After two hurricanes in two weeks — followed by two weeks of cleanup — when Glenn Darling was recently in Party City picking out Halloween costumes for his twin 4-yearold boys, he spotted some life-sized skeletons that gave him an idea.
With the purchase of three skeletons later, he and his 7-year-old daughter, Isla, staged them in familiar scenes of late — raking, bagging leaves and hauling downed limbs — to give their neighbors a laugh.
“For weeks, that’s what everybody has been doing and how everyone has been feeling,” Darling said. “After a while, you just feel kind of drained and lifeless ... worked to the bone.”
Back to the beach
Hurricane Milton’s wrath left behind debris, but it also washed away sand from the county’s beaches.
Yet at Siesta Key Beach, on Oct. 26, lifeguards returned to their stands and the concessionaire opened. Nicole Rissler, director of parks, recreation and natural resources with Sarasota County, spoke to the improvements on Oct. 24.
She said the county was able to reclaim most of the displaced sand, moving it back on the beaches.
“We took some hits, but like our lifeguard stands, we stood right back up, and we’re excited to welcome people back,” she said.
Sarasota stands strong
Ian Swaby
WEEK OF OCT. 31, 2024
BY THE NUMBERS
“There’s a vision to create this into more of a lifestyle center, a gridded block of streets, something that reflects more of a new urbanist mindset.”
Kimley-Horn Certified Planner Philip DiMaria. Read more on page 5
n Sarasota City Commission regular meeting — 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 4, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
n Sarasota City Commission special meeting — 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
n Purple Ribbon Committee — 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, Commission Chambers, City Hall, 1565 First St.
The recent spate of hurricanes impacting Longboat Key did not deter a buyer from closing on a 10,887-square-foot condominium in the St. Regis resort.
Sold for $21.24 million, the highest price ever paid for a condo in Sarasota County, the unit is in the new The Residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key, purchased by an LLC with a Pennsylvania address. The condo is two units in the Armand Residences — Armand 201 and 202 — combined to create a six-bedroom, seven-full and two-half-bathroom
waterfront home.
The exterior includes 7,500 square feet of open space with an extended terrace and a personal glass-front plunge pool with an unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The buyer “wanted something unique,” said Michael Saunders, founder of Michael Saunders & Co., which has the exclusive listing for the residences at The St. Regis Longboat Key. “What they wanted was a palatial home on the beach … So they created this space where, truly, they had
a home on the beach with all the services of a five-star resort.”
The St. Regis is a luxury development on 17.6 acres and includes the recently opened St. Regis Longboat Key Resort along in addition to the residences. In all, it has 168 hotel rooms, 69 residential units, a ballroom, a spa, two restaurants, a beach grill and three bars, as well as a four-acre salt water lagoon.
The residences, which are already sold out, come with a private pool, spa and beach access, and concierge and butler service.
Sarasota Slam to help hurricane victims
The second annual Sarasota Slam Pickleball Tournament, which is organized by the Sarasota High School Tennis Foundation to support the school’s athletic programs, will donate a portion of its proceeds to those affected by the hurricanes. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, at Pompano Park in Sarasota from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Singles and doubles will participate in a round robin-style tournament, from which 30% percent the proceeds will benefit All Faiths Food Bank specifically to help storm victims.
Last year’s inaugural event hosted 131 players and 14 sponsors, raising $8,000 for equipment and coaching for SHS student athletes. The presenting sponsor for the 2024 Sarasota is Seaward Development. Other sponsors include One Eight Oh PR, Benderson Development, Sweet Sparkman Architecture + Interiors, Gilbane Building, Stutler Strategies, U.S. Submergent Technologies, Palm Printing and Royal Tees. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available. For more information or to register a team, contact Jennifer Stutler at JStutler@ StutlerStrategies.com.
Arrest made in fatal DUI crash
A Sarasota County man is in custody in connection with a fatal crash on Oct. 23 at the intersection of Fruitville Road and Tuttle Avenue. The Sarasota Police Department arrested Joshua Slieff, 31, of 7125 Fruitville Road, Unit 951, on DUI charges resulting in a vehicle collision that occurred at 9:51 p.m. Video evidence and witness statements show that Slieff was speeding when he rear-ended a Toyota sedan stopped at a red light. A passenger in the Toyota was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver remains in critical condition. Slieff was charged on felony counts of DUI manslaughter and DUI with serious bodily injury, in addition to refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test. He is being held without bond at Sarasota County Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Dec. 6.
Armand Residences at St. Regis Longboat Key building stands in the background beyond one of the resort’s pools.
THREE STRIKES BUT NOT OUT
Sarasota took on Debby, Helene and Milton but is recovering.
CARTER WEINHOFER STAFF WRITER
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
One flooded entire neighborhoods.
Another moved piles of debris and trees and caused tornadoes across Florida. A third, though recently out of the spotlight, produced record rainfall.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Suncoast in two very different ways, and both hit in a matter of two weeks. Many areas around Longboat Key and Sarasota and Manatee counties are still recovering from what officials have called historic storms.
For Climate Adaptation Center founder Bob Bunting, walking around Longboat Key after Hurricane Milton was personal. Bunting lived on the island for years before moving to Sarasota while focusing on the CAC.
“It’s so devastating to see it,” Bunting said while talking about seeing his former neighborhood on the north end of the island.
Bunting and his staff at the CAC have decades of experience in storm forecasting, and the combined experience is “second to none,” he said. According to him, the CAC predicted that the eye of Hurricane Milton would traverse through Sarasota before any other forecasters.
This would later become a reality as Hurricane Milton’s winds caused damage to vegetation and structures.
Using his experience and knowledge of the area, Bunting dissected how the hurricanes differ, and how their intensity signifies the impacts of climate change.
STORM PERSONALITIES
Bunting said hurricanes are like people, each one unique.
“Each one of these storms had a different personality, and with each one of them lessons to learn,” Bunting said.
When looking at this hurricane season as a whole, not just the past month, the Atlantic hurricane season was active starting with Hurricane Debby. From Hurricane Debby to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bunting said this season presented a “hat trick” of hurricanes.
In terms of the projected outcome and strength, each one was worse than the one before it, according to Bunting. First was Hurricane Debby,
which made landfall in the Big Bend of Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Aug. 1. Although it swept past the Sarasota area as a tropical storm, it dumped up to 18 inches of rain within three days.
This excessive rainfall overwhelmed stormwater and wastewater systems, leading to overflows into local bodies of water. Areas such as St. Armands Circle, low areas of Longboat Key and some parts of Sarasota also experienced flooding.
Hurricane Debby’s personality is classified as a huge rain event, Bunting said.
Then came Hurricane Helene, which made landfall, again in the Big Bend, as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26. As it passed, the storm was 130 miles away and intensifying.
Hurricane Helene’s personality was one of a storm surge. Bunting said the storm demonstrates the impact major hurricanes can have from far away.
“They don’t even have to strike directly to cause havoc,” Bunting said. “They can be 100 miles away.”
Although Sarasota County didn’t suffer from a direct hit, the barrier islands and the bay front areas experienced catastrophic impacts from the storm surge. According to the latest estimates, Town Manager Howard Tipton said Longboat Key saw between five-and-a-half and six feet of storm surge from Hurricane Helene.
Most recently, Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on Oct. 9, a major wind event, Bunting said.
When officials were looking at Hurricane Milton’s track the days leading up to landfall, it seemed to be a Category 4 or 5 hurricane heading for Longboat Key. Storm surge projections estimated that Longboat Key would have faced up to 15 feet of surge, which Tipton said would have been “starting over territory.”
Aside from its wind personality, Bunting said the intensity and speed of this hurricane set it apart from the others this season.
For one, Milton went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in 30 hours, according to Bunting, which he said was the fastest-growing storm in Atlantic hurricane history. The hurricane ended up losing strength as it approached land and fell to a Category 3 storm.
Still, it was what Tipton described as the “poster child” of rapid intensification. Hurricane Milton also had an unusual track, Bunting said, because it formed in the Gulf of Mexico and had almost a straight path directly east. Most hurricanes don’t follow as straight of a path as Milton did, Bunting said.
Potential dangers of the Van Wezel’s proximity to Sarasota Bay
2024 CLIMATE CONFERENCE
The Climate Adaptation Center is hosting its annual Florida Climate Conference, with this year’s theme called “Climate and Human Health.”
The two-day conference at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will feature expert speakers talking about climate change’s impacts on human health.
The conference will be held Nov. 14-15 at the Selby Auditorium on the USF campus. For more information about the conference or to buy tickets, visit the CAC website at TheClimateAdaptationCenter. org.
built atop fill more than half-century ago were highlighted during Milton when extensive flooding to the building forced it to close for the remainder of 2024, along with it the cancellation of many shows.
Chief among the design elements of the proposed Sarasota Performing Arts Center by the architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop is raising the facility above FEMA flood standards along both sides of the 10th Street canal.
Further south along the bay Bayfront Park, first impacted by Helene, took a devastating hit from Milton and has remained closed to the public.
Out on the city’s barrier islands, the one-two punch of Helene and Milton brought extensive damage to St. Armands Key as owners of homes and businesses faced weeks of digging out and cleaning up right at the start of season.
Estimated damages to the city of Sarasota assets such as parks, infrastructure and other city properties is roughly estimated at $4.15 million from Hurricane Helene and $17.75 million from Hurricane Milton.
Combined with $1.99 million from Tropical Storm Debby, the total estimated damage to city assets is $23.89 million.
NOW OPEN
Businesses that have re-opened on St. Armands.
■ Arcade Monster
■ Aquasandz Nails & Spa
■ Big Olaf Creamery
■ Binjara Traders
■ The Blue Dolphin Cafe
■ Cha Cha Coconuts
■ Cilantro Grill
■ Columbia Restaurant
■ Daiquiri Deck
■ Ephesus Mediterranean Delights
■ Gauthier Salon
■ KRB Coastal Salon and Extension Bar
■ Les Ciseaux Salon and Spa
■ Lynches Pub
■ Merci Boutique
■ The Met Fashion House
■ Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Center
■ Settimi’s Gelato
■ Shore Restaurant
■ Speaks Clam Bar
■ St. Armands Key Lutheran Church
■ Venezia Italian Restaurant
were also felt several miles inland as residents and businesses piled up damaged household goods and vegetative debris on the curb for collection.
