Longboat Observer 2.29.24

Costs up for pickup

Waste Management proposes a 28% rate increase for residential trash collection

Wdue to a variety of factors related to cost increases.

The contract renewal asks for a 28% increase in residential rates, from the current monthly rate of $17.56 to a proposed $22.60. That’s a difference of $5.04.

“With this renewal period, Waste Management has asked for higherthan-normal rate increases than what’s normally allowed for in our contract due to the inflationary

pressures that have happened since essentially 2020,” Brownman said. Waste Management Inc. has been the town’s trash collection provider through contract agreements for the past 30 years.

The base term of the existing contract began on July 1, 2014, and lasted until June 30, 2021. That contract also allowed for two optional, threeyear renewals, the first of which is up this summer.

An extension of the current level of service would go through June 30, 2027.

Waste Management collects trash twice a week on the island, on Mondays and Thursdays. Recycling is also picked up on Mondays, and yard

waste on Wednesdays.

While some residents emailed commissioners with concerns over how the service affects roads, Town Manager Howard Tipton said is something that can be looked at with the next contract.

“In terms of wear and tear on the road, there is some impact of these trucks running up and down the roads,” Tipton said. “We can look at that in three years, but our recommendation is based on the existing levels of service.”

With this new contract agreement, Brownman said staff negotiated the annual CPI increase down from 4% to 3%. He also said staff asked that the 3% increase not be added on the first term if the increased rates are approved, to which Waste Management agreed.

INCREASES FROM INFLATION

Brownman explained to commissioners that this rate increase is mainly being caused by increased costs for labor and maintenance.

Direct labor costs have increased about 26% since 2021, according to Brownman’s presentation. That accounts for things like increased costs searching for applicants and higher sign-on incentives, as well as wage increases.

Truck maintenance costs were also the other big factor contributing to the latest rate increase.

According to numbers provided by Waste Management, the cost to replace a tire on the trucks has increased 124% since 2020, from $811.11 to $1,008.91 in 2023. Brake replacement for one set of brakes on one axle increased 185%, from $697.83 in 2020 to $1,291.64 in 2023.

The rolled steel needed to replace one floor on a truck body increased from $1,900 in 2020 to $3,700 in 2023, a 194% increase.

Waste Management’s fleet doesn’t use diesel, but rather compressed natural gas. Those costs have also risen. Though it’s not the same as diesel, Waste Management calculates a diesel equivalent per gallon. That increased from $1.09 in 2020 to $1.79 in 2023.  Brownman said that he and his staff are satisfied with the level of service that Waste Management provides.

“With this renewal period, Waste Management has asked for higher-thannormal rate increases than what’s normally allowed for in our contract due to the inflationary pressures that have happened since essentially 2020”

“They provide, in our opinion, quality, consistent and reliable service. This is based on not just our working relationship but also feedback we get from residents,” Brownman said.

In addition, he said past citizen survey results had high marks for the Waste Management service, with specific comments about how respectful the drivers are.

“There’s no question in terms of the service … The question is the rate increase,” Brownman said.

Staff reached out to another trash collection provider, who confirmed that the industry is experiencing inflationary pressures.

Some commissioners asked Brownman and Waste Management staff if the lower operational costs during the offseason were reflected in the rate.

Jason White, district manager for Waste Management Manatee, said the rate provided is “blended,” which means it would take into account factors like that.

Brownman also suggested that extending this contract would bring the industry three years further from the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a big factor in the increased costs. The time distance may help alleviate the costs, Brownman estimated.  Staff recommended that the contract be approved, and commissioners reached a consensus to move the contract approval to the March 4 regular commission meeting for formal action.

Certified excellence

The Longboat Key Police Dept. received official accreditation on Feb. 22 after a three-year process.

For the first time in its history, the Longboat Key Police Department is officially accredited.

On Feb. 22, members of the department were named an accredited police department by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. The decision was unanimous among the 15 commissioners.

“Things went perfect,” Chief of Police George Turner said. “Could not have gone any better.”

Now, the department gets to adorn officers with pins and the patrol vehicles with stickers to display the accreditation status.

That status is one that provides potential benefits in recruitment and retention, according to Turner.

Being an accredited agency means the department is held to a higher standard by meeting a variety of requirements. For the police accreditation, there were 235 standards that needed to be addressed, which include things like officer safety and training.

Longboat Key was the only department in Sarasota County without accreditation until now.

Town Manager Howard Tipton, Mayor Ken Schneier and Longboat Key District 1 Commissioner Gary Coffin joined the department in St. Augustine to commemorate years of behind-the-scenes work.

“All seven commissioners that we have, or have had, have always been supportive of the PD,” Turner said.

Turner said the accreditation process, which spanned over the past three years, was a team effort. Not only within his department, but across the entire town.

“There was a lot of help that we had from other departments within the town that helped us get here,” Turner said.

“Without their help, we wouldn’t

HIGH-TECH TRAINING

One of the components of Longboat

Key Police Department that Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation commissioners highlighted in their review was their de-escalation training simulator.

Turner said this is something that the department started using about a yearand-a-half ago. It’s a valuable training tool that the officers use to simulate real-life scenarios, like domestic disputes and dogs on the beach.

“There’s an unlimited amount of scenarios that we can put our guys through, something you can’t really train for,” Turner said. “This makes it happen in a controlled environment where the officers can have the opportunity to learn before they’re right in the middle of it.”

It’s also something that the department has allowed nearby agencies to use.

have been able to achieve that.”

Other town departments, like finance and human resources, were not only supportive, but also played a role in the process as it related to the department’s budgeting and hiring.

The accreditation process as a whole required combing through every police department policy and making sure how the Longboat Key Police Department operates is in compliance with what it means to be a professional law enforcement agency in Florida.

ROAD TO ACCREDITATION

The process began about three years ago.  In 2021, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation awarded the town $274,850 to be spent over a three-year period. That money was specifically earmarked for the police department’s accreditation process.

In April of that year, Turner was hired as the interim chief of police. He had previously worked in the department from December 2001 through October 2007.

Former Town Manager Tom Harmer hired Turner as interim chief of police because of his previous experience with the Longboat Key

BY THE NUMBERS

Number of full-time officers: 19

Number of part-time officers: 4

Number of civilian employees: 3

Police Department. Turner also had previous accreditation experience with four other agencies where he worked.

Starting with Turner’s interim tenure, the department began its self-assessment.

This meant going through its policy book, evidence, report filing system and other aspects of the department to see what was needed to meet standards.

Then in March 2022, Turner officially took the title of chief of police.

To prepare for the accreditation, Turner said the entire department had to review the self-assessment and make sure its policies were in line with the 235 standards of the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

Not all of those apply to every agency, though. For example, the Longboat Key Police Department doesn’t have a K-9 unit, so any standards relating to that would not be included in its review.

It was still a heavy lift for everyone involved.

“Every member of the department had to buy in 100%,” Turner said. “It’s a lot more work for them. They have to be up on every one of our policies and procedures.”

Before the department could sign into a contract stating its intent for accreditation, everything needed to be ready.

“A lot of that stuff, it took us a while to get in place,” Turner said. “And we had to have everything in place and our house clean, per say, before we signed that contract.”

A big part of that was reviewing evidence and old reports.

“We had to go through our evidence. We purged hundreds and hundreds of pieces of evidence that no longer needed to be here,” Turner said. He added an example, saying that years ago, people would bring items to the police department as “lost and found,” and that would be handled similarly to evidence from crime scenes. Before Harmer’s departure

from his role as town manager, he wanted to see the accreditation process really shift into gear, according to Turner.

On Jan. 4, 2023, that contract was signed, and the clock began for the department’s accreditation.

Turner said the department could have been ready for a review right then, but it needed to prove it could maintain the standards it had worked hard to get to.

But that year also brought positive changes to the department, like new officers and the addition of takehome vehicles for all officers.

Take-home vehicles aren’t something that necessarily contribute to accreditation, Turner said. But it’s something that helps the department stick out as a professional agency. It also helps with morale and recruitment.

