East County Observer 7.20.23

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Roller Rumble PAGE 17 FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

VOLUME 25, NO. 34

Golf project ready to tee off

YOUR TOWN

After Commission’s approval in June, builders plan to begin work on a Nick Pricedesigned course in Myakka City this fall.

SEE PAGE 5

Lesley Dwyer

Christmas Paw-ty in July at UTC Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue had a different take on the dog days of summer July 11 when it hosted its monthly Bark and Brews event at the Green at UTC. The Christmas in July theme even had Santa ditching his suit in favor of a short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt.

Residents and their dogs celebrated with live music, splash pads and photos with Santa.

East County resident Raji Menon (above with her husband, Girish) started volunteering at Nate’s after they moved here from New York.

“I used to go almost every day to volunteer, then I found a job and couldn’t, and now I’m retired again,” Menon said. “I love it.”

Courtesy photos

Bill Mixon and his son Dean Mixon work together at Mixon Fruit Farms in 1971. Right: Janet and Dean Mixon hope the farms will be turned into a park.

Liz Ramos

Veteran welcomed to Ranch home Retired Army Sgt. Lucio Gaytan was in awe when the garage door to his family’s new home opened.

The toys and golf cart he found in the garage were just the beginning for the Gaytan family.

The Gaytan family went on to tour their new home in Sapphire Point of Lakewood Ranch July 12.

“I stand before you as humble as I can be and grateful and thankful for my family,” Gaytan said before the ribbon cutting for his home. “This is a great honor. A great weight from my shoulders has come off knowing that my family is going to be OK. Allowing us to do this is like a reset so we can start moving forward.”

PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program, which included a partnership with Building Homes for Heroes and Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, constructed the mortgage-free home for the Gaytans.

Gaytan joined the military in 1996 and was injured during a parachute jump while training for deployment to Afghanistan in 2005. He continued with his deployment and served the rest of his career despite his injuries. He retired in 2018.

No more juice to continue After 84 years, Mixon Fruit Farms says goodbye to the community on July 29.

SEE PAGE 8

These chickens aren’t clucks

Lesley Dwyer

The Manatee County Mosquito Control District maintains 11 flocks of chickens. From pine flatwoods to residential areas, the flocks are strategically placed throughout the county to monitor different mosquito habitats.

Red star chickens provide information to Manatee County about whether mosquitoes are spreading diseases.

SEE PAGE 3

Stock photo

David Turner said the course’s natural setting will make golfers feel like they “are playing in the middle of nowhere.”

A+E

Unscripted, and live, returns Page 13

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Programs and Aquatics Manager Greg Steinberg (middle) surrounded by campers and camp counselors. Steinberg is working on adding more education camps to Nathan Benderson Park’s current lineup of water sports, fishing and archery.

More programs coming to Benderson Park The Sarasota park is known for rowing but offers summer camps, fitness classes and more.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

F

or the past year, every time Heritage Oaks resident Lisa Fay drove by Nathan Benderson Park, she told herself, “I want to row there.”

When she saw a Facebook post that said the park was offering a Learn to Row class, at 60 years old, Fay took the plunge and registered.

The two-day, six-hour course is one of several activities Benderson Park offers, and even though the park is most well known for row-

GO, GATORS

Yes, park users have to share the lake with alligators. However, Programs and Aquatics Manager Greg Steinberg said the larger alligators are removed, and most of the babies are eaten by birds living in the park.

While one alligator made a notable appearance during the 2017 World Rowing Championships by popping up in the rowers’ lanes, there has not been one incident of an alligator attacking a person since the park opened in 2014.

“We received a lot of public records requests when we had the USA Swimming Open Water Nationals because everyone was panicking about alligators,” Steinberg said. “Unless they’re being fed, alligators are going to move away from the commotion of the boats.”

ing, it’s not the only option. Fitness classes, summer camps and dragon boat paddling are part of the programming too.

Newly hired Programs and Aquatics Manager Greg Steinberg is looking to “beef up” the already robust rowing and paddling programs and add more education camps to the fishing, archery and water sports lineup.

“We have Mote Marine being built next door, so if we can start working some STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camps and programs in, it’s a perfect spot because it’s a large, natural body of water,” Steinberg said.

The main lake is 400 acres, but there’s also the smaller West Lake that’s used for fishing and remote control boats. The Sarasota Model Yacht Club races nearly every day of the week at West Lake and offers a mentor program for beginners.

When signing up for Learn to Row, Fay had paddled a kayak before, but that only requires using one oar.

“One of the challenges is just the motion of the hands, not trying to bend the wrist, and then your left hand is higher than your right hand,” Fay said. “It’s a lot to learn in the two days, but they’ve done an amazing job explaining everything.”

Class begins inside the Finish Tower on rowing machines. A volunteer modified one of the rowers so it has two oars attached to it, which Fay found helpful before getting onto the water.

“We learn how to move our body up there, and then we come down here (to the lake) and we start in singles, a boat made for one person,” Masters Rowing Coach Owen Corr said. “We start with them tethered to the dock, so they’re taking strokes out and we pull them back in.

By Day Two, it’s onto quads. With four people rowing the boat, Corr said the most difficult step to learn is how to follow the person in front of you. Once that’s mastered, it’s easier to row with a team.

The course includes two free months of membership to the Masters Team, which holds practices four mornings a week. Fay is considering it, but said she will definitely row again either way.

Lisa Fay looks forward to rowing again after completing a six-hour, two-day Learn to Row course at Nathan Benderson Park.

PARK PROGRAMS

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Park Circle. Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Rentals and boat storage are also available. This is a general list of offerings; the schedule varies depending on park events. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org to check the calendar. Call 358-7275 for pricing.

Learn to Row: An introduction to sculling that focuses on the fundamentals of learning to row with two oars offered on select weekends.

Masters Rowing Team: For rowers 21 and older. Practices are held at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Dragon Boat Paddling: Paddlers 18 and older can choose from a competitive or recreational team.

Paddlers must start with a Dragon Boat 101 session, held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Zumba: A high-energy workout offered on select Saturday mornings.

Yoga in the Park: A gentle yoga session for all skill levels offered on select dates.

Camp Gladiator: A four-week fitness boot camp that combines cardio and strength training offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Email WillieThomas@CampGladiator.com.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

NOT YOUR AVERAGE COWORKER

Here are a few other things Dersch has learned about chickens in his time with the Manatee County Mosquito Control District. n They feel secure when being held tight like a football. n If a chicken is upset, hold it upside down to calm it down. n They go nuts over melons. n A chicken’s favorite activity is a dust bath. n Chickens are descendants of dinosaurs.

Entomology Department Manager Max Dersch visits a chicken flock in Myakka City. There are 10 other flocks scattered throughout Manatee County that help monitor mosquito-borne viruses.

It’s no yoke!

CHICKENS KEY TO MOSQUITO STUDY

Courtesy photo

Day-old chicks are raised to about 16 weeks old before becoming part of the program.

Flocks of chickens across the county keep tabs on three mosquito-borne viruses.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

M

ax Dersch described the inside of his white pickup truck as “a combination of a tiny hardware store and a first aid clinic.”

One must be prepared for anything when tending to 11 chicken flocks and their coops. The truck also contained a thermos of dry ice and 7-year-old, rechargeable batteries to put together a mosquito trap on the fly.

As the manager of the Entomology Department at the Manatee County Mosquito Control District, Dersch can differentiate between a mosquito and a midge fly, fix a broken lock, and draw blood from a chicken.

He oversees the Sentinel Chicken Program and the Adult Mosquito Trapping Program. These two programs provide data that guide public notices issued by the Center for Disease Control and determine if insecticide use is warranted.

The chickens are used to monitor three mosquito-borne viruses: St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Viruses (WNV).

Each flock contains six hens and are strategically placed among different habitats within the county that include coastal areas, pine flatwoods, salt and freshwater marshes, forest wetlands, swamps, residential areas and combinations thereof.

“There’s a different suite of mosquito species depending on what habitat you’re in,” Dersch said.

There are 90 mosquito species in Florida, 53 of which are typically found in Manatee County.

The trapping program uses dry ice because it’s carbon dioxide in a solid form. There are 59 baited traps throughout the county.

“It’s less expensive for us to use dry ice rather than renting com-

pressed CO2 gas in cylinders,” Dersch said. “CO2 is how mosquitoes find us primarily. Same goes for any animal, whether it’s birds or cattle.

They hone in on our exhalation, and they can pick that up about 100 yards away.”

While not much bigger than a soda can, Dersch said the canisters, only half full, can collect about 30,000 mosquitoes. Samples collected provide “close to a real-time assessment of mosquito populations” and allow the district to hone in on which areas need attention.

“By law, we can’t go out on a whim and apply adulticide. We have to have some evidence backing the issue up,” Dersch said. “If we get a complaint, and the person is saying ‘I’m getting bit at this time’ and our inspector doesn’t find anything, there’s not much we can do. But if we trap there and we get a lot in that trap, then the complaint is founded. We can do an application.”

HOW IT STARTED

Mosquitoes were a problem long before chickens and dry ice were a solution.

“Various Spanish, English and French accounts tell of mosquito abundance sufficient to force early explorers to sleep on the beach and cover themselves with sand,” a 2018 Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito Control report reads. “In Jacksonville, with a population of 26,800, the 1888 (yellow fever) epidemic killed 400 people, sickened 5,000 people and caused 10,000 people to flee the city. Of the 16,400 people remaining in the city, 14,000 citizens were left unemployed as a result of the breakdown of commerce.”

While the Jacksonville example took place over a century ago, it illustrates the point of how long mosquito control has been essential to a healthy economy. A breakdown of commerce in modern-day Florida is a hit to the agriculture and tourism industries.

The report says the economic losses in Florida were not welldocumented, but an outbreak of SLE in 1990 is likely to have caused millions of dollars of

Dersch taps to release the water, which the chickens can do themselves, but Dersch says the flock is curious and always looking to be entertained.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

direct and indirect losses.

An earlier outbreak of SLE in 1977 caused Manatee County, along with 10 others, to start sentinel chicken programs in 1978. Sentinel is not the breed of chicken, it’s referring to the job they perform as guards or lookouts.

The breed Manatee uses now are red star chickens, but that came from years of trial and error.

“These have become our favorite breed. They’re just inquisitive and brave. They’re easy to handle whereas other breeds can be really flighty and spastic,” Dersch said. “In this situation when we’re doing blood draws once a week, we’re really looking for breeds that are calm for themselves as well as us because you’ve got a hypodermic needle in your hand. You don’t want a twitchy, spastic bird.”

First, the district started with white Leghorns, which were then nicknamed the “crazy birds,” so they moved on to buff Orpingtons, which are calm but too big to handle. Dominique chickens became the standard until the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their supply and red stars became the new standard.

SERVICE CHICKENS

The chickens can only be put to work for a year and a half max. A year is the average because as they age, their blood chemistry changes and their test results become unreliable.

Blood is drawn weekly and sent for testing at the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Public Health Laboratory. Dersch said one chicken testing positive is background information, but if half the flock tests positive, that’s a benchmark that will get the state’s attention for safety reasons.

Chickens are the ideal animal for this kind of detection because they’re “dead end hosts.” Not only

will they not show signs of illness when infected, they don’t transmit the virus to handlers or each other.

“There are other methods that are coming up, and maybe in the future, sentinel chickens will be obsolete,” Dersch said, “But right now, they’re still the best way of finding out when the mosquitoes are actively transmitting arthropod borne viruses.”

The only reason an infected chicken is forced into early retirement is because she’ll keep testing positive.

The viruses have no impact on the chicken’s eggs or meat, so after a few weeks, even an infected chicken can be safely put up for adoption. There’s a waiting list of about 30 residents who have predator-proof accommodations ready to take them in.

The chickens are mainly kept cooped during their service year because, datawise, they’re hard to replace if one gets scooped up by a hawk. Each chicken is tagged and numbered. Introducing only one to a flock causes problems because the others will peck at the outsider.

“Once they’re done with their year, they go by and large to free range homes,” Dersch said. “I don’t know anybody that keeps them in a coop.”

The district starts raising them on site in a walk-in coop at its Palmetto office. They’re raised from day-old chicks. When about 16 weeks old, they can be put into service.

The staff becomes friendly with the flocks. They often bring leftovers from home. A half eaten head of cabbage is a real treat. Dersch will string rope through it and hang it in the coop for enrichment. But superstition prevents them from naming the chickens. They use a color-coding system instead.

“When a little chick just takes your heart because it’s so cute, something bad’s going to happen to it,” Dersch said with a laugh.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Two developments approved by Planning Commission Residents voiced objections to proposed townhomes on Linger Lodge Road and an expansion to the Hillwood community along Waterline Road.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

raffic and tortoises were just two subjects up for debate at the July 13 Manatee County Planning Commission meet-

ing.

“We are inundated now with traffic,” Lisa Pring said. “I represent 321 homeowners in Braden Woods.

Everyone is scared to death about what is happening here.”

Pring is the president of the Braden Woods Homeowners Association, Phases 1-4. Beyond traffic jams, Pring said her community fears D.R. Horton’s proposed residential development on Linger Lodge Road will displace wildlife, cause flooding and create safety issues.

“In Braden Woods, we have children who are picked up early in the morning, and it is pitch black,” said Braden Woods’ Doncy Beard. “We have very few street lights. The added traffic is a safety concern in that respect.”

Pring and Beard were two of more than 60 Braden Woods and Tara residents who sent letters to the county to object to Horton’s request to rezone 17.8 acres on the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and Linger Lodge Road for residential use. Currently, seven acres of the site is zoned for mixed-use development and the remaining acreage is zoned for Agricultural Suburban.

The plan is to build 99 townhomes and leave 75% of the parcel as green space. After listening to the public’s input, the preliminary site plan was passed by the board in a 5-0 vote.

“A lot of people are concerned with the A.M. traffic more so than the P.M. traffic,” said Michael Yates, the principal of Palm Traffic, a boutique traffic engineering firm. “The capacity of the roadway, 1,190, is based on the Level of Service tables

from Manatee County. The existing traffic there (in the morning) is about 350 cars. We add about 50 cars to that, so 400 in total, you’re less than half the capacity of the roadway.”

Pring thought an estimate of 1.25 cars per home would be more accurate for the area. But the biggest complaint by Braden Woods residents is that they are already absorbing traffic from the Linger Lodge expansion and the apartment complexes built behind the Walmart on Ranch Lake Boulevard.

