Issue No. 2 | Florida Winter 2021

ISSUE NO. 2 | FLORIDA WINTER 2021-22

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CONTENTS The peak season for observing manatees is November through April, and the local manatee population swells to its largest size between December and February.

08 Mark Ganon: The Man and Mind Behind Monark Gallery

by Sarah Fish

13 Family Grown: The Past, Present and Future of Three Locally Owned Farms

40 A Baker’s Dozen: 13 Incredible Bakeries in Bradenton

by Kelly Stilwell

42 Effective Ways to Eat Healthy When Eating Out

by Corey Grenz, MX Nutrition & Fitness Coach

44 Bradenton Area River Regatta: Get Ready to Roat Once More!

48 Deep History of the Cortez Fishing Village

by Sarah Fish

52 Fishing in Cortez

by FishingBooker

Rescue Report 17 The 2022 LECOM Suncoast 54 The sponsored by Pet Supermarket Classic

by Travis Cornwell 57 The Curry House

by Liz Reed 23 Entrepreneurs 60 Saving Lives Just Got

by A. Catherine A Little Easier 28 Festivals, Flavor, and Fun

by Beth Douglas

by Nicole Miskovic 63 Want Better Posture?

30 THE FEAST

by Kendra Gemma

COLLABORATION:

by Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Innovative Dining, and Blade & Tine Culinary 4 | BMAG

by Dr. Meredith Butulis

64 Thrift & Vintage in Bradenton

by Kelly Stilwell

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MARK GAGNON

THE MAN AND MIND BEHIND MONARK GALLERY BY: SARAH FISH The

monarch

butterfly

is

the

epitome

of

metamorphosis and migration. Its distinct eyecatching look is synonymous with beauty, change and endurance. Four stages of development over four generations of butterflies each year complete a life cycle ever in progress.

Artist Mark Gagnon owns Monark Custom Framing and Art Gallery, with his wife, Monica. “A Life in Progress we’ve been manifesting for nearly 15 years,” he says. Like the monarch butterfly, Monark Custom Framing and Art Gallery is a result of continuous development and journey.

Gagnon’s work has been shown in galleries, museums, arenas and airports around the country, but his home is here in Bradenton and his gallery is nestled appropriately in the Village of The Arts. With 20+ years of custom framing experience, Monark is ready to help you with whatever projects you can dream up. From Picassos to concert posters, shadow boxes and custom mirrors, Gagnon has framed it all. In regards to his original style, he says: “My work is an attempt to challenge the eye and stimulate the mind.” His work and community are in alignment, surrounded by like-minded creatives with a similar purpose.

“By using self developed stream-of-consciousness techniques, each one of my works is unique, whether art, music, or the written word,” he says.

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Gagnon references his original music and prose as extensions of his creative expressionism. Both are equal to his meticulously detailed visual mazes or his frenetic acrylic work.

Gagnon composes and performs original music under the name Mach G. Like his visual art, Gagnon’s musical expression is atmospheric and honest. His sounds are abstract yet familiar and relatable. Like the various stages of the monarch butterfly, the different aspects of his artistry are

My inspiration for the cover artwork titled “Making Waves in Bradenton” is the palpable feeling that big things are happening in our city. Whether it’s the Riverwalk, The Village of the Arts, the beautiful beaches or the building boom happening out East, Bradenton is in the midst of a Renaissance, and I hope this artwork conveys how happy I am to be a part of it!

unique on their own. Together, they encompass the man and the mind behind Monark Gallery, Mach G and The Artist MSG. “Some pieces take minutes to create, and others take years,” he says, adding “With a main focus on abstract expressionism, my work evolves from the emotional state I am in during the creation process.”

Much like the monarch butterfly, the pieces of art adorning the Monark gallery and elsewhere are testaments to Gagnon’s personal hardships and joys; expressions of personal growth and manifestations of metamorphosis. They’re mind maps of his curious contemplations. Each piece is unique to Gagnon’s experience in this world, as much as they are unique to each person who admires them.

“Often viewers find angels, animals, faces, cityscapes and more in my work,” he says, explaining that the apparitions are usually unintended and brought forth through a streamof-conscious creation process.

Gagnon has had no formal art training, and began drawing a collection of abstract art mazes in 2000.

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He added painting with acrylics a year later.

He is also the author of children’s book “The Blue Cow and the Hummingbird” and has published and sells books containing his creative solvable mazes.

“My creativity comes in waves, from art to music to writing to art to music to writing,” Gagnon describes his process.

He is in tune with what he describes as a “concentric creative energy” that inspires him to explore different aspects of each discipline as they well up in his mind.

You can admire Gagnon’s work at his gallery on 12th Ave West in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts or visit his website https: //monark-custom-f raming-andart-gallery.business.site/

his

Instagram

page @monark_custom_framing and at Facebook.com/MonarkCustomFraming.

Get your very own print of the Bradenton Magazine cover art “Making Waves in Bradenton.” Now taking orders at: Monark Custom Framing and Art Gallery ~ Limited Quantity available!

Contact Mark: 941.216.9349 | monark@ monarkcustomframing.com | https:// monark-custom-framing-and-art-gallery. business.site/

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MISS I O N

support local

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Family Grown:

The Past, Present and Future of Three Locally Owned Farms

BY KENDRA GEMMA Although mostly known for its beaches, baseball and growing population, Manatee County retains its more rural roots in three farms that have remained in their respective families for generations. One is a

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popular tourist attraction while the other two are more well-kept secrets – until now. Keep reading to get to know some of your neighbors, their childhood memories growing up on a farm and their future plans.

Geraldson’s Family Farm

www.geraldsonsfamilyfarm.com

Started by Dr. C.M. Geraldson in the late 1950s as a tomato wholesaler, Geraldson’s Family Farm has evolved multiple times, first adding retail to the wholesale business in the early 1980s, and even becoming a u-pick farm for a while. Today, the Geraldsons sell their produce exclusively at their market, which is open every Tuesday through Saturday. The downsized 10-acre farm grows several varieties of small tomatoes, including Roma and heirloom, along with greens such as kale, spinach, arugula and lettuces. The market also carries other local products.

Among them are local honey from Healing River, cheese from Jersey Acres and citrus and orange juice from The Citrus Place.

“I love being able to connect with our neighbors and customers with the retail market,” says Jocelyn Geraldson Burness, Dr. Geraldson’s granddaughter. “We have so many customers who have become like family over the years.”

Burness, her father, Greg, and her three siblings operate the farm together. She has fond childhood memories on the farm.

“I loved having so much space to roam,” she says. She and her siblings had a go-kart, multiple tree forts, strawberries to pick and orange trees to climb. “One of my favorite activities was climbing up in our Honeybell tree and making a mess eating the juiciest oranges,” she adds.

Her son, Rhett, is only 11 months old but he’s already following in the family footsteps, relishing his time on the farm. “Like me, he loves being outside,” Burness says.

The generous Geraldson family enjoys sharing their farm and their hospitality with the community. They’re welcoming guests to their “Farmily” dinners this season, with the first one happening on Saturday, November 20. They’ll also host their second annual Christmas Market in December.

