East County Observer 1.7.21

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Tasteful art display.

PAGE 6B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 9

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy photo

Elf on the roof Students at B.D. Gullett Elementary School had a tough time finding their principal, Todd Richardson, on Dec. 17.

Dressed as the Elf on the Shelf, Richardson (above) waved and greeted his students from the school’s roof.

The costume was part of the school’s holiday spirit week before winter break.

School District of Manatee County schools went back into session Jan. 6.

2021 GOING FORWARD Lakewood Ranch will get its entertainment hub in 2021 as Waterside Place opens. PAGE 3A Courtesy rendering

Conservative approach promised for governing and spending.

PAGE 4A

Area high school seniors make the most of their final school year despite pandemic. PAGE 2A File photo

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh says big changes in governing are imminent.

Courtesy photo

Braden River High School seniors Bryanna Mansi and Ashley Zeitz have fun volunteering at an event.

Liz Ramos

Life on the wild side of town The holiday season is all about family, and that seemed to be the case for four wild pigs and their two piglets that were spending their time eating along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard across from Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

People passing on foot or in cars seemed to be enjoying the sight as they watched the wild pigs enjoy their meal, though others have voiced their concern that the pigs are doing far too much damage and want them removed from the area.

Fair act hogs the spotlight Liz Ramos

Mac receives a treat from Les Kimes after performing a trick. Kimes brings his Pork Chop Revue of Myakka City to the Manatee County Fair, which opens Jan. 14.

Pork Chop Revue makes rare stop at the Manatee County Fair.

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Arts scene rolls on.

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2021 GOING FORWARD

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Adjusting to pandemic with class LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

E

ast County high school students say that at least in 2021, they have more time to plan ahead when it comes to events being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have seen how the class of 2020 was affected, the students not being able to attend classes on campus and missing out on end-of-school-year highlight events. By the time the class of 2021 began the school year, the seniors understood they needed to appreciate all their events, big or small, virtual or live, that marked the end of their high school careers.

“I’m just glad we’re still here, and we’re still making those memories, no matter what circumstances we’re under,” said Trisha Pitchala, a senior at Braden River High School.

“Knowing that [last year’s seniors] weren’t able to come back made me more grateful for all the things left.”

Pitchala said this year’s seniors know not to take anything for granted because “every day is never promised.”

She said she learned from last year’s end of the school year to cherish every day of her senior year.

Kaylen Rivers, a senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, said she wasn’t sure last summer what to expect when the school year began. Schools were trying to decide how to adjust to learn-

ing in a COVID-19 environment, and she had lost her job at Menchies at University Town Center due to being high risk from asthma.

However, she returned to campus for the start of the school year and experienced a sense of normalcy by seeing her friends even if it meant wearing a mask.

“It was so strange,” Rivers said. “But I know ODA is doing everything it can to make it as normal as possible.”

Unlike last year’s seniors, who saw their spring sports canceled, Rivers was grateful to compete in her final season of volleyball even if the season was altered due to pandemic guidelines.

“I thought everything was going to be completely different,” she said. “I thought I was going to miss out on parts of school I loved, and having that one thing that I knew I had, like, ‘OK, I get to play volleyball after school,’ helped me get through the day without being too disappointed about the situation.”

Ella Grogan, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, was disappointed she couldn’t go to her final homecoming in the fall but was grateful to dress up for spirit week.

“With prom and homecoming, everything’s just a little different,” she said.

Grogan, the public relations officer for the school’s Student Government Association, said the organization wants to plan

The Out-of-Door Academy seniors Kaylen Rivers, Chelsea Ball and Ximena Barrales continue to adjust to the school’s new health and safety protocols.

SENIOR EVENTS STILL IN PERIL High schools in East County still are deciding what to do about annual special events held in the spring.

Here’s a list of what the seniors could miss depending on the school they attend: n Prom n Grad Bash n Senior dinner n Senior breakfast n Anchors Away n Senior trips n Graduation

a socially distant homecoming for this semester, especially if the prom isn’t an option.

As seniors begin their final semester of high school, they remain cautiously optimistic.

They are hoping the schools can return to a normal graduation.

But if not, they would like a ceremony similar to what Braden River and Lakewood Ranch had outdoors at LECOM Park.

Being forced to adapt to the new normal and learn how to connect with others virtually has given seniors opportunities to develop leadership skills and skills related to technology that could help them after graduation.

For example, Braden River

Courtesy photo

High senior Ashley Zeitz, the president of the Key Club, and Grogan, the president of Lakewood Ranch’s National Honor Society, have had to coordinate virtual events for their club members to be able to volunteer on top of ensuring any inperson events were safe and followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Seniors have to deal with other changes that aren’t related to events or day-to-day student life but that increase stress. A big part of their senior year is applying to colleges or setting up plans after graduation. Grogan said the application process has become more difficult because the pandemic prevents seniors from visiting college campuses.

On top of the stress, they are trying to enjoy the social aspect of their final year.

“This is the last year to be with people you grew up with,

and I’m personally planning on going out of state [after graduation], so I’ll probably not see 99% of the people here,” Grogan said. “It has just been a hard pill to swallow that I won’t be able to spend as much time with everyone as I was hoping.”

Despite hardships, the seniors say they will make the most of their senior year, pandemic or not.

Lakewood Ranch High School senior James Archibald is doing e-learning full time but said his classes are going more smoothly now than in March, when the students were first forced into the program.

Archibald said Schoology, the online learning platform the School District of Manatee County uses, is more organized and that assignments are more in-depth compared to last year.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

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The place to be in 2021 After a soft opening in the spring, Waterside Place should have a grand opening by the final quarter of 2021.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

T

he days are melting away as Schroeder-Manatee Ranch approaches the planned opening of Lakewood Ranch’s $31.6 million restaurant and entertainment hub, Waterside Place.

And even though Kirk Boylston, the president of SMR subsidiary Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty, has yet to announce an anchor tenant restaurant, he said he remains “super excited” that 2021 is going to mark a huge start for a project that broke ground Oct. 10, 2018.

“We think around May we will have a good number of tenants,” Boylston said. “In general, though, you never have a full project when you open.”

Complicating matters has been the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although Willis Smith Construction will finish building on time in March, the pandemic has slowed down the process of signing up anchor restaurants.

“Without COVID-19, we would almost be finished,” Boylston said. “But banks aren’t lending to restaurants. It has lengthened the process.”

Boylston said four to five sitdown restaurants are planned for Waterside Place. One of the buildings that makes up the hub is a 7,500-square-foot structure that can be divided in half to host one or two restaurants.

Although he would like to have contracts in place for some of the sit-down restaurants, Boylston said he must remain “extremely patient” to land the type of restaurants SMR desires to fill the buildings.

“We have existing relationships with individual restaurants that are very good and that don’t own 20 other restaurants,” Boylston said. “We don’t want cookiecutter [chain] restaurants.”

He said those restaurants, however, have struggled with their existing businesses. Boylston said those restaurant owners have been excited about the opening of Waterside Place, but they also are distracted.

“There are a number of people who we are pretty far down the road with,” Boylston said. “We are

WATERSIDE PLACE Builder: Willis Smith Construction of Lakewood Ranch Architects: Lakewood Ranch’s Fawley Bryant; Memphis-based Looney Ricks Kiss Construction project completion: March 1 Waterside Place opening: May Cost: $31.6 million Signed tenants: The Yoga Shack; Foundation Coffee Co.; Kilwins; SoFresh; Paint Nail Bar; Smith Law Attorneys; Atria; Crop Juice; Derek the Salon; Kore Broke ground: Oct. 4, 2018 Square footage: 130,000 square feet Apartments: 1,400 units will be built adjacent to the town center On the water: Kingfisher Lake (280-acres)

waiting for them to get their current locations profitable. There is a very small world of people who we want to consider these sites.

Those are interesting, very wellcrafted restaurants. We want places people can go where they like the ambiance, a place you can’t get in five different locations. That makes it a destination.

It increases your radius of draw.”

He estimates that Waterside Place will open in May with a “good number of tenants.” Lakewood Ranch Commercial has announced 10 business and restaurants scheduled to open in the spring, and Boylston said they have leased 12,000-square foot of office space.

“We’re thinking in the fourth quarter, we will have more of a grand opening,” Boylston said.

Starting in the spring, though, he expects plenty of foot traffic even if the anchor restaurants aren’t ready to open. He said the setting alongside a lake, the island park, entertainment programming and the existing businesses will drive people there. He said it will have all the advantages of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch,

Kirk Boylston and Tom Johnson of Lakewood Ranch Commercial say they are excited to get things rolling at Waterside Place in May, though a grand opening might not take place until late in the year.

and more.

“This will be the gem of Lakewood Ranch,” Boylston said. “The project took tremendous time and effort.”

With COVID-19 vaccines now being provided for the public, Boylston said he expects rapid changes in 2021 as people begin to return to their normal lifestyle.

“We’re getting clarity,” he said.

Boylston said it is fortunate that COVID-19 didn’t come a month after Waterside Place opened and instead is, hopefully, headed toward being a nonfactor.

Monaca Onstad, the director of community relations for Lakewood Ranch Communities, is going full-speed ahead with programming plans for Waterside Place to begin in May. She said she can scale back if the pandemic doesn’t allow for certain programming.

Onstad plans to move The Market at Lakewood Ranch, currently held on Sundays in the parking lot of the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, to Waterside Place as early as May. “We think about these things year ahead,” she said. “That market was created for Waterside Place. It will become 52 weeks a year.”

The Market at Lakewood Ranch usually closes the end of April, so Onstad is hoping for a smooth,

Photos by Jay Heater

Workers put the finishing touches on one of the buildings at Waterside Place, expected to open in May.

no-break transition from the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to Waterside Place.

She also said Lakewood Ranch Communities and Lakewood Ranch Community activities have opened 23 new art and fitness programs since the pandemic began.

Some of those programs will be duplicated at Waterside Place while others might take a different form or be completely different than what already is offered.

“What I see is an extension of what we already are doing around the Ranch,” she said.

She has introduced all kinds of ideas that are being considered, such as a Friendsgiving event around the Thanksgiving holiday that would include a week of live music, games and a family day where those who attend could participate in traditional events, such as pick-up football games.

Waterside Place will have an 8-acre island park that will include a splash pad and sand volleyball courts. There will be open space for yoga, barre, concerts, cornhole and a speaker series.

Eventually Waterside Place will have bike rentals and water taxi rides, all expected in 2021.

She said hosting successful events will draw people to businesses that open in the spring.