Residents told the board that Braden Run is seeing more motorhomes and big trailers since the Linger Lodge reopened, and motorists living in the apartments are using it as a cut-through street to get to Interstate 75 and University Parkway.

Board member Ray Turner said traffic aside, District 5 needs affordable housing. While board member and Braden Woods resident Paul Rutledge said he would vote to add traffic to his own neighborhood because the project is a good balance between development and green space.

“When you can keep 75% of an area undeveloped, that’s a good barometer for me,” Rutledge said. “I think this 75% open area gives (the wildlife) a better chance.”

Wildlife, and gopher tortoises in particular, were discussed in regards to another project passed unanimously by the board. Sand Branch LLC is seeking to expand the Hillwood development by 57 singlefamily homes on 19.43 acres along Waterline Road. The original 195 homes were approved in 2013.

The request includes a modification to the general development plan and a rezone from General Agriculture to Planned Development Residential. But residents were more focused on the past than the future

Lesley Dwyer

ADDITIONAL APPROVALS In other Planning Commission action: Two additional and separate rezone requests were passed for the same purpose — to qualify citizens for a 30% reduction in premiums when applying for flood insurance.

The county is seeking to rezone approximately 23,000 acres of county and state land from a variety of uses to strictly conservation and about 5,000 acres into Recreation/Open Space to qualify for a “Class 4” rating through FEMA’s Community Rating System, which offers the discount as an incentive.

when airing their objections to the project. “(Sand Branch LLC) said, on this property that they want to have rezoned, that the clear cutting for agricultural purposes was done years ago. It was done nine to 10 months ago before Hurricane Ian came through. I know because I saw the bulldozers,” said Mark VanDeRee, a representative for the Waterline Road Preservation Group. “In the

process of them doing that clear cutting, they trampled on the tortoises.”

Because gopher tortoises are listed as threatened, the tortoises and their burrows are protected under state law. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states on its website that “Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place.”

Whether the land was cleared illegally was questioned by Dorothy Rainey, Manatee County’s principal planner, who thought the land was cleared after the hurricane. Rainey said other projects were under review as well because hurricanes do not provide a “free-for-all” to clear cut without permits in anticipation of development. Under county code, “in anticipation of development” requires a permit.

Attorneys for Sand Branch disputed the claim they were responsible, saying they don’t even own the property yet. They said the Ellis family has owned the parcel since 1925 and has clear cut the land three times in the past 100 years.

The sale is contingent on the project’s approval.

Although both projects were approved by the Planning Commission, both projects still have to gain approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

Lisa Pring, president of the Braden Woods Homeowners Association, Phases 1-4, thanks Elise Evans for bringing photographs that show there was no sign posted at the site for a proposed residential development on Linger Lodge Road.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Plans emerge for luxury golf community Famed golfer Nick Price and instructor David Leadbetter are involved with the project along with homebuilders John Cannon and Anchor Builders.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

L

akewood Ranch’s Charles Duff knew he and partners David Turner and John Galt were giving former golf great Nick Price an imposing challenge when they asked him to design a world class course on Singletary Road in Myakka City.

Besides all the usual challenges of developing a 7,400-yard, par-72 course, Price was told he could not touch any of the wetlands that run through the 537 acres of the new Soleta community.

And oh, by the way, the 93 custom built homes on the property were not to be connected to the golf course.

Did Price, who is in the World Golf Hall of Fame, take the assignment seriously?

“He did 56 iterations of design,” Duff said.

“Nick impressed us from Day 1,” Turner said. “It was intimidating, but he wanted to be involved with it.”

Duff said that kind of commitment is going to make the Soleta golf community not only one of the best in Florida, but one of the best in the country and beyond.

Besides forging a deal with Price, who won three Majors and attained the No. 1 ranking in the world during his golfing career, the partners signed famous golf instructor David Leadbetter to design a 30-acre practice and performance facility on the grounds.

Leadbetter might be known best for rebuilding the swing of Nick Faldo, who went forward to win six Majors. Ledbetter-coached players have won 26 Majors.

In a release, Leadbetter said the new practice facility will be a “field of dreams.”

Away from the golf course, luxury homebuilders John Cannon Homes and Anchor Builders have been signed to design the custom homes.

“When we saw the availability of this property, we went back and forth

PROJECT TEES OFF

Courtesy photo

Soleta’s Charles Duff and World Golf Hall of Fame player Nick Price talk about the design of the course at the site in Myakka City.

on whether this was the right fit,” Duff said. “We had mixed feelings (among the partners).”

While the wild setting offered significant challenges to build, it always guaranteed a one-of-a-kind setting.

“I was a little unsure,” Turner said.

“But when we dug in, it felt like the right location, and the right product.

We are not tract homebuilders. This property will be something unique.

It is not what you see in developed Florida.”

While the new development met some resistance from members of the community, it was passed by the Manatee County Commission in June 5-1 with District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, who had just announced her retirement from the board, absent and James Satcher

voting against the project.

Duff, who grew up in Sarasota, said his dad, also Charles Duff, lived on Singletary Road in the 1980s.

“He lived less than a mile from this property,” Duff said of his father, who died 10 years ago. “We still have family there. It is a special place for me personally.”

Duff said his connections to the area did allow him to talk with “certain residents” about the project as it did encounter some pushback.

“Ninety-three homes (on 537 acres) is not overdeveloping the area based on our conversations with our new neighbors,” Duff said. “There is a lack of space in other places (for a golf course in Manatee County).”

Although Myakka City is 25 miles from Sarasota and 30 miles from Bra-

What: The new Soleta golf course community Where: Myakka City Acreage: 537 Homes: 93 Size of home estates: 1 acre Enclaves: The Sanctuary, The Ranch, and Village Bungalows Home amenities: Spa, fitness center, clubhouse, lagoon pool, children’s splash pads, tennis courts, pickleball courts, play areas, event open space, restaurants Builders: John Cannon and Anchor Builders Practice facility: 30 acres designed

by David Leadbetter Course: The 7,400-yard, par-72 course is designed

by Nick Price, a World Golf Hall of Fame player More information: SoletaGolf.com

denton, Duff said he didn’t believe the new residents of Soleta will mind driving to metropolitan areas.

“This is going to be a world class golf course,” Duff said. “We think it is something where people will be willing to drive.”

Turner, who lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia, said construction on model homes should begin early in 2024. Golf course construction is expected to begin this fall. The hope is that the course will be open for play late in 2024.

“The final site plan will be approved later this year, we hope,” Turner said.

“People have wanted to move to the area, but the golf courses have multiyear waiting lists. Then they heard this is coming.”

Turner said the course’s natural setting will make golfers feel like they “are playing in the middle of nowhere.” The course will wind through pastures, oak-filled prairies, and fields with saw palmettos.

The owners do not expect to chase big professional events to be hosted at the course.

“I don’t know that would be a good fit,” Duff said. “We are going to be more focused on providing for our members.”

The golf club and practice and performance facility will only be open to club members.

The course will be built by Heritage Links, a golf course and irrigation builder that has built heralded projects such as Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Arizona, Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington.

Price’s indoor/outdoor facility will include a state-of-the-art biomechanics studio, a putting studio, GolfZon simulators and other advanced training technologies. The driving range will have covered hitting bays.

For more information on the project, go to SoletaGolf.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Jan Ricard, a volunteer at Woodland Community Church’s food bank, goes through fruit as they prepare for food distribution.

Food banks see consistent, and growing, demand Woodland Community Church food bank representative says more grandparents raising children have been relying on the donations.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

B

radenton’s Beverly Chandler sat in her car as she waited in line for the Woodland Community Church food bank.

She was happy to wait so she could pick up fresh meat and other food

to feed herself and the 15-year-old great-grandson she’s raising.

“I know if I get the meats, it’s going to compensate for my gas,” she said of driving across Bradenton. “All the rest is a blessing. I’m on a tight budget, so raising an almost 16-year-old and with me almost 70, it’s tough.”

Chandler said having access to the

Boxes of food are ready to be distributed at Woodland Community Church’s food bank.

pantry means everything to her.

Gigi Easton, the Woodland Community Church food bank coordinator, said the food bank has seen an increase in demand with the rising cost of food and gas. She noted seeing more elderly people coming through the drive-thru.

“There’s a lot of grandmas and grandpas raising grandkids,” she said. “People who have never been in a food pantry line before are in it now. They don’t feel good about it, but we try to make them feel good about it because most of us that are here have at some point in time either been in line for the pantry or we should have been in the line for the pantry. We just want to help and show them the love of Jesus.”

The Woodland Community Church food bank is open from 10-11 a.m. every Friday, and cars started lining up at 9:50 a.m. July 14.

At Bethany Baptist Church and United Methodist Church in Myakka City, both food banks have seen a consistent need for the past six months.

Bethany Baptist Church’s food pantry serves about 50 families when it opens on the first Saturday of every month, while the United Methodist Church serves between 20 and 25 families on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tammy Parks, who oversees the food pantry at Bethany Baptist Church, said about 75% of the families the church sees at the food pantry are regulars.

“It’s amazing to be able to do this,” Parks said. “It blesses us as much as it blesses those we are able to give to.

To be able to work as a pantry family, it brings us all together and it’s an awesome time to serve the community.”

All three food pantries receive food from Feeding Tampa Bay and the Food Bank of Manatee.

Woodland Community Church has found a new way to get food as well. Easton said the food bank is able to go directly to stores like Publix to pick up food in its refrigerated food trailer. The food bank bought the refrigerated trailer a year ago.

Easton said if she receives a call during the middle of the week, she can accept food donations and have them placed in the refrigerated food trailer. For example, Easton said a representative from the Food Bank

Photos by Liz Ramos

Mary Long, a volunteer for Woodland Community Church’s food bank, loads boxes with food to be distributed.

of Manatee called her one day saying someone had eggs that could be donated. Easton was able to get the eggs and store them with the refrigerated food trailer.

“We do lots of networking,” Easton said. “I used to worry a lot, but I’m a firm believer in the Lord provides. He provides the food that we need every week.”

Having the refrigerated trailer opens new doors for the food bank.

Easton hopes to have pop-up pantries at least once per quarter in the future where she can take the trailer anywhere in Manatee County to provide any surplus donations the food bank receives.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

EAST COUNTY

Mixon Fruit Farms, shown here as it looked in the late 1960s, has been a staple in Manatee County for decades.

“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.”

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Closing can’t peel away fruit farm’s legacy

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Mixon Fruit Farms prepares to close July 29 after 84 years in operation.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

A

s Janet Mixon sat at a table by the ice cream section of Mixon Fruit Farms, a customer approached her.

Although she couldn’t remember the customer’s name, she knew the customer was a regular who frequently bought ice cream.

The customer hugged Janet.

“I’m sure going to miss this place,” the customer said. “I love this place.”

Since Janet and husband, Dean Mixon, owners of Mixon Fruit Farms, announced its July 29 closure, the couple has heard countless stories and memories from customers.

“I’m going to miss people coming up and saying they love our place or thank you for doing this or that,” Janet said. “It has meant a lot to us.”

Mixon Fruit Farms lasted 84 years.

LASTING LEGACY

The idea of Mixon Fruit Farms began in 1939, when Willie Mixon and his wife, Rosa, bought a 20-acre grove in Manatee County with the vision to begin a retail operation.

The business started with Rosa Mixon loading up a Ford truck with their six children and baskets of fruit they would sell to guests at the Dixie Grande Hotel in downtown Bradenton.

Then came the fruit stand Willie and Rosa started on the corner of 26th Avenue East and 27th Street East, which at the time were dirt roads.

In 1941, Willie quit Manatee Hammock Fruit Co. to focus solely on his farm.

At its peak in the 1970s, Mixon Fruit Farms’ groves spanned 350 acres.

“You just saw orange groves everywhere, and everybody remembers that,” Janet said.

Generations of Mixons have since owned and worked for Mixon Fruit Farms.

One of Willie’s sons, Bill Mixon, bought a section of grove for himself in high school. He used earnings from his crops to purchase materials to build his own home.

Bill and his wife, Mary, moved into the house built on the property after the couple married in 1949. Later, Bill and Mary’s sons, Dean and Don Mixon, joined the business.

Dean said his favorite memories are growing up on the farm when they were “running lots of fruit” and they had about 120 employees.

“I started working as soon as I could reach the pedals on the tractor,” Dean said. “It took me awhile to figure out that it was work. It was work, but it was fun.”

In 1992, Mixons sold 250,000 packages of citrus gift boxes, and the mail-order business Mary Mixon developed made up a majority of the

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Courtesy photos

Generations of the Mixon family have worked at Mixon Fruit Farms since Willie and Rosa Mixon bought a 20-acre grove in Manatee County in 1939.

farm’s revenue.

Janet said the North American Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 1994, created an environment that allowed citrus diseases to infect the groves. Diseases like citrus greening, a bacterial disease that attacks trees’ vascular systems and reduces production, caused ongoing challenges.

“It brought in all the diseases that are killing not only citrus but tomatoes, apples, peaches, every single thing you can think of,” she said.

“People are all happy because they get all these wonderful fruit and vegetables. In the meantime, it’s killing the farmers that are here.”

Janet said 20,000 trees died and regulations made it so the family couldn’t graft its own trees.

“They made rules that basically made it very tough to be a farmer,” she said.

As a result, in 2006, the farm took a turn for the worse.

Janet said most of the family wanted out of the business. Bill and Don Mixon decided to sell their portions of the land, which added up to about 250 acres. But after Dean and Janet prayed about it, they didn’t want to let go.

“We thought if we can keep the 50 acres, we can do something different, we could try to make memories,” she said. “I’m a big memory-maker kind of person.”

Dean and Janet took over the farm.

WITH LOSS, COMES LOVE

Dean and Janet met when they were in kindergarten at Manatee Elementary School. After graduating from Southeast High School together in 1969, they went their separate ways.

Janet eventually married Gerald Bennett, became a teacher and was living in Charleston, South Carolina.

Dean went on to marry Wendy Mixon and attended the University

of Central Florida, where he changed his major from math to biology before returning to the farm to work.

In the early 2000s, Dean’s wife and Janet’s husband were diagnosed with cancer. Wendy Mixon died in 2001, and Dean heard of Janet’s husband’s diagnosis through a prayer request.

He reconnected with Janet, sharing potential treatment options. Bennett died in 2003.