“They’re estimating, now that our contractors are operational on the ground, 250,000 to 400,000 cubic yards of debris, which roughly equates to, a little on the conservative side, 12,000 truckloads to be removed from the streets,” said Sarasota Deputy City Manager Patrick Robinson. That is approximately four times the volume of debris left behind by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
SIGNATURES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
All three of the hurricanes of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season impacted the Suncoast in its own way, but the fact that three hurricanes happened this season — and intensified in these ways — holds broader lessons to be learned.
“The signature of climate warming is all over them,” Bunting said. “They’re pulling in from an atmosphere that’s much warmer.”
According to some estimates by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Earth’s global temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the mid1800s. Warmer atmospheric temperatures also lead to warmer ocean temperatures, both of which are catalysts for stronger and more rapidly intensifying storms, Bunting said.
Recent storms have been much stronger than what Bunting remembers seeing while growing up.
“Hurricanes we used to have are not like the ones we’re having today. They’re a different breed and they’re much more dangerous. They’re more frequent and larger, in general. Slower moving, too,” he said.
While the area recovers from the damage dealt by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Bunting said this is also an opportunity to learn from the recent weather patterns.
The total estimated damages to residential and commercial properties within the city for hurricanes Milton and Helene combined is approximately $500 million. Tropical Storm Debby added $10.7 million to that figure.
Based on an on-site visit with the Army Corps of Engineers following Hurricane Milton, it was estimated about 15 feet of sand was lost on Lido Beach, much of it pushed onto the streets and into the first floor of homes and condominium buildings.
As of this week, Lido Beach remains closed. At St. Armands Circle, 22 restaurants, merchant and other businesses have reopened.
The impacts of Helene and Milton
“It doesn’t mean we have to give up. What it means is we have to change the way we do business.”
Bob Bunting, Climate Adaptation Center founder
“We got to sit back now and evaluate what the last five years have looked like around here and then, finally open our brains to the fact that climate has changed, and it requires a different response than the one we had in the 1980s or ’90s,” Bunting said.
Part of that evaluation is how to rebuild after storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed some low-lying properties.
“It doesn’t mean we have to give up. What it means is we have to change the way we do business,” Bunting said.
To Bunting, it’s not so much the fact that people rebuild as it is the method by which people rebuild. This means modernizing building codes to build more resilient buildings and prepare for more frequent and intense storms, according to him.
People of the Sarasota area can still enjoy living here, Bunting said, but he believes public policy and infrastructure need to respond accordingly.
“There’s no point in rebuilding the past because we’ve learned some hard lessons here,” Bunting said. “If we learn it now, it’s going to save untold money and grief in people’s lives as we go into the future.”
Courtesy photo
A boat ended up in front of the Bayfront Park entrance in Sarasota after Hurricane Milton.
Staff photo
A front loader clears a layer of sand from Ben Franklin Drive on Lido Key, leftover from Hurricane Helene.
Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Kat Wingert, kwingert@yourobserver.com
Display Advertising: To obtain information, call 941-366-3468, Ext. 319.
Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.
Access your weekly Observer paper, anytime, anywhere with our Newspaper app. You can read page to page, section to section like a newspaper on your phone, tablet or laptop. Subscribe at YourObserver.com/subscribe
/
/
To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com
Old Big Bend Road, Suite 210 | St Louis, MO 63122 314-966-7111 | www.cvcaudit.com
Jupiter coming to Sarasota
1000 North, with a long list of celebrity partners, will bring its second private dining club concept in late 2025.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
An exclusive East Coast restaurant and private club is coming to downtown Sarasota. Anticipated to open in late 2025, 1000 North plans to expand its footprint from Jupiter with its second location at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail. Situated in the BLVD Sarasota building across from The Quay, 1000 North is collaborating with Sarasota developer Kevin Daves, known for his work on The Concession Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences. Others listed as partners in 1000 North are notable sports figures including: Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Ahmad Rashad, Luke Donald, Keegan Bradley, Justin Thomas, Camilo Villegas, Serena Williams and Brooks Koepka, who, along with Daves, will partner with 1000 North Managing Partner Ira Fenton. The two met while collaborating on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
with Tony Jacklin at The Concession in 2006.
Founding partners of 1000 North include former New York Giants player Tucker Frederickson, golf legend Ernie Els, basketball icon Michael Jordan, wine industry leader Bill Terlato and publisher of the Wine Spectator Marvin Shanken.
“Kevin and I have been eager to collaborate again since meeting during the development of The Concession Golf Club,” said Fenton in a news release. “When Kevin visited 1000 North, we realized that bringing this exceptional dining experience to Sarasota was the perfect project.”
According to the news release, 1000 North Sarasota will offer an unparalleled culinary experience featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood and seasonal local ingredients. Members will enjoy creative appetizers, salads and desserts, all paired with handcrafted cocktails, a selection of beers and an extensive wine collection in a wine room stocked with rare and premier vintages.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Ira and his team to create a private dining club unlike anything on Florida’s west coast,” said Daves in the news release.
The Jupiter location is open to the public with a membership option. The Sarasota location will be open to members only.
Courtesy image
1000 North will be located in the BLVD Sarasota building at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail.
Completing The Quay
One Park West approval culminates planning for the affluent high-density, mixed-use district.
ANDREW WARFIELD
STAFF WRITER
Property Markets Group President and CEO Kevin Maloney facetiously called it “approved by exhaustion,” referring to the brief Planning Board public hearing with virtually no discussion that culminated in the unanimous approval of One Park West. The confirmation marked the end of a two-year odyssey that began as a plan by Miami-based PMG to build One Park on Blocks 1 and 9 in The Quay, crossing over Quay Commons with a 20-plus-foot-high activated breezeway. The massing of the building was successfully opposed in court by residents of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, collectively known as Block 6, on the opposite corner of The Quay.
Block 6 challenged the project based on a transfer of air rights above Quay Commons by master developer GreenePointe Developers to PMG, objecting to the massing of the building and the breezeway they feared would create a wind tunnel and infringe on the ease and enjoyment of common property.
That prompted PMG and Sarasota-based partner MoneyShow to separate the project into two parts — One Park, which is currently under development on Block 1, and One Park West, which won Planning Board approval on Oct. 23. Like all other condo projects in The Quay, both One Park buildings will be 18 stories tall.
In addition to the residences, One Park West will include 4,406 square feet of street-level commercial space. The go-ahead for One Park West wraps up the city’s regulatory pro-
cess for development of the 14-acre site, which was divided into 10 “blocks.” Completed in the Quay are Cordelia apartments on Blocks 2 and 3, Bayso condominiums on Blocks 4 and 5, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences on Block 6. Under construction is Ritz-Carlton Residences II on Blocks 7 and 8, joining One Park on Block 1. Nearing completion is Ocean Prime restaurant on Block 10.
The centerpiece of The Quay is the historic Belle Haven building, which was preserved and is owned by GreenPointe.
Maloney said the protracted legal battle with Block 6 worked to PMG’s advantage as it allowed the opportunity for pricing adjustments to better offset escalating construction costs, although he said he remains confused as to what was gained by the opposition. Viewed from the angle of Block 6, he said, the two One Park towers will still appear as one building.
“I could never quite figure it out. Their view corridor only changed by less than 1%, and that was only in
One Park is proposed to be developed in two towers, one on Block 1 and one on Block 9.
the very last line of the apartments, so nothing changed on the view corridor,” Maloney said. “We were fortunate enough to able to reset our pricing, which was important because during this two-year battle costs escalated and our margins had thinned out. It worked out very well for us because when we went to redesign One Park, we rescinded everybody.
“There were a lot of people still interested and we brought pricing up by 30%, so we have the same margins we anticipated initially four years ago. All in all, I’m not dissatisfied.”
The original One Park Plan included 123 condominiums. By separating the buildings, PMG now plans a total of 155 units, 86 in One Park and 69 in One Park West.
The additional density also gave PMG an opportunity to reduce pricing in One Park West, where it is planning smaller units at — for The Quay standards — entry-level pricing at just more than $1 million to about $3 million. Maloney said price per square foot in One Park West will
be approximately $1,200, compared to about $1,500 per square foot in One Park.
Maloney said PMG has experience in building lower-priced residential units coexisting with those costing many millions more.
“For people who want to live in The Quay because it’s among more affluent buildings, this would be a great price point for them,” Maloney said. “We’ve had really good success Miami. A lot of people in Miami built very large units priced at $5 million and up, and we built a whole bunch starting at $400,000 and we’ve had great, great success.”
That’s beneficial, Maloney said, because fluctuating plans for the adjacent Hyatt Regency property, which was acquired by Kolter Urban — developer of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in The Quay — will have an uncertain impact on view corridors for One Park West. Maloney said PMG is in no hurry to begin building One Park West for that very reason.
“We have contracts at One Park
West and some reservations. It will lag behind One Park by probably six months, but I just don’t want to sell something to people and represent a view corridor that they may not have,” Maloney said. “It doesn’t always have to be about how much money you can make. I’d like to build a building that works for us and for our neighbors.”
When construction does begin, the general contractor will be Juneau Construction of Tampa, which is also building One Park.
Maloney said PMG is only getting started in Sarasota. The company is considering other development sites here, both coastal and inland, and may bring as many as two projects for development review in 2025. “We like the west coast. That’s why we’re in St. Pete and that’s why we’re in Tampa,” Maloney said. “We want to do more there, and Sarasota is right smack in the middle of our radar.”
You can feel confident and secure at Emerson Lakes,℠ a premier senior living community coming soon to Lakewood Ranch and now accepting reservations!
• Freedom from worries
Our quality construction means you and your loved ones can relax knowing you’ll be safe and comfortable during and after the storm.
• You don’t have to go it alone Our dedicated employees and full-time maintenance team work around the clock in severe weather.
• Life doesn’t stop for the storm Every building on our campus will be connected so you’re just steps away from amenities like the fitness center, restaurants, medical center, and more.
“Our experience with Hurricane Ian was fantastic. All the planning that the staff did kept us very informed. We could go down to the common areas, have meals, mingle with friends, and meet new friends.”
—Kathy F., Resident of an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community
Courtesy images
A rendering of One Park West.
Obsidian OK’d, but final approval is far from achieved
Bay Plaza residents have appealed administrative approval of adjustments of the 342-foot residential tower to the Planning Board, setting into motion perhaps two years of possible legal battles.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Although the Obsidian condominium tower planned for the 1200 block of Palm Avenue has received administrative approval from the city, the project still faces a lengthy path to the start of construction.