But now that the department had vehicles for each officer, that meant more procedures to be included as a part of the accreditation review.

Turner also hired some outside help for the task at hand. Areaka Jewell and Sarah Kenniff, both law enforcement accreditation managers, were hired by Turner to help oversee the process.

Without having dedicated accreditation managers, Turner said this wouldn’t have been possible.

In November 2023, the department underwent a mock review. It had some time to review the results and make sure everything was tidy for the big test a month later.

On Dec. 5-7, 2023, three assessors from Brevard, Doral and St. Lucie counties spent 10 hours each day with the department, going through policies, equipment and talking with personnel.

After the review, Turner and his staff were confident they would receive the seal of approval. But they couldn’t yet say they were an accredited agency.

But now they can.  It’s not a one-and-done assessment, though. To maintain accreditation status, the department will be up for reaccreditation in three years.

“I plan on being here in three years to see that happen again,” Turner said.

TIMELINE TO ACCREDITATION

2021: The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation awards the town of Longboat Key $274,850 over a three-year period for the police department’s accreditation process.

April 2021: George Turner is hired as interim chief of police with Longboat Key Police Department. He was a captain for the Longboat Key Police Department from December 2001 through October 2007.

June 2021: The Longboat Key Police Department begins what Turner described as a “self-assessment,” to review all of the department’s current operating procedures.

March 2022: Turner is officially hired as chief of police.

Jan. 4, 2023: The department signs an official contract to start the clock for the accreditation review process.

Sept. 5, 2023: The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation schedules and notifies LBKPD of final accreditation assessment

November 2023: The LBKPD undergoes a mock assessment to prepare for the final assessment.

Dec. 5-7, 2023: Three assessors from other departments travel to Longboat Key for the police department’s official assessment.

Feb. 22, 2024: The LBKPD receives the first accreditation in its history.

February 2027: The department is up for reaccreditation and will have to go through the whole process again.

Monday

Construction interrupts mail service for Country Club Shores residents.

Country

Shores residents were well aware of the asbestos pipe replacement project. But what they didn’t expect was to be without mail delivery.

Lynn Larson, president of the Country Club Shores IV homeowners association, said she was alerted by a resident not receiving mail starting about two weeks ago.

“There was no warning,” Larson said.

The resident, Emmanuel Charron, and Larson realized that residents on Ranger and Halyard lanes were not receiving mail. Charron lives on Ranger Lane.

Country Club Shores IV is

composed of 125 homes and is a part of the total 396 homes in the entire Country Club Shores, according to the association website.  Larson said she went to the United States Postal Service office on Bay Isles Road to speak with the postmaster, Josue Pagan, about the issues.

According to her account, Pagan said some of the USPS vehicles suffered flat tires after driving through the construction areas, and he said he wouldn’t risk the safety of his drivers. Another reason was because certain construction vehicles were blocking the mailboxes.

After her initial meeting with the postmaster, the advice she was given was to have residents come to the post office to collect their mail, she said.

“Getting the mail at the post office isn’t a big deal, except for traffic, but some people don’t drive,” Charron said. “And some people don’t have the time. So I don’t think that’s the preferred backup.”

“There

The

Further,

Waste

“Why

Larson said the community doesn’t have any issues with the construction being done, and Charron said the construction crews have been “incredibly understanding.”

The two also said that while it isn’t the town’s issue to solve, town staff have been helpful as conduits between Country Club Shores and the post office.

According to Larson, Public Works Construction & Facility System Manager Guy Matricciani has been trying to work things out among all parties.

Matricciani and other staff went to the post office to talk with Pagan, which led to three potential solutions.

First would be the current conditions: Residents pick up their mail at the post office. There’s also the option to select one person’s house to be the location where all the mail on the street would be delivered, then allowing residents to get their mail from that location.

The third option is to have a temporary mailbox system at a designated location. Those structures usually have over 16 individual mailboxes.

Charron said he thinks the temporary mailboxes would be the preferred option. But he also added that mail service as usual would be the best option.

SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM

Pagan was unable to make an official statement pursuant to USPS policy,

WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT

The construction is a part of a project to replace the 15,000 linear feet of water main piping in Country Club Shores. The old pipes were made of asbestos cement, an outdated method.

The first two phases of the project are in Country Club Shores IV and V. According to previous reporting, construction on Country Club Shores V was anticipated to last until late spring or early summer, and work in Country Club Shores IV would go through early 2025.

and an emailed attempt to receive a statement from a regional public information officer was unanswered by the Longboat Observer’s print deadline.

But Pagan did email Public Works staff to address the issue, which was forwarded to Town Manager Howard Tipton.

Emails sent to public officials are public record.

In the email, Pagan said, “Due to the construction and vehicles blocking the mail boxes (also pipe lines on the sidewalk making it impossible to pull in mailboxes) we are unable to provide delivery service.”

On the USPS website, a frequently asked question section about not receiving mail provided some additional insight.

According to the site, there are certain conditions that could prevent mail delivery, including: mailbox blocked, travel obstructions and hazardous conditions/natural disasters.

Under the “Mailbox blocked” section, the site states that drivers should get out of the vehicle to deliver the mail if the box is temporarily blocked.

“However, if the carrier continually experiences a problem in serving curb line or rural boxes where the customer is able to control on street parking, the postmaster may withdraw delivery service,” the site goes on to say.

Thoughts into (climate) action

Dave Tomasko is a master of analogies.

It’s one of the characteristics that makes him a good science communicator.

Tomasko has been executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program since 2020 but has over 30 years of experience in water quality science and science-based management. His experience and ability to be a voice for what needs to be done are part of the reason he was named a 2024 Southwest Florida Climate Champion by the Climate Adaptation Center.

On Feb. 15, the center held a recognition ceremony for the five nominated Climate Champions, dubbed by the CAC website as “Southwest Florida’s most influential and accomplished contributors to the cause of protecting our environment and our Florida way of life.” Along with Tomasko, the awards recognized Jessica Meszaros, WUSF Public Media; Marshall Gobuty, Pearl Homes; Steve Newborn, WUSF Public Media; and Jennifer O. Rominiecki, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

For Tomasko, it’s not about the recognition. He said he’s been delivering the messages about environmental issues the same way for decades and, while the awards are appreciated, the messages stay the same.

The Longboat Observer spoke with Tomasko for insight into his career thus far and what he sees for the future of the area’s environment.

What drove your initial pursuit of a career in this field?

Sitting on my grandparents’ carpet watching Jacques Cousteau specials. I come from a family background of coal miners and steel-

workers and postal workers, so my relatives were either climbing down into mines or going into steel mills.

And we would watch Jacques Cousteau and I’d be lying on the carpet watching it … and I was just entranced, I thought it was magical.

From an early stage, I wanted to do something as a marine scientist or on the water.

What do you feel has been the greatest success story you’ve been a part of?

Originally, it was the initial recovery of Sarasota Bay back in the early 1990s. Sarasota Bay in the early ’90s was better than it was in the ’70s and ’80s.

And it was really a nationally and internationally known success story. It was neat to be around here to see the bay’s recovery.

And then we lost it.

What I’m really, really proud of, is this community investing money to bring about the second recovery. We know we can do this, but the response has to be commensurate with the magnitude of the problem.

What do you feel is the biggest environmental obstacle that needs to be tackled in the next decade?

I think in the next 10 years, the idea that we are in a changing climate is going to become clearer to more people.

Folks in Longboat Key Village said they have flooding twice a month … our water level has come up about six inches in the last 20 years. That (flooding) is going to happen more often.

And one of the biggest issues, frankly, is the scariness of hurricanes and tropical storms. What is very clear is that there is an increase in the frequency of powerful hurricanes. (Last summer), our water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico

was higher than 90 degrees, and parts of our bay were higher than 95.  I think when people see the pictures of the almost 100 people that died when Hurricane Ian came ashore, that could easily happen to us. You’d have water completely over our barrier islands.

What’s something that gives you hope for future environmental progress?

When I talk to younger kids, they get it. They understand that they’re being handed a world that’s different than what their parents inherited.