The two were reunited as their daughters — Lori Mixon and Julie Bennett — became roommates and played volleyball together at Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Janet said she knew she would move back to Manatee County to be with her family, but she didn’t want to leave her church, Seacoast Church.

During one of Dean’s visits to South Carolina, he went to Janet’s church.

Janet found out Seacoast Church was expanding with an establishment of a new church in Bradenton, which is now Bayside Community Church.

“We thought it was like a message from God,” Janet said. “It was like this is where we’re supposed to go to church. Dean was like, ‘I think He wants us to be together.’”

Now 20 years later, the couple has made Mixon Fruit Farms a home away from home, expanding the business to provide tram tours, host weddings, create a wildlife viewing area, grow bamboo, include a play area and become a producer of broghies.

“Our prayer was that we would provide a place where memories were made,” Janet Mixon said. “People were already making memories here because they would come in for the ice cream and stuff, and we just wanted that to continue. I think we’ve really done that.”

MIXON FRUIT FARMS' FUTURE Manatee County's Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee is examining the purchase of the majority of Mixon Fruit Farms.

Janet Mixon said the couple has received offers from developers for the property, which they put on the market for $15.8 million in February, but they would prefer to sell to Manatee County.

If Manatee County purchases the property, it could be used for environmental education, special events, bird watching and hiking. Water conservation could also be an element.

The county also could preserve the Mixon family history and its dedication to agriculture.

The playground and wedding areas could continue to be used, and the animal rescue could continue to operate as a small zoo.

The sale would also allow Bayside Community Church to purchase 3.5 acres in the southwest corner that includes the warehouse and parking lot for its CityServe program.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

9

JAY HEATER

New music director sets the tone

I

t was a big moment for me, as I had been selected by my school, Minisink Valley, to be its representative to the All-County Chorus event being held at Highland Falls High School in Orange County, New York.

I should have known, though, the day wasn’t going to be all roses.

After we took a lunch break in town, I missed the bus back to the school because I was shooting the best pinball game of my life. I had to hitchhike.

Then, once there, we began our afternoon session and I noticed a mother of a singer go up to the chorus leader, Mr. DeWitt, who was from my school. She told Mr. DeWitt that I was so horrible, it was throwing her son off.

All righty then.

It was a lesson for me that we all have different takes on singing talent, or lack of. Are Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks good singers? You might find some different opinions.

If any of them listened to the mothers of friends they threw off key, they might never have become superstars.

However, it can be tricky to tell someone who thinks he is Luciano Pavarotti that he is hitting sour notes.

So when I met Lakewood Ranch’s Janice Wagner, who this month has been named the music director of the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines, I asked how she handles an amateur member who might be hitting a few clunkers.

Understand that the 25 women who are part of the Magic of Manatee mostly perform for the love of it, and not because they plan to cut a record (sorry, a phrase from my generation). However, while they might be amateurs, most have a background in music or singing,

and are, or have been, fairly accomplished.

If you have heard them, you know they are, well, terrific. It is Wagner’s job to keep them that way, or even take them up a notch.

This is, however, a group that hopes more women from the community will join. Perhaps that includes someone who sounds great singing in the shower, but struggles a bit on stage.

How would you tell someone who is performing out of pure love, they need to improve a little?

These women sing at churches, schools, community events, and assisted living facilities, besides their concerts. They bring joy wherever they go.

Would you tell someone in a church choir to tone it down?

“Most of these women have a background with Sweet Adelines and have been doing it for five years to 50 years,” Wagner said. “Some of the women are in their 80s, and they keep up just fine.

“So it is all about how you approach it, and I approach it in a positive way. You don’t want to be overly critical. Usually I direct any comments to the whole group. Most people catch on. You have to be gentle.”

Wagner said she has found the members of Magic of Manatee to be open to suggestions.

“These women want to get better,” she said. “It is universally so.

They are looking for a leader.”

Wagner, who has sung for Sweet Adelines (a national organization) for more than 25 years, wants to fill that role.

“This group is so awesome,” Wagner said. “You don’t need a piano, you don’t need anything but your voice. These women make a beautiful sound, and it is so uplifting. Once you hear them, you will

Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Janice Wagner had been named the director of the Sweet Adeline’s Magic of Manatee group.

fall in love.”

That’s not to say Wagner won’t work with weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

“I am here to teach them an interpretation of the music, and to improve their sound,” she said.

“They have an idea about the craft and what it should sound like.

Then I use the same techniques for someone who is 60 that I would use for middle schoolers. It’s about tone production, and that comes from the diaphragm. A lot of people are chest breathers, and all you see move when they sing is their chest.

You have to teach them to breathe deep into their body. The diaphragm supports the sound.

“You might not know you have that big voice inside you until someone shows you how to find it.”

Wagner said most people have the ability to sing well.

“My brother says he can’t sing, but he is a wonderful singer,” she said. “Even people who say they can’t sing ... you can teach them. I love teaching technique.”

She hopes women from the community who have thought about singing in a group will come to a

Magic of Manatee practice session to see if it is a good fit for them.

The group meets once a week, on Tuesdays, from 7-9 p.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church at 6311 Third Ave. W,, Bradenton.

“These women are very welcoming,” Wagner said. “They are the most enjoyable group of women I have worked with, ever. If somebody new comes, they can sit and watch, or they can just get going.”

She hopes those who have thought about singing in a group will make the move.

“Singing releases endorphins, and gives you a natural high,” she said. “It makes you feel energized, and makes you feel uplifted. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Come experience what we have to offer.”

Wagner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in vocal music from Bowling Green University, moved to Florida from Indiana in 2005. She has taught music for more than 25 years to K-12 students in Ohio, Indiana and Florida.

She has performed with the Pride of Toledo Chorus and the Spirit of Detroit Chorus and has directed chorus groups as well. In

Fort Wayne, Indiana, she directed the Summit City Men’s Barbershop Chorus group for four years.

Beginning with the new school year, she will direct the chorus at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, which had reintroduced the program for grades 6-8. She has taught music at Haile for seven years.

“Those students are like sponges,” she said. “They take in all the things you can teach them. They are going to be better singers. It makes a person more well-rounded.”

With Magic of Manatee, she even finds herself singing with the group.

“I will help out here and there,” she said with a smile. “I have remembered how much I love singing.”

Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver.com.

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London’s Jadie Metcalf grew up at Jiggs Landing on the Manatee River. He says his trip to Jiggs Landing the second week of July will probably be the last of his life.

Last wave at the river

Welcome GREGORY C. FARINO, MD

The 88-year-old nephew of founder Al ‘Jiggs’ Metcalf visits the Braden River fishing camp one last time.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

S

itting at a picnic table on the edge of Evers Reservoir, 88-year-old Jadie Metcalf gazed toward the water, the brim of his hat pulled down over a face weathered by time.

He was at his beloved Jiggs Landing, spinning tales of times long past, when the Braden River swept through the area in front of him with only a smallish Ward Lake in sight.

Progress dictated the Bradenton area needed water, and so Ward Lake eventually was dredged and expanded beginning in 1979 to become Evers Reservoir, as it is known today.

Metcalf left the area after gradu-

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Although he still lives in London, Jiggs Landing remains his first home, and a place he loves dearly. On July 14, he talked about his “final trip” to Jiggs Landing and the beauty of it that constantly makes him smile, even when he is a world away.

Despite his advancing age, Metcalf looked fairly spry and even had planned a solo fishing trip on the St. John’s River a few days following his Jiggs Landing visit. Unfortunately,

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THROUGH THE YEARS 1936

Ward Lake is formed by a dam added to the Braden River

1944

Al “Jiggs” Metcalf buys seven acres and founds Jiggs Landing fishing camp on the Braden River

1964

Jiggs Metcalf builds his last cabin at Jiggs Landing fishing camp

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“He said you have to practice, and if you don’t play an hour, no supper.

She became very good.”

But aside for all his charisma, Jadie said he remembers Jiggs most for his fishing skills.

“This all used to be lily pads,” he said of the water just off the shore from Jiggs Landing. “We caught a lot of brim and bluegill. He had a plug with yellow and green spots. He would nail the big ones (bass).”

“He would say (of the plug), ‘This is for catching fish. All that (in the fishing box) is for catching fishermen.’”

Jadie was headed out on the river in the evening to see if he could have better luck than in the morning, when he came back empty handed.

He was going to fish with his cousin Joe Metcalf, who now lives in Palmetto.

“Jadie loves to come out here and fish all he can,” said Joe Metcalf, who is 76. “My daughter says this trip, he is going down memory lane.”

Joe Metcalf said he loves that Manatee County and Denise Kleiner, who runs the concessions at Jiggs Landing, did such a great job keeping the place nice.

“This perpetuates my uncle and his heritage,” Joe Metcalf said. “It’s more accessible now, and I like they didn’t do anything cheap.”

Jadie walked to the waterside and took one of his last glances upon the water at Jiggs Landing.

“The days of Jiggs Landing are gone ... the wilderness is gone,” he said. “It has lost its intimacy, but I would call this a good progression.

The place had charm, and it still does now. It’s being attacked by civilization, but it is more sophisticated.

“It still is an impressive river, and an impressive plan for wildlife. I treat this as a compliment to Jiggs. He started this, an evolutionary development.”

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he suffers from severe medical problems in his feet, and the reality is that his days of traveling are about to end.

What he might be facing in his immediate future didn’t bother him on a blazing hot day at Jiggs Landing.

His smile was constant as he rattled off stories about the formerly “wild” Braden River and its banks.

For those unfamiliar with the name of Metcalf, Jadie’s uncle was Al “Jiggs” Metcalf, who founded the fishing camp on the Braden River in 1944. Jiggs was Jadie’s uncle and his father William’s brother.

It was in 1941, when the brothers, Jiggs and William, took 6-year-old Jadie on a fishing trip on the Braden River.

“We took the cane poles,” Jadie said, his eyes reflecting his deep thought and a crystal clear vision of the moment. “I went back to cast, and I hooked my father in the eyelid. “‘Oh (expletive),’ he said. He got out the nippers, pulled his eyelid out, snipped it off and pulled the rest of the hook through. Then he put a hook on my line, put on a worm and said, ‘Keep fishing.’

“It was the only words said during that time (except for the initial curse). That’s how things were when I fished with my family. Jiggs just was watching the whole time. They were tough guys.”

Jiggs Metcalf and his wife, Agnes, didn’t have children of their own, so Jiggs and Jadie became close, and much of their time together had to do with fishing.

One day in 1943, Jiggs loaded Jadie into his Jeep and headed toward the river.

“There was no road out here,” Jadie said. “We were bouncing up and down over the palmetto bushes.

He said he thought it was a good day to fish.”

But he really wanted to show his nephew the area that would became Jiggs Landing in 1944. It was a sevenacre parcel he bought from Manatee County.

“He built a shed here, and then a concrete block house,” Jadie said.

“The front part of the house became a store.”

He built other cabins on the property, including another block house that William, Jadie and Jadie’s sister, Tracy, would eventually live in after Jadie’s mom died in 1953.

Jadie spent many happy days on the river and loved watching his Uncle Jiggs host friends and family at the cabins.

“Jiggs always was out there fishing,” Jadie said. “He dug a pit so we could dig up worms before we would go out. He taught me how to fly fish.

“Jiggs was an opportunist. He came here with zero, nothing, and he created something. He built everything he needed with his own hands.”

Jadie said his uncle was bright and charismatic.

“He wore these big hunting hats, and he always had a big cigar,” he said. “I never have met anyone quite so charismatic, and I’ve met a lot of big shots around the world. I would see him every night playing pinochle with three or four of his best friends.

There were a lot of Northern businessmen who would come and live in the cabins.”

He said Jiggs was a big man of more than 300 pounds and he was demanding.

“No one sat around with idle hands,” Jadie said.

Tracy Metcalf once wanted a piano when she was young and living at Jiggs Landing, so Jiggs bought her one.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Gardening with Gidding About 125 people showed up to meet the former host of Curb Appeal at the Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

J

ohn Gidding, the former star of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal,” made Manatee County an important stop on his book tour that runs through Florida this summer.

Gidding spoke to Gardeners Out East on July 15 at the Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center and will be speaking to the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club on July 20 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. He also will speak to the Keeping Manatee Beautiful group on July 21 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Visit Eventbrite for details.

Gidding’s new book is titled, “At Home with Nature.” While every author wants to sell books, Gidding said he has two main messages he’s trying to deliver to audiences through the tour: Get rid of the grasses, and plant more trees.

He used slides to point out the

visual oddity of a sod delivery. The grass often comes rolled up like carpeting. Gidding said putting it down in your yard is essentially the same thing as using a carpet. It smothers and kills the soil, plus grass requires a lot of water to maintain.

While planting trees seems manageable, getting rid of grass in Lakewood Ranch seems impossible. But Gidding had some tips for the deed restricted homeowners in attendance.

“HOAs, oftentimes, only specify height if you go into the bylaws and look,” he said. “They just say your wall height is a maximum of X.” Gidding recommended plant alternatives with deeper roots than grasses that only root about an inch into the ground. He suggested the commonly known sunshine mimosa plant instead. Not only does the leafy green plant spread into a luscious ground cover, it doesn’t require as much water and offers puffy pink blooms.

It’s an easy, low-maintenance landscaping choice for Florida. In the warm weather, the leaves are evergreen and the flowers bloom almost year-round. It’ll also bounce back after a cold snap and is considered “aggressive,” so one plant will spread like an octopus, Gidding said.

Lesley Dwyer

John Gidding holds up the free seeds he has for audience members who buy a book for a friend.

Gidding likes the sunshine mimosa so much, it inspired him to create a cocktail by the same name using champagne, Chambord and pineapple juice.

The plant, not the drink, was exactly the kind of recommendation Greenfield Plantation residents Jim and Lisa Eicher were looking for when deciding to attend the presentation.

“We’re trying to find some stuff we can plant,” Lisa said. “If I only had to plant it once or twice in my life and be done with it, that would be great.”

Just don’t plant peanut grass, Gidding said. Driving around the area

over the past few days, he couldn’t help notice the abundance of peanut grass being planted in medians and at intersections.

“Meanwhile, here’s the saddest part,” he said. “Despite their gorgeous and cute little yellow flowers, the pollinators ignore them entirely because they have no pollen and no nectar. It’s just a little yellow blip that does nothing, and it’s not particularly friendly. It’s invasive, so despite all the peanuts you see, don’t plant any.”