Residents of the adjacent Bay Plaza as a collective have filed an appeal with the Sarasota Planning Board on the basis of three adjustments that were granted to developer Matt Kihnke by Director of Development Services Lucia Panica. That hearing is slated for the Dec. 11 meeting, dependent on whether Bay Plaza residents are granted aggrieved party status.
That is an area of multiple shades of gray, largely subjective and open to appeal. Under Florida statute, an aggrieved party can be “any person or local government that will suffer an adverse effect to an interest protected or furthered by the local government comprehensive plan … The alleged adverse interest may be shared in common with other members of the community at-large but must exceed in degree the general interest in community good shared by all persons.”
How that legalese can be applied requires some amount of guesswork, but attorney Morgan Bentley, who represents Bay Plaza, said his client is the proverbial poster child for aggrieved party status.
“It’s an easy argument for us,” Bentley said. “Number one, even though just being adjacent is sufficient, we’re more than just adjacent. We’re three out of four sides, the fourth being (Palm Avenue). Number two is, we’re literally part of their application. We’re mentioned four
times — I think maybe five — with specificity, so we’re literally part of it.”
Bay Plaza wraps around threefourths of the quarter-acre site, which Bentley said clearly qualifies as bearing a burden beyond the general interest in community good brought by the project.
“Unlike most neighbors where there’s going to be some separation during any building phase of this project, because of this constrained site, every shingle that falls off that property can only fall on our property,” Bentley said. “Every paint droplet that they miss is going to end up on our property. I think we’re the textbook definition of an aggrieved party.”
In addition to facade and retail and commercial frontage variances, the most controversial aspect of the 18-story, 14-unit tower is its height, which, at 342 feet, is nearly 100 feet taller than any other 18-story tower in downtown.
Once taken up by the Planning Board, the possible outcomes include:
■ Bay Plaza is not granted aggrieved party status by the Planning Board and confirmed on appeal by the City Commission. There is no quasi-judicial hearing and status is likely appealed to 12th Judicial Circuit Court.
■ Bay Plaza is not granted aggrieved party status by the Planning Board and overturned on appeal by the City Commission. The quasijudicial hearing then must be held by the Planning Board.
■ A quasi-judicial hearing is held before the Planning Board and a decision is rendered, likely to be appealed by the City Commission by either Bay Plaza or the developer.
■ If the Planning Board appeal is
won by the developer, an aggrieved party hearing is first held by the City Commission. If status is denied, no quasi-judicial hearing will be held. If granted, there will be a City Commission hearing.
■ Any decision by the City Commission will then likely be appealed by the unsuccessful party to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court.
All of that, Bentley estimates, could take eight to nine months to complete, but could possibly take as long as 14 months. Should a verdict by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court be appealed to the District Court of Appeals, that could take an additional 18 months or more to adjudicate.
Since first introducing the project, Kihnke and his architecture firm, Hoyt Architects, have made many changes to the building, including shaving off 15 feet of height and increasing street level retail and commercial space as well as inhab-
itable space on the second floor, all still falling short of code, thus necessitating the three adjustments.
Bentley said none of the approved adjustments addressed the height, which Bay Plaza residents charge was achieved via manipulation of interstitial space — the height between floors. At the time of project submission, however, the city’s building code did not address limits on interstitial space.
Now it does, but Bentley said the entire project, not just the three adjustments, are fair game once an appeal hearing is opened.
For his part Kihnke said Obsidian, with its three approved adjustments, conforms to city code as it existed at the time.
“The city approved the project based upon the code that we followed, and I would hope that the planning board uses the same approach,” Kihnke said. “I have
worked very hard with my team designing an incredible and appropriate project that meets all the city’s requirements for approval. We will continue to fight for full approval and permit, and hope that it doesn’t come to that.”
This will be the second time Obsidian comes before the Planning Board. On Jan. 10, the board denied Kihnke’s appeal of a denial of adjustments by Panica, which fell far short of the most recent adjustment requests. Board members also suggested the height of the building was objectionable. In the likely scenario a hearing eventually comes before the City Commission, it is possible a majority of the seats at the dais may be filled by those not lectured by Bay Plaza residents over the past year. All three district seats on the five-seat board are up for election on Nov. 5.
Courtesy image
Obsidian would be built on this site next to Bay Plaza. The single-story building with seven storefronts will be demolished.
Orchestra names architecture firm for Fruitville Road facility
William Rawn Associates of Boston will lead the design of the planned Sarasota Orchestra Music Center.
ANDREW
WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
The planned Sarasota Orchestra Music Center now has an architect. The orchestra’s board of directors has approved the selection of William Rawn Associates of Boston to design to new facility at 5701 Fruitville Road.
The orchestra closed on its $14 million, 32-acre site just west of I-75 in April 2023.
Founded in 1983, William Rawn Associates is one of the country’s top architectural firms with a portfolio of facilities spanning arts and culture, urban and affordable housing, higher education and more. Notable projects include the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, which was named “Second Best American Concert Hall built in the last 50 Years” and “13th Best Concert Hall in the World” by Leo Beranek’s Concert Halls and Opera Houses.
Rawn will lead the overarching direction and visual appeal planning for the Music Center during the initial design stages. Once the design has been determined, the executive architect, HKS, will then lead the transformation from design plans to completion.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to design Sarasota Orchestra’s Music Center and to create a community destination that is a true reflection of the region’s cultural landscape,” said Rawn Associates principal and lead designer Cliff Gayley in a news release.
The orchestra is planning an 1,800-seat main performance hall, a 700-seat flexible space for cham-
ber music and special events, multiple rehearsal rooms, reception area for donor functions and community events, administrative offices and more.
“They have a really excellent and proven record with concert halls and recital spaces,” Sarasota Orchestra President and CEO Joe McKenna told the Observer. “The other piece, which was really compelling, is their work on with educational spaces.
The Linde Music Center at Tanglewood is a big education space, and our project vision really embodies both performance and education.
Rawn’s experience in both music education and concert halls really made them a really good fit for us.”
A preliminary construction estimate will accompany Rawn’s conceptual design, which will allow the orchestra to begin work on a capital campaign for the project. McKenna estimates that design in the first quarter of 2025.
In addition to architects Rawn and HKS, the orchestra has partnered with acoustician and theatre planner Stages Consultants of Highland Park, New Jersey. McKenna said the orchestra is working to hire a landscape architect, a critical cost element given the size of the site.
Rawn Associates designed Klarman Hall at Harvard Business School.
Photo courtesy of Robert Benson Photography
Another storm for condos
New condo inspection and repair laws, compliance deadlines and the rising cost of insurance are on the verge of creating a catastrophe for many condo owners.
The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside in June 2021 was a defining moment for Florida. Ninety-eight lives were lost, and the devastation rippled across communities throughout the nation.
In the wake of that terrible event, condo owners and condo associations began to examine their practices of building inspections, maintenance work and maintenance reserves. And widespread support for stricter regulations and transparency to ensure condo safety led to new state laws that will do a lot to prevent future catastrophic problems in condo buildings.
However, as we approach the Dec. 31 deadline for the first round of inspections mandated by those laws (SB 4-D and SB 154), it is clear they have created their own set of problems, and the state needs to reassess its approach.
Those two laws (SB 4-D, passed in May 2022, and SB 154, passed in 2023) made several changes.
They require that all Florida condos more than 30 years old and taller than three stories undergo milestone inspections by Dec. 31, 2024. If significant structural issues are found, further inspections and prompt repairs are required, or the building could be deemed unsafe.
The new laws also abolished a portion of state law that permitted Florida’s condominiums to continually defer needed improvements to their buildings if they voted that they couldn’t afford to make them. Both of those changes seem sensible, but they did not recognize that many condo owners and buildings have no feasible way to pay for those inspections, to say nothing of the needed repairs that these inspections identified.
As Dan Lobeck, a Sarasota-area condo association lawyer who has represented hundreds of associations told the Sarasota HeraldTribune, lawmakers created an “impossible task with an impossible deadline.”
FEDERAL OFFICES
President — Donald Trump
U.S. Senator — Rick Scott
U.S. Congress, District 16 — Vern Buchanan
U.S. Congress, District 17 — Greg Steube
STATE OFFICES
Representative, District 71 — Will Robinson Representative, District 72 — William “Bill” Conerly Representative, District 73 — Fiona McFarland Supreme Court — Renatha Francis, Meredith Sasso. Yes Second District Court of Appeal — Anthony Black, Edward C. LaRose, Susan H. RothsteinYouakim. Yes
CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENTS
Amendment 1: Partisan school board elections — Yes
Amendment 2: Right to fish and hunt — Yes
Amendment 3: Adult personal use of marijuana — No
Lobeck also “compared it to fire sprinkler mandates passed in 2004. The state law that requires highrise condo buildings to have the life-saving equipment installed in older buildings has been delayed twice since it passed, with the new deadline to comply set for January 2024.”
However sensible it may be that all condos get inspected, there must be a realistic path to accomplish what the state law intends.
Since the legislation became law, the demand for inspections has been immense, but the supply of qualified professionals is limited.
This bottleneck has placed condo associations in a precarious position, forced to comply with a law that may bankrupt them.
The costs of these inspections and subsequent repairs identified in them are solely the responsibility of the condo owners, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, making it impossible for them to keep up.
To be certain, condo owners and associations that deferred maintenance are reaping what they sowed. But because state law allowed deferred maintenance until it didn’t, new state rules to fix the problem need to be realistic about how to get the inspections and repairs completed. The money to pay for that doesn’t just appear because of a new state law.
If we cling to the current infeasible time line and approach, the consequences will be plummeting values for condos, huge spikes in maintenance fees, many people fleeing those units, few buyers to buy them and possible massive problems with empty and abandoned condo buildings.
Condo prices in Sarasota have been fairly stable over the past few years, perhaps reflecting few buildings with serious deferred maintenance, but statewide the impact is appreciable with many units recently dropping $150,000 or more in value.
Meanwhile, insurers are less inclined to offer coverage for older buildings, especially those with structural deficiencies, or are dramatically increasing premiums on top of recent years of premium hikes because of hurricane risks.
To be sure, Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton will add to the cost of insurance.
This lack of insurance options also compounds the problem, making it even more difficult for condo associations to secure the necessary funds for repairs or even maintain basic operational insurance.
If we cling to the current infeasible time line and approach, the consequences will be plummeting values for condos, huge spikes in maintenance fees, many people fleeing those units, few buyers to buy them and possible massive problems with empty and abandoned condo buildings.