Boylston hopes everyone keeps in mind that Waterside Place is a long-term project that will impact the local communities for years to come. That’s why he isn’t rushing to fill spots.

“This is going to be good for Lakewood Ranch, and it’s going to help us sell homes,” he said.

“We could sell all the property in Waterside without having it, but we just don’t do that. A normal developer couldn’t build this project. It wouldn’t be [financially] feasible. We have too much open area.”

He said SMR spared no expense on the project.

“All the beams, joists and cladding are real wood,” he said. “All the heavy timber beams have been custom cut. It has been an extremely intricate project because of the level of detail. We spent weeks just figuring out what stain we wanted and how many coats. Willis Smith has done an amazing job.”

“This will be the gem of Lakewood Ranch. The project took tremendous time and effort.”

— Kirk Boylston, the president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

A DIFFERENT VIEW Seen as an opponent of a so-called new voting block in the commission, Commissioner at-large Carol Whitmore said her primary focus in 2021 will be the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effect on unemployment.

As always, she stressed that she will never vote to raise property tax.

“This other personal stuff, it all needs to go away,” she said. “We all need to sit down and do our job and not play games. Eventually, when these new people get comfortable, it will happen.”

File photo

New At-large Commissioner George Kruse said he wants to decrease county government regulations and lower the millage, if possible.

Infrastructure, millage top 2021 issues Although move to replace administrator failed, new commissioners say their views align.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

Three new Manatee County Commissioners took office Nov. 17, and it took only two days for them to cause a stir in the county’s political environment.

When Commissioner Kevin

Van Ostenbridge moved Nov. 19 to give Administrator Cheri Coryea notice of a vote to terminate her contract, it proved talk of a “new vision” for Manatee County might be getting started.

That vision, though, received a black eye when new Commissioner George Kruse pulled out of the effort to terminate Coryea, leaving fellow new commissioners James Satcher and Van Ostenbridge, along with third-term Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, without enough votes to begin a search for a new administrator.

So whether the vision of that group of four commissioners, which best can be described as a conservative approach to governing and finances, has taken a significant hit remains to be seen in 2021.

All four commissioners — Van Ostenbridge, Satcher, Kruse and Baugh — continue to say they

will make major changes in the way Manatee County government runs. They have talked about putting more resources into current infrastructure rather than future county buildings; they want to lower the millage, if possible; and they would like to have more control over the county’s administration.

“This is a conservative push in Manatee County,” Kruse said.

“You saw that based on the [57.5%] that Trump got in terms of the vote. You can see that by the fact that myself and Vanessa and James and Kevin all were elected.

And I think we just need to mirror that. We’re a representative government at the end of the day, and we need to represent the majority of Manatee County.”

When Van Ostenbridge raised the motion to give Coryea her notice, he said he wanted to run the government like part of the private sector, calling Coryea a “public sector person.”

“Sometimes you do need new direction if you’re going to make changes that are going to help the people,” Satcher said. “I think we want to watch taxpayer money like a hawk.”

Baugh said staff members have too much power in Manatee County and that that has resulted in wasteful spending. She said the previous commission passed nearly every vote when staff recommended approval, even if it didn’t benefit, in her opinion, county citizens. She said that comes from projects being sent to the commissioners for a vote when the commissioners don’t have adequate time to fully research the recommendation.

“All the staff had to do [for the previous commission] was bring something forward,” Baugh said.

EAST COUNTY

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

— George Kruse

“The staff knew it had the votes.

Sometimes you have people who are more conservative in their thinking than others.”

Although three Republicans replaced three Republicans on the board, Baugh said the new commissioners truly are fiscally conservative.

One example of flawed spending, as suggested by the three new commissioners and Baugh, is the $32.5 million purchase of the 161 acres from Musgrave Real Estate Holdings adjacent to the Lena Road Landfill for a new county operations center and a future waste transfer station. The former commission passed the deal 4-3 about one month before the new commissioners took office.

“It’s my hope that the new board starts looking at things with a different perspective,” Baugh said. “The administrator handles the county. Well, it’s gotten out of hand. We need to be looking at it from the standpoint of the taxpayer, not the staff and what it wants. That’s irrelevant. It’s really up to the citizens of Manatee. And that’s who we represent.”

The three new commissioners and Baugh said ways should be found to lower taxes, if possible. For example, Kruse said the

county should dip into its reserve funds rather than implementing a stormwater tax.

Baugh said the most important issue the commission needs to address in 2021 is infrastructure, namely roads and traffic congestion. This doesn’t necessarily mean building new roads. Many extensions, such as the one on 44th Avenue, are already underway to help in that regard. Rather, Baugh said it’s important to make sure the county’s existing roads are operating at full capacity.

One option could be an increased emphasis on roundabouts, Baugh said. She acknowledged a lot of people don’t like them but also said they keep traffic flowing because they eliminate the need for traffic signals.

Baugh also wants to see the planned aquatics complex adjacent to Premier Sports Campus become a priority, especially in light of a shortage of public pool space in East County, which was highlighted by a recent dispute between the county and a local swim team that lost workouts.

The three new commissioners and Baugh say there are other issues in the county that need immediate attention in 2021.

Baugh said the county must do better in providing opportunities for minorities to be able to buy homes. She said the education aspect is critical in that area.

Kruse, Baugh, Satcher and Van Ostenbridge all campaigned together and expressed similar values and goals. Kruse said the like-minded group will be a boon for the citizens.

“We know we’re all coming in with similar ideologies,” Kruse said. “We know we can get policies instituted that the people of Manatee County want.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Public interest cited as reason for lawsuit against commissioners

S

arasota-based paralegal consultant Michael Barfield said he has no intention of stopping his efforts to find out if Manatee County commissioners Vanessa Baugh, James Satcher, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and George Kruse violated Florida’s Government-in-theSunshine Law before they voted to consider the termination of Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea on Nov. 19.

“I think there’s so much controversy surrounding the attempted firing of the county administrator that finding out how that happened and went down serves a public interest,” Barfield said.

Although Coryea’s job is no longer in jeopardy (commissioners voted Dec. 10 to throw out the previous motion), Barfield said he doesn’t believe in no harm, no foul.

On Dec. 18, he amended an existing lawsuit against Satcher, adding Baugh and Van Ostenbridge as defendants, as he seeks judicial relief in his attempt to gain public records. Barfield, the president of Florida’s American Civil Liberties Union executive committee, filed public records requests in November against the four commissioners — Baugh, Van Ostenbridge, Kruse and Satcher.

Barfield said Kruse has cooperated with the records requests, and he said the other three commissioners have not. Van Os-

tenbridge and Satcher, however, dispute Barfield’s account, saying they have provided all the documents required. Baugh, saying she is working with an attorney, declined comment.

“Clearly, there are powerful people behind this,” Van Ostenbridge said. “It’s no coincidence that the three commissioners who are the strongest supporters of President [Donald] Trump are the only three commissioners who are being targeted in this witch hunt. The only thing that Barfield’s handlers are attempting is to run up my legal bills, create headaches for me. I came into office wanting to drain the swamp, and I followed through on campaign promises. And the establishment is angry about the change that voters asked for.”

“This is just a vendetta to bog down the agenda of putting the citizens first, shrinking government, watching people’s taxes and putting a Manatee-first agenda into place,” Satcher said.

Florida Statute 286.011 states that violations of Sunshine Law are punishable by fines not exceeding $500. Additionally, a knowing violation of Sunshine Law can be a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days of imprisonment.

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“We know we’re all coming in with similar ideologies.

We know we can get policies instituted that the people of Manatee County want, and that’s why they voted for us.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

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Short vaccine supply causes frustration Manatee County public safety director implores those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations to be patient.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Rosedale’s Hal Ross spent three hours online Dec. 4 trying to book an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine that Manatee County was offering for free Dec. 6 and 7 at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton.

“At one point, the online message told us three tickets were available,” Ross said. “I asked for two. After another half hour, I was advised none were available.

After reading about all the trouble residents are having [getting an appointment], why doesn’t Manatee County simply ask us to register — once? Then they can confirm receipt of our request and let us know when tickets are available. Otherwise we have to go through the same hell every time they get another supply.”

Jacob Sauer, Manatee County’s public safety director, said he understands the frustration of those who have been unable to make an appointment to get the vaccine.

“We are at the very beginning of this,” Sauer said. “This will be an on-and-off process until the sup-

ply chain is full. We are working as fast as we can. We are not sitting on any doses. We ask the public to continue to have patience and to work with us.”

The Florida Department of Health Manatee received another 1,400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 4 and said 1,200 of those doses would be given to people 65 and older and the other 200 to first responders. Word of the vaccine’s arrival came early Monday morning, and appointments were being given out at 2 p.m. Those appointments were filled in a matter of hours.

Along with the 1,400 doses being given Jan. 6 and 7, the county has given out 2,830 free doses since Dec. 22. More than 100,000 Manatee County residents are 65 or over, though the doses are available to anyone that age whether they reside in the county or not.

“The vaccination campaign in the last seven days has been no short of a small miracle,” Sauer said. “All the county departments have come together as a team.

This has been an all-hands-ondeck, great collaborative partnership.”

Each Monday, Manatee County will advise its residents if more vaccine is available. Online appointments can be booked at MyManatee.org/vaccine. Those who need assistance in making an appointment can call Manatee County’s 311 line.

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YourObserver.com

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EAST COUNTY

THESE LITTLE PIGGIES GO TO THE FAIR

“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

Myakka’s Pork Chop Revue will be a featured attraction at the Manatee County Fair.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

W

ith a few short commands, Myakka City’s Les Kimes watched his 750-pound pig, Mac, turn himself in a circle with his two front legs planted on a stool.

Kimes then asked him to wave, and Mac raised his left front foot and held it there for a few minutes while Kimes turned and waved himself.

The wave is a crowd pleaser whenever Kimes and Mac, along with Kimes’ other five pigs, perform in the Pork Chop Revue, which will make its first appearance at the Manatee County Fair this month.

The fair runs Jan. 14-24.

The Pork Chop Revue also features its pigs doing stunts such as jumping hurdles and pushing a baby in a stroller.

Kimes said the performance at the fair will also feature a few surprises.

“This is our home county, so we’re excited about performing over here,” Kimes said. “We wanted to play the fair for a long time, and it just never worked out.”

Being in the Pork Chop Revue runs in the family. Kimes’ father, Boyd, started the show in 1956 after he began participating in circuses, fairs and festivals. He had just returned after serving in the Navy during World War II. Kimes said his father always had a rapport with animals.