Before and after the presentation, Gidding chatted with the crowd and signed books. His appearance was a

last-minute plan initiated by charter member Carolyn Lowry-Nation when she heard Gidding was scheduled to speak at The Villages outside of Orlando.

Lowry-Nation was thrilled to see a strong turnout of about 125 people.

“We are just delighted. The doors opened at four o’clock, and they were piling in here at 3:30,” she said. “And he’s a delightful person, too. He’s the real deal. He mixes with the audience and is so gracious about it. And he’s so cute.”

Francesca Tulski said he looks younger in person than on television.

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A+E INSIDE: < COOL CIRCUS ARTS: Beat the heat at Historic Asolo Theater with family fun. 16 EATING WITH EMMA: On the trail to find the area’s best buns. 15 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT JULY 20, 2023

YOUROBSERVER.COM

IMPROV COMEDY GETS REAL AT FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE FST’s 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival is taking the stage for the first time in three years.

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

F

lorida Studio Theatre’s 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival is taking the stage in the real world. The festival’s improv talents can hardly wait.

The festival is making a real-world comeback. No computer screens.

No Zoom calls. We’re not joking — these improv artists will be. Live.

On stage. At Florida Studio Theatre.

The unscripted silliness returns from July 20-22.

Will Luera, FST’s director of improv, has been waiting for the last three years. That’s how long it’s been since the pandemic pulled the plug on live performances worldwide.

A multitude of shows did not go on in 2020. The 12th annual Sarasota Improv Festival was online only.

Then the months of isolation began.

Luera’s improv skills didn’t get rusty during that downtime. He got better as an improv artist. How? “I performed online with FST’s extended family of improv troupes during the pandemic,” he explains.

“PGraph, Dad’s Garage and a few other companies invited me to join them in several online shows.”

Luera also expanded his improv universe. His new online connections include both improv troupes and individual artists, such as MC Hammersmith, this year’s festival headliner.

“I’d met him before, but I was thrilled to actually perform with him online during COVID,” he says.

“My appreciation for him grew exponentially.”

Thanks to virtual reality, Luera sharpened his skills and added to his network of improv talent. That definitely helped his job as an improv director.

Planning the Sarasota Improv Festival’s return to reality has been a major part of that job. In close collaboration with FST Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, Luera’s been working out the devilish details for the past two years.

Now the organizational heavy lifting is finally done — it’s satisfying.

But creating the festival isn’t where Luera’s heart’s at.

Luera’s not just an improv director. He’s also an improv artist.

Performing on the festival stage is his heart’s desire. Luera longs to get real.

“Virtual improv is a clever workaround,” Luera says. “But it’s no substitute for performing for a live audience.”

That’s happening starting July 20.

Is Luera excited?

Yes. That’s the understatement of the year.

Courtesy photos

The comedy troupe Big Bang will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival at 9 p.m. on July 21 and 6 p.m. on July 22.

The festival’s improv artists feel the same holiday-morning electricity. Area improv fans feel it, too. Tickets are selling fast. With 22 live acts on stage, they’ll have lots of exciting choices.

Here are just a few highlights: ORANGE TUXEDO

He and she. Love and marriage. In the Periodic Table of Comedy, the couple is a basic element. It’s been a source of hilarity since Nichols and May, Tracy and Hepburn and Adam and Eve. This L.A. duo (Carla and Craig Cackowski) is a real-life married couple. Their improv goes to town with random audience suggestions.

“They turn that note into strong characters and very strong stories,” Luera says. “It’s not the craziness of some improv acts. Their scenes are grounded in the realities of human relationships. They’re hilarious in their simplicity.” 7 p.m. July 21; 5 p.m. July 22.

The company showcases big names from ImprovBoston and the Boston comedy scene. Luera is one of those names. He’s both the company’s director and a performer. “For me, this is my home team,” he says.

“We’ve taken Big Bang around the world, and I’m thrilled to bring it back to Sarasota.” 9 p.m. July 21; 6 p.m. July 22.

clown by any other name would be just as hilarious. These guys are. As far as we can tell, they’re not crying on the inside. But their “ClownProv” antics aren’t all funny business. Hall and Kessler tug at your heartstrings.

You’ll laugh with them, not at them.

But they will make you laugh. 8 p.m.

July 21; 6 p.m. July 22.

2-MAN NO-SHOW

This Austin ensemble don’t need no stinking script. They can do “Fakespeare” on their feet, spoof old TV shows, new TV shows, Japanese monster movies, you name it. But they’re not a pack of superficial show-offs. Their improv comedy

Not all the clowns are in the circus.

Case in point: Isaac Kessler and Ken Hall. This two-man Toronto team clowns around with japes, jest, pratfalls, physical comedy, metaphysical comedy, funny faces and rude noises. (They skip the red noses and whiteface makeup, so coulrophobics needn’t fear.) But a

AVAILABLE CUPHOLDERS

SEE IMPROV ON PAGE 14

MC HAMMERSMITH

This UK export describes himself as “a middle-class Englishman from west London.” Depending on how you look at it, he’s a free-styling rapper who does improv comedy or an improv comic who does free-style rap. Either way, he’s funny as hell.

When he isn’t belting out hip-hop lyrics, MC Hammersmith is a softspoken gentleman — with a strong resemblance to Daniel Radcliffe.

Don’t be fooled, Dear Reader. His wit can sting. Like the best British comedy, it isn’t always gentle. 10 p.m. July 21; 9 p.m. July 22.

BIG BANG

This Boston-based troupe gets a blast out of lightning-fast, freeform improv. They start with a premise and “follow the funny” from scene to scene with mad abandon.

The comedy troupe Available Cupholders will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival at 8 p.m. on July 21 and 7 p.m. on July 22.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

It’s MC Hammersmith time

IMPROV FROM PAGE 13

is character-based, in The Second City tradition. “Their shows capture the silliness of improv,” Luera says.

“They have so much fun pushing each others’ buttons and boundaries.

They take it as far as they can go — and keep trying to take it further.

They make the audience laugh; they make each other laugh. It’s the essence of the human comedy, and all you can do is laugh.” 8 p.m. July 21; 7 p.m. July 22.

ALL PLAY

In the art of theater, the play’s the thing. In the art of improv comedy, play is the thing. In the festival’s grand finale, the lunatics take charge of the asylum. Eighty or more improv artists pack the stage — and turn it into a giant playground for improv games, instant sketches and on-the-spot song parodies. These antic improvisers play around like a bunch of big kids. (And that’s exactly what they are.) They have far too much fun. And they’re insanely fun to watch. 10:30 p.m. July 22.

2-Man No-Show will appear at the 13th annual Sarasota Improv Festival July 21 and July 22.

IF YOU GO

SARASOTA IMPROV FESTIVAL When: July 20-22 Where: FST campus, 1265 First St. Tickets: $5-$25; passes $79 for three days; $69 for two days; $49-$59 for one day on Friday or Saturday; $20 for Thursday night.

Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

MC Hammersmith is Scotland’s leading free-style comedy rapper and improviser. (For all we know, he’s Scotland’s only free-style comedy rapper and improviser, but let’s skip that for now.) The man is a multitalented performer on the level of Robin Williams. He thinks on his feet, pulls hip-hop songs out of thin air, launches into a dazzling stream of consciousness, then switches gears to song parody — and makes it look easy the whole time. He’s the headliner of this year’s Sarasota Improv Festival. We emailed him a few questions. Funny thing. He answered.

Hip-hop freestyle and improv comedy sound like two great tastes that go great together. What inspired you to mix them up?

I’ve been doing improv since I was 14. Then at Edinburgh University, I started performing an improvised musical show. We would always want to slam the rap break in the bridge of songs between choruses, but none of us were any good. I wanted to get better, but nobody else wanted to practice. So I decided to practice by myself — I’ve always loved hip-hop as well, so the chance to do both was a natural meeting point.

In terms of your hip-hop parodies, which artist do you most enjoy taking the piss out of? (Or “ridicule,” to use the American idiom.)

I have a routine in my solo show in which I take an audience suggestion of a mildly embarrassing incident that happened to them. I’ll then take the backing track of Blackstreet’s R&B; classic “No Diggity,” and change the chorus to “No Dignity.”

There’s plenty of scope for comedy with an auto-tuned, soulful chorus.

When you do a “set,” do you have a rough structure in mind or is it like jumping into a swimming pool blindfolded and hoping for water?

Kind of a bit of both. My shorter comedy club sets are all improvised, but in a very structured way. Because you have to do your time very strictly in a club, the tracks have to be timed. In the longer solo shows, I get to use looping beats, so I can rap for as long as I want and get carried

away by fun ideas. Those are much more fun.

What’s your all-time best improv/ freestyle experience?

Getting to freestyle rap onstage with my favorite rapper (RA The Rugged Man). It was my first time freestyling at a hip-hop night instead of a comedy night, so the reaction from the crowd was just electric by comparison.

IF YOU GO

MC HAMMERSMITH When: 10 p.m. July 21 and 9 p.m.

July 22.

Where: FST Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St. Tickets: $39-$65 Info: FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

MC Hammersmith headlines the 13th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival.

Worst experience?

About 20 years ago, rapping for a group of 80-year-olds in a hotel function room in rural Scotland — they just stared blankly at me in utter disgust. I take solace in the fact that most of them are now probably dead.

I presume that MC Hammersmith is an MC Hammer reference.

Quick question: Do your pants fit?

Bit personal.

I’m guessing your stage name is also a nod to the Clash’s “White Man in Hammersmith.”

Actually, it’s not. I was born in Hammersmith in west London (hence the name), and I had literally never heard of that song.

(No joking or word of a lie, completely sincerely, I had to Google it now.) I’m immensely surprised that no one ever pointed that out to me before you did! Well, this white boy has learned something.

What is your core message to today’s troubled youth?

Or troubled old people, for that matter?

Troubled youth, follow your dreams.

Troubled old people, if you do come to my gigs, at least pretend to enjoy it.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

15

EATING WITH EMMA

Where to find Sarasota’s best buns (and burgers) You’ll have a whopper of a time sampling these savory sandwiches.

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

S

ome beach babes might be focusing on their toned buns this time of year, but my summer sights are set on a different meaning to “sun’s out, buns out.”

This sizzling summer, I’m eager to find that “bun-in-a-million” burger bite where sweet dreams are made of cheese.

So come on taste buds, let’s bounce around to some of the best burger joints you’ll “meat” in Sarasota.

TAMIAMI TAP

711 S. Osprey Ave. #3, Sarasota; 941-500-3182, TamiamiTap.com

Photos by Emma Jolly

Fork & Hen SRQ’s colossal The Hitman burger with pimento cheese is nearly perfect.

opened in 2022, has a range of option for all foodies — especially those begging for a juicy, colossal “can I get box to take this home” burger. There Watching my husband eat The Hitman ($18) and graciously giving me a go at the towering sandwich has altered my vision of what it means to crave a burger. Make your mouth cheerful by ordering this smashed burger with pimento cheese, a massive hunk of fried mozzarella, the crispiest bacon and lettuce.

Select this Side: My eyes are on the fries seasoned unlike any other local potato. Soon you’ll feel as golden as these crispy, crunchy slivers of heaven. Second potato option? The tater tots are just as sensational.

NEW PASS GRILL & BAIT SHOP

1505 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-3050, NewPassGrill. com Best Burger with a View: New Pass Grill & Bait Shop is the best scenic spot in all of Sarasota to smash a staple summer (and all seasons) sandwich. I wish I could keep this sensational location to myself for the rest of eternity, but it would be selfish to do so. Before your group bellies up to order, be sure to claim a table to ensure the best intracoastal views. If you are pulling up by boat, best of luck finding a docking spot at this seaside eatery. Order the classic cheeseburger ($11.99) and choose from add-ons including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo and ketchup.

Select this side: If you’re hungry, grab the grouper bites basket ($20.99), if you want to keep it simple and want a sub for their fabulous French fries for your feast, go with the o-mazing onion rings ($4.99).

KNICK’S TAVERN & GRILL

1818 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941955-7761, KnicksTavernAndGrill. com

Tamiami Tap takes on the vegan burger (seen here as sliders) in a mouthwatering way.

For over 20 years, Knick’s Tavern & Grill has been dishing out to-die-for burgers.

Select this side: The creole Brussels sprouts and cauliflower ($11) are tossed with chorizo, sorghum, parsley and green onion. The potatoes are Parm fries ($6.95). You can’t go wrong with Parmesan and garlic butter.

SHAKESPEARE’S CRAFT BEER AND GASTRO PUB

3550 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota; 941-365-5938, ShakespearesEnglishPub.com

Without a doubt, the award for best burger with a view goes to New Pass Grill & Bait Shop.

Family Feast: Knickole Barger and her father, Knick, have been running our community’s answer to “Cheers” (where everyone knows your name!) for over 20 years. This Southside Village stop is a must on our burger tour. Why not start with a brunch burger with bacon, egg and cheese or a vegan option? Knick’s certified Black Angus half-pound burger ($11.50) is served simply, with lettuce, tomato and onion, showing off its succulence and satisfy-

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Another column, another entree from Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub.

ing your senses. Elevate your eating experience with toppings like jalapenos, grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, bacon and one of nine cheeses, including crumbled bleu, gouda, smoked ghost pepper or cheddar.

Select this side: You won’t be able to attack all the add-ons I’m about to recommend alongside this amazing burger but try your best — or make a reservation to come back. Real deal

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potato skins with chipotle ranch, Knick’s famous salad with smoked gouda cheese, spinach artichoke dip with gluten-free corn chips or Ry’s fries with bacon and balsamic reduction. Dig in, diners!

FORK & HEN SRQ

2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-960-1212, ForkAndHenSRQ. com Big Ass Burger: Fork & Hen, which

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

Gorgeously Gourmet: The caramelized onion and brie burger ($15.75) is the local bun I want for the rest of my life. Cooked to your liking and paired with fries or coleslaw, this masterpiece “meats” its match with a mouthwatering cover of sweet balsamic caramelized onions and ooeygooey brie cheese. Not tickling your tastebuds? Shakespeare’s has over 10 gourmet burgers, plus veggie and chicken substitutes, ranging from my husband’s pick, the portobello mushroom and pepper jack cheese ($15.75), to the behemoth Texas cowboy ($14.75) with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar and a fried onion ring.

Select this side: You can’t go wrong with whatever you order at Shakespeare’s, now getting its third shout-out in my column. (I’m not on the payroll, I swear!)