Recent condo buyers are likely to be the most impacted by these developments. Unlike legacy owners who deferred repairs and benefited from lower fees, these buyers now face severe financial challenges.
The sudden need for expensive repairs or the potential devaluation of their properties could leave them underwater on their mortgages and facing foreclosure.
Worse, they may be forced to sell at a loss or, in extreme cases, face displacement if their buildings are deemed unsafe.
As one condo market expert told the Business Observer: “It’s naturally going to cause a migration. You know, if you’ve got folks who can’t afford to live in the place they’ve got to go and find somewhere else. And as we are already hearing, in the current economic environment, buying is not an option and renting as well.
“What do you do if you’ve lost your original purchase — that two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that was affordable five years ago for $300,000? What are you doing now if you’ve got to sell it at a $100,000 hit, and you’re barely breaking even? It’s a quandary for a
ELECTION
EDITORIALS
Amendment 4: Limit government interference with abortion — No
Amendment 5: Annual adjustments to the value of certain homestead exemptions — No
Amendment 6: Repeal of public campaign financing — Yes
MANATEE COUNTY Supervisor of Elections — Scott Farrington County Commission, District 1 — Carol Ann Felts
County Commission, District 3 — Tal Siddique County Commission, District 5 — Joseph Di Bartolomeo County Commission, District 7
At-Large — George Kruse School Board, District 1 — Mark Stanoch School Board, District 3 — Charles Kennedy
MANATEE REFERENDA
■ Continue school ad valorem tax: Continue 1 mill ad valorem tax from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. Yes
■ Tourist development tax: Shall Manatee County Ordinance No. 24-
lot of the fixed income folks in our state.”
Despite the negative impact, there will also be positive outcomes for developers and future buyers. Developers may acquire and rehabilitate distressed properties, revitalizing communities and upgrading housing stock. Future buyers will benefit from increased transparency and disclosure requirements, ensuring that the structural integrity and financial health of buildings are more thoroughly scrutinized and maintained. This shift toward greater oversight will ultimately lead to a safer and more stable real estate market.
But uncertainty remains about how these requirements will play out in practice. No one knows how many condos will be affected, the scope of the assessments or the broader impacts on the market.
The Legislature would be wise to maximize its options, acknowledging that the effects of this law are already reverberating through the market. This uncertainty calls for a cautious and flexible approach, ensuring that the law’s implementation mitigates the negative impacts wherever reasonable.
Additionally, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees the enforcement of these regulations, is likely overwhelmed by the volume of issues arising among condo associations. The DBPR needs more resources to address these challenges effectively. Given these dynamics, the best course of action may be to stay the course, but with eyes wide open.
Transparency and mitigation must be central to our approach.
The Legislature should host a Special Session to delay penalties for one year and conduct a deep dive during the session in March. We must balance the need for safety with the time required to evaluate the law in light of evolving circumstances.
The memory of those lost at Champlain Towers should drive us to make Florida’s buildings safer, but it should also remind us of the importance of preserving the communities that call these buildings home.
By keeping condo owners and the public fully informed and making necessary adjustments, we can protect both the physical safety and financial well being of condo owners while navigating these challenges more effectively, without blowing up Florida condo associations.
Adrian Moore is vice president at Reason Foundation and lives in Sarasota. Jeffrey Brandes is president of the Florida Policy Project and a former state senator from St. Petersburg.
49 be approved authorizing Manatee County to levy an additional 1% Tourist Development Tax from all short-term rentals of all lodging or accommodations. Yes
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 / Ian Swaby, ISwaby@ YourObserver.com; Andrew Warfield, AWarfield@YourObserver.com
Digital & Engagement Editor / Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com
Digital Content Producer / Jim DeLa, JDeLa@YourObserver.com
Hospital Board, Central District Seat 1 — Sarah Lodge
SARASOTA CITY COMMISSION
District 1 — Kyle Scott Battie
District 2 — Liz Alpert District 3 — Erik Arroyo
SARASOTA COUNTY REFERENDUM
■ Continue school ad valorem
tax: Continue the 1 mill per year ad valorem millage … beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2030.Yes
Observer Media Group Inc. is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Key Life Magazine, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine
CEO / Matt Walsh
MWalsh@YourObserver.com
President / Emily Walsh
Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles
Vice President / Lisa Walsh (1995-2023)
1970 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468
Courtesy image
Former state Sen. Jeffrey Brandes
ADRIAN MOORE
Milton did us a solid with Midnight Pass
The hurricane left its mark throughout the area, but one positive to take away is the reopening of Midnight Pass.
On a recent Thursday morning, a pelican sat bobbing around in the water, taking a free ride on the small but bouncy waves created by breezy conditions and the strong current flowing from the Gulf of Mexico into Little Sarasota Bay.
Yes, you did read that correctly. Current flowing from the gulf into Little Sarasota Bay.
It’s beautiful.
It’s welcoming.
It’s clean.
It’s Midnight Pass.
While our pelican pal was yoyoing about and enjoying the sun on an unseasonably cool, crisp day, his buddies were not far away circling overhead just inside the bay.
Soon after, one would make the nose-dive like a missile right into
the water to snare a passing fish.
The true definition of “eatin’ good in the neighborhood.”
Six days, and some 41 years prior to that, the scene of the pelican sunbathing in the crosshairs of the bay and the gulf wasn’t happening. It didn’t exist; it was closed. It was a relatively lifeless strip of sand that acted as a barrier between the lovely, clear pristine waters of the gulf on one side, and the tea-colored, cloudy bay.
Amid the destruction from Helene and Milton, Mom took back what is rightfully hers, and many between Siesta and Casey keys are elated she has it back.
The pelicans are, too.
Mom, who goes by the formal name of Mother Nature, tapped through the once-closed Midnight Pass via Helene and decided a trickle of flowing water wasn’t enough.
Two weeks later, she sent Milton, which punched a hole through Midnight Pass so wide that it actually IS a pass now from Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.
“It was perfect in terms of the pass,” said Danielle Nutten, owner of Salty Adventure Boat Tours. “It gave us two channels (on the bay side) and it gave us nothing to really work on except for what’s going on
the gulf side and the shoaling (of sand) that can hurt over there, but ideally, it gave a deep pass, a wide pass.”
Now, we hope it stays that way.
Just after Helene, the pass opened slightly, a mere “creek” of water passing through and in a matter of a couple days the build up of sand
was too much and the pass started to close.
Various groups were out there battling the odds with shovels to make every attempt they could to keep the pass open.
Then came Milton.
Somehow, Milton’s force drove all the loose sediment into the bay to the point where it built a shelf of sand that accumulated about 50 yards inside the pass.
“To see this, it’s like our prayers have been answered,” Nutten said.
What Milton did is more than open a wide lane for boats to go from the bay to the gulf, it’s more about filtering out the muck of Little Sarasota Bay and “breathing” clean water into it from the gulf.
The water of the bay had been trapped with no outflow for a stretch of nearly 15 miles. Over the years, it was brown from various pollutants, algae and at times gave
Midnight Pass on Oct. 17, looking from Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes Helene and Milton opened up the pass after it was closed in 1983.
Michael Harris
The force of Hurricane Milton piled up sand and made a “shelf” along the shore just inside Little Sarasota Bay near Midnight Pass.
MICHAEL HARRIS MANAGING EDITOR
RECLAIMING THE PASS
A parade by local boaters aimed to promote awareness for the enthusiasm around the pass, now reopened by Hurricane Milton.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Danielle Nutten grew up swimming in the waters of Midnight Pass.
She isn’t the only one with fond memories of the place, and was far from the only one enjoying a chance to relive them on Oct. 26.
As captain of Salty Adventures Boat Tours in Osprey, she was eager to join a boat parade celebrating the reopening of the pass separating Siesta and Casey keys after 40 years due to Hurricane Milton.
“Everyone that is a boater, especially, really wants this to happen, and there’s so many people that have called me wanting to come out, that don’t have boats,” she said.
Organized by Sarasota internet personality Zacko Gerzeny through his brand Killin It, which encom -
passes a YouTube channel and related merchandise, the parade drew a turnout of what appeared to be some hundreds of boats.
Making its away along Midnight Pass, it headed through the newly formed opening and into the Gulf of Mexico, with boaters stopping to enjoy each other’s company, the beaches and a new sandbar Milton created inside the pass.
LETTING THE BOAT PARADE FLOW
Midnight Pass was closed 41 years ago, but two successive hurricanes reopened it, at least for the time being. Helene created a narrow channel before Milton opened the pass even more impressively.
In addition to serving water quality in the bay, the pass is also of interest to boaters seeking additional navigability.
The other closest inlets are Big Pass and New Pass to the north, around Lido Key, and the Venice jetties to the south.
“It was just somewhere you went, as born and raised here,” said Robert Burton, captain of Chasing The Sun Charters. “This was always a spot to go hang out, to camp back in the day.”
He said although the closed pass had still been a good place to walk, now the location was “even” better
thanks to the “new loop” it created for boats.
However, he believed he was still witnessing something unprecedented that day.
“I don’t think it ever got like this, even when it was open before originally. I’ve never seen so many boats, which is awesome.”
He also enjoyed the chance to engage with the boating community.
“Boating people always are nice people,” he said. “It’s a totally different atmosphere out on the water, totally different.”
Participant David Warren was happy that afternoon, despite the loss of 10 of his rental units on Siesta Key due to the storms.
“It’s not just about the boats using the pass; it’s about the health benefits of the water in there,” he said. “This is just a bonus that we can pull out, which is a great bonus.”
Indeed, boaters said the environmental results of the opening were already visible within Little Sarasota Bay. Participants hoped the parade would help the wider community take notice of the desire to keep the pass open.
“Hopefully the county will recognize everybody that’s invested in this emotionally and their time and effort,” said participant Eric Cook. “It’s great for everybody. It’s an extra pass. It’s good for the bay. It gives people a place to come and hang out, enjoy time with their families on the weekends.”
off an unwelcome odor.
On a recent tour, Nutten noticed a big difference after the pass was open.
“We were out last night (Oct. 16) on a tour and we could see into the bay with our underwater lights, where we couldn’t before,” she said. “To see fishermen, they were out there casting away and catching all kinds of fish.”
The greatest fear is the fact that over some time, the pass could start to fill up again, like it started to do after Helene.
That’s where groups like RestoreMidnightPass.org hope the government will help and do what it can to keep Midnight Pass open and maintained.
The pass has a history, of course.
Until 1983, the pass was open and water flowed freely, although it would “shift” due to shoaling on one side or the other. Because of that, two homeowners wanted to close the pass permanently and got permits to do so.
