East County Observer 4.15.21

E A ST COUNTY

Health Matters APRIL 2021

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

INSIDE

SKIN FOR THE AGES From facials to microneedling, skin care treatments can keep you looking your best. PAGE 2

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

READ YOUR WAY TO A BETTER YOU

•

Wellness pros share their favorite books.

PAGE 4

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

SMH urologist hits milestone with OR robots.

PAGE 6

TAKE A PAWS AT WORK

Therapy animals bring Zen to the workplace.

PAGE 10

FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 22

YOUR TOWN

Manatee plans a trail system

TASTE OF TRADITION

Lakewood Ranch woman honors her family history with a cookbook.

SEE PAGE 8 Courtesy photo

‘American Idol’ quest ends Lakewood Ranch’s Alana Sherman’s quest to become the next “American Idol” has ended after she was eliminated from the show on the April 11 broadcast.

“Thank you everyone for all the support you have shown me,” the 22-yearold Sherman wrote on her Facebook page. “This is the end of my ‘American Idol’ journey, but I’m so grateful for everything that has happened. This is not the end.”

Sherman advanced to the Top 24 two weeks ago with her performance of “Bust Your Windows.”

Parks director hopes some sections can be complete in four years.

PAGE 3

File photo Jay Heater

Much of what Lakewood Ranch’s Angela Massaro-Fain learned about Italian cooking came from her grandmother — Nanny — Angela Zamarra. She is serving up the recipes in a new cookbook.

A Manatee County trail system would run through places such as Rye Preserve in East County.

Courtesy photo

Main Street the new Boardwalk Del Webb’s Ivy Ruark likes to take over Lakewood Ranch properties one at a time.

First, she tries to own the Sarasota Polo Club, then Nathan Benderson Park followed by University Parkway and Main Street at Lakewood Ranch all while avoiding traffic jams and collecting $200 with every pass by “Go.” Ruark has been playing Lakewood Ranch-opoly, a version of Monopoly tailored to Lakewood Ranch, with her neighbors.

“My favorite property on the game is the Lakewood Ranch Market,” Ruark said.

A+E

New look for vaccine system The ballet must go on.

SEE PAGE 12

Brendan Lavell

Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health.

Manatee County Health Officer says mass vaccination sites will fade away.

SEE PAGE 5

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

|

Pope Road construction begins Turn lanes at the intersection of Pope Road and White Eagle Boulevard intended to prevent traffic backup.

BRENDAN LAVELL

PULLOUT

STAFF WRITER

Improvements planned for East County’s Pope Road: n Eastbound left-turn lane from White Eagle Boulevard to Pope Road n Westbound right-turn lane from White Eagle Boulevard to Pope Road n Southbound left- and right-turn lanes from Pope Road to White Eagle Boulevard n Median near future Publix at Pope Road and S.R. 64 n Access road for right turn from northbound Pope Road to future Publix

Like many parts of Lakewood Ranch, Pope Road was once a rural street.

Those days are gone.

“We’ve developed past that capacity,” said Roger Aman, a project manager for Lakewood Ranch developer SchroederManatee Ranch, about Pope Road.

Improvements are underway at the intersection of Pope Road and White Eagle Boulevard and include an eastbound left-turn lane from White Eagle Boulevard to Pope Road, a longer westbound right-turn lane from White Eagle Boulevard to Pope Road and southbound left- and right-turn lanes from Pope Road to White Eagle Boulevard.

Aman said the turn lanes will prevent backup on White Eagle Boulevard from drivers seeking an alternate route to S.R. 64, which will be especially important when a planned apartment complex makes its way to the intersection.

“These improvements are greatly needed, especially with the roundabout out there on S.R. 64,” Aman said, referencing a future roundabout at the intersection of S.R. 64, Pope Road and Greyhawk Boulevard. “A lot of people will be taking that shortcut.”

The project is scheduled to

be “substantially complete” by November, according to Aman.

SMR contracted with Sarasotabased Frederick Derr & Co. for construction.

Manatee County commissioners approved a transportation impact fee credit April 6 to help fund the project overseen by the Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District, after county staff decided the additions can be considered “capacity-adding improvements to the thoroughfare roadway system.” The estimated cost for credit-eligible construction is $272,855.55, though the impact fee credit could be as much as

Brendan Lavell

$315,000 after adding 15% for contingencies.

The intersection improvements are part of a larger project to improve Pope Road from White Eagle Boulevard to State Road 64, a quarter-mile to the north. The most notable change will be the roundabout at the intersection of S.R. 64, Pope Road and Greyhawk Boulevard, construction of which is underway.

The roundabout’s estimated completion date is late August, and its estimated cost is $4.78 million. There were 13 crashes at the intersection in 2017, the most recent data available from Manatee County.

“The Pope Road intersection was very dangerous,” Aman said.

“This cleans all that up.”

Slip lanes, which allow motorist to enter a lane to make a turn before actually entering the intersection or traffic circle, will be added on both sides to make the intersection smoother for people

turning onto or off Pope Road and S.R. 64.

“It gives great access to the area,” Aman said. “I drove that area yesterday ... the slip lanes are very helpful for the roundabouts.

It just peels that section of traffic off. You don’t have to go into the full roundabout to make a right.”

Other improvements are related to a future Publix, which will be located at the southeastern corner of the intersection with S.R. 64. Publix-related construction will include a median on the northern end of Pope Road and an access road into the parking lot, which is available to drivers turning right off northbound Pope Road.

Aman said Publix is paying construction on the northern end of Pope Road, such as the median and access road. Publix has contracted North American Properties, which also constructed the Publix at University Parkway and Lorraine Road, to do the work.

A quartermile stretch of Pope Road from White Eagle Boulevard to State Road 64 is under construction.

The addition of turn lanes at the intersection of Pope Road and White Eagle Boulevard could prevent traffic backup.

BEDROOM S A L E om se.c

u

eho War iture

Furn

The

Florida Look at prices you can afford!

PICK UP TODAY OR FREE DOOR DELIVERY TOMORROW** WE OFFER FULL-SERVICE DELIVERY AND SET-UP Need Help Shopping Online? Call 941-359-2255

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST

Simple

yet sophisticated Queen headboard, storage footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

999

$

99

Lasting

74999

$

beautycasual Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror.

F U R N I T U R E Entertain. Engage. Escape.

Relaxing

escape Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in white.

Stores Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

649

$

SOUTH SARASOTA 5252 S. Tamiami Trail (at Phillippi Creek) 941-260-9601

99

NORTH SARASOTA 4027 N Washington Blvd (Hwy 301) 941-351-8600

Transitional

and casual Queen headboard, footboard, rails, dresser and mirror. Also in gray.

BRADENTON 1100 Cortez Rd W (corner US Hwy 41) 941-749-6069

ELLENTON 5814 18th Street East (across Premium Outlets) 941-479-7900

57999

$

VENICE 550 S Seaboard Ave (US Hwy 41 Bypass) 941-485-3211

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd (across Sam’s) 941-764-8700

* On Purchases $300 or more with the Furniture Warehouse credit card made between April 15, 2021 and April 14, 2022. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within 12 months, by April 2022. Minimum Monthly Payments required. Offer applies to only single-receipt qualifying purchases.

No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Furniture must be delivered within 90 days for all financing offers. All prices include Hot Buys or Coupon savings. Terms of promotions - Previous purchase excluded, cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Promotion offers exclude Hot Buys, floor models or clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery, or service charge. ** Next Day Delivery or Pick Up during Covid pertains to in-stock merchandise.

355197-1

2

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

County trail plan emerges

The Gateway Trail would also run through Lake Manatee State Park, Rye Preserve and along parts of Lake Manatee’s northern border before turning northeast toward Chance Reserve. Hunsicker said the trail would give Manatee County residents the opportunity to see landscape common to the Myakka River valley.

“This trail is going to pass through some of the most protected and pristine Florida native territory that we have in Manatee County,” Hunsicker said. “It makes it possible for our residents not only to enjoy short hourly or half-day trips that are taken up simply by moving from A to B, but by landing in these state and county park locations, getting time through access to experience the parks themselves.”

Eventually, Hunsicker said he hopes the trail will curl back to the southwest after reaching Lake Parrish, allowing it to run through Parrish, Ellenton and along Manatee Avenue. It would then culminate with a route across Anna Maria Sound to Anna Maria Island before stretching down to Longboat Key, St. Armands Circle and linking back at Payne Park in Sarasota.

Hunsicker said the Gateway Trail is part of the planning network for Florida’s Shared Use Nonmotorized Trail Program, also known as the SUN Trail Network. The SUN Trail Network, which consists of both existing and planned trails, would cover much of the state’s coastline and contain at least three routes across the state from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

“We like to think big here,” Hunsicker said. “That’s how the Appalachian Trail came together, piece by piece, state by state, town by town. Florida’s SUN

If Manatee County realizes its plan for a countywide trail, it will pass through Rye Preserve, shown here.

301 Lake Parrish

SAFFOLD RD.

P

arks and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker has been working to bring a countywide trail system to Manatee County for 25 years.

However, the county always has put its funds into trail systems located within specific parks or communities. Unlike Sarasota and Hillsborough counties, it does not have a countywide trail system.

Hunsicker said the county’s staff is optimistic it can create a trail system, called the Gateway Trail, that winds through much of Manatee County. Initally, it would connect with Sarasota County’s Fruitville Road and Payne Park to the south and Hillsborough County to the north. That stretch of trail would be more than 20 miles.

He is committed to completing the trail from University Parkway to Chance Reserve (north of State Road 64) in four years. Commissioner George Kruse said in March he would like some of the $78 million in federal money the county will receive through the Great American Rescue Plan to be used for the trail system.

The trails would be suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists and, in most cases, horseback riders. It would start as a hardshell surface, but some portions, if not the entire trail, would eventually be paved as more funding becomes available.

In East County, the trail would run from University Parkway to State Road 64, mostly along Bourneside Boulevard’s eastern border. A trailhead, restroom and shelter would be constructed near the intersection of Bourneside and State Road 70. Additional parking would be available along Bourneside near the two intersections with University and S.R. 64.

Hunsicker said SchroederManatee Ranch already has constructed a 10-foot-wide sidewalk along Bourneside Boulevard, which it will share with the county and prevent the need for Manatee County to build a trail on the right of way it owns about 100 yards east of the road. Using the sidewalk will save the county more than $1 million.

File photos

Unlike neighbors such as Sarasota County and Hillsborough County, Manatee County does not have a connected trail system. Parks 62 and Natural Resources Director Charlie Hunsicker has been working to change that for 25 years.

MANATEE COUNTY GATEWAY TRAIL CONCEPT

675

Lak

eM

ana

B O URNE SID E BLVD.

STAFF WRITER

If realized, the planned Gateway Trail eventually would run along or through locations in Manatee County that include: n Bourneside Boulevard n Lake Manatee State Park n Rye Preserve n Edward W. Chance Reserve n Lake Parrish n Parrish n Ellenton n Manatee Avenue n Anna Maria Island n Longboat Key

D. RYE R

BRENDAN LAVELL

TRAIL BLAZER

LO RRAINE RD.

East County would benefit from an effort to create a county trail system.

tee

64

KEY

East County plan for future trail

70 UN IVERSITY P K W Y.

Trail Network is doing the same thing. It’s coming together piece by piece, county by county, parcel by parcel.”

The county owns all the land it needs for its planned trail system from Edward W. Chance Reserve in the north to University Parkway on the southern border. North of Chance Reserve, the county has identified corridors a few miles wide where the trail could go, pending the opportunity to negotiate with landowners.

“It’s where we can get the land in cooperation with the underlying landowners,” Hunsicker said.

“Without their cooperation, there’s no trail. We’re not going to be condemning or taking any property for a recreational trail.

If I were a property owner, I’d like to be able to hear that from somebody in the government.

We suffer under the reputation of governments that simply take land that’s needed and necessary for road construction.”

Hunsicker said the cost of the project is still unknown to some extent, because gaining access to land typically represents about

65% of the project’s total cost.

The county will spend at least $3 million to build the trail from University Parkway to Lake Manatee, about $1.8 million to build trail through Rye Preserve and $3 million to $4 million to build trailheads from University Parkway to Rye Preserve. Hunsicker said Manatee County is trying to access state grants to cover some of the cost.

Besides negotiations with landowners, Hunsicker said the last remaining hurdle is funding and gaining approval from commissioners. He said the former is the biggest challenge, because there are many other priorities when talking about parks.

“Last time I checked, nobody can play pickleball on a trail like this,” Hunsicker said. “Nobody can swim lanes on a trail like this.

And those do have priority in the community, in terms of recreational assets. My favorite saying here is attributed to Yogi Berra.

‘When you come to a fork in the road, take it.’ Because one priority need not halt progress on yet another.”

3

4

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Clean Up for Spring!

Painting Specials & Pressure Washing Services

Coryea accepts new post Cheri Coryea, who stepped down as Manatee County administrator Feb. 23 after a contentious period with county commissioners, has been named an initiative consultant at the Patterson Foundation, an endowed charitable entity with some $240 million in assets.

Coryea, according to a April 8 statement by the Patterson Foundation, will collaborate with the foundation’s staff members and other consultants on three initiatives strengthening individuals, organizations, and communities across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

She will work directly with the foundation’s Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Digital Access for All and Suncoast Villages initiatives, the release states.

The Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a community-wide effort to help children from birth through third grade, especially those from assetlimited families, read on grade level. Digital Access for All is an

941-313-0471 FREE Estimates

• Complete Interior & Exterior Painting • Tile, Metal & Shingle Roof Cleaning • Pool Cages, Decks, Driveways & Sidewalks • Homes, Commercial Buildings, Barns & All Sidings • Paver Sealing Specials

10% Military & Senior Discounts

copenhagen imports

Travis@NinetyDegreeConstruction.com

EAST COUNTY

Observer 8130 Lakewood Main Street, Suite 207, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 PHONE: 941-755-5357 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com

TO EMAIL US Email press releases, announcements and Letters to the Editor to: Jay Heater, jheater@yourobserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Emma Burke at 941-366-3468, Ext. 344.