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

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Vegans Unite: If you know me well, you know two things. First, my local watering hole of choice will forever be Tamiami Tap (hence my engagement shoot taking place at the bar).

Second, I do not follow a vegan diet.

However, the vegan burger served at this Laurel Park bistro makes me want to consider a clean, healthy lifestyle.

The Impossible Burger ($15), topped with you-better-believe-it’s-notdairy vegan cheese, crunchy lettuce, tomato (except for me), diced red onion and a perfect portion of pickle is beyond “bunderful.” Bite into this offering at happy hour, 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

THIS WEEK OUR PICK

OPENING OF JOHN PIRMAN: DIVING INTO NATURE The retrospective of the Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman will display his works both inside Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens. The show will include Pirman’s signature Sarasota views as well as his earlier work from three decades as a freelance illustrator in New York. Runs through Sept. 17.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22 Where: Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: $26 Info: Visit Selby.org.

THURSDAY

SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road $15-$20 Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12.

THE SURFER BOYS 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann” and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.

DIVAS THREE 7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $18 and up Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous

by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other women who have won the coveted title of “diva.” It’s not just their voices that make them divas; it’s their costumes and their attitude. Runs through Sept. 3.

John Pirman’s “Historic Spanish Point”

‘BLACK PEARL SINGS!’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St. $25 Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music and an African American prisoner who has the knowledge needed for the project.

Runs through July 30.

FELICIA MICHAELS 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

A multitalented artist, Felicia Michaels was nominated twice for Funniest Female at the American Comedy Awards before winning the title. In addition to writing and producing her own material, Michaels has helped comedians such as John Fugelsang, Joey Diaz, Aida Rodriguez and Mitch Hedberg.

Runs through July 22.

DON’T MISS

‘COPPÉLIA’ The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School presents the charming tale of a mysterious doctor, Dr. Coppelius. The doctor’s mechanical doll, Coppélia, is so lifelike that she turns the head of Franz, who is engaged to marry Swanilda, the village’s most beautiful girl.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 22 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $50-$65 Info: SRQCubanBallet. org.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School performs

“Coppélia” at Sarasota Opera House.

FRIDAY

FRIDAY FEST: ONE NIGHT RODEO 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Free Visit VanWezel.org.

Founded in Bradenton, One Night Rodeo features Cory Hildreth on lead vocals, keys, guitar and mandolin, and Duane Allison on bass guitar and vocals. The country rock band has a 13-year track record and has opened for Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Montgomery Gentry.

IN THE ROUND 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300 $20 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

In The Round offers selected choreographers from across the country the chance to receive audience feedback at the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company. This month’s featured choreographer is Camryn Nease.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

SEUSSICAL KIDS 7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $11.50-$20 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other characters from Dr. Seuss books come to life in this For Kids By Kids Production of the musical by Tony Award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

‘LATERAL MOVES’ The Players Centre 7:30 p.m. at 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200 $17 Visit ThePlayers.org.

Written by Cece Dwyer and directed

by Candace Artim, “Lateral Moves” is the winner of the Players Centre’s 2021 New Play Festival. It follows a family weekend on Martha’s Vineyard as a couple engaged to be married discover how their unattached parents have the upper hand.

SUNDAY

BEATLEOLOGY: SPIRITUALITY AND THE BEATLES 10:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road Free Visit ElaineSilver.com.

‘Rev. Fairie’ Elaine Silver examines how the Fab Four went from being Liverpool mop tops to students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It’s a safe bet that George had something to do with it, though John had a spiritual side as well.

WEDNESDAY

WORLD PASSPORT TO JAZZ 6 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St. Free Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Kevin Celebi and Harmonic Sanity Septet headline Jazz Happy Hour at Selby Library with a musical tour that includes the Deep South, New York City, New Orleans, Brazil and more.

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Classifieds 29 Games 28 Real Estate 23 Sports 25 Weather 28

JULY 20, 2023

YOUR NEIGHBORS SEE JANE SKATE

The Bradentucky Bombers is the only skateroperated roller derby league in the SarasotaBradenton area. The league was founded by Gigi RaMoan in 2006. Its home rink is the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. Games are played on Saturday nights from 5-7 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Here’s a list of upcoming home games. n Aug. 5 against the Sugar Sands Roller Derby n Aug. 19 against the Red Stick Roller Derby n Oct. 7 against the River City Rat Pack n Oct. 21 doubleheader against the Orlando Roller Derby

Bradentucky Bomber Jane Martin says the players try not to show the pain of the sport, like a robot.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

N

ot everyone gets injured while competing in roller derby, but if you’re going to skate on this rink, be prepared to take a hit.

Lakewood Ranch resident Jane Martin skates for the Bradentucky Bombers.

Martin’s injuries include countless rolled ankles, three concussions, a pulled groin, a torn ligament, “hellish bruising” and “fishnet rink rash.”

“It looks like road rash but in the pattern of fishnet (stockings),” Martin said. “That was a thing that people got a lot when fishnets were very popular.”

ABOUT JANE MARTIN Age: 28 Lives: Lakewood Ranch Number: 60 Position: Jack of all trades Best move: Backward blocking Day job: Software implementation Side gigs: Personal training and cello tutor Hobbies: Competing in the Scottish Highland Games

Martin, 28, keeps skating for the competition, fun, camaraderie and culture, which has changed quite a bit since Martin first started.

Martin said what started out campy with fishnets and tutus has evolved into a true athletic competition over the past decade. The days of roller derby fights being staged like a WWE match are over, which can be disappointing to fans who expect to see a 1980s version of the game.

“I enjoy the folks that do bring that element of camp to roller derby,” Martin said. “We have quite a few skaters that are campier in their dress and their personas on the track, but the culture of roller derby, nationally, has shifted to be based more on strategy, gameplay and athletics.”

Martin doesn’t have a nickname, and no longer wears fishnet stockings in the rink. The camp aspect wasn’t the draw for Martin, who was drawn to the competitive side of the sport. A former powerlifter, Martin’s body couldn’t endure the stress of powerlifting anymore. Martin was looking for a replacement activity that was more physical versus endurance based.

Martin picked up a flier for the Bradentucky Bombers at the Starbucks on State Road 70 on a visit

406789-1

Jane Martin (left) knows how to take a hit, but says mental fortitude is equally important in roller derby.

Jampacked thrills

Courtesy photos

The Orlando Ozone Slayers took on the Bradentucky Bombers on June 17.

home from the University of Central Florida. At 20 years old, nearing graduation and with no skating experience outside of elementary school skate nights at Astro Skate in Bradenton, Martin gave it a shot.

Eight years later, Martin lives in Lakewood Ranch with husband Brandon Haney, and practices and works out three times a week with the Bombers.

Still a boyfriend when he picked up the flier, Haney was part of the initial motivation to sign up when he teased that Martin was too wimpy for roller derby, which is played on a circular track and consists of a series of two-minute timed jams. The teams are typically made up of five players that include blockers and “jammers” who can score points by lapping the opponent’s players.

When Haney teased Martin, it became a challenge. As time passed, it grew into a passion which resulted in a new group of friends.

“Roller derby attracts the misfits, and it’s an alternative sport,” Martin said. “I love that all these folks from different walks of life come together.

I have teammates who are accountants, doctors and teachers. We have a shared love of this sport.”

Martin skates for the Bomb Squad of the competitive league, but there is also the recreational league Nuclear Bombshells, and an open gender league team, the Fusion Bomb.

Anyone can join without skating experience because the Bombers offer a training program that covers the basics of skating before moving into the game and taking hits. New skaters are referred to as “The Firecrackers.” The first month is free, and it costs $45 a month thereafter.

The Bombers also offer scholarships. It’s an all inclusive league regardless of gender, finances or age. Skaters have to be 18 years old to join, but Martin said some fellow teammates have been in their 60s.

Roller derby is a sport based on skill and mental fortitude more than any other factor.

“We have this mantra where we call ourselves derby robots, and the goal is that we don’t react,” Martin said, “So somebody can hit us really hard or have a terrible jam where we get scored on, the goal is for us to not react, just play our game consistently because it’s intimidating for the other team.”

18

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

EYE ON BUSINESS

Teacher tells a new story about reading Summerfield’s Gwyn Ingham uses her passion for reading and books to start For the Love of Reading.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

W

hen Gwyn Ingham’s son Ethan was in second grade at Wakeland Elementary in Samoset a decade ago, she was told he might have to be retained.

A teacher at Wakeland at the time, she knew his school had tried various methods to make reading fun for her son and to help him.

“It was frustrating for me as an educator that he wasn’t enjoying it,” said Ingham, who was not his teacher. “It’s a scary thing when you’re in a (Individualized Education Program) meeting and they’re telling you everything that your kid can’t do.”

Knowing how helpless parents can feel when their children are struggling to read, Ingham wants to help children through her new business, For the Love of Reading, which she just started.

Ingham, who lives in Summerfield and who has been teaching at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary, has taken a leave of absence after 20 years in the classroom to focus on her new business.

“Seeing them make connections, and feeling so empowered as readers, is the most amazing feeling,” Ingham said. “It’s driven me to want to be the best reading teacher I can be. I have a masters in reading, but I kept feeling like there’s more I need to know to be able to help readers that aren’t being reached in more of a traditional reading instruction.”

Ingham found Orton-Gillingham, a multisensory, structured approach that breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds and then builds

Gwyn Ingham, owner of For the Love of Reading, uses Orton-Gillingham methods during her private reading instruction with Scarlett Samson.

on those skills over time.

Besides sharing her passion for reading in her new business, she also shares her passion for books, especially children’s books.

“I don’t think I was a great reader as a kid, but I enjoyed books,” Ingham said. “I enjoyed looking at books; I enjoyed listening to stories. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve fallen in love with children’s books. The way I look at children’s books now is they’re not just children’s books — they’re coffee table books. They’re deep and they’re powerful. They’re great for people of all ages. I want everybody to feel the power of these books and love them as much as I do.”

Ingham’s love for reading stems from her childhood. She still has her favorite book, “The Color is Red.” “It was the illustrations that drew me to it,” she said. “I loved that each page was filled with very vivid, beautiful illustrations with beautiful colors.”

In the classroom, reading instruction was always Ingham’s favor-

ite part of the school day. She was always sad when it was time to move onto a new subject.

Now she spends each day going to her students’ homes. She hopes in nine to 12 months that she can afford to rent an office space.

Once it’s not as hot outside, Ingham hopes to set up shop in a Lakewood Ranch park so she can spend less time traveling to lessons and more time helping students.

For the Love of Reading is Ingham’s first step toward reaching her dream.

She hopes to own a bookstore where she can continue her private reading instruction while sharing her love for reading with anyone who comes into her store.

When she attended an American Booksellers Association conference last summer, it inspired her to take her leave of absence from teaching at McNeal to start her business.

Over spring break, she underwent the Orton-Gillingham training and in June, she started For the Love of Reading with five students.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Through her lessons, Ingham said she’s loved being able to see the progress her students make quickly.

For example, she said one of her students who is dyslexic is now reading three-syllable words.

Ingham said she is blessed to be able to start For the Love of Reading.

She recalled working with a boy who struggled in their initial sessions together, but on July 14, the boy told her it was his “best day ever” and reading was “so much fun” because he could read words he couldn’t a few days before.

Ingham said she wishes she knew about the Orton-Gillingham approach when Ethan Ingham was in elementary school. He graduated from college this year.

Summerfield’s Gwyn Ingham uses her passion for reading to help teach children how to read.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

TIPS ON GARDENING

Runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club hosts landscape architectural designer John Gidding, the former host of HGTV’s Curb Appeal, who has written a new book, “At Home With Nature.”

Gidding will be offering landscaping tips at the free event and signing copies of his book. For more information, call Anita Machlin at 907-9063.

FRIDAY, JULY 21 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 23

DRAGON BOAT RACING Begins at 7:30 a.m. each day at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. More than 100 teams from around the nation will compete in the United States Dragon Boat Federation’s Club Crew National Championships.

The teams are competing to earn a berth in the 2024 IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy. Competition is held in age, skill level and specialty categories. For more information, go to USDBF.org/ Club-Crew/2023-CCNC/.

Lesley Dwyer

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JULY 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 23

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 5-8 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Donnie Bostic (Thursday), Fat Tracks Band (Friday), the Divebombers (Saturday) and Al Fuller and Howlin’ Bob and Friends (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows have a $5 cover; the others are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 21 AND SATURDAY, JULY 22

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Singer/songwriter Sara

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Your Pickleball Adventure Begins Here

SATURDAY, JULY 22

John Gidding says he’s pushing two things on his book tour: No more lawns and plant more trees.

Pickleball Enthusiasts:

ALL ABILITIES YOGA Begins at 10 a.m. at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers all-inclusive yoga for all ages and abilities. The event is free for residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR. com.

• • • • • •

SUNDAY, JULY 23

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, visit MyLWR.com.

Top-Notch Facilities Thriving Community Tournament-Grade Courts Luxurious Locker Rooms Open Play Thrills Personalized Instructions

• • • •

Unforgettable Socializing Spaces Tournaments That Amaze Youth, Veteran & First Responder Programs Social Events and Diverse Calendar

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YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Waterside Place Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers yoga that is free to residents; $10 for nonresidents. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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Nelms provides the entertainment Friday for those who stroll through Waterside Place’s selection of restaurants and businesses. Singer/ songwriter Tyler Vaden performs on Saturday. The entertainment is free.

For more information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

LOOK Who’s Now in

LWR!

Brooke Oliver, a rising fifth grader, mixes all the ingredients for the potsticker filling. “It looks interesting, but it smells delicious,” she says.

Recipe for fun

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Above: Kristi Mezick, owner of Pure Imagination Studio, leads the Crazy Cooks Camp.

Left: Drew Randenburg, a rising third grader, can’t wait to have his perfectly pressed potsticker.

Stassi Bizzaro, a rising third grader, said her favorite part of camp was learning the recipes so she could take them home and enjoy them with her family.

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rooke Oliver, a rising fifth grader, put her hand in the potsticker filling and started mixing all the ingredients together.

Kristi Mezick, owner of Pure Imagination Studio and leader of the Crazy Cooks Camp, asked Oliver how the mixing was coming.

“It’s almost done,” Oliver said to Mezick. “It looks interesting, but it smells delicious.”