I think the first step is awareness. If we don’t admit we have a problem, we’re never going to fix it, and I think that younger people are more aware of it.

We need people to realize that you can turn things around, but you have to identify the problems, you have to identify the solutions, and you have to devote enough money.

What would be your big piece of advice for that next generation? You don’t convince people by yell-

ing at them. I think we need to find the reason why people are skeptical about climate change.

Don’t exaggerate. We’re not talking about six feet of sea level rise, we’re talking about nine inches in the next three years. We think it’s better to understate than to overexaggerate.

But also, take it seriously and then try to find ways to turn your thoughts into actions. I think part of it really is to understand how serious it is.

What is something you are looking forward to seeing happen this year?

We’re trying to get the conditions right to map our seagrasses. We know our water quality is recovering, we know our seagrasses are coming back … we know we’re going to have a big seagrass increase, I just don’t know what the number is.

That number will come out next year. The mapping takes a lot to turn out. And when that happens, then I’m going to be able to say, “see, we knew we could do it.”

Alternatives Public

SR 789 (Longboat Key) PD&E Study

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) invites you to an alternatives public workshop for the SR 789 (Longboat Key) Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study (FPID 436676-1) from North Shore Road to Coquina Park Entrance in Manatee County. The alternatives public workshop is being conducted to present information about potential bridge replacement alternatives and to provide the opportunity for the public to express their views about the project. You can participate live online or in-person. The same materials will be displayed at both the online and in-person events.

LIVE ONLINE OPTION:

Register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/LBKSR789

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6 – 7 p.m.

This event will

IN-PERSON OPTION:

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Anytime between 5 – 7 p.m.

Christ Church 6400 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Longboat Key, FL 34228

This will include a looping video (no formal presentation) and the project team will be available for discussions.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments can be provided through the project webpage and questions can be answered by calling the FDOT project manager Patrick Bateman, P.E. at (863) 519-2792.

FDOT is sending notices to property owners, business owners, interested persons and organizations within 300 feet of the project to provide the opportunity to give comments to FDOT regarding this project. FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age , sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Cynthia Sykes, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2287, or email at Cynthia.Sykes@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the alternatives public workshop. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022 and executed by FHWA and FDOT.

Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more

LONGBOAT

Start spreading the news

Out with the old, in the with the new. The Observer may be the only newspaper company in the country installing new news racks.

After reaching an agreement with the city of Sarasota, our company, the Observer Media Group, is taking responsibility for replacing and updating all the rundown newspaper stands in downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.

In many big cities, empty, often blighted newspaper stands dot the streets, reflecting the changed newspaper industry. In downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, newspaper stands may not be empty, but you’ve seen them — rusted, often marked with graffiti and often filled with trash.

We’re changing that.

Starting next week, new modular news racks will start appearing on the east end of Main Street and work their way west to the bayfront and out to St. Armands Circle.

In March 2020, downtown merchants brought vandalized newspaper stands to the City Commission’s attention in an effort to have the modular news rack at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue taken out because they believed the racks contributed to issues associated with criminal behavior.

Ultimately, that news rack was removed, resulting in the start of discussions between the Observer and city of Sarasota.

AESTHETICS FIRST

In the early 1990s, when the newspaper industry was booming, news racks were first brought to the city’s attention because a proliferation of singular news racks installed downtown caused concern that the racks would damage the city’s aesthetics.

Thus, the city adopted Ordinance 98-4089 that designated St. Armands Key, Bird Key and Lido Key as a “News rack Improvement District” that required publications to be distributed in “news information centers (aka modular news racks).” This continued as a pilot program through 1998 when the City Commission held a workshop to discuss using a third-party vendor, City Solutions Inc., to administer the modular news racks.

This proposal sparked outrage from area publishers, including the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times (now Tampa Bay Times) claiming First Amendment rights violations.

After working with newspaper publishers for two years, the city further expanded the code with Ordinance 99-4152, which tapped the Sarasota Herald-Tribune as the

PARTICIPATING PUBLICATIONS

■ Coastal Angler

■ DSA Downtown City Guide

■ Florida Mariner

■ The Happy Thrifter

■ Jewish News

■ MustDo

■ Taste

■ Ticket

■ West Coast Woman

■ 1970 Main St.

■

■

■

■ 1661

■

■

■

leader of a voluntary program.

The Herald-Tribune installed and maintained the modular news racks on behalf of participating publications, which included the Observer Media Group’s publication the Longboat Observer, within city limits. This ordinance included a provision that prohibited the placement, installation or maintenance of any singular news rack within 250 feet of a modular news rack.

Because the program worked so well, the city adopted another ordinance, 04-4551, in 2004 that increased that minimum required distance to 500 feet.

Over the years, similar situations have occurred on Siesta Key and Bradenton Beach, with the Sarasota County Commission and city of Bradenton Beach following and modifying Sarasota’s codes.

NEW(S) RACKS

After nearly 20 years of distributing area publications through the modular news racks, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s parent company, GateHouse Media (now Gannett), pulled out of operating and maintaining the news racks. To no surprise, that led to the current state of disrepair.

But after a 2020 City Commission meeting, the Observer Media Group partnered with the Down-

town Sarasota Alliance in a test case to clean up the modular news rack at Bayfront Park by repainting the racks red. While the fresh coat of paint did make the rack more visually appealing, everyone involved agreed: Brand new racks would be the best course of action.

It took more than two years, but in April 2023, our company and the city entered an agreement allowing the Observer to perform the lead role to install, own, repair, operate, maintain and remove modular news racks in the city in accordance with the city code. The Observer Media Group and nine other publications (see box) made a $24,000 investment in the new racks, with the Observer covering 65% of the cost. Finding a rack maker was no simple task. As we all have seen the decline of daily newspapers, there aren’t many companies still making or distributing modular news racks. We found one in Yoakum, Texas — Mechanism Exchange & Repair Inc.

But because our order was so large, its spokesman told us the company did not have any of the parts in stock, and the racks needed to be fabricated from scratch. He said it would take about four months.

Finally, the new modular news racks are here. We will begin removal of the old racks and installation of the new racks with the unit at 1970 Main St. We’re estimating it will take six to eight weeks to complete the entire project.

Investing in modular news racks is not only important to us and our media colleagues, but these racks are important to the businesses that advertise in our publications. Our mission at the Observer is to inspire our audiences with extraordinary local content and to help our partners prosper. And to ensure we are fulfilling our mission, we need to get our news and information to you, our readers, everywhere you are in a safe, clean and easy way. After a meeting with the city to map out our installation plan, the Observer’s circulation manager exclaimed, “I think we’re the only newspaper in the country putting in new racks!” He might be right, and we’re proud of it.

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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Flavor profile

On the eve of their one-year anniversary, the Sips coffee shop owners expand with gelato storefront.

The first year of a business can be make or break. For Sips, celebrating one year on Longboat Key also means a new business expansion: gelato.

Owners Justina and Chris Carter opened Sips in March 2023, focused on coffee, juices and smoothies — hence the name, Sips. But months of behind-the-scenes planning have them ready for their new gelato shop to open under the Sips name in the space next to the coffee shop in Whitney Beach Plaza.

The couple is aiming for March 1 to be the soft opening of their gelato shop expansion. Also on that day, they are planning to throw a special event at Sips all day long, potentially including giveaways.

Remodeling of the space was nearing completion days before March 1. All that was left was to put on a couple finishing touches and get the gelato in the display coolers.

The gelato will most likely be from a local wholesale distributor, the Carters said. Their goal is to transition into making their own gelato on-site in the near future.

There are 13 spots in the display cooler for gelato, which means there could be up to 13 different flavors. Justina Carter said there might be two tubs of a popular flavor, and there will be dairy-free options.

SIPS COFFEE SHOP

Sips is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. But when the new spot opens, they plan to open that side around noon and remain open until around 9 p.m., or somewhere in that time range.  After Sips closes, customers will still be able to order coffee and desserts in the gelato shop. But as for lunch items like sandwiches, those won’t be served after 2 p.m.

The Carters are also thinking

about only opening the gelato side Thursdays through Sundays at the start. There’s some figuring out to do in the beginning, they said.

