Bob Parrish CPA, P.C.
A Professional Corporation
pro1040 ©
Latitude 270 19.3'N Longitude 820 34.1'W
IT WAS MAY 1995 AND ...
If anyone had asked us about Sarasota Florida before visiting here the first time we would have responded, that we had not heard of Sarasota and did not know its location. How life does hold surprises with unexpected events! Neither of us had any ties to the area (that we were aware of) nor had we any inclination to visit Florida. Although each of us enjoyed inland lakes and rivers in our childhood we did not have a yearn to visit Sarasota. In the early years of our marriage we spent many weekends at inland lakes. All our personal time was consumed with boating and water activities. We spent a few weekends at Galveston, Texas and would return whenever time permitted. However, Galveston was not our destiny. Our souls and spirits were with the water, but were sequestered by the deserts of West Texas. We were soon to learn how misplaced we were physically. Our lives would soon be so intertwined with Sarasota and its Keys that to separate us from the area would be tantamount to separation from our well being. It took a business trip to Sarasota for our attention to be focused where it was intended --- apparently for some time Sarasota had been beckoning us. You will understand why that is stated toward the end of this story.
We were first introduced to Sarasota by a business trip. Arthur Andersen invited Bob to give a presentation of a Beta test of a new software product Andersen was creating.
The
family had not had an extended vacation in some time and it was the tax
season of that year that Mary and I promised the girls (about 14 and 15 at
the time) a family vacation of at least two weeks. The invitation
from Andersen came at an opportune time. Although this was to be a
business trip Bob explained to Andersen he would not make the trip without
the family. We gathered the staff of Bob's CPA firm in a central
location -- without the girls realizing the staff was gathering. We
then asked the girls if they would like a vacation. We then
announced we were all going to Florida for 5 days and would be flying
there in May. All of us expected the girls to be jubilant. Not
so! Both stated, it sounded fun. The younger then asked
"Do we really have to fly?"
The flight from West Texas to Sarasota was not uneventful. The first flight was on a small turbo-prop to connect us at Dallas. Our two daughters sat in seats directly behind ours. As we started the take-off I reached around the back of the seat and held the hand of the daughter that asked whether we really had to fly. Since she permitted me to hold her hand, I guess she was a tad nervous. After a very harried rush through the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport we boarded our plane --- only to wait. And then --- we waited more. We were on board for about one hour, when the pilot announced that all passengers must be de-boarded as the plane was not fit for flight and was grounded. We then waited (while we nearly froze in the cold airport) for perhaps 30 minutes. The airline then announced another plane was ready, the same seating arrangements could be used and the same boarding passes could be used and directed us to the proper gate. We arrived at the Tampa International Airport at about 2:00 or 3:00 A.M. We then made our way to the rental car agency after waiting for a shuttle. Then we discovered there were no models available that we had reserved. However they furnished a LARGER car at the same price. Mary and I had been accustomed to driving a much smaller 300ZX for several years and the CAPRICE WAS BIG. In addition, we were tired, we were not familiar with the area and Siesta Key does not have wide streets nor does it have BIG parking spaces for that BIG CAPRICE. The motel was closed, but we finally found the keys that had been left for us. It was now about 4 A.M. or 5A.M. and we were to have meetings at the Andersen office at 8:00 A.M. Mary called to ask permission to be a little late --- we were given until 9:00 A.M. to be there. Oh well -- so much for sleep, we did not need it, did we?
We were here for 5 days and 3 out of the 5 days Bob was in "back to back" meetings at the Andersen office in Sarasota (this was at the Penn West office complex on Fruitville). The evenings were spent at the beach on Siesta Key. We stayed at the Best Western on Siesta. It was only a short walk to Beach Access 5 (also Crescent Beach was a fun place) and we spent as much time there as we could after the daily meetings. We had two daughters still at home and each was with us. We would all go to the beach, and all of us had a grand time. The two girls were young teenagers and were enjoying the beach. I can still remember them as they would run to and fro in the water and play different games with one another. The beach was not too crowded and all of us enjoyed ourselves immensely. Saturday, we went through the art museum and what was then known as the "Gulf Coast Science Museum". (It is now known as GWIZ). Back then, the Gulf Coast Science Museum was near the Auditorium - not in the same building as it is now. (The library was still in its old building which is where the GWIZ is now located.) We then returned to the Motel and went to the beach - a little earlier in the day this time. Well, that brought some sunburn to the forehead. We had a meal - I do not remember where, but probably either the Old Salty Dog or the Sub shop in the Village. It was at the Sub shop the manager said to us he could always recognize tourists as they were either tanned or burned and the locals were always without tan or sunburn because they were always working --- how true. (Incidentally, if the Cheese Pockets at the Village Grocery are as good as they were --- we advise you try one.) We returned to the beach for the sunset. While sitting on the beach a couple strolled by and the husband pointed at my forehead and mentioned "too much sun". At the time very bright colorful clothing known as "Neon Colors" was popular. I responded and stated that, "yes -- you know how popular Neon Clothing is? Well this is a new fad -- Neon People!"