After a few more minutes, Oliver handed the bowl to Mezick.

“Brooke, you did a great job,” Mezick said.

Mezick went on to divide the mixture and distribute it to the other campers at the Out-of-Door Academy’s Crazy Cooks Camp on July 13.

Although potstickers were on the menu for July 13, campers loved learning how to make various recipes, including turkey burgers, salad in a jar, linguine carbonara and broccoli cheddar soup.

“I like how this camp forces you to make it from scratch,” said Georgia Kennedy, a rising third grader. “It’s cool learning the steps.”

Norah Jawitz, a rising second grader, said her favorite recipe of the week was the broccoli cheddar soup because she liked chopping all the ingredients for the soup.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

21

New director takes reins Lesson at the Sarasota Polo Club welcomes Jackie Tamminga to the community.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

“I’ve bet on horses more than I have ridden them.”

JACKIE TAMMINGA, spa director, Sirius Day Spas

Karen Medford rides Pepe.

Jackie Tamminga listens to tips before her first lesson from Ashlie Osburg at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Photos by Jay Heater

Karen Medford, Jackie Tamminga and instructor Ashlie Osburg work through a lesson at the Sarasota Polo Club.

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I

t was an unusual start to a new job for Jackie Tamminga, a Lakewood Ranch resident who, on July 10, became the spa director at the Sirius Day Spas in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.

Sirius Day Spa owner Karen Medford knew Tamminga had been born and raised in horse-happy Lexington, Kentucky, so why not schedule her for a lesson at the Sarasota Polo Club?

There was one problem.

“I’ve bet on horses more than I have ridden them,” Tamminga said.

Medford knew she was in the same position this past October when she took her first lesson from Ashlie Osburg, who teaches beginners at the Sarasota Polo Club.

On July 14, Osburg had her calmest polo horse, Gina, ready for Tamminga, who arrived at the stable with her husband, Keith.

Osburg checks with each student on their past riding experience.

“Does riding a donkey at the state fair count?” Keith Tamminga said.

Jackie Tamminga, who has owned and operated gyms and spas most of her career, seemed comfortable as she received safety tips and instruction from Osburg before climbing aboard Gina.

That was important because those who aren’t comfortable receive a lesson in a smaller pasture. Tamminga and Gina were headed for the big practice field.

Well, if Tamminga could get Gina to go. She couldn’t seem to find the ignition.

“She doesn’t seem to want to go,” Tamminga said.

Gina received a “let’s go” look from Osburg, and off they went.

“I call them babysitters, not horses,” Osburg said of Gina and her other lesson horses. “They know what is best for you.”

It was a hot day, in the 90s, but Osburg took Tamminga and Medford through a lesson. Osburg said the lesson in the heat isn’t a problem for her horses because they are fit, and the pace of teaching beginners is slow and relaxed.

For lessons, call Osburg at 630360-0441 or go to SarasotaPolo. com.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

SIESTA KEY 3920 Roberts Point Road 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,070 Sq. Ft. Melissa Gissinger 941-404-2722 A4565405 $4,999,000

BRADENTON 1914 Riverside Drive E 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,132 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4571301 $2,700,000

SIESTA KEY 472 Island Circle 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 3,339 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642 A4568053 $2,650,000

SIESTA KEY 7309 Pine Needle Road 5 Beds 5/1 Baths 5,600 Sq. Ft. Linda Driggs 941-374-2920 A4570824 $2,500,000

SARASOTA 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive 1003 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,239 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4567224 $2,395,000

SARASOTA 7740 Grande Shores Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,511 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4573273 $1,750,000

ANNA MARIA ISLAND 2301 Avenue B A units 1 &2 1,133 Sq. Ft. Anita Jones 724-989-4824 A4575313 $1,645,000

PALMETTO 2121 5th Street E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,010 Sq. Ft. Debbie Vogler 941-705-3328 A4573707 $1,475,000

SARASOTA 4565 Tuscana Drive 4 Beds 5 Baths 4,161 Sq. Ft. Georgina Clamage & Mary Pat Phillips Radford 941-586-3789 A4574621 $1,300,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7416 Pine Valley Street 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,499 Sq. Ft. Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4574194 $1,199,000

BRADENTON 344 Sapphire Lake Drive 201 2 Beds 3 Baths 1,994 Sq. Ft. Noelle Reynolds 941-320-4855 A4572811 $1,150,000

SARASOTA 707 S Gulfstream Avenue 1008 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,721 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4566901 $1,100,000

BRADENTON 12026 Perennial Place 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,334 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4568143 $1,090,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13508 Brown Thrasher Pike 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,258 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4574571 $1,050,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13409 Bridgeport Crossing 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,477 Sq. Ft. Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4568716 $989,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 14511 Stirling Drive 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,487 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4566581 $885,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15422 Helmsdale Place 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,744 Sq. Ft. Carroll Couri 813-727-1630 A4570858 $859,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8462 Miramar Way 3 Beds 2/2 Baths 2,997 Sq. Ft. David D'Angelo 941-587-7268 A4572949 $739,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8431 Sailing Loop 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,395 Sq. Ft. Laura Navratil & Mary Pat Pihl 941-806-7436 A4575107 $725,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6503 Drewrys Bluff 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,375 Sq. Ft. Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4565403 $660,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11809 Winding Woods Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,285 Sq. Ft. Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4572429 $615,000

SARASOTA 4888 Tivoli Avenue 2 Beds 2 Baths 2,190 Sq. Ft. Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4572880 $585,000

BRADENTON 7710 34th Avenue W 202 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,650 Sq. Ft. Pamela Miller 614-632-2801 A4569101 $573,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12303 Hollybush Terrace 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,163 Sq. Ft. Cathy Palmer 941-920-2247 A4569908 $430,000

PARRISH 10930 Norman Place 4 Beds 2 Baths 1,827 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4564279 $419,000

SARASOTA 2704 Bay Shore Road 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,900 Sq. Ft. Klaus Lang & Nora Johnson 941-320-1223 A4553534 $3,500,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17107 Salerno Drive 4 Beds 4 Baths 3,754 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4572960 $3,295,000

BRADENTON 20706 79th Avenue E 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,077 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4557206 $3,200,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Pomello Park topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. James Markus and Angela Bond Markus, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, sold their home at 19007 65th Ave. E. to Scott Mushkin and Mary Angela Mushkin, of Bradenton, for $2.1 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,557 square feet of living area. It sold for $890,000 in 2019.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Robert and Leslie Bruce sold their home at 8269 Grande Shores Drive to Randy and Donna Greenberg, of Cheshire, Connecticut, for $1.5 million. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,718 square feet of living area. It sold for $660,000 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Todd Lawrence Richman and Jamie Sue Richman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7019 Whittlebury Trail to David and Holly Scott, of Bradenton, for $1,487,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,457 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2021.

EATON PLACE

Allen Brown and Anna BacherBrown, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, sold their home at 7325 Eaton Court to William Moore and Sue Ellen Bennett, of University Park, for $1.48 million. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,793 square feet of living area. It sold for $494,000 in 2019.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Edward and Barbara Smith, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4716 Royal Dornoch Circle to Krystle Gish and Joshua Wixson, of Orchard Lake, Michigan, for $985,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,047 square feet of living area. It sold for $557,500 in 2019.

Robert John Jenkins and Vilda Jenkins, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9822 Carnoustie Place to Bryan and Linda McKeag, of Bradenton, for $960,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,448 square feet of living area.

It sold for $483,500 in 2020.

Kathy Coulis sold her home at 10023 Marbella Drive to Mai Mikhaeil an Ayman Lamie, of Bradenton, for $475,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,659 square feet of living area.

It sold for $292,500 in 2018.

COUNTRY MEADOWS

Scott and Vielka Beall, of Bradenton, sold their home at 510 148th Court N.E. to Mitzi Cloud, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,470 square feet of living area.

RIVER CLUB NORTH

Tiffany Boyd, of Palmetto, sold her home at 6018 Glen Abbey Lane to Prabhu and Megan Ramkumar, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,815 square feet of living area. It sold for $230,000 in 1997.

COUNTRY CREEK

Marc and Karen Bowie, of Moseley, Virginia, sold their home at 109 Mill Run E. to Craig and Sun Ware, of Bradenton, for $695,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,194 square feet of living area. It sold for $369,000 in 2019.

RIVER PLACE

Leslie and Gloria Bart sold their home at 6966 74th St. Circle E. to Garry and Ivana Fields, of Bradenton, for $654,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,528 square feet of living area. It sold for $444,400 in 2005.

RIVERSIDE AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Melissa and Robert Joseph, of Monument, Colorado, sold their Unit D condominium at 1243 Riverscape St. to Sheriff Masry, of Bradenton, for $650,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It sold for $424,000 in 2020.

MILL CREEK

Patrick and Erika Cartner, of Parrish, sold their home at 702 133rd St. E. to Jeffrey Rittmer, of DeWitt, Iowa, for $640,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,340 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,000 in 2016.

Sarah Banks Clark, trustee, of Whigham, Georgia, sold the home at 13406 Third Ave. E. to Jason Powell and Tina Miller, of Bradenton, for $625,000. Built in 1989, it has one bedroom, two baths and 2,181 square feet of living area.

Amin Siddiqui and Romana Chowdhury, of Herndon, Virginia, sold their Unit 302 condominium at 6406 Watercrest Way to Laraine Frances Davis and Lewis Uber Davis Jr., of Bradenton, for $630,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet of living area. It sold for $685,000 in 2022.

OLD GROVE AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

WATERBURY GRAPEFRUIT

Mark and Lorraine Fulks, of Bradenton, sold their home at 12713 Sorrento Way to Stephen Platz and Cynthia Soller, trustees, of Dublin, Ohio, for $750,000. Built in 2018, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,685 square feet of living area. It sold for $431,300 in 2018.

WATCH AT WATERLEFE

Jeff and Pamela Baker, of Clive, Iowa, sold their Unit 18-C condominium at 935 River Basin Court to Robert Puric and Kristin Jennifer Puric, of Rocky Point, New York, for $472,600. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,156 square feet of living area. It sold for $290,000 in 2020.

VERANDA AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Robert Tierney Jr., of Lincolnwood, Illinois, sold his Unit 316 condominium at 5538 Palmer Circle to

Juan Olano and Karen Wightman, of Davie, for $455,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,462 square feet of living area. It sold for $241,000 in 2017.

BRADEN RIVER LAKES

David Robertson and Jessica Brooke Robertson sold their home at 701 47th St. E. to Harrison Jay Naillon and Melanie Kay Kiely, of Issaquah, Washington, for $449,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,627 square feet of living area. It sold for $220,500 in 2015.

SUMMERFIELD

Edna Saxon, trustee, of Morriston, sold the home at 12518 Rockrose Glen to Scott and Gigi Sena, of Lakewood Ranch, for $415,000.

Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,613 square feet of living area. It sold for $175,000 in 2009.

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Mary Elizabeth Griffith sold her home at 12714 Cobalt Terrace to Thomas and Mary Sikorski, of Greenwood, Indiana, for $490,000.

Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,617 square feet of living area. It sold for $362,100 in 2019.

Debra and David Govan, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, sold their home at 10473 Old Grove Circle to Jeffrey and Kristen Hessa, of Bradenton, for $628,500. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,355 square feet of living area. It sold for $396,000 in 2018.

Dimitrios Drisis and Iulia Maria Drisis sold their home at 6727 Rookery Lake Drive to Angelique Lynn Marshall and Matthew William Marshall, of Bradenton, for $624,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,268 square feet of living area. It sold for $342,700 in 2016.

Justin and Victoria Loukota, of Lemont, Illinois, sold their home at 3409 Anchor Bay Trail to Scott and Sandy Nelles, of Bradenton, for $779,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,859 square feet of living area. It sold for $494,800 in 2020.

INDIGO

WATERCREST

Alan James Milewski and Lauren Milewski, of Bradenton, sold their home at 17110 Polo Trail to Nevriye Amanda Yesil, of Bradenton, for $881,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,543 square feet of living area. It sold for $480,000 in 2019.

POLO RUN

Courtesy photo

This Lakehouse Cove at Waterside home at 8269 Grande Shores Drive for $1.5 million.

It has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,718 square feet of living area.

The Bank of New York, trustee, sold the home at 4334 225th St. E. to Brian Franklin, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $506,600. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,144 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,000 in 2001.

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Raymond and Irma Codd, of Tucson, Arizona, sold their home at 6359 Golden Eye Glen to David and Donna Price, of Lakewood Ranch, for $499,900. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,726 square feet of living area. It sold for $317,000 in 2018.

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REAL ESTATE

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RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

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WILD FLORIDA

24

Even in protected habitats, roads put wildlife at risk In three months, vehicle collisions with wildlife in Myakka State Park killed 15 species of animals.

MIRI HARDY CONTRIBUTOR

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W

ith most of its more than 37,000 acres undeveloped, Myakka River State Park offers critical habitat for our native flora and fauna.

These tranquil lands also provide visitors the increasingly rare opportunity to experience and enjoy wild Florida ecosystems minimally impacted by humans.

To maintain the park’s natural essence, the majority of the park is unpaved and minimally developed.

Although State Road 72 bisects the park for more than 12 miles, 14,500 acres south of it are completely undeveloped. This includes Myakka’s Wilderness Preserve, an area specifically managed to preserve its unique natural appeal and value.

Even in protected lands such as Myakka, roads that cross habitats place wildlife at risk, because animals are forced to cross them to get to food, water and other resources.

In fact, wildlife-vehicle collisions are the leading cause of mortality for many wildlife species, with an estimated 1 million vertebrates dying on our roads daily.

Traffic volume and speed are main contributors to wildlife mortality on roads, with the highest rates of collisions occurring on busy two-lane roads, such as S.R. 72.

Of the 42 vehicle collision mortality cases the park recorded in the past three months, more than 90% occurred on S.R. 72, with 15 species of birds, reptiles and mammals killed.

Negative impacts from roads are of particular concern for imperiled species, whose populations are

Miri Hardy

White-tailed deer often travel in groups. If you see a deer crossing a road or on a road’s shoulder, please slow down as more deer are bound to follow.

already at risk. A juvenile crested caracara, a federally designated threatened bird, was recently killed while feeding on S.R. 72. Caracaras are fire-dependent and only recently started returning to the park, thanks in part to the reintroduction of fire. Scavengers like caracaras prey on carcasses of animals killed on roads, which increases the risk of death for this already endangered species.