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Mixon Fruit Farms

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www.mixon.com

You could say Mixon Fruit Farms grew up

These days, the Mixons ship approximately 30,000

alongside Bradenton’s tourism industry. The

packages a year to addresses all over the United States

grandmother of current owner Dean Mixon

from their farm, which is now a tourist destination itself.

catered to the city’s out-of-state visitors who

Besides the 14,000-square-foot gift shop that lures guests

desired a taste of Florida after they returned

with its famous fudge and orange swirl ice cream, the

to their houses. “The wealthy families

property also has a wildlife rescue with emus, crocodiles

wanted the fruit shipped to their homes

and snakes, along with an organic bamboo plantation.

in the north,” says Dean’s wife, Janet. “She

The Mixon tram can cart up to 75 people to these and

would load her six children up in the truck

other attractions throughout the farm. Those additions

and take them, along with a load of fruit, to

and others were made after 2006, when Dean and Janet

the big hotel in downtown Bradenton. This

purchased the farm from his father and brother. “We

was the start of gift fruit shipping in Florida.”

knew there was a need to diversify and we wanted to make a place where memories were made,” Mixon says.

Dean and Janet’s shared memories date back to 1955, when they met as kindergartners after Janet’s family moved to Bradenton. She immediately began her relationship with the Mixons and their farm. “We were the kumquat kids,” she says. “When the family put boxes together for shipping, they used to put a sprig of kumquats in each box. That was our job.”

Given their lifelong commitment to each other, it seems only appropriate that another one of Dean and Janet’s enhancements to the farm is a wedding venue. “It is always awesome when I meet a parent that is having a birthday party here and they tell me they got married at our Pavilion a few years back,” Mixon says.

In addition to private celebrations, Mixon Fruit Farms presents community events. On November 6, 2021, Taste of Mixon’s will take place. Approximately 10 food stations will offer samples prepared by students in the Southeast High Schools Culinary Arts class. Attendees taste and vote for their favorite item, and prizes and trophies are awarded for the most popular dishes. The following week, November 13, is the date of the Mixon Harvest Festival, where about 70 crafters will display and sell their works.

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Orban’s Nursery

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www.orbans.com

As the fourth generation to own Orban’s Nursery, Tyler Orban has owned the business since 2019. But he began working on the property at age 7, planting the nursery’s signature poinsettias.

Like many people who have relocated to our area, Orban’s has its origins in the Midwest, namely Ohio. Tyler’s greatgreat uncle Martin started out in 1914 with a florist shop and grew flowering plants. When Tyler’s grandfather returned from World War II, he studied horticulture at Ohio State University and bought the business from Uncle Martin. A few years later, he decided he wanted to cultivate plants, primarily geraniums, impatiens and poinsettias, in a warmer climate to bring them to the market earlier in Ohio than his competition. He chose Bradenton based on the microclimate that our area has. Orban says it has almost the same freeze possibilities as the next couple of counties farther south but it’s cooler in the summer because of the surrounding water bodies.

The business passed to Tyler’s father in the 1970s and it expanded from two acres to 20 with the addition of Home Depot as a large customer, along with Publix. Most of the business then was poinsettias, annuals and roses, and it was all wholesale.

friends and family,” Orban reminisces. “I always loved the nursery but I didn’t know that I wanted to stay in the business. I just knew I didn’t want to sit at a desk every day.”

The turning point for Tyler was when he took a year off of college to work for a landscaper. “It just opened my eyes to how much I enjoyed being at the nursery,” he says.

the entire nursery comes during the

working alongside his father until his passing two years ago.

In 2020, Orban’s came full circle, serving the public directly.

The retail barn is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tyler is also capitalizing on his landscaping selling

palms,

trees,

landscape

happen on November 27, 2021. “That day we sell some sizes and colors of the poinsettias that we sell out of that day each year so they aren’t available at the regular retail,” Orban says. “We will have at least 150,000 poinsettias left at that time for great holiday pictures and purchasing.”

Festival-goers can also partake in food options, local vendors, live music and

Tyler went back to college and obtained his degree in finance,

plants,

bromeliads, succulents, vegetables and mulch to local landscapers.

round, the public’s only chance to access annual Poinsettia Festival, which will

“As kids, we ran wild through the whole nursery with our

experience,

While the retail area is available year-

more.

Three farms. Three stories. All with a commitment to and love for the “smalltown feel” of Manatee County. This season

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and throughout the year, make time to support one, two or all of them.

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The 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic Brings a New Sense of Community to Sarasota & Manatee County

BY: TRAVIS CORNWELL The LECOM Suncoast Classic is taking place for the fourth year in a row in the Sunshine State. In 2022, it again will be held at the beautiful Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The tournament will return to the Korn Ferry Tour (previously the Web.com Tour) and will host 144 professionals competing for a $600,000 purse and a chance to contend against the world’s best golfers on the PGA TOUR. The tournament is owned by a management group called Global Golf Management, which is now SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is known for being a sports agency that represents some big-name players such as John Rahm and Phil Mickelson. The title sponsor for the event is Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and will be extending its sponsorship through 2026.

The PGA TOUR looks at many different demographics when picking a location to host a golf tournament. “Being how the tournament is in February, there aren’t too many places that can support a tournament. It has to be Florida, Arizona or Southern California,” says Justin Kristich, Tournament Director.

Timing is everything as there is already so much happening in Florida in the month of February. Spring Training is right around the corner, and there is the Regatta, so this gives the community another unique event to attend.

Lakewood Ranch was a big target that the PGA TOUR liked since they knew people would participate along with having many businesses be involved around Manatee and Sarasota County. It has been very successful so far which is why it will stay in this part of Florida through 2023.

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seemed to be right around the $5,000 to $10,000 range for a lot of these local businesses that saw the value we were trying to provide for them. Such as advertising to many people throughout the weekend,” says Justin Kristich.

Another initiative how the LECOM Classic is engaging the community is their First Tee Program.

This is an annual program that has all different age groups and skill levels. First Tee enhances the experience during the tournament in hopes to get more kids involved in the game of golf.

During the tournament, they will host a junior clinic which will help kids learn about First Tee while also having some fun. Kristich says, “The professionals will be able to answer questions, show the kids some trick shots, it’s really great to see. First Tee wants to promote this program and utilize the tournament to grow the initiative to create better people through the game of golf.”

The LECOM Classic will have over 500 volunteers to help run this tournament, which is more than any given year. “The volunteer group is the lifeline of the tournament,” says Kristich. Sarasota and Manatee counties are known for being a rich golf community and during times where there was an increase for outdoor activities such as the game of golf during the pandemic, it is great to provide this type of event for the local residents.

With the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, some of the tournament’s bigger sponsors pulled out last year. However, this year has shown an increase in revenue numbers.

This has been because there has been a

tremendous

increase

in

smaller

sponsorships from the local area. “I’d rather have 50 $1,000 sponsors than one $50,000 sponsor. There’s more room to grow those sponsorships and keep that relationship. It 18 | BMAG

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Paula Wright

Bradenton Magazine Bradenton Magazine CEO + Editor Editor and and Chief Chief Article and Photo by: A. Article A.Catherine Catherine place to to call call home, home, Paula Paula and and her her In search of a new place Chasen, searched searchedallall over the east and coast west husband, Chasen, over the east and west coast of Florida.

Bradenton all ~close It’s close the beach, of Florida.

Bradenton had ithad all ~it It’s to thetobeach, has has a small-town feel,ofand of course, fishing.

After a small-town feel, and course, there’s there’s fishing. After making making the decision to relocate the Florida inPaula 2013, the decision to relocate from thefrom Florida Keys inKeys 2013, Paula and Chasen have enjoying been enjoying life their with their and and Chasen have been life with dogsdogs and feel feelhome at home in Btown. at in Btown.

Paula is originally from Pennsylvania Pennsylvania and and her her background background is is expect. With With aa Bachelors Bachelors of of Nutrition Nutrition and and not what you would expect.

Sports Health Health Science, Science, she went went in in aa completely completely a Masters in Sports different direction direction after after attending attending college college in in Atlanta.