This couple while out to enjoy an evening on the beach and the Gulf Sunset stood and visited with us for perhaps 30 or 45 minutes. They told us about the Venice beaches, the Ford and Edison homes, Jungle Gardens, Mote, Selby Gardens and other interesting facts about Sarasota (History) and the surrounding area (Longboat Key) to help us enjoy our stay. I hope the couple did not miss the point - their hospitality is the Key. We attended the Mote Aquaria before we were to leave. Did I fail to write about another phenomenon peculiar to the Sarasota area? All of us like the beauty of nature. While on the beach watching the sunset ...
We noticed people gather around sunset time. Young, Families, and the young in spirit all gathered together --- as one. A family - unrelated, except for the sharing of the beauty here. In the sharing of the beauty we are all one. At the moment the sun became hidden by the water's edge - many would applaud. I do not mean figuratively --- I mean applaud, and with enthusiasm, the vibrant pastels and the fantastic show given to all of us, as one, each evening. So we enjoyed the beauty --- and we enjoyed the appreciation of the beauty given to all of us by the Gulf. This was not a one time event --- each evening many would sound their appreciation --- and on the final evening of our stay Mary and I vowed that return we would some day.
We prepared for the return trip by air to West Texas. The return flight was more eventful than the trip to Sarasota. After taking off from the Tampa airport we noticed the lights in the passenger cabin would flicker, sometimes staying off for several seconds. Our daughters were listening to some music and later commented the music would stop also. We then noticed the sunrise was not on the starboard side of the aircraft, but on the port side of the aircraft. This made us wonder .... Then the pilot announced that all passengers should stay seated and keep their seat belts on. The pilot then announced that we were returning to Tampa International. This was a two engine aircraft and one engine had caught on fire and experienced a failure which required shutting down the engine. Continuing his discussion he assured the passengers there was no reason to worry as he had just "practiced this event on a flight simulator the week before". Hummmmmm..... We continued on, and when we landed SAFELY we looked through the windows on each side of the aircraft. There - along the runways, were scores of fire trucks, scores of ambulances and other emergency vehicles along our entire path all the way to the gate! I guess that was the most frightening part of the entire incident! On the way out, I gave the pilot a "High Five". Actually that was not the worst part of the return flight. I will not bore you with all the details, but suffice it to write that we were routed through Atlanta, lost our luggage, nearly lost our seats on the connecting flight and perhaps could have driven from here to West Texas nearly as quickly (at least it "felt" that bad).
We returned to West Texas from our May trip and visited with our friends and family about our new found discovery. We had a few shells and a small bottle of white sand from Siesta. We had a few photographs and pamphlets from the places we had visited here. The fine white sand was in our sandals --- never to come out. It was not long before we were planning a second trip to Sarasota and eventually set the month of September as our time to return. We visited with friends and family to discover that some of our friends knew of the area. It seemed interesting to us that so many of our friends knew of the area and the friends and our family were all 1,600 miles from Sarasota. I know that we must have bored our friends tremendously during this time. We were ready to return to Sarasota.
In September we closed our office for three weeks for the trip --- this time we drove. We had a 1995 Mustang GT with four occupants, luggage for the four, a telephone, a laptop computer and other gear to make some presentations to Andersen. This second trip we had more than one-half dozen meetings with Andersen personnel. This trip we planned more time for getting to know Sarasota. We were learning it is a magical place. We again visited the Art Museum, we traveled through Myakka, and we went through the Ford/Edison homes in Ft. Myers. We stayed on Siesta and visited Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and LONGBOAT KEY. We would walk through the Marina Jack area, as often as we could --- and we started shopping for boats. The bay, the dolphin fountain, the boats made all combine to make a wonderful sight. We started pricing some homes on Siesta and Longboat. We looked into the Sarasota School system and the other types of entertainment here. Although we enjoy the Arts in Sarasota we do not forget our first Love -- the Gulf. All of it comes in a package that is "Just Right". Sarasota and the keys are a magical place. We returned to West Texas ...
