East County Observer 1.03.13

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EAST COUNTY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SEASON SPECIAL ThE ObSErvEr’S GuidE TO ThE ArTS ANd SOciETy | WiNTEr 2 0 1 3

Look inside for our winter guide to arts and social events.

OUR TOWN

Thursday, JANUARY 3, 2013

BUSINESS

NEIGHBORHOOD

Online coupon company donates to charitable groups.

PAGE 4B

A couple seeks success with a new entry into an old industry: Florida amusement and recreation.

PAGE 1B

LOOKING AHEAD

+ Hebrew class celebrates Hanukkah Renee and Wyatt Fletcher recently opened their home to the Hebrew class of their son, Maxwell.

Guests enjoyed Hanukkah crafts, several serious rounds of dreidel and delicious homemade latkes.

The Temple Sinai Hebrew class meets Tuesday afternoons, at The Out-of-Door Academy.

We dive into the top five stories to follow this year in East County.

SEE PAGES 3A THROUGH 14A

+ Luncheon benefits Just For Girls Academy Ladies in the University Park Women’s Club enjoyed a festive holiday luncheon, Dec. 12, at the Oaks Country Club, in Osprey.

Almost 140 UPWC members and guests enjoyed festive music from the “Park Larks,” a University Park group of women vocalists, as well as a silent auction and raffle. Luncheon attendees brought games, gifts and arts-and-crafts supplies for the Just For Girls Academy, this year’s charity of choice for the Women’s Club.

+ Residents raise Alzheimer’s awareness Lakewood Ranch residents Alan and Cindy Silverglat recently hosted an event at their home, on behalf of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Florida Alzheimer’s Association, to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 60 friends, neighbors and supporters attended the event, at which Alan Silverglat shared his experiences as a caregiver for his mother.

Gloria Smith, chapter president and CEO, shared an overview of the chapter’s programs and services.

INDEX Business............ 12B Classifieds ........ 13B

Crossword.......... 12B Economic Outlook.3A

Government..........5A Real Estate........ 10A

School District... 12A Vol. 14, No. 1 | Three sections YourObserver.com Sports Tourism......8A

2A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

BIG PICTURE

3A

observed

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Edtior

2013: A year of new beginnings

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Pam Eubanks

In October 2012, Benderson Construction and Taubman Centers formally broke ground on their much-anticipated mega mall project off University Parkway.

EAST COUNTY — A veteran of the utilities industry, Ian Harding had a burning desire to own a business.

However, what to do as a new career and when to begin was another story.

“I started looking for that LOOKING wouldsomething make me tick,” says Harding, who had been visiting the Lakewood Ranch area from the United Kingdom, with his family, for several years. “(Lakewood Ranch) was such a great place to live, we decided (to move here).

(To do that) I had to get (a business) that would qualify me for a visa.”

In mid-2012, Harding purchased a pediatric therapy clinic in Sarasota and worked to become a Realtor. Three months ago he opened his own business, My Home on the Gulf, a Realty company that focuses on helping entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom and Canada with finding homes and businesses opportunities in the area.

Harding, a member of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, says he knows the economy is still on the mend, but he’s hopeful 2013 will bring good news for small and large businesses alike.

“I’m hoping I made the right call,” Harding says. “I think we’re certainly not out of the woods yet. We need to be mindful of what we’re investing in and what we’re focused on. But there’s a general optimism out there — a cautious optimism.

I’m optimistic. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I think there’s a positive outlook (for 2013) for small businesses.”

Area economic and business professionals recognize 2013 may have its challenges — particularly pending the outcome of federal taxation and health-care issues — but they also remain optimistic, based on upward trends they’ve seen in the last year and talks with local business owners.

Bob Bartz, president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, says redevelopment in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto has created excitement, while venues such as the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch and Nathan Benderson Park and Fort Hamer rowing facilities are attracting both regional, national and international attention.

“Everywhere you look around the community, there are positive things happening,” Bartz says. “When developers and investors see (other businesses) investing, it gives them confidence to maybe do the project they have had on the backburner for a while.”

Consumer confidence, he says, was increasing upon entering the Christmas season, a good sign for the local economy, as well.

Local business professionals and economic officials say they are optimistic about the economy in 2013.

Rates for unemployment now are down to 8.2%.

AHEAD

No one knows what the future holds, but as we look toward 2013, we can’t help but be optimistic.

The East County and surrounding community — and nation at large — will be dealing with some significant challenges in the year ahead, for sure.

PAM But on a local level, in EUBANKS particular, it seems that we’re at least making progress.

The East County Observer has compiled some in-depth stories on topics we think will be of significance to our readers as we look ahead into 2013: the local economy, county government, sports tourism real estate and schools.

Economy

Many business owners may be looking forward with hesitation as they wait out the outcome of federal tax changes (as of press time Dec. 21), but they also seem to be excited about 2013, assuming those federal issues are resolved favorably toward businesses.

The area’s unemployment has dipped from 10.4% to 8.2% compared to the same time last year. Additionally, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation reports more than a dozen businesses — bringing more than 1,500 jobs — are either committed to expanding or locating in Manatee County in coming year or so.

Government

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners has two new faces — Vanessa Baugh and Betsy Benac.

Board Chairman Larry Bustle says the two women are helping to create a “let’s work together to get things fixed” attitude, as the board readies to tackle tough issues, such as how the county will grow, taxes, pay for Manatee County Sheriff’s Office employees and morale of the county’s emergency medical services employees, among others.

Sports Tourism Pam Eubanks

Lakewood Ranch’s Ian Harding says improvement in the housing market is one of the indicators on which he based his decision to relocate his family to the area and start a new business here.

Sharon Hillstrom, executive director of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, agrees.

Since 2009, 50 businesses either have expanded to or become located in Manatee County, and those jobs are expected to create more than 3,500 jobs over the next few years and also generate more than $1.7 billion in wages from direct and indirect jobs, she says.

In 2012, specifically, 13 businesses either committed to expanding or becoming located in Manatee County, projecting more than 1,500 jobs in the coming years.

“The majority of companies are global in nature, including national and international headquarters,” she says. “We are very encouraged by the level of interest in locating and expanding businesses in Manatee County. Better yet, we are excited about how much more can be accomplished for our community’s economic future as we move forward into 2013.”

The EDC, she says, has been recreating an identity for the area, by promoting the name “Bradenton Area,” as reflected in the EDC’s name change; it formerly was the Manatee Economic Development Corporation.

Starting in the first quarter of 2013, the EDC will launch a new website promoting the Bradenton area as a great area

SEE ECONOMY / PAGE 4A

Unemployment Rates • Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October 2012 was 8.5%. This represented 790,000 jobless out of a labor force of 9,342,000.

• Florida’s unemployment rate was down 1.7% points from the October 2011 rate of 10.2%. It was the 23rd consecutive month of over-the-year declines in Florida’s unemployment rate.

• Florida’s October unemployment rate was down 0.2 of a percentage point from the September rate of 8.7%. The jobless rate in Florida was below 10% for the 11th consecutive month.

Job Counts • Total nonagricultural employment in Florida was 7,371,500 in October 2012, a gain of 67,600 jobs over the year (+0.9%).

• Florida’s annual job growth rate has been positive for the past 27 months.

Prior to August 2010, the state had been losing jobs for three years and reached a low point of -7.0% in March 2009 and April 2009.

• Total nonagricultural employment increased by 14,700 jobs (+0.2%) over the month.

— Source: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Local sports officials have big plans for 2013, with plans for larger events that will generate larger economic impacts in the area. When you combine estimated economic impact totals from sports commissions for Sarasota and Manatee counties in 2012, it’s estimated sports tourism in the two-county area generated more than $82 million in direct economic impact.

Officials say 2013 will be even more significant, because they are hosting more national and international competitions.

Real Estate Home prices in Manatee County appear to be on the rise, because fewer distressed properties are available on the market for purchase.

The Manatee Association of REALTORS reports new listings and home closings also are on the rise, and homebuilders continue to see strong sales of new homes throughout the East County community and region.

Schools

Under the helm of interim Superintendent David Gayler, the Manatee County School Board seems to be taking major steps toward openness and accountability and with wrapping its arms around a multi-million-dollar deficit that seems to keep growing, as new information is released.

The district is searching for a new permanent superintendent as it grapples with its budget woes, as well. These items, plus curriculum, vocational education and other issues, will be at the forefront in 2013.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Everywhere you look around the community, there are positive things happening.

When developers and investors see (other businesses) investing, it gives them confidence to maybe do the project they have had on the backburner for a while.

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Store Around the Corner Visit the Store Around the Corner directory to search for local businesses.

Find their contact information, view their location on a map, get driving directions, read or write reviews, watch videos and find special offers.

Observer EAST COUNTY

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for businesses. Additional elements of the outreach include a direct-marketing campaign, working with local companies to cultivate leads and using social media to draw prospective businesses to the website.

“If a person is more familiar with a name and location, they’re more inclined to visit or consider it a future home for their company,” Bartz says. “Nothing is going to happen overnight, once the marketing efforts are under way, then I think it should pay dividends for the community.”

Unemployment is also predicted to decline.

Sally Hill, spokesperson for Suncoast Workforce, a nonprofit that helps match employers and prospective employees in Sarasota and Manatee counties, says unemployment in the two counties is expected to decline in 2013, as businesses continue to rebound from the economic downturn.

“There was a time when every industry in Manatee and Sarasota counties was losing jobs,” Hill says. “In 2013, we would anticipate the unemployment would continue to decline.”

Statistics from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity indicate an 8.2% unemployment rate for Manatee County in October — the most current data available, as of press time — compared to 10.4% a year before. In 2009, unemployment was 12.3%, she says.

Statewide unemployment was 8.5% in

Promotional Progress Gregg Anderson, who owns a marketing and advertising company and also leads the South Manatee Business Coalition, adds companies, once again, are starting to carve out monies for advertising — something that vanished during the recession.

Businesses, however, are looking for more return on investment.

“It’s about using dollars wisely,” Anderson says. “I believe (there is a) very positive attitude about the direction the economy is going.”

October, statistics show.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Hill says. “I think businesses are more optimistic, but there’s still quite a bit of uncertainty (because of taxation and healthcare issues).”

Hill says certain industries, including education and health services, have remained strong, even during the recession.

Manufacturing businesses and professional and business services companies also seem to be fairing well and seeing improvement.

Others, like construction, saw significant downturns, but are again gaining momentum, she says.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@ yourobserver.com.

Swimming Pool Construction Soars as Coast to Coast Pools has already installed 100 pools in 2012

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oast to Coast Pools continues to be one of the leaders in the industry as they have already installed over 100 pools in 2012 and the year is not over yet! Adding to the thousands of satisfied pool customers, their goal is to be a leader in the Tri-County area and they are well on their way. They have most recently won 5 out of 7 design categories in the Parade of Homes 2012.

Coast to Coast Pools is proud to have served our community for over 25 years.

Specializing in new construction and remodeling, they also provide outstanding pool maintenance, repairs and equipment sales. “We treat each customer as if they are the only customer.

We want to keep each family excited and informed while we build their project”, says Dustin Pointer, Owner/Contractor of Coast to Coast Pools.

Coast to Coast Pools professional design team knows it’s the details that make the pool of your dreams become reality.

They set themselves apart by providing knowledge and experience during the design process. Their designers combine functionality with innovation by using the best products available.

Contact Coast to Coast Pools, tell them what you envision and let them amaze you by creating an impressive, custom design that promises to surpass all your expectations.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

SMART GROWTH

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

GOVERNMENT EAST COUNTY — It might take a simple smile to address complex issues such as economic growth, diversifying the tax base and distributing the budget in a county starving for new revenues.

That strategy LOOKING may sound overly simplistic and naive, but when the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners convenes again in January, new board members, elected to bring a cooperation and energy, will face citizens who want growth but resist tax increases to get it, and a public-safety sector hungry for more help from the local government.

New board Chairman Larry Bustle says the demeanor brought

by Vanessa Baugh, the District 5 representative, and Betsy Benac, a District 7 commissioner, both elected in November, gives the board the ability to combat difficult challenges ahead.

“There’s a new aura on the dais,” Bustle says. “Now it’s about how we work together and how we solve problems.”

Baugh, a business owner who religiously attended board meetings the last two years as a spectator, says Manatee County deserves a harmonious board set on solving problems, not earning political points.

