Issuu

bserver O Remember our bravest

EAST COUNTY FREE • Thursday, May 23, 2013

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

TRIBUTE

Veterans prep for memorial parade. PAGE 3

OUR TOWN

SPIRIT

SPORTS

Fun-raisers hit East County schools. PAGE 19

Tsunami swimmer is ranked tops in her age group. PAGE 13

case closed

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Stoneybrook, CDD settle lawsuit Stoneybrook Investors and the Heritage Harbour South Community Development District ended a longstanding legal battle last week.

Courtesy photo

Gullett Elementary School student Hailey Wahlers

+ Gullett student wins speech contest Gullett Elementary School student Hailey Wahlers took home top honors May 11, after placing first in the Tropicana District Speech Contest. Hailey, who is in Gregory Blanchette’s fifth-grade class, earned the accolade, after placing first in her class, then at her school and then at the county level.

HERITAGE HARBOUR — As Heritage Harbour South Community Development District Chairwoman Joyce Sandy wielded her pen Thursday, May 16, she couldn’t suppress a smile. The end finally had come. CDD supervisors, including Sandy, voted 4-0 to approve a settlement agreement with

Stoneybrook Investors, owner of the Stoneybrook Golf Club, and ended a two-year legal dispute over assessments for stormwater management services. “We are elated we were able to resolve both (the case with Stoneybrook and the case with Lighthouse Cove) in the last two months, and we can move on,”

Sandy said as she signed settlement paperwork. Supervisor Joseph Jaudon abstained from voting, because he is an employee of the golf course. The CDD’s special counsel, John Harllee, said he used guidance supervisors provided dur-

SEE LAWSUIT / PAGE 2

bottom line

by Josh Siegel | Staff writer

STICKY SITUATION

Attrition won’t cover staff cuts

by the numbers

2 + Girl Scouts give cookies a new cause Local Daisy Scouts from Troop 180 are helping Feeding Empty Little Tummies feed homeless school children in the area. The troop used a portion of its Girl Scout cookie money to purchase food to donate to the program, which fills the backpacks of needy children with food for the weekend. “We are extremely proud of these girls and their accomplishments,” troop leader Diane Hennessey says. “They are learning at a young age to be a part of the solution toward helping our homeless hungry children.”

Number of people ducttaped to the wall

Manatee School Board leaders expect to cut 250 jobs districtwide.

number of rolls 107 Total of duct tape used of students 730 Number who participated in the duct-taping event.

$40,847 Amount students raised during the walk-a-thon.

+ Dancing group to host fundraiser Members of KC and the Sunshine Dancers, a group of Manatee County dancers ages 8 to 20, will show off their dancing skills in jazz, hiphop and contemporary dance from 7 to 9 p.m. May 28, as the group holds a show titled “Breaking Ground.” The team fundraiser will be held at Manatee School for the Arts, 700 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. Cost is $5.

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 4

Pam Eubanks

Heritage Harbour South Community Development District special counsel John Harllee

Pam Eubanks

Willis Elementary School student Nathan Green adds one last piece of duct tape to secure Principal Bill Stenger to the wall Wednesday, May 15. Students duct-taped Stenger and coach Jason Morales, not pictured, as a reward for raising more than $40,000 during the school’s walk-a-thon fundraiser.

EAST COUNTY — The tone in the phone message is matter-offact. Manatee County Schools Superintendent Rick Mills wants the public to know his decision to lay off teachers next year is not one made behind four walls, away from the pain. For a husband of a school teacher, it’s a difficult, emotional decision of dollars and sense. But, it’s also a decision based on poor administrative decisions made in the past and based on weak results in the classroom. In a voicemail to teachers May 15, Mills said attrition would not cover the 188 staff positions the district agreed in March to eliminate for the 2013/14 school year.  In a budget workshop May 20, Mills announced to the School Board 182 teachers will lose their jobs as part of a plan to save $20.6 million. Those numbers include 107 basic teacher positions for a savings of $6.5 million — 41 in the district’s Rainbow program in elementary schools to save $2.5 million; $1.7 million saved by cutting 24 Exceptional Student Education teachers; and another $607,290 saved by termi-

SEE SCHOOLS / PAGE 10

INDEX Business...............26 Calendar...............12

Classifieds ...........29 Cops Corner..........11

Crossword.............28 Real Estate...........24

Sports...................13 Weather................28

Vol. 14, No. 21 | One section YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

LAWSUIT / FROM PAGE 1

IN other business:

ing a recent shade meeting to negotiate the new settlement. A new component to the agreement included a provision to allow the golf course to continue using an easement over and across a portion of the district’s property — Lake 33 — for driving range golf operations. As part of the settlement, the CDD also agreed to pay Stoneybrook $5,000 and to give a representative of Stoneybrook a regular agenda opportunity to present concerns at regularly scheduled CDD meetings. “Although Stoneybrook has the same rights as any other property owner to challenge future assessments, this right was specifically reserved in the settlement agreement at the request of Stoneybrook’s attorney,” Harllee said. Stoneybrook attorney David Wilcox said changes on the CDD board, and with its legal counsel and district manager, also contributed to Stoneybrook’s willingness to settle. “The page has been turned in the relationship between the board and Stoneybrook,” Wilcox said. “Each of those changes we look at as a positive thing.” Wilcox said future litigation over stormwater assessments is possible, but Stoneybrook hopes to avoid it by working with the CDD over the summer, before the new fiscal year

Pam Eubanks

Heritage Harbour South Community Development District Chairwoman Joyce Sandy signs a settlement agreement with Stoneybrook Investors May 16. budget is adopted. Stoneybrook hopes to show the board the golf course’s value within the community and influence changes to the methodology used for assessments. Stoneybrook first filed suit against the CDD in November 2011, at which time it questioned the legality of a special assessment for stormwater management services that had not previously been imposed on the golf course. The lawsuit also challenged the legality of the assessment methodology used, as well as the calculation of the assessment amount. Stoneybrook filed a second suit, which mirrored the original, in

December 2012. A judge combined the lawsuits earlier this year. CDD supervisors took no action on two potential settlement offers, following a closed meeting in April. Stoneybrook Investors attorney David Wilcox did not return calls for comment by press time Tuesday. CDD supervisors approved a similar settlement agreement with the Lighthouse Cove Homeowners Association, which also had challenged the district’s stormwater management assessments, in March. Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

• Supervisors led the audience in a moment of silence to honor former CDD supervisor Celio and beloved resident, Rosalie Celio, who died May 15. • Supervisors agreed to move forward with refinancing the district’s 2002 bonds. MBS Capital Markets will work to secure a credit rating and prepare other documents for presentation to the board in June. MBS’s Brett Sealy said the refinance would result in about a 20% related cost reduction for residents in Stoneybrook and for the Stoneybrook Golf Club, who are affected by the 2002 bonds. • Supervisors directed staff to develop a feasibility study to define the district’s assets and associated costs by January. The board will use the study to

determine which, if any, assets it wishes to bring back under CDD management. • Supervisors approved a preliminary 2013-2014 fiscal year operating budget of $437,998 and set a public adoption hearing for 6 p.m. Aug. 16, at the Comfort Inn, 66th Street Court E., Bradenton. The budget can be reduced before the August meeting, but it cannot be increased. • Supervisors voted 3-2 to hire Andy Cohen as the board’s new legal counsel. Supervisors Richard Lane and Lee Bettes spoke positively about Cohen’s performance as interim counsel, but said they wanted to see more process. Cohen’s hiring was not an agenda item. • District Manager Greg Cox said the board’s engineer, Banks Engineering, was terminating its services. Supervisors voted 4-1 to hire Ron Schappacher as interim engineer.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

LEARN TO LOVE

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Veteran regains

LOVE for COUNTRY

Rick Rogala lost faith in his country as a prisoner of war in North Korea in 1968. Now, he cherishes his country. LAKEWOOD RANCH — When Rick Rogala stands on stage and looks into the crowd at the Tribute to Heroes Parade this weekend, he will think of the last man to travel south down the Bridge of No Return. That man was in a wooden box on ice, carried by military guards. His name was Duane Hodges, and he had been dead for 11 months. It’s the last memory Rogala, 66, has of North Korea, where he was one of 82 Navy crewmen held hostage by the North Korean military during the USS Pueblo Crisis. And, it’s where his thoughts will turn when he speaks at the May 26 parade on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Rogala wants to see again the USS Pueblo, a ship originally used for freight and later as a spy ship, before he dies. It’s a ship that nearly killed his American spirit; it’s a ship still held by North Korea.