“He had trained groundhogs, foxes and dogs,” Kimes said. “My dad was a big man. I’m a big guy, but my dad was way bigger than me. It was Uncle Heavy and the Pork Chop Revue. We just saw a niche and saw that it was different and unique.”

Kimes started working with the

Photos by Liz Ramos

IF YOU GO

PORK CHOP REVUE Where: Manatee County Fair, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 14, 15 and 19; 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Jan. 16-18 and 20 About the show: Les Kimes will dazzle the crowd by performing tricks with his six pigs along with a few special guests during Pork Chop Revue.

Fair hours: 5-10 p.m. Jan. 14, 15, 19, 21, 22; noon to 10 p.m. Jan. 16-18, 20, 23; and noon to 7 p.m. Jan. 24.

Admission: $10 for adults (ages 13 and up); $6 for children (ages 6 to 12); $9 for seniors (ages 55 and up); $6 for military; and free for children ages 5 and younger

pigs in the show at 3 years old.

“I’ve done a lot of circus work in my life as a young man, and my friends would be the tiger trainer, the high wire walker and the flying trapeze,” Kimes said. “I was kind of always an odd man out with my act.”

His adult sons, Logan and Morgan, joined the show as well.

The most recent family member added to the Pork Chop Revue is Kimes’ grandson, Nino.

“My dad actually passed in 1979, so I just pretty much took over the reins,” Kimes said. “It’s always been a way of life for me.

Louie rolls a spool across the training area. During the Pork Chop Revue, Louie also uses his snout to roll out a red carpet.

Courtesy photo

It’s like most people get up, and they go to work; my work and my life is set around these animals before anybody else. They’re No. 1. They’ve always taken care of me, and I take care of them.”

In 2021, the Pork Chop Revue will celebrate its 65th anniversary.

“It’s an unusual way to make a living, but you get to see a lot of places and meet a lot of interesting people,” Kimes said. “We’ve been to every state except Alaska.”

Kimes gets the pigs when they are babies and cares for them their entire lives, which is an average of 10 years. Kimes said he had one pig live to be 15 years old.

“I like to say these piggies never go off to market,” he said.

He said training a pig isn’t as difficult as one might think because they’re intelligent animals. Although some pigs can be stubborn and learn a little slower than others, Kimes said pigs learn fast and each have their own personalities.

“Once you take the time to train them, they usually pretty much do what they’re supposed to do, and you don’t have to keep training them,” Kimes said.

The Pork Chop Revue went on “America’s Got Talent” in 2020 and made it to the quarter finals before being eliminated.

“You’re nervous [on the show],” Kimes said. “There are a lot of stars you’re seeing for the first time, and you’re up on the big stage for the competition. It’s nerve-wracking.”

Above: Les Kimes stands beside Mac while waving to the “America’s Got Talent” judges.

The Pork Chop Revue made it to the quarter finals of the talent competition.

Top: Les Kimes says he loves working with Mac, a 750-pound pig, during the Pork Chop Revue.

Kimes’ father, Boyd, started the show in 1956. Next year, the show will be celebrating its 65th anniversary.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

JAY HEATER

Casino event a good bet for community

C

oming out of an awful 2020 for most people, Lakewood Ranch’s Angela MassaroFain faced a tough assignment.

The founder of Sisterhood for Good, a Lakewood Ranch “giving circle,” Massaro-Fain was out trying to get donations for her group’s Vegas Comes to the Ranch event that is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

The popular school of thought might be that business owners would be entering the new year wary of spending any additional funds with a pandemic still gripping the nation. Massaro-Fain thought differently.

First, she banked on the generous nature of those who live and do business in Lakewood Ranch.

Next, she thought many nonprofits had canceled events last year, so local businesses might have some extra funds they had budgeted for 2020 but had never spent.

Peggy Kronus, Willis Smith Construction’s community business development manager and a key member of Sisterhood for Good, thought of the idea for Vegas Comes to the Ranch a few months back. The idea was a casino night that would be held outdoors at the Sarasota Polo Club, so those who wanted attendfor could easily social Best to Wishes a Fantastic 2021 distance.

They could dress up like they were going to the Las Vegas

Strip, and they could use chips to play the games and perhaps win some prizes.

But Kronus and Massaro-Fain needed more to raise the funds necessary to make the effort worthwhile. They solicited donations from area businesses, so they could hold both silent and live auctions. They also looked for event sponsors.

“This event, we’ve had the most sponsors we’ve ever had [for a Sisterhood for Good fundraiser],” Massaro-Fain said. “We knew 2020 was not a great year, and so many events were canceled, but people also didn’t spend dollars they had planned to spend [for charities].

Of the auction items, 100% were donated. We didn’t buy one thing.”

Forty-six sponsors donated a minimum of $550, and most gave $1,000 or more. Auction items include a diamond necklace and a vacation in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Massaro-Fain said the generosity stemmed from the fact Sisterhood for Good’s name is now branded in the area.

“People understand who we are and what we do,” she said.

The nonprofit has more than 100 members.

“Peggy is the co-chair for this event,” Massaro-Fain said. “The creativity and enthusiasm she brings to every event she touches is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. Nothing is ever a no. She

always says we will get it done, and then she finds a way to get it done.”

Kronus’ mantra, Massaro-Fain said, is that everything needs to be done top notch. Every dollar made goes to charity.

Fortunately, as the group has increased in size after starting in May 2011 with 10 members, the expertise in hosting fundraising events has increased as well.

Last year, Sisterhood for Good gave away $41,980 in grants.

Since its inception, Sisterhood for Good has presented just under $88,000 in grants.

Massaro-Fain offered Grapevine Communications Owner Allison Imre as an example of key expertise in raising funds.

Imre bought Grapevine from Massaro-Fain and her husband, John Fain, in 2017. She then joined Sisterhood for Good to continue the tradition at Grapevine of supporting Sisterhood for Good.

“Now we have the talent of her entire creative team,” MassaroFain said.

Besides those who already have a talent for various aspects of hosting fundraising events, others learn from the Sisters.

“Philanthropy, to me, is not something you just do,” Massaro-Fain said. “It is something you learn. You don’t wake up and say, ‘I will start giving money.’

You learn by example.

“When I first came to Sarasota and Manatee, I really had my first

File photo

Sisterhood for Good Founder Angela Massaro-Fain, Penny Kronus and Lori Ruth are co-chairs of the “Vegas Comes to the Ranch” event.

opportunity to see philanthropy in action. Sandy Loevner was in charge of the Florida Winefest and Auction. I went to hear her speak when they gave out grants, and what struck me was that in a community that I felt was affluent, there were people struggling. It surprised me.”

Massaro-Fain said she cried as Loevner handed out the grants and as those who received them talked about what they were going to do with the funds.

That event convinced Massaro-Fain to join the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, where board member Diane Brune talked to her about starting a women’s giving circle. Sisterhood for Good was born, and now Massaro-Fain is handing out the grants.

She noted Sisterhood for Good’s strength is in numbers. It

costs $225 a year to join.

Anyone who wants to see the group in action can still attend the casino night. It costs $140 per ticket (purchase at SisterhoodForGood.org/register).

The event will have 21 gaming tables, 10 bars (so people keep distanced), a cigar station and an open bourbon bar, along with the live and silent auctions.

It’s a winning proposition.

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

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

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Remote gates come to local communities

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new remote gate system has been installed at Edgewater and likely will come to the Country Club’s Legacy and Balmoral entrances in early January.

Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority Operations Director Paul Chetlain said the system is powered by Allied Universal, a company that specializes in security systems. Two of Allied’s partners are also involved, Tekwave Solutions, which documents data to keep track of visitors, and PlateSmart Technologies, which provides license plate recognition technology.

The gates were installed to improve cost and efficiency. The new system uses a guard stationed at a remote facility owned by a security company during low-volume, nighttime hours rather than employing a guard to man a gatehouse 24 hours a day.

As a result, Lakewood Ranch IDA Chief Financial Officer Steven H. Zielinski estimates the communities will save $18,210 (Balmoral entrance) and $31,580 (Legacy entrance) from the fiscal year 2021 budget to the fiscal year 2022 budget.

The gates will also allow people to enter the community quicker.

Traffic backups can be a problem at the gatehouses, most often at the Legacy entrance, Lakewood Ranch IDA Executive Director Anne Ross said. Once the kiosks are live, residents will be able to send guests a QR barcode, which is scanned at the gate to allow

Brendan Lavell

entry. The QR code comes with a PIN that can be entered, for example, if you don’t have access to your phone.

“It makes it very quick,” Ross said. “Plus, we still get all the data of the person coming.”

Ross said the QR codes and PINs correspond to three different types of guest passes. First, there are visitor passes, which the residents can set to be valid for up to a month. Permanent passes, often given to caregivers or housekeepers who visit certain homes on a regular basis, are valid for a year. Finally, there are party passes, which are sent to a group of people for gatherings and are valid for one day.

Residents can also opt into a public or private directory. If a guest arrives unexpectedly and wants to enter, they can call the resident and communicate through the kiosk.

Lakewood Ranch InterDistrict Authority Operations Director Paul Chetlain says there are still a few issues to work through, such as the efficiency of the remote guard.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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hef Danny Barbos stood next to a tool he calls “the Lamborghini of pizza ovens,” a Marana, and smiled as he pulled out another perfect pizza creation.

It was what he calls The Godfather, a combination of homemade tomato sauce, homemade beef meatballs and homemade fresh mozzarella, along with caramelized onions, Parmesan cheese and basil.

The setting could have been in the midst of any busy restaurant hub, but it wasn’t. As people tested this new pizza option for Lakewood Ranch, they looked out the window at the Legacy Golf Club course. It is, indeed, a serene setting, but perhaps not what you would expect from a golf course clubhouse.

Jon Whittemore, who with partner Kevin Paschall formed Legacy Golf Holdings LLC and own the course, is looking for ways to increase revenues after spending more than $2 million in renovations since they purchased the course in 2015.

Could pizza be one answer?

Whittemore also owns the Bri-

The Texan includes barbecue sauce, a traditional brand of cheeses, smoked brisket and ranch dressing.

dlewood Golf Course in Flower Mound, Texas, with a group called Advance Golf of Dallas. They hired Danny Barbos two years ago to open Barbos Pizza at Bridlewood Golf Club. Whittemore said the results have been impressive.

Whittemore decided to try the same strategy at Legacy Golf Club and hired Barbos to open a pizzeria, Barbos Pizza at Legacy Golf Club. The opening is scheduled for Jan. 11.