GETTING CREATIVE

Around August 2023, the Carters decided to start renting the adjacent space to the coffee shop that would become the gelato shop.

At first, they were using it for storage, after running out of space in their coffee shop.

Justina Carter recalled a time

before renting the space for storage. There were days where they would run out of something like milk or paper towels, and one of them would have to run across the street to Justina’s parents business, Performance Pilates. That used to be their secondary storage.

Even when they started leasing the storage space, though, the two were thinking about what use it could have. Gelato was one of the early ideas.

“We wanted something that would compliment coffee,” Justina Carter said. “Gelato goes hand in hand with coffee, and since it is like the same business, you can still have coffee with gelato. And we feel like gelato has a richer flavor than ice cream.”

In September 2023, Justina and Chris took a trip to Italy. Justina’s brother, Lorenzo Condensa, kept the coffee shop open while the two enjoyed their trip.

On the trip, Justina Carter said the two enjoyed a lot of gelato. Sometimes twice a day.

That solidified their idea for gelato.

Back on Longboat Key, Justina and Chris worked to create their vision for the gelato shop. At the same

“We wanted something that would compliment coffee. Gelato goes handin-hand with coffee, and since it is like the same business, you can still have coffee with gelato.”

time, they were expanding Sips’ food menu to include new items, like eggs and chicken salad sandwiches.

One of the most challenging aspects, Justina said, was to figure out how to take a small space and turn it into a place where they could serve many customers at a time.

That’s why expanding their outdoor space was one of the most crucial parts of the expansion.

Sips always had an outdoor patio, but a wall previously separated the Sips backyard from the adjacent unit. But now that the Carters also have the lease on the adjacent space, they decided to take the outdoor wall down.

Now the patio is double the size, with more tables and chairs.

The idea is that customers can walk through the front door of the gelato shop, immediately walk to the display cooler to pick out their gelato and then walk through the line and out the back door after paying.

There’s a couple tables inside, but the outdoor patio space is what the Carters are hoping really brings the spaces together.

Condensa is looking forward to the creative potential for an outdoor space like this, maybe implementing some events in the future.

The whole family is looking forward to the expansion and sharing the experience with their loyal Longboat customers.

“It’s just an exciting adventure,” Chris Carter said. “We’re celebrating the people that supported us. Everyone helped us out, they wanted to see us succeed. We’ve had a lot of returning customers. Without the community, we wouldn’t be here.”

Powel Crosley Estate Historical

Powel Crosley Estate Historical Open House

Open House

Police

Chief Rex Troche and members of the SPD command staff present 2023 crime data to the Sarasota City Commission. Courtesy image

Zero murders in Sarasota last year

SPD reports an overall decline in serious crimes last year and no homicides in the city for the first time in 56 years.

ANDREW WARFIELD STAFF WRITER

T

That was in 1967.we started doing, using the data and focusing on those hotspots, people know that they cannot come to Sarasota and commit a crime without being caught,” Troche said.

One example is Operation Armistice, which SPD conducted from April through August of last year. That effort resulted in 99 arrests, 193 felony charges, 46 misdemeanor charges, 20 firearms seized, 5.63 pounds of narcotics seized and 61 traffic citations.

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Fifty-six years later, Sarasota went all of 2023 without a homicide, according to a report presented to the City Commission by Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche and members of the SPD command staff.

The entire operation was conducted with one sergeant and five officers. Among the narcotics seized, according to Capt. John Todd of the Criminal Investigations Unit, were cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana.

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Arrests were up and serious crime was down in Sarasota in 2023, all of which sends notice to city residents and outsiders alike that committing crimes here will meet a robust law enforcement response.

That was the message delivered by Troche and company as they presented the results of last year’s law enforcement efforts. Successful crime-reducing operations, high visibility and building community relations were some of the reasons for the decline in serious crime, they told commissioners.

“I would say the operations that

“It was a data-driven and intelligence-led, proactive enforcement operation that was conducted by members of our Community Action team,” said Todd of Operation Armistice. “Before they even started the operation they got with our crime analysts to find out the who, what, when, where and why these crimes were occurring; where these crimes were occurring; the days of the week and times and locations; and potential suspects that we need to keep an eye on.

“It was just a fantastic job by them and it certainly curtailed the crime levels that we were seeing.”

Headlining SPD’s presentation, though, was a significant drop in

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Part I crimes — homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and vehicle theft — and that, for the first time since 1967, there were no homicides in the city. By contrast there were seven homicides reported In 2022.

“We had to go so far back that we’re looking at three-by-five cards,” Troche said of the records search.

Overall, Part I crimes were down 16.2% with the only category increase a 12% rise in forcible sex crime. The reduction in Part I crimes from 2022 to 2023 is the largest in the city since 1999, according to SPD.

“Essentially, the things that need to go up went up (arrests) and the things that need to go down went down significantly,” Troche said. “We did this without alienating ourselves from the community. I think it’s really important to understand that because I’ve seen agencies come up with numbers like this and they essentially become the enemy of the community. We haven’t done that. In fact, we’ve done quite the opposite. We have built relationships within the community.”

In addition to data-driven police work, command staff cited SPD’s esprit de corps and its ability to recruit experienced officers to the department.

“We’re thankful to our recruiters hiring law enforcement officers

with prior experience,” said Capt. Robert Armstrong of the Patrol Division. “They come with a whole set of tools and they’re ready to go. They’re easier to train and they can be fasttracked. We have very motivated sergeants out there training the officers every day. Right now we’re really feeling the culture and the morale is up. There’s a feeling of family.”

Commissioner Erik Arroyo asked Troche which strategies he felt were most effective in achieving the 2023 numbers.

“I think the most important thing is our use of technology that we have in the city,” Troche said. “No. 2, building the relationships with the community, I think is huge. It’s something that’s not quantitative. It’s qualitative, and we can see the difference in the partnerships that we have.”

Visibility, Armstrong said during the presentation, is another factor. The patrol division employs multiple details such as homeless outreach and downtown traffic, and at shift change all those Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicles suggest an imposing presence of law enforcement personnel.

“The police Tahoes are big, they’re bright, they have high visibility,” Armstrong said. “It just shows high visibility when there are a lot of Tahoes on the road.”

SARASOTA CRIMES 2022-2023

ARREST

Republican Club of Longboat Key, Inc.

P.O. Box 8181

Longboat Key, FL 34228-8181

DINNER MEETING!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Our guest speaker is Fiona McFarland, of the Florida House of Representatives.

Reception: 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Dinner / Meeting: 6:00 PM to 8 PM

NEW LOCATION:

Sarasota Yacht Club 1100 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236

GUEST SPEAKER: FIONA MCFARLAND

Representative Fiona McFarland was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2020, and chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee. She has championed wide ranging policy from increasing case workers for child welfare services; regulating how companies use our personal data; improving 911 emergency services; and making historic investments in sea level rise, coastal resiliency, and creation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Representative McFarland is a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. She served as a Surface Warfare officer, deploying onboard guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88); she was a plankowner of Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4); and served in the Navy Office of Information in the Pentagon. While on active duty, she also earned an MBA from University of Chapel Hill. She continued her service in the US Navy Reserves, deploying around the world for everything from antisubmarine warfare efforts above the Arctic circle, to partnership building exercises among regional African allies and partner nations.

In her civilian capacity, Fiona worked for the business management consulting firm McKinsey and Company, where she served clients across media, consumer goods, manufacturing, and advanced technology industry, consulting directly with senior executives of Fortune 500 companies. Fiona is married to fellow Naval Academy classmate Matthew Melton and they have three young boys.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS DINNER: $75

Because we must give a final number to the Club for dinner, the deadline for reservations is 3pm, Friday, March 8th. Reservations will not be accepted after that date. Thank you for your understanding.