Atlanta. Landing Landing in the restaurant business business throughout throughout college college and and after, after, Paula deems those experiences experiences as as the the best best life life lessons, lessons, the the best friendships, friendships, a lot of fun and helped helped propel propel her her where where she she wanted to be. be.

While creating her digital marketing business, Something Something Social, Paula realized Bradenton Bradenton did did not not have have a magazine magazine that focused on local business owners and attractions. attractions. She She took action to create a magazine showcasing the uniqueness uniqueness County.

Bradenton Magazine not of Bradenton Bradentonand andManatee Manatee County.

Bradenton Magazine only only fulfills her her creative not fulfills creativepassion, passion,working working with with other other entrepreneurs, while highlighting the unique unique local local attractions, attractions, entrepreneurs, has been been an an unmatched unmatched businesses and natural beauty, it has experience.

“I hope to bring the community something something they they can can be proud proud of”, she stated as her goal for Bradenton Magazine. Creating Creating a magazine from scratch hasn’t hasn’t been been the the easiest easiest or or most most affordable of ventures, ventures, but when asked asked if the sacrifices sacrifices are are worth it, the the reply reply was was an anemphatic emphatic“YES!” “YES!” advice Paula offers is, When following following your yourpassion, passion,the thebest best advice Paula offers “Make sure youyou cancan seesee yourself doing that that job long term term and is, “Make sure yourself doing job long that you what what you do! your own is not and that enjoy you enjoy youOwning do! Owning yourbusiness own business likenot a nine five job.

Time is important, as well is like atonine to five job.management Time management is important, beingasorganized.

So at the of end the day you can enjoy as well being organized.

Soend at the of the day you can family family time and glass of wine.”

Bradenton Magazine is enjoy time aand a glass of wine.”

Bradenton Magazine clearly thethe result of Paula’s passion to betocreative, work work with is clearly result of Paula’s passion be creative, otherother entrepreneurs, all while having fun doing it. with entrepreneurs, all while having fun doing it. bradentonmag.com to Be sure to check out bradentonmag.com to subscribe subscribe or or to to find out more about advertising opportunities. opportunities. Get Get in in on on the the buzz and showcase your products products and and services services to to the the local local community!

Hair by: by: Matthew, Matthew,Shear ShearRituals RitualsSalon Salon 24 | BMAG

A.Catherine A. Catherine Glover Glover Photography Article Catherine Article by: A. Catherine Photo by: Joleaha JoleahaLarke Larke “Eye Capture U!” is the standard I apply apply to to my my craft. craft. Since Since launching A. Catherine Photography, my focus has has been been to to provide professional quality images to local entrepreneurs, new professional quality images to local entrepreneurs, and whilewhile highlighting the authentic truth truth of who new established, and established, highlighting the authentic of they are. who they are.

I grew surrounded by the Blue grew up upininDuncannon, Duncannon,Pennsylvania, PA, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Ridge Mountains while toting a camera.

This led to freelancing Mountains while toting a camera. This led to freelancing during my year of high school for the Times, mysenior Senior year of high school forPerry the County Perry County a local newspaper focused on local businesses.

Escaping the Times, a local newspaper focused on local businesses. freezing winters of Pennsylvania for Bradenton’s sunny shores Escaping the freezing winters of Pennsylvania for Bradenton’s in 2017shores with myin two daughters, and Jakya, I regularly sunny 2017 with my Corina two daughters, Corina and enjoy cycling around, stopping to capture the numerous natural Jakya, I regularly enjoy cycling around, stopping to capture and man made natural wondersand found in the area. the numerous manmade wonders found in the area.

After high school, my focus shifted to law, via the military. After completing my service becoming I longed After high school, my term focusand shifted to law,a mother, via the military. for the creative outlet photography provided.

I took a leap of After completing my service term and becoming a mother, I faith in 2016 with the encouragement of close friends and longed for the creative outlet photography provided. I tookmy a mentor, Lawrence Smith Czar Photography. of close friends leap of faith in 2016 withofthe encouragement and her mentor, Lawrence Smith of Czar Photography.

Initially I wanted to provide services to my numerous artistic friends need to of provide brand photography, provided for Initially Iinwanted services to mywhich numerous artistic publication internationally in British Vogue, while also assisting friends in need of brand photography, which provided for in the launches of several fashion lines and businesses. still publication internationally in British Vogue, while Ialso managed to create superb images of babies, pets, mushrooms, assisting in the launches of several fashion lines and boats and justI about caught my eye.

Teaming businesses. still anything managedelse to that create superb images of up with Bradenton Magazine, I can introduce to some, babies, pets, mushrooms, boats, and just about anything while else reminding of the amazing of thingsMagazine, to see and that caughtothers, my eye.

Teaming up number with Bradenton I do in Manatee County.

Photography is a vehicle for sharing my can introduce to some, while reminding others, of the passion the artofand beauty in everyday Through the eye amazingfor number things to see and do inlife.

Manatee County. of the lens, I often capture what most miss or take for granted.

Photography is a vehicle for sharing my passion for the art and beauty in everyday life. Through the eye of the lens, I My biggest obstacle wasmiss getting out offormy own way. Be happy often capture what most or take granted. with your own work and don’t allow fear to dictate your creativity, is I offerobstacle to other was creatives looking to launch their career.

Mywhat biggest getting out of my own way.

Be My biggest regret is allowing fear to rule my creativity so happy with your own work and don’t allow fear to dictatefor your long. creativity, is what I offer to other creatives looking to launch their career. My biggest regret is allowing fear to rule my Thankfully, here to highlight the incredible attractions and creativity fornow so long. people that make Manatee County the best place to live, work, and play! now here to highlight the incredible attractions and Thankfully, people that make Manatee County the best place to live, Go to and acatherinephotography.com to see some of my latest work, play! work!

Go to acatherinephotography.com to see some of my latest work!

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Tiffany & Audrey Beach Suites Article and Photo by: A. Catherine

Tiffany and Audrey launched their beach concierge service in October of 2020 but began discussing the idea back in July 2020. Audrey graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught in the classroom for 5 years before staying at home to raise her 2 children. For the past 14 years, Tiffany has worked as a TV Producer in LA. They both have a strong passion for hospitality and curating special events.

After both working in creative industries, starting Beach Suites was a natural way of exploring their interests and finding a variety of creative outlets.

So, the sisters-in-law who love to hit the beach and have a good time, but don’t love all the work that it involves with family in tow decided to start a business that would make going to the beach fun without all the hassle! “We try to think of everything our clients could need on the beach to make the day as stress-free as possible so that all they need to do is show up!” Using high-end, luxury items guarantees that not only will they enjoy the day, but they will look good doing it! From wedding proposals to birthday parties and office gatherings, Beach Suites AMI creates experiences to be remembered years later.

Despite this being the first venture into entrepreneurship for either woman, they are navigating the expected hiccups and “starting pains” of a new business with a focused and positive attitude, along with a huge amount of support from the Anna Maria Island community. The AMI Chamber of Commerce, BACVB (Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Board) and numerous local businesses and residents have been instrumental in the development of this wonderful service.

They don’t plan on confining their wonderful service to only AMI. Eventually, they would like to expand into other areas, as well as larger events, such as weddings.

To those considering starting your own business, they offer this advice, “Be prepared to put in a lot of time and hard work.

While it isn’t always easy- it’s rewarding to see your ideas come to life!”

Go to beachsuitesami.com today to reserve the beach experience of a lifetime.

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Travis Ray Ray Travis Dapper Bowtique Article Catherine Articleand and Photo by: A. Catherine Imagine dreaming that an angel appears appears before before you. you. You You don’t recognize her face but she’s holding a piece of fabric.