5A

Growth, taxes, sheriff’s office pay and EMS morale are some of the issues the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners faces in the new year.

AHEAD

Josh Siegel

New board Chairman Larry Bustle says Betsy Benac and Vanessa Baugh, both elected in November, have brought less bickering and political plays and more harmonious cooperation between commissioners.

businesswoman and planner: “No one is trying to pull a gotcha.”

When the leaders sit down to make decisions in 2013, here are some challenges they will face.

How to grow

In January, the board will meet with County Administrator Ed Hunzeker to discuss a study in-

SEE BUSTLE / PAGE 6A

Lessons Learned What new commissioners Betsy Benac and Vanessa Baugh have learned so far and how they plan use those lessons to make 2013 productive:

Baugh 1. “You get to work almost immediately and you learn a lot quickly. Being an observer for almost two years made the transition easier. You meet different people and learn how different departments work.

The concerns of the people are heavy on my heart.”

2. “It’s a humbling experience. I learned you need to be your own person up there to represent the people. You can’t let people sway you. You have to stand on two feet. If you don’t, shame on you.”

Benac 1. “You forget how many people are involved in county government. The county has a lot of employees, many who have felt unappreciated for a while.

It’s about understanding those needs and addressing them.”

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“In that past there was a lot of contention and squabbling,” Baugh says. “Now, the board has a lot of respect for each other. We won’t always agree. But the difference you’re seeing is a board that wants to make things better.

That’s our job. There’s a lot of smiling on the dais.”

Added Benac, a veteran local

tended to create a new vision for Manatee County.

The study, fittingly titled “How will we grow?” breaks down into three alternatives: Maintain the status quo; redevelop areas for further construction; and create activity centers across the county intended to serve as incentive bases for businesses to develop there.

“We can either do the same things we have been doing, encourage infill and avoid sprawl, or provide incentives for people to build here,” says Bustle, a fiveyear board member and lifelong Manatee County resident. “The first option is not viable. I like a combination of the second two.

The centers will just make it easier for businesses to set up here.”

For the third option, activity centers would be built in Lakewood Ranch, Port Manatee, Parrish and by South Tamiami Trail.

Each would be tailored to its location but have similarities.

Bustle says the board will focus on tax abatement, sparing qualified businesses from property taxes for a period of time, similar to how the county attracted Feld Entertainment, which produces Disney on Ice, and Air Products, a manufacturer of liquid natural gas that is set to build a plant in Port Manatee.

“Incentives have been successful since we started with them four

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years ago,” Bustle says. “Close to 4,000 jobs have been created or retained. Some businesses thought about going out of business, but through incentives we have been able to keep them.”

Besides cash incentives, Bustle referenced expedited zoning and building permit approvals as ways the county can attract businesses.

Benac, mirroring a plan discussed by Rex Jensen, CEO for Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, in November, says the county needs to avoid low density, spread out building.

No matter the method, Benac says an economy showing signs of recovery and increases in property values combine to make the year ahead a prime time for builders.

“We have to have a different pattern of growth that is more dense and allows people to live closer to where they work,” Benac says. “We have to be more efficient, especially with fuel prices as high as they are.”

She calls Manatee Technical Institute and its new East County location a potential job attractor, with its ability to train employees with skills fit to work for targeted companies.

Baugh says it’s important to give incentives only after a company earns them; if a company promises to hire 70 people at a certain salary, the county should wait to offer tax savings until that goal is met.

“We can’t waste taxpayer money, and we have to be smart how offer incentives,” Baugh says. “I believe Manatee County has operated the right way in the past and will continue to. We have to be slow and careful how we do this.”

Commissioners can also promote Lakewood Ranch’s rapidly growing sports industry.

SMR officials say, through national and international events it hosts, the one-anda-half-year-old Premier Sports Complex has brought more than 100,000 visitors to Manatee-Sarasota this year, generating $65 million in revenue.

Visitors who come here for those events also spend money on local hospitality, food and even jewelry, making the sports business more important, says Baugh.

“We can help brand the region as an amateur sports haven,” Bustle says. “It’s one of the biggest growth areas we have. We have to grow for us to stay alive.”

How to pay

On the heels of a discussion about growth will be another early January workshop about how to pay for it.

January 18 & 19, 8:00 pm Van Wezel | Tickets from $32

EAST COUNTY Observer

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Subjected to the whims of property values and their effect on taxes, Manatee County has dug into its reserve account, called the stabilization fund, for the last five years, Benac says.

“You can’t do that forever,” Benac says.

“We have to balance the budget. Not everyone relies on property taxes like we do.”

In a November presentation to the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Hunzeker presented an alternative revenue plan.

Hunzeker suggests implementing user fees for libraries and parks, a half-cent sales tax, stormwater fees, utility franchise fees and taxing tourists.

Bustle says Hunzeker has also discussed raising the rate for tolls.

As the Manatee County Sheriff’s office pines for more money and county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) awaits the vote of a push to unionize, Baugh hopes commissioners resist the temptation to increase taxes.

“I hope we can come up with other ways to increase revenues without raising taxes,” Baugh says. “We can’t take this out on the citizens who live here.”

Any tax increase would have to come with a viable reason, Bustle says.

“This can’t just be about money,” Bustle says. “If it helps with law enforcement and first responder type compensation, then maybe it is something to consider.”

Sheriff’s office pay and EMS morale

In September, before Baugh and Benac came on board, the commission gave the sheriff’s office $3.2 million to address its budget concerns.

Armed with a study that he says proves his point, Manatee County Sheriff W. Brad Steube says it isn’t enough.

“This year, we went into the right direction by getting the $3.2 million, but it still isn’t enough and still doesn’t stop my problem of being the lowest-paid law-enforcement agency in this area,” Steube says.

Steube hopes to meet with commissioners in January to reveal the findings of the study, carried out by various groups over four months, and to inform the leaders how the $3.2 million has been dispersed.

At the board’s budget adoption hearing in September, Steube told commissioners he was losing experienced deputies to higher-paying agencies. He also noted longtime employees were making nearly the same amount as newer recruits, causing gross salary compression issues.

Steube says the new study shows his agency as having the lowest starting salary out of 14 area sheriff’s offices; to get into the middle of that pack would take $5.5 million.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

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There’s a new aura on the dais. Now it’s about how we work together and how we solve problems.

— Larry Bustle, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners chairman emergency medical technicians had complained about employee morale, linking it to high staff turnover and to disparities in how policies are enforced. One employee said 61% of EMS employees have less than five years’ experience.

Bustle says he cares most about the product emergency workers deliver. “(Unionizing) is something they have to decide,” Bustle says. “All I know is I am willing to work with them to solve the problem. We want the workplace to be a carrying place for people so moral is high and the product is good.”

Conclusion

Local governments all across the nation and state must begin to grapple with the Affordable Care Act, which takes effect in January 2014.

Gov. Rick Scott’s administration will not create a health-insurance exchange under the law, leaving the responsibility to the federal government, the state announced Dec. 14.

Bustle says a $40 million funding source for indigent health care — most of which came from the sale of Manatee Memorial Hospital, then called Manatee Veterans Memorial Hospital, to a private business — will soon dry up. He says it will be depleted by 2015.

As with all of the issues in the year ahead, commissioners believe newfound cooperation, communication and accountability will set the course for decisions made.

“We want to reach out to the community so they come forward and share ideas to,” Benac says. “We need all folks to work together and all be a part of the conversation.”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com

98182

Steube is hopeful, but guarded.

“I can’t expect anything,” Steube says.

Steube says he has made suggestions, such as pushing the millage rate back to the rollback rate and increasing the rate, to generate revenue. During the September budget meeting, commissioners adopted the same millage rate as last year — 6.2993.

“I’ve made all suggestions I can make,” Steube says. “Hopefully this County Commission will realize there is a critical need for the sheriff’s office.”

Commissioners didn’t have much to say about Steube’s comments.

Baugh acknowledged the importance of the issue, but says she hasn’t heard about the study Steube referenced.

Benac calls pay cuts a “part of life” and says she handed out plenty during her time in the private sector. She notes government jobs offer more generous benefits than the business world.

“It’s about more than just pay,” Benac says. “This is not a unique situation. Is everybody entitled to a raise and is everybody the same? Of course not. The sheriff advocates strongly for his employees and I look forward to working with him.”

The entire county government shares a need for appreciation, Benac says.

“A lot of people have not felt appreciated having gone without raises for awhile,” Benac says. “It starts to take a toll. People don’t realize we do appreciate what they do.”

Commissioners say little about similar concerns of county EMS employees, who are working with the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics to unionize.

Manatee County EMTs and paramedics overwhelmingly voted in favor of union representation Dec. 19.

At a workshop Dec. 5, paramedics and

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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Observer EAST COUNTY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

GAME-CHANGER

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

“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.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh, ewalsh@ yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Pam Eubanks, peubanks@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/News / Randi Donahue,rdonahue@yourobserver.com Design Editor / Jennifer Edwards, jedwards@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Jen Blanco, jblanco@your observer.com Staff Writer / Josh Siegel, jsiegel@your observer.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy, mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Copy Editor / Maria Amodio Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@ yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager / Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Digital Sales Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Penny DiGregorio, pdigregorio@yourobserver.com; Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com; Rosemary Felton, rfelton@yourobserver.com; Darcy Jahn, djahn@ yourobserver.com; Chris Kelley, ckelley@ yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@ yourobserver.com; Rose Mango, rmango@ yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@ yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator / Leslie Gnaegy, lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com; Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com; Courtney Callahan, ccallahan@yourobserver. com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Peter Carlson, pcarlson@yourobserver.com; Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Kathy Klein, kklein@ yourobserver.com Administration-Subscriptions Coordinator / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com

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At less than two years old, Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch is making a name for itself in the sporting industry, attracting the 2012 Nike International Friendlies and other large tournament play, since opening in mid-2011.

SPORTS TOURISM EAST COUNTY — Elliott Falcione, executive director for the Manatee Convention and Visitors Bureau, knows the growth of the sports segment in Manatee and Sarasocounties is a LOOKING ta game-changer on the economic level.

When it comes to attracting visitors, sports are now second only to the two-county area’s white-sand beaches.

“It used to be a niche market, but it’s become its own segment,” Falcione says. “The sports segment allows us to diversify our business programs, and this segment caters to our shoulder season (off-peak tourism season) that begins around Aug. 1 to Jan. 15. “(It’s really about) how do you continue to bring an influx of business?” he says. “The sports segment is doing that really well for us. The sports business creates an influx in new dollars to our mainland community (and) helps support the hospitality industry by sustaining and growing jobs on a year-round basis.”

Sports as a market segment has evolved over the last five years, with the renovation of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pirate City, the development of Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, which hosts soccer, lacrosse and other tournaments and sports leagues, and the decision by IMG Academies to begin hosting tournaments, Falcione says.

Statistics from local sports commissions are great indicators.

Nicole Rissler, director of sports for the Sarasota County Sports Commission, a division of Visit Sarasota, says growth has been “tremendous” in the sports-tourism market and segment, largely because of the area’s growing facilities.

And because of the quality of the venues, Rissler says, larger, more prestigious international and national competitions are finding a home in the area.

“In 2013, right now we are

AHEAD

Joe Pickett, who heads up the Braden Area Sports Commission, says he expects lacrosse to be the area’s fastest-growing sport, with the area becoming a ‘hub’ for the sport within the next five years. scheduled to sponsor, just on the Sarasota County side, 66 events,” Rissler says. “I think the (biggest difference from last year) is (the number of) high-profile events we’re going to host.”

Already secured are the 2013 Pan American Masters Swimming Championship and the 2013 U.S. Masters Rowing Championship, among others.

“We (expect) to secure more,” she says. “We anticipate adding additional events as we go into 2013. Our big ones are probably on the schedule now, but we also are host every year to the Super Boat Grand Prix, and some of the new things that are unique to us is that we are expanding into some different things for us, like the Tough Mudder (adventure race held Dec. 1, at Hi-Hat Ranch).”

Although Sarasota is sponsoring only six more events in 2013 than in 2012, Rissler says she expects the economic impacts to be significant. Last year’s 61 events generated a direct economic impact of $43.5 million, with more than 53,612 hotel rooms stays on record, compared to 2011’s 59 events, which generated $34 million.

“It’s strategic,” Rissler says, noting the year-over-year increase is significant. “We are putting more dollars into larger events that are going to give us the best return for our investment.”