Make your reservation online and pay securely with your credit card by going to our website: rclbk.org

For more information, please contact our President: Garnett Black | gblackrclbk@gmail.com

L’Ambiance

Editor’s note: This story corrects a story in the Feb. 22 edition, “Top Realtors combine for $1B sales,” on the top 10 individual Realtors in the Sarasota-Manatee area. Due to incorrect methodology of determining individual agents versus groups of agents selling under one MLS number, the Observer has replaced that information with the top 25 list of agents, including groups.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee recently released a list with its top individual real estate agents for 2023 ranked by total closed sales volume.

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TUESDAY, FEB. 20

IMPOSSIBLE TRAFFIC CONTROL

12:10 p.m., 3700 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Officer Public Service: A caller reported heavy traffic on Gulf of Mexico Drive. A Longboat Key officer went to investigate the traffic, which was due to Florida Department of Transportation construction projects. The town was aware of the traffic, and no further action was necessary.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

NOT-SO-PRIVATE AFTER ALL

1:45 p.m., 1000 block of Longboat Club Road

Disturbance: Officers were sent to a civil disturbance. At the scene, one officer met with the complainant, who said she asked a man to leave the beach because it was private property, to which he responded by telling her to get out of his face. The officers checked the property line with a code enforcement officer, who said only the grass leading up to the edge of the sand was private property, so the man was on a public beach.

MONDAY, FEB. 19

ANOTHER RACCOON PROBLEM

8:08 a.m., 6800 block of Pine Street

Animal Problem: An injured raccoon in a construction dumpster was the reason for a call. The responding officer requested that dispatch have Manatee County Animal Welfare pick up the raccoon.

SUSPICIOUS GOOD SAMARITANS

4:39 p.m., 6300 block of Gulfside Road

Suspicious Person: An officer on patrol was stopped by residents who reported that suspicious people were hanging around vehicles in the parking lot of the nearby beach access point. Upon arrival at the beach access, the officer spoke with the people, who said they were picking up garbage around the beach.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

CASE OF THE REAR HATCH

3:05 a.m., 300 block of North Shore Road

Suspicious Vehicle: While on routine patrol, an officer noticed a red SUV with the rear hatch open. The officer took a closer look and saw an array of items in the vehicle, but none appeared to be disturbed. A canvass of the area showed that all other vehicles in the area seemed to be secure. The officer closed the hatch and went with another officer to look around the nearby beach. No one was found, and it was assumed that the owner just forgot to close the hatch.

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There are many questions to consider when planning for Medicare. It is essential to consider your individual healthcare needs and financial situation. Will you need prescription drug coverage, will you be traveling frequently or living in different states, do you need supplemental coverage?

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Awareness, prevention, support

Houses of worship raise awareness of sex trafficking.

The six houses of worship on Longboat Key and St. Armands

Key hosted a discussion to spread awareness on the reality of sex trafficking.

The discussion was held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 24 at Christ Church of Longboat Key. It was organized by the chairman of Christ Church’s missions committee, Jerry Fox.

The houses of worship sponsoring the event included All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, Temple Beth Israel, Christ Church, Longboat Island Chapel, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church and St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church. They partnered with the Sarasota Police Department and Selah Freedom.  Selah Freedom is an anti-human trafficking nonprofit organization that supports survivors of sex trafficking while raising awareness and advocating prevention.

About 150 people attended the program. The discussion started in prayer led by the Rev. Kenneth Blyth from St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

First, the program addressed the problem of sex trafficking in the area. Fox shared that Florida is the third worst state for trafficking in the nation. He also said that the Tampa Bay area down to Palmetto is tied with Miami as the area in the state with the most trafficking.

Sex trafficking survivor Kelly Bennett set the tone for the discussion with a poem she wrote about her trafficking experience when she was 18 years old. Bennett shared that writing poetry was her escape to express her feelings during that time.

Sgt. Robert Morrison, Community Action Team supervisor for the Sarasota Police Department, fol -

lowed Bennett with his experience in helping trafficking victims and what the police are doing to address the problem.

“Our officers are highly trained in what to look for in human trafficking in their daily interactions,” said Morrison. “We know human trafficking is not a victimless crime. The victims are the ones who have been sold, so we want to target the buyers of the sex trafficking. We’re trying to set up operations in that regard. Also, we prioritize having strong partnerships with Selah so that we can have a good debrief with the victims, having those civilians being able to come in and relate to them, getting them to open up a little bit more.”  Gabrielle Triplett shared her trafficking story and how Selah Freedom saved her and helped her change her life. She is the awareness advocate for the organization.

“I’m proud to say that I’m a survivor of sex trafficking and a graduate of Selah Freedom’s faith-based reha-

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bilitative program,” said Triplett.

“Though I have escaped the world of sex trafficking, I still face challenges. But every day I am growing and healing because I have let God and Selah into my life. By my life being changed, it has also changed the lives of my children going forward and protected them from what happened to me.”

The second part of the program discussed how Selah Freedom is responding and preventing the trafficking problem.

Executive Director Stacey Efaw and Co-founder and Director of Consulting Laurie Swink followed Triplett to cover Selah’s program for trafficking survivors. Selah’s five areas includes outreach for survivors on the streets and in jails, prevention by educating schools and community organizations, providing residential opportunities for survivors, awareness across the nation, and consulting for other organizations who want to start their own safe houses.

Law Enforcement Liaison and Trainer Misty LaPerriere finished the talk by going over how to identify signs of trafficking, and how guests of the discussion could take action themselves.

The Rev. Brock Patterson from Longboat Island Chapel closed the discussion in prayer.

“I have lived on the island for 10 years, and I didn’t know about the

trafficking problem in the area until 2022,” said Fox. “It is important for our community to be aware and each do our little part to prevent this horrifying problem affecting our community.”

A gift to build upon

Temple Beth Israel celebrates 45th anniversary and a $500,000 donation for renovations.

Temple Beth Israel honored Harold Ronson at its 45th anniversary gala, “Making Memories.” Ronson donated a total of $500,000, which is the largest contribution in the history of the synagogue.

The event started at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres on Feb. 25 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Co-President Marion Levine thought it would be a nice change to move the location this year after having the celebration every year at Michael’s On East.

As people arrived at the party, they couldn’t help but reminisce on why they love being a part of Temple Beth Israel.

“I think the temple is unique,” said member Heddy Sabol. “This is truly becoming a cultural center and attracts a diverse number of people, and not just for Jews because we have opportunities such as The Education Center.”

Bob Gary was chosen as emcee for the night, and he swore it is because of his performance in a play TBI once put on, which is his favorite memory from his time in the synagogue.

Once everyone sat down, TBI leaders gave their welcome speeches. Levine, Co-President Michael Boorstein, Executive Director Isaac Azerad and Rabbi Stephen Sniderman all spoke about their gratitude for Ronson, who was in attendance but did not give a speech.

“Harold is a remarkable man,” said Azerad. “He navigates life with grace and kindness. In his love affair with Judaism and his fellow humans, he expresses his support with an abun-

HAROLD RONSON

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Harold Ronson, 97, is a U.S. Navy veteran who fought in World War II. He has dedicated his life to philanthropy, such as contributing the money for the Kay and Harold Ronson Health and Applied Science Center at his alma mater Thomas Jefferson University and donating $500,000 to Temple Beth Israel.

dant generosity of spirit. The world is enriched by Harold’s care. You have gifted our temple with the largest single gift it has ever received. On its 45th anniversary, your kindness permits Temple Beth Israel to fund the renovation of its aging structure.”

Ronson’s donations will allow the temple to renovate its entryway, bathrooms, kitchen and social hall.

Temple Beth Israel will be dedicating the hall to him as the Kay and Harold Ronson Social Hall.

During the dinner, Program Director at The Education Center at

Temple Beth Israel Susan Goldfarb organized performances from Sherri Nadelman, SoulRCoaster and Chris Eisenberg of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. They provided background music while people ate and participated in the silent auction. Once the clock hit 8:30 p.m., people were on the dance floor.

“After having spent so many years working overseas as a diplomat, I didn’t have many opportunities to give back,” said Boorstein. “But the temple has been an opportunity for me to volunteer in a very rewarding way. It’s been a source of meeting people and being able to express my own spirituality. There are so many incredibly talented people. You put anyone on the spot and you will get the most incredible stories. We’ve all had different backgrounds including religion because we’re a reformed synagogue.”