Classified Advertising / Service Directory: For information and rates, or to place an ad, call 941-955-4888. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a classified ad online, visit www.YourObserver.com, or email your ad to classified@yourobserver.com.

To subscribe: Please call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301, or email dcondon@yourobserver.com.

MAIL DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION RATES First-Class

Canada

One year / $200

One year / $250

Six months / $160

Six months / $200

Three months / $128

Three months / $160

Manatee sets extra hours to obtain a passport The Manatee County Clerk’s Office, 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, will offer special passport services beginning Saturday, May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. No appointment will be necessary.

The Clerk’s Office, which normally handles passport requests Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (by appointment), also has extended its business hours to handle passports on all Wednesdays in May, On those days, the Clerk’s Office will be open 2 1/2 additional hours until 7 p.m. to handle passport requests. Appointments will be required during those additional Wednesday hours.

The special hours are designed for Manatee County residents who want to apply for their passport for the first time or need to renew a passport issued more than 15 years ago.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Marriage and Passport Department at 741-4020.

Annual Clearance GOING ON NOW!

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF*

TO SUBSCRIBE

SAVE STOREWIDE Now is the time to save on name brands. You’ll find something for every room in your home, at savings you can’t afford to pass up. Quantities are limited. Shop early for the best selection.

LIKE US www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

WATCH US

FURNITURE+LIGHTING+ACCENTS+INTERIOR DESIGN

www.youtube.com/user/YourObserverVideo

7211 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34231

FOLLOW US

*See Sales Associate for Details 355687-1

https://twitter.com/observergroup 355182-1

355692-1

Courtesy photo

Cheri Coryea, the former Manatee County administrator, will work as a consultant for the Patterson Foundation.

initiative that strives to enhance access to technology that connects people in ways that foster inclusion and well-being, while Suncoast Villages initiatives are designed to support and empower older adults in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to live vibrant, purposeful lives.

“Focusing on mutual aspirations that strengthen people, organizations, and communities is the type of work that lights up my soul,” Coryea said in a release.

Mon.-Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com

We follow Social Distancing and CDC Guidelines

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

5

County switches to first-come, first-serve vaccinations County’s vaccination standby pool now a thing of the past.

SHOT UPDATE

Manatee County vaccination update through April 10 Residents vaccinated (at least one dose): 142,595 Residents fully vaccinated: 85,100 County population: Approximately 403,253

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

Spurred by the state, Manatee County has changed its COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

Gov. Ron DeSantis opened vaccine appointments to all Floridians 18 and older April 5. As more people gain access to vaccines, Manatee County shifted away from its lottery system after depleting its standby pool.

The county will switch to a first-come, first-serve system starting April 21.

Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, said demand has decreased for vaccine doses given at Manatee County-run vaccination sites, such as the ones located at Tom Bennett Park in East County. She said the county prevents any doses from going unused by opening the vaccine one vial at a time after 2 p.m., thus ensuring unused doses can still be stored properly after each mass vaccination clinic ends.

East County residents have a variety of opinions about COVID-19 vaccines. Myakka City resident Chris Constantinou said he received his first dose through Sarasota County on the first day Florida residents under age 40 could receive one, April 5. He

Brendan Lavell

Dr. Jennifer Bencie, the Manatee County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health, said mass vaccination sites will likely fade away as people start receiving doses through pharmacies or their health care providers.

travels often and said it will be easier to do so in the future if he is vaccinated.

Deena and Caprey King, who live off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, don’t plan to get vaccinated, at least for the near future. Deena

King said she had COVID-19 in July, so she believes antibodies will protect her for now.

“That’s safer,” Deena King said.

“It’s already in my body.”

Her teenage daughter, Caprey King, is concerned about how

quickly the vaccine became available. She said she wants to wait and see if there are any long-term effects.

Although Bencie said vaccine hesitancy does play a part in the decreased demand at county mass vaccination clinics, she doesn’t believe it is the biggest reason. Instead, Bencie said people are now receiving the vaccine through local pharmacies or their personal doctors, adding it is easier to find alternative avenues for receiving vaccines thanks to tools such as vaccinefinder.org, which is partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“I believe that people will hopefully be more apt to go to where they’re used to going,” Bencie said. “(Mass clinics are) not for everyone in the community. So we need to make sure that everyone who wants the vaccine can get the vaccine through their own resources.”

Bencie said Manatee County will evaluate how successful the initial first-come, first-serve vaccine clinic is and then decide if they should be held at different

hours going forward. The county has generally held its clinics on weekdays in the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. range, although a clinic was held at Tom Bennett Park the weekend of April 10-11 that could help determine if weekend and evening clinics are a better option moving forward, especially as the county starts vaccinating people within age groups that are more likely to have jobs or children.

Eventually, there will come a time when Manatee County stops holding mass vaccination clinics because of decreased demand, according to Bencie.

“There are so many other places now where individuals can go and also choose the type of vaccine they want, that we assume that the (mass clinics) will eventually become something of the past,” Bencie said.

This doesn’t mean the county will stop receiving vaccines from the state. Instead, Manatee County would distribute vaccines to eligible providers, such as hospitals, urgent care centers, private physician offices, hospices and homeless assistance facilities.

This process has already started over the past month.

“Eventually, this will be something similar to the flu vaccine, where you can go to your providers in the community to receive your vaccine,” Bencie said.

The county also plans to use mobile units to distribute the vaccine to hard-to-reach populations, such as migrant workers and underserved communities.

NOW IS THE BEST TIME IN YEARS TO SELL YOUR HOME! WE’VE BEEN YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS FOR OVER 18 YEARS. Call Julie & Pat to discuss listing your home today.

SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT LIVING Completely Renovated on Palma Sola Bay

$2,295,000

2304 Palma Sola Blvd PAT AND JULIE WARREN

PRICE IMPROVEMENT

Real Estate Advisors, REALTORS Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

UNDER CONTRACT IN ONE DAY - SOLD!!

$1,450,000

Legends Walk Terrace, Lakewood Ranch Country Club 8334 Market Street Lakewood Ranch, FL

C: 941.350.7044 C: 941.350.7439 O: 941.907.1033

www.WarrenGroupSarasota.com Pat.Warren@CBRealty.com Julie.Warren@CBRealty@.com

354969-1

Presenting

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

HEATING & COOLING • APPLIANCES • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL

BADGER BOB’S

ALWAYS BETTER BY THE NUMBERS A million things can go wrong with your home systems, but it takes just one call to get your A/C, plumbing, appliance and electrical running right. With Badger Bob’s, you can expect exceptional service, special offers and promotions to save you money, and a guarantee of a job well done… at any time, every time.

Liz Ramos

Braden River’s Andrew Muzquiz focuses while playing a pep band song.

Band numbers expected to sag

One Call Really Does it All – 941.777.2004

EXPECT BETTER SAVINGS EXPERIENCE BETTER SERVICE

Due to pandemic, high school band directors expect fewer recruits from area middle schools.

0%

LIZ RAMOS

Financing

STAFF WRITER

Ron Lambert, the band director at Lakewood Ranch High School, is prepared to introduce eighth graders to his school’s marching band program.

If he can find them.

Lakewood Ranch High School’s

for 60 months!*

10-Year Warranty

on Parts & Labor* Save up to $

1,650 Rebates* *Restrictions apply.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO BETTER

SERVICE, BETTER PRICES & A BETTER EXPERIENCE… ONLY WITH

355954-1

941.777.2004 License #: CFC1427129, CAC1815977, EC13009294

ONE ADDRESS… 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE – BADGERBOBS.COM

349074-1

6

marching band usually adds about 60 freshmen each year. It’s something Lambert said is key to a successful program.

“Freshmen are everything,” Lambert said. “It’s important to have a strong freshman class because when we perform or compete, there’s no one judging the kids separately by age.”

But part of getting more freshmen in the band is through recruitment, and recruitment efforts have been made more difficult this year due to the pandemic.

Some middle schools didn’t have a band program this school

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

GET INVOLVED

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Marching Mustangs will host auditions for color guard, drumline and marching band April 19 and April 20. For more information, visit LakewoodRanchBands.org or contact Ron Lambert via email at LambertR@ManateeSchools.net or phone at 727-6100 ext. 2029.

Braden River High School’s Marching Band of Pirates will have registration in late April. For more information, contact Jeramiah Bowman via email at BowmanJ@ ManateeSchools.net.

year due to COVID-19 health protocols and students being able to choose between learning at school or at home.

Some middle schools were able to add a band program in January after hybrid schedules were discontinued.

Jeramiah Bowman, the band director at Braden River High, said students who participate in band are still headed to the local high schools, but in smaller numbers.

“Unfortunately, at some middle schools, the (band) kids have just disappeared,” Bowman said. “It’s been a struggle, it really has. It’s going to take some time to get everything straightened out. I know our numbers coming into Braden River are going to be much less than usual.”

Braden River High’s Marching Band of Pirates, on average, has 30 to 40 eighth graders entering the program as freshmen each year.

Although some eighth graders might not have had their final year of middle school band and sixth graders might have not

been able to start band this year, Lambert said those programs will continue as the pandemic eases.

“There’s no doubt there’ll be some effects, but I think they’re short term because those [middle school] directors are already working hard to get things up to speed,” Lambert said. “They have pride in their programs, and they love what they do, so they’re not going to let those programs fade away.”

Both Lakewood Ranch and Braden River weren’t able to have middle school band nights or band days where middle schoolers would have an opportunity to see what it’s like to be in the high school marching bands.

The directors have created posters and flyers to send to the middle schools and have also created recruitment videos with film from the bands’ performances to capture the fun and spirit of the bands.

Bowman went to Carlos E. Haile Middle School to speak to the middle school students directly, but he said he might not be able to visit all the schools feeding into Braden River High.

“I told (the eighth graders) it doesn’t matter if you’re going to Braden River or not, but you need to stick with it,” Bowman said.

“High school bands desperately need you to be in the band at the high school level to keep things going and maintain the programs we have. I believe that’ll take time, but it’ll come back.”

Lambert said one of the biggest positives in terms of recruitment is knowing many students already in the band program have siblings who will be entering high school.

“I feel fortunate that it’s something for [middle school students] to look forward to,” Lambert said.

e c n e i r e

Exp

R T EX

D R AO

Y R A N I

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

7

VOTED YOUR FAVORITE MED SPA!

The office was clean, and I have had injections for many years and felt the most comfortable at Bowtique Med Spa. Definitely give them a try. They run great specials as well which is much appreciated!

— Cheryl Z.

10

$ (for Frown Lines, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

(Max 25 units)

299

$

AT

per unit

Cheek Fillers (.8cc)

3 AREAS OF

when you buy 2

ea

(for Cheeks, Nasolabial Folds, Jawline & Hands)

on Sale for

397

$

(for Frown Lines, Forehead & Crow’s Feet)

50 OFF

$

Any Spa Treatment

INCLUDES: Diamond Glow, SkinPen Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Microblading, and Chemical Peels.

THANK YOU TO Dr. J David Holcomb, MD

FOR SERVING AS OUR NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR! Check out the new CoolSculpting Elite at Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery.

Special Pricing for Bowtique Med Spa Clients!

Offers expire 4/30/2021. For new transactions only. All sales final. Must prepay.

No refunds or exchanges. Cannot be combined with any other discount, promotion or credit.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS! VENICE LOCATION COMING SOON! LAKEWOOD RANCH | 6277 LAKE OSPREY DRIVE | 941.359.BTOX (2869) SARASOTA | 6118 S TAMIAMI TRAIL | 941.360.BTOX (2869) MON/TUE/TH/FRI: 10A-5P | ALTERNATE WED/SAT: 10A-4P

ringling.org

www.bowtiquemedspa.com 355291-1

352823-1

ONE LOCATION ENDLESS EXPERIENCES

8

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

LESSONS FROM NANNY Angela Massaro-Fain shares her grandmother’s cooking secrets in a new book.

“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 Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Brendan Lavell, BLavell@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer HSayer@YourObserver.com

JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR

Y

ou could say the book “Bacio di Cucina” — which translates to “a

kiss from the kitchen” — grew out a little slap on the arm.

That slap was just one of the stories told by Lakewood Ranch’s Angela Massaro-Fain April 10 as she danced through her Central Park kitchen while finishing off her grandmother’s classic manicotti recipe.

During Massaro-Fain’s childhood in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she often would be picked up at school by her grandfather, Emilio Zamarra, who brought her to his house where she would begin her “servicia” or chores. Those chores were laid out by Angela Zamarra — known to those in her family and in her “burg” as Nanny.

Nanny’s chore list for her granddaughter included dusting and ironing, but more often than not, cooking.

“I loved it,” Massaro-Fain said as she stirred a pot of her famous Sunday gravy. “I did whatever my grandmother wanted me to do. It was my special time with her.”

While it was a special time, Massaro-Fain didn’t mind challenging Nanny once in a while. For example, when Nanny was making biscotti from a generationsold recipe, little Angela decided a sugar glaze, an Italian no-no for biscotti, was needed. She waited until Nanny had turned her back, and made the switch.

Smack! Nanny was far too smart for such a thing, and she gave her granddaughter the little slap on the arm. Little Angela had been caught. Fortunately Nanny didn’t administer the often threatened “bot a la gool” or spanking on the butt.