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IF YOU GO

What: Barbos Pizza Where: Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch Opens: Jan. 11 On the menu: Cheese pizza ($10), Margherita pizza ($13), speciality pizzas ($14$16), calzone ($12)

For a few days leading up to Christmas, Barbos was treating invited guests to test the pizza, and both Whittemore and Paschall were impressed not only by the product but also by the feedback from the guests.

It was great news considering they paid $35,000 for the Marana oven so important to Barbos’ pro-

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Chef Danny Barbos slides a pizza into what he calls the Lamborghini of pizza ovens, a Marana.

cess. To set up the pizzeria, they paid approximately $200,000.

When they finish building, they plan on a takeout window that faces the parking lot.

Besides treating golfers to another food selection and giving tournament organizers the option to have pizza catered to their events, Whittemore said it will also increase the amount of nongolfer traffic to the course.

“It will multiply our nongolfer traffic by 10,” he said.

Both Paschall and Whittemore know they needed to hire an all-star to attract a crowd, and they believe they have done so with Barbos, who owned a restaurant, Il Buongustaio, in Alba, Italy, before moving to the U.S. and opening Basil Brick Oven in Astoria, Queens, N.Y., in 2012. A Queens media outlet called Barbos “the Picasso of pizza.”

Barbos’ passion overflowed as he prepared pizzas for guests at Legacy.

“It’s a craft,” Barbos said.

“Some people say pizza is fast food. … It’s not fast food.”

He explained how proofing his dough could take as long as two days. He uses less yeast in his dough.

“If you make your dough at 9 in the morning and make pizza at 3 in the afternoon, and you eat it, your stomach is going to blow up,” he said. “If you don’t have the patience, it is the worst.”

While Barbos will be supervising the operation, Scott Schwartz, the golf course’s food and beverage manager, will handle day-today operations. The pizzaiolo is Gennaro Aragri.

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STAYING ALIVE

ASOLO CONSERVATORY

The pandemic posed new problems for the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Its troupe of secondyear actors puts on plays, but only as a means to an end. Educating professional stage actors is the point. Greg Leaming, the conservatory’s director, had to keep their lessons going in a new world of social distancing.

“Classwork was a relatively quick fix,” Leaming says. “We created hybrid classes for acting and movement. …

The biggest challenge was creating performance opportunities. We solved that with two virtual productions. Our first, ‘Twilight,’ has already closed. ‘Julius Caesar’ is coming up in April. We’ll produce it with the same technical talents from ‘Twilight.’ Jonathan Epstein will be directing, and he’s editing the script right now for rehearsals. After that, we’re planning a full season next year in the Cook Theater.”

MARTY FUGATE | CONTRIBUTOR

If you’re a pessimist, the pandemic is starting to look more like bad climate than bad weather. But area theater groups remain optimistic. They’re

ONLINE

gearing up for the day the storm passes. Until

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S “JULIUS CAESAR” When: April 7-26 Tickets: $10-$25 Visit: tickets.Asolo Rep.org

then, they’re entertaining local audiences with creative alternatives to conventional live theater on stage. Here’s an overview of a few of the organizations, with more on YourObserver.com.

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS Last December, Jeffery Kin, The Players’ producing artistic director, directed a successful outdoor production of “A Christmas Carol.” Kin plans to repeat that success in the months ahead. “Our survival strategy boils down to staying safe and thinking small,” he says. “We plan to keep staging excellent outdoor productions with small projects, small casts and small budgets. We’ll start with two pop-up shows at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. After that, … we’ve got a few musical surprises in spring.”

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

IF YOU GO

Since FST pulled the plug on live productions March 15, 2020, it has filled the gap with inventive online improv, but that’s about to change. Richard Hopkins, FST’s producing artistic director, says: “After careful consideration, we plan to reopen with two new musical revues in late March. These will comply with all CDC guidelines, including masks, social distancing, temperature checks and limited attendance. We’ve also updated our airconditioning system, with MERV-13 air filters to eliminate recycled air.” Hopkins admits it’s a lot of trouble. “But it’s worth it to us. Our audience is starving for live theater — and we’re hungry, too.”

■ STEPHEN TEMPERLEY’S “SOUVENIR” When: Jan. 21-31 Where: 821 Apricot Ave. Tickets: $20 ■ ELLIOTT RAINES’ “IN LOVE WITH SHAKESPEARE” When: Jan. 4-14 Where: 821 Apricot Ave. Tickets: $20 Info: Call 365-2494, or visit ThePlayers.org

IF YOU GO

■ CAROLE J. BUFFORD’S “VINTAGE POP!” When: Opens March 24 Where: FST Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Tickets: $35-$39 ■ REBECCA HOPKINS AND SARAH DURHAM’S “THREE PIANOS” When: Opens March 31 Where: FST Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. Tickets: $35-$39 Info: Call 366-9000, or visit FloridaStudioTheatre. org

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

HARRY SAYER

THUNDER BY THE BAY KICKOFF PARTY

STAFF WRITER

Benefiting: Suncoast Charities for Children Where: 6 p.m. Feb. 19 Where: Sarasota Fairgrounds Tickets: $75 Info: Call 706-3795, ext. 101.

scene, wasn’t it? There were a few large, engaged events at the

start of the year, but as March arrived,

“Born to Be Wild” Kickoff Party benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children still promises to be a rip-roaring affair. This year’s party will be held under the VIP Tent at the Sarasota Fairgrounds on the first night of the festival. Guests can look forward to live music from Nobody’s Fool and The Tucci Project.

most of those philanthropic endeavors ground to a halt. Many events were postponed with their schedules still in flux while others took the plunge and con-

AVANT-GARDE: ‘LET US ENTERTAIN YOU’ Benefiting: Ringling College of Art and Design When: 6 p.m. March 20 Where: Ringling College Co-chairs: Janet and George L. Miles, Jr. Tickets: $500 Info: Call 330-3425.

Pat and President Larry Thompson at 2019’s Avant-Garde: “A Magical Evening.”

Ringling College of Art and Design’s last Avant-Garde: “Game On!” event was affected by the pandemic and transitioned to an online presentation in October 2020. The organization returns in March with its “Let Us Entertain You” event. This year will be a hybrid event with a limited number of people in person, and others will watch from home.

verted to digital. As 2021 rolls around, several nonprofits have embraced virtual, hybrid and outdoor models for put-

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

TRIBUTES Michael Petruzziello 1957-2020 On December 16th Michael (Mike) Petruzziello beloved husband, son, brother and friend passed away at home with his wife Debbi and their cat CoCo after a courageous battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Mike was the kind of person that everyone loved instantly and enjoyed being with – he was smart, kind, easy going, had an endearing smile and loved having a good time. had an endearing smile and loved having a good time. He will be missed by his family, friends and everyone that knew him.

The family is planning a memorial service to honor Mike’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation or First Tee Sarasota/Manatee counties.

DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation or First Tee Sarasota/Manatee counties.

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Mike was predeceased by his father Dave Petruzziello of Hazlet NJ and is survived by his wife Debbi (Pope) Petruzziello of Lakewood Ranch FL, his mother May Petruzziello of Lakewood NJ, brother Dave Petruzziello, and his wife Leah, his brother Tom Petruzziello, his nephew Dave Petruzziello, his niece Jennifer Petruzziello, loving family and many dear friends in New Jersey and Florida.

Mike was born on July 21, 1957 in Red Bank NJ. He grew up and attended school in Hazlet NJ. He worked for the phone company for 42 years – he held various positions throughout his career and was a Systems Engineer when he retired from Ericsson in 2017.

Mike and his wife Debbi were married for 34 years – their lives together were filled with love and happiness. They lived in Somerset, NJ for 24 years before moving to Lakewood Ranch Fl in 2018. Mike was an avid bowler, he loved playing golf with his buddies, bike riding, technology, photography, long weekends at the Jersey shore, family gatherings and dinner out with friends.

Mike was the kind of person that everyone loved instantly and enjoyed being with – he was smart, kind, easy going,

JANUARY 7, 2021

5

1

Cardinal Mooney High sophomore girls basketball guard and East County resident Olivia Davis scored 29 points Dec. 29 in the Cougars’ 76-70 win against Seffner Christian in the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational in Wesley Chapel.

2

ODA girls basketball freshman Ciniya Moore scored 20 points Dec. 29 in the Thunder’s 50-47 win against North Port High as part of the Chick-fil-A Classic, hosted by Bradenton Christian.

3

The Lakewood Ranch High wrestling team finished in first place at the Parrish Community High Duals meet Jan. 2, going 4-1 against the five competing teams.

4

Mary Marblestone (10) won the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Association “Criss Cross” event (individual low net) Dec. 31 at University Park Country Club.

5

Stephen Lux sank a hole-in-one Dec. 30 on the No. 16 hole of Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links course. Lux used a 6-iron on the 155-yard hole.

— Braden River High’s Isabella Patterson SEE PAGE 19A

New year, same concerns East County ADs talk about possible pandemic restrictions in 2021.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

E

ven though 2020 is in the rearview mirror, the biggest issue of the year — dealing with COVID-19 — is still a challenge local athletic directors are trying to handle.

With cases once again rising, both nationwide and in Florida, the threat of infection is an issue, especially because the winter season is filled with indoor sports, such as basketball and wrestling.

“There have not been any changes [to safety protocols] made yet,” Braden River High Athletic Director Matt Nesser said. “But that could change at any time. I could get off the phone and have an email of safety updates waiting for me.”

Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools have been following both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Manatee County guidelines since the pandemic began. Both Nesser and Lakewood Ranch Athletic Director Kent Ringquist said they were happy with how the regulations worked for the fall season. The schools had a few precautionary stoppages after contact tracings, they said, but they always felt in control. Nesser said he was shocked at how well the season went because he was nervous when the regulations were first handed down.

At the private The Out-ofDoor Academy, too, athletes were expected to follow CDC regulations, but the Thunder also took further steps, such as requiring its volleyball team (and the team’s opponents) to wear masks during games. ODA Athletic Director Kippie Crouch said she realizes the decisions made were unpopular with some athletes and parents, but they were effective.

Crouch said the school has not had any transmissions linked to a school or athletic event.

As of now, ODA also has no

Braden River AD Matt Nesser says although there are no changes to safety policies in the works, that could change at any moment, as is the nature of the pandemic.

Kippie Crouch believes ODA’s current pandemic policies will be effective even as cases rise.

Courtesy photos

plans to alter its restrictions. If the number of cases continues to rise in the coming weeks, Crouch said, the school might reevaluate.

