer said he heard a slight barking noise but it was not very loud. The homeowner said the barking was a constant issue and he believed the officer should take custody of the dogs, claiming the owner “should not be a dog owner” and the dogs were often left unattended for hours. The officer said he would not be taking custody of the dogs because barking was not listed as animal cruelty in the Florida State Statute. Before the officer left, the dog owner returned home and spoke with the complain ant. The two exchanged contact information so they could talk about mitigating the barking in the future. Both were happy with the solution.
ficer conducted a vehicle stop. After running the driver’s information through the database, her information was a match for a warrant in Sarasota County for failure to appear in court this past month. The officer confirmed the warrant with Sarasota County and the driver was placed under arrest, handcuffed, and then transported to a Sarasota County jail for booking. The driver’s car was turned over to a towing service.
Late to the party, but still a party
After a brief hiatus, the Republican Club looks to return better than ever, starting with its first event Feb. 18.
CARTER WEINHOFER
STAFF WRITER
The Republican Club of Longboat Key soon will start its bounce back into the island’s social scene.
The club’s yearly activities, which were supposed to start in October 2024, were delayed mainly due to the hurricanes that impacted the island for the remainder of 2024. Now, the club is looking forward to getting a start on this year’s events with its first on Feb. 18.
“We’re back and we are thriving. We have so many people who want to get involved with our club,” said Phyllis Black, acting president of the club.
The club’s first event of the year will feature Alice Rothbauer, vice chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County.
“We got a late start, but it’s going to be great,” Black said.
Along with organizing events, the club aims to boost its outreach to Republicans on Longboat Key.
Black said the club continues to draw in new residents, including a younger island population.
Black is optimistic this event will be a solid start to what the club expects will be a lineup of speakers for events throughout the year.
“(Our members) are getting younger and younger now, since more and more younger people are moving to the island,” Black said.
The social aspect of the club’s events is what Black said sets the
WORSHIP directory
club apart from other Republican and political clubs in the area.
“Our club is different from other clubs,” Black said. “(The members) look at it as a night out.”
The Republican Club of Longboat Key will also look toward new leadership in April, with resident Nick Gladding set to become the new president.
Like Black said, Gladding is looking forward to continuing the emphasis on speakers from different backgrounds who can bring fresh voices for the club’s members to enjoy.
“What I’m going to try to do is give them good speakers to come listen to. I’m going to work really hard on that,” Gladding said. “The direction is to do that, but it’s really also to help Longboat Key.”
Gladding also said he will try to reach more of the registered Republicans living on Longboat Key, especially those who have not been engaged in the club, in an effort to grow the club.
Membership to the Republican Club of Longboat Key starts at $50, with various other membership packages listed on the club’s website.
According to its website, the club was originally founded in 1996 as “The Federated Women’s Republican Club of Longboat Key.”
Since then, the club has become the Republican Club of Longboat Key and is chartered by the Republican Party of Florida.
IF YOU GO REPUBLICAN CLUB OF LONGBOAT KEY
What: Alice Rothbauer, vice chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County, will speak about the local elections of November 2024 and the impact Florida had on the election of President Donald Trump. When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18. A cocktail social will take place from 5:30-6:15 p.m. before the dinner at 6:30 p.m. and Rothbauer’s discussion at 7:30 p.m. Where: Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Tickets: $75. The price of admission includes dinner. Info: RCLBK.org.
The website states that the club “provides a venue for Republicans to meet socially and to speak freely on political topics with no fear of judgment.”
For more information, to become a member or to register for the upcoming event, visit the club’s website at RCLBK.org.
Dana Kampa
Nick Gladding (left) will take over the presidency of the Republican Club of Longboat Key. Phyllis Black (right) is the acting president.
File images
The Republican Club of Longboat Key hosts a dinner on April 11, 2023, at the Longboat Key Club.
Then-President Garnett Black welcoming everyone to the first Republican Club of Longboat Key dinner of the season in 2023.