An Ecumenical Church that Welcomes all People Founded in 1956

Please join us for worship in person on Sunday at 10 a.m. or online at our website and Facebook Live Stream at 10 a.m.

10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Lord’s Warehouse hours are 9:00 - 1:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

SUNDAY • MARCH 10, 2024 • 2:00 PM Organ

Featuring Chris Westfall

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Organist

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

50 years of worship on the Key

St. Mary, Star of the Sea celebrates 50th anniversary with gala event.

The late Father Edward Pick, who founded the parish of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, was described as a steadfast man and an imposing presence, standing 6-foot-7.

He was so determined to fill the need for a Catholic Church on Longboat Key that he went door to door asking for donations all along the island from 1973 to 1978.

He didn’t wait for construction to commence. During this time, Sunday Mass was held at the firehouse on the north end of Longboat Key.

“There was nothing on Longboat in the 1960s, just a fishing village,” said founding member Marilyn Broder. “It was so small attending Mass in the firehouse, but Father Pick had a strong character and commanded the room. Also, it was just a scene to see him going door to door asking for donations. This was really his baby, and he saw it through.”

Before there was a Catholic church on the island, Mass was led by priests from St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, first at the Longboat Key Youth Center and then in the firehouse, although Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley purchased the 12.5acre property for the church in 1964.

In 1973, Pick was named the first Catholic pastor of Longboat Key. Thanks to Pick’s door-to-door visits and financial committees, the parish

was able to put into action plans from Tampa architect Cesar Alfonso in 1973, with the first Mass celebrated at the newly built St. Mary on May 27, 1978.

St. Mary has grown considerably since those early days. And parishioners give the credit to Pick for their close-knit church and say that his legacy stays strong today.

That legacy lives on in the Father Edward Pick Fellowship Hall at St. Mary, where the congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary gala Feb. 23.

Linda Olsen, who organized the event, put a lot of work into celebrating the occasion. Her committee made beautiful centerpieces, ordered ice sculptures and oversaw every detail to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Prominent figures in the local Catholic community came to help celebrate the anniversary, including Bishop Frank Dewane, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Venice.

Pick’s vision for the church was personal to those founding members and to the island of Longboat. The best representation of this is found in St. Mary’s famous mural behind its altar.

Local artist Frank Hopper painted the mural. He was recommended to Pick by a St. Mary parishioner. Pick explained to Hopper that he wanted to create scenes from the Bible by using inspiration from local people and parishioners.

Congregants shared that Jesus’ hands in the mural are based on a local carpenter’s hands and Mary Magdalene’s face was based on a woman who was a bartender at a local bar.

Throughout the mural and other art around the church, people draw connections to local personalities and the founding parishioners of the church. The painting of the mural took three years and was installed in the still-under-construction church on Dec. 8, 1973. That’s also the date to which the church traces its official founding.

But Pick’s plans for a church didn’t stop once it was completed in 1978. Additions continued throughout his years such as the present rectory in 1984, the Stella Maris Activity Center in 1991 and the prayer walk, memorial garden and the outdoor Stations of the Cross in 1995.

“Father Pick was such a character,” said Eleanor Karnell. “He would end every Mass with ‘Be kind’ and he would say it in his really deep voice so it really stuck with you. He was at every event. Every year at the fashion show, he would wear this white suit and stand there giving drink tickets to all the ladies. You wouldn’t even know he was a priest.”

After retiring in 2008, Pick was still involved in the parish and helped his successor, Monsignor Gerry Finnegan, and current pastor, the

Rev. Robert Dziedziak. Pick died on March 27, 2021.

During the gala, church members shared how Pick’s legacy has been carried out through all of his successors. Elaine Cichon said each pastor, including Dziedziak, humanizes the services with humor, care and involvement in other events not related to religious duties.

“Father Robert is a mover and shaker, and I swear he was the Energizer Bunny,” said Olsen. “He always has a smile on his face and is kind to

everyone he meets. He has touched so many of our lives with gratitude and appreciation. We are so blessed to have Father Robert.”

John Vorel has attended St. Mary for 40 years and shared that he is amazed with its evolution.

Vorel said, “As the parish is getting younger and we are passing it to a younger generation, it is nice to see how far we have come and how it still has Father Pick’s energy and spirit.”

WHY ST. MARY?

President of the Board Bob Soper:

“St. Mary has had a significant effect on our community with all the effort and charitable events. Our community is about giving back to the community and helping those in need.

Also, we have a lot of interesting events like our Oktoberfest, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Italian night, and Motown. We give back and have fun, too.”

Catherine Costello:

“I just feel privileged to be a part of this community. I rarely went to church when I lived in New Jersey, but St. Mary inspires me with that mural and the people. It is like a big family that pushes you in the right direction to God.”

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Pickleball passion pairs with purpose

The Rotary Club of Longboat

Key hosts a skills and injury prevention clinic, raising over $12,000 for charitable causes.

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key helped train a group of intermediate level pickleball players, while also educating them on injury prevention — and raising money for charity.

Through ticket sales and sponsorships, the Feb. 21 event raised more than $12,000 to go toward the Rotary Club’s many initiatives, including coastal ecology and sustainability education, food insecurity and child literacy.

The event operated in two sessions, each with 20 participants. There were also 20 instructors and assistants to help with the instruction, which provided for a more oneon-one atmosphere.

First, players had a 30-minute injury prevention clinic led by physical therapists with Fitness Quest Physical Therapy, which is housed in the Tidewell Foundation building.

Michael Ehlers, with the physical therapy group, gave players a brief introduction to pickleball injuries, saying that the No. 1 cause is a change of direction, specifically in “the kitchen,” or area near the net, on the court.

This results in mostly lower body injuries, like spraining an ankle during an abrupt and awkward twist. Other common lower body injuries have to do with the knee.

Upper body injuries are common, too. Shoulder injuries are frequently seen with paddle or racket sports, Ehlers said. He also added that injuries to the long head of the bicep are among the most common with those kinds of sports.

Static stretching is good for shortterm injury prevention, Ehlers said. That’s something that can be done right before going onto the court.

But what he focused on during the talk was dynamic stretching, a longterm injury prevention method and part of some injury rehabilitation processes.

“That’s ultimately how you return to sport,” Ehlers said.

Ehlers and his colleague, Kayla Baum, walked participants through a number of dynamic stretches, most of which worked multiple parts of the body.

For example, different types of lunges loosened up the lower body while also engaging the core. And with resistance bands, some stretches worked shoulders and upper back muscles.

All those stretches could be incorporated into a player’s warmup

routine before going out onto the court.

If injuries do happen, Ehlers said ice is best for the acute stage, or right after an injury. Heat is best for after the injury is out of the acute stage.

Ehlers could see braces among the crowd. He pointed out that those are a good tool, and a common injury intervention method.

“But they’re even more beneficial when you combine them with the dynamic stretching,” he said.

After Ehlers and Baum finished the injury prevention clinic, community pickleball experts led participants in a demonstration of a drop shot, an intermediate player technique. The players then had about an hour to work with the trainers and assistants.

In between sessions, members of the Rotary Club and sponsors raffled off the door prizes, which include two pickleball paddles and a variety of gift certificates for Longboat Key businesses.

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Lynn Armstrong Coffin will be showing her newest art collection “Full Circle” at the Arts Advocate Gallery in The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall.

‘Full Circle’ artwork

Longboat resident Lynn Coffin debuts art collection focusing on sustainability.

Once her usual materials started to become scarce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Longboat Key resident Lynn Armstrong Coffin had to get creative when it came to how she made her art.

“I had just started building my own frames with Plexiglas, but then COVID hit, and it was being used everywhere,” said Coffin. “I realized I had to change gears, and so I started looking around and I thought, ‘Well, what can we use?’ There’s Amazon with all the cardboard boxes. There was house paint. There was plaster stucco, which you put on walls. Just all this stuff I started finding.”