Life during the war

Rogala enlisted in the Navy Reserve Sept. 1, 1966, because he loved his country. The Navy sent him to the USS Pueblo about a year after he enlisted. “I thought I was going to go see the world,” Rogala said. “I didn’t know what the heck we were doing. I didn’t know where we were going.” On Jan. 5, 1968, the ship left Yokosuka, Japan, for Saesbo, Japan. Six days later, it headed northward with orders to intercept and conduct surveillance of Soviet Union naval activity in the Tsushima Strait and to gather signal and electronic intelligence from North Korea. The Navy had designated the mission as non-risk, so the ship carried few weapons — only two .50-caliber machine guns and a few pistols. Rogala had been a mess cook before Jan. 23, 1968, when four torpedo boats, three sub chasers and two fighter airplanes converged on the Pueblo. Hodges was the only crewmen killed. North Korean men captured the boat and took it to a port at Wonsan. Once at the port, Rogala walked off the boat, like the others, blindfolded by sheets. On an overnight train ride to a prisoner of war camp, soldiers stuffed bread in Rogala’s mouth. Later, Rogala would eat gummy rice served in fly-infested buckets. “Hunger hurt,” Rogala said. “I felt if they wanted to get me, they were going to get me. If they wanted to poison me, they would poison me. Or (they would) kill me a different way.” Rogala dropped from 165 to 138 pounds in the 11 months.

Rogala remembers his life in captivity at a second prisoner of war camp, a worn military compound to which the Americans were taken in March 1968. There, life started at 6 a.m., on a paperthin mattress with a cardboard pillow, in a room with eight other Americans. Through the second-floor window, Rogala wished to escape to the Vietnam War, for which a surge of 725,000 troops were being drafted to fight. One American in Rogala’s room scribbled lyrics to songs he had memorized, such as “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherry Cherry.” Rogala memorized the words, too, and the songs became the soundtrack to his life in captivity, where he celebrated his 21st birthday. Sometimes, in the mornings, the Americans could leave the room to play basketball. “We tried to play football and they stopped us,” Rogala said. “They said, ‘You Americans play too rough. You will get hurt.’” Captors gave the crewmen fly swatters and told them to kill as many flies in a day as they could for a chance to play cards for an extra half-hour. Guards learned what the one-finger salute the crewmen gave them meant, after seeing it on American magazine covers. Although Rogala had kept his finger to himself, he wasn’t spared payback. Captors forced the crew to keep their heads ducked for a week straight. And, the one time Rogala moved his head upward, an officer punched him in the jaw twice. Two years ago, Rogala had dental implants put in. Doctors said the need for surgery was related to those hits. As time went on, the eight roommates began to rally around each other, keeping each other alive and avoiding giving up on America. “At first we thought the U.S. would save us in a few weeks,” Rogala said. “That became a few months. Then, we talked about how it’s going to be growing old and not seeing things happen back home.” Back home, in Niles, Ill., Rogala’s parents and siblings knew nothing — except that Pueblo had been captured.

Homeward bound

On Dec. 23, 1968, after the United States issued a written apology that it later retracted, the American captives were taken on a bus to the border with South Korea, before flying to San Diego. Rogala returned home to Chicago three months later, after the crew appeared before a Navy Court of Inquiry.

Rick Rogala survived 11 months as a prisoner of war in North Korea.

It took me a lot of time to wear this hat. I thank God for everything we have in America. True freedom. Rick Rogala, former Navy POW

He returned home to cheers and respect. A former employer helped pay for him to attend Western Michigan University. He spent his post-military career in purchasing.

Facing the past

For a while, Rogala, chose to forget about North Korea. “I was young enough to roll off it for a while,” Rogala said. “For years, I tried to live a life where I would not talk about it, not think about it, not care about it.” But then came random times when Rogala convinced himself he couldn’t breathe, triggered by innocuous events such as spotting groups of Asian men. “I thought, ‘Maybe, they’re going to get me,’” Rogala said. Doctors diagnosed him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Rogala also couldn’t block out the bitterness and shame he felt toward America; he felt his country had left him to die.

TRIBUTE TO HEROES MEMORIAL PARADE East County residents are invited to honor fallen servicemen and women and military veterans Sunday, May 26, during the annual Tribute to Heroes Parade, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Festivities will start at 5 p.m. with a patriotic ceremony that includes speeches by veterans and music, as well as the announce-

ment of float and bicycle-decorating contest winners. The parade will follow at 6 p.m. It will run down Main Street from the Polo Grill and Bar to MacAllisters Grill & Tavern. A military caisson will mark the end of the parade, and will be followed by a dove release, the playing of taps and closing comments.

Josh Siegel

Following the parade, attendees can enjoy dance performances, food and drink, face painting and other family-friendly activities. Guests also will be able to donate blood, write letters to soldiers and drop off non-perishable items, such as beef jerky, Clif bars and toiletries, to send to troops serving overseas.

The Sarasota County Veterans Commission, of which Rogala is a member, endorsed Rogala’s mission to write letters to congressmen and the president and express his — and other Pueblo survivors — desire to get the ship back.

Change in perspective

Rogala only recently began to love his country again. In Sarasota, Rogala has gained perspective through friendships he’s built with other veterans. His brother installed a tattered American flag in Rogala’s backyard. Five years ago, his late wife, Regina, pushed Rogala to wear his USS Pueblo hat, fitted with pins and medals, including a Purple Heart and commendation medal. “It took me a lot of time to wear this hat,” Rogala said. “I thank God for everything we have in America — true freedom. I just hope that ship comes back. It’s all I care about in my life, so I could put this behind me.” Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@your observer.com.

IF YOU GO When: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 26 Where: Lakewood Ranch Main Street What: Ceremony starts at 5 p.m. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit Manasota Operation Troop Support. Info: lwrcac.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

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OUR TOWN + Sarasota Ballet visits McNeal Students at the Sarasota Ballet School brought the ballet May 9, to McNeal Elementary School. Six students from the Sarsota Ballet School and Margaret Barbieri Conservatory organized and executed the voluntary performance, called Pointe of Cheer. During the last dance, McNeal students stood up and followed along. “The school recently had to limit field-trip funding due to budget cuts,” said dancer Marina Masterson, who spearheaded the effort. “Realizing many of these students would never get the chance to be exposed to ballet, we decided to bring the show to them. “Having attended McNeal Elementary myself six years ago, the chance to return and give back to the school was the greatest feeling,” she said. “More than that, ballet has been my love and passion for the last 12 years of my life, because I was lucky enough to be exposed to it at such a young age.” Master’s mother, Teresa, is the school nurse at McNeal. Following the show, McNeal staff also treated dancers to lunch made from vegetables picked from the school’s garden.

>> Continued from Page 1

+ Mini Mustangs learn building skills Students in Lakewood Ranch High School’s Mini Mustangs pre-kindergarten program learned valuable construction and agricultural skills recently, while also making something special for their mothers. Students assembled plants and planted flowers for their moms, in honor of Mother’s Day, thanks to the help of employees of Home Depot, who visited the school May 9.