Abraham Lincoln revisited as teacher of valuable leadership lessons
A New Jersey college professor and Abe Lincoln aficionado, at a Southwest Florida event, details why one of the most famous Americans ever is also an underappreciated leadership expert.
By Mark Gordon Reprinted from the Business Observer
It’s hard to overlook Abraham Lincoln.
For starters, the 16th U.S. president signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, ending slavery in the country. It’s also well known that Lincoln was physically hard to miss, standing six-foot-four, the tallest of the 46 U.S. presidents. And, of course, he was so celebrated for telling the truth that his famous nickname, Honest Abe, lives on 159 years after he was assassinated.
What is sometimes overlooked with Lincoln—despite the 16,000 books written about him—is the set of soft skills he learned, and then exhibited, about leadership throughout his life. This is the message Louis Masur, a Lincoln expert and Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University in New Jersey, shared in Southwest Florida in 2024.
Masur was a keynote speaker for a Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. Speaker Series event. His talk, “Lessons of Abe Lincoln: How Effective Leadership Can Change the World,” was given at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point in Fort Myers. In a virtual interview, Masur remarked, Lincoln “saved the union and freed the slaves, but what made him such an incredible leader during such a divisive and partisan time?”
Masur, who has researched, taught, and spoken about other historical figures, says Lincoln remains his No. 1 educational and leadership muse. Masur has distilled Lincoln’s leadership into a few powerful lessons:
Education: Lincoln’s dedication to selfeducation was critical to his success. Despite his father’s disapproval of reading, Lincoln’s “love of learning” played a pivotal role in his ability to lead. When Lincoln became president in 1861, he had no formal military experience, except for volunteering in the Black Hawk War. To prepare, he read military strategy books from the Library of Congress, immersing himself in the details of military tactics.
Diplomacy: Masur points to Lincoln’s letter to General George Meade after the Battle of Gettysburg as an example of his restraint. Lincoln wrote a letter to express disappointment that Meade didn’t pursue Confederate General Robert E. Lee after the Union victory. However, Lincoln ultimately chose not to send the letter, recognizing that chastising his general would be counterproductive.
Empathy: Lincoln’s empathy and ability to step outside himself were hallmarks of his leadership. Masur tells a story of Lincoln writing a condolence letter to the daughter of a friend who had died in combat. In the letter, Lincoln wrote, “You are sure to be happy again,” sharing his own experience with grief. This ability to connect with others helped him lead with compassion.
Principle over power: Lincoln’s commitment to principles is another lesson Masur highlights. During the 1864 presidential election, Lincoln refused to postpone the vote, even though he risked losing. He believed that “We cannot have free government without elections.” This resolve to uphold democratic principles, even in times of war, defined his legacy.
Masur’s insights emphasize that Lincoln’s leadership was as much about character as it was about strategy. “I just never tire of reading about him and thinking about him,” Masur says.
Join us for an engaging speaker series featuring two of the nation’s leading historians. Dive deep into American history as our expert speakers bring the past to life with captivating stories and fresh perspectives.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
COMMUNITY BOUNCES FORWARD
As 2025 is underway, community members have pushed to find new ways of moving forward from the hurricanes.
DANA KAMPA STAFF WRITER
Losing access to a home is no easy matter, as Spanish Main Yacht Club residents Sue and Tom Reese well know. But at this point in the recovery from Hurricane Helene and its accompanying storms, they say residents have to seek out hope and moments of positive progress.
The Reeses are just some of the Longboat Key residents who are still waiting to return to their homes after the October storms devastated lowlying areas on the Key. The pair took the time recently to walk about the skeleton of their house, which was almost completely cleared out after mold attacked the drywall and other exposed areas.
Sue walked through, pointing between the beams to bedrooms and bathrooms, where only some tile and a few mirrors remained of the decorations.
She gazed at the living room, pulling up photos on her phone of the shelves that once lined the walls with personal belongings. Looking ahead, she said they plan to select simple white walls and tiles in the interest of moving back in quickly.