Experimenting with different materials that include tissue paper and paint color samples from The Home Depot, Coffin made her latest collection, “Full Circle.” It will be on display from 2-4 p.m. every Saturday in March, starting March 2 at the Art Advocates Gallery in The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall.

The collection shows how repurposing materials into unique works of art can lend objects new meaning and bring them full circle.

IF YOU GO

Lynn Armstrong Coffin’s latest art collection, “Full Circle,” will be on display at the Arts Advocates Gallery in The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail Suite 119, every Saturday in March, 2-4 p.m.

The opening reception is March 2 from 2-4 p.m. Wine will be provided.

Coffin likes to be involved in every step of the artistic process, from building her own tools and frames to dumpster diving for new materials. She even involves her husband, Commissioner Gary Coffin. She said she will usually find supplies when she is out with Gary, so he will help bring any materials home that they find around the island.

“I have always loved circles, but I really wanted it to mean something more,” said Coffin. “There is so much you can do with everyday items that you are so quick to throw away. You just have to think a little bit outside the box.”

Coffin said she has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She earned her bachelor’s degree in illustration and graphic design from the University of Georgia. She explored various career paths as an illustrator for advertising companies, an upscale kitchen designer, a children’s book author and illustrator and a sculptor of political figures.

Residences, Sarasota

An unseen, wild world

Libraries celebrate the One Book, One Community selection, ‘An Immense World’ by Ed Yong, which delves into animals’ senses.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Before Ellen India was adult services coordinator for Sarasota County Libraries, she had a different sort of career.

She was a zookeeper for 15 years and worked at Zoo Atlanta for 10 years.

Back then, she thought it was fascinating when she learned that animals can communicate with one another across vast distances, as in the case of elephants, which can pick up one another’s vibrations up to six miles away. So she was excited when the staff of Sarasota County Libraries settled on the book that would be the focus of the One Book, One Community program she is facilitating: “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us” by Ed Yong.

ONE BOOK AUTHOR

ED YONG AND ‘AN IMMENSE WORLD’

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

■ 10:30 a.m. at Suncoast Technical College, 4445 Career Lane, North Port

■ 7 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331

First St., Sarasota

“We knew that almost everybody has had some sort of a personal connection with an animal,” she said.

The book explores how each species possesses its own unique set of sensory skills. We are surrounded by unseen colors, unheard sounds, and other ways of experiencing the world.

India is certain that it’s a book that will highlight not only people’s connections to the natural world, but also allow the public to connect with one another, something that has always been the purpose of the program, which the library system has hosted for over 20 years. The offerings culminate in the appearance of Yong at two separate locations, in North Port and in Sarasota, on March 1, but the programming throughout Sarasota County is already delving into the natural world.

For more information: Visit SCGov.net/OneBook. For a full list of One Book, One Community events visit SCGovLibrary. LibrarMarket.com/Events.

“One of the important concepts of the One Book program is it’s not just that it’s a good book and a good author that people might want to hear, but also; it’s really important for us to look at all the programming ideas that we can come up with,” India said.

For example, during Animal Art with Judy Levine, held at Selby Library on Feb. 20, participants had the chance to explore the natural world through art, in an acces-

Creative reuse on display at fest

from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Artist Andrew Libecki displayed his collection of unique sculptures — the inspiration for which he said came to him in his dreams.

Marilyn Richey, of Jewelry With a Past, didn’t know what to do with her many Victorian-era buttons, collected because of her love of history. Making them into necklaces and bracelets enables her to share this passion with others and enjoy reactions from the unique jewelry.

Jim Rajner is a California surfer turned artist who splits time between coasts. With Jimmy Romo’s Coastal Creations, he shares his mission for sustainability by repurposing surfboards into unique art pieces. He said in the first hour he sold about 24 boards.

LONGBOAT

$9,970,000

Casually

Spacious 5BD/7BA 6,556sf custom home stunningly remodeled in 2022. Move-in ready. Large corner lot on bayou with stunning views down waterway to Sarasota Bay.10,000 lb. boat lift, saltwater pool. Remodel included all new custom finishes including painting, hardwood floors, lighting, hardware, countertops and designer upgrades.

with the help of Big Cat Habitat educators.

sible way. Levine, a local artist, had attendees make collages with animal stencils, and to ensure people wouldn’t be intimidated, she brought in Haitian artwork painted in a “naive” style.

“They don’t look like real animals, and they don’t have to be painted realistically,” she said. “Some people are intimidated if you tell them to draw a monkey or a giraffe.”

With a focus on foreground, middle ground and background, participants created collages, cutting images from the various magazines provided and then using stencils and paint markers to add in animals of their choosing.

At the same time, Levine was able to talk with participants about animals and their unique features, like how a crevice in a dog’s nose enhances its sense of smell.

“It’s because of Judy that I came here,” said attendee Anna Bazileeva. “She’s a great artist.”

Meanwhile, Reptile Encounter with Big Cat, hosted that same day at Fruitville Library, allowed the public to get up close with, and learn about, an American alligator, a monitor lizard, a tortoise and multiple snakes,

“I think having shows like this, people can come up and touch the animals, and they can ask questions that they can’t just ask a TV,” said John Kenyon, also known as “Gator John,” who hosted the event with his wife, Sasha Kenyon.

“Its great — I love to learn about all of the Florida animals. It’s all new to us,” said Donna Kaehler.

India said she was especially glad to be able to feature the topic of bats thanks to the Florida Bat Conservancy.

“Bats are kind of misunderstood and maybe feared by some people, but I’m really glad that we have a chance to learn about them and learn about their role in the environment and how we can live with them peacefully,” she said.

Participants can discover more about the natural world when they listen to the talk by Yong, who traveled the world to research the book. The book has been called one of the year’s best by Oprah Daily, The New York Times, Washington Post and others.

“It’s really interesting to try to learn a little bit more about the different species and what they really are all about, and how they interact with the world, and I think there’s a lot that we can learn from them,” India said.

Condo in Bonaire tops sales at $9.16 million

Acondominium in Bonaire tops all transactions in this week’s real estate.

William and Patricia Werzyn, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, sold their Unit 3 condominium at 5005 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Schutte LBK LLC for $9.16 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 4,638 square feet of living area. It sold for $7.2 million in 2020.

L’AMBIANCE AT LONGBOAT KEY

Jerome Blumberg, as Personal

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS FEB. 12-16

It sold for $1,687,500 in

BAY ISLES

Nale Developments (Florida) Inc. sold the home at 540 Harbour Cove Circle to Dominic Zaccone II, trustee, of Longboat Key, for $2.97 million. Built in 1979, it has two bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,081 square feet of living area. It sold for $515,000 in 1992.

COREY’S LANDING

Robert and Andrea Munzer, Michael Munzer and Steven Munzer sold their home at 3464 Mistletow Lane to David Doyle, of Birmingham, Michigan, for $2 million. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,367 square feet of living area. It sold for $632,800 in 2006.

VILLA DI LANCIA

Mary Ann Hackett, trustee, of Mequon, Wisconsin, sold the Unit 111 condominium at 2165 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Derek Clark, trustee, of Newburgh, Indiana, for $2 million. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $895,000 in 1997.

SEA GATE CLUB

Tracey and Robert Cormier, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 13-B condominium at 2425 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Jeffery Crace, trustee, of Canal Winchester, Ohio,

for $1,725,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,470 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2012.

FAIRWAY BAY III

Jane Luscombe and G. Thomas Luscombe, trustees, sold the Unit 645 condominium at 2120 Harbourside Drive to John Parent, trustee, of Walloon Lake, Michigan, for $1,721,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,632 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,195,000 in 2013.

LAGUNA YACHT VILLAGE

Michael and Wendoly Reichert, trustees, of Longboat Key, sold the Unit 3 condominium at 6326 Laguna Drive to Michael McCredie, trustee, of Ashland, Massachusetts, for $1.7 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,152 square feet of living area. It sold for $940,000 in 2021.

LONGBEACH VILLAGE

Uma Bedi, trustee, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, sold the Unit 11 condominium at 7105 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Mary Kathryn Varsanik and Robert Varsanik, of Rochester, Michigan, for $850,000. Built in 1974, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,170 square feet of living area. It sold for $449,700 in 2003.