Joe Pickett, founder of the Bradenton Area Sports Commission, also says his organization is being more strategic with events — attracting several larger sporting events in 2013.

In 2012, the Bradenton commission scheduled 95 events, with an estimated impact of about $38.8 million. (Pickett notes the calculation by Sarasota and Manatee’s sports commissions for economic impact are different.) In 2013, Pickett expects to host about 84 events, with an estimated economic impact of between $40 million and $46 million.

“We’ve got some larger events that are staying for longer (periods of time),” Pickett says, adding event duration has significant impacts.

On a larger scale, however, Falcione says the long-term impacts of sports tourism, and tourism overall, is to bring residents and business owners to the Sarasota-Manatee area — an impact greater than tourism dollars alone.

When you have a demographic of a household income of $100,000 a year and an average age of 49 that’s visiting the area, future visits are virtually guaranteed, he says.

“Once they are exposed to it one time, they come back for future vacations and eventually try to relocate to the area,” he says.

Big opportunities

Although construction at Nathan Benderson Park, just south of University Parkway and west of I-75, is still under construction, the venue will take an international spotlight starting in 2013.

The center, which, when finished, will include a 2,000-meter rowing course, grandstands, a boathouse and other amenities, is designed to meet most requirements for national and international sports competitions, says Paul Blackketter, the project manager for Benderson Development and chief operating officer for the SunCoast Aquatic Nature Center Association, the non-profit tasked with managing rowing facilities in both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The park will host its first international triathlon in March and will also host the U.S. Master Rowing Championships in August.

“We’re already seeing a lot of new interest in the facility,” Blackketter says. “One big thing we discovered over the years is the true diversity of the venue and what it offers to sports, not

just rowing. Rowing is about 15% of what is going to be available.”

Other events include dragon boat races, canoe and kayak sprints, running races and more.

“We’re hoping to be a major training center for the Rio de Janeiro Olympic games,” Blackketter says. “They’re looking for a similar environment in which to train.

“It brings the international, global community to Sarasota/ Bradenton,” he says. “Elite athletes recognize Sarasota/Bradenton as an area for worldclass training and competition.

You have that identity on an Olympic level. This is the only one of its kind in the North American continent.”

Blackketter also hopes to have programming for the community and for military veterans, as well as corporate training opportunities at the park, once it’s completed.

Once the extension of Cattlemen Road from University Parkway to Fruitville Road opens in March, the park will have even more accessibility, making it even more desirable, as well, Blackketter says.

The site — although the most well-known — also serves as a complement to other training venues in the area, including rowing facilities at Fort Hamer Park, in Manatee County and a launch in Osprey.

“Fort Hamer is a training facility, mainly for collegiate,” Falcione says. “Once again, it will dump new money into that corridor of the county. It complements Nathan Benderson Park (and the) launch in Osprey. It allows other training opportunities. It’s so important we have these other launch areas.”

Additionally, Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, located adjacent to the Lakewood Ranch Post Office, east of Lorraine

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Road, has been making national headlines, as well, since opening in April 2011.

Host to the a Labor Day soccer tournament that drew about 19,000 amateur athletes and fans, and the 2012 Nike International Friendlies, at which the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team squared off against Brazil, Turkey and Portugal, the facility is having a significant impact on the local economy.

SMR officials estimate the Labor Day soccer tournament alone generated more than $13 million in economic impact to the region, as 3,500 cars delivered players from nearly 330 Florida-based teams for the three-day competition.

The Dunkin’ Donuts located in the Lorraine Corners shopping plaza did more than $8,000 in business in two days during the Nike tournament — more than twice its typical sales, says Premier’s Director of Sports Tim Mulqueen.

Gary Simone, owner of The Ranch Grill, in the same plaza, said the tournament increased his business’ sales by 30%.

“It’s had a very positive effect on us,” he says of the sports campus.

Mulqueen says Premier has started to enter into some longer-term agreements with major sports professionals, including an agreement with Tim Howard, of the U.S. National Soccer Team, to run his goalie camp at Premier.

“We have established ourselves as a national training and

competition venue,” Mulqueen says. “I think the reason for that is the beautiful fields we have here, the amount of fields and the location; we’re in a beautiful part of Florida, a beautiful part of Manatee, surrounded by everything these organizers are looking for, outside the scope of competition — restaurants, movie theaters, beaches.”

“I look at 2013 as (a time) for us to really go to the next level, in terms of securing long-term contracts with our major organizers, such as U.S. Soccer, Nike and 3D Lacrosse,” he says. “I just think this (Sarasota-Bradenton) area is in for a great treat in seeing some of the fantastic sporting events, and it’s exciting.”

New developments

Even with such tremendous growth in the sports-tourism segment, more is on the way.

Lakewood Ranch developer Schroeder-Manatee Ranch announced in November it would build the Ancient Oak Gun Club, a sporting clay course on about 70 acres of undeveloped property within Lakewood Ranch, about one-and-a-half miles east of Lorraine Road and about a half-mile south of State Road 64.

SMR President and CEO Rex Jensen has already said the company intends to attract state and national level play at the course, once it opens later this year.

Additionally, Sarasota-based Good Sports Enterprises is in discussion with SMR to develop a

Contractors continue work on Nathan Benderson Park, which will be home to rowing, kayaking, dragon boat racing and other competitions over the coming years.

(It’s really about) how do you continue to bring an influx of business? The sports segment is doing that really well for us.

The sports business creates an influx in new dollars to our mainland community,(and) helps support the hospitality industry by sustaining and growing jobs on a year-round basis.

55,000-square-foot indoor multiuse facility near Premier, as well as 115-room hotel with dormitory-style housing options.

No formal plans have been released, because the deal has not yet been finalized and financing for the project is still being determined.

Mulqueen says the facility, if it is developed, would allow for some longer-term training opportunities for athletes utilizing Premier and other facilities.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

— Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Manatee Convention and Visitors Bureau

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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SLOW RECOVERY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

REAL ESTATE EAST COUNTY — New Manatee Association of REALTORS (MAR) President Deeana Atkinson, set to take over this month, has managed her Coldwell Banker office in Bradenton for 12 years.

At the beginning, things were great. Realtors sold LOOKING homes using only a pen and a pad.

“We were making lots of money,” Atkinson says. “It was very exciting. Then, it just stopped.”

In a five-year stretch during the mid-2000s, Atkinson’s office lost half of its income.

Banks extended credit like candy, builders overbuilt, and the economy tanked.

But the story behind what’s causing the latest uptick in the real-estate market, this one more steady than a boom — and also, area Realtors, developers and salespeople say more safe — is complex. And buyers may face a lack of inventory because of it.

Manatee County had 4.3 months’ supply of inventory as of Nov. 12. That figure represents the time it would take to sell all available homes if no new ones entered the market. Economists consider six months’ inventory as the equilibrium. Anything below it means it’s a seller’s market.

“That usual rise in sales in January might not happen,” says Kathy Valente, a Realtor at Michael Saunders & Co., in Bradenton. “People are just outbidding each other for homes, so some are priced out of the market.”

Still, the 2013 real-estate market looks good for real-estate agents and builders.

In Manatee County, as of Nov. 12, the median sales price for single-family homes rose 32.1% over the same time the year before, according to data compiled by the My Florida Regional Listing Service.

AHEAD

That’s compared to only a 9% increase in the median sales price for single-family homes statewide.

The MAR credits the rise in prices to the easing of foreclosures and short sales, meaning distressed properties are dragging prices down less than in recent years.

Closed sales on single-family homes rose 42.4% in Manatee County from 2011, more than the 25% increase in the state, while new listings for our area also jumped 19.9%, compared to an 8.1% increase in Florida.

In Lakewood Ranch, the market looks even better.

Jimmy Stewart, vice president of sales for Lakewood Ranch Communities, reports 479 new home sales, or buyer retail contracts, as of Oct. 31. He expected that figure to rise to roughly 550, which would make it the highest since 2006 and a 45% increase from the year before.

Re-sales in Lakewood Ranch are at a historic low; 62% of all home sales in 2012, as of Oct. 31, were new homes. Stewart reports 9% distressed properties, less than the Sarasota/Bradenton overall average of 16%.

As of the end of October, Lakewood Ranch had 304 homes under construction, a figure that ranks second out of all master planned communities in the state, according to Metrostudy.

“They’re back,” Stewart says. “There was pent-up demand. People were waiting, and now the media has come out saying it’s OK to buy Florida real estate now. And the numbers back it up.”

Here’s a more detailed look at the 2013 real-estate market.

Builders

Pat Neal, of Neal Communities in Lakewood Ranch, has seen this movie before.

Sales, prices and new listings all are up in Lakewood Ranch and the Bradenton/Sarasota area, but are there enough homes to go around?

But this time, it ends differently, he says.

For one, the Federal Reserve chose to stimulate the market by setting interest rates for a 30-year mortgage at around 3.5%, a historic low that experts expect to last through 2015.

Neal also points to pent-up demand.

The University of Florida Center for Demographic Research says one-sixth of 78 million baby boomers will live in Florida at some point.

According to Neal’s research, this means there will be about 264,000 new people per year in Florida, or about 115,000 homes of demand in that time.

“We are at the beginning of a really strong real-estate cycle,” Neal says. “This time it’s real and safer. The banks have introduced more comprehensive credit constraints. Lenders are smarter, builders are smarter, and consumers are smarter.”

Neal believes the state will go back to 2004 levels of housing (about 140,000 homes were built in Florida), but not to the overbuild situation, which occurred in 2005, 2006 and part of 2007.

In 2013, Neal Communities expects to close on 680 sales in 2013, up from the 480 projected for 2012. Its average closing price jumped to $277,011 in 2012, from $223,020 a year earlier.

Area builders say they have fewer suppliers for materials and labor, which forces prices to go up — for the developer and the consumer — but could mean a potential shortage in homes priced for the middle class.

“There will be a home for people, but it might be at different price than they want,” Neal says.

Neal has no shortage of options with flat labor, concrete, roofing and lumber, but he’s paying more for skilled trades, such as

electricians, plumbing and framing labor, which requires serious math.

Electricians and plumbers flocked to places such as Texas and Michigan, chasing the demand, which made it more important for Neal to build relationships with local suppliers.

“It’s a serious problem,” Neal says. “I’m behind on seven projects because of it.”

Carlos Beruff, of Medallion Homes, says suppliers raise prices to protect thinner margins.

He says factories shut down during the recession and, as the economy recovers, choose to run their existing plants at full capacity 24/7, instead of opening new ones. Hurricane Sandy also compounded the supply problems, with the increased need for materials to rebuild damaged homes.

It all combines to increase prices for builders, who struggle to build at the pace of 2005-06.

During that year, according to Beruff, Sarasota/Manatee had 9,000 starts, a number that dropped to 800 three years ago before inching up to 1,800 to 2,000 in 2012.

“We (builders) can’t keep up with the demand now,” Beruff says.

But, Beruff anticipates more market improvements, adding Medallion Homes already pulled 210 to 220 building permits for 2013, compared to 170 in 2012.

“Consumers know buying a home is the smartest thing they can do right now,” Beruff says. “It’s a steady, solid recovery, but it’s slow. If the public loses confidence, business will shut down.”

Consumer demand

Ron and Judy Anderson are downsizing. The couple recently sold their home in St. Charles, Ill., but still maintain a condo

Before

99692

10A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

9608 18Th Avenue Nw Cir #M5828332 $1,000,000 Lynne Callahan

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-720-3278

January 2012, is at full occupancy, according to its leasing office.

Still, demand outweighs supply, and that’s partially by design, Stewart says.

He always stays guarded with an eye toward the 2005-06 failed boom.

“We wanted to get back to normalcy,” Stewart says. “Spikes one way or the other are not good. You have to adjust. We are very low on our inventory now, which we intentionally try to do. People have to realize there is a demand now. Activity breeds activity and a sense of urgency. We’ll be fine.”

Big picture

Atkinson says properties are being snatched off the market quickly — sometimes too quickly.

“We had three sets of buyers come in recently but no inventory to show them,” Atkinson says. “If there was a good buy, it’s gone. It’s kind of exciting that it’s happening like that again, but it’s different, and it’s frustrating to buyers.”

Real-estate owned properties, or bankowned homes that were foreclosed on and are released back into the market for resale, have started trickling into the area, Atkinson says.

