Business Briefs

+ Former deputy police chief joins Cannons Marina team
Retired Longboat Key Deputy Police Chief Martin Sharkey recently joined the staff of Cannons Marina as a sales specialist.

Sharkey began his career with the Longboat Key Police Department in 1981, when he was 21. He spent 13 years as a patrolman and later served in the detective division, on marine patrol and assisted other agencies in drug busts and performed various administrative duties. He retired in 2011.

Sharkey is a boat captain who spent a couple of years working with his dad, Anthony, in the boat-building industry before beginning his career in law enforcement. He reports that he is having fun working at Cannons, according to the marina’s blog at cannons.com.

“The only drawback so far is that I had to take off my flip-flops and change into boat shoes because I have been running around so much. The people here are great. They are really laid-back and personable and great mentors. And I’m not getting razzed too much for being a cop,” he said.

+ Longboat Key Dental to hold grand opening
Longboat Key Dental will hold a grand opening from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 20, at its office at Suite 110, 595 Bay Isles Road.

Dr. Michael O’Neil took over the practice last spring. The event will offer complimentary refreshments and a chance to meet O’Neil and his staff. RSVP by calling 383-6400.

+ New St. Armands Circle maps available now
New maps/brochures of St. Armands Circle are now available. To pick up a 2014 map/brochure, visit the St. Armands Circle Association’s office, 300 Madison Drive, Suite 201. For information, call 388-1554.

+ Evan Barniskis promoted to assistant vice president
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium announced that Evan Barniskis has been promoted to vice president of the aquarium.

Barniskis joined Mote as an aquarist in 2006 and was promoted multiple times, eventually becoming department manager of fish and invertebrates in 2013. As assistant vice president for the aquarium, he is responsible for overseeing its operations, exhibits, budget, staffing and animal care of fish and invertebrates.

+ Rutstein named top Florida RE/MAX commercial agent
RE/MAX Alliance Group agent Stan Rutstein was the top RE/MAX commercial Realtor in Florida for the second consecutive year in 2013.

A Longboat Key resident, Rutstein is a former corporate executive with a national background in multi-store retailing and importing. He spent 40 years in both public and private business ventures and also has extensive international experience.

Approximately 10 years ago, Rutstein launched a second career in commercial real estate. He has covered and completed projects from St. Petersburg to Fort Myers and now focuses entirely on commercial real estate.