Such moments carved out Massaro-Fain’s passion for food and its preparation. She not only learned about how to cook, she learned about the integrity of the process. She said the morals of both her mother, Maria Fran-

EAST COUNTY

Photos by Jay Heater

Proceeds from Angela Massaro-Fain’s Bacio di Cucina (A Kiss from the Kitchen) go to the nonprofit Sisterhood for Good.

cesca Massaro, and Nanny, laid the foundation for her success in both cooking and business.

As the years passed and Massaro-Fain developed into a successful businesswoman, she never forgot those precious moments with Nanny, or wavered in her love of cooking.

Now retired after she and husband, John Fain, sold Lakewood Ranch’s Grapevine Communications on April 10, 2017, Massaro-Fain has decided to share her family favorite recipes in a book, Bacio di Cucina, which is available for purchase at Facebook. com/BacioDiCucina. The cookbook is a loving tribute to Nanny and includes some family stories along with the recipes. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Sisterhood for Good, which Massaro-Fain founded.

Those in East County are likely to know Massaro-Fain as a tough but fair businesswoman, and probably not as the woman who creates culinary masterpieces.

“Cooking and business were totally separate parts of my life,” said Massaro-Fain, who together with her husband founded Grapevine Communications in 2002.

“But even when I was working, I would cook three to four nights a week, and on a Saturday or a Sunday I would do a cooking extravaganza.”

John Fain and Angela MassaroFain enjoy her manicotti at their Central Park home.

RECIPES WITH LOVE

Author: Lakewood Ranch’s Angela Massaro-Fain Book: Bacio di Cucina (A Kiss from the Kitchen) What: A book of more than 50 Italian family recipes Proceeds: All proceeds go to the Sisterhood for Good nonprofit To buy: Go to Facebook.com/BacioDiCucina and click the message tab Price: $25, plus shipping

John Fain, who married Angela in 2000, said cooking always has been a huge part of his wife’s life, even during their busiest days. He described how she would come home from a long day’s work, cut up chicken into cutlets, make a cucumber salad and a couple of side dishes, and then would constantly apologize for not being able to make a real dinner.

“I come from a non-cooking environment,” John Fain said with a laugh. “My kids lived on pizza and hamburgers.”

Over the years, that changed as he began to share his wife’s passion to the point where she now calls him her “sous-chef.”

He is proud of his wife’s accomplishments and her new book.

“She is not a chef like a restaurant,” he said. “But she is known as one of the most amazing Italian chefs in this area.”

Massaro-Fain said it all comes naturally to her.

“I think the biggest joy I get is to see other people happy,” she said. “To me, food always has been love.”

That love includes Nanny.

Among the more than 50 recipes in her book is Nanny’s string bean with mint salad.

“I remember making that salad with her,” Massaro-Fain said. “It was a little garlic and olive oil. I loved the flavor and I loved the smell of the garlic. To this day, when I smell garlic, I think of my grandmother.”

Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio PDiGregorio@YourObserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver. com; Chrissy Guevera, CGuevara@ YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Bob Lewis, BLewis@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver. com; Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator/ Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway MHolloway@YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Strickland, LStrickland@YourObserver. com Controller / Rafael Labrin, rlabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@YourObserver. com

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned.

Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

8130 Lakewood Main St., Suite D207 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941-755-5357

YourObserver.com © 2020 The Observer Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

9

JAY HEATER

High profile golf continues in East County T he impact of having talented pro golfers at the Korn Ferry Tournament at Lakewood National and the World Golf Championships at the Concession this year was immediate.

Fans flocked to the courses to see the pros, and media coverage carved out exposure that was sure to heighten the reputations of the courses, bring more tourists to the area and sell more Lakewood Ranch-area homes.

Hosting a U.S, Open Local Qualifier April 28 doesn’t carry the same instant gratification, but Steve Dietz, the general manager of golf operations at the Waterlefe Golf and River Club, said the longterm benefits of hosting a prestigious golf event will be substantial.

Dietz said hosting the first step toward the 121st U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, is sure to enhance Waterlefe’s reputation as one of Florida’s top courses. Florida has 13 U.S. Local Qualifiers, and while that might seem like a lot, dozens more courses applied to host the event and were turned down.

It will be the seventh time Waterlefe has hosted a U.S. Open Local Qualifier and Dietz said the previous events generated more play at the course in the ensuing months and even years.

Having a U.S. Open Qualifier

Jay Heater

Steve Dietz, the general manager of golf operations at the Waterlefe Golf and River Club, said his course’s reputation will be enhanced by hosting a U.S. Open Local Qualifier.

on its resume also has helped Waterlefe Golf and River Club accumulate a record 208 members at the current time, a number Dietz hopes will expand after this upcoming event.

Dietz said there is no downside to hosting a U.S. Open Local Qualifier. Unlike the aforementioned pro tournaments, it is a one-day event that is open to anyone with a 1.4 handicap or lower. That one day is important because the members aren’t locked out of their home course for four days or more.

He said he has seen many emails by the members who have

said they can’t wait to watch an estimated 60 golfers or more, some pros, some amateurs, try to earn one of a handful of qualifying spots to the U.S. Open Finals Qualifier and the chance to win a berth to Torrey Pines June 17-20.

PGA Tour pros who haven’t qualified for the U.S. Open can skip this round and advance immediately to a Finals Qualifier, so Waterlefe isn’t likely to draw any big names. It more likely will be a field made up of regional pros who are seeking their big shot.

However, anyone who has watched the Korn Ferry Tour

knows only a tiny difference separates struggling pros from the world’s best. The qualifier at Waterlefe could be a launching pad for a future star.

Dietz urges area golf fans to clear time in their schedule to watch the action.

“I remember watching the scores come through during the U.S. Open Local Qualifier here in 2006,” said Dietz, who started as an assistant pro at Waterlefe in 2005. “I was standing by the scoreboard. It was like, ‘Wow.’” Anyone who would like to check out the action, which begins at 8 a.m., can attend the event for free. Waterlefe will rent out golf carts to those who would rather not walk the course to follow the players.

The day after the event always is big for Waterlefe members and those in the public who can play the same set-up to compare themselves to those chasing a U.S. Open berth. Those who play the back tees might be able to say, “I shot 66. I guess I could earn a U.S. Open berth.”

Of course, it’s more likely the Waterlefe course will take its toll on anyone below the elite level.

There’s no faking it around a very tough course.

Dietz said Waterlefe’s members understand the course’s daily challenge.

“This event (the U.S. Open Local Qualifier) falls at the end of our season,” Dietz said. “The

course is in its best shape. We don’t have to change our practices (in terms of maintenance).

It’s really no different to host an event like this, because we operate to our usual standards.”

Waterlefe was scheduled to host the event last year when it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Besides everything else, Dietz said the U.S, Open Local Qualifier is a good fit for Waterlefe.

“You don’t have to be a pro golfer playing on a tour to play in a U.S. Open Local Qualifier,” Dietz said. “Anyone (with a 1.4 handicap or lower) can play. It fits our model. Anyone can play our course. You don’t have to be a member here because we have a daily fee.”

His hope is that those who watch the U.S. Open Local Qualifier will want to become a member at Waterlefe.

“Our fairways, our tee boxes, the quality of our greens, our course is in phenomenal shape,” Dietz said. “This is our opportunity to show off our course.”

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

Super Clean Rooms

Tru-D Superbug Slaying Robots They are powerful, pint-sized super heroes here to battle and prevent infection. Sarasota Memorial’s new Tru-D Robots are slaying superbugs, contagious viruses and pathogens with a disinfecting dose of ultraviolet light. From a single position, Tru-D’s automated 360-degree UVC rays sanitize every surface and crevice, making each room super clean.

Ultraviolet robots keeping our patients and the hospital safer - super cool.

355949-1

smh.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

|

Winter guards earn medals LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

he Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high school winter guards were two weeks shy of performing at the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit State Championships last year when the competition was canceled due to COVID-19.

Both schools’ teams were expecting to receive medals.

“It got snatched away,” said Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, the winter guard director at Braden River High School.

Coming into this year, both schools were excited to get back into competition, especially with all the changes to the school year due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The hard work of students on the winter guards paid off when Lakewood Ranch High School’s winter guard placed third in its division, Braden River High’s junior varsity team placed fourth in its division and Braden River’s

Courtesy photo by Chris Stratford

Brianna Schepers, a sophomore in the Braden River High School JV winter guard, uses a rifle during the guard’s “Little Sparrow” performance.

varsity guard placed sixth in its division at the FFCC state championships March 27 in Daytona.

“It’s significant we were able to achieve what we did because I still wanted to be smart about

COVID-19 protocols,” said Ron Lambert, the winter guard director at Lakewood Ranch High. “We only rehearsed twice per week for two hours each time, and we cut our fees in half for what a typical winter guard season would be. For a lot less money and time, we were able to get a great result because the kids worked hard and were efficient. I also have a great staff.”

Lambert worked with the guard’s staff — Ashley DiMichiel, Jenny Kleer, Marina Mainella and Kenzie Beck — to prepare this year’s winter guard team for its Secret Agent MMB (Mustang Marching Band) routine.

The routine was a “whodunit?” with guard members trying to find a briefcase with hidden gems and money, and the secret agent was revealed at the end, Lambert said.

“Subject matter of winter guard shows tend to be serious, heavy and certainly artistic,” Lambert said. “Up to this point, we’ve done those types of shows. But since 2020 was such a dark year, I wanted to program something fun and uplifting.”

WHAT IS A WINTER GUARD?

This year’s competitions were a mixture of virtual and in-person due to the pandemic, and both Lambert and Robinson-Shinall were grateful to have a competitive season knowing it might not have happened.

“The thing I enjoyed most about this season is the fact the kids actually got to go through the process of learning routines and all that stuff like a normal year,” Robinson-Shinall said. “It was good to see the kids being normal, especially after last year when we were in the middle of our season, and it got cut off from us.”

Braden River High School’s JV winter guard team had the opportunity to virtually compete in the Winter Guard International semi finals April 10-11.

Normally, only the varsity team enters the Winter Guard International competitions due to costs, but because the competition is virtual this year, Robinson-Shinall decided to have the JV team enter as well.

At the FFCC state championship, the JV team performed a

The winter guard competition evolved from color guards that often are found at high schools and colleges where students use various equipment, such as flags, rifles or sabres with dance moves to help enhance and interpret the music of a marching band. Winter guard often is performed unaccompanied by the band to pre-recorded music.

show titled “Little Sparrow” to Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow” while the varsity team produced a show called “My Mind” about a woman coming home to find her husband sleeping but whispering another woman’s name.

“Inspiration for the routines comes from a lot of different places,” Robinson-Shinall said.

“Usually it’s an idea or theme that I have and I go and find music to fit that or I connect with a piece of music and develop a theme or idea from the music.”

FREE Admission

EXPERTISE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Comprehensive Implant Dentistry by Internationally Renowned Specialists

IMPLANT TEETH IN A DAY

SECOND OPINIONS

SECURE LOOSE DENTURES

ALL ON 4 BRIDGES

One of the nation’s leading authorities in implant dentistry practices right here in Sarasota.

APRIL 21, 2021 • 4:30 TO 7:30 PM

CHECK OUR REVIEWS ONLINE

www.drmisch.com

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293 941.493.7441

CRAIG M. MISCH DDS, MDS

SPECIALIST IN ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY & PROSTHODONTICS International lecturer with faculty appointments at Univ. of Michigan, U of F & UAB, author of numerous scientific publications.

120 South Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34237

941.957.6444

4551 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.8437

Meet and hear from the travel experts.

View the Schedule at BookThatEscape.com/SRQLuxuryTravel.

Speakers • Refreshments • Personal Travel Consultations

2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

RSVP to Roz@BookThatEscape.com Register ahead for a Chance to Win a Basket of Travel Goodies

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN Special Financing Available

www.manasotaonline.com

354742-1

SPECIALIST IN PROSTHODONTICS AND TEETH IN A DAY 25 years experience with an eye for achieving a natural perfection in dental restorations

354845-1

KATHERINE E. MISCH DMD

Nathan Benderson Park, Finish Tower • Sarasota, Florida

349377-1

10

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

11

Quite Simply The Best Gulf Front Community in Sarasota The Orchid Beach Club

Stunning Luxury Residence in a Gated Community Located at the Quiet Tip of Lido Key 3 bedrooms, 3.5baths, Family room, 3,242 Sf 727 sf lanai with gas barbecue

Fabulous Amenities: 24/7 security, concierge Garage Parking for 2 vehicles side-by-side State-of-the-art fitness center, Massage room, steam room & sauna Library, game room, catering kitchen Social room and dining room/board room Fenced, beautifully landscaped dog walk, 2 pets allowed Gulf front heated pool & spa $2,195,000

Sylvia Babineau 941/504.0551

sylviababineau@gmail.com My Realty Company

Sushi Snufes 356084-1

12

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

We Serve All Families In this time of need, know who to call.

Our firms will serve your family with all precautions, CDC guidelines, and compassionate care.

Dignity Memorial® Robert Toale & Sons

Photos by Harry Sayer

Assistant Producer Margaret Barbieri directs performers from the seats.

TECHNICAL TRANSLATION The Sarasota Ballet has adapted to the pandemic by learning how to stage filmed ballet shows.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

W

hen he’s on stage, ballet dancer Daniel Pratt feels entirely in his element.

The 30-year-old Sarasota Ballet dancer says there are times when he’s performing in front of a live audience that he feels absolutely beautiful and satisfied that he’s giving it his all.

When he gets off stage and takes a look at himself on video, it can be a different story. With a live performance, Pratt knows he has the one shot to put on a good performance and leave it all out there. But with a video recording, Pratt can fixate on small details in his dancing that rub him the wrong way.

If you or a family you know would like to discuss options for services, cremation, Life Story Celebrations, or returning to their home state up north, we have answers available.