Sunlight filtered in through the hollow walls, and peering past them, one can see the remains of rose bushes and other decorative foliage. Sue painted a mental picture of orange, yellow and pink rose bushes that would be replanted, and a backyard fit to host events once again. While it is a far cry from the house where all her belongings lay on the lawn immediately after the storm. Much remains to be done, and she was unsure whether any neighbors
would be able to return before the end of the season.
“Now, people realize it may be a year or even longer,” she said.
Still, she shared her excitement at working with the housing association to begin selecting decorative elements of the planned rebuild.
The neighborhood remains quiet while residents await the all clear to return home. Some have stayed with family, while others have needed to travel away from Longboat Key for the time being.
COMMUNITY STRENGTH
Sue was one of the community members who shared her story at a public meeting last month, which offered attendees an opportunity to discuss the challenges they face and find a way to collectively move forward.
The event, led by SRQ Strong, took place at All Angels Episcopal Church, but the organizers welcomed leaders from several faith-based groups on the Key.
Instructor Andy Blanch walked participants through the six stages of disaster trauma: pre-disaster, impact, heroic phase, disillusionment, recovery and bounce back.
Community members gladly shared stories from the “heroic phase,” be it a neighbor coming with a chainsaw to help clear debris in the immediate aftermath, or work crews who immediately set to the job of clearing roads, restoring power and addressing the most dire needs.
“We had this idea to get together, share, and talk,” the Rev. David Marshall said.
Many who chose to speak agreed the majority had reached the disillusionment stage, where they faced the challenges of rebuilding permitting and various waiting games. However, they shared their gratitude for the progress made so far.
‘BOUNCING FORWARD’
Some residents have continued to tackle the recovery head on. Vilia Johnson recently helped organize a community cleanup of Gulf of Mexico Drive to deal with any remaining storm debris.
Along those lines, attendees did propose one amendment to the six recovery stages: replacing “bounce back” with “bounce forward.”
They said Longboat Key never will look exactly the same as before. However, they agreed they could keep pushing for improvements.
For Sue Reese, recovery includes a specific goal. She looks forward to unpacking the storage pod her daughter assembled immediately after the storm. But she is most excited to once again host one of the dinner parties she so enjoyed with her neighbors. And she hopes that dream isn’t far away.
Instructor Andy Blanch walked participants through the six stages of disaster trauma: pre-disaster, impact, heroic phase, disillusionment, recovery and bounce back.
Tom and Sue Reese discuss their plans for dinner parties and other social activities once their home is rebuilt.
Photos by Dana Kampa
Andrea Routh jots down feedback from community members about what is and isn’t helpful in the aftermath of a storm.
SRQ Strong instructor Andy Blanch discusses the stages of disaster recovery.
Sue Reese extols the importance of seeking hope during the ongoing hurricane recovery.
Get ready for Taste and Tunes
Taste and Tunes of the Keys returns on Feb. 27 with a dozen eateries.
Cirque St. Armands Beachside is a new luxury resort and restaurant opening next month, with its eye-catching aesthetic offering an ode to the area’s storied history with the circus. But community members can get a teaser of the restaurant’s cuisine at the upcoming Taste and Tunes of the Keys on Feb. 27.
The event, hosted by the Longboat Key Garden Club, is showcasing the cuisine of 11 area restaurants and the musical talents of The Klick Band, which specializes in upbeat hits from the ’60s and beyond.
Club Vice President Lyn Haycock said this year, the proceeds that generally support the club’s activities and beautification projects will specifically go toward helping the community’s continued recovery from the recent hurricanes.
“Everyone loves our island and feels like it looks devastated, which it does,” she said. “The Garden Club would like to give back, not only in money, but also by actually planting things when the town asks us. We love to do it.”
Also new this year is an online silent auction, for which new items will be added daily, that continues until the event. Visit LBKGC.BetterWorld.org/Auctions/TTOTK2025.
Last year was the first time organizers decided to shift away from the former fashion-show theme and toward the food, music and social draws of the evening. She said the event focuses on fresh, in-season fare, with something for everyone.
“It’s going to be another fun evening of people getting together with their friends and enjoying the food of our local restaurants,” she added.