“We already err on the side of safety,” Crouch said. “Rising cases are always a concern, but our coaches do a good job both here and on the road. We have kept our faculty and students as safe as possible.”

No matter what happens in the coming months, all three athletic directors said they will be doing everything possible to ensure the spring season happens. Last year’s spring season was canceled a few weeks into the regular season, with no postseason. It helps, they said, that every spring sport other than weightlifting is played outdoors. Because they know which protocols worked in the fall, they can duplicate them in the spring.

“I can’t imagine why we couldn’t get through it,” Ringquist said. “We’re going to keep doing

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what we’re doing for the safety of everyone.”

Putting policies in place is one thing. Enforcing them is another.

Crouch said most people at ODA respect the rules even if they don’t like them because they understand that following the policies are the only way sports will be played. Ringquist said similar things about Lakewood Ranch students and fans. They might need a nudge every once in a while, he said, but people have generally followed the rules, and the Lakewood Ranch coaches have done a good job of reminding athletes to be leaders in this regard.

Nesser said he wanted to remind fans to take the regulations seriously, not just with mask-wearing but also with sanitizing hands and leaving as soon as a given game ends to limit exposure.

That way, he said, the winter and spring seasons can be played to completion, and that would be to the benefit of everyone.

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18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Local athletes on track for better 2021 A

lthough 2021 doesn’t feel that different from 2020 yet, I’m confident this year will be better than the last.

Next week, I’ll be bringing you my top 10 East County athletes to watch in 2021, but before then, I wanted to highlight some of the events and teams I’m looking forward to covering this year.

I can’t wait for the high school spring season to get here. Those athletes got the worst of the pandemic’s early-2020 terror, getting their season canceled just a few weeks after starting.

It was painful for them, and it was, selfishly, painful for me, too. I love going to the Florida High School Track and Field Championships and watching the best of East County compete (and often win) on that stage. I love watching the elite-level talent on display when the Lakewood Ranch and Braden River softball teams go at it. I love seeing the local lacrosse teams improve with each passing year.

It’s not a guarantee that this year’s season will happen with no hiccups, but I hope it does.

Fall and winter athletes were given the chance to follow safety guidelines and keep their sports going. I hope spring athletes are given the same chance.

As always, I’m interested in seeing all three East County football teams next fall. All three have big question marks. For

File photos

Lakewood Ranch senior Riley Simmons didn’t get to compete in shot put at the state meet because of the pandemic. She’ll hope for better in 2021.

ODA junior Tristan McWilliam didn’t get to compete at the state meet last year because of the pandemic.

Braden River, who replaces Rice signee Shawqi Itraish at quarterback? For Lakewood Ranch, can Coach Rashad West string together his third-consecutive winning season? For The Outof-Door Academy, can Coach K.B. Belton instill consistency,

after a 2020 where a winless regular season led to a trip to the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Class A title game?

The Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic is back for its third year at Lakewood National Golf Club from Feb. 18-21. The first two tournaments have brought exciting professional golf to the area. I doubt the third will be any different. Apart from seeing who wins, I’m just

as excited to see the veterans who come to town. In the past, golfers like Mike Weir and Angel Cabrera have played the tournament. Seeing those familiar faces makes it fun for even a casual golf fan like myself.

It also will be interesting to see how the tournament manages crowd control during the pandemic. Tournament organizers expect the tour will allow fans, but how many people can

be managed safely is a work in progress.

I’m also looking forward to being surprised by our East County athletes. Every year, athletes improve dramatically to post amazing performances.

I don’t know who those athletes might be in 2021, but I’m looking forward to finding them (and bringing you their stories).

More than anything, I’m looking forward to the day in 2021, whenever it might be, when the only time I have to type the words “pandemic” or “COVID-19” are in reference to the past. The beginning of the year won’t be much easier, but the end is in sight. There will be a day this year when we can sit shoulder to shoulder at sporting events again, when athletes can give their teammates hugs after big wins again. It’s coming, and on that day, I will rejoice.

Until then, stay safe. Let’s see what 2021 has in store.

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

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YourObserver.com

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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 is the appeal to you?

I love the competitiveness. It’s a team sport, but it’s also about yourself at the same time. You’re also with a diverse group of people. Each one affects your life in a different way.

What is your favorite memory?

It has to be last year when we went to the state Final Four. Even though we didn’t win, it was an amazing experience. I remember when we first got there and walked inside. It was so bright and so big. We were all looking around. There was this feeling that we finally made it. Not everyone gets to experience that.

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Which superpower would you pick?

Telekinesis. It’s the manipulation of the body and the mind, so technically, I could do anything.

What is your best skill?

Defense, just overall. If someone gets beat, I’ll be there to help. I’ve always been good at that.

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What is the best advice you have received?

To not be so focused on what people think of you. In life, in basketball, people are sometimes going to observe what I’m doing. I can’t let that get in my head to the point that I stress out and make decisions I otherwise wouldn’t make.

When did you start playing basketball?

I started at age 3. Where I’m from, [Springfield, Ill.], we have a place called The Gym. It’s a recreation center, and I played in a rec league there.

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I read a lot. My favorite books are the ‘Shadowhunter Chronicles’ series [by Cassandra Clare]. I also play the flute, but I haven’t done that as much recently. I just haven’t had time.

Isabella Patterson is a junior forward/center on the Braden River girls basketball team. Patterson, who is 6-foot-2, is averaging nine points and four rebounds per game. Coach Stephanie Smith credits Patterson as a large part of the team’s 6-2 start.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

EVENTFUL 2021 AHEAD LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

I

n 2020, Lakewood Ranch saw many of its staple events canceled or adjusted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As 2021 begins, event organizers are working to provide entertainment even if it means adding new protocols and changes to ensure the health and safety of attendees.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Manatee County Fair, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greek Glendi or Fireworks on the Lake, plenty of East County entertainment should be available.

Here are some of the top events.

MANATEE COUNTY FAIR

Jan. 14-24 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto.

Enjoy fair food, games and rides during the Manatee County Fair. Future Farmers of America members will be showcasing their livestock, local and national acts will perform, and community members of all age groups will share their arts and crafts.

More information at ManateeCountyFair.com.

National Golf Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s views, and watch some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best golfers compete for a first-place payoff of more than $100,000.

More information at LECOMSuncoastClassic.com.

GREEK â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;GLENDIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

March 4-7 at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota The 37th annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glendiâ&#x20AC;? Greek festival is four days of family fun while enjoying Greek dishes, pastries and domestic and imported beverages. After grabbing a bite to eat, listen to live Greek music and dancing.

More information at StBarbaraFestival.org.

IRISH CELTIC FESTIVAL

March 13 at a location to be determined though traditionally at the Greenbrook Adventure Park.

Irish food, dancers, craft beer, a Best Legs in a Kilt contest, a Lucky Dog Parade and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities are just parts of what

CIRCUS SARASOTA

Feb. 12 to March 7 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

See circus artists perform under an iconic red and white Big Top. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circus features many performers who were on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent.â&#x20AC;? The event will be held in person as well as virtually.

More information at CircusArts.org.

LECOM SUNCOAST CLASSIC

Feb. 18-21 at the Lakewood National Golf Club, 17605 Lakewood National Parkway, Lakewood Ranch.

The third year of the Korn Ferry Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LECOM Suncoast Classic offers golf fans a view of future PGA Tour stars. Enjoy Lakewood

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File photos

the Irish Celtic Festival has to offer.

More information at MyLWR. com.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

April 3 at a location to be determined.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss your chance to see the Easter Bunny while hunting for more than 25,000 eggs spread across the field during the longest-running egg hunt in Lakewood Ranch.

More information at MyLWR. com.

NCAA ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 28-30 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

The best collegiate rowers in the country will descend on Nathan Benderson Park to battle for national championships. Besides seeing the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top collegiate rowers and teams, fans can get a look at local rowers who have joined college programs around the U.S. More information at NathanBendersonPark.org.

TRIBUTE TO HEROES PARADE

May 30 at a location to be deter-

mined but traditionally at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Thousands usually gather to see dozens of parade entries.

Residents are encouraged to decorate their strollers, bikes and golf carts.

More information at MyLWR. com.

Above: The Manatee County Fairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midway is full of rides, carnival games and other activities.

Left: Lakewood Ranchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greg and Liz Krome, with their daughter, Kinsley, got a front-row spot for Fireworks on the Lake.

Far left: Andrew Novak tees off from the No. 1 hole.

Novak won the LECOM Suncoast Classic at 23 under par in 2020.

FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE

July 3 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Nathan Benderson Park will celebrate the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence with its annual FireCONTINUED ON PAGE 2B

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FROM PAGE 1B

New Year,New You?

works on the Lake. Although it was canceled last year, the 4-mile run is expected to make a return in 2021 to coincide with Fireworks on the Lake. The event could draw more than 25,000 people or could be restricted to a smaller crowd if social distancing is in effect.

More information at NathanBendersonPark.org.

INTENTIONAL PLANNING FOR YOUR DESIRED FUTURE.

U.S. DRAGON BOAT FEDERATION CLUB CREW NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oct. 1-3 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

More than 2,000 dragon boat competitors from across the country are expected to hit the water in July. The event is a qualifier for the international championships, which come to Sarasota in 2022.

More information at NathanBendersonPark.org.

BOOFEST

By Freya Robbins, CDFA™ Would you agree that most people are happy to be “out with the old and in with the new” when it comes to 2020?

It has been a year hasn’t it?

with the intention I created in that workshop. This produced a profound effect on me as I began the journey of intentional planning.

What do you aspire to accomplish?

Short term is 6 months to two and a half years. Long term is two and a half years up to 10 years. I encourage you to make your lists, today—right now. It could be to attain a certain income level, or to create a new meal plan and exercise routine for better health, to discuss estate planning or financial planning issues with your spouse or family or maybe Let me share a story with to plan a long overdue you. When I was in my vacation. Perhaps you late 20’s I attended a have been blessed weekend workshop If you are looking with money and that was intended to want to use your forward to creating help with some life time and talents planning. During something spectacular to help others but that weekend, I in your life for this next don’t know where set some specific to start. goals, to own my year it will require This is your life. Only own home, to have some planning. you have the ability to enough money to create or make changes travel, to be promoted and there are no “do as an Account Executive overs”. When you are in your with AT&T and to be happily 80’s what accomplishments would married with children. you be proud to have attained? It is Quite coincidentally, a few years never too late to plan, even if you are later I came across the list I had already 80. Call me if you would like made during that workshop. To some help or direction. I would love my surprise, I had accomplished to work with you on a plan you want everything on the list ... except one to create or help you figure out what thing. I wasn’t happily married with your passion is. children. Hah, I wasn’t even married!