SARASOTA

BRADENTON

941-371-4962

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT WIEGAND CHAPEL

SARASOTA

355905-1

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT MANASOTA MEMORIAL PARK

941-755-2688

• Lakewood Ranch Specialist • Outstanding Customer Service

214 - 621 - 6128

Tracy.Anderson@exprealty.com

OUR NEW LAKEWOOD RANCH LOCATION COMING SOON

NO JOB TOO TOUGH. NO JOB TOO ROUGH!

941-921-5755

356101-1

www.RTSfunerals.com Not affiliated with Toale Brothers Funeral Home or Toale Brothers Inc.

It might not always feel right, but it’s usually exactly what the ballet’s technical team needs. The Sarasota Ballet has transitioned to a digital format for much of the pandemic, where the company’s dancers put on a series of filmed performances to be streamed at home by the organization’s typically in-person audience.

Dream HOMES do come TRUE!

GAF CertainTeed Owens Corning TAMKO Firestone • Residential Commercial Repairs Maintenance • Financing Available

354679-1 1

ROBERT TOALE & SONS FUNERAL HOME AT PALMS MEMORIAL PARK

Aaron Muhl is on hand to be sure the lighting feels right and to adjust levels to get it there.

#1 in Customer Service

CCC 014 711 Roofing Contractor

CCC 016 171 Building Contractor

WE ARE THE AREA’S LEADING

RE-ROOF SPECIALISTS

941.756.4259

Shingles Tile • Metal Modifieds Built-Up Single Ply Membrane Aluminum Fascia • Soffit Siding Gutters Rotted Wood Replacement

ONLINE: www.ApprovedRoofingLLC.com SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COAST FOR OVER 40 YEARS

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

are staying loyal to the vision of the choreographer who created the ballet,” Paz said. “... These are moving bodies. What you want to do with the shot is make sure that you’re providing the best light.”

Lauren Ostrander, a fellow coryphee dancer performing in the sixth program, says she’s a visual learner and has tried to view her performance videos with a more objective eye.

“I’ll literally close one eye and move the phone super far away from me and try to watch it as maybe what majority of the audience is seeing,” Ostrander said. “I realized that they’re not picking apart every single pinky finger movement.”

There’s no denying Pratt, Ostrander, and many other performers and staff members are looking forward to dancing in

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

13

FOR MORE INFORMATION Sarasota Ballet Digital Program 6 Performances: ‘Valses nobles et sentimentales’, ‘The Walk to the Paradise Garden’, and ‘Façade’ all by Sir Frederick Ashton Tickets $35.

Information: SarasotaBallet.com Andres Paz edits each show as footage comes in.

front of a crowd again, but they feel good about dancing at all in this moment.

“I love… seeing the product of

your hard work,” Ostrander said.

“We’re definitely doing our best.

That’s reason enough to get up each day and work.”

E X PA ND W HAT IT MEA NS TO BE HOME

MORE CHOICES. MORE CONNECTIONS. At Lakewood Ranch, the idea of home goes well beyond your own walls and windows. You’ll feel that same sense of comfort and belonging whether you’re shopping on Main Street, exploring a new trail, or joining neighbors for morning yoga. Come see why it’s the best-selling community in the country for all ages – and why soon, there might be no place you’d rather be than home.

SHOPPING, DINING, ART S & ENTERTAINMENT | PARKS & TR AIL S | 20+ VILL AGES TO CHOOSE FROM SOCIAL AND SPORT S CLUBS | GOLF & R ACQUE T SPORT S | THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNIT Y A-R ATED SCHOOL S | NAMED BES T HE ALTH & FITNESS COMMUNIT Y *

EXPLORE THE MOST NEW HOME CHOICES IN FLORIDA | FROM THE $200S TO OVER $1 MILLION * *

*Ideal-Living 2020 Best of the Best Rankings. **Prices subject to change without notice. © 2021 Lakewood Ranch

.com 355311-1

“Initially I didn’t like watching myself,” Pratt said. “It’s like hearing yourself back on voicemail.

That was an obstacle, but now I’m in a place where I can’t quite say I enjoy it, but I’m using it as a learning tool where I’m watching what I’m doing.”

While Pratt and other dancers have learned to put on a different kind of performance, the ballet’s technical staff has had to learn how to properly capture that performance on camera.

“Everything was completely different before the pandemic,” said Andres Paz, a videographer who now helps edit the program’s videos. “Everything kind of transferred digitally after the pandemic so the dancers could keep dancing.”

The company’s sixth digital program, set to premiere April 23, is a collection of works from Sir Frederick Ashton.

Preparation for “Valses Nobles et Sentimentales”, “The Walk to the Paradise Garden’” and “Façade” requires a joint effort between the ballet’s lighting specialist, videographers, choreographers and performers to make the video look just right.

Staff work for authenticity when lining up performers and adjusting the lights — they want the video on the audience’s screens to feel just like how it would in person. It requires a different skillset and approach for much of the company’s longtime staff.

Assistant Producer Margaret Barbieri, who has staged the performances for the sixth program, directs the on-stage performers with a microphone while standing at a distance. It’s her favorite work, but she admits the new approach has been a trial and a tribulation.

“You can’t say ‘Oh, that’s what I did last program so to apply to this (program),’” Barbieri said.

“Every ballet is different.”

Much of that difference and focus involves the right amount of color and lighting, which is where resident lighting designer Aaron Muhl comes in.

He describes his job as a rotating process where he monitors both the live stage and the video coming through the cameras to make sure the proper amount of light and color is displayed on the stage so that it comes in looking authentic in video. The end result is often performers going through their motions on a brightly lit stage that ends up looking correct on video.

Increasing and decreasing the intensity and color of light to match a production’s mood and emotion is what Muhl aims for with each production.

“The camera is very sensitive to some colors, and not so sensitive to others,” Muhl said. “I find that I’m saturating color for the camera, as opposed to the live stage.” It has to do with the balance between what’s on stage and how it should look and what the camera actually picks up. Sometimes they’re minimal changes.

And sometimes they are extraordinarily drastic changes.”

Paz looks at the filmed result during rehearsal and makes sure the lighting, color and tone is how it should be as if you were in a live show.

Everyone’s retinas are different, and everyone has a different kind of screen — be it a laptop, iPhone, tablet, or more — to view the shows on, and Paz and the videography team work hard to help make sure the programs look consistent on every device.

“Every time there is a change, we immediately see it on the computer to make sure that we

|

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

349600-1

Vaccines don’t meet the standard Thanks to a carefully scripted campaign delivered by mainstream media (TV, magazines, newspapers and websites), virtually everyone is now clamoring for something that even today still doesn’t exist. Those substances called COVID-19 vaccines being jabbed into arms doesn’t meet the legal definition of a vaccine.

What’s more, none of the three current U.S. versions are actually approved; they have only received “Emergency Use Authorization.” Authorization is not the same as approval/ approved.

The PCR test everyone is relying on is seriously flawed, resulting in unbelievably high false positives that are used to justify various crippling and devastating measures such as business closings, capacity restrictions, lockdowns, school closings, curfews, masks, etc. as well as increases in domestic violence, divorces and suicides.

The test was not designed as a screening test, but to confirm a diagnosis in people already exhibiting certain symptoms.

The result of this mass hysteria is a transfer of wealth from small companies and momand-pop businesses (some with permanent closings) to big profiteers, like companies making “vaccines,” masks, sanitizing products, and so on. And of course the loss of freedoms as the public willingly accepts unconstitutional new laws out of fear as happened after 9/11 with the Patriot Act. Last month the White House went to extremes to attempt to silence anyone challenging their official propaganda, because only politicians and Popelike Anthony Fauci are honest enough to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Everything else is labelled as misinformation or disinformation or buried far down in the results of google searches.

The TV news announced the government hired a public relations company to saturate

* for full details. ions apply. See server

*Restrict

SUMMER ROWING CAMP June 21 - July 2 July 12 - July 23 July 26 - August 6

No Experience Necessary!

Best Summer Camp Deal!

Great Coach-to-Camper Ratio!

Sarasota Crew, Inc. 343 Palmetto Avenue 354093-1

www.SarasotaCrew.org 941.966.9791

the country with pro-vaccine propaganda. But note how the “official” truth has changed and still is. A year ago, Fauci first said that masks weren’t necessary, then all of a sudden they became mandatory, even outdoors. A few weeks ago, there was talk about double-masking. Meanwhile, CDC studies on mask usage use the words “associated with” before the claimed benefits of masking.

Note also how physical distancing (what’s really needed instead of destructive social distancing) is about to be reduced from the current arbitrary 6 feet to 3 feet, with Fauci’s blessings.

The bottom line is to not blindly follow government guidelines. Yes, some of them change because of new research.

Research what you can do to boost your natural immunity through lifestyle choices, vitamins and supplements (topics that are strictly taboo on mainstream media, as are survival rates, death rates and distribution of COVID-19 cases in various age brackets). When questioned point-blank, Fauci grudgingly admitted he takes vitamin D daily. He didn’t mention vitamin C, zinc and other things that are critical for strong immune systems.

RAYMOND KOSTANTY GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Turmoil leads to needed change Author Deepak Chopra once said, “All great changes are preceded by chaos.”

The citizens have observed such chaos emanating from the Manatee County Commission over the past five months.

The turmoil that has accompanied changes in the county government made for tabloid fodder. Fortunately, the Manatee County commissioners have endured their missteps and have put our county government on a path toward a more lean and efficient operation.

In our Manatee County elections last November, three new

CAT DEPOT SUPPLY & GIFT STORE

It’s Grillin’ Time!

NOW CARRYING Outdoor Cabinets by Weatherstrong.com and Grills by Fire Magic, Blaze, and American Outdoor Grills

NOW OPEN

BY APPOINTMENT or ONLINE ORDERING

# 1 PLACE TO SHOP FOR CATS & CAT LOVERS

with CURBSIDE PICKUP

2542 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34234 • www.catdepot.org Adoptions available by appointment • 941.366.2404

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR

355171-1

www.catdepot.org/shop

FREE ESTIMATE!

OUTDOOR KITCHENS & FIRE PITS

Custom built outdoor kitchen Islands and wall units. Granite counter tops, stone veneer fronts, tile backsplashes, with top of line Stainless Steel appliances from

Blaze, AOG, and Fire Magic.

On a budget? We offer prefab Islands too!

OUTDOOR KITCHENS

HARDSCAPES & PAVERS

Install New or Replace Outdated Pavers to Your Outdoor Living Space.

Pool Deck - Patio - Driveway

www.lakewoodranchlandscape.com

355514-1

941.373.5110

www.CoolToday.com

353066-1

14

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

path toward more efficiency.

When the four Manatee County commissioners began the process of replacing the county administrator, other commissioners began a campaign with other elected officials to thwart the change. It was painful for the public to watch as the bureaucrats fought back, but after several months Scott Hopes was installed as the new county administrator.

Hopes brings to the county his extensive experience in private business as well as service on governmental bodies.

With Hopes in place, the philosophical changes that commissioners Baugh, Satcher, Kruse and Van Ostenbridge have endorsed can now be implemented.

We will see if our county government can be operated in a manner that will benefit the taxpayers while preparing for the future.

Recently, our county received nationwide attention as a result of the leaks from the Piney Point phosphate holding ponds.

Fortunately, Scott Hopes portrayed a competent and educated response to the crisis that reflected well on our county.

The taxpayers will continue to watch our commissioners to see if they can follow through on creating a government that is streamlined and efficient and forward thinking.

BOB SPENCER

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

15

10% OFF Living Room Upholstery - TV Stands Occasional Tables Entertainment - Rockers - Bookcases Display or order. Not valid on previous purchases or Miller’s Custom Cabinetry. Use code livingroom online.

4/1/21 - 4/30/21.

EAST COUNTY

DUTCHHAUSFURNITURE.COM

354916-1

commissioners and one returning commissioner were elected.

The four candidates, Vanessa Baugh, James Satcher, George Kruse and Kevin an Ostenbridge ran on a platform of lowering taxes, curtailing the growth of government and making county government more efficient, while preparing Manatee County for the growth that is coming.

The naysayers told people the candidates were naive and did not understand the complexity of government. The candidates nevertheless were successful at the ballot box and began the process of implementing their philosophy.

They realized that the change they represented was anathema to the entrenched bureaucrats in our county government. They further realized they would need a county administrator with private business experience to help them reach their goals of changing the philosophy of Manatee County government.

Years ago, Ronald Reagan had experienced similar pushback when he was elected president and began trying to change the way our federal government worked.

The air traffic controllers union demanded huge pay raises from the federal government and went on strike. Reagan faced immense pressure from the entrenched federal bureaucracy to settle with the union and let things continue as they had in the past. Reagan stood firm and fired the workers who refused to return to work.

Reagan’s steadfastness in the face of the hand wringing from the entrenched power structure put the federal government on a

|

Digital Program 6

ASHTON 23 -27 April

donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps

3 Stores n 1 Location Tuesday - Saturday n 10:00am - 5:00pm 2095 17th Street n Sarasota

(941) 444-5783

n

www.habitatsrq.org

Our vision is everyone deserves a decent place to live.

347877-1

TICKETS $35 941.359.0099 SARASOTABALLET.ORG

Media Sponsor 349353-1

Have large items to donate?

Call to schedule your free pick up.

APRIL 15, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

5

“As a team, we just want to go as far as we can go in the postseason. It’s what we talk about all the time.”

Lakewood Ranch High’s John Schroeder SEE PAGE 18

Popularity insured Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale finds crossover fame with a new Geico commercial.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

L 1

Former Lakewood Ranch High softball player Avery Goelz, a freshman at Florida, went 2-2 with a double, a walk and three RBIs April 4 in the Gators’ 17-1 win against Georgia.