Tickets are $90 for general admission or $100 for admission with guaranteed seating. Admission covers all food samples and includes two free drink vouchers. Tickets are available for purchase online. — DANA KAMPA
RESTAURANT RUNDOWN
From sweet treats to Gulf-centric seafood, the following restaurants will be offering bites at the event.
CAFÉ ON ST. ARMANDS
Type of cuisine: Revitalized Mediterranean with a focus on seafood Address: 431 St. Armands Circle
Hours: Soleil: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Café on St. Armands 10 a.m. to last call
Price: $$
Website: CafeOnStArmands.
com
Phone: 388-4415
What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? We’re excited for people to experience the new café, so we’ll be bringing something inspired by the new menu. It’ll be a nice surprise.
Sokos, executive vice president and managing partner
— Eleni
THE CHART HOUSE
Type of cuisine: Specializing in seafood and featuring beef cuts
including prime rib
Address: 201 Gulf of Mexico
Drive
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Sundays; 4-9:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 4-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Price: $$$
Website: Chart-House.com
Phone: 383-5593
What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? What we like about the festival is that everyone gets to try little bits of everything. That’s the fun part. —
DRY DOCK
WATERFRONT GRILL
Type of cuisine: Fresh Florida seafood is the biggest draw, especially grouper and snapper
Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico
Drive
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Price: $$$
Website: DryDockWaterfrontGrill.com
Phone: 383-0102
What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? It’s the fresh seafood. That’s what a lot of people who come from the Midwest are most excited to try. I wouldn’t be surprised to see our Sunset Snapper, a pankobreaded fish with honey mustard sauce.
IF YOU GO
TASTE AND TUNES OF THE KEYS
When: 6-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 27
Where: Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive
Who: Hosted by the Longboat Key Garden Club. For anyone who can’t make it to the event but wants to support the recovery, the garden club has added the option to donate directly through its website, LBKGardenClub.org.
ELEGANT LADY
CHEESECAKE
Type of cuisine: Sweet treats, including cheesecakes in more than 200 flavors, cinnamon rolls, muffins, quiche and donuts with gluten-free options
Address: 6842 Gulf of Mexico
Drive
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays
Website: ElegantLadyCheesecake.com
Phone: 312-4932
What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? This is our second year at the festival, and we’re excited to bring our donuts and other treats in addition to our cheesecakes. We may not have it at the festival, but I like the maple “California cream,” a riff on the popular Boston cream donut.
LAZY LOBSTER
Type of cuisine: Coastal cuisine, with a focus on the namesake lobster
Address: 5350 Gulf of Mexico
Drive Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30-9 p.m. daily; closed on Sundays
Price: $$$
Website: LazyLobsterOfLongboat.com
Phone: 383-0440
—
What are you excited for patrons to try at the Taste and Tunes of the Keys? We are probably going to do our famous crab cakes, with our Cajun rémoulade sauce — consider it a nice zesty mayonnaise. It’s bite-sized, easy to eat and delicious.
COMING NEXT WEEK
The final six restaurants featured at Taste and Tunes of the Keys
Peter Van Beuren, general manager
— Scott Nuss, floor manager
Gary Hagen, owner
— Michael Garey, owner
2067 HARBOUR LINKS DRIVE, #4
Longboat Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
THE RESORT AT LONGBOAT KEY CLUB
225 SANDS POINT RD #6204 | OFFERED AT $899,000
Key | Offered at $779,000 MLS# A4178487
Peaceful lagoon views are enjoyed from this completely remodeled Junior Suite with 10’ ceilings in the hotel program. Enjoy the amenities of the Longboat Key Club while using owner time. MLS# A4639379
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
The works of an American folk singer/songwriter are set to come to life on Sunday with a lecture and live music.
and much more during an upcoming music night.
The dynamic team of historian Susan Benjamin, cantor Jay O’Brien and conductor Robert Hanson is slated to delve into the life and times of one of the world’s more interesting musicians this weekend.