Since then there have been attempts to reopen it and some groups who didn’t want the pass reopened, if you can believe that.
Last September, the Sarasota County Commission listened to any prospects of reopening the pass and really didn’t have an option unless the state or feds get involved.
During the meeting, it was clear the commission was hopeful something could be done. Oh sure, one option may have meant doing some kind of “doohickey” pump system that would transverse water from the gulf ... whatever. That wasn’t going to happen.
So Milton comes along and takes care of things by natural causes.
Well that just made things easier right?
Possibly.
Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder is a big proponent of Midnight Pass being open.
“The general public is happy this is open, you know, there’s always those for and those against, but because it opened naturally, I would say 95, 96, 97% are happy it’s open,” he said. “But what I would like to see is a process where we (the
county) allocate money to maintain the pass, much like a beach renourishment project.”
It would need someone higher up than the county to give approval.
Recently, Sarasota County issued a very direct statement on the situation despite what the hurricanes have done.
“Sarasota County is not currently permitted to make the physical changes needed to maintain the opening that resulted from the hurricanes,” the county said in a release.
Well, there you have it. No dice.
However, U.S. Rep. Greg Stuebe is cutting through the murky “whodoes-what” waters of this situation and urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep Midnight Pass open permanently.
In a letter addressed to Lt. Gen. William H. Graham Jr. of the USACE, Steube stated the storms gave us an opportunity to address the long-standing environmental and economic concerns caused by the closure of Midnight Pass.
“Although Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused tremendous damage in my district and across the state of Florida, the storms naturally reopened Midnight Pass between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, which provided an opportunity for my constituents to experience some of the benefits of a reopened pass,” Steube said. “I am hopeful that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will complete a permanent restoration of Midnight Pass.”
We can assume when Stuebe says constituents he means humans, so it should be added that oysters, shrimp, fish and plant life would also experience the benefits of a reopened Pass and ultimately a cleaner Little Sarasota Bay. Oh yeah, and the pelicans, we can’t forget them.
Everybody and every thing wins.
The bottom line is Midnight Pass needs life to give life to Little Sarasota Bay.
This is also a major opportunity to right a wrong from 41 years ago, and we got a “major solid” from Milton and Mom. Nutten called Mother Nature’s actions a gift.
“It was the best of what we could possibly hope for.”
No more waiting for appointments and then waiting for answers, schedule on your own time and get the answers you need within 24 hours of your exam.
So you can make your screenings fit your schedule.
Learn more at smh.com/mammo or call (941) 917-7322 to schedule an appointment today.
Boats make their way toward Midnight Pass.
Ian Swaby
Next step taken for project
Plans are to redevelop the former Southgate Mall in a mixed-use lifestyle center that includes up to 848 residential units.
ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER
Along South Tamiami Trail near the northern entrance to Siesta Key, the largely vacant Southgate Mall has worn several names over the years, including Westfield Southgate Plaza and, currently, The Crossings at Siesta Key.
Whatever the 35-acre property’s brand will be going forward, the Oct. 21 Comprehensive Plan amendment approval by the Sarasota City Commission, which will require a second vote on Nov. 4, will be redeveloped into a mixed-use lifestyle village with retail, commercial and residential components.
The unanimous approval will revise text in the Metropolitan Regional Future Land Use Classification by adding development consisting of retail, office, residential, mixed-use development and/ or support facilities associated with mixed-use development. Currently, residential is not permitted in that land use category.
The approval includes a proffer by Benderson Development that 10% of the residential units will be designated as attainable. Benderson will redevelop the site under the entities SWFL Associates LLC and Siesta Retail LLC. Commissioners approved transmittal of the Comprehensive Plan amendment to state reviewing agencies in August as required, which was returned to the city with no comments. Benderson plans to build as many as 848 apartments on the eastern side of the property. At full build-out, it would include as many as 85 units under the city’s definition of attainability. Benderson is not utilizing the city’s bonus density incentives for
affordable and attainable housing on properties in commercial centers or along commercial corridors. It proffered attainable housing to the Planning Board as a condition for recommendation of approval to the City Commission. Because build-out of the project could take 10 to 15 years — among the conditions are several long-term leases that will remain in effect — the development could evolve over time to include fewer residences. Benderson Director of Development Todd Mathes told commissioners during the Comprehensive Plan transmittal hearing that, because of the scope of the project and the bulk of the infrastructure costs are front-loaded, it would need to phase in the attainable units over time.
Mathes stipulated the first 400 housing units constructed that are rented or sold will include at least 20 attainable housing units, the first 450 at least 50 attainable units, and the first 750 at least 85. Five years after obtaining the certificate of occupancy of the first residential project phase, Benderson will provide 10% of all housing units as attainable regardless of the number built at that time.
By contrast, the city’s bonus density program for including attainable housing requires 15% of all bonus units be reserved as attainable for at least 30 years, which equals 11.5% of the total number of units.
Commissioner Kyle Battie asked if Benderson’s 10% attainable establishes a precedent for future mixeduse developments where a higher percentage of attainable units would be desired.
“I don’t think it would set a precedent because he was referring to the density bonuses for those urban mixed-use properties,” said City Attorney Robert Fournier. “Because this is Metropolitan Regional and not Urban Mixed-Use, I think it’s apples and oranges.”
Mathes said Benderson has no capacity for a greater number than 10% attainable, particularly on the outset because of the infrastructure costs, not the least of which is con-
forming to the regulatory stormwater standards on the property that currently has no capacity for controlling and cleaning runoff.
“This is a 35-plus acre property that’s really a mall that has seen better days that was largely constructed prior to the Clean Water Act,” Philip DiMaria of land planning consultant Kimley-Horn told commissioners. “There’s a vision to create this into more of a lifestyle center, a gridded block of streets, something that reflects more of a new urbanist mindset.
“The lower percentage of affordability reflects the fact that there’s a huge amount of investment that needs to go in with this redevelopment, and so we wouldn’t want there to be anything on the books that serves as a barrier.”
Once redevelopment begins, the primary mall building will be demolished. The concept envisions a number of restaurants, retail spaces, a hotel and office buildings throughout the property. The plan shows Cinebistro and Connors Steak & Seafood restaurant remaining as part of the new development.
Mathes and DiMaria have in the past compared the vision for the site to Mercado in Naples and Tampa’s Hyde Park Village. Benderson first revealed its concept for redeveloping the property at a July 25, 2023, community workshop.
Benderson Development plans to redevelop the former Southgate Mall property, outlined in yellow, into a mixed-use community.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8 A
4:30 p.m., 2200
Family dispute: Upon arrival, the complainant advised that he and his wife had been in a verbal dispute because she was angry with him for not preparing for the upcoming hurricane. He stated he had been working long hours and had not yet had time to prep. He also accused his wife of pushing him during the argument.
Contact was then made the complainant’s wife, who said it was her husband who became angry and began to yell at her, putting his hands on her face. She said she pushed him one time in self-defense.
The complainant then changed his story, confirming his wife’s account of the situation. The man advised he would go to work, leaving the area without further incident.
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
DRUG USE DENIAL
8:57 p.m., 900 block of John Ringling Causeway Drug problem: Responding to a call from a third party regarding an apparent drug overdose, an officer observed two parties lying in the parking lot of Hart’s Landing and called 911. Upon arrival of EMS, the subjects were conscious and responsive.
Evaluated by first responders, both subjects refused medical attention and, not surprisingly, denied using narcotics despite the obvious appearance and behavior that indicated drug use. No further action was taken.
MILTON NOT TO BLAME
12:53 p.m. 100 block of Harrison Drive
Property damage: In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the owner of a rental property returned to find 48 window panes and one door broken. The only problem is, the damage did not occur during the storm.
An officer met with the complainant, who provided photos taken by an unknown neighbor after Milton. The complainant stated she did not know when the damage occurred and no suspect information was available. The case was referred to the criminal investigations division.
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
BAMBOO-ZLED
2:32 p.m., 1000 block of Colleton Street Civil disturbance: Two neighbors were embroiled in a dispute over bam boo growing across the property line. Both parties were advised by an officer that shrubbery may be trimmed if its growth violates the air space of an adjoining property. No further law enforcement assistance was required.
MONDAY, OCT. 14
HARSHING HIS MELLOW
1:31 p.m., 2000 block of Siesta Drive
Dispute: A third party called law enforcement about a subject yelling in the parking lot outside of a marijuana dispensary. Upon arrival, an officer was met by two employees of the business who advised that a customer was upset because his doctor had canceled his marijuana card, leaving him unable to purchase any more previously prescribed pot. They said the man began yelling and said if he had a gun he would “shoot the place up.” Although the employees attempted to calm the man, he continued to yell on his way out the door and in the parking lot as he left the area.
UNHINGED EVICTION
9:14 a.m., 1300 block of 24th Street
Civil dispute: Having spent the night outside, complainants told an officer that their landlord removed the door from its hinges to the room for which they are paying rent. The landlord told the officer he believed the tenant and her boyfriend were moving out of the room because the man turned in his key and stated he was leaving. They spent the night outside, the woman said, because the landlord changed the code to the door lock on the house. Because the complainant had resided at the address for more than 30 days, the landlord was advised to undergo the eviction process. At that, the landlord replaced the bedroom door.
SPORTS
RUNNERS RALLY
Hurricane damage on Casey Key has forced the postponement of the popular Bill’s Beer Run.
DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Fifty years ago this April, eight friends were competing in the First Annual Florida AAU Masters Track and Field Championships in St. Petersburg.
After the first day of the two-day event, Bill O’Brien and John Shenk realized they were within reach of a trophy — if they could put together a formal team.
The two, along with John’s wife, Jewel, Melanie and Guy Paschal, Mike McLeod and John and Denny Beith, joined forces, and the Manasota Track Club was born.
The club has come a long way since 1975.
Today, with just under 1,000 members in Sarasota and Manatee counties, it sanctions multiple events for runners of all levels, participates in charity events and hosts Bill’s Beer Run, a huge combination race and street party on Casey Key that has become one of the area’s most popular fall events.
According to the club’s website, it “promotes and encourages track and distance running as a noncompetitive and competitive sport, and it improves fitness and health by supporting running, jogging and walking in Sarasota and Manatee counties.”
But this year, Bill’s Beer Run, usually held in late October, had to be postponed because Casey Key is still in rough shape after hurricanes Helene and Milton.