2

Braden River High baseball pitcher Landon Kiefer threw six shutout innings, striking out seven batters, April 7 in the Pirates’ 1-0 win against Lakewood Ranch High.

3

Judy Atkins sank a hole-in-one April 6 on the No. 6 hole on Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Royal Lakes course. Atkins used a pitching wedge on the 91yard hole.

4

Jan Hanson sank a hole-in-one April 6 on the No. 4 hole on Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Royal Lakes course. Hanson used a 6-hybrid on the 99-yard hole.

5

Lakewood Ranch High girls lacrosse sophomore Jaelyn Broske scored six goals April 9 in the Mustangs’ 16-3 win against Sarasota High.

akewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale was out and about when a particularly precocious child pointed at him and called him “The Geico Man.” Even at 81 years old, life continues to offer surprises for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster.

Known for his college basketball broadcasting excellence for ESPN, Vitale is reaching an entirely different audience due to one 30-second commercial for Geico.

In the 30-second spot, the Lakewood Ranch resident is auditioning to be a company spokesman, dishing out his classic catchphrases and even pouring a jug of sports drink over his head. He then asks the Geico reps if his actions were “too much” while standing soaking wet, making audiences across the country laugh.

Vitale said he now finds himself being recognized for that commercial, as opposed to his long career in basketball. That’s OK, though, for Vitale said he’s glad the spot is making his brand more visible to non-sports fans.

Vitale, of course, knows the notoriety will help him raise even more money for children’s cancer research.

Besides, he said the commercial was a blast to film. It only took three takes — and a bit of studio magic.

“I could barely lift that [jug] two inches off the ground, it was so heavy,” Vitale said of the bucket of a sports drink. “They were able to create a pulley system to lift it.

When I said the magic word, it got raised a bit. Then it was like lifting a piece of paper.”

Vitale’s brand is increasing at an age when most sports broad-

Courtesy photo

Dick Vitale called college basketball games from his office during the 2020-2021 season. Vitale said the most difficult part was knowing when to enter the conversation.

casters begin to slow down, if they haven’t stopped entirely.

Vitale said he has no plans to join the ranks of the retired. On April 1, ESPN announced Vitale had signed an extension with the network through the 2023-2024 season, which will be Vitale’s 45th year at ESPN. “I’ve always said, I will never embarrass myself, my family or my network,” Vitale said. “If I didn’t feel in my soul and my spirit that I can still do the things I’ve done in the past, I wouldn’t do it.

I don’t need the money. But I love doing it, and I feel as good in my knowledge of the players and in my rapport with coaches as ever.”

Vitale’s 2020-2021 season was a unique challenge in his career.

ESPN elected to have Vitale and other broadcasters call games from their homes out of coronavirus precautions. Thanks to the expertise of ESPN’s technical staff, Vitale said using broadcast equipment at home was a breeze.

What was more difficult were the things unable to be replicated

IT’S TIME TO

Fertilize!

digitally, like perfecting your timing.

When you’re not next to your broadcast partner, Vitale said, you’re not concentrating on the game as much as you usually are.

Vitale said he hopes to be back calling games in-person next season, and as more events are held indoors this spring and summer, it appears likely he will. Vitale himself is holding his annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The annual event, which raises money for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, will be held in person this year after an all-digital broadcast in 2020. There will also be a livestream of the event for those unable to attend.

People can donate online at DickVitaleGala.com, or they can purchase autographed merchandise from him in person. He’s not hard to spot as most weekdays around noon, Vitale said, he will be at Lakewood Ranch’s First Watch location with a stack of books and T-shirts.

IF YOU GO

What: 2021 Dick Vitale Gala When: 7:30 p.m. May 7 Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Why: The event raises money for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, specifically pediatric cancer research Honorees: University of Florida Football Coach Dan Mullen, Auburn University Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl, University of Notre Dame former Women’s Basketball Coach Muffet McGraw and ESPN studio host Scott Van Pelt Special guests: ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, who will receive the V Foundation John Saunders Tickets: $1,000 Info: DickVitaleGala.org

FARM & GARDEN

ORGANIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE!

OFF

ALL FERTILIZER through 4/21

VOTED #1 GARDEN CENTER IN SARASOTA 735 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.366.4954 • www.YourFarmandGarden.com

Visit us on Facebook

Local Garden Specialists are on hand to make sure your project gets off to the right start.

PLANTS & GARDEN ACCESSORIES SINCE 1953 3 ACRE GARDEN CENTER • NURSERY SW FL POTTERY CENTER

Installations • Licensed • Planning & Design • Insured • Referrals Upon Request

354892-1

20%

Your Farm & Garden offers a wide variety of top quality plants and products perfect for your Florida garden, landscape, office or home.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

PROSE AND KOHN

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

17

RYAN KOHN

One final encore for Braden River’s Gordon A t the 2021 Manatee-Sarasota Boys and Girls Basketball Senior All-Star Games, one player rose above the rest.

The event, which also featured 3-point contests and a dunk contest, was held April 8 at Bradenton Christian School, though Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball coach Jeremy Schiller was the event’s de facto host.

In a rare occurrence, the boys’ game did not feature a single player from Lakewood Ranch High, Braden River High or The Out-of-Door Academy. Manatee won the boys game 63-62.

The girls’ game, however, saw a handful of area seniors get a final encore, and that included Braden River’s O’Mariah Gordon, the two-time Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a Florida State signee. Due to a shortage of players on Sarasota’s side, Braden River’s All-Stars actually switched teams, so Gordon and fellow Pirate Cheyenne Stubbs went against Lakewood Ranch All-Stars Taylor Young and Jordan Brown, who represented Manatee.

During the game, Gordon was still doing all the amazing things we have come to expect. Even though the game’s result was meaningless, she was giving it everything she had. At one point in the second quarter, Gordon missed a 3-point shot from the

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above: Pirates Coach Stephanie Smith, Braden River senior O’Mariah Gordon and Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball Coach Jeremy Schiller celebrate Gordon’s overall 3-point contest win. Gordon made 13 shots in one minute in the finals.

Right: Braden River High senior O’Mariah Gordon won the 3-point contest by hitting 18 shots in the girls final, then 13 shots in the overall final to beat Southeast High’s Galen Washington.

left side of the arc, then sprinted to the right corner of the arc to grab her own rebound before it went out of bounds. In the fourth quarter, Gordon connected on her version of an alley-oop from Stubbs — instead of a dunk, she turned the lob pass into a smoother-than-butter reverse layup in midair.

The “Sarasota” All-Stars would defeat Manatee 59-35.

Gordon finished with 14 points, while Stubbs, a Canisius signee, finished with 16 and took home the game’s MVP award. Gordon likely could have scored more

if she felt like it, but as she’s done throughout her career, she looked to get her teammates as many looks as possible. In a game with no stakes, that meant a lot of looks for others. After the game, Gordon said she just wanted to compete against her fellow seniors one last time.

“I’m so glad I got to finish with a group of players like this,” Gordon said. “We’ve been

playing each other since we were freshmen. We’ve seen each other develop. We all want the best for each other in the future. It was fun to have this game, to go out like this.”

She wasn’t done, though.

Gordon took part in the evening’s 3-point contest, winning the girls’ division by sinking 18 shots in 60 seconds. She would later defeat the boys’ champion,

Southeast High’s Galen Washington, by hitting 13 shots in 60 seconds. In my years covering the Manatee-Sarasota All-Star Games, no girls representative has come close to defeating the boys representative. For Gordon, it was no sweat.

Gordon said she’s been having mixed feelings over the last few weeks. She’s excited to get to Florida State and start getting college-level ready, she said, but she’s also going to miss this area and the people who helped her grow her game from the beginning.

“I’m just soaking up these last moments,” Gordon said.

I hope people went to see Gordon play locally while they had the chance. Players like her don’t come around too often. She’s the 31st-ranked player in the country by ESPN, and that’s while standing at 5-foot-4. If she was even three inches taller, I believe she’d be in the top 10. Her skills deserve that ranking.

She’s going to be a stat-stuffing machine at Florida State, and I bet you’ll be seeing her skills on SportsCenter, too.

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

The Home Service Pros Who Care

The Area’s most Trusted Name since 1974

Starting at

4,800!

$

+ 12 Months 0% Financing Available!

Some restrictions apply. This offer applies to a 1.5 T, 14 SEER HVAC System with heat strip and thermostat included. Includes reconnection to existing ductwork, wiring, refrigerant piping and drain. Not valid on prior purchases and cannot combine offers.

Limited time offer.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

250 OFF

100 OFF

$

Reme Halo Air Purifier

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Complete Home Rewiring Standby Generators & Service Repairs on All Generators Surge Protection

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

FREE

$

Whole House Water Treatment System

LET AQUA HELP YOU ON YOUR NEXT ELECTRICAL PROJECT!

AND SO MUCH MORE!!

Water Quality Analysis ($99 value)

CALL NOW! 941.866.6210

or visit www.AquaPlumbingSarasota.com

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of service.Contact Aqua Plumbing & Air for details.

Offer expires 4/30/2021.

Lic # cAc1816020 • PLbg cFc1428223 • ELEc Ec13009313 355277-1

New AC System

SEE HOW MUCH MORE YOU CAN SAVE!!

Air Conditioning

Plumbing

Electrical

Water Treatment

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

GOLF CART

John Schroeder

SUPERSTORE

Join the Cart Lifestyle

John Schroeder is a senior catcher/first baseman on the Lakewood Ranch High baseball team. Schroeder hit a walk-off double April 5 in the Mustangs’ 3-2 win against Braden River High and his .305 batting average and 16 RBIs lead the team.

Be Active. Be Outside. Be Safe.

941-841-1083 www.customcarts.com

355218-1

4515 15th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203 4802 Lena Rd, Unit 101, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211

When did you start playing baseball?

I started when I was 3. My dad (John Schroeder) had me try it to see if I liked it, and I did.

What is the appeal to you?

The bond you get with your teammates and the competitive nature of it all. You have to love the grind of the sport to play it.

Visit Custom Carts – Florida’s Largest Golf Cart Dealer with 7 Locations

What is your best skill?

My best skill is my defense behind the plate, my catching ability. That is something that came naturally to me. I also think I’m good at motivating guys and being a leader.

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

What are your goals for this season?

As a team, we just want to go as far as we can go in the postseason. It’s what we talk about all the time. That’s all that matters.

What is your favorite TV show?

I’ve been liking ‘Criminal Minds’ lately. Also ‘Breaking Bad.’ I’m big into crime shows and things like that.

What is the best advice you have received?

Always try your hardest in everything you do. That’s something I think about a lot.

Finish this sentence: John Schroeder is ...” … Fun.

What is your favorite memory?

My freshman year, we played St. Petersburg High for the district title at home, and I hit a walk-off single to win the game 1-0. That was a great moment.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I’m working on being more vocal on the field. Calling out situations and making sure everyone knows what they’re doing.

We are open for private & semi-private lessons at home & community pools!

355599-1

354587-1

SWIMMING LESSONS Join the SCHOOL OF FISH TODAY!

Over 25 years experience. Instructors specialize in teaching swim to all ages and all skill levels, including children and adults with special needs at home and community pools!

(941) 907- 8482 | mjbhaus@aol.com | Schooloffishswimminglessons.com

GOLF & RIVER

CLUB

Stay Cool This Summer and Play Golf!

Interior Design | Unique Furnishings | Home Accessories

SUMMER GOLF PROGRAM May 1st - September 30th, 2021

$500 +Tax for a Single or a Family Range Balls Included! • Unlimited Golf • No Restrictions • No Green Fees Pay Only a Cart Fee - $25 18 Holes / $15 9 holes • Book Tee Times Up to 10 Days in Advance • Children 15 and Under Play for Free after 11am

(must be accompanied by parent participant) (No F&B Minimum)

SIGN UP by May 1st, 2021 to Receive 3 Guest Passes!

For details call or email Janice at 941.718.4848 or jreed@waterlefeFL.com

Open to the Public — For Tee Times Call 941.744.9771 1022 Fish Hook Cove, Bradenton | waterlefegolfandriverclub.com

Host to the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament an unprecedented six times

355116-1

18

355315-1

Classifieds 29 Games 28 Real Estate 25 Weather 28

APRIL 15, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS CREATIVE MINDS COLLIDE

East County’s Joe Eckstein, an illustrator, and Country Club East’s David Wiegand work together to create Wiegand’s first book, “The Martian Menace.”

Wiegand connected with Eckstein through the Nextdoor app.

ABOUT THE BOOK “The Martian Menace” is the first book in The Fantastical Adventures of Chilip and Pourtney series. The story is about 12-year-old Chilip and his 10-year-old sister, Pourtney, who are awakened in the middle of the night by an encounter with extraterrestrials. The siblings have to overcome their sibling rivalry and work together to save the world and their dad.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

L

ast Christmas, Country Club East’s David Wiegand wrapped two copies of a children’s book and sent them to his children Philip and Courtney in Maryland.

The presents came with instructions to open them while someone took a video.

When Philip and Courtney Wiegand opened their gifts, they saw an illustration of themselves as children on the cover of “The Martian Menace,” the first book their father wrote and self-published as part of The Fantastical Adventures of Chilip and Pourtney series.

“It was something I had wanted to give to my kids and something that would be there to remind them of a special time in our lives growing up together, me as a parent and them as kids,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand would always read books to his children when they were toddlers, but one day, his children insisted he tell a new story, a story he made up.

“I made up these stream-ofconsciousness-type of stories, and wherever my mind took me, that’s where they went,” Wiegand said. “They loved it because they saw themselves as characters in the book, too. I told them the stories in a way they would be able to identify with the characters.”