Just before she lays the fabric in your lap it transforms into a bowtie made of Kente cloth. Then more angels appear. They proceed to cover you in vibrantly colored fabrics until they form a cocoon.

Now… Imagine visiting family in Alabama weeks later and while going through family photos, you see the first angel then learn that she’s your paternal from your dream! You then grandmother who just just happened happened to to be beaatailoress! tailoress!

Travis holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre University of Management and and Arts Arts Administration Administrationfrom fromthethe University Alabama, Bachelor of Alabama, Bachelorof ofArts Artsinin Theatre Theatre Performance Performance from Alabama State University and recently completed a summer intensive program for Arts in Health from the University of Florida. theater professional, professional, Travis regularly creates art for As aa theater different productions. While searching for accessories and selections lacking options with bowties, he often found the selections vibrant colors or prints. He credits the inspiration of the hishis rarerare ideas, as his dream, along along with with aadesire desiretotoproduce produce ideas, as reasons for venturing on the of entrepreneurship.

With his reasons for venturing on path the path of entrepreneurship. the blessings of his ancestors, With the blessings of his ancestors,Travis Travisofficially officially launched Dapper Bowtique January January 1, 1, 2020.

2020.

When asked if the sleepless nights and frustrations over difficult designs are worth the effort, Travis responds, “Most Definitely! My My accessories accessories have have been sold in seven different definitely! local stores and featured in more than 20 interviews in print and broadcast.” garnered quite quite aa bit bit of of attention attention by by selling selling over over 5,000 5000 He garnered nationally during the pandemic, propelling his masks nationally during the pandemic, propelling his business business to newItheights. was an experience that he to new heights. was an Itexperience that he stated asstated “Very as “Very humbling.

All ofare my itemscreated are literally created by in humbling.

All of my items literally in Bradenton Bradenton by my own hands.” my own hands.” hopes to eventually eventually see his bowties and matching Travis hopes accessories on fashion runways. He would also love to have designs sold through a local boutique, in Bradenton, of his designs course. He is ready to provide provide that that Dapper Dapper Bowtique Bowtique flare flair to professionals and celebrity celebrity clients clientsboth bothlocal localand andnationally. nationally.

The best advice Travis offers to other seamsters or seamstresses is, “Really think through what you want to Figure out if this venture is something that create and why. Figure you will have fun creating.” creating.”

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FESTIVALS, FLAVOR, AND FUN BY: NICOLE MISKOVIC As the holiday season quickly approaches, everyone in Bradenton is gearing up in anticipation of the festivities. Whether they’re at-home traditions for the family, or community-wide events that celebrate our city, this is the time of year that brings us all together.

Not only is this part of Realize Bradenton’s mission, it’s also this community nonprofit’s vision for what they have in store as 2021 comes to a close. From the return of the Saturday Market, which started in October, to its culminating event of the year in December, the Bradenton Blues Festival, this community-oriented organization has planned countless opportunities to engage all walks of life this coming season.

Loving Our City Kicking off November with a flavorful start, Realize Bradenton will be releasing its second book on November 1. Titled “Tales from the Table: Flavor, Family, and Friends,” the story highlights 10 local families and friend groups and tells the stories about recipes Saturday Downtown Bradenton Public Market

that were passed down to them. Born from the recognition that food brings people together and that there is something universal about food, recipes and cooking, the initiative aims to build bridges in the community during the holiday season and beyond.

The book will contain interactive elements as well,

Finally, the organization’s “Love This City” campaign

with learning activities that go with each recipe

kicks off November 13 at the Public Market. Lasting

throughout. Designed by a local fourth grade

the rest of the year until May 2022, this will be

teacher, these activities will bring engagement and

the time to celebrate, reimagine and rediscover

learning into the kitchen for our community’s youth.

downtown

The book will be available on Realize Bradenton’s

of countless activities, like free family-friendly

website (www.realizebradenton.com) as well as at the

scavenger

Downtown Bradenton Public Market on Saturdays.

Walks, that bring together the many districts

Bradenton. hunts

and

The

initiative

consists

Bradenton-themed

Art

of downtown, including the Village of the Arts.

Though this Public Market might sound new, it’s

Learn more about this initiative on the organization’s

actually the rebranded name for the former Farmer’s

website (www.realizebradenton.com/LovethisCity).

Market which launched at the first market of the season on October 2. The change came from the

A Blues Fest to Remember

fact that a big part of the market has evolved into promoting local entrepreneurs in addition to our

Though it’s a community favorite every year, this

local farmers. The goal of this rebrand is to expand

year’s Blues Fest from Dec. 3-5 will be one for the

its perception so the community appreciates

books, as 2021 marks the 10-year anniversary of this

the value it brings to local entrepreneurs as well.

soulful event. It starts with a stellar lineup of incredible musicians like Dawn Tyler Watson, James Armstrong, Jimmy Carpenter and Bernard Allison.

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Next, the weekend-long event will showcase local arts vendors like Alfredo Garcia, this year’s Blues Fest artist, who will be selling their work at the venue. So not only will guests have music, they’ll also be able to shop and support the Bradenton arts community.

Making this exciting event more than just a festival, Cottonmouth Soul Kitchen will be hosting after parties on Friday and Saturday evening for those who want to keep the party going. Realize Bradenton is also partnering with Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille to coordinate the Bradenton Blues Brunch, a ticketed event on Sunday Dec. 5 at 11am.

Hosted at LECOM Park for the second year, the festival will follow whatever the CDC guidelines are in place at the time of the event. The venue will offer plenty of room to spread out too, with seats available on the field and in the stands.

Even

those

who

can’t

make

the

event

can

still

purchase

commemorative tumblers and t-shirts with Alfredo Garcia’s unique Alfredo Garcia, the Blues Fest artist design online. Tickets for this weekend of music and fun, as well as the Blues Brunch, are currently on sale on the Blues Fest website (www.BradentonBluesFest.org).

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ARE YOU READY TO PREPARE A HOLIDAY FEAST AT HOME? (or you can just drool on the pages)

Jason and Heather Hernandez of Blade & Tine Culinary, Rich Knowles of Innovative Dining and EnRich Bistro, and Hal Christensen of Harry’s Continental Kitchens bring you a collaboration feast!

THE APPETIZERS: Hal Christensen Harry’s Continental Kitchens

THE MEAT: Rich Knowles Innovative Dining + EnRich Bistro

THE SIDES: Jason Hernandez Blade & Tine Culinary

THE SWEET ENDING: Heather Hernandez Blade & Tine Culinary

WINE PAIRINGS: Hal Christensen, Sommelier Harry’s Continental Kitchens Wines available at Harry’s Deli for retail purchase.

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A

B a ker’s

D o zen

13 INCREDIBLE BAKERIES IN MANATEE COUNTY ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY STILWELL

Who knew Bradenton had so many delicious bakeries? From donuts to cookies to classic custom cakes and more, support local by visiting one of our neighborhood pâtisseries. Visit their websites for hours and menus.

THE FARM HOUSE For donut lovers, choose from 18 Original creations or build your own. For a savory meal, try the Ham and Cheese Donut along with a specialty coffee.

Location: 902 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton

CREMESH COFFEE AND BAKERY

HOMETOWN DESSERTS

Offering handcrafted baked goods like muffins,

Pick up a specialty cake like Raspberry Truffle or

savory pastries and artisan breads. Enjoy a

Chocolate Kahlua. Also offering specialty pies like

specialty coffee, quiche of the day or a sandwich

Key Lime or traditional pumpkin, pecan or apple,

on fresh bread. European-style cakes made to

as well as cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, scones

order.

and more.