Myakka forms an important link in a chain of protected lands, which could become critical for endangered wildlife, such as the Florida panther.

As development continues to encroach on the park and traffic volume continues to increase, the risk to our wildlife rises. Slowing down, especially at dawn and dusk when many wildlife species are more active, is a small but important step we can all take to help protect them.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.

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JULY 20, 2023

SPORTS

“I love the people that I keep seeing in my age group (at the Senior Games).

We’re aging up. We all have our issues.”

— Ellen Jaffe Jones SEE PAGE 27

Fast

Break

MAKING HIS PITCH RYAN KOHN

File photo

Kennon McCaa throws batting practice at a FL Adult Baseball training session. The league is changing from 40+ to 35+ in 2023.

F

L Adult Baseball, a baseball league based out of Bradenton that includes players from Lakewood Ranch, is lowering the minimum age requirements of its league from 40+ to 35+ for the 2023 fall season. Teams will play a 14-game schedule starting Sept. 10. Registration is free, but the deadline to do so is Aug. 1. For more information or to register, visit FLAdultBaseball.com. ... The Lakewood Ranch Chargers Boys U16 youth soccer team played in the National Premier League’s NPL Finals, held July 12-16 in Denver.

Only 18 teams qualified for the event. The team went 1-1-1 at the event and finished fourth out of six teams in the event’s Bracket D. ... Jim Davis sank a hole-inone July 12 on the No. 6 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links course. Davis used a 6-hybrid on the 159-yard hole. ... Jeff Ingalls, Kelly Ingalls, Ed Wyatt and Tony DeCecco (28.2) won the “Nine, Dine and Wine” event (two-player scramble, better ball of four scoring) held July 16 at University Park Country Club. ... The National Federation of State High School Associations, whose rules the Florida High School Athletic Association follows, announced July 14 that the use of one-way communication devices between a coach in the dugout and a team’s catcher will be allowed in high school baseball starting in 2024. The rule is designed to allow coaches to call pitches without verbally or physically signaling for them and is similar to rules Major League Baseball implemented in 2022.

ON TOP OF THEIR GAME PAGE 26

Colton Gordon is SPORTS EDITOR hen Colton Gordon was the Astros’ No. 8 drafted by the HousColton Gordon holds a 3.45 ERA at AA-level Corpus Christi in 2023. ton Astros in the eighth overall prospect round of the 2021 MLB and the No. 1 Draft out of the University of Central Florida, he was impact, Gordon was stuck in the awareness of the strike zone and of pitching prospect, excited, but he also felt like he had a training room. It would be eight opposing batters’ tendencies. He lot to prove. months before he could toss a base- said he is respecting the game more according to Gordon, a former Lakewood ball again and another five months of and is no longer content with givRanch High baseball player, had two rehab to regain strength before Gor- ing hitters “freebies” no matter the MLB.com. months earlier undergone Tommy don was ready for games. count or who’s standing in the bat-

W

John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.

Recovery from Tommy John surgery can take up to one year.

While most other draftees could make an immediate on-field

“My style is to throw strikes and compete and give our team a chance to win every time I’m out there.”

Former Lakewood Ranch High baseball player COLTON GORDON

Courtesy photos

Gordon made his professional debut for the rookie-level Florida Complex League Astros on June 13, 2022, throwing one scoreless inning.

In the 13 months since that moment, Gordon has proven the organization right for drafting him despite his Tommy John recovery period.

Gordon, 24, holds a 2.99 career ERA in the minors and has shown deft command of his pitches, according to MLB.com, which has landed him at No. 8 on the organization’s list of top prospects — and the No. 1 pitcher.

“When I had the surgery before the draft, I thought, ‘This might be it for me,’” Gordon said. “I thought I might not get a chance. But I took a couple days and created a plan, and I was fortunate to be drafted. After that, I just controlled what I could control, and now I’m here.”

Gordon said the Astros’ rehab group — both the trainers and the other players going through recoveries — was a big factor in keeping his mentality positive during his year off the field. Everyone in the room pushed each other to get a touch better every day, Gordon said.

Eventually, those touches added up, and he returned to full strength. Gordon said he’s felt great since he returned, and his play backs up his feelings.

Even going up to the AA level from the A level in 2023 — considered by many in baseball to be the most significant jump a prospect makes before reaching the major leagues — has not slowed Gordon much. As of July 11, Gordon holds a 3.45 ERA this season through 75.2 innings pitched, with a 95 strikeouts to just 26 walks.

Gordon said h i s m os t significant adjustment has been an i n c re a s e d

Colton Gordon had Tommy John surgery in 2021, two months before he was drafted by the Houston Astros.

ter’s box. But in terms of a plan, Gordon is the same pitcher he’s always been, dating back to his days as a Mustang.

“I attack the strike zone,” Gordon said. “My style is to throw strikes and compete and give our team a chance to win every time I’m out there. My control comes from getting a lot of reps and developing awareness. I feel out what am I working on. Does the curveball need more depth? Does the fastball need more cut or run? And how do you do that consistently? I’m practicing that and becoming consistent at it.”

Gordon’s skills, as well as his family heritage, allowed him to take part in something special this spring. He represented Team Israel at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and started the team’s March 14 game against Puerto Rico. It didn’t go well, as he gave up four runs and exited in the second inning. The team would go on to lose 10-0, with Puerto Rico’s pitching staff combining for a perfect game.

Even with disappointing results, Gordon said he was glad he got the chance to play.

“I learned a lot about Israel and its history, and I got better as a pitcher,” Gordon said. “I was able to face some of the best hitters in the world.

Understanding that level of play and the noise and the energy that people can bring to a big game, it’s going to help.”

MLB.com estimates Gordon will arrive in the majors in 2024 if he stays on his current trajectory.

Despite his success, he has not forgotten his roots. Gordon said he still is in a group text chat with some of his Lakewood Ranch High baseball teammates, and they are not afraid to let him know when he makes mistakes on the mound, giving him a good-natured ribbing.

Gordon said he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“A lot of people in Lakewood Ranch helped me along the way, whether it was on the field hitting ground balls to me or across the street at the YMCA while getting in a workout,” Gordon said. “It was a good time and a good place to grow up, as a player and as a person.”

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

The highest five These Lakewood Ranch and Braden River alums have had varying levels of success in professional football.

F

or all the football talent that exists in East County, only five players from the area have reached the NFL ranks.

It speaks to the difficulty of reaching the professional level but also the determination of the five athletes who made it — some of whom still had to fight for a spot once they got there.

Here’ are five athletes who reached the sport’s pinnacle and where they are now in their careers.

DOMINIQUE RODGERSCROMARTIE

A 2004 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High, Rodgers-Cromartie was a standout wide receiver and cornerback for the Mustangs, but failed to gain traction on the recruiting trail and landed at Tennessee State University.

It was at Tennessee State that Rodgers-Cromartie showcased his athleticism and shut-down ability, picking off 11 passes and holding opposing quarterbacks to 3.54 yards per attempt when throwing his direction over four years. His numbers and NFL Combine performance — Rodgers-Cromartie ran a 4.29 40-yard dash — persuaded the Arizona Cardinals to take him 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Rodgers-Cromartie would play 12 seasons in the NFL with six teams, hauling in 30 interceptions (six returned for touchdowns), forcing seven fumbles and recording 454 tackles. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2009 with the Cardinals and in 2015 with the New York Giants.

Rodgers-Cromartie last played in the NFL in 2019, but he hasn’t left football entirely. In May, Rodgers-

named to All-Sun Belt First Team, and in 2020 was named to the AllAmerican Second Team by Sporting News among other accolades.

Neuzil went unselected in the 2021 NFL Draft but signed with the Falcons as a free agent and landed on the team’s practice squad. Unlike fellow Braden River alum Neasman, Neuzil’s promotion to the active roster would not come quickly. He had to wait until Nov. 5, 2022, when he was elevated for a game against the San Diego Chargers. Neuzil played on four special teams snaps that game. Neuzil would be promoted to the active roster permanently on Nov. 22 and saw action in nine games.

The 6-foot-3 lineman remains on the Falcons’ roster heading into the 2023 season.

Cromartie signed with the Tampa Nightcrawlers of the American 7s Football League for the team’s playoff run. The A7FL is a seven-onseven tackle football league played without helmets or hard body pads.

Rodgers-Cromartie and the Nightcrawlers will play the Las Vegas Insomniacs in the A7FL Championship on July 23 in Bullhead City, Arizona.

AUSTIN REITER

Reiter, a 2010 Lakewood Ranch High graduate, earned a scholarship to the University of South Florida by playing center for the Mustangs.

At USF, Reiter would be named to the Rimington Award (best center) watch list twice, and as a senior in 2014-15, Reiter was named to the All-American Athletic Conference Third Team by Phil Steele.

Reiter was selected in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, 222nd overall, by the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). He would stay with Washington for only one season. Reiter landed with the Cleveland Browns, but stayed for just two seasons before being waived. It seemed like his career was in jeopardy, but in 2018, Reiter found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Reiter would be used as a valuable depth piece in Kansas City in 2018, and in 2019, Reiter became the team’s starting center, taking the field in every game — including Super Bowl LIV, in which the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.

Reiter would stay with the Chiefs through 2021, when he signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He would bounce around after that, with briefs stints with the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams. But in March 2022, Reiter re-signed with the Chiefs as a member of the team’s practice squad and earned his second Super Bowl ring in February when the team beat the Philadelphia Eagles

SAM JACKSON

Courtesy photo

Former Braden River High lineman Ryan Neuzil is on the Atlanta Falcons’ active roster heading into the 2023 season.

38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. He remains with the team after signing a new one-year deal in March.

SHARROD NEASMAN

Neasman, a 2011 graduate of Braden River High, was not a big-time college recruit. The defensive back had to walk on at Florida Atlantic University, surviving a tryout process where only five of 50 players were selected to remain on the team. But he built himself into a standout player over time, becoming a starter at free safety as a junior in 2014 and a team captain as a senior in 2015.

Neasman tallied four career interceptions and 146 total tackles.

It was not enough to persuade any NFL team to take him in the 2016 Draft, but earning his way onto a roster wasn’t a problem for Neasman before, and it wasn’t then, either. Neasman signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in September 2016 and earned a promotion to the

active roster a month later.

Neasman remained with the Falcons through the 2020 season, getting playing time whenever another safety went down with an injury.

Neasman had 80 tackles and four passes defensed in his five seasons with the team. In 2021, Neasman signed with the New York Jets and recorded 14 tackles and his lone career interception.

Neasman has not seen action in a regular-season game since and is currently a free agent.

RYAN NEUZIL

Neuzil became known as a sturdy offensive guard, but he graduated from Braden River High as a tight end in 2016 and went to Appalachian State University on a scholarship. With the Mountaineers, Neuzil made the switch to the offensive line and was a model of consistency. Starting with his sophomore season, he started all 44 games Appalachian State played the rest of his college career. Neuzil was twice

The newest member of East County’s NFL family, Jackson is a 2017 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High, where he played football on the offensive line and also tried his hand at basketball. Jackson signed to play football at the University of Central Florida. Jackson would start 31 games for UCF in his college career across the offensive line, though by his junior season in 2021 he was cemented as a tackle.

Jackson was named to the 2022 All-American Athletic Conference First Team by Pro Football Focus among other accolades and participated in the 2023 Hula Bowl, held on UCF’s campus, in the hopes of attracting NFL attention.

Jackson was not drafted in 2023, but he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent on April 29.

Jackson will try to follow in Neasman and Neuzil’s footsteps by making the squad full time this fall.

Ryan Kohn is the sports editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

What is your favorite food to make or eat?

You know, my life is on the run so much that when I get the chance to be at home and make a ginormous salad with my food processor, life is just great.

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Can't-Miss Summer Read!

Finish this sentence: “Ellen Jaffe Jones is ...“ ... Exuberant.

Relax and enjoy Key Life online as it shines a light on the people, experiences, culture, arts, architecture and business that set the keys apart and makes them so special.

What have you been doing off the track?

I became a full-time, licensed Florida Realtor so I can pay for all these trips. As I get older, the cost of these things keeps going up, and my income was not what it once was. I had to pay for my running addiction somehow.

What’s the secret to longevity as a runner?

Physical therapy is a big key to me being able to go out and do it over and over again. It’s like you’re standing there with a fire hose. Put out the little fires before they get too big. Sometimes it is my ankle.

Sometimes it is my back. But take care of it. Also, do exercises that are complementary to the muscles you use for running.

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What was your favorite moment from this year’s Senior Games?

The 4x100 relay was the biggest adrenaline rush of my life. They don’t time the individual legs of the race, but I am sure it was the fastest I’ve ever gone. People told me I was running like the wind. And it’s funny, this year I was the least prepared I have ever been for the games. I had only been doing a 5K every other weekend or so because I didn’t have time for much else.

What is your next big goal?

I am still trying to complete 300 races of 5K distance or longer. I’m currently at 282, so I should be able to do it this year. If not, then early next year.

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404738-1

What makes you want to keep running?

I love the adrenaline rush. I love the people that I keep seeing in my age group (at the Senior Games). We all have our issues. We inspire each other to keep going.

If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Ryan Kohn at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ellen Jaffe Jones Ellen Jaffe Jones, 70, won a gold medal in the 4x100 relay (1:13.77) alongside teammates Sandi Rue, Madonna Hanna and Patsy Orosz at the 2023 National Senior Games, held July 7-18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jones competed in every running event in her 70-74 age group, and her second-best finish was in the 800 meter dash, where she finished eighth (4:35.78).

27

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AT OUR PALMETTO FACTORY

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405533-1

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OPEN to the PUBL IC

28

YourObserver.com

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST THURSDAY, JULY 20

Submit your photos at YourObserver. com/contests.

All submissions will be entered for the 2023-24 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2024, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

Sunrise Sunset

High: 95 Low: 78 Chance of rain: 58%

FRIDAY, JULY 21 High: 93 Low: 80 Chance of rain: 68%

Thursday, July 20

6:46a

8:24p

Friday, July 21

6:47a

8:24p

Saturday, July 22

6:47a

8:23p

Sunday, July 23

6:48a

8:23p

Monday, July 24

6:48a

8:22p

Tuesday, July 25

6:49a

8:22p

Wednesday, July 26

6:49a

8:21p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 22 High: 93 Low: 81 Chance of rain: 35%

July 25 First

Aug. 1 Full

Aug. 8 Last

Aug. 16 New

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JULY 23 High: 93 Low: 79 Chance of rain: 50%

Monday, July 10

0

Tuesday, July 11

0.22

Wednesday, July 12

0

Thursday, July 13

0

Friday, July 14

0

Saturday, July 15

0.03

Sunday, July 16

0.03

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Melissa Sevola took this photo of the clouds reflecting on the lake at Waterside Place.