Prior to that, evidently I was focused on my career. Clearly, I had some Freya is a Life Coach, a Florida Supreme unfinished business to tend to.

Court Certified Family Mediator, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, The important point about this and is certified as a Chartered Special story is what I had accomplished.

Needs Consultant.

My accomplishments we correlated If you are looking forward to creating something spectacular in your life for this next year it will require some planning. Whether it is a new career you aspire to, a new project you are working on, a new intimate relationship you hope to create or a better relationship with someone already in your life, it will take thoughtful preparation.

Oct. 29 at a location to be determined Time to get spooky with your best costume during BooFest.

With music, performances and people giving out treats, the whole family will have fun. Traditionally, this event draws thousands of guests.

More information at MyLWR. com.

SUNCOAST FOOD AND WINE FEST

Nov. 13 At Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. After having to cancel the festival in 2020, the Rotary Club

File photo

of Lakewood Ranch is hoping to host the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest again in 2021 with hundreds of wines and food samples available for tasting. See what dozens of restaurants have to offer while helping to raise money for the Rotary Club charities.

More information at LakewoodRanch-Rotary.com.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE RANCH

Mallory Park’s Wendy and David Kil dress like pumpkins at BooFest with their daughters, Ellie, 3, and Chloe, 5.

Dec. 10 at a location to be determined but traditionally at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.

Walking around during Holidays Around the Ranch will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit as you listen to festive music, take carriage rides, meet Santa and see holiday lights.

More information at MyLWR. com.

IMAGINE TOBACCO FREE... our community

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Wed., Jan 20, 2021 • 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM (EDT)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smart phone. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19% 3ameeting_MGM4ZmRlNDQtYTg1Yi00YmRlLThiNmItOGQ2 Wed, Sep 16, 2020 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM (EDT) MWYyMjZiMmFl%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a Please%2228cd8f80-3c44-4b27-81a0-cd2b03a31b8d%22%2c%22Oid% join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smart phone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/465223749 You can also dial in using your phone.

22%3a%22d0539adf-db98-4252-a50a-c4c496d385b1%22%7d (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)

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ITEMS MADE BY CLUB MEMBERS n Crank toys n Baby rattles n Puppets n Tables n Bowls n Decorations n Bookcases

Sarasota resident Marvin Stoltzfus made this blue heron decoration out of a two-by-four.

Photos by Brendan Lavell

Whisper Bend resident Alan Brown is the president of the Florida West Coast Woodworkers club. He has a workshop in his garage.

Board? Try woodworking East County members of The Florida West Coast Woodworkers club run from beginners to experts.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

Whisper Bend’s Barbara Brown decided it finally was time to cut into her husband’s hobby.

So she grabbed a saw.

Although a novice at woodworking, she joined the Florida West Coast Woodworkers club two years ago. Her husband, Alan, is the club president.

Alan Brown has made every-

thing from tables and bowls to bookcases and dumbbells — the latter, which weighed only a few ounces, were more decoration than exercise equipment — but he wouldn’t call himself a master of the craft.

He first started woodworking after he got out of the Navy at the end of the Vietnam War. Jobs were tough to come by, so Brown set up an electronics shop. His landlord said if he wanted a bathroom, he

would have to build it himself. So Brown did. That went well, so he built a showcase for his TVs. Brown eventually decided to take his woodworking skills to another level and joined the Florida West Coast Woodworkers in 2015. As president, he has been tasked with helping the club navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the members have not met in person. He said he is well suited for the task of running a club through Zoom meetings, considering his experience with electronics.

“In the beginning, I had no idea what I was getting into or what the club was all about,” Brown said. “A friend invited me down, and within the first meeting or two, I was hooked with all the information and the camaraderie that was being built. … I think if I

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do one thing best, it’s smile a lot and try to make a lot of friends.”

Over the years, Alan Brown taught Barbara the basics in terms of the tools he was using, but she let him do the work. He said it was time for her to put those tools to use, and she joined the club.

“I learned how to use a saw stop, a chop saw, the router table [and] the drill press,” she said.

Barbara Brown said she isn’t as good an artist as most of the members, but she has done a nice job copying ideas she sees on Pinterest or Etsy. Her first project was a bath board that can hold glasses, books, tablets, candles and more while you’re in the tub.

The Florida West Coast Woodworkers club welcomes those of all skill levels, from beginners to masters. In addition to varying skill levels, the club’s members have a wide variety of specialties and interests. Mote Ranch resident and 15-year club member Bob Eslinger, for example, considers himself a “really fine specialist” in the field of furniture, though he wouldn’t go as far as considering himself an expert.

Barbara Brown now would like to recruit more women to the club. The club has a membership of approximately 100 members, but only 15 are women.

“There’s so many women out there who have never even heard of woodworking and are afraid because of tools or sawdust or paint or whatever,” Barbara Brown said. “But there’s so many protections these days to help you.

And there’s so much knowledge in the club. So many fellas have helped me.

“It’s a real group effort. You learn a lot, and you have fun doing it.”

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COMMUNITY

at 150. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information or to register.

SUNDAY, JAN. 10

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. 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.

DISCOVER GRACIOUS WATERFRONT LIVING Enjoy active senior living at our community on the Manatee River waterfront and a lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities. You’ll fall in love with maintenance-free living with stellar services like flexible dining options, housekeeping, 24-hour security and more.

Choose from a variety of spacious apartment homes, all backed by the assurance of a full continuum of care, including assisted living and skilled nursing, should you need them.

PARKS AND PARTNERS CONCERT Begins at 2:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park in the Playground and Event Garden, 500 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

The Sarasota Wind Quartet, as part of the Sarasota Orchestra on the Road concert series, will perform at Nathan Benderson Park.

Although admission is free, those who want to attend must register. Attendance will be capped

Call (877) 212-6670 today to learn more!

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Active Living | Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation

STROLLER STRIDES Begins 8 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The Fit4Moms Stroller Strides fitness program begins as moms can better their physical health, all while having fun with their child. The weekly program runs for six consecutive weeks and costs $45. For more information or to register, to go MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12

WALK THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Take a casual walk with others 18 years old and up around Bob Gardner Park with friends in this free activity offered

by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. To register or for more information, call 727-1505.

FITNESS FOR KIDS Begins at 4 p.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers Fit4Kids, a 12-session program that runs Tuesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 18. The program is targeted for ages 5-10. The fee is $45 for all 12 sessions and will be led by Anchor Fitness and Performance. Visit MyLWR.com for more information or to register.

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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. The event is hosted by The Yoga Shack Florida. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

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es. To register, send an email to ResourceWisdom@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

VEGAS COMES TO THE RANCH Runs from 6-9 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Trail, Lakewood Ranch. Sisterhood for Good presents a casino night to benefit area charities. Tickets are $140 per person and can be purchased at SisterhoodForGood.org/register. Tickets cover hors d’oeuvres, $200 in casino cash, two cocktail and two beer tickets per guest and more. Only 240 tickets will be sold to this outdoors event.

BEST BET SUNDAY, JAN. 10

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch.

The 30th season at the Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 25. Besides world-class polo, the event includes food and beverages, tailgating and divot-stomping. 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL DISCUSSION Begins at 2 p.m. virtually. The Environmental Discussions Group of Manatee County will host a Zoom presentation with a topic of Majestic Mangroves. The guest speaker will be Betty Staugler of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Scienc-

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

INTRO TO HORSES Begins at 10 a.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club. The Sarasota Polo Club is sponsoring the Intro to Horses program that will include four one-hour sessions Saturdays through Feb. 6. The program is designed for children ages 8-12.

The $20 fee includes all four sessions. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

LEMUR YOGA FUNDRAISER Runs from 10:45 a.m. until noon at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary will hold its first Lemur Yoga Fundraiser with instructor Erika Cain. The session will be held outdoors and includes gentle yoga and interactive encounters with two ruffed lemurs, Marley and Ziggy. Admission is $125. Tickets can be purchased at FB.com/BigCatHabitat or by calling 371-6377. Participants need to bring yoga mats.

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Gingerbread houses raise roof

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ingerbread houses were the main exhibit in the West District of the University Town Center, but a few people were just as interested in the supporting act — a line of specially decorated Christmas trees.

The 12th annual SRQ Gingerbread Festival was held Dec. 11-20 at University Town Center. The festival featured more than 150 gingerbread houses made by Girl Scout troops, classrooms, youth groups, businesses and nonprofits.

Gingerbread houses came in all shapes and sizes, from townhouse complexes and cozy cottages to trailer homes and treehouses. One organization even made a lacrosse field. Building materials included everything from marshmallows to mints, Starbursts to Skittles and Reese’s to Raisinets.

The festival also had 39 Christmas trees decorated by 39 nonprofits, each with its own unique theme. For example, one tree decorated by Keep Manatee Beautiful, an organization dedicated to litter prevention, recycling and beautification in Manatee County, included ornaments of toilet paper snowflakes, magazine angels, wine cork Yule logs, water bottle icicles and cable cord trees.

All proceeds from the Gingerbread Festival are used to support programming for the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Funds from the decorated trees benefit area charities.

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This four-house pile-up was created by Girl Scout Troop 1876.

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Melinda and Bill Nieman of Sarasota look at the gingerbread house created by Mrs. Davis’ third grade class at the Suncoast School for Innovative Studies.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Tech Fairy delivers electronic magic Tara resident refurbishes electronic devices and gives them away to people in need throughout East County.

WANT TO DONATE A LAPTOP OR TABLET? Contact Craig Clark by emailing Tech-Fairy1@ Outlook.com.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

ara’s Craig Clark sat at a table in his living room Dec. 2 with a desktop computer in front of him.

Two hundred and sixty-eight smiling faces flashed across the screen as he slowly scrolled down through a photo album.

Every photo was of someone who benefited from Clark’s passion of donating electronic devices to those in need.

Most of the his charitable work came by happenstance. He would run into one of those 268 people while shopping, getting gas or picking up food for himself and his wife, Karen.

He would strike up a conversation with a person at a store or a restaurant.

No matter where they worked or their background, Clark would find one aspect of their lives in common. Each person needed some type of electronic device, such as a laptop, desktop or tablet.

Clark, a computer technician, would give them one for free.

In East County, Clark has become known as the Tech Fairy for his abilities to fix devices and give them away to people in need.