Location: 1822 59th Street West, Bradenton

Locations: 507 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria and 5120 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

ATRIA CAFE The focus is on artisan sourdough bread and fresh ingredients.

Order from a selection of muffins, pastries, cookies or one of their eclectic creations and enjoy it with a specialty coffee or tea. Why not take home a surprise for breakfast in bed?

Location: 4120 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton

THE CHEESECAKE CUTIE & CAFE If a cheesecake married a cupcake…with 15 cheesecake varieties, there really is something everyone will love. They even have Keto and Gluten-free options, so there’s no excuse not to try one!

Location: 3324 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach

GINNY & JANE E’S CAFE Known for their Cinnamon Rolls and Sticky Buns, you have to try at least one. Other bakery items include scones, Morning Glory muffin tops and Tomato Feta Quiche. Try a specialty coffee drink or tea or enjoy one of their healthy smoothies.

Location: 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria 40 | BMAG

HARRY’S GOURMET DELI AND BAKERY A staple in our area since 1979, Harry’s is a bakery, restaurant, and gourmet deli and the place where the cool kids hang out for wine dinners or to have a relaxing evening on the patio.

Location: 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

THE BREAKFAST COMPANY

VINNY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Offering Cinnamon Buns in six rotating flavors,

A piece of Little Italy right in Manatee county! For

muffins in 11 rotating flavors, as well as stuffins

Italian pastries, cookies, and cakes, Vinny’s is the

(think a stuffed muffin) in seven flavors. If that

spot. The Pignoli cookies are scrumptious. Order

isn’t enough they also have a long list of pastries,

a loaf artisan bread to take home or to the beach.

donuts, brownies and cookies.

Location: 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

Location: 7246 55th Avenue East, Bradenton

AMUSE 5 BAKERY This bakery offers desserts, crepes, sandwiches, specialty coffees and teas and more. It’s a lovely spot to sit and relax, too.

Location: 5850 14th Street West, Bradenton

EDIBLE ELEGANCE BY ELI Creating upscale cakes for weddings, birthday parties or other special events. Place orders as far in advance as possible. In a hurry? Predesigned cakes and desserts are also available daily during counter hours.

Location: 3985 Cortez Road West, Bradenton

SWEETS BAKEHOUSE Southern-style small-batch bakery offering made-toorder desserts. Though cakes are their specialty, you can order other scratch-baked items like cookies and brownies. It is suggested that orders are placed two weeks in advance.

Location: 501 B 15th Street East, Bradenton

MACARONAGE Known for macarons, but offering so much more. Lovely little shop tucked away in a strip center baking up cupcakes, cakes and truffles, too.

Location: 4816 14th Street West, Bradenton BMAG | 41

Corey Grenz, MS Nutrition & Fitness Coach coreygrenz.com | 941-877-1531 Q @coachcoreygrenz | E Fitness Focus Fuel

Effective Ways to Eat Healthy When Eating Out As fall gradually progresses into winter, the weather starts to cool and the holiday functions start to happen.

In addition, sporting events like the middle of the football season as well as the beginning of basketball result in an increased number of fan gatherings. When the two are put together, the number of times people eat out at restaurants and/or bars rises.

While going out to eat can be a great time socially, it can lead to a not-so-great increase in unwanted pounds and/or waist size going into the holidays. Here are four applicable steps you can use to allow yourself to go out to eat and keep the unnecessary increase in pounds and inches away.

1. Eat Slowly: If there is one simple-to-apply practice, it is trying to chew each bite of food 20 times. If you have never done this before, it will seem really weird as we are programmed to eat fast due to decreasing lunch break time and being more busy in general. However if you give it an honest try, you will likely notice you will get full faster and eat less than normal. The best part is you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods.

2. Share Food: This is another easy way to enjoy the food you were looking forward to while eating less of it. To apply it, simply share a meal with one or more people. This works because many of the food serving sizes today are much larger than they were in the past so you will likely still get a decent amount of food even though you are splitting it. This step works well with foods like appetizers, pizza, french fries, etc.

3. Eat 25% Less: Imagine your old self when dining out and think of the amount you used to eat. The next time you go out, try to eat about a quarter of the amount you would have in the past. If you have french fries with your cheeseburger, leave about 1/4th of them on the plate. Using pizza as an example, if you normally would have had four slices, have three instead. Whatever is left, you can have the server take it away or you can ask for a carry out box and have it the next day.

4.

Go Lean & Green: Most places have a grilled meat option and often give different choices for sides like a potato, rice, various vegetables, etc. If there are no “Lean & Green” options specifically on the menu, politely ask your server to bring you grilled meat (i.e. steak, chicken, fish, etc.), steamed vegetables, and if you want dressing have it in a separate dish. Of the four options, this one is the healthiest but also the most restrictive so it’s not for everyone.

As people are told to “Drink Responsibly” when going out. The same thought can and should be applied to eating. If you follow the above steps, you can not only enjoy food during the holidays but keep the unnecessary weight away simply by learning how to eat less.

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GET READY TO ROAR ONCE MORE!

Regatta Returns Saturday, February 12, 2022!

Manatee County’s largest and FREE civic event.

BRADENTON, Fla.— The largest spectator event in Manatee County—the Bradenton Area River Regatta—will return in 2022 to the banks of Manatee River along the Bradenton and Palmetto shorelines. The 2022 event is scheduled for Saturday, February 12.

Led by Mayors Gene Brown and Shirley Groover Bryant, the Bradenton City Council and Palmetto City Commission unanimously approved the return of the popular River Regatta, which was postponed earlier this year in an abundance of caution due to the COVID pandemic.

The extravaganza has evolved into the region’s signature event, delivering major entertainment on both land and water. Event manager, ISM-USA, promises the same jam-packed slate of high-speed watercraft racing, family-fun interactive activities, and chart-topping musical entertainment from dawn to dusk…and it again will be ALL FREE. An amazing pageantry of kaleidoscopic imagery produced by the first family of fireworks—Zambelli International—will cap the day’s events as it has in the past.

“The Bradenton Area River Regatta is returning to our beautiful shorelines in 2022, and we cannot be more excited,” says Groover Bryant. “The postponement of the event earlier this year left a definite void and the anticipation is already building for the 2022 event.”

“We are so happy for the return of the fabulous Bradenton Area River Regatta,” says Brown.

“It has been a long, difficult year and the return of this prestigious event has everyone looking forward to the February 2022 event.”

“We are thrilled to see the return of one of the Bradenton Area’s top signature events,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Historically, the Regatta has brought upwards of 100,000 spectators to the streets and shores of downtown Bradenton and Palmetto, while generating an economic impact of close to $10 million for the region. Our seventh Regatta is shaping up to be our best event to date, and we cannot wait to begin welcoming visitors back for all of the action.”

“It is with a deep appreciation to the overall leadership of Manatee County and the Cities of Palmetto and Bradenton that we enthusiastically look forward to the ‘Return of the Regatta,’” says Mike Fetchko, president and managing director of ISM-USA, the Regatta’s exclusive event manager, who launched the inaugural in 2015.

“It is an honor and privilege to start the strategic planning and design for this major signature event for the general public—You Gotta Regatta,” says Michael Dongilli, executive vice president of ISM-USA. Many of the fan-favorite attractions will return, including the featured attraction and marquee event, high-speed racing of the F-2 powerboats. Powerboat Super League, the oldest and most respected racing circuit in the F-2 division, will rock the Manatee River with these powerful and nimble watercrafts for the largest single-day racing event on the APBA Circuit.