Immediately after returning, Mary had items to discuss with one of the Andersen personnel. That afternoon Andersen asked us to return to Sarasota to make another presentation to them. This was in September and we had a very large deadline for personal tax return extensions looming ahead, but made a commitment to be in Sarasota the week following the October 15 deadline. We worked very hard and were able to complete the deadline, prepare the presentations and prepare for the trip.
We flew (Mary and I, and left the girls in Texas, as this was to be a weekend trip). Once again we flew into Tampa International, and luck was with us as the flight was totally uneventful. This was our third trip for the year to Sarasota. We made our presentations and left the meeting. We waited for the meeting in the Motel (The Holiday Inn on Lido) to end as we were invited to lunch AND a wonderful day of sailing on the Spindrift. (Did I fail to mention I am hooked on Sailing now?)
Oh yes -- did I fail to mention that on the drive from Tampa to Sarasota there was the most beautiful rainbow? It was not an arc, but a pyramid which contained ALL the colors one could imagine. I then looked --- and noticed it was raining inside the car --- Mary had broken into tears as she was so happy to be back to Sarasota! (Experience the magic)
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention that during the September trip we needed some work done on the cell telephone. We picked a telephone store at random and about mid-morning went to the store. At the same time, at the same store - out of all the stores in the county and about 300,000 people in the county --- was one of our main contacts from Andersen at the same store at the same moment in time. HMMMMM....
Well enough of that for the moment - back to the trip --- this was the weekend trip in October. We had a wonderful day on the water and a great day of sailing.
Oh yes --- that weekend just happened to be the weekend of our wedding anniversary. What a wonderful anniversary it was. We had lunch at the Drydock Restaurant on Longboat and went sailing on the Spindrift - a 45 foot Morgan Ketch. It was at this time that our souls and spirits spoke so loudly that our attention is finally in focus.
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention some of the results of conversations with Bob's Mother? It was discovered after some of the conversations about Sarasota, Siesta, Lido and Longboat that Bob's Mother called two of her best friends in Austin. The year before those two friends had invited Bob's Mother to Sarasota for a few weeks. Bob's Mother turned it down as she did not have a great interest in Sarasota (more about that later).
Oh yes --- The friends of Bob's Mother have been coming to Sarasota for more than 30 years!!! Hummmmmmmmmm!
There are more "coincidences" later ---
Oh yes --- we mentioned Sarasota to many of our clients and friends. About 2/3 of the clients and friends had either lived here or had family here... Hummmmm!
We thought we would spend a little longer here before purchasing property and asked Mary's parents if we could use their 5th wheel travel trailer and truck to pull it here. We had rented a spot at the Beach RV Park on Siesta. Bob, Mary, the two girls, Bob's Mother, two dogs and all the travel "stuff" were loaded and all headed on the trek to Sarasota. We had the truck/trailer and Mary drove the car of Bob and Mary. There was communication via CB radio between the two vehicles and Bob would ask Mary to check the trailer routinely. She would check tires, level, etc. Outside Dallas, Texas on the Interstate an event occurred. Bob and Becky were in the truck - Bob, of course driving. In one instant the truck motor roared because of the RPM skyrocketing. Bob immediately removed the foot from the accelerator. Then there was a loud squeal -- then a crunch -- then the entire truck fell to the pavement and no brakes - while traveling at interstate speed -- probably 60 or 65 MPH. The trailer started to swerve, but Bob was able to keep it straight. Mary and Becky were screaming at one another over the CB radio --- the entire axle of the truck had come out of the housing, caught on fire and was squirming and turning itself around and end-over-end on the Interstate. Bob and Becky were riding the truck to the side of the road where Bob was fortunate enough to get it on the shoulder without jack-knifing or turning over. The axle, wheel and tire had planted itself firmly on the middle of the Interstate - and fortunately had not hit other vehicles and other vehicles had not hit it. All 6 or 7 lanes had now come to a complete halt with the axle standing in the air and Bob, Becky and the truck ahead --- but on the shoulder. Bob's Mother proceeded to try to move the axle from the middle of the Interstate (she must weigh all of 95 pounds) when one of the drivers of the 18 wheelers stopped on the highway jumped out of his truck and pitched in to help - politely pointing out to her, she should be on the shoulder and let him move the assembly. The failure transpired in a matter of seconds, but seemed much longer. That was around noon. At around 5:00 PM still at the side of the road in nearly 100 degree temperature, we were finally successful to get someone to help with hauling the trailer and hauling the truck to repair points. Mary's brother was able to come out to the scene so that we could show him what had happened and where the trailer and vehicle were being taken. He offered to let us stay at his house until the trailer and truck would be ready for us to continue our trip. We said "No." "We will not back track . We are ready for the trip and will continue to Sarasota." Here we are - that was nearly six years ago.