Atkinson also sees short sales becoming more regular and closing faster.

The Bradenton market has more investors — many coming from Canada, Germany and Great Britain, who use the homes as vacations spots — but less flipping.

“Everything that everybody does nowadays in the real-estate field, from working with title companies, to mortgage companies, to new builders and residential real estate, is about trying to be really responsible so we don’t get to that place where we were before,” Atkinson says.

“We suffered a long time because of poor decisions.”

It all leaves her with an inconclusive forecast.

“It’s kind of hard to say where we go, but we’re not going backward,” Atkinson says.

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@your observer.com.

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in Tampa. It took six months to sell their home in Illinois.

After spending one-and-a-half days searching in Venice and Pinellas Park, the Andersons toured Esplanade in Lakewood Ranch in their quest to find a home.

“There’s plenty of supply,” Judy Anderson says. “There might be too much to look at. My eyes are boggled right now. It’s a great time to buy.”

Ted Daytz and Arlene Midkiff, of Chicago, recently retired. They were attracted to the Sarasota area for its culture.

While on vacation for a week, the couple recently looked at homes in Lakewood Ranch’s Central Park.

“We like a lot of the homes here,” Midkiff says. “The prices are very attractive, especially compared to Chicago.”

Daytz and Midkiff, who also are considering homes in Palmer Ranch and Venice, have real estate to sell up North before they commit to a new home.

“When the timing is right, we will pull the trigger … maybe,” Daytz says.

Stewart sees people similar to the Andersons and Daytz and Midkiff walking through his sales centers every day.

He sees early retirees and empty-nesters sitting on a lot of cash and ready to buy. Atkinson sees a similar trend; she says 67% of buys from her office came from cash.

Stewart also sees couples who want to buy a second home, who warmed up to the re-sale market and now feel confident they can sell existing property.

Demand for 16,000-square-foot “ultra luxury” homes, as Stewart calls them, continues to increase — Lake Club sold 31 homes in 2012, compared to 14 in 2011.

Lakewood Ranch works with 16 homebuilders to meet the demand, a task that Stewart admits is harder now, but for which his company is prepared.

“We’re (Lakewood Ranch) the safe guys,” Stewart says. “We continue even during downtimes to improve our infrastructure and our product offerings.”

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12A

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

DECISION DAY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

SCHOOLS East County — Manatee County School District administrators and board members talk a lot about a cultural shift that’s occurring.

It consists of more communiLOOKING cation, accountability and action. There are no secrets. The leaders are always learning.

The tone starts from interim Superintendent David Gayler, who, even as reminders of the past turn up every day, refuses to look back.

Gayler, who took on the task of moving the district past a $3.4 million deficit from 2011-12 that caused former Superintendent Tim McGonegal to resign, ran a Dec. 4 budget workshop in which he announced the discovery of another $7 million of unbudgeted items.

He could have waited until Jan. 14 — when Navigant, a national consulting firm, will announce the results of its three-month investigation into what caused the financial mistakes — to say anything.

But Gayler prefers to communicate with his colleagues early and often, as he and District Chief Financial Officer Michael Boyer find budget savings, while digging into any other losses from the past.

Last year’s budget disaster weighs on the minds of school board members and administration as they prepare to hire a new superintendent in 2013.

With a new foundation in place, here are some issues Manatee County Schools will face in 2013.

Revitalizing the classroom

AHEAD

Josh Siegel

Interim Superintendent David Gayler and the school board heard new academic plans from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bob Gagnon in a December workshop.

They do it so whoever reports for duty as the new superintendent in April won’t have that task.

Still, as they work to make the transition easy for their future new leader, they know the past will guide the future — how, as School Board Vice Chairwoman Julie Aranibar says, the district should strive to hire a superintendent who comes from the classroom, not from the closedoff business world.

Aranibar hints at a past in which goals didn’t align and

board members were left in the dark, a dynamic that’s changed under Gayler.

“With Dr. Gayler, I never once have gone to a meeting where something different is said than what he already told us,” Aranibar says. “He is consistent with all the people he communicates with.

He deals with problems and he listens. He taught me we need to have an educational leader at the helm. I’m excited to start working in this new direction that he has guided us toward.”

As Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Bob Gagnon and Teaching and Learning Executive Director Robin Thompson readied to address the board about academic plans for the year ahead during a Dec. 12 workshop, everyone seemed relieved.

“It’s nice to talk about academics for a change,” Gayler joked.

The workshop served as another step to align goals, this time matching the board’s with the teaching and learning staff’s.

“That didn’t happen before,” said Karen Carpenter, board chairwoman.

Gagnon said half of Manatee County students don’t respond to the core curriculum, which is guided by the Common Core Standards, a nationwide guide that defines the knowledge and skills children and teens should possess before entering college.

In Manatee County, the standards are already implemented in kindergarten and first grade, and Gagnon says second grade will adopt them in 2013. Third- through fifth-graders also might have to learn by the standards this year.

The standards tell teachers what they should teach, so they avoid only teaching what they like and know.

It’s up to the teachers to teach them well, in a complex way that

promotes creativity, Gagnon says.

Currently, Manatee County ranks 47th in the state and is labeled a “C” district.

Only about 50% of third- and 10th-graders in the district are FCAT proficient.

Gagnon says you could fill 15 school buses full of 60 kids each to show the amount of level 1 third-graders who didn’t perform well on the FCAT last year.

Even at Lakewood Ranch High School, an “A” school that Gagnon calls the district’s best, only 54% of students read at a high school level, according to Aranibar.

“Our performance is absolutely unacceptable,” Gagnon says.

“No one is happy with it. But we have great teachers. Still, people need to learn new skills. Are we teaching the standards in ways that engage kids and encourage critical thinking? That’s what has to happen.”

To Gagnon and Thompson, change will come from new computer tools that allow for data sharing and instant results.

The new computer tools show teachers how each student performs on certain standards and it lets them compare the results to other teachers and schools.

When the teachers receive the results of benchmark tests, the system suggests new lesson plans, videos and other assessment tools for each standard.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Superintendent search timeline Jan. 9 — Application deadline Jan. 29 — Superintendent finalists to be selected by Dr. Wayne Blanton and the board’s citizen advisory group Jan. 30 — School board selects its final candidates Feb. 4 to Feb. 15 — Superintendent finalists interviews Feb. 18 to Feb. 28 — Superintendent selected March 6 to April 1 — Superintendent reports for duty

dard, the system is more specific about what is or isn’t happening. For example, it might say, “John can’t count to 10.”

“We don’t want to wait until the FCAT to know if kids are passing standards,” Gagnon says. “We have to have computer tools that link it together. We have to own data. We have to own these results. How do we hold ourselves and teachers accountable?”

District administrators can also have virtual meetings with principals, all of which are recorded.

Gagnon calls the meetings “a time and resource saver.”

Similarly, Gayler approved a TV/Internet cast recommended by Starloe Galletta, a drama teacher at Rowlett Elementary, called “Talking to Teachers,” in which teachers and administrators can share ideas for the classroom.

“This is about empowering teachers on the front end and back end,” Gagnon said.

The district also wants to get away from pacing, in which every student has to be on the same page on the same day.

Aranibar says her son, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, was limited by pacing.

“He got lost in the shuffle in all of it,” Aranibar says. “I don’t know if we’ve really gotten away from it.”

Pacing means sometimes slowing down,

when some students are slower to learn, for example.

“If you can’t read by third grade, you’re always going to be behind,” Aranibar says. “That’s what Gagnon’s data shows.

We’re at the point where public education doesn’t really prepare you for the real world when you do have to go out there and compete.”

Gagnon admits there’s a readiness gap, and he wants to address it before kids begin kindergarten.

Gagnon and Thompson proposed turning G.D. Rogers Garden Elementary School into a pre-K through second grade community-based school offering wraparound, targeted intervention.

They also want to make Community High School a combination school serving eighth- through 10th-graders who have been unsuccessful with interventions at their home schools.

“No one talks about the readiness gap,” Gagnon says. “It’s always about the achievement gap. But we’re losing these kids early and we’re spending too much money on remediation.”

It’s about being proactive, not reactive, says Gagnon, a former teacher, assistant principal and principal at district schools such as Lakewood Ranch High School, Manatee County Summer School and Palmetto High School.

“If you’re going to lead, you have to produce,” Gagnon says. “We’re not moving fast enough for me and we probably won’t. Hopefully, I can do some good here and help it move quicker.”

The budget

To make financial decisions more clear and to avoid another catastrophe, Gayler has been working to install a line-item budget, for which every expense from each department, school and grant is listed, line-by-line.

He hopes it is in place by mid-January.

Gayler plans to take a closer look at utility expenses and find ways to save there, as well.

Carpenter says the board has talked about outsourcing non-classroom items.

13A

The school board hires three people: the board attorney, the internal auditor and the superintendent.

This is where we will spend the most of our time.

It’s time we rebuild that community’s trust that’s been shattered.

— Karen Carpenter, Manatee County School Board chairwoman She has suggested consolidating functions and selling off excess property, saving even more on utilities.

For the 2013 budget, Aranibar says the county won’t face any cuts from the state.

Manatee County will be funded at the same level as last year.

Gagnon wants the money to go to the classroom.

“If it were up to me, first and foremost I would prioritize raises for our educators,” Gagnon says. “Go to the staff — without question. Our educators have suffered through a lot in recent years. Unfortunately, for us to bring everybody together we have to stop demoralizing the people who count on us and whom we count on.”

Before the board can approve raises, Carpenter says it must better understand how to manage its money.

“We would like to give raises to teachers,” Carpenter says. “But we have to figure out how to have an efficient operation first.”

Aranibar says finding the money to reward employees and boost morale extends countywide, beyond schools.

“The community has been hit hard by the economy so they don’t want anything raised,” Aranibar said. “In that sense, the county and schools are on very much the same level. How do you balance? If there’s a better way to do it, we have to do it that way.

We can raise the pay for teachers, but it will take a realignment of the entire district.”

Also this year, the Florida Auditor General will do an independent audit of the district, to make sure policies and procedures are in place to properly administer funding.

The inspection occurs every three years. The last three inspections exposed

deficiencies, especially in managing capital, Aranibar says.

As Gayler tries to clean the slate for 2013 budget, residue from the past keeps haunting him.

At a Dec. 12 audit committee meeting, Manatee County School Board Attorney John Bowen stated Trenam Kemker, the Tampa law firm that helped choose Navigant, is billing beyond the scope of its work.

According to Bowen, the firm billed the district $39,000 as of Nov. 8, some for activities in which they shouldn’t have participated.

When Gayler leaves his position in March, Carpenter hopes he can make a unique imprint on the new budget.

“It’s good timing,” Carpenter said. “It wouldn’t be a good idea for that person to come in July when budget is already done.

We want someone who wants to take the reins and show us his/her priorities and have influence over the budget. It’s an exciting time frame.”

Technical education and MTI

With its K-12 education in flux, Manatee County — and now, even more so, East County — can depend on its staple, technical education.

Doug Wagner, director of Adult, Career & Technical Education for Manatee County Schools, has made post-secondary schooling a priority with minimal funds.

The district learned Dec.11 that its grant application for the federal Race to the Top District Competition fell short,

SEE SCHOOL / PAGE 14A

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

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SCHOOL / FROM PAGE 13A

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placing 22nd overall.

The U.S. Department of Education had enough money to fund the top 16 finalists.

Manatee County’s application, titled “Manatee County is F.I.R.S.T (Fully Integrated Reading Science Technology) in the Race to Student Success,” sought $28.7 million to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) education programming to every Manatee County elementary school, to provide teacher training for the program and to construct a “TECH” zone at the Manatee Technical Institute’s new East County campus.

Wagner and board members say the county can move on without the money as it prepares to unveil its new 210,000-square-foot East County Campus on State Road 70 and Caruso Road Jan. 8.

MTI has earned the most national medals at the SkillsUSA Championships for the past nine years, according to the district.

“It’s (technical education) still our flagship,” Carpenter says.

Responding to what he calls strong demand for digital media, manufacturing and culinary arts in a service-dominated region, Wagner has helped design new classes for the winter/spring 2013 semester, including digital video production, baking and pastry arts, and automotive collision repair.

The East County campus will also feature a precision machine lab, the first of its kind in the area, Wagner says.

“Our expectation is to have more East County residents participate,” Wagner said. “It gives them an opportunity right in their community to participate in stateof-the-art technical education.”