For more information visit www.bradentonarearegatta.com 44 | BMAG

The tentative Regatta musical lineup include two national tribute bands, saluting ABBA and the Blue Brothers; Soul Circus Cowboys; the Andy Pursell Band; and the American Made Band.

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DEEP HISTORY of the Cortez Fishing Village BY: SARAH FISH Bradenton would not be the city it is today if not for the Gulf waters, estuaries and Manatee River. Surrounded by water, the area would be nothing without this vital resource. Nor without the industrious fishing community that made this coast their home and livelihood at the historic Cortez Fishing Village.

Cortez Village, originally called Hunter’s Point, was settled in 1880 by fishing families from North Carolina. It remains one of the few working fishing villages in Florida to this day. Many descendants of the original families still inhabit the community, which is also home to 97 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Honoring that past and our waters at the Village is The Florida Maritime Museum, whose mission is to collect, preserve and share traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts and personal stories specific to Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage.

History of the Cortez Fishing Village “It’s almost like stepping back in time,” Karen Bell, Friends of the Florida Maritime Museum board member and owner of Starfish Co., says in a video interview. Bell is a lifelong resident and descendant of the original settlers to the location. She took over Cortez fishing company AP Bell from her elders, plus she sits on the board of Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a non-profit organization.

Several homes have come and gone with time, many destroyed by

weather

catastrophes,

notably, the hurricane of 1921, one of the largest storms to batter the coast of Florida. In its wake, the entire Cortez Village was flooded. The schoolhouse served

as

shelter

for

the

community, at a time before the auditorium was even built.

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The old schoolhouse wasn’t added until 1912. Over time, it grew to accommodate the developing community. The auditorium was added during the Great Depression and

eventually

became

the

community

center in 1961. Once owned by renowned weaver Robert Sailors, it also was a studio and private residence of the artist. Manatee County bought it with funds from the Florida Community Trust after his death in 1995 and it now serves as the central hub of the Florida Maritime Museum.

However, the Bratton Store was the first commercial building erected at Hunter’s Point. Built by William Bratton in the 1890s.

It came to house the Village’s post office, general store and steamboat wharf. It served as the main point of contact with life outside of the community for those who lived and worked there.

In the early 1900s, rooms were added to accommodate travelers in what was named the Albion Inn, thriving successfully for years.

The wooden cistern in the Village was built sometime in the 1940s to be used to collect rain as a source of freshwater. The entire community otherwise relied on only one hand-dug well.

Another structure in the Village is the Pillsbury Boat Shop, constructed in 1907. It was the first Snead Island Boatworks building and operated by Edward Pillsbury with his three sons. It was later sold to a member of the deeply rooted Bishop family of Bradenton and the entire building was relocated, like many other structures on site over time. The Boatworks building itself was relocated a total of four times between 1935 and 2007, when in that year it finally returned to its original home at Cortez, coming full circle a century later.

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The Cortez Fishing Village Today As the modern world encroached, the Village persevered but many buildings and family businesses closed or relocated. The Albion eventually closed in the 1970s and the building was sold to the Coast Guard who had it scheduled for demolition in 1991. Thanks to the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Cortez Historical Society, the Bratton Building and its Inn were saved. In 2006 it was moved to the current location at the Maritime Museum.

And the Bratton Building is once again a community space. Now, classes are taught there by the Maritime Museum’s Folk School. This artistry program is committed to preserving the skills and handcrafts of the original fishing community.

“We want people to understand why we’re here, what we’re doing,” Bell says.

Today, visitors to the Cortez Fishing Village enjoy its quaint atmosphere and historic charm on foot while patronizing the Village’s merchants. Huge, restored antique boats decorate the setting in a proud display of heritage. Many of the Village’s original homes can still be admired today—a glimpse into the “Old Florida” that elsewhere is slowly disappearing to development.

Restaurants right on the water feature local fish caught daily and space for live music. Charter companies take adventure-seekers for deep sea fishing tours of the gulf waters and the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, started in 1981, is tentatively planned for the third week of February 2022. For a closer look at the waters of Cortez Village, kayaks and jet ski rentals are available, too.

While current resident artisans sell their work, the Maritime Museum binds the ways of the past to the Village’s future. More than ever before, the Cortez Fishing Village is bustling with commerce and community.

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FISHING IN CORTEZ, FL Cortez fishing charters are the most convenient way to sample the very best of Florida fishing. As one of the oldest fishing communities not just in Florida, but across the States, this place is known for providing anglers with ample opportunities. One could spend days discovering new local honey holes without even scratching the surface!

Inshore excursions near the mouth of the Manatee River will typically put you on Snook, Speckled Trout, Redfish and Black Drum. Head to the bays and you’ll be in slightly deeper water, allowing you to go after Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper and even Kingfish. Finally, if you go all the way out to the Gulf, you’ll be rewarded with trophies like Mahi Mahi, Amberjack and even Wahoo.

The local inshore waters are a good starting point for novice anglers. A half-day trip will allow you to see plenty of action on a good day. Extend your trip by a couple of hours and you can go exploring the town’s bays. Lastly, if you’re going trophy hunting offshore, you’ll want to book nothing shorter than a full day.

In Cortez, there are marinas, piers and docks all over the place. However, the town’s western shore is where most fishing boats are found. Launching from one of the marinas around the Cortez Bridge will allow you quick access to any of the surrounding bays, rivers or offshore fishing grounds you decide to visit.

Rules & Regulations Anglers fishing aboard a licensed Cortez fishing charter don’t need a saltwater license.

However, if you’re planning on testing the waters on your own or looking to wade the flats with a guide, you will need to get a valid license before wetting your line. Also keep in mind that you’ll need to book with a federally licensed charter if you’d like to experience the offshore action.

November

January

Trout are back and super hungry. Not to mention they are also quite big, so landing a ‘Gator’ isn’t unusual.

Explore the flats and mangroves to get massive Redfish and Black Drum.

The turn of the year brings a solid stock of Tripletail and Trout. Snook are in the brackish waters and take cover near the grassy area. On a nice day, you could be coming home with quite a catch.

December

February

Huge Redfish, epic Gator Trout and a lot of Black Drum The Redfish bite is picking up. The bays fish well for can all be found within minutes of departure. It’s best Snook, Trout, Tripletail and Black Drum. Once you reach you go fishing with a local guide to avoid missing any deeper waters, you can also get Kingfish. of inshore hot spots.

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fishingbooker.com/destinations/location/us/FL/cortez

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THE RESCUE REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Sandy Sandy, formerly Bubbles, was a homeless dog living near the beach. She had been running from people trying to help her for over a month. A woman finally found her hiding under a lawn chair in her yard. She brought the 1-year-old Terrier mix to the shelter and waited to see if she’d be claimed. After her hold was over without an owner coming forward, she was spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and waited to be adopted by the kind woman who found her. Pet finders frequently find themselves falling in love with the pets they’ve helped.

Happy endings do happen; now, Bubbles is enjoying beach life again, but this time, from the comforts of a forever home with a new mom who saved her!

All pets adopted from MCAS are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. See all adoptable pets and make your appointment to visit at mymanatee.org/pets Manatee County Animal Services www.mymanatee.org Meet Panda, Gus and Cinnamon Roll!

These cute fuzzy friends have found their furever home and want their friends to find one too!

Bishop has many bunnies and guinea pigs available for adoption!

Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA of Manatee County www.BishopSPCA.org 54 | BMAG

Rowlie Rowlie came to Manatee County Animal Services after being attacked by something. We are so grateful that MCAS did not give up on her and gave us the chance to make her a happy heathy pup.