+ Book Club bolsters Mother’s Day treat

Lois Kron, right, and her daughter, Cheryle

Courtesy photo

Members of the D.E.A.R.S. book club helped celebrate Mother’s Day at the Windsor of Lakewood Ranch. While residents enjoyed afternoon tea May 11 with their families, the D.E.A.R.S. treated them to keepsake family photos. Several photos captured multiple generations. The Mother’s Day Tea is an annual event held at the Windsor for its residents.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

tax breakdown

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Half-cent sales tax would cover indigent health care Manatee County’s administrator promises three things in the 2013-14 budget: raises for county employees, non-reduction of services and lower property taxes. EAST COUNTY — Ed Hunzeker’s ninthfloor office, where he SERIES crafts next year’s budget, provides a wide view through open glass windows of a PART 1 of 3 county he sees with a crumbling infrastructure and an aged revenue model. As Hunzeker, Manatee County’s administrator, watches the county’s $40 million funding source for indigent health care run dry, he sees it as a bigger opportunity to redefine the county’s revenue base by decreasing the burden on property owners and promoting business development. On June 18, Manatee County residents can vote on a half-cent sales tax increase to pay for, on its surface, indigent health care, which for years was paid for through a health trust fund filled with money from the 1984 sale of what is now Manatee Memorial Hospital. That account, from which the county pays $9 million a year as the payer of last resort for the uninsured and/or poor, will run out by 2015, county officials say. The county spends another $14 million in property-tax revenues to pay for community health care, for a total of $23 million per year. The revenue from the sales tax increase, a measure Hunzeker estimates would add less than $50 a year to the amount an average family pays in sales taxes, will show itself in other areas on next year’s budget. Using a plan he calls 26/13, a hy-

pothetical look at how the revenue from the sales-tax revenue would affect 2012 property taxes using this year’s budget as a model, Hunzeker sets to change the course. The 2013-14 budget, which Hunzeker will present to commissioners May 30, will fulfill three promises: raises for county employees; non-reduction of services; and lower property taxes, Hunzeker says. Hunzeker is selling the half-cent sales tax increase in a package with the lower property taxes, although state law says a promise for lower property taxes cannot be stated explicitly on the ballot. Hunzeker says property taxes could be reduced by about $65 a year per for a typical home with a taxable value of $150,000. Hunzeker’s plan also calls for changing how residents pay for municipal police service. In the 26/13 plan, looking at this year’s budget and keeping expenses the same while accounting for added revenues from the sales tax, $28 million of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office patrol costs shift from city residents who already pay for a municipal police service. The plan asks unincorporated owners to pay for the service entirely through taxes on unincorporated properties. Utility franchise fees, which require utility providers to reimburse the county for the public’s right of way, would offset that hit for unincorporated property owners. Most of Manatee’s six cities already charge franchise fees.

HALF-CENT SALES TAX

In total and based on this year’s budget, the 26/13 plan would decrease property taxes by 26% for city residents and 13% for owners in unincorporated areas. The county expects tourists or visitors to pay up to one-third of the sales-tax increase. Hunzeker says the end result is a fairer distribution of taxes and a diversified revenue stream. “We become more economically competitive, and we fix the sheriff’s funding,” Hunzeker said. “And, you fix the health care.” Commissioners have to approve any change to the millage rate, and Hunzeker is betting the group stays true to its conservative form and avoids increasing millage rates, as it did last year. The federal Affordable Care Act, a reform of the U.S. health-care system designed to insure 37 million uninsured Americans, hangs over it all. The act is set to go into total effect in January 2014. Gov. Rick Scott’s administration already decided not create a healthinsurance exchange under the law, leaving the responsibility to the federal government, and it appears the state will not expand Medicaid as part of the law. “Nobody likes a tax, but the halfcent sales tax is so small that everybody who pays for something will pay a little, and if everybody pays a little nobody pays a lot,” Hunzeker said. Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

How it would work: essentials • The half-cent sales tax increase would only be collected on the first $5,000 of a taxable purchase. • The sales-tax increase would begin Jan. 1, 2014, and continue for 10 years. • The tax will pay for indigent health care — a $23 million per year expense paid for by a soon-to-be depleted health trust fund and by property tax revenue. • Eligible patients for indigent health care are those who have been deemed indigent by the county (at 135% of the federal poverty level or those ineligible for other state or federal insurance programs). • Patients must prove they live in Manatee County. • The sales tax revenue can only be used for health care. • Care would follow a continuum-of-care model, meaning the county and hospitals cannot cap the amount of care a resident receives.

Manatee County’s 26/13 plan for property tax reduction The following is how revenue from the half-cent sales tax increase would have affected property taxes for this year, holding expenses constant. city owner

UNINCORPORATED owner

6.2993

6.9102

-.4305

Millage revision from shifting the burden of sheriff’s office patrol costs

-1.2054

.4755

Millage revision from new franchise fee revenues

-.9508

4.6634

Millage rates for 2012 property taxes Millage revision from health-care savings

Revised millage rates

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A panel from the Urban Land Institute prepared a document that highlights the county’s need to focus on the area called ‘Southwest County’ and to leverage the county’s assets.

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EAST COUNTY — A panel sent to evaluate Manatee County’s plan for growth praised the county’s plans and pushed leaders to follow through on them. Michael Maxwell, a managing partner for a Miami real-estate development firm, led a panel from the Urban Land Institute in a work session with the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission members May 14. In March, the Urban Land Institute panel, part of a non-profit research and education organization meant to provide leadership on land-use issues, toured the county and reviewed its two-year “How Will We Grow” study, a plan that examines three alternatives for growth. In a report the panel will finalize in the coming weeks, the panel supports Alternative 2 of the county’s plan, which refocuses the county’s comprehensive plan and land-development code to achieve highdensity growth and infill primarily in the area known as “Southwest County.” The Southwest County focus includes extending the urban core to focus on all unincorporated lands south of the Manatee River and west of Interstate 75, an area with already established infrastructure, schools and roadways. Although this alternative places 60% of the county’s future population growth there, Maxwell says it’s important not to forget other parts of the county. “You still have to create unique identities across the county and have differenti-

Josh Siegel

Manatee County Commission Chairman Larry Bustle sits next to Michael Maxwell, of the Urban Land Institute, following a May 14 workshop.

ation,” Maxwell said. “For example, Lakewood Ranch should be a model for the county. It has its own niche and embraces what makes things successful in the 21st century — good schools, new infrastructure and caring about people.” Maxwell also said the county should use athletic facilities, including IMG Academy and The Premier Sports Campus, as well as the county’s parks and preserves, as branding tools to help make Manatee “the sports capital of Florida.” “You all (commissioners) were elected to be bold leaders,” Maxwell said. “Now’s the time to think real big and be bold.” Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

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 Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-use Meeting — 9 a.m. May 30, at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee Education Foundation Director Mary Glass with Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Galvano

+ Rick Scott makes surprise appearance in Lakewood Ranch Florida Gov. Rick Scott made an unannounced appearance May 16, in Lakewood Ranch. Scott met privately with Republican supporters at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing in Lakewood Ranch. Then, he attended a sponsorship event at the Longboat Key Club, the day before the 17th annual Phil Galvano Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the Manatee Education Foundation. There, he ate an exclusive lunch and enjoyed a private round of golf with Sen. Bill Galvano, who put on the event. Neither event was publicized on Scott’s official agenda or open to the media. Because they are non-official duties, they do not have to be disclosed to the public.

+ Rowing advocates seek more public funding The Tourism Development Council recommended unanimously May 15, that the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approve another

$3.25 million in spending to bring the 2017 World Rowing Championships to Nathan Benderson Park. Manatee and Sarasota counties, as part of a public-private partnership, are backing a preliminary bid package SunCoast Aquatic Nature Center Association — a non-profit group made of local tourism, government and other officials — submitted in February. At that time, Manatee commissioners approved spending $1,104,740 in touristdevelopment funds for the bid. Those funds consist of bed taxes paid from visitors. The county has said it will not spend property tax dollars. Over the same period, through 2017, Sarasota County will pay $1,159,740. The Tourist Development Council also asked Sarasota County to commit an additional $3.25 million to the bid. Manatee County’s additional money would come from the tourist-development tax collected from visitors staying at hotels, said Nick Azzara, Manatee County information outreach coordinator. Manatee commissioners will vote June 4, on committing the extra $3.25 million. The final bid packet will be submitted to the Swiss-based International Federation of Rowing Associations, or FISA, June 30. The state Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott approved $5 million dedicated to the rowing facility.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Observer opinion | our view EAST COUNTY

“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

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Tax plan needs more vetting On June 18, Manatee County voters will vote on two questions that are loaded with big tax consequences. On the surface, the questions appear straightforward and easy to comprehend. But to paraphrase the adage, the details matter — a lot. Over the next two weeks, we will address on this page the details of both referendum questions. They’re not just Manatee County questions. The election results have implications for Sarasota County, as well. This week, we focus is on the indigent-care, half-cent sales tax. First, let’s start by giving Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker credit for leading this effort. Regardless of your position on this question, credit Hunzeker for being willing to stand up for what he believes is the right and to do so in the face of strong opposition. He’s not like many of the Washington bureaucrats we’ve seen lately who show no conviction to take responsibility. What’s more, we’ll credit Hunzeker for looking to the future and having the courage to risk his job and reputation for what he believes is the greater good. The trigger for this indigent-care halfcent sales tax starts with Manatee history. In 1984, the county sold its public hospital, Manatee Memorial, and used the proceeds to establish an indigent-care trust fund. In recent years, that trust fund provided about $9 million annually to provide medical and mental care to the needy. The largest portion of that amount goes to cover payments for patient treatment at Manatee Memorial — about $5.6 million a year. On top of that $9 million, Manatee commissioners have allocated about $14 million a year from property-tax collections for similar needs — $23 altogether. The largest portions of that $14 million have been spent on payments for patient treatment at Manatee Memorial, Medicaid matching funds and prison health services. Federal and state governments mandate the spending on the latter two. Prison health services cost about $5.7 million a year; Medicaid consumes the second-largest amount, about $4.7 million a year.