Aranibar believes the grand opening fits well with county government’s attempts to attract businesses to the area.

“Manatee County is sitting at right opportunity for economic development to tie this into a economic recovery that needs a skilled workforce,” Aranibar says.

“When we see the commission doing everything they can to bring companies to our area, MTI offers a huge advancement to attract companies to come here.”

Superintendent search Aranibar got involved with Manatee County when her two children — twins set to graduate from Lakewood Ranch High School this year — started kindergarten.

Elected to the school board in 2010, Aranibar says the fall of McGonegal and the fast rise of Gayler have reaffirmed for her the importance of a superintendent as an educational leader.

“I’ve been a volunteer and advocate for the district and now that I’m set to send my children off during such a important transition, it’s bittersweet,” Aranibar said. “Whoever takes over has a great opportunity.”

In its brochure for the job, the district clearly communicates its desire for the next superintendent, who will make between $170,000 to $195,000, to be committed to clarity and openness, engaging the community in its decisions.

It also emphasizes technology and human relations.

Candidates have until Jan. 9 to apply to Dr. Wayne Blanton of the Florida School Boards Association. The board’s citizen advisory group will select its finalists Jan. 29.

Blanton expects 40 formal applications.

The school board will choose the final candidates Jan. 30, based on the recommendation of Blanton and the citizen advisory group.

Finally, the board will name the new superintendent Feb. 18 to Feb. 28.

Carpenter calls it the “biggest decision” she will have a say in as board chairwoman.

“The school board hires three people: the board attorney, the internal auditor and the superintendent,” Carpenter says.

“This is where we will spend the most of our time. It’s time we rebuild that community’s trust that’s been shattered.”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

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PAGE 5B

PAGE 6B

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PAGE 2B

ENTREPRENEURS

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Trees

The

A bold couple seeks success with a new entry in an old industry: Florida amusement and recreation.

It’s a good thing they aren’t afraid of heights.

EAST COUNTY — Lakewood Ranch residents Aaron and Kathy Corr have had their heads in the clouds lately — or at least in the tree tops.

The veteran entrepreneurs, whose affinity for the great outdoors has long been a source of livelihood and adventure, are taking a cue from a park they first saw built near their home in Canada many years ago.

The concept: to combine zip lines with wobbly bridges, and bungee swings with hanging nets. It’s a popular kind of adventure park in Europe, especially in France, where there are hundreds. But not so much in Florida, where the nearest park even slightly comparable to the Corrs’ concept is in Sanford, northeast of Orlando.

Says Aaron Corr: “We both want this place to be fun.”

Aaron Corr, an engineer, and his wife, a physical therapist, are eager to open the unique tree top-laden obstacle course and recreational park in rural Manatee County.

After more than two years of permitting and construction, TreeUmph! will hold its public grand opening Jan. 12.

“This is really a park for everyone, not just for extreme people,” Aaron Corr says. “It’s a thrill; it’s a lot of fun. You’re right up there in the canopy of the trees.

It’s a different environment; a very beautiful one.”

“The parks are very, very safe,” he adds. “You’re always clipped in at least two times to a cable that could hold a city bus.”

Park patrons start by purchasing tickets for the course — costs range from $25.95 to $49.95 for the day, depending on age — before getting a 30-minute demonstration and safety lesson and then being released toward the tree tops.

Each of five adult courses gets progressively harder. The first course is fairly easy: “If you can climb a ladder, you can do the course,” Aaron Corr says.

After that, the difficulty increases.

The most challenging course, called the Summit course, ventures to 60 feet up

in the air with hanging nets and swinging ropes and overhand monkey bars.

“It requires a lot of strength and endurance,” Aaron Corr says. “Not everyone is going to get there. Most people get through two or three courses and they feel like they’ve had a great time.”

A 600-foot zip line takes guests back to the visitors center. The children’s course is designed so that parents can watch children play, as well.

Aaron Corr says the facility is wellsuited for birthday parties, fundraising events and other activities.

Mountainclimbers

The Corrs, who previously ran a few businesses together in Canada, have persevered through a rigorous permitting and construction process.

SEE TREES / PAGE 10B

Photos by Mark Wemple

It has been our dream to bring an outdoor adventure park to this community.

We are creating an exciting way to spend the day outdoors with friends and family.

Aaron Corr, TreeUmph! Adventure Course, Manatee County.

Aaron and Kathy Corr founded TreeUmph! Adventure Course in rural Manatee County. Scheduled to open later this year, the park features five adult courses, from beginner to extreme; a children’s course, for ages 7 and up; and 650-foot long zip line.

2B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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BY THE NUMBERS

272

Number of hollow metal frames used

17

Number of hollow metal sidelite frames used

103

Number of hollow metal borrowed lites used

175

Number of hollow metal doors used

163

Number of wooden doors used

280

In tons, amount of rebar used

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

opening soon

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Sneak peek into new MTI EAST COUNTY — Manatee Technical Institute’s new campus off State Road 70 is built to impress.

As the Manatee School District Director of Adult, Career & Technical Education Doug Wagner puts it, the open space that awaits guests when they first walk into the building and look slightly left is meant to induce the “wow” factor.

The state-of-the-art $44 million facility, which opens Jan. 7, boasts 210,000 square feet of space for about a dozen programs, including architecture and construction, culinary arts, manufacturing, information technology, hospitality, tourism and more.

The school’s first floor has 14 labs; the upstairs levels have 17 — eight on one wing and nine on the other.

Each classroom work area has a window into the classroom, so anyone walking by can see students at work, whether they are welding, giving manicures or fixing appliances, Wagner says.

Another key design element of the school is its flexibility. Because the school’s offerings are designed to match community needs, classrooms have movable walls, so room size can change according to the need and the program type being offered.

“The project team worked diligently to make sure ever-changing program needs were met and that the spaces could be converted as technology and curriculum for these important programs evolve,” says Jane Dreger, the district’s director of construction services. “We also worked to minimize disruptions to our neighbors at Braden River High School.”

The community is encouraged

The school’s lobby will be its main feature, serving as a reception area, a 350seat dining hall, a multipurpose room and even part of the media center.

If the space is cleared out, it can seat about 1,000.

Walk this way not only to watch MTI students in action but also to utilize its facilities — whether the media area, which is set up with studying nooks, the auditorium or services offered by cosmetology students. MTI’s culinary students also run the school’s cafeteria and fine-dining area, which the public can frequent, as well.

“This is really for the community,” Wagner says of MTI’s new campus.

“We really want the community to utilize the facility.”

Dreger agrees.

“It is my hope that the new MTI campus will attract staff and students to teach and learn skills in increasing demand, such as culinary, automation, welding, 3D digital design and aesthetics, as well as enhance more traditional programs

such as cosmetology, automotive and building trades,” she says. “I also hope the new facility provides better opportunities for business partnerships and grant funding for our students. Dr. Mary Cantrell, director of MTI, sums it up well. She says that 2013 — MTI’s 50th anniversary — will be the year of miracles, the year of wonders.”

Manatee Technical Institute’s campus on 34th Street West in Bradenton will continue to offer some classes, but offerings will be limited, because the bulk of classes will move to the new State Road 70 campus.

MTI also has an East Campus comprised of three buildings — one each for medical and dental, law enforcement/allied health and the fire science facility — in Lakewood Ranch.

The design of the new Manatee Technical Institute building contains about 16,000 square feet of glass and 8,800 cubic yards of concrete — enough concrete to construct a personal 4-foot-wide, 2-inch-thick concrete sidewalk from MTI to the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium and back.

— Jake Emerson, assistant project manager for The Beck Group

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Manatee Technical Institute’s new East County campus, with 210,000 square feet, opens Jan. 7. The school will celebrate the official grand opening Valentine’s Day. Wire ‘wow’-factor

1

The new MTI campus will include classrooms and labs for welding, automotive repair, marine technology, culinary arts, drafting, machining, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, masonry, cosmetology and appliance repair. There will be 338 doors to these instructional areas. The intricate electrical systems are designed to service all the needs of the faculty and students, including 1,085,125 feet of wire. This would be 205 miles of wire, or enough to extend from Bradenton to Daytona Beach.

3B

1. Students in the carpentry program will learn the use of hand-and-power tools, selection and use of materials, blueprint reading and other skills.

2. The media area includes work stations for students, as well as smaller conference/study rooms. 3. This 170-seat auditorium, at the front and center of MTI’s new campus, will be used for school lectures and community events, Wagner says. 4. Students in the precision machine classroom will learn to use equipment such as milling machines, lays and others. 5. MTI’s cosmetology program will take up the largest amount of space in the new campus.

— Jake Emerson, assistant project manager for The Beck Group

2 3 4

5 Photos by Pam Eubanks

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savings

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

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SCF Presidential Search

The SCF District Board of Trustees Wants to Hear From the Community In preparation for a search for the next president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, SCF trustees are holding community input sessions.

The purpose of the sessions is to hear input from citizens of Manatee and Sarasota counties regarding characteristics, skills and experience preferred in the next SCF president.

Who:

With nearly a decade of online marketing experience, Gerrid Smith is well aware the Groupon craze is so 2010.

Still, the pull was magnetic when Smith, his brother-in-law, Josh Cearbaugh, and his father, author and entrepreneur Todd Smith, launched a business together in 2012.

“We looked at a bunch of different business models,” says Smith, a Lakewood Ranch resident. “We liked the coupon model, but there was a ton out there. So we needed something to make us different.”

That distinction, Smith and his business partners hope, is Save1.

The business, in one way, is just like many other coupon websites. It’s filled with discounts, to places such as Target, Best Buy and Macy’s — each with a minimum amount available. The catch: Save1 takes a percentage of the commission it makes off coupons and deals from retail partners and donates it to charitable groups that focus on feeding children worldwide.

Says Smith: “Our passion for helping save the lives of children who are dying from hunger and malnutrition around the world is what inspired us to start Save1.”

The Lakewood Ranch-based company, with four full-time employees, is a for-profit enterprise with a mission, says Smith, for users to “save money, save lives.” In that regard the firm is like TOMS Shoes, a for-profit company that donates one pair of shoes for every pair of shoes sold. The company, whose founder, Blake Mycoskie, goes by the title Chief Shoe Giver, has donated more than 2 million shoes since 2006. It recently expanded to include eyewear.

Smith, 26, hopes the model catches on even more, both for Save1 and other businesses.

“So many people view charity as only a non-profit thing,” he says. “But we want

to merge businesses with nonprofits.”

The first phase of the startup process with Save1, says Smith, was to find retail partners. That effort started slowly, but has since grown quickly, and Save1 now has signed up more than 5,000 companies. Recent examples of deals and coupons on the site include 75% off certain cruises through Expedia; 30% off any Banana Republic order; and 25% off toys at the Mattel online shop.

The Save1 site lists the offers, and under the text is a note stating how many coupons or deals are left at that price. A user clicks on an offer, and if a purchase is completed at a partner’s site, the donation is made from the Save1 commission.

Save1’s current charitable partners are Action Against Hunger, Feeding America and Project Peanut Butter, some of the larger and more prominent hunger groups.

The biggest challenge for 2013, says Smith, is to generate strong, sustainable buzz about what Save1 is and the savings it offers.

Marketing, therefore, is the company’s biggest expense, both internally and with an outside firm. Smith, moreover, isn’t afraid to go big. In one promotion, for example, on Black Friday, Save1 sent a company media packet along with a bag of coffee to 400 personal-finance journalists nationwide. The company uses Facebook extensively, too, and had more than 43,000 “likes” through mid-December.

Smith got into online businesses while in high school, more than a decade ago.

He later started several companies, including what has become his biggest one, SmithSEO, an Internet marketing firm for law firms. He likes the independence and control of running his own business.

“I wanted to be an entrepreneur and do my own thing,” Smith says.

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All interested community members are invited. Business partners and SCF alumni especially are encouraged to participate.

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Donald Allen embraced his children at school after he returned home early from a seven-month Air Force tour in Africa. His children, Jacob and Nathalie, were unaware of their father’s impending arrival. Allen brought them a candy cane.

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But his latest seven-month deployment took Allen to 16 countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia and the Republic of Congo. Allen and his five-man unit, made up of photographers and videographers, carried guns and Nikon cameras, as they transmitted imagery from the battlefield to the Department of Defense.