South Casey Key Road, the route used for the race, still needs to be repaired, said Kimmy Collister, the race coordinator. “There’s so much debris on it and it’s not safe to run on,” she said. “There’s also a portion of the road that collapsed that’s not on the course.”
The run is important, Collister said, because it’s the club’s sole fundraising event. This year’s run, members say, will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Collister said they are weighing their options. “We’re not canceling it,” adding the latest the event would be pushed back would be January.
“I was actually scoping out some other locations for possibilities, and I found maybe two that might work. So we’ll see.”
FUN, WITH A PURPOSE
Bill’s Beer Run is a five-mile race that started in 1989, organized by Bill Menard, who had joined the club just three years earlier after going for his first run at the age of 34, the club’s website says.
It supports the club’s scholarship program, which has awarded more than $90,000 in college scholarships to local student athletes over the last decade, as well as the summer beach runs and school running programs. Limited to 700 runners due to county restrictions, costumes are encouraged, and prizes are more plentiful than most road races, Collister said. Medals are awarded to the top 10 in each age group. Door prizes and awards for costumes are also highly coveted.
After the race, participants and spectators enjoy dancing, food, and, of course, beer.
The club also often hosts a Pub Run Series leading up to Bill’s Beer Run, giving members a chance to run together from different bars around the area, win swag and socialize.
Residents and businesses on the key are a large part of what makes
FIRST STEPS
For anyone interested in running, getting involved in a training regimen such as a Couch to 5K program is a good way to start, Kimmy Collister suggested. These programs usually last 10-12 weeks, using coaches and mentors, pairing you with other runners with similar paces. “You increase your distance each week until you get up to your goal, and then you have your goal race,” she explained, One of the next events on the club’s schedule is a toy run on Thanksgiving Day at Twin Lakes Park. The entry fee is a donated unwrapped toy that goes to a local charity, where it will be given to a child at Christmas. Winners of the race can win a pie from Yoder’s restaurant, Collister said. For more information on Manasota Track Club, visit Mtc75.org.
Bill’s Beer Run a true community event, Collister said. “Some of the people who live on the key actually set up stops for us ... water stops or shot stops or whatever,” she said.
“There’s people who hand out bacon and strawberries and stuff and support the runners.”
ALL SKILL LEVELS REPRESENTED
After creating Bill’s Beer Run, Bill Menard became an accomplished runner, twice winning the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile running event starting on the floor of Death Valley, Calif., in late July.
He’s not the only club member with an impressive running resume.
Mary Murphy was sitting with some other club members recently wearing a jacket only worn by runners who have competed in the Walt Disney World Marathon, which started in 1994.
“This is my 30th jacket,” she said.
“I’ve done all of them, and I’m the fourth youngest,” she said. “We’re down to a small group. There’s less than 40, because they’re all old.”
Murphy started running at an early age, she said. Her family moved to Sarasota in 1972, the year Title IX
was signed into law, prohibiting sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving any type of federal financial aid.
When she enrolled at Sarasota High School, Murphy said there were no women’s sports programs available. Murphy said her mother went to the school and insisted they allow her to try out for sports.
She wanted to run track, but the coach refused to let her try out. “He said ‘Get the (blank) off my track,’” Murphy recalled.
The cross-country coach, however, invited her to run with his allboys team. “And I asked, ‘Well, what is cross-country?’ I didn’t know what it was.”
The rest of the cross-country team accepted her as one of their own, ultimately electing her as a team captain. “I was the first girl at Sarasota High to ever win a varsity letter and be a captain.”
The school administration, Murphy said, did not share her team’s enthusiasm. “At the awards banquet in 1976, they would not allow me to be recognized,” she said. “The guys bought a trophy for me and (the school) would not let them present it until we were getting out of the gym.”
Murphy went on to run for the U.S. Air Force. “My life’s like Forrest Gump. I have gone into, fallen into, the most incredible things in my life through my running,” she said.
Other club members said they became interested in running later in life.
“I was not a runner,” said Jennifer Gallagher, the club’s current president. “I was not athletic as a kid, but for some reason, in like, 2012, I
started walking, running that little track at the Y down by Potter’s Park.”
She said she slowly started building from there. “And I really, really enjoyed it,” she said.
In 2014 she signed up for the Chicago Marathon. “One day, a couple of representatives from the club came, and were like, ‘Hey, we’re looking for members.’ And I signed up.”
Kelli Anderson said she heard about a 5K race on the radio. “I thought that sounded like something fun to do, so I started training,” she said.
After that, some friends suggested running a half-marathon. “I had never run farther that three miles. I did it, and I swore I’d never run again,” she said.
“My girlfriends dragged me into the run for the turtles on Siesta Beach a few months later, and then I got hooked.”
RUNNING TOGETHER
The club has become a tight-knit family. “I don’t know what I’d do without all these crazy people,” says Anderson, who has been in the club for a decade.
“We’re really like family,” said Murphy. “You really are close.”
While some of the club’s members enjoy serious competition, others are more relaxed. “We are not fast, but that’s the great thing,” said Michelle Field, who has also been in the club for more than 10 years.
“I mean, I think in the beginning, we did more racing,” she said, “but now it’s just a wide variety. We encourage people like us who just want to improve ourselves.”
JIM DELA
Bill’s Beer Run, sponsored by the Manasota Track Club, has been a popular October event on Casey Key, combining a five-mile run with a street party atmosphere.
Courtesy images
The Manasota Track Club sponsors summer beach runs popular with novices and competitive runners, alike. The club boasts close to 1,000 members in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Jim DeLa Longtime members of the Manasota Track Club enjoy a beverage at Calusa Brewery in Sarasota. They say the club and the love of running has formed lasting bonds. From left, club President Jennifer Gallagher, Kelli Anderson, Mary Murphy, Michelle Field and Kimmy Collister.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Turning the page for the Chidsey
The Bay is undertaking a restoration of the historic Chidsey Building.
IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER
Selby Library is Sarasota’s oldest library, dating back to 1907.
But did you know that it has changed locations numerous times?
Its first dedicated space was the Chidsey Building that is now part of The Bay, a building that was abandoned since its opening in 1941.
Although the Chidsey Building was deemed unsafe for entry a matter of months ago, The Bay is working to restore the former library, a nationally registered historic building, to serve as its new headquarters.
With an anticipated completion by summer 2025, the library will join a historic district included in the park’s $65 million Phase 2 expansion, featuring other iconic buildings like Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and the Blue Pagoda.
A BUILDING OF MANY USES
historic to match the original character,” said architect Juan Ocaña of Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors.
Before the opening of the Chidsey Library Building, the library had changed hands many times.
It began under the Town Improvement Society in a space provided by Sarasota’s first mayor, John Hamilton Gillespie, and then by developer Owen Burns, before moving to the Sarasota Woman’s Club (now the Florida Studio Theatre) and finally to an unused high school on Main Street.
Then, the Sarasota Junior Chamber of Commerce took up the project of establishing a dedicated building.
In 1941, John and Ida Chidsey stepped up to pay for the majority of the building at a cost of $19,000, under the condition that the Sarasota Jaycees, a men’s group raising funds for the project, would furnish it.
The Sarasota Public Library, which cost $25,000 ($559,044 in today’s dollars, according to the consumer price index) was dedicated in 1941.
“We want to restore the parts that the public are going to experience and the parts that are documented as
The company returns from its work on Phase 1 of the park, as does Jon F. Swift Construction, while the State Historic Preservation Office oversees restorations.
Ocaña said the oldest portions of the Streamline Moderne building have stood the test of time thanks to the prolific firm that designed the original building, Martin Studio of Architecture.
Its founder, Thomas Reed Martin, who came to Sarasota in 1911, applied the building methods of his home of Chicago at the Chidsey, using brick and steel rather than the wood frames common in Florida at the time.
The original construction comprises about 30% of the approximately 6,800-square-foot building, Ocaña said.
“That’s an amazing discovery of this project, seeing how that original construction has held up for over 80 years,” he said.
RESTRUCTURING THE PAST
When the library was relocated to
“We want to restore the parts that the public are going to experience and the parts that are documented as historic to match the original character.”
the now-demolished GWIZ science museum building in 1976, the Chidsey Building became a center for history education.
Walls were installed for an exhibition-style lighting, blocking numerous windows.
Ocaña said a major part of the renovations has been restoring light, as well as creating an open layout.
“There’s a lot more flexibility in the new layout, which is going to be crucial for the for The Bay, as they’re a growing organization,” he said.
The lobby space at the front of the
building, the only space to feature original flooring with its terrazzo tile, will be restored to match the building’s original character.
Yet changes, as well as upgrades to safety, are still in the works.
With Jon. F. Swift Construction, the crew has been performing investigative demolition, checking the structure’s integrity through the removal of certain components.
“We wanted to understand what the bones were like for this building, so it’s a little bit like surgery,” Ocaña said. “You go in and you start poking around and seeing what’s still viable, what’s still intact.”
The crew discovered that a significant portion of the floor had to be reconstructed for its stability, so began the task of adding a new subfloor of steel deck, rebar and concrete, which workers could be seen installing on Oct. 18.
Although Ocaña said the new windows fit the character of the building, with mullions designed to the original proportions, they had to be upgraded to meet requirements for hurricane resistance.
The building now uses impactresistant rather than single-paned windows, with frames of aluminum instead of steel.
He said the company will do its best to match the decor and fixtures in the building to its original character.
Its Streamline Moderne style is considered a subcategory of Art Deco, and many Art Deco items are still available on the market, he noted, from door handles to light switches.
“The heavy lifting is done now, because the concrete floor is about to go in, and from there, we actually move into the interior renovation phase, which is an endeavor in itself,” he said on Oct. 23.
He also said the renovation shows The Bay has a commitment to Sarasota’s architectural heritage.
“I think to appreciate the opportunity to be working on The Bay,” he said. “They’re a wonderful asset for our community, and we’re just looking forward to that continued partnership with them.”
The Chidsey Building is being restored as part of The Bay’s Phase 2 project.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Calvin Wren, Shane LaMay, Valentina Mancera and Lissette Callejas of Sweet Sparkman speak with A.G. Lafley, founding CEO of The Bay, inside the Chidsey Building.
The Chidsey building originally housed what is now Selby Library.
The Chidsey building was originally Sarasota’s first public library building.
Juan Ocaña, Architect at Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors
Sarasota County Commissioner Mark Smith looks at the Chidsey Building with Trey Hammett, director of advancement at The Bay.