Dilemma: Paying for indigents

Here’s the dilemma Hunzeker felt compelled to address: In 2015, the money in the trust fund will be depleted. That presents the County Commission with tough choices: continue to fund that $9 million via another source, say, higher property taxes; fund a lesser amount via another source; or discontinue the $9 million funding altogether. If it’s discontinued, what would be the consequences? What would happen to Manatee’s economy if that $9 million disappeared from health-care providers? And if that money disappeared while the indigent still visited doctors and hospitals, who ultimately would pay — Manatee’s insured residents? For Hunzeker, this sticky dilemma triggered a lot to think about. To begin, Hunzeker did not want to foist that $9 million shortfall as a new property tax on top of the county’s existing property taxes. Manatee County’s property-tax millage rates already are more than twice as high as Sarasota County’s rates (see box at right). This is a big economic problem. It’s an economic disincentive for home buyers and businesses. If you’re a manufacturer that needs 50,000 square feet to operate and you want to be competitive, where would you prefer to locate — where your taxes are $7 per $1,000 of assessed value or $3.15 per $1,000 of assessed value? Hunzeker will tell you Manatee’s millage rate weighed on his thinking. Then, when Hunzeker looked closely at why Manatee’s millage rate is so much higher than Sarasota’s, he saw Sarasota’s dirty little secret: Sarasota County government may have a lower millage rate, but Sarasota County government actually generates 16% more in revenues each year than does Manatee. And it does so through an assortment of fees that Manatee County does not charge (see table below). Altogether, Sarasota generates $388 million a year in fees — money

REMEMBER THE FALLEN Memorial Day was first observed May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Wounds were still deep, then. Southern states wouldn’t honor their dead on the same date as the Northern states. After World War I, the holiday became a memorial not just to those who died in the Civil War, but to all Americans who died in any war. Memorial Day also became the holiday symbolized by the red poppy. Moina Michael, a teacher, wrote a poem and dedicated the latter years of her life to spreading the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Wrote Michael: “We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.” Monday is Memorial Day. Remember the more than 1.3 million Americans who have died in nearly 60 conflicts since the American Revolution. Remember, too, all the victims of the Oklahoma and Midwest tornadoes. that does not get factored into Sarasota’s basic millage rate. Voila. Hunzeker’s answer came to him. Rather than tap property owners to make up the lost $9 million, Hunzeker thought the county could adopt a half-cent sales tax. That would raise the county’s tax rate from 6.5% to 7%, the same as Sarasota’s. But as Hunzeker figured it, the half-cent sales tax could generate close to the entire $23 million the county currently contributes to indigent health care. Manatee’s taxable sales in 2012 totaled $4.325 billion. A halfcent tax would generate $21.6 million. With that, Hunzeker expanded his tax idea into a comprehensive plan that he believes is salable to taxpayers. His grand plan attempts to accomplish a lot. It would: 1) Fund indigent health care with a halfcent sales tax, avoiding a higher property tax; avoiding the loss of $9 million in revenues from going to local healthcare providers; and thus allowing the county to discontinue its $14 million to indigent health from property-tax revenues. 2) Broaden Manatee’s revenue sources by adopting fees on utility franchises, stormwater and ambulance services, thus mirroring more closely other counties’ revenues.

3) Allow, because of No. 1 and No. 2, the county to reduce property-tax rates. 4) Make, because of No. 3, Manatee’s millage rate more competitive in economic development circles.

The skeptics’ doubts

The plan appears ingenious. But as you might expect, there are plenty of skeptics and opponents. Manatee’s Tea Party leaders stridently oppose Hunzeker’s plan. And they do so largely on two counts: They don’t like the idea of a new tax (the half-cent tax); and they don’t believe the County Commission will lower propertytax rates even if the half-cent healthcare tax is approved. They don’t trust government. Others are skeptical of Hunzeker estimates that tourists would pay 30% of the indigent health-care sales tax (i.e. $6.5 million of $21 million). Hunzeker says this is an accepted percentage in government circles. According to longtime Florida economist Hank Fishkind, the amount tourists would pay is more like 20%. Still others cast doubts on Hunzeker’s literature that says if the half-cent tax is adopted, it could lead to millage-rate reductions of 13% for unincorporated property taxpayers and 26% for property taxpayers in Manatee’s incorporated cities. Says Hunzeker: “My budget proposal at the end of this month will include those reductions.” The opponents’ rhetoric aside, Hunzeker’s plan is too complex for taxpayers. It reminds us of the song about the shin bone connected to the knee bone, and the knee bone connected to thigh bone. Without one of those bones, the leg falls apart. In the end, Hunzeker’s plan is a netrevenue plan. The county’s money would come from new sources — higher sales tax, new fees; with the cost borne by different payers. City taxpayers would benefit most; unincorporated residents would see their property-tax millage rate fall, but they’d see new fees on their tax bill (franchise and stormwater). That’s assuming, of course, everything falls into place. The County Commission would have to go along, including negotiate deals with utilities and figure out, say, a stormwater fee scheme. All of that would take a lot of time. There are no guarantees. Here’s another biggie: If the indigent sales tax is approved, the county must enact a plan for how that money will be spent and administered. If you look at the health plan the way it’s written, you’re likely to reach this conclusion: It’s a bureaucratic blob. Hunzeker has valid ideas. But our recommendation to voters today is call him and the county commissioners and ask them to pull the indigent sales tax from the ballot. The entire package needs more vetting.

MANATEE’S INDIGENT-TAX QUESTION 1) COUNTYWIDE INDIGENT CARE ONE-HALF CENT SALES SURTAX FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO QUALIFIED RESIDENTS

Shall Manatee County levy a countywide one-half-cent sales surtax for a 10-year period commencing Jan. 1, 2014? The proceeds of the sales surtax shall be used

to fund health care services for Manatee County residents, including elderly persons and children, who are indigent or medically poor. Such services shall include primary and preventative care by physicians, clinics, hospitals, mental health centers and alternative delivery sites in a cost-effective manner.

HOW COUNTY TAXES COMPARE Fiscal 2013 adopted taxes and surtaxes. UMSTU = Unincorporated Manatee Services Taxing Unit. Dollars in millions

Property taxes Voted debt service tax Other property taxes Water Wastewater Solid waste/recycling Sales surtax Stormwater EMS district Franchise fees Total Millage rates

Hillsborough

$1,610 $4 $137 $396 $487 $231 $127 $12 0 0 $3,004 10.7306

Pinellas

$1,140 0 $246 $384 $427 $328 $127 0 $137 0 $2,789 7.6021

Sarasota

$473 $24 $163 $384 $722 $159 $127 $91 $99 $71 $2,313 3.1530

Manatee

$1,037 $20 0 $234 $533 $163 0 0 0 0 $1,987 6.9102

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

government

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

CDD 6 moves forward with gate concept No plans have been finalized, but Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 supervisors are moving forward with conceptual plans to limit traffic at their Balmoral Woods Boulevard entrance. LAKEWOOD RANCH — Supervisors on Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 have fine-tuned their vision for the district’s gated entrance off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Supervisors are moving forward, conceptually, with plans to make the gate at Balmoral Woods and Lakewood Ranch boulevards transponder-only access and egress for residents of District 6, as well as residents of Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts 2 and 5, whose boundaries also fall within the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. The board also will consider options to allow friends and family of district residents access into the community, although the means, currently dubbed “a gizmo,” may not be a transponder, CDD 6 Chairman Bob Burstein said. Options will be reviewed in

the coming months. As proposed, the gate would be similar to the gate at Masters Avenue and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. A bar gate that raises up and down for vehicles would sit immediately in front of a tall metal swing gate. Transponders would trigger the gates to open for residents, as they do at other gated accesses within the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Supervisors said they intend to keep the metal swing gate open during the day, to allow for faster pass-through of traffic, and to have them open and close for each vehicle at night. “I believe the discussion this week has clarified the path forward,” said Supervisor James Hill, who will work on design concepts with Town Hall staff. The board likely will review design options and other informa-

IN other business: CDD 1:

• District 1 Chairwoman June Stroup said the board will consider adding lights to the basketball courts at Summerfield Park, if the district has surplus dollars in its budget when the fiscal year closes in June.