Jacob and Nathalie followed their father’s latest mission weekly through Skype and email. Sarah Allen started a ritual in December in which her children placed a candy cane on their Christmas tree every day to count down the days until their father returned.

Allen presented the final long and shiny candy cane to his children at the party.

Allen traded months without communication with his family, at times, for time at home this holiday season. The family traveled to Virginia to visit family on Christmas Day, as well.

“This has been a tough one,” Allen said of his deployment. “I missed my oldest daughter’s high school graduation. I missed another Valentine’s Day. But we’re the lucky ones. Not everyone gets to go home for Christmas.”

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EAST COUNTY—While Technical Sgt. Donald Allen shot photos in Africa for the Air Force, his 4-year-old son, Jacob, wore his father’s cologne and hair gel every day, back home in Sarasota.

“It’s his way to cope and remember him,” said Sarah Allen, Donald’s wife. “He smells like daddy every day.”

After a seven-month deployment with the 4th Combat Camera Squadron in Djibouti, Africa, Allen came home early Dec. 20 and crashed his children’s K-4 Christmas Party at Tabernacle Christian School.

Expected to finish his latest and longest deployment in January, Allen, a volunteer reservist Air Force photographer, had arrived a bit early, to the surprise of his children — Jacob and 6-year-old Nathalie.

When Allen entered the classroom door wearing his camouflage uniform and brown boots, the two were slow to embrace him, as they sat still on small blue chairs fitted with American flags.

Finally, Allen walked closer to his children and hugged each individually before Jacob said, “Are you my daddy?”

“Their reaction was kind of surprising,” Allen said. “I expected the typical thing where they come running and say, ‘Aw, Daddy, Daddy,’ but I think they were overtaken by it. They weren’t sure what to say.”

Deployable at a moment’s notice, Allen had been separated from his family before, usually a few months at a time.

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6B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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FOOD & COOKING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

by Yaryna Klimchak | Staff Writer

Feeding your New Year’s resolution As we say hello to 2013, many of us are also welcoming New Year’s resolutions of health and happiness. We asked four area restaurants which menu items they recommended to satisfy your health goals and your taste buds at the same time.

Bibb lettuce salad $9.50 with no meat or tofu Station 400 $11.75 with meat or 400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota tofu 906-1400 When Station 400 Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily opened its doors four years ago, owner and chef Eric Bein wanted to add a salad that was unique, yet classic. That is how the Bibb lettuce salad came to be created. He fell back on a classic, roasted beet-and-goat-cheese combination.

“It really has grown in popularity, “ Bein said. “The beets throw people off at first, but when they try it, they are won over.”

The ingredients include crisp Bibb lettuce, roasted beets, shaved fennel, orange, goat cheese, toasted almonds and a citrus vinaigrette. Guests can choose to add grilled chicken breast, seared tofu or poached sockeye salmon, from Alaska. Even without the meat, the high-fiber beets fill people up, making this a satisfactory meal.

Zucchini fettuccini

Photo courtesy of Eric Bein

Appetizer $12 Meal $24 Euphemia Haye The scent of garlic 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat and tomatoes floats Key through the restau383-3633 rant, as Chef Raymond Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Arpke makes a healthy Friday and Sunday. 5 to 10 p.m. Satzucchini fettuccini. urday He uses a mandolin to slice the zucchini into thin, pasta-like slivers.

His simmered tomato sauce includes garlic, fresh basil, onion and olive oil. He sautés the zucchini in garlic oil, which pumps up the dish’s flavor.

Arpke came up with this recipe for his daughter, who developed Type 1 diabetes as an adult. He wanted to make a healthy, yet tasty, alternative to pasta for her. The zucchini fettuccini at Eupehmia Haye can be ordered as an appetizer or a meal. It is topped with an award-winning Wisconsin Parmesan cheese, and the appetizer portion is only 152 calories.

Beet Benefits

• Combat cancer: Several studies suggest a diet rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which is found in beets, fights cancer.

• Head off heart disease: Beets contain folate, a heart healthy nutrient that lowers levels of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine, a by-product of protein metabolism, can damage your arteries, leading to heart attack and stroke.

• Beats high blood pressure: Beets are high in potassium, which helps keep blood pressure down.

• Helps lose weight: Foods high in fiber control appetites by keeping people full longer. One cup of beet slices has almost as much fiber as a cup of cooked oatmeal but contains only 75 calories.

• Keeps bones strong: These red roots are rich in three nutrients — potassium, magnesium and beta-carotene — all of which keep bones strong.

(Facts from Eat & Heal by the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing) Yayna Klimchak

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

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$14.99 The walu The Cottage sashimi is a 153 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key thinly sliced 312-9300 Hawaiian Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. escolar fish flown in from Hawaii and served on a Himalayan pink sea salt stone at The Cottage, on Siesta Key. The fish melts in your mouth, and the saltiness the pink sand-stone gives off makes it a delectable treat. Chef Larry Eppler has been cooking since he was a teenager but only recently discovered the stone at a health store in Venice. The fish is beautifully presented on the pink stone as micro-greens, black seaweed, wasabi, seaweed salad, ponzu sauce and ginger adorn the plate.

“I wanted to create an unforgettable experience for customers,” Eppler said. “That is why I have been in this industry for 30 years.”

Humans began to mine this 250 million-year-old stone from the Himalayas once they discovered its health benefits. The stone is filled with minerals and nutrients essential to people’s health. It stays chilled for up to 45 minutes while customers rub the sashimi on the stone. It gives the fish a different salty taste while the house-made ponzu sauce gives the fish a sesame kick.

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8B

EAST COUNTY Observer

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by Bob Swiatek | Guest Contributor

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Born in late November 2010 in a litter of puppies from an unknown mother and father was a little, white mixed-breed male.

We do not know what the first months of his life consisted of, but, at some point, he went exploring, as puppies do, and never heard his name calling him back. You see, this white dog with a brown patch over his right eye could not hear his name or the barking from his mother because he was born deaf.

So, one day while he was out, he was found by county animal services and taken in as a stray. Although the life of an animal at the services shelter is better than fending for himself, it is only for a short term until he is adopted. In January 2012, after more than a year of not being adopted, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue found him. It only took one look into his eyes by one of the volunteers and he was transferred to Honor’s facility, from a cold walled cubicle to a lovely pastel cottage with windows and an outside run. Patches found his new beginning.

Not being able to hear, he became hard to handle and excitable to new people and things. Although this adorable and loving dog with big loving eyes has put fear in some, he also took the hearts of others. As a result of his deafness, his sight proved to

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be one of his keenest senses, so the staff and volunteers whom he saw the most became important. One such volunteer, Tracy Brown, was the first person to be captured by his love and soon found out that he was deaf. Once again, looking into his puppy eyes, she saw a dog searching for love and a way to communicate.

When time permitted, Brown researched deaf dogs and found that there was a way to talk to this wonderful dog — sign language. Not the same sign language that we would use, but a combination of hand signals related to dog commands and a lot of positive reinforcement. Because of her devotion to the dogs at Nate’s, she undertook a difficult task and started working with him several days a week for several hours each time, and was able to teach him the simple commands that most dogs learn in their early years and, more importantly, to give him a chance for a forever home.

Now, this is where I enter the picture.

While searching for a dog after a 15-year hiatus, I joined a core group of volunteers and became intrigued with the difficult dogs. Having looked into Patches’ eyes and seeing the love he had to offer, I assisted Brown with training him. So,

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the question became, how does a deaf dog living in Florida find a forever home in Ohio? The Internet? No — at a friend’s gathering in Chicago.

Because I am proud of the work that is done at the rescue center, I keep photos of some of the dogs on my phone. While on a recent trip I was showing photos of my rescue dog and a photo of Patches sequenced.

After the remarks of how beautiful he was, I explained the challenges he and his future parents face with his deafness, and that was enough for one young couple. On my return to Florida, we started weeks of exchanging emails, phone calls and text messages.

Soon, this lovely couple wanted to finalize information for Patches’ adoption.

With the generosity of his new parents, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and volunteers, we were able to make the arrangements for me to drive him to his new home. So at 6 p.m. Nov. 15, 2012, after a tearful goodbye, Patches’ journey from Nate’s Honor Animal Ranch in Bradenton to his new home in Ohio started.

After 22 hours of travel and 1,090 miles of me driving and him sleeping, we pulled into a driveway on a quiet residential street in Lewis Center, Ohio. As he exited the back of the car, into a cold he did not yet know, he saw two strangers with hands extended and many treats waiting just for him.

It only took minutes for a dog that did not like surprises to adjust. Patches quickly understood that these two people wanted only to give him love and he quickly settled down to treats and kisses. After checking out his new house with its strange smells, he was going to meet his new sisters. Sisters? Wait, first a long car ride, then new parents, a new home and now sisters?

Molly, a 10-year-old border collie, and Ripley, an 8-year-old border collie, entered the room one at a time, cautious to meet their new brother. The family room

was quiet as the sniffing began, and then you could feel the tension change. The tail wagging started and a feeling of calm came over the room. But, how do two dogs that communicate between each other by barking, talk to their new brother, Patches? The remainder of the evening brought mixed tension as the dogs figured out what was what. When it was time for Patches to get some sleep, he was led to his sleeping crate (only after Ripley had gone in to check out Patches’ sleeping quarters) and he fell sound asleep.

Several hours later, his new family woke to early morning cries. Not remembering where he was, Patches had awakened in a strange home and became scared. The situation was quickly resolved by moving him to a position in the family room next to his new parents, and soon he fell fast asleep again.

On my waking the next day, I went to the family room wondering what I would find. To my enjoyment, I found Molly on her bed, Ripley in the arms of her mother, and Patches was curled up with his new dad. The next day brought more wonder, from his seeking out his new parents for treats to his playing tag with Ripley and Molly in the yard; Patches had a lot for which to be thankful.

So, on the third day of this excursion, with Patches curled up sound asleep and with wet eyes, I wished him well in his new life and left for home, knowing we all had a lot for which to be thankful.

Although this “tail” is of a special dog, I believe it represents hope for all the animals that are in a shelter and the dedicated love that the staff and volunteers give to these animals. It is my belief that no dog should remain in a shelter forever or put to sleep because they he is labeled “unadoptable.”

The right person and the right training are available so that this hope can be a reality.

Bob Swiatek is a resident of Lakewood Ranch and a volunteer at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.

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TREES / FROM PAGE 1B The largest challenge in the building process, in fact, took place outside the park entrance, on the eastbound side of S.R. 70, a two-lane road. That’s where Florida transportation officials initially told the Corrs it would cost $500,000 to build a turn lane wide enough to satisfy the increased traffic demand seeking to go left, into the park.

The Corrs balked. Even though they were more than a year into the project and had already spent thousands of dollars, Aaron Corr says the turn lane would have been the “beast” that killed it. Spending one-third of the total budget on a turn lane, he adds, would have been “project prohibitive.”

In near desperation, the Corrs, through local marketing firm Grapevine Communications, reached out to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key. They met with Buchanan’s field representative, Danny Bilyeu, a former Sarasota city commissioner.

Bilyeu was able to connect the Corrs with the right people at the Florida Department of Transportation. That was the first step in a series of conversations that ultimately cut the turnlane bill by more than 50%, to roughly $200,000.

“It was still a big sting,” says AaronCorr, “but we were able to do it.”

Bilyeu deferred questions to Buchanan’s communications office. Sally Tibbetts, Buchanan’s district director, says the office is “pleased that the company’s concerns were addressed.”

Corr says the overall experience with Manatee County planning and building managers and other local officials was good, despite the turn-lane hurdle. TreeUmph!, he realizes, is a complicated, permit-heavy project, down to the grass parking lot.

Some of the permits moved quickly through a fast-track process with as-

“The parks are very, very safe,” owner Aaron Corr says. “You’re always clipped in at least two times to a cable that could hold a city bus.”

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The Corrs first saw an adventure course like this in Canada, when the couple lived in New Brunswick. That’s where Kathy Corr, a physical therapist, was born and raised. The Corrs ran several businesses in New Brunswick, including a kayak-tour service, a marine science-and-education company and physical therapy clinics. A native of Maine, Aaron Corr is a civil engineer by trade.

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“We knew we would do it someday,” says Aaron Corr.

The couple moved in December 2009, to Florida, mostly for lifestyle changes. They decided to chase their adventure-park dream in 2010.