Making moves in the community
hen it comes to the big chess games he’s played, Pascal Charbonneau says he can probably remember them, down to every move. Those were some of the most challenging moments of his career. Playing 15 simultaneous games at a Manasota Chess Center event on Oct. 5, on the other hand? Easy. That wasn’t surprising considering his status as a grandmaster, the highest rank in chess, which places the Sarasota resident among about 2,000 people worldwide.
During his career, Charbonneau won the two 2002 and 2004 Canadian Chess Championships and represented Canada in five Chess Olympiads.
LIFE ON THE PRECIPICE
Initially, Charbonneau, 41, never saw himself playing chess in a professional capacity.
“Of course, when you’re a kid, you start dreaming about being world champion, being as good as you
MANASOTA CHESS CENTER
One of the only brick-andmortar chess clubs in Florida, the Manasota Chess Center is an active U.S. Chess Federation affiliate and one of only 15 U.S. Chess Federation gold-level affiliates nationwide.
Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501
S. Tamiami Trail. Visit ManasotaChess.org.
“I think there is always an opportunity to build awareness around chess, that it’s not just a game for intellectuals, that it’s a game for everyone.”
Bob Bernstein of Manasota Chess Center
could be, which I did,” he said.
However, after his first tournament in the first grade, he was hooked. “I got the bug ... and I never looked back,” he said. “I was really impressed by the large, quiet room with hundreds of kids, as a young kid, sort of overwhelming, but at the same time it motivated me.”
Representing Canada for about 10 years, Charbonneau beat the world junior champion Igor Miladinović in 2000, before winning against adult champion Viswanathan Anand in 2006.
He said despite the games themselves taking up relatively little time, the experience and practice demanded lots of focus.
“Chess is a little bit like you’re always walking on a precipice, and you’re one mistake away from losing at any point,” he said. “It’s a very cruel game in that sense, and so I think maybe what I remember most is the excitement, the palpitations, knowing I’m about to win and trying not to mess it up. Those moments I think, are very memorable, and also kind of shape you, and I think have given me experience that I’m never going to be so stressed that I was in those moments in my life.”
His victory against Anand
occurred just after his acceptance of his first job offer. Since leaving chess, Charbonneau has worked in finance, mostly for large companies, where he employs his analytical skills. He’s still searching for the right opportunity in Sarasota, where he moved to raise his family.
Charbonneau said chess, although still not an easy or high-paying career, is more feasible today than in the past, with more opportunities for peripheral activities like teaching and writing, as well as for streaming online on the platform Twitch.
On Oct. 5, he was able to find a teaching moment and share his experience.
The National Chess Week event by Manasota Chess Center, held at Fruitville Library on Oct. 5, welcomed Charbonneau for an exhibition of 15 simultaneous games, played against event attendees, his second such exhibition with the club.
The event also hosted other events including casual games and tournaments, featuring lectures by national master Martyn Corden and “A World of Chess” author Rick Knowlton.
“I would say we’re continuing to see more and more people nationwide become familiar with chess and then realize what a great game it is,” said Bob Bernstein of Manasota Chess Center. “I think there is always an opportunity to build awareness around chess, that it’s not just a game for intellectuals, that it’s a game for everyone.”
Unsurprisingly, Charbonneau managed to win all of the games. Nonetheless, kids and adults also said they were grateful for the learning experience throughout the event.
“It’s not that difficult to make reasonably good moves very quickly,” Charbonneau said. “It does sometimes get physically draining because you’re literally walking around … It’s honestly not the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.”
“It’s like he’s leading you into checkmate,” said Timmly Huang, 9. Charbonneau said he was glad for the chance to participate in the community.
“I like to support the local chess community, and they wanted someone to do an exhibition, and it’s National Chess day, so I’m just happy to oblige,” he said.
n
n Your health care is what you and your physician decide, not the state.
n Any treatment you get at SMH is physician-reviewed and proven to work.
Grandmaster Pascal Charbonneau, who showcased his skills at a recent chess event, recalls the challenge of major chess matches.
Photos by Ian Swaby Julian Smithson and Julian Popov, both 8 years old, play in the chess tournament.
Pascal Charbonneau walks from one chess board to another as he performs the demonstration of 15 simultaneous games.
Columbia Restaurant reopens
Cha Cha Coconuts is also back after nearly a month of work to repair damage from hurricanes.
After nearly a month of work to repair damage from backto-back hurricanes, two cornerstone restaurants on St. Armands Circle reopened on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Columbia Restaurant and Cha Cha Coconuts reopened at 11 a.m., the 1905 Family Of Restaurants announced.
“Everyone could use some comfort right now,” Richard Gonzmart, a fourth-generation caretaker of the businesses, said in a news release.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests back.”
The restaurants closed in advance of Hurricane Helene, which, on Sept. 26, brought more than three feet of storm surge into the dining rooms and kitchens.
Repairs already were underway by the time Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9 at Siesta Key. After that storm passed and power returned, renovation work resumed seven days a week. Nearly all of the kitchen equipment
in Columbia and Cha Cha Coconuts has been replaced with new equipment, in addition to new drywall, electronics, furniture and food.
The Columbia, which was opened in 1905 by Gonzmart’s great-grandfather in Tampa’s Ybor City, is generally regarded as Florida’s oldest continuing restaurant.
In December, the Columbia in St. Armands Circle will celebrate its 65th anniversary, and Cha Cha Coconuts will celebrate 35 years of operation next door.
The reopenings fully restore operations to all of the company’s locations, including Columbia Restaurants in St. Augustine, on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach and Celebration near Orlando; Columbia Cafes at the Tampa Bay History Center and in Tampa International Airport; and Ulele and Casa Santo Stefano in Tampa.
All of the brands were interrupted for different durations of time by either evacuations, power outages, damage or a combination of factors.
“Our family continues to pray for our neighbors who are recovering in the aftermath of the storms,” Gonzmart said. “We’ll get through this by being stronger together.”
Courtesy image
Owner-operator Casey Gonzmart Jr. helps lift a new refrigerator recently delivered to the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. The landmark reopened after repairing damage from two hurricanes.
Despite the event’s name, it wasn’t just dogs that were wearing costumes at Dog-A-Ween, held at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market on Oct. 26.
Many pet owners were also dressed to impress in a way that matched the theme of their pup’s costume.
For instance, while Sarasota resident Kristin Goddard’s dog, Stella, sat in the front of her bicycle, wrapped in a white blanket as E.T., she sported a red sweater as Elliott. When asked if “E.T.” was her favorite movie, however, she told crowds that wasn’t the inspiration.
“No, but it’s an iconic, recognizable duo, and it’s my first Halloween with her, so I figured we would go, you know, together,” she said.
Pooches and people celebrate Halloween A
Pet owners found other creative ways to enjoy the contest together with their pups, with host Tyler Butler closing out the event by noting the level of creativity on display.
“It seems like every year it gets bigger,” he noted.
The event was also attended by Vice Mayor Jan Ahearn-Koch, who provided assistance with the tallying of scores. All proceeds went to Donte’s Den Foundation, a sanctuary for dogs in Myakka City.
— IAN SWABY
COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS
Harlem Globetrotters: Peter and Donna Bridge, and Winston Ice Cream: Madi Sparks, Ocean Wolf, Pepper and Buster Jaws: Shelsie Ruppert, Megan Archer, Tigger and Malibu Spanish Dancers: Robert Petrillo, Danilo Zuniga, Dash, Lulu and Milton
HONORABLE MENTIONS
E.T.: Kristin Goddard and Stella Ringmaster: Dianne Frestel and Pearl Wizard of Oz: Teagan Nickols, Lynda Nickols, Mushu and Emmett
Tigger and Malibu came as Brody and Quint from “Jaws.”
The Ward family always attends Fright Night at St. Armands Circle, but the popular event was canceled this year due to Hurricane Milton.
As a result, they decided to attend Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween Celebration, another celebration where they could gather with the community in costume.
The family, including Tricia and Jerod Ward and their daughter, Violet Ward, 8, came dressed as characters from Disney’s “The Descendants,” accompanied by Violet’s cousin, Izac Bermudez, 13.
Held at The Bay on Oct. 25, the event, now in its third year, drew a large turnout of kids and adults.
“Isn’t this a great turnout?” said attendee Karen Mills. “I think people just wanted something wonderful after the storm. We needed happy.”
On offer were trick-or-treating stations by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, many of them located on a “not-really haunted” decorated trail on the park’s Mangrove Walkway.
“We usually come to this event every year since it started,” said attendee Marc Jackson. “The kids love it. They love this park. They love when they do the thing with the witches’ hats on the (Ibis Playground).”
TRACY KIDDER & JIM O’CONNELL
November 7, 2024 • 6:30 pm • Sanctuary
Tracy Kidder is a best selling author and Pulitzer Prize winner. His latest book, Rough Sleepers introduces readers to Dr. Jim O’Connell, who helped create a program to care for Boston’s homeless community. Jim O’Connell, MD, serves as the President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
March 6,
DR. CLAYBORNE CARSON
February 6, 2025 • 6:30 pm Sanctuary
Dr. Carson is the founding director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute and the Martin Luther King Papers Project, which has meticulously edited and published Dr. King’s papers. He also directs The World House Project.
EUGENE CHO
• 6:30
Sanctuary Eugene is the President/CEO of Bread for the World and Bread
a
organization urging
non-partisan
and global decision makers to help end hunger –both in the United States and around the world.
Pepper and Buster came dressed as ice cream cones.
Peter and Donna Bridge and their dog, Winston, won first place in the contest for their Harlem Globetrotters costume.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Matt Manahan, Russ Bechtloff and Karen Mills
Tim and Heather Saba came as Bob Ross and a painting.
Photos by Ian Swaby
Pamela Leon, Atlas Leon, 2, Arlo Leon, 1, and Joseph Leon
Let’s Help Rebuild Our Community Together
We are extending our Stressless Fall Sale now through November 14! And Now Take an EXTRA 10% Off All Existing Low Sale Prices whether in stock or not!
Hundreds of seats in stock, or take advantage of the extra discount on custom special orders with arrival from Norway in 3-4 months.
There are many misconceptions about establishing residency and even more ways to create ties to Florida that people don’t know about. Our team hosts seminars November through March, free of charge, to further explore these strategies and more. Join us to learn the facts you need to know about making Florida your legal residence.
Scan the QR code or visit our website for our full list of seminar dates and times, or call 941-364-4558 to reserve your spot.
Excellence honored
A“Tribute to Excellence” was the theme of the annual meeting of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
It was fitting that the event, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Oct. 25, also celebrated excellence in individuals within the community.