These stories inspired Wiegand to start writing his own stories when he retired five years ago, leading to “The Martian Menace.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR DAVID WIEGAND Residence: Country Club East Age: 68 Family: Wife, Hanne Johansen, and children Philip and Courtney Favorite book: “Memories”

by Mike McQuay

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR Photos by Liz Ramos

East County’s Joe Eckstein, an illustrator, and Country Club East’s David Wiegand, the author of “The Martian Menace” show off some sketches in the book.

When Wiegand started writing in 2018, he knew he had to have illustrations for his children’s book. He decided to go onto Nextdoor to see if any artists in the area would be willing to work with him on the book.

At least a half dozen artists commented on his post, including East County’s Joe Eckstein.

“Joe was a godsend because he’s a children’s book illustrator.

How much better can you get than that?” Wiegand said.

Eckstein has been illustrating

JOE ECKSTEIN Residence: East County (off Lorraine Road) Age: 42 Family: Wife, Kristen Eckstein Favorite project: “Herby Gets a Life” by Joe Eckstein

and drawing professionally since he was in high school. His classmates would pay him to create flip-books, and he also freelanced for organizations.

“I love creating a world where these characters live, and I love telling stories with my art,” Eckstein said. “I feel like it’s a calling for me to be able to create something that’s not there and give life to these ideas.”

Eckstein went on to get a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and was hired as a digital artist and illustrator for a greeting card company in Toledo, Ohio, after he graduated. He also has experience as a graphic designer.

Wiegand gave Eckstein photos of his kids from when they were children to help Eckstein develop the characters.

“I love the process of collaborating with the author because we kind of bounce ideas off of each other,” Eckstein said. “He has a vision for the book and the story and that feeds into my creativity to create something that will communicate the story and the emotions.”

“The Martian Menace” was published in January 2020.

Wiegand is now working on the second book in The Fantastical Adventures of Chilip and Pourtney series, but he’s not in a rush to write it.

“More and more I’m learning to kind of relax, slow down a little bit, enjoy the scenery and enjoy life,” Wiegand said. “There’s a lot of it to see out there and a lot of it to enjoy, so I’m not in any particular hurry to get another project out there. I’m working on it, little by little, and it’s going to happen but at its pace.”

354592-1

An East County author partners with a local illustrator to create a children’s book.

20

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Night of horse play

L

344632-1

akewood Ranch’s Allen Pfaadt held the hand of his 2-year-old grandson Bradlee Pfaadt while they made their way on the field at Sarasota Polo Club April 8.

The two walked to a divot, and Bradlee stomped it back into the ground.

“Here’s another one,” Allen Pfaadt said to his elated grandson.

The Pfaadts, along with dozens of others, continued to stomp divots before the polo match continued during Sunset Polo Happy Hour.

Allen Pfaadt thought Sunset Polo would be an opportunity to introduce the sport to his grandson.

“He’s never seen it before,” Allen Pfaadt said. “We hope to put him in polo camps when he’s older.”

April 8 was the first time Lakewood Ranch’s Greg and Annie Kemp and their friends Earl and Candy Robertson, of Lakewood Ranch, went to Sunset Polo, but it won’t be their last.

“This is too much fun,” Annie Kemp said. “We’re going to come back with chairs and a cooler.”

AFFORDABLE

ATTORNEY ALTERNATIVE Legal Documents without breaking the bank!

WILLS & TRUSTS ~ NOTARY PUBLIC ~

STOREFRONT SECRETARY

We also prepare documents for: Professional, Accurate & Confidential • Divorces Call 941-405-4067 • Quit Claim Deeds to Schedule your Free, no Obligation Consultation Today!

• Incorporations • Name Changes 4949 E. State Road 64, Bradenton 34208 StorefrontSecretary.com & So Much More

355654-1

Specializing in:

— LIZ RAMOS

Venice’s Deb Marchetta, Patti Thole and Rebecca Townsend have fun watching the polo match. They had never been to the Sarasota Polo Club before Sunset Polo. “It’s been fun,” Thole says. “We’re having a fabulous time.”

Left: Sarasota’s Laurel Quarberg spends time with her sister, Diane Newbern, who is visiting from Virginia.

Sarasota’s Dave Carlson, Stephanie Shapiro, Marie Elisa Font and Nick Vlakos attend Sunset Polo with Sarasota Over 50 Meet Up group.

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE? CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL

355894-1

We can help, call us today to see if you’re eligible!

VPK - FREE preschool for all 4-year-olds residing in FL regardless of family income School Readiness - A child care subsidy based on income and family size for children aged birth to 12

Call (941) 757-2910 or visit www.elc-manatee.org today!

Sponsorship by the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County and the State of Florida, Office of Early Learning.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Registration #CH27655 “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

21

Your NEW Outdoor Kitchen is HERE! CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.lanailifestyles.com

ction of Huge Sele

W E N Kitchens Outdoor BQ

B

by Bull at g in rt Sta $

POOL CHEMICAL PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

Hundreds of people watch a polo match between Hillcroft Farm and Whiskey Pond.

*excluding online retailers *must bring competitors ad

8 5

BRING IN 2 FOR AD FOR OR 2.5 GAL JUG REFILL

$

4,899

% YOUR FIRST

OFF ORDER

excluding sale merchandise

Stop by our Showroom TODAY! 941 - 896 - 6342 OPEN MON - SAT

9712 SR64 East Bradenton 34212 (across from Haile Middle School) Photos by Liz Ramos

355243-1

Fort Lauderdale’s Danny Pfaadt helps his 2-year-old son Bradlee Pfaadt stomp out divots with his dad Allen Pfaadt, who lives in Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch’s Ken Yermak and Rebecca Marek enjoy their first Sunset Polo. Yermak says his favorite part of the night was stomping out divots.

POOL & PATIO

Lanai.Lifestyles lanailifestyles@gmail.com

Family Owned & Operated

GET THE BEST

AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SERVICE presents

Cleaner Air

ONLY $49

*

A/C TUNE-UP

Safer Home

150 OFF

FREE

$

*

*

ANY NEW WATER HEATER INSTALLATION

LANDSCAPE LIGHTS

FREE estimates if your water water is 8 years or older

Buy one light, get one free!

Up to 3 BOGO deals per customer.

*Some restrictions may apply.

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Includes our 6 Month no breakdown guarantee *With recommended repairs Must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offers

Healthier Water

SAVE $ 1,650 up to

ON A NEW CARRIER SYSTEM * Plus a 10 Year Warranty and Air Purifier with purchase *On qualifying systems.

TM

CAC055539 TM

CFC1428793

EC13005317

pr 29 thru A , r u h T y 2, 2021 Sun, Ma 7pm

Call for full details.

Call Today. CoolToday.

TM

Never an Overtime Charge h 7 Days a Week h Call Today to Schedule!

(941) 343-8543 h CoolToday.com

355716-1

351842-1

Expires 05/31/21

ri • Thur & F & 7 pm Sat • 2 6 pm Sun • 1 &

Watch LIVE IN-PERSON or buy a VIRTUAL TICKET to WATCH AT HOME! The health & safety of our patrons & artists is our highest priority.

See incredib youth perfo le rmers FLIP, FLY & SOAR!

TICKETS $20 - $30

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

COMMUNITY

licenses are required for any participants age 16 and older.

For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

BEST BET

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

CASUAL CORNHOLE Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting a casual cornhole league that runs through March 11 for those 18 and up. A fee of $25 covers all sessions. For more information or to register, go to MyLWR.com or call 7271505.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

DISC GOLF Begins at noon at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

MVP Sports and Social begins its Frisbee Disc Golf League that is free for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Ages 8 and up are eligible. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

LEARN TO FISH Begins at 10 a.m. at James Patton Park, 5725 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Anglers Club and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities provide basic lessons on fishing, such as casting

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

SUNSET POLO Begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch.

Evening polo is now open to the public at the Sarasota Polo Club.

The Thursday Sunset Polo Happy Hour runs through April 22. The free event includes polo, an opening parade, halftime entertainment and divot stomping. Food and drinks are available.

For more information, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

KIDS SAFETY EVENT Runs from noon to 3 p.m. at the Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota.

The Mall at UTC is hosting a kids’ safety event that brings together multiple organizations that keep children safe. The free event will be held on the Dillard’s Court and outside in Parking Lot 8. For more informatiom, go to Mallatutc.com.

Liz Ramos

Free Sunset Polo is now offered on Thursday evenings at the Sarasota Polo Club.

and knot tying. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Families are invited to experience Nathan Benderson

Park during Rec Day. Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Fees are $10 per person for ages 7-18 and free for their parents and siblings ages 1-6.

The fee is $10 for adults without children. Freshwater fishing

LATIN JAZZ IN THE PARK Begins at 3 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Nathan Benderson Park will host the Heat Latin Jazz Band outdoors in the park. Tickets are $35. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark. com.

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The

Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through April 25. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, diary products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. General admission is $15 per adult with children 12 and under free.

Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free yoga workout at Bob Gardner Park. Bring your own mat and water bottle. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch. com.

DO WHAT 70% OF OUR CUSTOMERS DO...

GO UNLIMITED! MONTHLY PLANS STARTING AT $19.99

RECEIVE 2 MONTHS FREE W/ ANNUAL PASS

FIRST CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE •ALL VEHICLES GET MACHINE BUFFED AND SHINED AT THE EXIT OF OUR TUNNEL. •OUR TEAM HAND TOWEL DRIES AND WIPES THE DOOR JAMBS OF EVERY VEHICLE.

Thursdays at 5:30 pm | Now through April 22nd Sarasota Polo Club

Admission is FREE courtesy of North South Wealth Management

Follow us on

for more info.

PRESENTED BY

www.SarasotaPolo.com

347585-1

6415 SR64 EAST, BRADENTON, FL 34208 WWW.JAXKARWASHFL.COM 941.746.WASH(9274)

355983-1

PASS MEMBERS GET 20% OFF ON ALL DETAIL SERVICES (10% OFF DIAMOND PLATE CERAMIC COATING).

355585-1

22

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

30 To every dancer, donor, audience member, board member, staff member, student, and volunteer,

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THESE 30 YEARS POSSIBLE! AND HERE IS TO THE NEXT 30 !

941.359.0099 355475-1

www.SarasotaBallet.org

23

24

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SARASOTA 8263 Archers Court Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4483993 $3,999,999

BRADENTON 4015 Hawk Island Drive Jenifer Schwell 941-780-0968 A4495224 $1,950,000

BRADENTON 6510 200th Street E Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941-400-9710 A4489175 $1,750,000

BRADENTON 20504 65th Avenue E Aaron Corr & Leslie Emery 941-840-2346 A4489635 $1,699,000

SARASOTA 7112 Prospect Road Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4489294 $975,000

BRADENTON 2200 51st Street W Sharon Ingram 941-224-6447 A4495410 $1,200,000

LONGBOAT KEY 2301 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 32N Ian Addy, PA & E. Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4496172 $899,000

LONGBOAT KEY 4825 Gulf Of Mexico Drive 105 Ian Addy, PA & E. Gail Wittig 941-961-8850 A4496403 $819,000

SARASOTA 1807 Grove Street Barbara Dumbaugh & Victoria Lear 941-951-6660 A4494295 $785,000

LONGBOAT KEY 680 Fox Street Cindy Fischer 941-465-1124 A4488139 $765,000

BRADENTON 330 Compass Point Drive 202 Susan Mitchell & Pam Blalock 941-780-5085 A4496686 $735,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7739 US Open Loop Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4494156 $660,000

BRADENTON 73 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4477926 $650,000

SARASOTA 800 Hudson Avenue 209 Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4495214 $650,000

OSPREY 1742 S Creek Lane Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4484659 $649,000

BRADENTON 10 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Marshall 941-900-9777 A4491987 $575,000

SARASOTA 1705 Dawn Street Jared Ross 941-539-1705 A4496666 $545,000

LONGBOAT KEY 600 Sutton Place 205 Terri Derr & Rita Holbrook 941-356-6694 A4493723 $539,500

SARASOTA 151 Tall Trees Court Nancie Kalin 941-928-8833 A4495916 $459,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 11418 Water Willow Avenue Laura Navratil & Mary Pat Pihl 941-806-7436 A4496762 $365,000

SARASOTA 4634 Mirada Way 29 Barbara May 941-312-1302 A4486383 $350,000

BRADENTON 2302 63rd Street W Maria Christenson & Karla Davidson 941-920-3583 A4495556 $350,000

OSPREY 44 Bishops Court Road 112 Victoria Beckham & Deborah Beacham 941-544-6734 A4487740 $325,000

SARASOTA 7610 Fairway Woods Drive 205 Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4492740 $325,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7702 Lake Vista Court 302 Noelle Reynolds 941-320-4855 A4496708 $310,000

BRADENTON 910 Sandpiper Circle Laura Rulon & Betsy Hagen 941-896-2757 A4492505 $269,000

NORTH FORT MYERS 3460 N Key Drive 218 Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4493260 $249,000

SARASOTA 4564 Morningside 44 Connie Lyke Brown 941-302-1214 A4495316 $164,900

SARASOTA 1520 Glen Oaks Drive E 244 Elisa Gersman 941-735-0595 A4484780 $92,000

355146-1

OSPREY 144 Osprey Point Drive Rachel Benderson 941-376-0218 A4492940 $3,450,000

BRADENTON 2708 Bay Drive Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4494263 $2,750,000

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

SARASOTA 7727 Donald Ross Road W Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4493537 $2,100,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Reuben Ben-Arie, trustee, and Sarah Ben-Arie, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 16318 Foremast Place to Pan States Properties Investments LLC for $2 million. Built in 2009, it has five bedrooms, four-and-twohalf baths, a pool and 6,068 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1.25 million in 2012.

COUNTRY CLUB

Teresa Lee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6923 Belmont Court to Paul and Jennifer Rivard, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,899,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 5,105 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,675,000 in 2016.