The first step was to find the land, a singular challenge. The Corrs initially worked with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developers behind Lakewood Ranch. But Corr says the prices were too high for SMR land and a few other parcels.

“We spent a lot of time looking all over Sarasota and Manatee counties,” Aaron Corr says. “But we didn’t have the ability to spend millions of dollars on property.”

The Corrs ultimately bought 14 acres from local landowners Jeff and Tina Neuzil and Richard Snowden.

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“We had some hiccups, but everyone we worked with was great,” says Corr. “They don’t know how to deal with a project like this. They’ve never seen one before.”

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

11B

The Corrs were admittedly picky in finding land to buy. Outplay Adventures, the company they hired to build Treeumph!, offered advice on any potential land purchases in terms of the compatibility for the project. The Corrs also hired an arborist to check the health of the trees on the land before they closed on the deal.

Aaron Corr says the project “takes a special piece of property that was the right combination of wet ground and dry ground.” Sarasota-based Gateway Bank financed part of the land purchase and project. The rest came from the Corrs’ savings.

Aaron Corr showed off Treeumph! to a visitor in late October while a crew from Outplay, based near Lake George, N.Y., in the Adirondacks, worked on it. Features include: five adult courses, from beginner to extreme; a children’s course for ages 7 and up; a 650-foot long zip line; more than 75 tree top adventure games; and a snack bar and gift shop.

‘Stress relief’ A looming challenge going into 2013 will doubtlessly be how to market something so remote and unique.

One goal, the Corrs say, is to build relationships with the local hospitality community. For example, with Grapevine’s assistance, they compiled and distributed 100,000 marketing brochures for hotel lobbies. The Corrs, in general, plan to spend $50,000 to $100,000 a year in marketing.

The Corrs also want to develop a rapport with local businesses, schools and community groups. Aaron Corr says they will consider everything from radio and TV ads to billboards to get the word out.

“Our biggest problem is deciding where to market,” says Aaron Corr. “There are a lot of options.”

Past that challenge, a cautionary tale lies in Adventure Training Concepts, a Naples-based business that offered obstacle courses, mostly in wooded areas,

Photos by Mark Wemple

Romain Barachko, an employee with Outplay Adventures, works on TreeUmph! Adventure Course in east Manatee County. Local entrepreneurs Aaron and Kathy Corr hired Outplay to build the park on 14 acres. for corporate training and teambuilding. Michelle Jones, who co-founded ATC in 2006 with her husband, Brian Jones, says demand for that niche-specific recreation dropped significantly in the recession.

Demand dropped so much, actually, the Joneses switched gears in 2010. Now they run Altair Training Solutions, which, instead, focuses on weapons and fire-

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“The Corrs hope to avoid that fate.

They plan to hire 15 to 20 employees, a mix of full- and part-time jobs, to staff TreeUmph! Some employees will be guides, while others will work in customer service.

The entrepreneurs also hope a diverse price structure and customer base will provide a cushion to the unbalanced

economy. Prices range from $30 for the children’s course to up to $50 for a full adult course. Private guides and birthday parties are available, too.

“It has been our dream to bring an outdoor adventure park to this community,”Aaron Corr says. “We are creating an exciting way to spend the day outdoors with friends and family.”

— Pam Eubanks contributed to this report.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

BUSINESSOBSERVER + WCI Communities introduces two new neighborhoods WCI Communities introduced two new neighborhoods featuring Grand Villa and Classic Series floor plans along the Manatee River in Tidewater Preserve, the 373-acre gated masterplanned community in Bradenton.

According to a release, the seven floor plans offer two, three and four bedrooms, two-car garages and kitchens. The homes are meant to appeal to primary, retirement and second-home buyers.

The Grand Villa neighborhood with 18 available home sites offers four floor plans ranging from 1,756 to 2,286 square feet of living space, with prices starting at $226,990. Each plan has a foyer, sliding glass doors connecting to screened lanais, and kitchens with walk-in pantries and island breakfast bars.

The Classic Series neighborhood, with 62 available home sites, offers three single-family home floor plans ranging from 2,434 to 2,718 square feet of living area and prices starting from $301,990. Each home overlooks Tidewater Preserve’s surrounding water and offer options that allow buyers to convert dens or libraries into bedrooms and lanai storage areas into cabana baths. Homes are available in two exterior elevations.

+ The Founders Golf and Social Club sees record membership

Total memberships at The Founders Golf and Social Club have reached a record 225 members, representing a 15 percent increase in the number of members in the past year.

In a release, club General Manager Hugh O’Donnell said the increase in membership is due to the club’s active social calendar.

As the club’s golf and social club continues to expand, a more extensive list of activities — such as the recently added in-season reciprocal partnership with Sarasota Yacht Club — will be developed.

Social memberships range from $2,500 to $7,500; golf memberships from $4,375 to $17,500; and young professional memberships begin at $1,000 for ages 44 and under. As of Jan. 1, equity golf memberships will increase to $20,000. For a limited time, new members receive half-price dues for the first year.

+ RE/MAX Platinum Realty opens in Lakewood Ranch RE/MAX Platinum Realty opened its fifth office in the San Marco Plaza at 8215 Natures Way, Suite 109, in Lakewood Ranch. A release states the new office is expected to grow to 20 agents within the year, and features a showing room, touch screen listing gallery and social media showcase room.

Broker/owner Bryan Guentner is a Certified Luxury Specialist (CLS), Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and a Guild Member of

the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

Realtor/owner Cheri Guentner is a Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR).

RE/MAX Platinum Realty specializes in luxury and waterfront properties, marketing homes to 87 countries in 32 languages. The company also maintains offices in downtown Sarasota, St. Armands, Osprey and Venice.

+ Manatee Glens Hospital unveils redesign Manatee Glens Hospital and Addiction Center, the specialty hospital and outpatient practice treating mental-health problems and addictions, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 13. It marked the official unveiling of the patient-centered redesign.

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce conducted the ribbon cutting.

“This has the potential to be a benchmark in mental health caregiving. We want every aspect of a patient’s stay with us to be healing and nurturing,” said Manatee Glens President/ CEO Mary Ruiz. “The most recent studies show that the physical space can impact a patient’s experience. So we created something that looks new and contemporary and is soothing. Yet we did not change the original design and architecture.”

Manatee Glens Hospital and Addiction Center is located in central Bradenton at 2020 26th Ave. E., 34208.

+ John Neal Homes constructing newest model John Neal Homes is currently constructing its newest model in the Highfield section of The Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. A release states the model will come in at just under 5,000 square feet, making it the largest new home model in Lakewood Ranch. “We saved the best for last,” said Neal, president of the Lakewood Ranch based John Neal Homes.

“This model will be amazing in every way, from the gorgeous golf course home site to the grand open floor plan and the meticulous design features inside. It has it all.”

The Barbados II model is 4,998 square feet and will include four bedrooms and four-and a-half bathrooms, plus a den.

The Italian villa-style home will be completely turnkey and available for leaseback.

The model is expected to be completed by February 2013, in time for the Home Builder’s Association Parade of Homes.

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Business Opportunities

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Pet Services

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.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+ Call 941-907-8141

JIM ZALLER'S Carpentry & Home Repairs LLC. Carpentry, doors, door inserts and much more.

Call 941-232-6744.

DOGGY HOTEL. 24 Hour Daycare. Brown Avenue near Bee Ridge and 41 behind Sleep King (new owner). First day FREE. Grooming by Mark.

Meet and greet and get a treat. 941-554-4620.

SPEAKERS: TWO Polk Audio RT35i and one CS150 center speaker. Three-speaker set, $100.

941-751-6128.

Autos For Sale

Homes For Rent

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

Pools

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE $65 per month.

For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705 0400.

Out-of-State Property

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

JD POOL and Lawn Care - Personal care of all your outdoor needs. Owner operated, reliable service. Call for your estimate 941-228-5471.

PREMIER CATAWBA Island Condo 2BR/2BA. Lake Erie waterfront. Rarely available. Pool, sandy beach, garage, turnkey. 941-928-4424.

Landscaping & Lawn Service

cLassifiEd LinE ad PricE

LUXOR MHP

$450/mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets.

5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

Sarasota Real Estate Assoc., Inc. Greg Nowak 941-809-6034

Real Estate Wanted

2000 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS only 38k seasonally driven miles, less than 3k mi/year.

Excellent condition, silver w/ grey cloth seats.

Must see! $6200. 941-587-2440.

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

Boats

For Qualified Waiting Clients

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales FLEA MARKET. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

Tuesday, January 8, 10a.m.-5p.m. & Wednesday, January 9, 10a.m.-4p.m. For info: 954-4165.

Merchandise Wanted SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Religion ST. JUDE O holy St. Jude, Apostle & Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of JESUS CHRIST, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To humbly beg to whom GOD has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and need to be invoked.

Say Our Fathers, 3 HAIL MARYS & GLORIAS. Publication must be promised. ST. JUDE, PRAY FOR US ALL WHO INVOKE YOUR AID. AMEN. This novena must be said on 9 consecutive days. Thank you St. Jude for answering my petition. -KL

Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

GENTLEMAN GARDENER. Refine your space.

15 years LW Ranch resident. I’m in your backyard!

941-724-5792.

Masonry ALL TYPES OF MASONRY Specializing in concrete driveways, pavers, decorative concrete, stone work, patios.

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Painting/Wallpapering

Adult Care Services

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.

COMPLETE CARE; non-medical and medical.

Errands, homemaking, transportation, medication supervision, meal preparation. Also, medical staff available 24/7. Call 377-4465 for more details or visit our mobile/online website at: eldercaresarasota.com Lic. #30211372. Bonded and Insured.

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential/ Commercial. Meticulous Cleaning.

Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable.

Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342.

ELER CLEANING SERVICE. Residential cleaning, 10 years experience. Affordable and reliable.

Call for free estimates and references. Alessandra, 941-301-6493.

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE WEEKLY, BIWEEKLY & MONTHLY RELIABLE, MATURE & EXPERIENCED REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FREE ESTIMATE, CALL CAROL AT 322-8486

Storage

Computer Services

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

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

OWN A MAC/IPHONE/IPAD? MacTutor offers 21 years experience. Unlimited free telephone follow up. (941)812-3887 www.FLMacTutor.com

First 15 words ............................ $15 per week Each Add’l word ........................................ 50¢ 15% discount for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week • Border as low as $3 per Week

call: 955-4888 Email: classified@yourobserver.com online: www.yourobserver.com

Your sourcE for LocaL cLassifiEd ads This week’s Crossword answers

Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

I come to your home or office.

   

Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation Organizing Personal and Business Files Budgets & Financial Reports Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. Environmentalists were ecstatic with the progress made toward reducing pollution. A very happy representative declared: “Emission accomplished!”

2. The doe’s secretary was writing to the head stag.

She started the letter with, “Deer Sir,” and ended, “Sincerely and deerly,” CROSSWORD_ANS_010313

Observe

what you are missing...

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013 Thursday, January 3, 2013

www.yourobserver.com

DOORS

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

PRO Sliding Glass Door Repair

General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE�

YOUR DOORS WILL SLIDE LIKE NEW

Call Mark 941-928-2263

License# CAC1816468

Residential & Commercial

99150

www.proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

ELECTRIC

Service with Integrity, Respect & Honor

Lighthouse Renovations

Call: 941-315-8984

www.lightreno.com

97347

Or visit us at: VeteranAC.com

CGC1507388 Lawrence Barnett (941)526-7750

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Team Up Today With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

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97540

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97992

CARPENTRY

Custom trim, molding, cabinetry, re-facing and/or built-ins.

ANY kitchen or bath remodeling that you may need

99296

Precision Carpentry & Remodeling, LLC

FURNITURE REPAIR

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS 941-504-0903

97346 38056

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

100152

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

s John MacIver III

Sod & Landscaping

The Service DirecTory

WorkS for you!

Christo’s Clock Repair

Free rt Expetation ul Cons

Serving Bradenton/Sarasota areas Over 30 years experience

Call 955-4888 to reserve your space.

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.�

HANDYMAN

MOVERS

Mr. Mover

10% Off

Ask About

Apartment, Home & OfďŹ ce Moving & STORAGE

10 FREE Senior Citizen Discounts! use of 4 FREE wardrobe BOXES w/ Any Move

boxes

ALL OFFERS MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF ORDERING

Call NOW For Your FREE GUARANTEED Price Quote!