Benjamin is a musical biographer who has profiled notable figures including Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more. But listeners are in for a special treat with her lecture on Feb. 16, when she will be joined by O’Brien and Hanson for an educational evening brought to life with live music.
O’Brien is a cantor who performs with the Congregation Makom Solel Lakeside in Chicago, skilled in picking up the sounds of many a musician.
He and Benjamin have become good friends, and he will be fly-
cationCenter.org.
ing in from Chicago to give voice to Simon’s music.
Simon is the recipient of 16 Grammy awards, perhaps best known for his works with musical partner Garfunkel, including “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge over Troubled Water.”
Last year, Benjamin lectured on Neil Diamond’s career, and now she has turned her attention to this uniquely folksy American singer/ songwriter. She claims Simon is one of history’s musical geniuses, deserving of acclaim for his innovative writing. The lecture series started as an opportunity to help bring people together over a shared appreciation of good music and the people who create it. Benjamin said she is thrilled at how the program has continued to evolve and grow, encompassing a variety of genres.
Dana Kampa
Historian Susan Benjamin previews her upcoming talk on musician Paul Simon.
Longboat residents celebrate Eagles’ win
The community of Longboat Key is home to football fans of teams throughout the nation. But those who would otherwise be cheering on the Lions, Patriots, Bills, Browns or another team, largely found themselves rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles over the Kansas City Chiefs at game-day watch parties on the Key on Sunday.
Guppy’s Longboat Key, a Philadelphiacentric sports bar, was packed with greenclad fans watching the game and cheering the team’s early lead.
The restaurant had tables available for reservation, and owner Robin Gupta said he put those booking fees toward supporting Save Our Seabirds, a fitting cause
as fans called out to one another “Go Birds!”
Nearby, football fans also joined a watch party hosted by Longboat Harbour Condominiums.
Darlene Sedlock, who grew up near Philadelphia, said even though she wasn’t the biggest sports follower, she was excited to see the game unfold.
While most viewers said they favored Philadelphia, they were curious to see if Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes could lead the team to pull off a historic “three-peat” title win. However, the Eagles took soared to a 40-22 victory.
— DANA KAMPA
Photos by Dana Kampa
Charlene Versak, Michele Davis and Sue Gabbett join the Guppy’s Longboat Key watch party.
Philly fans cheer on the Eagles on Sunday at Guppy’s Longboat Key.
John and Maureen Shea join Bev and Rich Romansky at the Longboat Harbour Condominiums watch party.
Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds Musical Concert Series Savor the Sounds Savor the Sounds
Longboat Key • 2020
Saturday, March 1st BIG Z BAND
Saturday, March 15st DR. DAVE BAND
Saturday, April 19th EASY STREET BAND
5:30 pm - 8 pm (Gates open at 4:30 pm)
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
FEATURING TALENTED LOCAL MUSICIANS
Town Center Green - Karon Family Pavilion 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Come out and ‘Savor the Sounds’ with live music and food trucks in an elegant, yet casual outdoor picnic setting. Bring your own picnic basket and coolers, set up with lawn chairs, or purchase tables for your group and enjoy a relaxing evening!
VIP Tickets
$250 (Table of 8)
Advance purchase only. Limited availability.
ADVANCE TICKET SALES
Purchase online at www.longboatkeychamber.com or contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at (941) 383-2466, Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, or visit us at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102, Longboat Key
ttendees at the Temple Beth Israel Women’s fashion show were the picture of elegance as they ran with a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme for the fundraiser, enjoying fabulous food, fashion and fun inspired by the chic Audrey Hepburn.
Sylvia Pastor, one of the main organizers, said she was pleased that more than 120 people were able to come this year for the event held on Feb. 10 at Michael’s On East.
“It was terrific,” she said. “The hurricane interrupted a lot of things as people left and came back, but we filled 15 tables.”
Pastor and co-chair Maxine Tauber brought the movie to life with black and white satin awning runners and treats in the iconic Tiffany bluecolored boxes. As attendees enjoyed a luncheon, they watched the half dozen models strutting the runway, DJ Harry Wright playing “Moon River” and other tunes. They had three outfit changes from Wearable Art, ending with a final ensemble. Funds raised from the luncheon and raffle go toward supporting the community, particularly for women’s organizations.