CDDs 2&5:

• CDD 2 supervisors accepted a proposal by Dana Site Development and Paving and authorized the execution of a contract not to exceed $92,000 for road infrastructure repairs. • CDD 2 supervisors delayed

tion at its June meeting. Supervisors also said they remain committed to working with Lakewood Ranch CDDs 2 and 5 to resolve any outstanding concerns. “It’s been one of my guiding principles that if we close the gate, we do not (have a negative impact on the community),” Supervisor Richard Williams said. “We are one. We all use each other’s gates.” Town Hall Operations Director Ryan Heise said relocating the gate and making the board’s recommended changes likely would cost more than $100,000. The costs, however, would be offset by the reduction of staffing at the current gatehouse, which would no longer require onsite security personnel. Supervisors say the change will have a positive long-term financial impact. Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com. action on proposals for landscaping services until the board’s June meeting. • CDD 2 Supervisor Dick Moran reported the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office issued 148 tickets and 473 warnings for driving and other violations, since CDDs 2 and 5 contracted with the agency for additional patrols one year ago.

File photo

Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 6 supervisors plan to eliminate security personnel from the Balmoral Woods Boulevard gate and convert it to transponder-only access and egress. • CDD 5 supervisors awarded a contract for storm drain repairs to Woodruff and Sons at a cost of about $124,000.

CDD 4:

• Approved the renewal of a contract with U.S. Security Associates to continue roving patrol services within the district.

IDA sets 2013-14 budget Supervisors on the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Board approved the IDA’s preliminary 2014 fiscal year budget of $3.2 million. Because the IDA is not a taxing authority, it derives its revenue through Lakewood Ranch’s other CDDs, which share in the costs proportionately. The other CDDs now will use the IDA’s preliminary budget to finalize their own budget documents. The IDA’s 2014 fiscal year budget reflects an overall decrease of 1.3% compared to last year’s budget. District contributions, however, will increase by 9.8% due to a reduction in surplus utilization, which dropped from $150,000 to $100,000. Personnel and services improvements, including 3% performance-based salary adjustments and increased personnel participation in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, among other factors, resulted in a 6.5% increase in district contributions. Other budgetary impacts included software and hardware technology improvements, Town Hall repairs and the purchase of replacement fleet equipment.

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SCHOOLS / FROM PAGE 1 nating 10 English-as-a-second language teachers. The teacher losses are part of more than 250 jobs cut overall, including 80 district office positions. Other positions cut include aides, specialists and custodians. “It tore up my heart notifying people they will be out of work next year,” Mills said. “I don’t want people to feel because we are removing teachers, we don’t have great teachers. But this is about addressing inefficiencies and looking at every opportunity to save money. I can’t overemphasize the fiscal crisis we’re in.” In March, the school district announced it would eliminate 188 staff positions for the 2013/2014 school year to address classsize related issues.  It has kept class sizes smaller than required in the Florida classsize amendment by staffing elementary schools with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16-to-1 instead of the maximum 18-to-1.   Mills hoped most staff cuts would be absorbed through the district’s average yearly 200-position attrition rate, the number of staff who retire or leave the district on their own. But, after Mills and his staff spent more time researching the issue, they found more unaccounted-for positions. Now, after he announced in April the district will have virtually no fund balance at the end of the fiscal year, Mills had to make a “difficult” and “necessary” decision.  Principals are given staffing allocations for the following each year based on enrollment. The district deadline to inform staff of contract non-renewals is May 31. Hayley Rio, principal of Braden River Elementary School, said four of her teachers will not be reappointed next year, more than in a typical year, she said. Pat Barber, president of the Manatee Education Association, says about 60 teachers every year do not have their contracts renewed. Barber expects a figure higher than that next year. Teachers who have a professional service contract, meaning they cannot be

TO NEW COLLEGE’S [U]NIQUELY BRILLIANT STUDENTS On May 24, over 180 students will receive Bachelor of Arts degrees from New College of Florida, the state’s public honors college for the liberal arts and sciences. Judge Charles E. Williams will give the commencement address. Join us in honoring our [u]niquely brilliant students. Here is a look at some of our recent graduates’ accomplishments.

33 FULBRIGHT FELLOWS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

Six graduating students have been awarded prestigious Fulbright grants for 2013–2014. L-R: ELIZABETH BURGER (Monroe, N.J.) to Germany; ROSALIA MAIERKATKIN (Tallahassee, Fla.) to the Czech Republic; SETH BORDEN (Sarasota, Fla.) to Taiwan; CLAIRE ALBIEZ (Sarasota, Fla.) to Germany; AMELIA NORDIN (Orange Park, Fla.) to Germany; SILVIA ULLOA (Bradenton, Fla.) to Sweden. Visit ncf.edu/2013-Fulbrights.

1ONLY FLORIDA TRUMAN SCHOLAR THIS YEAR MICHAEL LONG (Sarasota, Fla.) is one of 62 students nationwide to receive a 2013 Truman Scholarship, a prestigious award given to college juniors with exceptional leadership potential and commitment to work in public service. Long is the only Florida student to receive the scholarship this year and the second Truman recipient in New College history. Learn more at ncf.edu/making-history.

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7 CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARS SINCE 2010 This summer, ANDREA BRODY-BARRE (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) will study Arabic in Morocco, and ROBERT (MATT) KLINKEL (Orlando, Fla.) will study Chinese in China on a Critical Language Scholarship.

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MORE STUDENT AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2013–2014 This year, six students received Teaching Assistantships to teach English in France: ELIZABETH CROWELL (Maitland, Fla.), MAR ECHEVARRIA (Miami, Fla.), XAVIER KEOGH (St. Petersburg, Fla.), ANDREW KOTICK (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), ALEJANDRA MARTINO (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and MARIANA ZAPATA (Doral, Fla.).

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STEM SUCCESS: 32% of New College students are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

This year, ROBERT (MATT) KLINKEL (Orlando, Fla.) studied Chinese in Beijing on a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

fired without just cause, and were hired before July 2011 will remain on staff. Teachers hired after that date must have their contracts renewed at the end of each year, according to law. “There are not any good options for Mr. Mills,” Barber said. “Teachers have had several horrible years in a row here. I hope we will see changes at other levels of the system.” Mills reorganized his leadership team in April, hiring Diana Greene and Don Hall as deputy superintendents. Their roles replaced assistant superintendent positions held by Scott Martin and Bob Gagnon. Mills hinted at more changes. He said the district will reduce office staff by 10% next year, primarily through repurposing positions. “I’m being candid in saying we are making reductions in the district office team,” Mills said. Those concessions probably aren’t enough to appease teachers tired of being “the fall guys” — a term used in Facebook pages supporting Manatee County teachers — but Mills hopes his message comes through clear. “The voice message I left was meant primarily for parents, trying to keep them informed of what’s going on,” Mills said. “I regret any employees who took it any other way. Manatee County is still ranked 47th in the state. That is not entirely the teachers’ fault. In the end, we have to make decisions that bring quality education to students.” Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

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32 ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS SINCE 2000

Next year’s budget, discussed at a budget workshop May 20, includes the state giving more than $22 million to Manatee County schools, a large portion of which must be used to fund teacher raises. The district plans to spend 36.5% of the $22 million on teacher raises, a percent equal to just more than $8 million.