She came in with a huge hole in the side of her neck. X-rays determined that nothing was broken but there was a lot of swelling. She was unable to take a bottle due to the swelling, so our team tube fed her. This little one was barely 2 weeks old and fighting her feedings which was very stressful on her little body. At her foster’s, little Rowlie started taking the bottle and doing amazing. We are so happy that Rowlie made it through her ruff beginning has now found her furever home.

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue www.honoranimalrescue.org

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The Curry House In 1923, Henry Curry built an 18-room house with a huge porch overlooking the shoreline of Bradenton Beach, prime property that would be worth millions today.

Capt. Curry hosted lots of guests throughout the years at this home.

Estrella never actually stayed at the property but moved in after her death. Estrella was on her way to Bradenton Beach from Boston to marry her fiancé. The ship she was traveling on, which coincidentally Capt. Curry was also on, sank and unfortunately there were no survivors.

From then on, the Curry house was known to be haunted by both Capt. Curry and Estrella. You will usually see Capt. Curry walking on the beach in front of the house smoking his Cuban cigar. Estrella felt the house was hers. She claimed the third floor and terrorized anyone that lived there. She was always hiding the mail and then it would reappear days later. Clothes from the 1920s would start appearing around the house. A prime piece of property on the beach, the house was abandoned and sat empty for years as no one would buy or even rent it.

In the 1990s a couple named Romaine and Glenn (pictured right) purchased the house with every intention of restoring its original beauty. At first, harmless little things began to happen like their dogs would refuse to enter the house, barking and howling outside all night. Estrella was known to break things if she didn’t like it. So, every time they would bring anything new in Estrella did not like, she would smash it. Romaine then arranged for a seance where it is said that a woman appeared floating down the stairs who revealed herself as Estrella. The local historical society confirmed the story of Estrella saying a woman with a Spanish name meaning “little star” who was supposed to live in the house, died before she ever moved in. If you walked onto property, it would smell like orange blossoms. You’d walk off and the smell would just disappear. You would hear scratching on the walls and stomping feet.

When I was doing research for the Bradenton Beach Ghost walk, the Chief of Police said to me “don’t forget to tell the story about the Curry house.” The police answered so many calls to that house, they all know the history of it and could never find the problem. They know it’s haunted.

In 2004, the house was condemned and torn down since no one entering would even consider buying it and the owners could not rent it. Some believe the sightings stopped when the house was torn down. Or have they? If you happen to be walking down Bradenton beach and pass a gentleman smoking a cigar and a beautiful woman dressed in 1920s clothing, say hello to Capt. Curry and Estrella.

BY LIZ REED CO-FOUNDER OF PSOBFL AUTHOR OF HAUNTED MANATEE COUNTY OWNER OF DOWNTOWN BRADENTON GHOST WALK paranormalsocietyofbradenton.wordpress.com BMAG | 57

Why Do They Stay? https://www.hopefamilyservice.org/

Domestic violence, it’s just not a sexy topic but ask any group of women you know about the subject and you will be amazed at how clearly they can articulate their experiences of control at the hands of an intimate partner. The numbers are staggering but what’s more staggering is the reluctance many people still have to discuss the topic. Even in 2021, when an organized movement to bring awareness to the issue has been unfolding in the United States since the 70s, people still say, why does she stay? That, my friends, is a question with a very complicated answer that needs more than a 30-second sound bite to explain. Of course, it’s much more telling that the first question never asked is, why do some people have such control issues, they resort to violence to get their way?

These distortions of reality perpetrated by an intimate partner damage a person’s sense of self-worth, their self-esteem. The victims become beaten down and believe they are not worthy of any change or a different kind of life.

Some people, oftentimes women, are raised to believe it is their job to keep the family together, to love their partner enough that a change will miraculously happen. Sometimes, it is only when abuse spills into their children’s lives can they step back enough to evaluate what this home life is doing to the youngest family members.

Victims and survivors of domestic violence stay for a variety of reasons. Some are very obvious while others remain elusive. Sometimes it’s even mysterious to the individual who is trapped. The more obvious reason is fear, and most likely this is first and foremost. If you are constantly threatened with bodily harm or death if you leave, any of us would think twice. Another obvious reason is related to finances. Where do you go and live safely in today’s local housing market? Sometimes family pressure or religious beliefs keep victims trapped. If one believes God or their family would disown them, how could they leave? Or maybe a victim just doesn’t know where to turn for help.

No matter the reason, when an individual in Bradenton makes the decision to live a different life, a safe and abuse-free existence, there is hope… because in Manatee County, there is HOPE. HOPE Family Services (HOPE) is Manatee County’s Statecertified domestic violence center and a leader in the provision of services for those searching for a bright light in their darkest hour. Services range from a 24-hour HelpLine, Chatline and TextLine and Emergency Safe Shelter to attorneys who stand ready to help someone secure an Injunction for Protection (restraining order) to engage the courts’ assistance. Professional counseling is available for children and adults in both English and Spanish. All of these services including safety planning and support are available at no cost and are always completely confidential.

Some of the more challenging reasons victims stay trapped include the impact of trauma.

Living in a war zone whether it’s in your country,

In Florida, 95% of the people who are killed due to intimate partner violence never reach out to an organization like HOPE for help. So, if you know

neighborhood or in your home can be paralyzing.

As a coping mechanism, victims come to believe they are to blame or the abuse was justified. The fact there are no broken bones is sometimes cited as a reason, “it’s not so bad.”

someone who needs our help, ask them to call, ask them to text, whatever makes them comfortable, but please, encourage them to reach out. That call

58 | BMAG

may be the first step to save their life.

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Saving Lives Just Got A Little Easier

BY BETH DOUGLAS

Lisa Nummi, COO at Blake Medical Center, in front of the future site of 4 brand-new state of-the-art operating rooms, one of many enhancements the hospital’s current expansion and renovation project brings.

W

e have all gained a greater appreciation of our health in the past year and a half, as the pandemic has taught us the lesson of not taking good health for granted. Life can be fragile, but with trained professionals and improvements in technology paving the way, there are many advancements for which we can be thankful.

Blake Medical Center, here in Bradenton, Florida, has remarkable and innovative new technologies that offer improved diagnostic capabilities and surgical procedures that can result in saving lives and/or preventing health risks.

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“Technology, like art, is a soaring exercise of the human imagination.”

Daniel Bell

Women’s Health Improved Breast Health Diagnostics Mammograms are often viewed as a necessary nuisance but so vital to the prevention of breast cancer for women. “Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, second only to lung cancer,” says Lisa Nummi, COO for Blake Medical Center. The early detection of breast cancer in women is incredibly important.

Mammography Technician Anne Trefil

We have the only machine in this area that actually provides patientuses the GE Senographe Pristina 3D Mammography System at Blake Medical controlled breast compression as well as contrast-enhanced spectral Center’s Center for Breast Health. mammography which assists in localizing to areas of concern or increased blood flow.” Physicians can also utilize the same machine to do a stereotactic biopsy of a lesion. This machine is so sensitive, it can detect even the smallest lesion,” Nummi says. This process can be done quickly and with enhanced patient comfort and is a much-improved process. We hope that the patient benefits of this new technology will help ease the hesitancy some women have in getting their annual mammograms and improve the rate of annual mammography screenings. Detecting cancer early helps to save lives and reduce potential costs. It’s a win-win for everyone.

“You don’t have to leave Bradenton to get world-class surgery.”

Lisa Nummi

Stroke Lab Blake’s certified Comprehensive Stroke Center includes a state-ofthe-art Neurointerventional Laboratory featuring a bi-plane room and a new advanced, extremely detailed MRI. Also, integrated innovative communications technologies allow teams of clinicians to receive scans via an app on a cell phone simultaneously within minutes of being taken, enhancing the speed with which stroke care can be provided.