“We try to help out as many organizations in need of funds as we can,” Pastor added. “We send our kids to summer camp and do all we can to help.”
— DANA KAMPA
Photos courtesy of Lynn Burton
The Temple Beth Israel Fashion Show raised money to support the community.
2025 Specials
Relaxed restaurant throws open doors
With a snip of a blue ribbon, the pioneers of Lo’ Key Island Grille officially celebrated the opening of the restaurant and the realization of an idea that seemed too good to be true, according to General Manager Courtney Rossler.
She, owner Kevin Pass, and Executive Chef Seth Groseclose have been working diligently to bring the community a fun gathering space that welcomes pets and families, and they celebrated that effort with an official ribboncutting ceremony on Feb. 7.
Diners can opt to enjoy the more mellow seating on the dining patio, sip on a beverage in the more social bar area or try their hand at cornhole and other games on the lawn.
After they landed on the right property, it was “game on.”
Everything on the menu is made in house, she said, and she knows many diners on the Key will be excited to once again enjoy the cuisine of Groseclose, coming from Beach Bistro.
The restaurant is located at 5620 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 387-0089 or visit LoKeyLBK.com to learn more.
Rossler said Pass first floated the idea on a boat trip. Though she initially thought it was one of those things that arises in pleasant conversation but never materializes, they actually began property hunting the next day.
— DANA KAMPA
Photos by Dana Kampa
Owner Kevin Pass and Payton Kocinsai
Jules Mackie | Tracey Stetler | Nicholle DiPinto McKiernan | Patrick DiPinto | Rene DiPinto | Steven Moore | Janet Coughlin
John Ringling Estates home tops week’s sales at $5.45 million
HUGHES
ADAM
RESEARCH EDITOR
Mattie Allen, trustee, of Southfield, Michigan, sold the home at 61 S. Washington Drive to Paul and Susan Lacroix, of Simpsonville, Kentucky, for $5.45 million. Built in 1956, it has seven bedrooms, nine-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 8,691 square feet of living area. It sold for $3.4 million in 2004.
BIRD KEY David Thomas Ivin and Sallie Maxwell Ivin, trustees, sold the home at 526 N. Spoonbill Drive to Dynan Construction LLC for $3.15 million. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,762 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 1995.
Jonathan and Helen Turner, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 238 Robin Drive to MRP Properties Sarasota LLC for $1.5 million. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2014.
QUEEN’S HARBOUR
Jay Burchfield, trustee, and Maureen Burchfield, of Springfield, Missouri, sold the home at 3596 Fair Oaks Lane to Peter Osborn, trustee, of Cincinnati, for $2,395,000.
Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-two-half baths, a pool and 3,416 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.35 million in 2015.
Leah Barker sold her home at 3605 Fair Oaks Place to Jim and Rita Kwon, of Alpine, New Jersey, for $1.4 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,713 square feet of living area. It sold for $895,000 in 2001.
PROMENADE
Francine Achbar and Stuart Bruce Mushlin sold their Unit 212 condominium at 1211 Gulf of Mexico
Drive to Marcia Ann Koehler Bunce, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2.1 million. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,273 square feet of living area. It sold for $915,000 in 2010.
LONGBOAT SANDPIPERS
Howard and Freedom Chasolen, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 103 condominium at 5635 Gulf of Mexico
TOP BUILDING PERMITS
Drive to David and Kristin Price, of Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey, for $1.45 million. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $715,000 in 2020.
PELICAN HARBOUR BEACH CLUB
Renee Vandenbusch, trustee, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 4241 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ralph Brian Stoy and Amy Stoy, of East Jordan, Michigan, for $1.45 million. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,660 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 1997.
LIDO BEACH
Corby deKozlowski and Carol Maulsby, trustees, of Phoenix, Maryland, sold the home at 465 Cleveland Drive to CM Lido LLC for $1,275,000. Built in 1957, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,924 square feet of living area. It sold for $262,500 in 1997.