BANYAN BAY CLUB

Larry Anstine, trustee, and Brenda Stier-Anstine, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 305 condominium at 5265 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Michael Gus

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

RIVIERA OF

Catherine de’ Ath, of Sarasota, sold her Unit 3-B condominium at 131 Garfield Drive to Thomas and Sarah Creath, of Corning, New York, for $725,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,215 square feet of living area. It sold for $112,000 in 1981.

THE SHORE

Peter Perrotta, trustee, of Chicago, sold the Unit 103 condominium at 5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive to James Zello and Bonnie June Meyer-Zello, of Swanton, Maryland, for $712,500. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms,

two baths and 1,561 square feet of living area. It sold for $210,000 in 1993.

SEAPLACE

Brenda Gail Shields and Ronald Shields, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit G4-106-G condominium at 1975 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Aaron and Laurie Butler, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, for $650,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,068 square feet of living area. It sold for $399,000 in 2019.

BEACH HARBOR CLUB

David Roger Lowin sold the Unit C-205 condominium at 3806 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Nancy Elaine Whitley, of Longboat Key, for $450,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,031 square feet of living area. It sold for $450,000 in 2023.

YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:

• Live Music by Akiem

• Gourmet Chef Catered Dinner

Overlooking Sarasota Bay & Movie

Under the Stars

• Complimentary Beer, Wine, Champagne & Bottled Water

• Fresh-popped Popcorn & Candy Concessions

• Fantastic Prizes Awarded throughout the evening

EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

• Round trip for 2 on the Fast Cat Ferry to Opal Key West Resort for 3 day/ 2night stay in fun, funky Key West Florida!

• 3 day/2 night stay at Ocean Properties’ brand new Sanibel Island Beach Resort!

• 3 day/ 2 night stay at the exclusive Jupiter Beach Resort on Jupiter Island.

• Catered Sunset Cruise for 4 guests on a beautiful yacht with hor d’ oeuvres, wine, champagne and beer.

• President’s Gift - Private Wine Tasting for up to 12 guests. This 90-minute experience includes 8 bottles of wine, a wine consultant and appetizers!

• Behind the Scenes VIP Tour of Mote Marine Aquarium and Research Lab for 6 people.

• Dinner for 6 guests at Zota Beach Resort.

• Casa Del Mar Beach Resort Stay’cation with Longbeach Café breakfast for 2.

• Full Day Cannon’s Boat Rental, and much MORE!

YOUR CALENDAR

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

A TRIBUTE TO UKRAINE

2-3:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Steve Kramer, classical cellist, will perform a classical music concert featuring Rachmaninoff, Leonard Bernstein and more as a tribute to Ukraine and to honor his family, all musicians and artists who are immigrants from Kyiv, Ukraine. Members $45; nonmembers $55. Champagne reception included. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@ LongboatKeyTemple.org.

RECURRING EVENTS

MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

LONGBOAT LIBRARY

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., MondayFriday. 555 Bay Isles Road. Call 383-2011.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS PUMPING THE PRIME: CARDIO, STRENGTH & STRETCH

BEST BET

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 BARK IN THE PARK

3-5 p.m. at the Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Join Town Manager Howard Tipton at a social for dogs and humans. He will provide an overview of the enhancements the town is planning. Residents will be able to share ideas and discuss how residents can help make it all happen. Call 316-1999.

Date: Friday, March 22, 2024

Rain Date: March 23, 2024

Cocktails: 5:30pm

Dinner: 6:00pm

Live Auction: 7:00pm

Movie: 8:00pm

Location: Bayfront Park 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key

Admission: $75 per person

To purchase tickets, Visit LBKGardenClub.org or call 941-387-1909

Proceeds will fund beautification projects at the Longboat Key Town Center, grants to local non-profits for environmental projects and Scholarships for students focused on environmental and conservation-related studies.

# BeTheOne who gives in support of growing local entrepreneurs by donating to the Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County (EDF) during the #GivingChallenge2024 Y our one-time donation will be matched up to $100 by The Patterson Foundation.

Through our programs Sarasota County entrepreneurs who are making a capital investment can access services including liaison to government zoning, permitting, utility partnerships, and access to resources. An entrepreneur can call our team at any time for direct growth assistance and information on the best local resources for their needs.

The Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on carrying out initiatives that have a positive impact on business growth, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and workforce development to further the tax-exempt purposes and mission of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC). To learn more, visit: https://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/foundation

The 2024 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

10 a.m. at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center. This low-impact class helps burn calories and increase stamina. It also includes strength exercises for a total body workout. Participants should be able to get down on the floor and get up readily. (Please bring a towel.) Runs until the end of April/May 2024. Classes are $10 for rec center members; $15 for nonmembers. Contact Mirabai Holland at Mirabai@MovingFree.com.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS

LORD’S WAREHOUSE THRIFT STORE

The thrift store will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Donations are accepted during business hours. Call 383-4738.

MONDAYS

ZUMBA & TONING

10 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Taught by Reena Malik, this class begins with 30 minutes of zumba and finishes with mat Pilates for flexibility and strengthening core muscles. Come for 30 or 60 minutes. Free for members; $15 for nonmembers.

GENTLE CHAIR YOGA

From 9-10 a.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Remain stabilized in a chair and enjoy all the benefits of traditional yoga with certified yoga teacher Emme Shapiro. Join anytime on a prorated basis. Pay as you go: members $13; nonmembers $15. Eight sessions: members $95, Non-members $110. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org.

TUESDAYS AT THE MOVIES

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Members $95; nonmembers $105. Join Gus Mollasis, professional movie maven and film columnist, for a cinematic adventure. Movies are assigned at local cinemas to see and then discuss together in class. Join anytime on a prorated basis. Call 383-8222 or email EdCenter@LongboatKeyTemple.org.

There’s a Lot More to Learn About Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson

A fascinating presentation on March 7 at The Ora explains how their rivalry shaped the future of our country.

Almost everyone knows the story now.

Alexander Hamilton was born in Nevis in 1755. When he was only 15, a hurricane ravaged the West Indies. Hamilton wrote a letter about the devastating storm with such poetic eloquence that a fund was established to send this precocious young intellectual to New York for a formal education.

His abilities came to the attention of George Washington, who recognized Hamilton’s leadership abilities, and his extraordinary talent for writing. At age 20 Hamilton became Washington’s aide-de-camp and played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. He was an impassioned champion of a strong federal government, and played a key role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution. As the first secretary of the U.S. Treasury, Hamilton built a financial foundation for the new nation against fierce opposition from archrival Thomas Jefferson. In 1804 he was killed by political foe Aaron Burr in a duel.

Most of us forget that less than a decade ago few Americans knew the historical details above, although the name Alexander Hamilton was certainly familiar. Of course, the musical Hamilton changed all that. In 2015 Hamilton received a record-breaking 16 Tony nominations and won 11 awards, including Best Musical, and then went on to receive the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Of course, Hamilton is not a documentary, it’s a musical. To present it’s remarkable story in a short time there are some parts that are omitted or embellished. Specifically, while Alexander Hamilton’s relationship with Thomas Jefferson is an important part of the musical, Professor Louis Masur felt that many people would like to know even more about that particular aspect of American History, as the Hamilton-Jefferson rivalry was a defining event in shaping the political foundation of our country.

Professor Masur teaches History and American Studies at Rutgers University. He is a cultural historian who has written on a variety of topics. He has received teaching prizes from Harvard University, the City College of New York, Trinity College and Rutgers University because of his universally recognized ability to explain and dramatize history in a compelling way for both college students and older Americans.

TO ATTEND

What: Hamilton vs. Jefferson: The Rivarly that Shaped America

When: Thursday, March 7 10 am - Noon

Where: The Ora Event Venue, 578 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota | Free Parking

Cost: $49 per attendee

To purchase tickets, visit: YourObserver.com/hamilton-tickets

FORECAST

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

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Chance

SATURDAY, MARCH 2

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SUNDAY,

TIDES