YEAR TO DATE: 2023 10.40 in.

2022 20.32 in.

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC Sarasota 941.355.8437 | Bradenton 941.748.4679 | Venice 941.493.7441 | manasotaonline.com

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

Flooring Made for your Family

celebrity cipher DOWN

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Saintly glow 5 Exchange vows 8 Over the ___ (ecstatic) 12 Grew smaller 18 Wednesday’s Norse namesake 19 Big fuss 20 Canned canine cuisine 21 Sailor’s outerwear 23 *The Net 2: ___ 26 Short opera melody 27 Inventor Nikola 28 Big brand in sporty sandals 29 Cosmetics queen Elizabeth 31 Numbers entered on an IRS form 32 Device introduced by

Steve Jobs in 2007

some” or “secret”

93 ___ de Janeiro

34 *Psycho 2: ___

64 Peter Pan rival

94 Interrogate

37 Svelte

65 *Bermuda Triangle 2: ___ 96 License requirement

40 Apt word formed by the

70 Artist Yoko

97 *Office Space 2: ___

missing letters in “Unrea___

71 Pumps or clogs

101 G-rated

ble sou_ce_”

72 Singer Alicia

103 Hawaiian tree

41 Garden implement

73 NPR’s Glass

104 Communal beliefs

42 Major pretender

76 Chews vigorously

105 Tie up a boat

43 Foul moods

79 Partner of the FDA and

106 Informal summons

45 Way back in time

CDC

110 Words on a blue balloon,

49 *Alice in Wonderland

80 Actress Grier

perhaps

2: ___

81 In the thick of

112 Shout preceding “Ac-

53 Gush forth

82 “Like that would ever

tion!” ... and the inspiration

54 Rooibos and oolong

happen!”

for the six imagined sequels

55 Fish that can deliver

83 *Napoleon Dynamite

116 “Stop interfering!”

several hundred volts

2: ___

117 Coffee dispensers

56 “Eww!”

89 Handy accessory on a

118 Curse

57 Prom companions

sunny day

119 Grammy

58 Miscalculate

91 Major Pretender

120 Cafe orders

59 Mountain lion

92 Studebaker model that

121 Fraternal order

61 Word that can follow “awe- means “forward” in Italian

122 Gallery display

for one 51 Gambling, for some 52Spend time at the rink

1 Entertain guests

57 Party spreads

2 “For two,” on a score

59 Harshly criticizes

3 Some people can read

60 Game with “Reverse”

them

cards

4 “No matter how many

61 Bay Area hub near SJC

elves he hired, Santa was

62 Dined

always short-staffed,” and

63 Sounds of confusion

others

64 Screamin’ ___ Hawkins

5 Used to be

66 Off-season perk, perhaps

6 One who might resolve a

67 “Didn’’t expect to see you

tense situation?

here!”

7 Bakery order

68 Prefix meaning “half”

8 Storybook bear

69 Gymnast Biles

9 Futbol cheer

74 Hilarious ones

10 SEAL’s work, for short

75 Allow entry

11 Feature of a naked mole

76 Small space

rat

77 DOD agency

12 One of 13 high cards in

78 Word before “marshals”

contract bridge

or “miles”

13 “Allow me to demon-

79 Stanley Cup org.

strate”

80 Prof.’s degree

14 Drenches, as a picnic

81 Reduction in taxes

15 One of four high cards in

83 Forthcoming

contract bridge

84 Stylish

16 “Untrue!”

85 Miami Heat star Lowry

17 Breaded and fried Japa-

86 NBC program with

nese dish

“Weekend Update”

22 Hiker’s shelter

87 Sandy islands atop reefs

24 Eric B. & Rakim, for one

88 Complain incessantly

25 December 24th or 31st

90 Gambler’s bonus action

30 Some KOA sights

94 American muscle car

33 Courageous one

95 Like a cabaret, perhaps

34 ___ and kin

96 Breadwinner

35 “Hidden Figures” org.

97 Power tool brand

36 Cry after a successful

98 Concierge’s workplace

slide

99 Bob Marley fan, perhaps

37 Overabundance

100 “Now I remember!”

38 One hearing “Check-

101 Portable bed

mate!” or “Gin!”

102 Big fuss

39 Note equivalent to an F

105 Pigsty

“LPX’N APWZUN NRON AWUULPD ET XUBUW TPDUNREXZ NRON VOX FU NOGUX APW ZWOXNUL.” OXZUIO DUWGUI

“XRZVN GUYR ZC U GUIIRD FW XZDIK. XRZVN U GUV ZC U GUIIRD FW UNR. XPI XRZVN U NRVIYRGUV ZC U GUIIRD FW BKFZBR.”

OZV SZRCRY

“E’L FTS D GEZ CDF TC SDPUEFZ DGTXS AJEFZ. DFA SMKF E LDUK D LTOEK RMKHK E UEPP KOKHJGTAJ.” AEHKBSTH DGKP CKHHDHD Puzzle Three Clue: X equals U

123 Short reprimands

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: N equals G

SILENCE IS GOLDEN by Michael Berg, edited by Jeff Chen

Puzzle One Clue: V equals C

crossword

399481-1

We have all of your luxury flooring needs carpet | hardwood | tile | stone | pavers | and more

MONTH TO DATE: 2023 0.36 in.

2022 2.33 in.

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

40 Blazing

107 Isaac’s eldest 43 Does some hand-wringing 108 Lease 44 Zilch

109 GPS estimates

45 “Yikes!”

111 Qty.

46 Fitting

113 Online address

47 “Wow!”

114 Tat

48 Cries of discomfort

115 Extension on some at50 “Woman yelling at a cat,” tached docs ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

7-20-23

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

RED PAGES redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

Merchandise Wanted

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 DISTINGUISHED, ANTIQUE rocking chair. Must sell. $200.

1-863-260-5002 LAMBSWOOL RUG- 3’x2.5’-$75.

54” round glass-top for table-$75.

Waterford crystal golfer figurine$50. 941-359-8460

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Sporting Goods

BEACH’ N RIDES Electric Bike Shop! eBike Sales and Rentals Ride easy on an eBike with as much exercise or assistance as you want.

Leave traffic and parking problems behind!

13 models available.

Daily and weekly rentals available We also repair other Brands Open 10 to 5 daily except Sundays and holidays 12208 Cortez Road, Cortez, FL

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE! TOASTER OVEN- New, never used. $35 941-351-2040

941-251-7916, Ext 1

•Reliable •Top to bottom disinfecting •High-quality final touches •Linen service available FREE ESTIMATE 941-928-5801

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888 SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING HIGH-END INTERIOR PAINTING WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

This week’s Crossword answers

IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE •Meal Prep •Daily routines •RT Background •Hospice Experience •Doctor appointments

Autos Wanted CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

DESPERATELY NEEDED Low mileage, cars and trucks.

Also rare or unusual vehicles.

Larry 941-350-7993

SELL IT FAST! Place Your Ad Online YourObserver.com/RedPages

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

15+ years experience.

Excellent local references.

Call Robyn: 941-685-7199 PERSONAL CARE GIVERPrivate care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Looking for something? Your lucky discovery is closer than you think.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Don’t forget that freedom is never something that can be taken for granted.”

Angela Merkel

Puzzle Two Solution: “Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.”

Vin Diesel Puzzle Three Solution: “I’m not a big fan of talking about dying.

And then I make a movie where I kill everybody.”

Director Abel Ferrara

This week’s Sudoku answers

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

TREASURES

found here.

©2023 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

(CAREGIVERS) ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS job is for 5 Days a Week – 5 Hours per Day – Salary is $20 per Hour. Clean record, good recommendations, mobile, with many skills For more details about the position, email (holt.j88@yahoo.com)

941-955-4888 Items Under $200

EUROPEAN HOUSEKEEPING

peekers’ place

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning

CARLO DATTILO Painting Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing.

Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos.

Honest & reliable.

Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Adult Care Services

auto

stuff

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Painting

©2023 NEA, Inc.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Clock Repair

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

Christo’s Clock Repair

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

YoderAluminum.com

Attorney

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

Computer

Is Your Computer Feeling Sick?

Divorce without Lawyers

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Let Us Fix It!

Call A Geek Computer ServiCeS

Divorce is never fun, but it does not have to be nasty & hateful! Protect your family relationships and assets from expensive Court litigation. Consider Divorce Mediation, the peaceful alternative.

(941) 351-7260 call-a-geek.net

Call me for a free 30 minute consultation before you call a Divorce Lawyer!

Computer Repair & Service Virus & Malware Removal / Protection New System Set Up / Data Transfer Networking: Wired/Wireless Installation Data Recovery / Remote Support One-On-One Tutoring / Training

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Home Services

Over 18 yrs serving Manatee/Sarasota Counties

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

We have mediated divorces involving up to 10 million dollars of assets over past 27 years.

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

William J. Leininger, JD

406914

Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator 677 N. Washington Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 SarasotaDivorceMediator.com 941-727-5555

SELL YOUR CAR!

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

405365

Home Watch FIRST RESPONDER OWNED & OPERATED

Pegatronics.com

941-735-3362

406036

Auto Service

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

(941)544-0475

WITH THE RED PAGES

FAST • EASY • SAFE

dan@shorelockhomewatch.com

Call to reserve your ad space

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

405360

406510

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

406511

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

406035

Aluminum

www.shorelockhomewatch.com

941-955-4888

5-Star Rated

406925

30

Doors 406915

HoHoBuysCars.com

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Autos Wanted

DESPERATELY NEEDED

Furniture Repair

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

Patio Furniture Repairs.com 941-504-0903

406512

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

Call 941-955-4888

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Irrigation

IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Doors

406034

CREATE BUZZ!

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888 406916

406031

UNIQUE SPORT & IMPORTS 941-350-7993

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

406513

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

Low Mileage, Cars & Trucks.

Also Rare or Unusual Vehicles.

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

Custom Granite Services, llc 941-400-4912

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com 405366

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Call us today! 941.628.8579 FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

406907

405361

www.ezslider.com

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

YourObserver.com

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Painting

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

406516

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

1/10/23, 10:25 AM

406030

941-920-8221

941-248-4734 Windows

by Allison

“No Job Too Small”

STANDARD WINDOWS

405367

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

Homes - Driveways - Sidewalks - Tile & Shingle Roofs - Pool Cages & Decks

406933

FREE ESTIMATES - Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Cell 619-405-7650 Home/Office 941-758-4840 Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

150

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

5

$

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

941-626-3194

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

ows

SPECIAL 00

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Painting

25

UP TO

Roofing

Allison J. Abizaid

Lic./Ins.

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Insured

941-270-1561

Design • Garden Beds • Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers • Weeds • Trimming

1/1

& Pressure C Window lean t e s ing n s a S u n u n w r o i s n e k Wind S erly

406515

GARDENS

Licensed

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#search/royaltreasurecasino%40yahoo.com?projector=1

Res./Com.

Eldridge Re-Screen

Landscaping & Lawn

All Airports, Hourly & Tours www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Booked Referral Program Next Ride with Booked Referral

406910

405363

10% off

RELIABLE • INSURED

Rescreening & Repairs

Licensed & Insured

941-400-0431 • gbyallison@yahoo.com • gardensbyallison.com

Luxury for Less

406927

Small plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE

Mark’s Plumbing Service

GLENN KROECKER

No Job is Too Small!

Transportation

Plumbing

THE GRAB BAR GUY

chrome_qrcode_1671726737617.png

Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

405359

DRGRABBARS.COM

406038

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

High-End Interior Painting Services 364556 405362

249 235

* $ $235

Screening

SARASOTA INTERIOR PAINTING, LLC

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS $

31

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

32

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Look No Further 8265 Pavia Way Gloria Bracciano

$2,975,000 941.730.1999

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

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

ENGLEWOOD 7108 Trout Lane Amee Sams & Beth Sargent

$1,795,000 941.447.1466

BOCA ROYALE 26842 Faldo Lane Bob Linthicum

HAMMOCK PRESERVE 12462 Marsh Pointe Road Kim Vogel

$950,000 941.254.1996

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5577 Palmer Circle #102 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

$524,999 941.374.5010

BAY HARBOR ESTATES 1098 Bay Harbor Drive Lori Carey

$399,999 941.780.3427

LAUREL OAK ESTATES $1,099,900 941.228.9206

BOCA ROYALE 1769 Grande Park Drive Bob Linthicum

$949,900 941.228.9206

11878 Forest Park Circle Chris Constantinou

$489,900 941.228.9206

3344 Chelmsford Court #14 Gloria Bracciano

THE MEADOWS $575,000 860.227.0044

5605 Pipers Waite #2 Fernando Viteri

$469,000 941.730.1999

7405 Oak Moss Drive #29 Linda Dooley & Dwight Dooley

THE MEADOWS

VILLA MIRADA | PRESTANCIA 4634 Mirada Way #13 Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi

$1,900,000 941.400.7359

CENTRAL PARK

BOCA ROYALE 1250 Backspin Drive Bob Linthicum

2662 Dick Wilson Drive Linda Dooley & Dwight Dooley

HAMMOCKS

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

$395,000 941.587.4894

16706 Vardon Terrace #103 Corinne Fallacaro

$575,000 941.400.7676

$389,000 941.685.9579

$425,000 941.400.7359

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 17108 Vardon Terrace #204 Kevin Milner

$360,000 941.539.3287

Gateway to the Incredible Downtown Sarasota’s newest water-view community, The Owen Golden Gate Point is an intimate enclave of just 29 contemporary residences ranging from 2,265 – 3,073 square feet. Resort-inspired amenities and exquisite finishes. Now accepting reservations.

Priced from $2.2 million – $4,650,000 OwenGoldenGate.com • The LRM Group • 941.210.0987

BROKERAGE | RENTALS | RELOCATION | NEW DEVELOPMENT MORTGAGE | INSURANCE | FINE ART CONSIGNMENT

PremierSIR.com VENICE | 941.412.3323

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.2500

RENTALS | 941.203.3433

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including,but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®.

396047-1

SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000