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GAIL FISH (Gainesville, Fla.) received an English Teaching Assistantship to Austria.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Cops

MANATEE

Corner

May 13

Handling it

Impatient customer 9:42 a.m. — 7100 Chatum Light Run. Civil Dispute. A man reported a possible scam. Earlier this month, he paid $95,000 to a machinery company in Miami for a bulldozer. The company promised delivery in 10 days, but 11 days after ordering, the man had not received the equipment. The man could not track the order and is concerned the company kept his money. A deputy called the company’s listed contact, who spoke with a heavy accent and got another employee on the phone. The second employee said the bulldozer is in transit, but the product is awaiting clearance to enter the United States from Canada. The deputy told the man to contact him if the delay continues.

Lost and found 5 p.m. — 6700 State Road 70 E. Information Only. A woman left her house to take a driving test at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. She said the drive should have taken 15 minutes, but she missed a turn and got lost. She continued driving until she stopped at a bank. The bank contacted the Sheriff’s Office for assistance. The woman’s sister-in-law spoke with the deputy and said she would pick up the woman from the bank.

May 8

Budding thief

2:04 p.m. — 2900 block of 53rd Avenue E. Petit Theft. A man stole two pairs of earbud headphones from a store. Store security confronted the man and brought him inside.

May 15

Smells fishy 12:24 a.m. — 3300 block of 53rd Avenue E. Warrant. A deputy found a man with an active warrant out of Manatee County and took him into custody. The deputy said the man emitted a suspicious odor, so he completed a lab request to determine if illegal chemicals or ingredients were causing the odor.

Big-bang theory 3:25 p.m. — 3600 block of 61st Drive E. Suspicious Incidents. A man heard a loud bang and saw a person drive south in a vehicle. After the bang, a small fire started in wooded debris dumped at the location. The fire department responded and put out the fire. The man who heard the bang took a photo of the person who drove away in the vehicle.

Visit our website to read more reports and see a map of this week’s incident locations. www.YourObserver.com

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New Traditional Church Service

FRIDAY, MAY 24 San Marco Farmers Market — runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, at San Marco Plaza, in Lakewood Ranch. Shop for fresh produce, handmade soaps, plants, baked goods and more. For more information, visit sanmarcoplaza.com.

Christ Presbyterian with the emphasis on Christ

Lakewood Ranch Republican Club Meeting — starts at noon at the Lakewood Ranch Holiday Inn, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch. Dr. Richard Conard will speak against the halfcent sales tax for indigent care in Manatee County. Lunch costs $20. For reservations, visit lwrrc.com.

ooking for something different from the now normal contemporary church scene? - Yet you still yearn for true vital Spirit filled worship?

Encounter the Presence of God Conference — starts at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 11315 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. Conference continues from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 and at 7 p.m. Attendees are responsible for their own meals. A freewill offering will be taken. For more information, call 751-5048.

Our 9:00 am traditional worship attempts to be “historically vital” by using classic hymns and liturgy. However, it also attempts not to be a dead religious ritual but true spiritual worship. Join us Sundays-Everyone is Welcome Traditional Service 9:00am Lively Contemporary Service 10:15am Full Sunday School Hour For All Ages 9:00am GEMS/CADETS Christian Boys & Girls Club 6:00pm

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EAST COUNTY Observer

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Karaoke with J & J Music Machine — takes place from 7 p.m. to close at Linger Lodge Restaurant, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. For more information, call 755-2757. Soulrcoaster — plays at 9 p.m. at the Polo Grill and

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Friday, MAY 24 Donation Drop-off — runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lakewood Walk Publix, 11205 State Road 70 E., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Market Street Publix, 8330 Market Street, Lakewood Ranch. Ladies from the Bomber Girls and volunteers will be on-site to collect donations for soldiers serving overseas through Manasota Operation Troop Support, or MOTS. Suggested donations include beef jerky, socks, wet wipes, Clif meal bars and other non-perishable items. Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, visit pologrillandbar.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25 Lakewood Ranch Men’s Club Service Project — runs from 7:45 a.m. to noon at Habitat for Humanity, 1643 38th Ave. E., Ellenton. Join the group as members help build a Habitat home. For more information, contact Pierre Schutte at pierreschutte@gmail.com. Jeff Evans Band — plays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Linger Lodge Restaurant, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton. For more information, call 755-2757. Inspiration Dance — runs from 8 to 11 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month, at Sashay, 8209 Natures Way, Unit 103, in San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy

refreshments and an evening of dancing. Cost is $40 per person. Bring your own wine. For more information, call 306-5850. Glass Onion Band — plays at 9 p.m. at the Polo Grill and Bar,10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, visit pologrillandbar.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 26 Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Parade — starts at 5 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Come out for a Memorial Day ceremony and parade and other festivities honoring fallen military members. Items will be collected to mail to troops overseas, and attendees will be able to write letters to servicemen and women. For more information, to walk in the parade or to register your child in the decorated-bike parade, visit lwrcac.com.

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Sports

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Palm-Aire resident Barb Harrison shot a 68 to set a new course record. PAGE 14

YourObserver.com

HIGH

SWIMMING

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

MOMENTS OF THE WEEK

The Braden River High softball team was named the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 7A Academic Team Champions.

The Outof-Door Academy eighth-grader Jason Fineberg ran for 167 yards and a touchdown in the Thunder’s spring game May 17.

Lakewood Ranch senior Taylor Newton and Braden River senior Courtney Mirabella were chosen to participate in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association 24th All-Star Softball Classic May 17 and May 18, at Forest High School in Ocala.

University Park resident Mike Katos used his 7-iron to record an ace May 16, on the 153yard No. 11 of Waterlefe Golf and River Club.

Fourteen eighth-graders, including quarterback Nathan Strawderman, took the field for The Out-of-Door Academy during its spring game May 17.

Surging

Tsunami

Photos by Jen Blanco

Thirteen-year-old Lakewood Ranch resident Jillian Santiago trains six days a week for three hours a day with the Sarasota Tsunami.

Thirteen-year-old Jillian Santiago began swimming for the Sarasota Tsunami one-and-a-half years ago. Now, she’s one of the top-ranked swimmers in the nation for her age group. SARASOTA — Thirteen-yearold Jillian Santiago cuts through the water with blade-like precision. Each stroke is deeper and more powerful than the last. With her back gliding across the water and her legs kicking, sending tiny bursts of water into the air, the Lakewood Ranch resident and St. Martha Catholic School seventh-grader begins her final push toward the wall. In an instant, Jillian stretches deep into the wall, out-touching her opponent by a mere onehundredth of a second to win the 100-yard backstroke at the Florida Swimming Spring Age Group Championships this spring. After the race was over, Jillian, who swims for the Sarasota Tsunami, learned she had won what would be her fourth individual first-place victory. “It’s something I’ll hold on to forever,” Jillian says. “That moment when you hear everyone cheering for you — it’s an amazing feeling. “I like the pressure,” she says. “It kind of helps me get over the fear of things. I just always tell myself, ‘You can go faster. This is your race. You know how you’re supposed to race.’” With the win, Jillian won the high-point award for the 11- and 12-year-old age group — her fifth-consecutive meet earning the distinction. Following her performance, Jillian competed in the Florida Swimming versus Florida Gold Coast All-Stars Meet, at which she posted victories in both individual and relay events. Jillian posted the fastest times by a 12 year old in the 100 and

200 freestyle in the area and is ranked No. 1 in four events. She also is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. “When she races, she doesn’t just want to win, but she hates to lose,” Tsunami coach Ira Klein says. “She’s got a great attitude, and she’s always up and willing to work hard. “She’s very mature,” Klein says. “It’s rare to find athletes who have achieved what she’s achieved at such a young age. Mentally, she understands the things that need to be done.” Now Jillian, who turned 13 years old in April, is busy preparing for the Florida Long Course Age Group Championships July 18 to July 21, in Gainesville, where she hopes to qualify to represent Florida in the Southern Zone Age Group Championships July 29 through Aug. 2. “FLAGS is really competitive,” Jillian says. “The best swimmers in Florida are there competing, so it brings out the best in everyone. It’s always fun. “Fourteen-year-olds usually make the Florida zone team, so to be 13 and make it would be pretty special,” she says. “It’s weird because now I’m the youngest. I just want to show everyone that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still swim fast.” Jillian joined her first swim team when she was 6 years old, after hearing her mother, Julie, a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, tell her how much she enjoyed swimming. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jillian immediately felt at home in the water. “I remember I was one of the