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention that when we crossed the border at Mobile - it started raining in the car again ... You KNOW why!
Oh yes --- one time we were at the Buccaneer Inn and Restaurant (the restaurant now closed) and were ready to get into our car. We had been visiting some friends with a boat there. Just then --- magically appearing were the best friends of Bob's Mother. They had come to Sarasota for a visit and just happened to be at the same Restaurant at the same moment in time .... Hummmmm!!!
Oh yes --- In between our trips back and forth, we met one of Bob's Rotarian friends while at an Albertson's Grocery Store in West Texas. We talked for a while and then discussed Sarasota. We asked the friend if had heard of it. Yes, was the reply my daughter lives there. The friend used to live in Sarasota and in Bradenton. Hummmm!!!
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention that in discussions with our clients and visiting about Sarasota --- it is the home of some of the parents, some had honeymoons here, others have family here? Hummmm!!!
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention --- We were cleaning some of the older files of our CPA Firm. We usually keep the audit workpapers for a very long time. In going through one of the older audit workpaper files we were contemplating disposing of we looked at one of the documents from the audit client (a client we no longer performed services for). This was a business that had franchisees. As part of the audit I had asked for the Franchisee manual for any franchisee - at random, chosen by the client. The audit had been performed possibly 7 - 10 years before. The franchisee he chose was SARASOTA FLORIDA. Perhaps this was our first calling that passed by unheeded? Hummmmmmmm!!! Hummmmm!!! (Sarasota and the Keys are a magical place)
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention --- we moved our own belongings from West Texas - 1,600 miles from Sarasota Florida. We rented a truck in West Texas. We went to pick up the truck and did a "Walk Around" before we were given the keys to the truck. We walked to the rear of the truck - and looked at the license place ...
Florida --- SARASOTA COUNTY
I believe.
..................
Oh yes --- did I fail to mention. After we had been here for a few years --- one of our friends from Texas said she was going to be in Bradenton and would like to meet us for supper. She and her mother had supper with us. We then discovered that she and her family came here quite often and she spent may holidays and summers here in her childhood. She had fond memories of the area. Oh yes --- did I fail to mention she was here for her grand-father's birthday and hopes to return again this year?
Oh yes --- did I mention that a very good friend from High School and early University days sent to me an email? He and his wife decided to visit us in Florida --- his wife has some very good friends on the Florida Atlantic Coast and they came to see us and her friends.
Oh yes --- did I mention that Mary and I saw a friend of ours on CNN a few weeks ago. I wanted to visit with him and say hello. I found his Email address and eventually got his telephone number. We discovered he and his family started vacationing on Anna Maria - only about 3 miles away about two or three years ago and have been here every year since.
Oh yes --- did I mention --- I contacted a friend from Lubbock, Texas. I have not seen the friend for --- perhaps 20 years. We discovered, he and his wife have been spending the entire month of November in Naples (not too far from here) for several years now.
While searching the WWW for technical articles in the accounting field (some unusual hits do appear) I came across a page that looked interesting as it contained key words that led me to think it was located in Sarasota (or near here). I selected the page, learned it was about an individual near Sarasota. The surname was the same as an architectural firm my late father performed some consulting services for, and was the name of one of the students in my senior year in high school. I looked further, to discover it is that very same individual.
Another Experience --- We perform services for a furniture store owner in Odessa, Texas. Usually these services are not routine so contact is not often. In July 2004 Mary and the owner were talking - the owner lived in Florida at one time, and new Sarasota very well - it is his favorite place in Florida.
Another Experience --- After exchanging email letters with a high school classmate it was discovered the classmate had close ties to Florida. It had been recollected the Grandparents lived on the East Coast of Florida (Atlantic Coast), however it was newly discovered the parents and brother now lived in Florida. The classmate's best friend lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida and three or four trips are made to Florida each year.
Goodness, the years transition faster than an insurance salesman's flip-chart! We continue to visit with our friends discussed above. Some by actually getting together, some by email --- and some only by prayer.
Mother passed on in May 2009, without ever getting to move to Florida.