When it comes to stroke, time is brain, ideally providing treatment no later than the first 60 minutes from when symptoms occur.

Neurologists can do telehealth interactive exams with the patient, providing additional time-saving steps in the treatment process.

TPA, a clot-busting medicine, can be given right away. Highly specialized teams utilize the technology to help stop strokes and can even access clots in the brain and remove clots, helping to restore circulation to the brain. Utilizing the newest technology, specialized stroke care teams may treat brain aneurisms from inside the blood vessel without any need for open surgery.

The Neurointerventional Lab at Blake Medical Center features biplane imaging, one of the most advanced interventional medical imaging technologies available.

“Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and 5th leading cause of death in the United States,” states Nummi. This process decreases the chance of disability and death. “Technology has brought us the ability to react very quickly.” The focus in stroke treatment now is not only reducing damage from a stroke, but also trying to prevent secondary strokes.

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Robots to the Rescue Expanded Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program

General Surgeon, Jason Cundiff, MD, with one of the da Vinci robotic surgical systems he utilizes at Blake Medical Center.

Blake’s expanding its Surgical Services space and is currently under construction to bring four brand-new, state-of-the art operating rooms (with shell space for two more). Blake has more surgical robots than any other hospital in the county, and provides 24/7 robotic surgery access. Physician-assisted robotic procedures allow for minimally invasive surgery, which decreases healing time, as well as swelling and pain. This technology can be used for a wide range of procedures, including breast surgery, abdominal surgery and prostate surgery. Blake Medical Center is an epicenter for training: surgeons come from all over the country to be trained at Blake in this evolving technology.

Who would have thought, even 20 years ago, that we would be using robots to assist with critical surgical procedures? Who would have guessed that we would have been able to obtain images so alarmingly accurate that we could detect a minute lesion that may become cancerous? Could we even have conjured up the idea that neurologists could interact with blood clots in the brain during a stroke? These advancements are so amazingly meaningful in the healthcare arena, and Bradenton, Florida, is indeed fortunate to have such leading edge practices available to us in our own backyard.

Beth Hearn Douglas is a writer and marketing communications professional with a passion for communications in the areas of healthcare, senior care, and dementia education. With a B.A. in Journalism and a career in marketing for industries such as tourism, hospitality and technology, she has now decided to focus on healthcare and senior care industries. She is passionate about promoting programs that promote health, dignity and quality of life for seniors, throughout the journey of aging.

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DR. MEREDITH BUTULIS, DPT, MSPT, OCS, CIMT, ACSM CEP, NSCA CSCS, NASM CPT, CES, PES, BCS, BB PILATES, YOGA, PBT LEVEL 3

WANT BETTER POSTURE? Here’s the ONE exercise you need every day.

> Yoga Mountain Pose on a Wall.

1 Stand with your heels, glutes, upper back, upper arms and head touching a wall.

• If your head won’t touch, place a pillow (or folded-up pillow) behind your head to fill the space.

• If the lower body doesn’t quite align, move your feet a few inches forward (away from the wall).

2 Gently press all of your toes and heels equally into the floor to create a firm base for support.

3 Gently press your upper arms, back of your shoulders and head toward the wall. Be very gentle; more is not better. Imagine you are using your body to barely hold a piece of paper up against the wall without letting it fall; this is how gentle you should be.

4 Lengthen your head up away from your shoulders, as if someone is gently lifting you from your ears.

5 Keep your eyes level to the horizon.

6 Hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat 6 times.

7 As your posture strengthens, try to hold for longer durations with less rest until you can hold for a whole minute without taking a break.

8 Practice every day.

Dr. Meredith Butulis

“I just want to stand up straighter.” This is a statement I hear from at least half of the patients I see. When we dig into the underlying “why,” the need for better posture emerges. Those needs range from decreasing chronic neck and back tension, to decreasing fall risks, to aesthetics and sport performance. Those needs sound like: • “I’m tired of being tired! Being at a computer all day is exhausting!”

• “Why do my shins hurt so much when I have to stand all day at work?”

• “I need a higher vertical jump to make the team, but my coach said I really need to work on my alignment and posture if I want to get there.”

• “I’m afraid of falling.”

• “I saw a picture of my profile. I don’t want to look like that! Why am I so hunched over?”

What do all of these shares have in common? They all need better posture. Great news! Improving posture can be done by anyone at any time. It doesn’t take hours per week in the gym. It doesn’t take expensive equipment.

All you need is yourself, a wall and one minute per day.

Are you someone who likes to see your progress?

Have a friend or family member take a picture of your posture from the side profile view. Then, start doing this exercise every day for 30 days. Re-take the picture and compare it to your starting picture. What happens? Even better, go back to the original reason that you wanted better posture. Was it stress, fatigue, soreness, aesthetics, sport performance . . .? How has that real underlying reason evolved on your 30-day journey to better posture? Share with us, as we love to hear from you!

Website: Http://MeredithButulis.com | Podcast host: Fitness Lifestyle for Busy People BMAG | 63

Thri ft

O

&

Vintage

in Bradenton

Stores

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY STILWELL

ur city has a plethora of thrift stores, enough that you can join a tour by bus to visit a handful in one day! To join a bus tour, visit The Happy Thrifter website ( https:// thehappythriftershopper.com/ ) or Facebook page. Whether you want to save a

bundle by thrifting or shop for classic upscale vintage, there’s a lot to choose from right here

at home. Get out and visit these local shops and find your next piece of treasure. As not many of these shops have a website, look them up on Facebook for hours and special sales.

You Never Know Thrift You’d think this shop was professionally decorated

Kyle’s Korner Gallery & Boutique

with the gorgeous color scheme. You’ll find

This boutique has a lot

beautiful furniture and decor as well as clothing,

of

purses, jewelry and kitchen items.

clothing,

unique

art,

furniture,

books,

records,

electronics and quite a few eclectic items. You may even find that disco ball you’ve always wanted.

4822 14th Avenue West, Bradenton

Blessed & Distressed Not necessarily a thrift 5529 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

Loving Hands

store, but vintage and quirky

decor

from

more than 30 vendors and local artists. An absolutely

gorgeous

You’ll find a good deal of gently used clothing

shop with beautiful

for everyone at Loving Hands, and you’ll be

pieces

supporting Loving Hands Ministries with every

linens,

purchase. In addition, you’ll find books, records,

jewelry and more.

electronics and more.

719 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton

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of

furniture, artwork,

615 59th Street West, Bradenton

Where everyt h ing ol d is new again.

Carriage House Antiques

The Cat’s Meow

Not just one store, but over 500 dealers and

Not one store but a marketplace featuring upscale

consigners. 14 rooms full of furniture, kitchenware,

vintage items from artisans and vendors. From

books, records and decor items. You may even

beachy decor to furniture to artwork, I doubt you’ll

find a Lladro or Royal Doulton.

leave empty handed as there is something for

3307 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

everyone.

4307 26th Street West, Bradenton

Unique Outlet & Thrift

Scavengers Marketplace AMI The perfect spot to go on a treasure hunt, though it’s easy to get lost! You’ll find nautical and coastal decor, jewelry, handcrafted furniture, artwork and more. Don’t miss the man cave.

5402 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, with a second store in Palmetto.

The Bungalow A charming shop that combines old and new, A large store full of gently used clothing and shoes

you’ll find vintage furniture, home decor and gift

including quite a bit for children. You’ll also find a

items from all over the world. Check out the fun

section of furniture, decor and household items.

dish towels as they make great gifts!

5828 14th Street West, Bradenton

2419 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

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