Naudain Street LLC sold the home at 6831 Dominion Lane to Thomas DelVecchio and Lori Marie Riordan, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1,449,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,533 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $710,000 in 2020.

Jeffrey and Krista Millea, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12439 Highfield Circle to Wendy and Greg Dinetz, of Lone Tree, Colorado, for $1.34 million. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,055 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1,225,000 in 2015.

Andrew and Mary Dietterle sold their home at 12715 Deacons Place to Thomas and Kerri Harter, of Bradenton, for $1.22 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,581 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $900,000 in 2018.

Margaret Mathies, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7005 Dominion Lane to David Allen Jr., of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.15 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,146 square feet of living area.

Michael Hayes, of Lakewood Ranch, sold his home at 7150 Sandhills Place to Aseem Rawal and Zohreh Laura Tabatabai, of Tiburon, California, for $475,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,173 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $432,000 in 2014.

HARBOUR WALK

Stephen and Annette Bell, of Bradenton, sold their home at 504 Mast Drive to Sheflin Properties LLC for $1,562,000. Built

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

MARCH 29-APRIL 2

in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,700 square feet of living area.

25

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $2 million

|

STANHOPE GATE

John and Karen Mathis, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7047 Stanhope Place to Marion and Viveca Wright for $999,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,972 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $830,000 in 2013.

ESPLANADE

James and Margaret Randolph sold their home at 4644 Benito Court to Edward and Kathleen Donnery, of Bradenton, for $889,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,090 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $681,800 in 2017.

Edward and Ann Halavick sold their home at 12776 Fontana Loop to Michael and Marilyn DeLuca, of Lakewood Ranch, for $549,900. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,887 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $477,000 in 2017.

RIVER FOREST

Tierney Foster-Abel, of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, sold her home at 5919 River Forest Circle to Eric and Tina Zwirner, of Bradenton, for $875,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,458 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Courtesy of Michael Saunders

The home at 16318 Foremast Place in the Lake Club sold for $2 million. It has five bedrooms, four and two half baths, a pool and is 6,068 square feet

$419,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,342 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $200,000 in 2011.

THE MOORINGS AT EDGEWATER

Roy Johnson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 6427 Moorings Point Circle to Stephen Lattmann, of Lakewood Ranch, for $631,300. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,963 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $225,000 in 2019.

RIVERDALE REVISED

Gary and Patricia Rothrock, of Bradenton, sold their home at 4608 Blue Marlin Drive to Peter Johnson, of Bradenton, for $624,900. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,385 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $465,000 in 2017.

Christopher and Violet Morton, of Ellenton, sold their home at 4740 Compass Drive to Jeffrey and Michelle Clark, of BradenSEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 26

In with the new

John and Sue Gouse sold their home at 15712 Castle Park Terrace to Pamela Loduca-Massa, trustee, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $859,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,599 square feet of living area.

EATON PLACE

Alfredo and Evelyn Santi, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7354 Easton Court to Harry Gaples, trustee, of University Park, for $700,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,274 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $545,000 in 2017.

SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 From the $2,000,000’s Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

WATERFRONT HOMES & HOMESITES

Bradenton Riverfront Riverside Point | 941.201.8505 Home sites from $229,900 | Homes from the low $600,000s RiversidePointFlorida.com

GREENBROOK

Marcia and Richard Polese, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 14718 Bowfin Terrace to Craig and Lisa Schoenfeld, of Lakewood Ranch, for $650,000.

Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,211 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $550,000 in 2015.

Michael and Liza Zona, of Windermere, sold their home at 6415 Royal Tern Circle to Kerolus and Marina Gabriel, of Lakewood Ranch, for $560,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,005 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $432,000 in 2015.

Wilfredo Miranda and Janette Martinez, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold their home at 15306 Blue Fish Circle to John Le, of Lakewood Ranch, for

MOVE-IN READY

Downtown Sarasota Risdon on 5th | 941.365.1414 From the high $300,000s RisdonOn5th.com

NOW SELLING NEW PHASE

Northwest Bradenton Palma Sola Bay Club | 941.216.7436 From the high $300,000s PalmaSolaBayClub.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA 355161-1 Prices as of February 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Real estate FROM PAGE 25

ARMED SECURITY OFFICERS Healthcare - Custom Protection

ton, for $605,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,390 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $349,400 in 2010.

Sarasota, Florida Area

HIRING NOW!!! $1,000 SIGN-ON BONUS Multiple Full-Time Openings • Pay rate is at $16.00/hour.

We offer a great benefits package including vacation!

Qualifications: Must possess one or more of the following:

KENWOOD PARK

•

Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement, security (such as Military Police, Elite Military Forces, combat arms) or any support role in a Combat Zone • Graduate of a Certified Public Safety Academy (military or civilian) in the law enforcement, adult corrections, or firefighter field • Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies • A minimum of 8 or more years of active service in any military branch • Associate’s degree (or 60 credits) or higher in law enforcement or criminal justice with current or prior active military service

Apply online today!

Bonnie and Carl Mittelstadt, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8338 Abingdon Court to Forrest-Wong Revocable Trust of 2019 for $615,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,489 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $565,000 in 2015.

usajobs.g4s.com

Search by keyword G4S/TP/H2377689/204904

EOE Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity G4S is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace

355825-1

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Patrick and Cozette Lillard sold their home at 724 Rosemary Circle to Deirdre Dickman and Gavin Dickman, of Bradenton, for $577,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,757 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $426,000 in 2016.

PEL HAS DONATED OVER $225,400 TO COMMUNITY YOUTH IN NEED.

Personalized Estate Liquidation Benefiting Youth, Inc. DONATE • CONSIGN • SHOP • VOLUNTEER

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

Andrzej and Ciborowski, of Bradenton, sold the home at 6120 Ninth Ave. Circle N.E. to Hoi Thanh Huynh, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, for $575,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,500 square feet of living area.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

John and Nancy Cunningham, of Bradenton, and John Cunningham III, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 9405 Boxthorn Place to Stewart and

941.210.3149 for store merchandise 941.993.8757 for estate sales, donations and consignments

www.personalizedestateliquidation.com | Facebook & Instagram – @pelsarasota

348042-1

1520 N. Lime Avenue • Sarasota, FL 34237 | Hours: Wed - Sat, 10am - 4pm

Anna Thompson, of Lakeland, for $575,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,669 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $370,000 in 2002.

Edward and Mary Ann Mooney, of St. James, New York, sold their home at 10243 Silverado Circle to Gerald Lee and Janice Lee Gallagher, of Bradenton, for $459,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,982 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $320,000 in 2015.

Rye Wilderness Estates Rolando and Anna Reyes, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 373 165th Court N.E. to Lori Greene, of Bradenton, for $555,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,612 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $370,000 in 2014.

MALLORY PARK

Henry and Jennifer Dearing, of Palmetto, sold their home at 12115 Seabrook Ave. to Gary and Gwenn Blau, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,025 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $430,500 in 2017.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

4141 Inc. sold the home at 4916 Tobermory Way to Victor and Susan Becks, of Bradenton, for $525,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,186 square feet of living area.

Manoharan Balakrisbnan and Agila Manoharan, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home

TH E STARS OF EVITA ARE BACK!

Ana Isabelle & Friends

IN CONCERT

April 15-24

Featuring Justin Gregory Lopez, and Tango Dancers Junior Cervila and Guadalupe Garcia, from the cast of Evita.

352759-1

Headline Sponsors: Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

asolorep.org • 941.351.8000

asolorep

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

OUTDOORS ON THE TERRACE STAGE

26

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

William Camp Jr. and Annette Centofanti-Camp, of Micaville, North Carolina, sold their home at 8133 Misty Oaks Blvd. to Mariyan and Ganchimeg Ivanov, of Sarasota, for $510,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,423 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $335,000 in 2003.

PLANTERS MANOR AT GREENFIELD PLANTATION

Dennis and Beatriz Niemeyer sold their home at 502 Planters Manor Way to Martin Inverson Rose and Elizabeth Jo Rose, of Bradenton, for $501,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,328 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $330,000 in 2004.

VIRGINIA WATER

Jean Emery, trustee, of Naples, sold the home at 7138 Prestwick Court to Paul and Katherine Crits-Christoph, of University Park, for $500,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,928 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $565,000 in 2006.

LENNOX GARDENS

Francine Brown, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7033 Lennox Place to Sheryl Smoker, of University Park, for

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

SE OPEN HOU 8, 1 - 4

l1 Sunday, Apri

WATERFRONT AT MAIN STREET

Michael and Donna Marie Smith, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 1-502 condominium at 10530 Boardwalk Loop to Sadie Lynn Millard, David Arthur Braddock and Donald Leone, of Bradenton, for $490,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,400 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $427,800 in 2019.

7812 Sloane Gardens Court

NEW LISTING!....Beautiful Marc Rutenberg designed home on over a half acre lot on the first Fairway of the

University Park Country Club golf course. One of only 16 homes in a pretty cul de sac neighborhood, this home boasts 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 offices, Game room, and Media/TV room, most of which is all on one floor. The current owners have done extensive remodeling including a complete re-design and replacement of the kitchen. Besides being a cook’s delight with all the bells and whistles, it is a stunning kitchen with a small island, plus a massive island/breakfast bar, Alder wood cabinets, and Cambria quartz counters. There are too many recent updates to mention on this 4849sf home, so please come to see it for yourself.

Listed at $1,750,000

Call Stacy Liljeberg at 941-544-6103

NOTTING HILL

StacyLiljeberg@michaelsaunders.com

Charles and Maureen Neerland, of Minneapolis, sold their home at 7343 Kensington Court to James and Cynthia Lynch, of University Par, for $460,000.

Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,290 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $390,000 in 2008.

Voted 5-Star Best in Client Satisfaction for 15 consecutive years

LET US DESIGN A POOL THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

RIVERWALK

Satnam and Muninder Singh, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7414 Loblolly Bay Trail to Robert Stone and Terry Cox, of Richmond, Va., for $460,000.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,319 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $239,200 in 2001.

Design•Build•Maintain Professional In-House Construction

ONLINE

Call today to schedule an appointment

941.927.1882

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

of West Florida, Inc.

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

Lic# CPC1458597

Family Owned and Operated Since 1994

Jeffrey E. Rossi, MD, FACC Team member of Bradenton Cardiology Center Member of Structural Heart Team at Manatee Memorial Hospital Dr. Rossi is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology and is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI). He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and earned his medical degree from Columbia University in New York, New York.

He completed an internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

He also completed fellowships in cardiology, interventional cardiology and advanced structural and peripheral intervention at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Call 941.748.2277 to schedule an appointment.

VENDOR BOOTHS / MUSIC / FOOD / BEER & WINE

Telehealth appointments are also available.

Dr. Rossi is trained and experienced in the following procedures: • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) • Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) • MitraclipTM Mitral Valve Repair • Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair/ Replacement • WatchmanTM Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion • Paravalvular Leak Closure • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure • Alcohol Septal Ablation • Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting • Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) • Mechanical Circulatory Support (Impella®/ECMO) • Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO Coronary Intervention • Rotational Atherectomy • Laser Atherectomy • Carotid Stenting • Lower extremity angioplasty, atherectomy and stenting

316 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 4-7 PM

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Ste 210 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

355689-1

@ THE MALL AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - FREE TO ATTEND MORE INFO AT LWRBA.ORG/SHOWCASE

941.748.2277 bradentoncardiology.com Member of Manatee Physician Alliance

Wine Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 203123-5432 9/20 2195603-194770 03/21 352324-1

Beer Truck Sponsor

27

356073-1

MISTY OAKS

$495,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,223 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $440,000 in 2013.

355230-1

at 10229 Loch Lomond Drive to James Scott Masters, of Lakewood Ranch, for $489,900. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,481 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $391,400 in 2015.

|

28

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, APRIL 15 High: 80 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 11%

FRIDAY, APRIL 16 High: 79 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 18%

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 High: 80 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 20%

Gordon Silver captured these sandhill cranes checking out the view in Del Webb in Lakewood Ranch.

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 15

7:05a 7:55p

Friday, April 16

7:04a

7:55p

Saturday, April 17

7:03a

7:56p

Sunday, April 18

7:02a

7:57p

Monday, April 19

7:01a

7:57p

Tuesday, April 20

7:00a

7:58p

Wednesday, April 21

6:59a

7:58p

MOON PHASES

May 3 Last

May 11 New

May 19 First

May 26 Full

RAINFALL Monday, April 5

0

Tuesday, April 6

0

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Wednesday, April 7

0

Thursday, April 8

0

High: 81 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 24%

Friday, April 9

0

Saturday, April 10

0.38

Sunday, April 11

1.963

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021

7.41 in.

2021 2.68 in.

2020 4.06 in.

2020 0.08 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC 941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? by Jacob Stulberg; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Home of the NCAA’s Hurricanes 6 Network based in London 9 Go up and down 12 Shows respect, in a way 16 Gaming destination 18 Rest ___ (road trip stop) 20 Tuna type 21 Lag behind 22 *Golfer Bubba 23 *Antagonistic pair from detective fiction 26 “Dear” guys 28 Shaggy grazer 29 Billboard, e.g.

30 Former Texas governor

Richards 33 Bespectacled dwarf 34 Berets and bowlers 36 Low organ part 39 *Antagonistic pair from DC comics 45 *Bird symbolizing spring 47 Inscribe 48 Unlock 49 Affordable furniture chain 51 Desirable bond rating 52 London neighborhood 53 Heap 55 Like chewy apricots 56 Far from flabby 57 With 75-Across, interpersonal advice depicted four

times in this puzzle?