Jillian Santiago, 13, says she loves competing in sprint races because of the strength required to perform well in them. littlest kids there, and I just liked it,” Jillian says. “I like the calmness of it. It’s also an individual sport, so you only have to worry about yourself.” Jillian grew up swimming in Las Vegas, before moving to Kentucky and then, eventually, to Florida, where she joined the Tsunami. Today, Jillian trains under the guidance of Klein — her mother’s former college coach. “It’s pretty neat,” Jillian says. “He tells me stories of all of the things that my mom accomplished, and I feel like I can do anything.” Klein agrees the experience is unique. “It’s a lot of fun,” Klein says. “I coached her mom when she was 20 and 21 years old, so I feel like I’m seeing what Julie was like

when she was 13.” Jillian, who trains six days a week for three hours a day, swims the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles and backstrokes. However, the 100 freestyle is her favorite event. “The sprint events are really fun,” Jillian says. “You have to have a lot of power, and I feel like I have power.” Jillian plans to swim for Cardinal Mooney in high school and has aspirations of swimming for Notre Dame and qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials. “My mom has always told me to never give up,” Jillian says. “She says, ‘You can swim fast even when you are tired. If you train hard and never give up, then it will all work out in the end.’” Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

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Palm-Aire resident Barb Harrison shot a 68 to set a new course record May 8, on the Lakes Course at Palm-Aire Country Club. It was the second time Harrison had achieved the milestone; she shot a 67 to set a new course record Dec. 23, on the Champions Course. Harrison, who typically plays golf four to five days a week, now holds the course records for both of PalmAire’s golf courses. In addition, Harrison also plays in the Golf Coast League and the West Coast Women’s Golf Association.

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I didn’t really think about my score (May 8). I was playing with my Wednesday afternoon group, and we were playing a game. I was just concerned with our foursome score. I wasn’t paying attention to my score until about the last hole.

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It was a typical Sunday afternoon when I set my first course record (Dec. 23). I was playing with my husband, Paul, and another couple. I had six birdies on the front nine and shot a 30. I was just in the zone. I just kept trying to swing. Everything was working. I didn’t have a bad swing.

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I started playing golf as a teenager with my dad, but when you’re a teenager, you have better things to do. About 25 years ago, I started playing more. The best thing for my game has been my husband. We’re both single-digit handicaps, so it can get pretty competitive. He’s so competitive sometimes it hurts. I enjoy the competition. I like playing with other people. I don’t care if the other person is a higher handicap. I’m still going to be competitive in that game.

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I just played in the Florida State Golf Association Senior Tournament in Bonita Springs. It was my first time. That was great. It was the longest course I’d played. It was 5,800 yards. It was much different than what I’m used to, but I was pleased because it was my first time.

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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

SIGNING DAY

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

File photo

Braden River High setter Courtney McDevitt played fours on varsity for the Lady Pirates.

Moving Forward

Braden River High senior Courtney McDevitt and The Out-of-Door Academy senior Juliet Onufrak will continue playing volleyball and soccer, respectively, at the next level.

ODA

Juliet Onufrak wasn’t hit with the same wave of emotion her fellow senior teammates experienced as they walked off the field at The Out-of-Door Academy for the final time. As their eyes brimmed with tears at the thought of seeing their soccer careers end, Onufrak treated the game like any other. After all, in the eyes of the Lady Thunder midfielder, it simply marked the end of another chapter in her athletic career. This fall, Onufrak will continue her soccer career at Catholic University of Amer-

We’re growing a future for creatures great and small. File photo

Juliet Onufrak maneuvers around a defender during one of her final games at ODA.

ica, in Washington, D.C. “Everyone else was sad because high-school sports were ending, but I didn’t feel that way,” Onufrak says. “It’s really exciting. Ever since I was in seventh grade, I wanted to play college soccer. It’s really awesome to be getting there.” Onufrak, who plans to study art, music and global relations, chose Catholic University of America over Oxford College of Emory University. Onufrak entered the recruiting process later than she had hoped, and, at the time, many rosters had already been filled. But once she visited Catholic University of America, Onufrak fell in love with the campus, its academics and the soccer program. “It was really the perfect school for me,” Onufrak says. “It didn’t make sense not to go. An opportunity like this doesn’t really come around, so it wouldn’t have been smart not to take the opportunity.” Onufrak will spend the summer training on her own. “I’m just looking forward to being in the environment and representing my school,” Onufrak says. “College sports are totally different. I love the feeling of playing for ODA and winning games and winning for the school. College is 10 times more than that.” Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

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BRADEN RIVER — Courtney McDevitt is living a dream — one she’s been harboring since she was 8 years old. From the moment she stepped onto the volleyball court as a youngster, the Braden River High setter has had one goal in mind — to play college volleyball. Last month, the senior fulfilled her dream when she signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball for Tusculum College, in Greeneville, Tenn. “It doesn’t seem real,” McDevitt says. “I’ve been working 10 years for this. It’s very rewarding.” McDevitt, who plans to major in sports management, chose Tusculum College over Florida Atlantic University and Caldwell College in New Jersey for its campus and the team. “The team is so close,” McDevitt says. “Everyone was so welcoming. I really liked that.” After spending the past year playing club volleyball for Venetian Bay’s 18U team, which earned the program’s first bid to the Junior Olympics, McDevitt will spend the summer training in the gym, before leaving for Tusculum College in early August. “I’m looking forward to playing with new people and playing at a whole different level,” McDevitt says.

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Olga Tefft shot 56 to win Flight 1 of the individual low net, throw out the two worst holes WGA event May 14, on the Champions Course. Chris Dibble shot 53 to win Flight 2. Nancie Shellenbaum shot 57 to win Flight 3. Larry McIntire, Stan Werner and Ray Crucet finished -6.0 to win the MGA scramble event May 15, on the Champions Course. Glenn Hogg, Butch Tynan, Bill Barbati and Bob Martineau finished -31 to win the two best balls of four net member/guest, member/member MGA event May 15, on the Champions Course. Rita Probst shot 35 to win the individual low net WGA event May 16, on the front nine of the Lakes Course.

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Alvin and Joyce Goldstein and Tony and Pauline Tierno finished -23 to win the two best balls of four mixed event April 28. Bill Dunn finished -7 to win the Crystal Ball Men’s Day event May 1. David Rasmussen used his 6-iron to record an ace May 18 on the 182-yard No. 11 of Waterlefe Golf and River Club.

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Arlene Babik scored 25 to win the criss cross LGA event April 30. Norb Charette used his 5-wood driver to record an eagle May 13 on the 385yard No. 14 of the River Club Golf Course.

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Lisa Grain, Nea Beckerman, Glenda Auxier and Lenore Redler scored 115 to win the Shamble WGA Closing Day event April 30, on Cypress Links. Carolyn Cohn, Stephanie Simpson, Chris Windesheim and Else Friborg scored 116 to win the two best balls of four net ladies’ event May 7, on Cypress Links. Jay Lilien, Jim Lapides, Ed Singleton and Vito Melfi scored 160 to win the two best balls front, three best balls back men’s event May 8, on King’s Dunes. Erma Zoon, Donna Forsyth, Ulrike Nordhoff and Redler shot 79 to win the 1-2-1 on 6-6-6 WGA event May 14, on King’s Dunes.

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EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

FOOTBALL

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

Learning Curve ODA Thunder make strides at spring football game with a young team leading the charge on the gridiron.

With half his roster made up of eighthgraders, The Outof-Door Academy football coach Brett Timmons smiled at the way his team fought during its spring game May 17. Although ODA fell 17-13 to St. Petersburg Northside Christian, Timmons remained optimistic about what lies ahead for the Thunder. “I’m ecstatic,” Timmons says. “For Photos by Jen Blanco a bunch of eighthEighth-grader Nathan Strawderman graders to play a made his first start under center, team that’s primarily after the Thunder veteran quartera varsity team and to back Evan Wilson graduated. be down by 10 at the time, I’m proud of these guys.” Junior Drew Fineberg scored the game’s first touchdown on a 4-yard carry. Brian Kirshe added the extra point to give ODA a 7-0 lead. Fineberg’s younger brother, Jason, took the reins in the second quarter, after his older brother went down with a knee injury. Jason Fineberg, who intercepted the ball on Northside Christian’s opening possession and ran it back 28 yards to set up the go-ahead score, finished with 167 yards on the ground. Trailing 17-7, Jason Fineberg found the end zone with no time left on the clock. Eighth-grader Nathan Strawderman made his first start under center after the Thunder graduated veteran quarterback Evan Wilson. ODA also was without Tyler Dietrich, who is expected to compete with Strawderman for the starting quarterback job, as well as Austin Hoppe, J.T. Fisher and Jake Romine — the majority of whom were out due to baseball obligations. “The future is bright for this program,” Timmons says. “And, once we get the full complement of our guys back, I’m real excited.”

