Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron holds annual change of watch

By Ian Swaby
| 4:00 p.m. January 21, 2025

The new Bridge includes Dan Sullivan, Domini Wood, Renee Nadiv, Lois McKenzie David Siesel, commander Barbara Warshaw, Dennis Holly, Sam Doak and Perry Page

Sarasota
Neighbors

The Sarasota Power & Sail Squadron, a local nonprofit, frequently operates in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard.

In fact, it shares the feature, with that service branch, of a changing of the watch ceremony, which it held Jan. 19 at Laurel Oak Country Club.

The 73rd annual ceremony, the occasion welcomed the new Bridge, including the organization's sixth female commander, Barbara Warshaw.

"I'm excited for the challenge. It's a good organization and I really believe in the education that they offer to the public," Warshaw said, encouraging the public to take the boating classes.

The organization offers the classes from its clubhouse on Hyde Park Street and Tuttle Road, and emphasizes civic duty through activities like boat inspections, and fire extinguisher demonstrations alongside the police.

"You can tell when you're out there on a Sunday, who's taken the course and who hasn't," said former commander Susan Lomastro. "That's what our whole goal is: making the water safe."

The ceremony also honored the contributions of other members, including outgoing commander Austin Dickinson.

Dickinson said with many nonprofits to choose from, boat safety was still a critical need in Sarasota due to its geography, stating, "I'm especially excited for the incoming commander to be able to pick that up and really send the message to the community that we're here to help and we're here for any level of boater, whether beginner or advanced."

Sylvia Wedge, Carla Sullivan and Dan Sullivan

As the flag is passed among past commanders, Leon Warshaw accepts it from Edward Fisch, Jr.

Commander Barbara Warshaw accepts the flag.

Austin Dickinson offers a gift to Robert Wolfe.

Dan Sullivan receives a gift from Austin Dickinson.

Domini Wood, a member of the new Bridge, is sworn in by Ron Jones.

Carol Fisch applauds during the ceremony.

Austin Dickinson offers a gift to Walter Rodak.

Michael Landis returns to his seat with an Excellence in Teaching award.

Barry Rush offers a ribbon to outgoing commander Austin Dickinson.

Barry Rush thanks outgoing commander Austin Dickinson for his service to the organization.

Sylvia Wedge, Jose Garnham and Barbara Lausche

Ron Jones swears in Commander Barbara Warshaw.

The organization is dedicated to promoting boating safety.

David Siesel, a member of the new Bridge, is sworn in.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.