ARBOMAR APARTMENTS
Timothy and Patricia McDonald, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 803 condominium at 4485 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Agostino Zentil and Antonietta Zentil, of Ontario, Canada, for $960,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,022 square feet of living area. It sold for $779,000 in 2006.
JOHN RINGLING ESTATES
Harry and Margaret Pascal, of Winnetka, Illinois, sold their home at 153 N. Adams Drive to Park Residences LLC for $950,000. Built in 1951, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 1,500 square feet of living area. It sold for $767,000 in 2016.
ONLINE
See more transactions at YourObserver.com
Courtesy of Barbara May
Agents Barbara May and Fred Sassen sold a home for $5.45 million in John Ringling Estates.
YOUR CALENDAR
SUNDAY, FEB. 16
HEAR SOUNDS OF SIMON
3-4:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Join biographer Susan Benjamin and cantor Jay O’Brien for a special musical presentation on the life and legacy of Paul Simon. Cost is $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers. Call 941-3838222, email Admin@TBIEducationCenter.org or visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19
ART HEISTS
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Learn about the thrilling history of infamous art thefts in the 20th and 21st centuries in a two-part lecture series. Cost is $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers. The second lecture takes place Feb. 26. Call 941383-8222.
LEAVING A LEGACY
1-2:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Find how to share legacy passions, interests and skills for generations to come in a two-part lecture series by Barbara Greenspan Shaiman. Cost is $40 for members; $50 for nonmembers. The second lecture takes place Feb. 26. Call 941-383-8222.
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
LEARN THE WATCH
1-3 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road. Gain knowledge on how to use an Apple Watch, which is required for participation. A second session is offered Feb. 26. Cost is $60 for members; $70 for nonmembers. Call 941-383-8222.
RECURRING EVENTS
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS
LONGBOAT LIBRARY
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 941-383-6493.
PUMPING THE PRIME
BEST BET
SATURDAY, FEB. 15
TRASH TO TREASURE SALE
9 a.m. to noon at Gulf Shore Park, 3710 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Join Gulfshore of Longboat Key mobile home park for the annual “Trash to Treasure” rummage sale.
10 a.m. at Bayfront Recreation Center, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Led by Mirabai Holland, classes focus on low-impact cardio and muscle-toning strength exercises. Recommended that participants can readily lower to and rise from the floor. Cost is $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Email Mirabai@ MovingFree.com or call 956-1466.
SALE BY OWNER
TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS PILATES SCULPT
9-9:50 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Pilates Sculpt, led by Wellness Director Debby Debile, 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 941-383-6493.
TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS QIGONG
10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Fridays at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Experienced instructor Sandi Love leads classes designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing with gentle moves. Cost is $20 for one class pass for members. Call 941-3836493.
Courtesy image Kim Fenwick and Susie Hettmansperger are this year’s Trash to Treasure co-chairs.
“NWGO Z WJSG PJC CJVB, Z FEBU GJU IDUB DR TWDTDIJUG ZTG TKGJA JOC CJOTG UD UWG ‘IZDO XZOH’ BDEOCUKJTX.” PIJXG IZSGIV
HINDQUARTERS by Zachary Gallardo, edited by Taylor Johnson
By Luis Campos
Leslie Combs captured this photo of a white egreat soaring over the ocean near Islands West on Longboat Key.
The Longboat Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.
*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.
*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Longboat Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.
Notice:
HOME BUYERS: We buy off market properties including single family homes, condos and land. Distressed properties are ok. We always pay Cash. Call us rst at 941-202-6957. www.BradentonCashHomeBuyers.com
Vacation/ Seasonal Rentals
L’AMBIANCE, LONGBOAT K KEY Beach front 2BR/3BA condo on high oor with wrap-around terrace, 270 degree views over the Gulf, Sarasota Bay and LBK Club. Sunrises, sunsets through oor to ceiling windows. View at: www.thephotos.smugmug.com Call