His days as the Tech Fairy began

Liz Ramos

Tara’s Craig Clark, known as the Tech Fairy, has fixed and given away nearly 300 devices to people he’s encountered while at stores and restaurants.

five years ago when he came across an employee at a 7-Eleven. Clark complimented her on how she dealt with a complaining customer. With no one standing in line behind him, they started talking to each other. During their conversation, Clark learned the employee had dropped out of college because someone had stolen her laptop when she was taking online classes.

The two met at a McDonald’s when the employee wasn’t working, and Clark gave her a refurbished laptop for free. She went on to get her associate’s degree in business.

Clark has heard many similar stories. He has given devices to a

Vietnam veteran who wasn’t able to afford a desktop computer, a Wawa employee who has two sons and needed a laptop, and a McDonald’s employee who had to study online by using her phone.

Over the past five years, Clark has given away about 300 devices. He gets the devices through donations from people in the community.

“I’ve got the skill; I’ve got the time; I’ve got the resources. So who wouldn’t do it?” he said.

“For me to spend my time productively to the benefit of others is my reward.”

Clark, 74, spent 21 years working for Tropicana and later 13 years working as an executive in

the corporate offices of 7-Eleven.

Then 12 years ago, Clark decided to go into a different direction and step out of the corporate world.

He became a computer technician.

“I have a good life,” Clark said.

“I made a good living on the backs of people who are no different than me, but they were making $4 an hour at the time, and I was making $60,000 a year because of who their parents were and what the opportunities were in front of them.”

Unlike many people who spend their free time watching TV or reading books, Clark puts his time into fixing devices. He fixes about six devices per month.

He will go into his office, turn on the lamp on his desk and focus on the problem at hand.

“I have to be doing something, and this filled a huge need in my personal psyche,” Clark said. “It keeps me busy, keeps me challenged. This is a 50-50 reward because I help others, but I’m also keeping my brain alert and keeping up to date with current technology. If I didn’t do this, I don’t know what I would do.”

ABOUT CRAIG CLARK Nickname: Tech Fairy Residence: Tara Age: 74 Occupation: Computer technician About Craig: He has been a computer technician for 12 years.

He started giving away refurbished devices five years ago. Before becoming a computer technician, Clark worked as a corporate executive for 7-Eleven for 23 years and worked for Tropicana for 13 years.

Clark nicknamed himself the Tech Fairy. “[The name] was out of brilliance,” Clark said with a laugh.

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ev Pillot, a resident at Cypress Springs Gracious Retirement Living, stood outside a window and blew a kiss to Rosie Breitwieser, who was lying in her bed at Hawthorne Village Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Breitwieser, a resident of Cypress Springs for the past four years, had fallen and broken her ribs. She moved to Hawthorne Village to recover.

“It’s very emotional,” Pillot said.

“This is my fifth Christmas at Cypress Springs, and Rosie has been there a long time. We miss her a lot.”

Dressed in holiday sweaters and elf hats, 12 Cypress Springs residents stood outside Breitwieser’s window and surprised her by singing classic Christmas songs Dec. 17.

HOPE / hōpe / noun the light that illuminates the path ahead OUR COLLEAGUES IN CARE NAME

Lesley Bowers

R E L AT I O N S H I P QUOTE

Pet Therapy Volunteer

After we experienced the kindness

of hospice care, I wanted to help patients and bring awareness to Tidewell.

Lesley spreads a message of hope through compassionate care.

Whether she’s making a pet therapy visit or a tuck-in call, she shows our patients love and solidarity in their final stage of life.

By starting with relationships, the Tidewell Foundation is redefining care. It’s how the Tidewell family has done it for 40 years.

Brighten lives today CareRedefined.org

346071-1

THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

SARASOTA 8869 Bloomfield Boulevard Peggy Wellman & Robert Moffatt 941-374-0811 A4480947 $875,000

SARASOTA 8985 Rocky Lake Court Jackie Griese 941-718-0045 N6112451 $843,795

SARASOTA 6613 Taeda Drive Monica Verinder 941-704-4040 A4482270 $835,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8309 Grosvenor Court Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4474538 $795,000

BRADENTON 5404 Tidewater Preserve Boulevard Mark Boehmig & Noel Morton 941-807-6936 A4485714 $775,000

ELLENTON 2704 72nd Avenue E Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4440184 $695,000

BRADENTON 5255 Castello Lane Linda Formella 941-720-6698 A4484167 $665,000

BRADENTON 5129 88th Street E Chris Baylis & Sue Cosgrove-Lee 941-735-4713 A4481186 $645,000

BRADENTON 2914 Starwood Court Heidi Cox 941-685-1529 A4485958 $634,900

BRADENTON 12758 Sorrento Way Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4484172 $614,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4653 Royal Dornoch Cir Sue Cosgrove-Lee & Chris Baylis 941-400-9068 A4468380 $500,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7936 Hampton Court Lori Bollinger & Beth Ann Boyer 941-524-7034 A4476286 $483,500

PALMETTO 1317 50th Avenue Drive W Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4484149 $479,900

BRADENTON 221 21st Street W Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4474894 $469,000

BRADENTON 3404 79th Street Circle W 103 Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4484041 $450,000

BRADENTON 6885 Willowshire Way Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4482705 $369,000

SARASOTA 3885 Wilshire Circle 23 Chris Baylis & Sue Cosgrove-Lee 941-735-4713 A4485929 $369,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 10163 Glenmore Avenue Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4484174 $310,000

BRADENTON 13711 Messina Loop 204 Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4479434 $265,000

BRADENTON 902 Sandpiper Circle 902 Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4482398 $259,000

BRADENTON 17510 Gawthrop Drive 402 Tina Ciaccio & JJ Williams 941-685-8420 A4486035 $249,000

SARASOTA 8750 Olde Hickory Avenue 9209 Brian Wood 941-928-8408 A4485334 $230,000

BRADENTON 204 3rd Street W 204 Patty Brooks 941-545-1194 A4462765 $227,500

SARASOTA 5241 Mahogany Run Avenue 411 Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4486204 $220,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8911 Manor Loop 207 Natalia Armonda 941-373-5743 A4485429 $160,000

SARASOTA 3515 Longmeadow 8 Amy Chapman 941-225-1500 A4483147 $115,000

BRADENTON 2305 Canal Drive F6 Debbie Vogler & Cheryl Roberts 941-705-3328 A4483371 $58,000

PARRISH 11720 Rive Isle Run Paul Oakes 941-312-1455 A4486302 $1,325,000

SARASOTA 8843 Bloomfield Boulevard Sarah Macrae 941-587-1195 A4483393 $1,250,000

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

UNIVERSITY PARK 7047 Stanhope Place Daniela Soiman 941-779-4797 A4483380 $1,199,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 348834-1

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7427 Greystone Street Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4485587 $1,425,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16707 Berwick Terrace Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4486555 $885,000

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Country Club topped all transactions in this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate.

James and Marlene Orr, of Bradenton, sold their home at 13718 Oasis Terrace to John and Joann Grossi, of Bradenton, for $1.85 million. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,642 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.5 million in 2009.

RICHMOND PARK

John and Nancy Kelly, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8040 Collingwood Court to Andrea Nicholson, of Winchester, Mass., for $1.3 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.2 million in 2015.

COUNTRY CLUB

Leonard and Geraldine Drexler sold their home at 6823 Dominion Lane to Jeffrey Harold Marshall and Carolyn Lee Marshall, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.07 million. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,058 square feet of living area.

Raymond and Linda Baker, trustees, of Greensboro, N.C., sold the home at 7029 Brier Creek Court to Garland Smart, of Lakewood Ranch, for $820,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,573 square feet of living area. It sold for $854,500 in 2007.

Steve Littrell, of Bradenton, sold his home at 8122 Lone Tree Glen to Ryan and Cynthia Swenson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $785,000.

Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,983 square feet of living area. It sold for $675,000 in 2017.

Edwin and Carol Ondrick, of Parrish, sold their home at 7023 Twin Hills Terrace to Calvin and Joyce Tanko, of Lakewood Ranch, for $730,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,628 square feet of living area.

Joseph Li sold his home at 6732 The Masters Ave. to Gary Richard Cann, trustee, of Lakewood ranch, for $585,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,612 square feet of living area. It sold for $496,300 in 2015.

Stephen and Sandra Keenan sold their home at 7326 Edenmore St. to Edward and Jean Lubin, of Westlake Village, Calif., for $560,000. Built in 2009, it has

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Country Club home tops sales at $1.85 million

|

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 14-18

three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,211 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2014.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Branden and Marina Bunch, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7616 Haddington Cove to Scott and Linda Schaeffer, of Lakewood Ranch, for $960,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,829 square feet of living area.

Kathleen Budrawich, of Bradenton, sold the home at 7115 Westhill Court to Jeffrey and Cheryl Harrod, of Lakewood Ranch, for $495,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,989 square feet of living area. It sold for $440,000 in 2016.

POMELLO PARK

Horst Lawrence Gerner and Gloria Susan Gerner sold their home at 6415 189th St. E. to Morris Moshe Lioz and Kathleen Lioz, of Bradenton, for $900,000.

Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,017 square feet of living area. It sold for $720,000 in 2016.

RIVER CLUB SOUTH

Gregory and Jennifer Douglas, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 10528 Cheval Place to Jaak and Tiia Lugus, of Keswick, Va., for $845,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,984 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million in 2007.

Liz Ramos

This Country Club Village home at 13718 Oasis Terrace sold for $1.85 million. It has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,642 square feet of living area.

has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,510 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 1996.

MALLORY PARK

DiVosta Homes LP sold the home at 3427 Chestertown Loop to Nathan Decker and Susan Decker, trsutees, of Bradenton, for $734,300. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 3,645 square feet of living area.

DiVosta Homes LP sold the home at 3364 Chestertown Loop to Casey and Shannon Wagner, of Bradenton, for $624,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,483 square feet of living area.

WILLIAMS ROAD

David Andrew Bowman and Sherree Darlene Bowman, of SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 12B

John Jordan Hallam and Stephanie Hallam, of Sarasota, sold their home at 9419 Royal Calcutta Place to Kevin Wales, of Bradenton, for $785,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,534 square feet of living area. It sold for $687,500 in 2017.

Joanne Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo and Gisela Siepmann, of Bradenton, sold their home a 9937 Laurel Valley Ave. Circle to Ivelaw and Linda Carrington, of Bradenton, for $557,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,503 square feet of living area. It sold for $475,000 in 2018.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Larry and Patricia Wilson sold their home at 8130 Misty Oaks Blvd. to Timothy and Joanna Barr, of Marstons Mills, Mass., for $825,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,744 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 1999.