A close neighbor (widow) we cared for passed on a few years ago. Mary and I had helped her after a hospital stay (about seven years ago.) and became friends with her over the years. In the year 2000 she had returned from the hospital and was so weak she could not cook, nor could she sleep in her normal bed. We had at least two meals with her each and every day. This allowed us to cook for her, and be certain she had company to dine with. Without company and care she probably would not have "made it." We were the only ones in the neighborhood and the only "family" caring enough to help her. We became close friends and made certain we spent time with her on every holiday. At first, she was extremely adamant about not doing anything for holidays - no dining out, no special meals, not decorations. By the time the years 2004 and 2005 showed their first days, we were celebrating every holiday and she had decorations (we purchased and put up for her) for Independence Day, and Christmas. We had Christmas parties (use Mary, Mazie, and I) and exchanged presents. To show the "about face" for the celebrating of holidays - once Mazie asked Mary and I to go out for lunch. After taking her home, we had a short visit. Mazie informed us she wanted us to celebrate her wedding anniversary date with her ... Mazie liked to celebrate her birthdays by going to the local Fire House - she called all the EMT's and Fire Fighters her "boys and girls." On one of the birthdays, Mazie mentioned that after doing favors and helping the fire department employees for more than 30 years, she had NEVER gotten to sit in a Fire Truck. Well - that is all it took - Mazie, being too weak to climb into that BIG Fire Truck was lifted by one of the Paramedics into the Truck. The EMT asked if I wanted to sit in or ride in the truck - I responded that would be GREAT, but I felt my job was to be behind the camera, and take the shots of the wonder smiles from Mazie as she looked from the Fire Truck - Mary, Mazie and I had become the best of friends and neighbors - we saw Mazie start to lose weight, but did not see what else was coming - in my own mind (not from Mazie) if anyone had "pulled the plug" on Mazie they would have me to answer to! I would have been suspicious of anyone not giving Mazie one more day. A few months after Mazie's birthday ride in the fire truck, we had to take Mazie to the hospital. Not understanding (we had not been told) we checked with hospital staff and felt Mazie was "in good hands" and resting in the hospital - we left for home. At about 2 or 3 a.m. the telephone rang - a doctor from the hospital was calling and asking me what to do about resuscitation - after all my fretting and concern Mazie's life would not be cared for, it was me she had asked to make the decision, it had to be me.
Caption: "Grab the hug, grab the smile, it might have to last awhile..."
This was Mazie's last birthday - and in fact my place, was behind the camera.
Oh yes ...
We are here -
Longboat Scenes and Longboat Poetry
Sleepy Lagoon Neighborhood - telephone modem
Sleepy Lagoon Neighborhood - broandband
Sleepy Lagoon Neighborhood - for LAN (if the download takes too long, then call or write for the LAN copy of the Sleepy Lagoon Neighborhood Video)
| Land Area: | 4.26 square miles |
| Length: | 10.8 miles |
| Width: | ..05 to 1 mile |
| Elevation: | 3 to 18 feet |
| Water area: | 11.74 square miles |
| Average Temperature: | 73 F |
| Average Gulf Temp: | 75 F |
| Average Rainfall: | 53.09 inches |
| Daily High Temp. | Gulf Water Temp. | |
| January | 72 | 60 |
| February | 74 | 65 |
| March | 77 | 67 |
| April | 81 | 72 |
| May | 87 | 80 |
| June | 89 | 83 |
| July | 90 | 86 |
| August | 91 | 86 |
| September | 89 | 85 |
| October | 85 | 78 |
| November | 80 | 73 |
| December | 73 | 66 |
Seasonal Cycles (Crowds)
Peak tourist season is from October through Easter. Many if not most of the tourists will spend the entire winter in the area. There are a few visitors spending a few days or a few weeks. Most will spend about three months to six months before leaving to return to their homes. Longboat has a resident population of about 8,000 and during the peak season will grow to about 21,000. Sarasota City is about 100,000 and Sarasota County is about 300,000. Bradenton and Manatee County are approximately the same.
For your information and convenience, Lifeguards are expected to keep the public informed daily as to the water temperature, swimming conditions, and other water related activities in the area. Each morning the condition sign is filled out and the corresponding water condition flag is determined by the Lifeguard supervisor. A sign and flag are placed at each tower. A change in conditions will warrant a change in the sign and flag. The supervisor will be responsible for determining when this should occur.
| Gulf Water Temp. | ||
| January | 60 | |
| February | 65 | |
| March | 67 | |
| April | 72 | |
| May | 80 | |
| June | 83 | |
| July | 86 | |
| August | 86 | |
| September | 85 | |
| October | 78 | |
| November | 73 | |
| December | 66 |
Bob Parrish
Copyright © 1999,2000,2001 Bob Parrish. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 15, 2009
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