62 Reunion attendee, for short 63 Forecast extremes 64 Magical marks 65 Dog with long white hair 68 All alternative 69 Supplied with steam, say 72 Hawaiian veranda 73 Rink leap 74 Parched 75 See 57-Across 83 Keeps out 84 Shapes, as clay 85 Hurdle for a future J.D. 86 Beehive State natives 88 Self-study concept?

89 It’s sometimes played with elephants 90 Group such as Cream 92 Plant with trendy seeds 93 *Playwright Pirandello 96 *Antagonistic pair from Nintendo games 101 John Quincy ___ 103 Lovers’ squabble 104 Palindromic night 105 Org. that issues important cards 106 Blacken, perhaps 108 “Lovecraft Country” network 109 Word after “field” or “stretch”

111 *Antagonistic pair from a sitcom 118 *Name before or after “vs.,” in a 1979 film title 122 Like kites that can fly without wind 123 Nickname hidden in “lava lamp” 124 ___ market (swap meet’s kin) 12 “Play one last song!”

126 Ibuprofen target 127 Noob’s opposite 128 Swarm 129 Repaired, like a rip DOWN 1 It might be gaping 2 Long-term investment letters 3 Stop dilly-dallying 4 Body ___ index 5 Excited response to “Who wants candy?”

6 Cry before “Humbug!”

7 Frat guy 8 Picture of Pluto, say?

9 Lounge in the sun 10 Volt/ampere 11 Dating site data 12 Marlon of “The Godfather” 13 Galley propeller 14 Wisecracking sort 15 Crafty 17 Energy company in 2001 headlines 19 “The Valley of Amazement” author 21 Hobbes, in “Calvin and Hobbes” 24 Right on the map?

25 Tear 27 Chem., for one 30 Mimics 31 Verboten 32 Specialized market 34 Bouncing off the walls 35 “The Simpsons” grandpa 37 Otter’s food 38 Made a connection (with) 40 Loafer or sneaker 41 What’s raised during some arguments?

42 Bogs down 43 Similar (to)

44 More than want 46 Holly and Jasmine 50 Free app woes 53 Gomer of ‘60s TV 54 Poker pot promises 55 South Asian festival of lights 56 Talk while intoxicated 58 Cookout spot 59 Moves a muscle?

60 Composer Ned 61 Words to live by 65 Nicaragua’s capital 66 Humanoid robot 67 Presents in detail, with “out” 69 Reject 70 Marine predator 71 Go limp 72 Categorize 73 Slashed conjunction 76 MLB figure in a mask 77 Dormitory division 78 Eponymous 1969 Fitzgerald album 79 Playwright T.S. 80 Use a straw 81 Cultural spirit 82 Leader’s “handful” 87 It’s a long story 90 Fill to capacity 91 Nutritional abbr.

94 Certain meter reader 95 “That is ...”

97 Book ID 98 Makeshift pub stool 99 Bring to mind 100 Desires, with “for” 102 ___ Salvador 107 Request to a guest, briefly 108 Biggest city on Hawaii’s Big Island 110 Frilly material 111 Siesta 112 Green of “Casino Royale” 113 2006 Nintendo release 114 Organ with tiny bones 115 Boston’s Liberty Tree was one 116 Lion constellation 117 Bit of goop 119 Cut, as grass 120 Before, in poetry 121 Like some bell peppers

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“HYK GCDM KEW HWM OCFWCMW WROW TUZW VCY. MC CMW WZWA GAUSKWG U RPSW DCAKE RPZPMT CM NCAACDWG PMX.” – IUJX XWACYUJ

“YMJF K SKF TCJN FCP KTSXP PMKP MJ XN KF KFXSKU, MJ XN UJNN PMKF KF KFXSKU. FCP SCWJ GIP

– SXBMKJU SBBUIWJ

UJNN.”

Puzzle Two Clue: M equals H

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue N equals B

349214-1

SAVE ON SELECT COLORS & STYLE

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-15-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Merchandise Wanted

Autos Wanted

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

Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

SELL IT NOW!

42” SQUARE coffee table, wood with cool lions paw legs and glass center $74 941-321-1808 CONCRETE DOLPHIN statue, 2 ft $70, Waterford paperweight $65, knee pillow $25, metal garden trellis $15 941-359-8460 ELECTRICAL WORLD and Engineering magazines 1899-1901, approximately 10, $1 each, wonderful photos and ads. 941-921-1815

Autos Service

941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

Homes for Sale Luxurious 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2020 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $1,599,900 Everything Updated Sarasota's Phillipi Gardens 3/2/2 $359,900 55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000

HOOVER AND Shark hard floor cleaners, like new, $45 each, Total Vibration exercise machine $100 941-925-3084

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, 1/CAR, Dock. $530,000. Owner/agent

HUSQVARNA WEED whacker, new, used once, Model 179L $150, Black & Decker shears $20 941-776-3417

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo Pet Friendly $399,000

NEW VIOLIN With bow and case $180 (941) 358-8511 www.allegromusicacademy.com

STAINLESS STEEL box, 18x12x10 with hinged lid, $10, Argosy Magazines Aug ‘69 & ‘70 $5 for both 941-741-9727

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732.

Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

HOUSECLEANER: Very honest and reliable. Guarantee quality work.

Have plenty of cleaning references to give upon interview. If interested and you have questions, Call: 660-362-2333.

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888

Auto Transport

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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

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

Painting

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

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.

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

This week’s Crossword answers

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

real estate

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less.

Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

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

auto

Items Under $200

BEACH'N RIDES eBike Sales and Service BEACH'N RIDES We sell and repair Electric eBike Sales Bicycles fromand our Service Shop at BEACH'N RIDES We sell and repair Electric 12208 Cortez Road, W., in eBike Sales and Bicycles fromFlorida. our Service Shop at Cortez, We sellCortez and repair Electric 12208 Road, (941) 251-7916.W., in Bicycles fromFlorida. our Shop at Cortez, www.beachnrides.com 12208(941) Cortez Road, W., in 251-7916.

Cortez, Florida. www.beachnrides.com (941) 251-7916. www.beachnrides.com

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Call for coming soon listings.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677.

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver. com/redpages

©2021 Universal Uclick

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

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

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

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

You’re only cheating yourself.

Sporting Goods

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

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

Cleaning

peekers’ place

stuff

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

The CRYSTAL CLEAR choice!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Put down the pen someone else gave you. No one ever drafted a life worth living on borrowed ink.”

Jack Kerouac Puzzle Two Solution: “When a man does not admit that he is an animal, he is less than an animal. Not more but less.”

Michael McClure

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

RED PAGES. MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 941-955-4888 OR VISIT YOUROBSERVER.COM/REDPAGES

30

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Aluminum

Construction

Home Services

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

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

941-705-5468

Residential

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades

355959

Auto Service

Doors

SELL YOUR CAR!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

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

5-Star Rated 354934

HoHoBuysCars.com Clock Repair

354462

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

Computer

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery”

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com Landscaping & Lawn

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

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

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

FREE CONSULTATION

941.400.0431

354463

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

No Job is too Small!

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

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

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

CREATE BUZZ!

Pegatronics.com 354939

THE GRAB BAR GUY

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

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

Lawn Care

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

941-735-3362

COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

954-1878

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured

GLENN KROECKER

THE BEST

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

DrGrabBars.com

355522

This Doctor is Among

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

941.966.0333

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

Health

Christo’s Clock Repair

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

$

355504

941.270.4400

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

355524

FAST • EASY • SAFE

235

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

354940

(941) 650-7758

bschule88@gmail.com

355958

WE COME TO YOU

GRAB BARS

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

355520

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Visit our showroom

Dustin Yoder

Commercial

355526

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

Doors

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

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS 355961

• Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Painting

Faulkner’s FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Driveways Deck Staining Roof Cleaning

Painting & Pressure Cleaning Free Estimate 941-922-3996

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

FREE ESTIMATES - Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Cell 619-405-7650 Home/Office 941-758-4840

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

354941

355513

www.ezslider.com

351320

Call us today!

941.628.8579

941-739-5102

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Power Washing

Roofing Pressure Washing

941-544-1066

| scaperotta@aol.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists 355960

5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

941-626-3194

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

10% SAVINGS With this ad

354467

Rescreening & Repairs

Eldridge Re-Screen “No Job Too Small”

120

$

SPECIAL 00

Building & Roofing Contractor

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

www.bissonroofing.com

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

25

UP TO

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

Italian American Owned

Licensed

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

941 - 748 - 7400

BEFORE

AFTER

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d

Insured

Screening • Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

941-345-5264

354485

CREATE A LOT OF BUZZ!

Advertise your business or services in the Red Pages.

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint Doors and more!

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

941-270-1561

355510

356138

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Res./Com.

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

355527

• Roofs • PoolCages Cages•• Decks Decks ••Driveways • Roofs • Pool Driveways • Deck/Paver Sealing • Gutter Cleaning • Deck/PaverAnd Sealing • And Much More Much More!

31

Windows

Bisson Roofing Inc.

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

Manufacture and workmanship Warranties

WITH THE RED PAGES

Call to reserve ad space: 941-955-4888 (941)your 345-5264

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

355512

Pressure Washing

|

32

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021

941.587.4359 | 941.229.4000

#1 Team at Michael Saunders & Company in 2020 and 2019!

SOLD BEFORE HITTING THE MARKET FOR 100% OF LIST PRICE

8499 LINDRICK LN THE CONCESSION 6BR | 12BA | 15,223 SQFT | $10,850,000 SOLD

15712 CASTLE PARK TER LWR COUNTRY CLUB EAST REPRESENTED SELLERS & BUYERS | $859,000

19432 GANTON AVE THE CONCESSION REPRESENTED SELLERS & BUYERS | $1,350,000

SOLD

SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST PRICE

NEW LISTING

12715 DEACONS PL LWR COUNTRY CLUB REPRESENTED BUYERS | $1,220,000

13311 MATANZAS PL LWR COUNTRY CLUB REPRESENTED SELLERS | $1,000,000

8496 LINDRICK LN THE CONCESSION 1.65 ACRE LOT | $850,000

SOLD

SOLD

NEW LISTING

11514 GOLDEN BAY PL MALLORY PARK REPRESENTED BUYERS | $849,143

4748 BENITO CT ESPLANADE REPRESENTED BUYERS | $805,000

75TH AVE E FOXWOOD AT PANTHER RIDGE 8 ACRE LOT | $799,000

Licensed Real Estate Professionals

347927-1

StacyHaas@michaelsaunders.com GloriaBracciano@michaelsaunders.com StacyHaas.com | GloriaBracciano.com

#1 TEAM | #1 BROKER

8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

BRIDGE April 2021 Issue

Quarterly Member Magazine

From the CEO Page 2

New Team Members Page 6

New in Membership

100 YEARS

Pages 12-13

Leadership Sarasota Pages 14-15

THE CENTENNIAL MURALS Pages 8-9

Click here to Read the April 2021 BRIDGE Magazine: https://issuu.com/greatersarasotachamber/docs/2021_april_bridge_magazine

Est. 1987

Cosmetics, Implants and Bite Reconstruction Actual Patients

Smile Makeovers and Veneers

Before

After

Before

After

Dental Implant Surgery and Reconstruction

Before

After

Before

After

On-Site Laboratory with Master Technicians to Customize and Control Results Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Orthotropic Orthodontics

• Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

• Conservative ‘No Prep’ Veneers

• Airway Ortho for Children and Adults

• On-Site Cat Scan

• Nonsurgical Facelifts

• PRP and PRF Blood Enhancers

• Bite Correction

• Orthotropic Ortho for Children and Adults

• Bruxism Treatment

• IV Sedation

• Lumineers®

• Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts • Zirconia and Titanium Implants • Laser Assisted Surgery

• Botox, Fillers, PDO Threads, Microneedling • Laser Assisted Gum Tissue Treatment

• Crooked Teeth and Bite Correction • Receding Chin Correction • Smile Broadening • Non-Extraction of Permanent Teeth

(941) 999-3205 | SarasotaDentist.com 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 352944-1

Our team at World Class Dentistry treats patients with a multitude of concerns which streamlines treatment and maintains quality control. The doctors along with their master dental technicians and on-site laboratory offer complete cosmetic and implant solutions.

We have been serving the Sarasota area since 1987. Call today for a consultation to begin your life-changing transformation.

Jill Morris, DMD

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

• Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide)

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Member of North American Association of Facial Orthotropics

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Member of the American Orthodontic Society

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics • Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction • Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Toxicology • Practicing dentistry for 33 years

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Stay Connected With Us

(941) 999-3205 | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231

AS LOW AS

BUY or REFI 1.89

% APR*

www.refiandride.com

APR=Annual Percentage Rate and is based on loan term, credit and collateral qualifications. Promotional rate applies to new or used 2019-2021 model year vehicles, with a loan to value of 90% or less, 36-month term and a minimum credit score of 730 (FICO Auto Score 9). On a loan amount of $15,000 with an APR of 1.89% and a 36-month term, your monthly payment would be $428.92. Lowest rate available with applicable discounts is 1.89%. Commercial use vehicles are not eligible. Refinance terms available for Non-Achieva loans only.

longer other no

the

newspaper

More people read The Observers during the week than the region’s daily newspapers.

THURSDAY PRINT DISTRIBUTION 60,000

The Observers* 50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

59,286

Sarasota Observer Longboat Observer East County Observer Siesta Key Observer

Sarasota Herald-Tribune** 31,712 Bradenton Herald*** 18,632

10,000

*Source: Verified Audit Circulation Annual Audit ending March 31, 2020. **Source: Alliance for Audited Media Annual Audit ending Dec. 31, 2019, does not include Venice and North Port in Sarasota or Charlotte counties. ***Source: Alliance for Audited Media, 24 months ending Dec. 31, 2019.

Pick up your FREE copy of The Observer every Thursday.

For the nearest location: YourObserver.com/rack-locations 355730-1