Emily Walsh, president of Observer Media Group and the 2022-2023 chair of the chamber, was the recipient of the Chair’s Cup Award.
The award recognizes an individual who has “dedicated an unmatched amount of their time and talent to support and advance the work of the Sarasota Chamber.”
Additionally, it was noted last week, Sarasota Chamber President Heather Kasten became the recipient of the statewide 2024 Florida Chamber Chair’s Award.
Earlier this month, the chamber was also honored as the Florida chamber of the year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.
Kasten offered a speech on the topic of excellence, stating that its presence is determined by how leaders respond in times of adversity, such as during the impacts of the hurricanes.
“To whom much is given, much is required, and as leaders, we must also remember that the community we serve in times of prosperity is watching us,” she said. “How we lead in these moments reflects our businesses and on the broader ecosystem that we
influence. Excellence, both in good times and bad, is about resilience.”
The event’s keynote speaker was Kevin Mazeika, a USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame member and the executive director of EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota.
The gymnastics academy helped send Brody Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik and traveling alternate Shane Wiskus to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the U.S. men’s gymnastics team claimed its first medal in 16 years, when it won the bronze.
Nedoroscik also won the bronze in individual pommel horse.
“It takes extraordinary effort to get those extraordinary results, and that’s what it was based on,” Mazeika said.
— IAN SWABY
HERE’S WHAT THEY ARE SAYING....
Kelly’s has excellent food! I love the roast beef sandwich and
Kerkering Barberio Managing Shareholder Robert Lane, Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh and immediate past chair of Sarasota Chamber Teri Hansen
Photos by Ian Swaby
USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame member
Kevin Mazeika of EVO Gymnastics gives the keynote speech.
Morton Terrace home
ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR
Ahome in Morton Terrace tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Marcel Srur and Malgorzata Kowalczyk, of Sarasota, sold their home at 1632 Floyd St. to Andrew Benfer and Stephanie Seliskar, of Sarasota, for $2,675,000.
Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,338 square feet of living area. It sold for $145,000 in 1994.
SARASOTA
AQUALANE ESTATES
Robert and Jennifer Rubenzer, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, sold their home at 1774 Meadowood St. to Ryan Oliver Green and Erin Marie Green, of Sarasota, for $2.6 million. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,076 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.19 million in 2020.
BAY POINT PARK
Garrett Barnes, trustee, sold the home at 1549 Gulfview Drive to Brian Cornell and Martha Cornell, trustees, of Sarasota, for $2.6 million. Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,351 square feet of living area.
THE TOWER RESIDENCES
Gerald Allen, trustee, and Ann Allen, of Dayton, Ohio, sold the Unit 1206 condominium at 35 Watergate Drive to Andre-Michel Ballester and Ludmila Lupeca, of New York City, for $2.55 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,799 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.83 million in 2018.
SARASOTA BAY CLUB
Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 214 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail to Robert and Bonny Israeloff, of Sarasota, for $1.85 million. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,772 square feet of living area. It sold for $900,000 in 2015.
GROVELAWN
RJJ LLC sold the home at 2149 Wisteria St. to David and Esther Farber, of Sarasota, for $1,835,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,237 square feet of living area.
DEVONSHIRE LANE
Barbara Callahan, of Sarasota, sold her home at 1691 Devonshire Lane to Frank Pinto and Judith Pinto, trustees, of Sarasota, for $1,825,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,040 square feet of living area. It sold for $315,000 in 2015.
ESSEX HOUSE
Michael Chokr sold the Unit 802 condominium at 707 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Barbara Callahan, of Sarasota, for $930,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet of living area. It sold for $410,000 in 2007.
Carolyn Stamler, trustee, of Brevard, North Carolina, sold the Unit 607 condominium at 707 S. Gulfstream Ave. to Robert Schroeder, of E. Lansing, Michigan, for $899,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, two baths and 1,338 square feet of living area. It sold for $513,800 in 2020.
HUDSON LANDINGS
Ben and Lore Kaplan, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 852 condominium at 852 Hudson Ave. to Paul Hennekes and Paula Hawk, of Sarasota, for $764,500. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,499 square feet of living area. It sold for $539,000 in 2020.
GROVE PARK
Tropical Fruit Garden LLC sold the home at 3939 Groveland Ave. to Sydnie Elizabeth Smith and John Shields Rodman IV, of Sarasota, for $640,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,458 square feet of living area. It sold for $104,900 in 1999.
GULF GATE WOODS
David and Cynthia Cottone, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7400 Mariana Drive to Robert Fister, of Bradenton, for $615,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,717 square feet of living area. It sold for $444,900 in 2020.
GULF GATE PINES
Randy Rodriguez, of Kissimmee, sold his home at 2243 Pine View Circle to Michael Scott Schindele, of Sarasota, for $585,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,858 square feet of living area. It sold for $562,000 in 2023.
SOUTH GATE
Fred and Connie Sciuto and Nicholas Sciuto, of Sarasota, sold their home at 2136 Clematis Place to
Isabelle Finly, of Sarasota, for $575,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,272 square feet of living area. It sold for $275,000 in 2021.
PINE SHORES ESTATES
6117 Hollywood LLC sold the home at 6117 Hollywood Blvd. to Giovanni Dalotto and Muriel Gonzalez Grandoli, of Sarasota, for $540,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 1,993 square feet of living area. It sold for $41,000 in 1975.
See more transactions at YourObserver.com
SIESTA KEY: $1,475,000
North Harbor Clifford Bredenberg and Fatima Beltran, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 1310 Roberts Bay Lane to Carolyn LoBue, of Sarasota, for $1,475,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,125 square feet of living area. It sold for $805,000 in 2016.
PALMER RANCH: $660,000
Villagewalk
Diane Fonte, trustee, of Naperville, Illinois, sold the home at 5672 Ferrara Drive to Deborah Wallace, trustee, of Marengo, Illinois, for $660,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,008 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2015.
OSPREY: $900,000
Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club
Trent and Amanda Narra sold their home at 1321 Southbay Drive to Andrew and Carolyn Yates, of Osprey, for $900,000. Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,974 square feet of living area. It sold for $945,000 in 2022.
NOKOMIS: $840,000
Calusa Lakes
Clarence Allen Selph and Patricia Lazar, of Nokomis, sold their home at 2143 Calusa Lakes Blvd. to Robert Joseph Van Maerssen and Teresa Van Maerssen, of Montclair, New Jersey, for $840,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,583 square feet of living area. It sold for $575,000 in 2021.
Source: city of Sarasota
Courtesy of realtor Lisa Rooks Morris
YOUR CALENDAR
FRIDAY, NOV. 1 OFF
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Learn how to write your own novel in this interactive workshop with Glenn Schudel, a writer, educator and theater practitioner who currently teaches the Creative Writing program at Ringling College. Perform hands-on activities and story-generating exercises, while learning about common novel-writing pitfalls and exploring the “secrets” to great novels. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY
5 p.m. to midnight at 1843 Main St. Free. Gather with your friends, family and neighbors for a night of music and fun with Classico Sarasota. Visit Facebook.com.
CHILDREN’S BOOK READING & AUTHOR TALK WITH JACKIE MORERA
11 a.m. to noon at Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. General admission free; $18 with book included. Jackie Morera, a Cuban American author of books for young readers, performs a reading and talk from “Abuelo’s Flower Shop,” her book celebrating intergenerational love and teaching readers about grieving the loss of a loved one. Visit SarasotaBooks.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
THE SARASOTA MUSIC ARCHIVE PRESENTS: ‘MUSICAL THEATER FROM STRAUSS TO SONDHEIM AND BEYOND’
10:30-11:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Explore the history of musical theater from 18thcentury comic operas to the works of Offenbach, Gilbert and Sullivan and Johann Strauss II, to modern American musicals. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
DANCE AT THE BAY: SALSA AND SUNSETS 6:30-8 p.m. at The Nest, The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Learn Latin dance moves and then put them to practice at a Latino-inspired sunset dance party. The event
BEST BET FRIDAY, NOV. 1
ARTS ON PALM
7-10 p.m. at Palm Ave. Free. At this artcentric Fresh Fridays event, discover works from the many galleries along Palm Avenue. Meet fellow art lovers, enjoy cuisine and beverages and dance to music by Bay Kings Band. Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
begins with an introduction from a Fred Astaire Dance Studios instructor, followed by the party hosted by DJ Benny. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
CREATION STATION ADULT LAB: BEADED BOTANICALS
1-2:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free. Explore the art of creating flowers and leaves with seed beads and other accent beads. Come home with earrings, pins or even make a bouquet. Visit SCGovLibrary.LibraryMarket.com.
CINEMA AT THE BAY: PRIMARY COLORS
7-9:23 p.m. at The Oval, The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. Free. Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars. The comedy-drama film Primary Colors (R), featuring John Travolta and Emma Thompson, is based on the novel of the same name about Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, presented with a fictional facade. Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
File photo
Mike Kopp and Max McCloud have a laugh at Fresh Fridays.
Introducing Phonak Audéo SphereTM Infinio, a revolutionary leap forward in sound quality and precision.
Hear the Difference, feel the confidence
5 reasons to upgrade to Phonak Audéo Sphere TM Infinio today:
Exceptional speech clarity
Noise is no longer a barrier
Market-leading connectivity
Water resistant
Feel less fatigue*
Embrace conversations with instant, clean and clear speech far beyond any existing technology
From whispers to laughter, stay tuned in your friends group chatter no matter the ambient noise
Transition from songs, movies or TV shows to your favorite person thanks to seamless connectivity
Ready for rain, ready for dust, ready for life
Have more energy to enjoy the things you love most*
10/10 of surveyed Hearing Providers report Phonak Audéo SphereTM Infinio delivered an outstanding hearing experience.
“SKGLG TCD SKWD AORWGD-IMSPAARWGD ZWOU ZGDS, CXR ‘OMVCD’ VCUG AX. W TCD OWJG, ‘AK, UN PAR, W’U CX AORWG!’” TWXAXC LNRGL
“XCMF WRAX R FRW C TVE DVRZW R TXCJZ WFX AVGW. SCRTNJX RG WFX PXGW NZRHXJGRWO.” SJXZMF LRJXMWVJ MTCNLX
MONSTER MASH by Lisa Senzel and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888 redpages@yourobserver.com •yourobserver.com/redpages
DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card
The Sarasota and Siesta Key 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 Sarasota and Siesta Key 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: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