COMPUTER License# CAC1816468

Service with Integrity, Respect & Honor

941-366-6683

97349

All Makes & Models House Calls by apt.

Free tes ma Esti

365-2407

,)+% 53 /. &!#%"//+ ,%7)3 !6% s */(. -!'')% &2/34 /7.%23

ALL OFFERS MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF ORDERING

97296

Horologist

(941) 315-0896

s ,ANDSCAPE $ESIGN 2ENOVATION )NSTALLATION s 8ERISCAPE %XPERTS .ATIVE 0LANTS s/RGANIC 'ARDENING &ERTILIZING s 3OD 2EPAIR s $RAINAGE 3OLUTIONS s 3EASONAL #LEAN 5P 2EMULCH s .EW 0AVERS 0AVER 2EPAIR

(941) 752-4741 Don Christo, Sr.

Many Local References

Native Son Landscape Services, Inc. www.nativesonlandscape.com GO GREEN!

%XPERIENCED s )NSURED 7ORKER S #OMP Lic. #RGLAN-SL-A1815

jmaciver7@gmail.com

CLOCK REPAIR

Lawn & Landscape Repair #OMPLETE -AKE /VER s -AINTENANCE s )RRIGATION 4REE 3HRUB 4RIMMING s ,ANDSCAPE ,IGHTING #LEAN 5PS s -ULCH s 2OCK

NEED A PART-TIME CONTROLLER?

Experienced, hands-on accountant is available to help with your small business/personal accounting needs. A few hours per month may be all you need to keep your books straight. Comfortable with any accounting software. Hourly or monthly fee.

RDH Services (941) 468-2001

FREE ESTIMATES

PLUGS +

FINANCIAL SERVICES

75 -EL 3TEVERSON s 941-526-6832

LIC#12000038587

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

NO Job Too Small

s 2EFRIGERATORS s 2ANGES s 7ASHERS $RYERS s /VENS s $ISHWASHERS s 'ARBAGE $ISPOSALS s )CEMAKERS &RIG ONLY s 3TOVES

98653

Appliance Repair

MOST REPAIRS Plus Parts $ at Retail

Free at home consultation National Brands, Competitive Pricing Limited Lifetime Warranty Seasonal Discounts 97897

AIR CONDITIONING

97312

14B Classifieds YourObserver.com

97902

14B

Visit us online for your moving checklist & helpful tips!

www.mr-mover.com

Call: 941-315-8984 Or visit us at: VeteranAC.com Manatee Handyman Manatee Handyman (941) 227-7555

97918

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

INTERIOR DESIGN

100

$

In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan 98639

Peg’s Peg s EZ EZ Computer Computer Instruction Instruction

“Will move anything from a couch to a household�

941.726.1560

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

CONCRETE

IRRIGATION

Michael Koch Concrete, Inc.

New Zealand Irrigation

!LSO ,AYING 3TONE

Reasonable Prices

Licensed & Insured

918-8587

Free Estimates

Sprinkler System Maintenance & Repair

(941) 227-7555

www.NewZealandIrrigation.com

) # # s $/4 &, -/6%23 )-

Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

PAINTING

100143

Driveways s 3IDEWALKS

Servicing the Sarasota area since 1999 99787

“No Job Too Small�

MO V I N G

RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

97318

Facebook / Craigslist Windows 7, Vista, XP Email / Internet / Skype Word Processing Antivirus / Antispyware Much More! Call Today

97847

It’s Easier Than You Think!

Fully Licensed and Insured

Dave McCarthy

Beautiful Interior Design on a Budget

Learn Computer Basics

941-735-3362

We sell boxes!

97217

97348

(941) 227-7555 Services are listed on our website www.ManateeHandyman.com www.ManateeHandyman.com

98788

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs

Work at Your Own Speed Affordably Priced New Computer Setups Software & Printer Install New Purchase Consults Working with Photos

359-1904

29 Years Experience - Insured Master Tradesman ~ 30+ Years Experience

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

Š Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering Š Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance Š Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for Ask a Neighbor!

941-726-7077

a FREE estimate!

REALTORS

Do It Yourself Pest Control

99480

BETH BARNETT “East County’s #1 Agent!�

98613

Unclog & Camera any drain line for

79

$

Reg. $175 USave $96

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

Window Washi Lic./Ins. e s i r ng ressure Clean Sun

Res./Com.

and PEnvironmentally Friendly

Rescreening Specialist Pool Cages - Lanais - Patios

Or visit us at: VeteranAC.com

Licensed and Insured

REALTORS

s h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v 30%#)!,

www.manasotascreen.com

10%

Luxury Specialist

Elite Realty Services

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL 2OOlNG s 3PECIALIZING IN 2OOF 2EPAIRS Shingle/Metal/Tile/ModiďŹ ed 941-748-7400

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98659

8319 Market Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 :]ddÂ&#x2018;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2020; ~¤ Â&#x2021; ¤Â&#x2026; Â&#x201E;Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;F^x[]Â&#x2018;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2020; ~¤Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E;¤ Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021;p~Â&#x201A;~Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;=YpÂ&#x2018;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2020; ~¤Â&#x2020;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201E;¤ Â&#x2026;Â&#x2020;Â&#x201A;

Prices Include:

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Local Roofer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Cover Youâ&#x20AC;?

I represent all new home builders.

For Senior Citizens

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Keith Edward Haas

ing

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

Call Today for a FREE Estimate

(941) 356-0309

Renovations

WINDOWS

ManasotaScreen

Call: 941-315-8984

Licensed & Insured s ,IC 2# s Free Estimates s ./ ()$$%. #/343 OWNER SUPERVISES EVERY JOB START TO FINISH.

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955-4888

Sell your service with success.

Advertise in The Observersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; $ 00* 92 Service Directory

ACTUAL SIZE

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955-4888

SAVE 20% off

thE rEgulAr pricE with a 12-week commitment

Every 4 weeks!

*12 week commitment required

ACTUAL SIZE

159 Every 4 weeks!

$

20* LV3018

97319

Residential & Commercial

97351

Respect & Honor

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE

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RESCREENING & REPAIRS Gas or Electric Pool Heater & Heat Pump Repair and Maintenance

TREES All Tree Work

97322

Service with Integrity,

24 hours

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888

POOLS

License# CAC1816468

Call Now for a Free Estimate (941) 962-0395

For listing your house, call BETH for proven results!!

97350

Holiday Special

Ask us about Superscreen Rescreening pool cages, lanais, etc.

97919

Cindy Wells 941-322-6381 941-928-2168

SCREENING

announces

Call for appointment

Â&#x2C6;ViÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;i`Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;`i`Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;i`

97925

Call or text me at 941-932-0189

Lakewood Ranch

PLUMBING

LIC# CFC1427462

98096

RitaFerrellLasky@gmail.com

COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING

Sarasota.MrRooter.com

8729 St. Rd. 70 East Bradenton, FL 34202

941-780-8514

941-780-3579

PET SERVICES

No Trip Charges Same Pricing 24/7

Shaggys Hair Studio

Harold Lasky

Rita Ferrell

TH 3T 7 "RADENTON s .EXT TO ,OWES s 746-6654

Currently renting at

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Team That Sellsâ&#x20AC;?

WE DO

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy in stores

SCARLET GOELZ

Luxury Home Professionals Over 16 Years in Lakewood Ranch Area

Only Professional Products

941-755-6300

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Ferrell-Lasky Team

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let Your Home Go To The Bugs Spending Money + Not Knowing What Works

FULL PLUMBING SERVICES

SALONS

97352

BUG BUSTERS

,EAKY 0IPES s 7ATER (EATERS #LOGGED 4OILETS s #LOGGED $RAINS

YourObserver.com

99986

PEST CONTROL

Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

Classifieds 15B 15B

www.yourobserver.com

97926

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER EAST COUNTY Observer Thursday, January3,3,2013 2013 THURSDAY, JANUARY

PelicanPress sIesTA KeY

16B

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2013

Elite Realty 941.907.2000 • www.PruEliteRealty.com

Polo sota Sara b Parcel lu C

A Wealth of Experience.

ree nce F! tena e Main ownhom T

No One Knows the Community Better. $425,000 Beautiful 5 acre lot Build your dream home w/acreage in Lakewood Ranch!

A3963054 Claudia Schwab 941.962.9453 h Ranc wood Lake educed!

R

Prudential is your top choice when you are ready to buy or sell a home.

Our award-winning local Realtors have the experience and expertise to guide you, and they consistently deliver premier service that caters to every client’s unique needs.

Locally owned and internationally renowned, Prudential is proud to contribute to the natural beauty, cultural events and extraordinary people that make this community a great place to live. Call us today and let us match you with the house in the area that perfectly suits your definition of home.

$339,000 Miramar Links Prof. decorated 4/3.5 w/Lake/Golf views of Legacy course.

A3965782 Jerry Richter 941.224.1350 t re Lo 1+ Ac

Personalized Service. Trusted Agents

941-907.2000 • www.PruEliteRealty.com nch

$359,900 Lakewood Ranch Country Club Park like private setting, 2/2+den, pool w/waterfall.

A3964031 Katie Klomp 941.400.4826

a ood R LakewLuxury

Trail ity t of n Wes Commu d Gate

ted upda l! eous Gorg raditiona T

$229,900 Cedar Brook 3BR on 1+ acre lot, Nr I-75 & I-275, Walk to schools/golf.

A3969063 Susan Schwartz 941.807.7161 ire

A Palm

$1,999,900 Country Club Village Custom details, finishes & furnishings in this RARE 5BR/5.5BA estate home.

A3958210 Pat McMillan 941.544.4538 $279,000 Mill Creek Formal & family rms, 3BR/2.5BA + backs to Preserve.

M5831833 Sara LaPlante 941.685.4566

d in Price ch!

Best ood Ran w Lake

$640,000 Oyster Bay Landings Oversized private homesites, Non Waterfront & Waterfront sites.

A3937878 Rita Ferrell Lasky 941.780.7579 d!

Liste Just

of ! cres e 20 A Paradis a id Flor

$155,000 Avista Condo Updated 2/2, Golf course view + Decorator turn key furnishings.

A3949759 Pam Baker 941.544.7943 h Ranc wood Lake

$799,000 Fruitville/East of I-75 2/2 updated home, + 2 barns, Office/wkshp, No Comm. Restrictions.

A3968199 Owner/agent Doug Cleland 941.320.8580

Rentals $2495 Mo. Fairway Gardens @ Tara 2/2 + den Turnkey Furnished. Greenbelt/Pool view. Short or Long term. A3939139 Kim Young 941.302.9820 $2100 Mo/Seasonal & Short Term Eagle Creek Condo 2/2 furnished 1st floor condo w/Golf Course views. Ideally located between Sarasota & Bradenton. A3970040 Janice Litke 941.907.2000 Palmer Ranch & Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club Short term & long term rentals available in all sections. Golfing, Clubhouse, pools & just minutes to Siesta beaches! Vicky Reilly 941.266.5962

$740,000 Lakewood Ranch Country Club WOW! Complete privacy + water view AND 5BR + den & office & bonus rooms!

A3963767 Harold Lasky 941.780.8514 ront aterf nd WCED! la in Ma REDU

$779,126 Sorrento Shores Renovated 3BR/3BA, Gourmet Kitchen, Trex dock, 10,000lb boat lift.

A3954203 Cher Pujol 941.504.5902

$609,000 Lakewood Ranch Beautifully EXPANDED Salerno 3BR/3BA + Lush preserve views.

A3970170 Katie Klomp 941.400.4826 sota Sara rfront Wate

$595,000 Blackburn Harbor Luxury Condo Dock your boat right outside the door! 3BR/3BA, 2500SF unit, Gated, Amenities.

N5775874 Vicky Reilly 941.266.5962

$199,900 Summerfield Village 3/2 in a great community, Nr parks/shopping + A-rated schools.

A3968821 Kim Young 941.302.9820

Foreclosures $224,900 Woods at Conquistador Interesting floor plan, fireplace, new carpet in family & bedrooms, Screened pool + fenced yard. M5833829 $85,900 Glen Oaks Ridge Villa Reduced! Spacious,1372SF villa.

Walk to Bobby Jones Golf Complex, community pool. Active 55+ comm.

M5831182 $54,900 Bradenton 2BR/1BA Florida Country Cottage, fenced yard, close to everything. M5833314 99502

Offices in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch

~ Property Sales & Property Management

© 2013 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.