ODA head coach Brett Timmons talks with quarterback Nathan Strawderman during the second half.

ODA eighth-grader Jason Fineberg finished with 167 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is proud to welcome Herbert Pegues II, MD, FAAFP Family Medicine Physician Board Certified in Family Medicine Dr. Pegues received his Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He performed his Family Practice residency at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama. A family physician who treats all family members including children age five and above; adolescents; adults; and older adults, Dr. Pegues is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine and is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is a qualified provider of Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

For an appointment, please call 941.907.0588.

8340 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard | Suite 350 | Bradenton, FL 34202

The ODA defense makes a tackle during Northside Christian’s opening possession.

Raelyn Calendine, MD Family Medicine Physician Board Certified in Family Medicine Treats children age five and above, adolescents, adults and older adults For an appointment, please call 941.907.0588.

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Specializes in internal medicine for adult patients For an appointment, please call 941.782.2800.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

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In our continuing effort to provide outstanding medical care to our patients, Intercoastal Medical Group introduces the following physicians to its Lakewood Ranch offices: Wende Kozlow, MD, Endocrinology Anthony Skidmore, DO, Cardiology Vernu Visvalingam, MD, Gastroenterology Felicia Canada, MD, Family Practice

Felicia canada, Md Board Certified, Family Practice

They are part of Intercoastal Medical Group, a patient focused health care provider comprised of more than 60 board certified physicians in multiple specialties.

Lakewood Ranch High School is honoring its athletic alumni through the new Legacy Brick Project located at the entrance to the football stadium. The Legacy Brick Project honors exceptional former Lakewood Ranch athletes. Each brick features the athlete’s name, graduation year and sport. Players must have graduated and played a varsity sport as a senior to be eligible. “Although this program has just started, we feel it is a great way to honor student athletes who have helped build our program into the successful leader that we are all enjoying today,” Quarterback Club spokesperson Todd Sears says. Athletes can get a brick by contacting Athletic Director Shawn Trent, Sears or going to the wagon during the first half of this year’s home football games. Bricks are $50 with checks made payable to Lakewood Ranch High School. Players can have up to three sports printed on their bricks.

+ Lakewood wins academic championship Lakewood Ranch High was named the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 6A Academic Team Champion for the 2012-13 school year. The Mustangs scored 140 points to finish ahead of Fort Myers (118). Lakewood’s boys track and weightlifting teams also captured spring academic team championships. For a complete breakdown of academic team standings, visit fhsaa.org.

Guiding your health care needs, from the routine to the complex, is our commitment to you.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Medicare & most insurance accepted. Same day appointments often available. 941-359-9255 for Dr. Canada 941-379-1777 for Dr. Kozlow 941-342-8892 for Dr. Visvalingam 941-362-8662 for Dr. Skidmore

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Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 370, Bradenton, FL www.intercoastalmedical.com

+ Lakewood honors athletic alumni

A Patient Focused, Multi-Specialty Group National Expertise l Six Locations

The Braden River Soccer Club will hold tryouts May 28 through June 2 for its competitive soccer teams. For information, including a

complete listing of tryout times by age group, visit bradenriver soccer.org.

+ Manatee Cal Ripken names All-Stars Manatee Cal Ripken Baseball recently announced its 8U AllStar team. Players were chosen based on their ability to field ground balls, catch popups, hit at the plate and make defensive plays in the infield. This year’s 8U All-Stars include: Christopher Conboy, Justin Cook, Alex Heintz, Judson Hildreth, Ashton Lamb, Jason McReynolds, Jack Muller, Ryan O’Sullivan, Dylan Reiser, Tristan Schellinger, Rylen Stockton, Jaden Stockton and Lucas Viera. The team will travel in June to Ocala for the Cal Ripken District Tournament.

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SIDELINES

Intercoastal MedIcal Group expands lakewood ranch servIces

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

real estate

BET ON IT

weather

Four-bedroom home sells for $1,112,500.

East County goes ‘all in’ to fight ALS.

See this week’s standout local weather photo. PAGE 28

PAGES 24-25

PAGeS 27

show of support by Pam Eubanks and Josh Siegel | Observer Staff

L O O H SC

spirit

Macy Duregger, Daniella Castrogiovanni and Rachel Levy checked out the auction items at Nolan Nights.

Britanie Mizell paints a cat face on Sofia Diaz, 7, at Nolan Nights.

Fun-raisers hit East County schools.

Three East County schools planned extra fun for their families recently, as they strived to raise money. Braden River Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization held its annual fundraiser Friday, May 10, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. The adults-only, “Night in Havana”-themed event featured Cuban food, music, dancing and a silent auction. Braden River High School hosted the fourth annual Pirate Bowl fundraiser Friday, May 17. Attendees enjoyed socializing, a barbecue, a bounce house and games of corn hole, while watching the football team play a scrimmage game. Proceeds from the event will help pay for new team uniforms. And, Nolan Middle School’s annual Nolan Nights Saturday, May 18, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, drew hundreds to the shopping center. Guests enjoyed live music performances, food and drink, a silent auction and other festivities.

Jim and Wendy Freeman, Bethany and Sammy Lynch and Paddi and Frank Juliano attended the Braden River Elementary PTO’s “Night in Havana” fundraiser, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Kelly and Mike Polivchak have two children who attend Braden River Elementary.

Colin Thomsen plays a game of corn hole at Braden River High School’s Pirate Bowl.

Outgoing seniors Michelle Tran and Cayton Chrisman, former cheerleaders, came to cheer on the new varsity cheerleading squad at Braden River High School’s Pirate Bowl. Left: Ronnie McClellan edges past defense, during a practice drill at Braden River High School’s Pirate Bowl.

EAST COUNTY Observer

YourObserver.com

walk this way

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

East County takes strong steps toward finding cancer cure

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East County residents rallied in the fight against cancer, as they participated in the Lakewood Ranch Relay for Life May 18 and May 19, at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA.

TODAY

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A New Pope and the Future of Catholic-Jewish Relations

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Since the 1965 Second Vatican Council and its dramatic transformation of Catholic-Jewish relations, the Church has navigated a challenging course Rabbi Noam of reconciliation with the Jews. How might Pope Francis’ papacy shape the Marans long history of Catholic-Jewish relations?

me Cu e C f pl c o a n l loc r you ay gio nd P l-4 e and al cl r 3 R rls: 2 Fina 16 1 u 0 i B : l 2 est get t b 3 G Boys Fina l-16 1 h V e U 12 a s: To alue U Boy s: Fin w i 1 n! n y U1 4 Bo May 28 through June 5 at G.T. Bray U1 Registration: 5-6 p.m., Tryouts: 6-8 p.m. • U9-U10 Boys: May 28 & June 3 • U9-U10 Girls: May 28 & June 3 • U11-U12 Boys: May 29 & June 4 • U11-U12 Girls: May 29 & June 4 • U13-U16 Boys: May 30 & June 5 • U13-U16 Girls: May 30 & June 5

AJC’s Director of Interreligious & Intergroup Relations

Wednesday, June 26 Confronting Anti-Semitism in Europe New right wing parties, severe economic distress, growing Muslim communities and anti-Israel animus have all contributed to a resurgence of Rabbi Andrew anti-Semitism across Europe. How can we better understand these problems Baker and what can we do to help European Jews?

AJC’s Director of International Jewish Affairs

Wednesday, July 31

American Jewry Post WWII: Is the Golden Age Past? Following WWII, American Jewry became the most assertive and secure community known to Diaspora Jewish History. By the end of the 20th Steven century, however, danger signs were on the horizon. What do these trends Bayme, Ph.D. portend and what can be done to secure the Jewish future?

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To learn more about AJC, please visit www.ajc.org.