Daniel and Lisa Carter sold their home at 6608 Hunter Combe Crossing to Jeanne Lois Laabs, of University Park, for $520,000.

Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,494 square feet of living area. It sold for $605,000 in 2007.

Gregory and Carol Hatch, of Cincinnati, sold their home at 6652 St. James Crossing to Matthew Peter Zebatto and Arlene Zebatto, of Bradenton, for $470,000. Built in 1992, it

348870-1

11B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

JANUARY

Real estate

THURS. 7TH & 21ST

FROM PAGE 11B

FEBRUARY

Parrish, sold their home at 1220 Williams Road to Michael Thomas Riebe and Denise Danielle Riebe, of Lakewood Ranch, for $675,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,759 square feet of living area. It sold for $200,000 in 2004.

THURS. 11TH

YOU ARE INVITED Please join Christopher Sforzo, M.D., Christopher Dillingham, M.D., Charles Stewart, M.D. and Philip Meinhardt, M.D. for an open forum

POLO RUN

Charles and Charlotte Winney, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6410 Rosehill Farm Run to Dan Holleran and Rachel Marie Holleran, of Bradenton, for $595,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,908 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2018.

discussion on the latest technologies available in Regenerative CHRISTOPHER SFORZO, M.D.

Medicine including PRP and Stem Cell Therapies.

WHEN & WHERE

Thursday, January 7, 2020, Thursday, January 21, 2020 and Thursday, February 11, 2020 Registration begins at 4:15 p.m. Seminar is 4:30pm - 5:30pm CHRISTOPHER DILLINGHAM, M.D.

at the office of Sforzo I Dillingham I Stewart Orthopedics

GREENBROOK

5831 Bee Ridge Rd., Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida 34233

WHAT

Board-Certified, Fellowship Trained Doctors Sforzo, Dillingham, Stewart, and Meinhardt look forward to answering your questions and CHARLES STEWART, M.D.

sharing their knowledge and clinical experiences to help you make the best treatment choices.

RSVP Please RSVP by emailing Theresa at tgetzen@sforzodillingham.com or calling 941.378.5100.

Please note, forums do fill quickly.

348985-1

PHILIP MEINHARDT, M.D.

TREYMORE AT PALM AIRE

Gerald Genova and Robert Evans, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7049 Treymore Court to William and Claire Spitler, of Sarasota, for $565,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,596 square feet of living area. It sold for $525,000 in 2008.

INDIGO

Gasper and Barbara Ferraro, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 13118 Deep Blue Place to Gary John Yusko and Luz Socorro Yusko, of Bradenton, for $562,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,683 square feet of living area. It sold for $454,500 in 2019.

Wesley and Kimberly Jensen sold their home at 6408 Indigo Bunting Place to Christopher and Melissa Monoki, of Lakewood Ranch, for $585,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,085 square feet of living area. It sold for $430,000 in 2018.

Lowell Eugene Cooper and Lynn Ethel Cooper, of Davidson, N.C., sold their home at 3424 Azurite Way to David and Melanie Fogel, of Chicago, for $365,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $329,400 in 2019.

Santos Hollmann and Martina Cordero sold their home at 13858 Waterthrush Place to Brandon Gomez and Danielle Pobre, of Lakewood Ranch, for $375,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,083 square feet of living area. It sold for $295,000 in 2016.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Neil and Samantha Gooler sold their home at 6578 Blue Grosbeak Circle to HP Florida I LLC for $375,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,073 square feet of living area. It sold for $312,500 in 2019.

UNIVERSITY PLACE

Jeffrey Benninghoff and Rebecca Levar, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7420 Green St. to Douglas and Jacquelyn Elmore, of University Place, for $565,000.

FIRST STEP OF SARASOTA IS NOW HIRING FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS

Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,273 square feet of living area. It sold for $331,000 in 2012.

Andrew and Judith Aharon, of Bradenton, sold their home at 524 Honeyflower Loop to Robert and Ettaly Jones, of Bradenton, for $547,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,754 square feet of living area. It sold for $468,000 in 2019.

Mickey Miller, of Ellenton, sold his home at 932 Buttercup Glen to Daniel Gawne and Kendra Lane, of Bradenton, for $397,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,466 square feet of living area.

It sold for $352,500 in 2019.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com

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12B

www.dansfancity.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

THURSDAY, JAN. 7

|

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 7

7:21a 5:51p

Don’t worry, Friday, Jan. 8 I T ’ S SHigh: M A RT 72S T R A N D. Low: 6a Jan. 9 Only SmartStrand® can handle the 747 lbs of ice cream a family will eat in a carpet’sSaturday, lifetime.

Chance Sunday, Jan. 10 rain:But5% Other carpets use stain protection that has to be of reapplied. only SmartStrand’s stain resistance is built right into the fibers. So it never wears or washes out. Even after multiple cleanings. Even better, It’s on sale Monday, now!

Jan. 11

High: 67 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 5%

5:52p

7:21a

5:53p

7:21a

5:54p

Tuesday, Jan. 12

7:21a

5:55p

Wednesday, Jan. 13

7:21a

5:56p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 9 High: 61 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 5%

Valerie Voutsas captured this doe in her yard in the Country Club at Lakewood Ranch.

7:21a

7:21a 5:54p

To learn more about what makes SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® #1 in customer satisfaction, visit MohawkFlooring.com/SmartStrand.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8

13B

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Jan. 20 First

Jan. 28 Full

Feb. 4 Last

Feb. 11 New

RAINFALL Monday, Dec. 28

0

Tuesday, Dec. 29

0

SUNDAY, JAN. 10

Wednesday, Dec. 30

0

Thursday, Dec. 31

0

High: 64 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 5%

Friday, Jan. 1

0

Saturday, Jan. 2

0

Sunday, Jan. 3

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2020-21 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2021, 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 0.05 in.

2021 0.05 in.

2020 0.76 in.

2020 0.76 in.

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY CROSSWORD

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

SELF-DENIAL by Parker Higgins and Ross Trudeau; Edited by David Steinberg

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Packed (down) 7 Soothes 12 “The Lion King” role for Beyonce 16 Calif. airport that has fog delays 19 Glacier-hiking tool 20 “Alas and ___!”

21 Remained respectable, as a tweet 23 *Cement made with 2.5% copper 25 Help out, slangily 26 Split-screen TikTok function

27 Old nutritional fig.

28 Pen sound?

29 Prefix with “directional” 30 The “D” in DJ 32 *Theme present 35 Half-___ (coffee order) 38 ___ of personality 40 Cookie with creme 41 Ruby, e.g.

42 Norse war god 44 Perrins’ partner 45 Fellow 47 Official orders 51 *Painfully meshy chaps, perhaps 57 Shoe designer Jimmy

58 Video game sample 59 Run really fast 60 Disco ___ (“The Simpsons” character) 61 Canines, but not felines 62 Lavish love (on) 64 Artist Magritte 65 “Code Switch” network 67 Board presentation VIP 68 *Firmest lights 70 *Amexes used by some Native Americans 74 ___ of iniquity 75 Shoulder assistance org.?

76 Avian chatterbox 77 “Garfield” dog

78 Spanish hero 80 Purr-fect pet?

83 Major work 84 Swirling water 86 “Believe” singer 87 *Romeo’s friend 92 Cherry brandy 94 Touch lightly 95 Before, once 96 D.C. paper 97 Ruckus 98 Speak with a croak 101 “RuPaul’s ___ Race” 103 H.S. equivalency test 104 *They circle a games giant

110 Person you stan for 112 Sunburn balm 113 Tennis match units 114 Attach with a knot 116 Japanese noodle 119 Free period?

121 “Pretend I’m not here” ... and a hint to the two extra letters in each starred clue 124 Hated thing 125 Hunt like a leopard 126 Informal units for chili 127 Sunbeam 128 Reputation, in slang 129 Quaint bathroom sign 130 One may be cut from a cereal container DOWN 1 As late as, briefly 2 Corrosive substance 3 List of dishes 4 Went back and forth?

5 Like some unusual pets 6 Ctrl-Alt-___ 7 INDICATORS OF SHOUTING IN TEXTS 8 Attentive 9 “Thar be the shore!”

10 Former quarterback Steve 11 It’s the limit, they say 12 Murad or Comaneci 13 Ecstasy’s opposite 14 Losses of water or gas 15 They may be blocked online 16 Alabama starting point for civil rights marches 17 One-night stand, e.g.

18 Song such as “My Girl” 22 Rodents in forests 24 Atomic cores 28 Popular “near beer” 31 Mope 33 Lily variety 34 “The Simpsons” neighbor 35 NYSE listings 36 Adderall target, briefly 37 One may twirl torches 39 Text that may discuss yoga 43 Leonard who wrote “I Am Spock” 46 To this point 48 Airport carousel sight 49 Reusable bags

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

50 Fashionable NYC neighborhood 52 “I’m kind of impressed” 53 One into crosswords and “Star Trek,” maybe 54 Plumbers’ vehicles 55 Anger 56 Ahi, for one 61 Merchant 63 End of an ___ 66 Vietnamese comfort food 68 India’s capital territory 69 A pop 70 Error in tihs clue 71 “Get ___” (Chadwick Boseman film) 72 Like some potatoes 73 Black ___ spider 74 Tarot set 76 Bon ___ (witticism) 79 One pursuing tax dodgers 81 “A line around your thoughts,” per Klimt 82 Crowns worn with sashes 85 “Egad!”

87 More discriminating 88 Small squabble 89 Making missteps 90 Librarian’s advice 91 Nonverbal approval 93 Bank offerings, for short 99 Surgical stitch 100 Abolition target for Angela Davis 102 Stop saying “I’m with the band”?

104 Range of awareness 105 Massey of old films (A LION anagram) 106 Emphatic denial 107 ___ fatale 108 Lieu 109 Abbr. on a cereal container 111 Eco-conscious Seuss character 115 Alternatives to watercolors 117 Ernie’s roommate 118 Paintballs, e.g.

120 Cannabis ingredient (Abbr.)

121 Photo file format 122 Snatch 123 Mind reader’s claim, briefly

348029-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

*DuPont™ Sorona® contains 37% renewably sourced ingredients by weight. The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont,™ Renewably sourced™ and Sorona® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates and are licensed to Mohawk.

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.

“TFECVCNB RNL SX TFWWXH FJ VL YDEXX MKEHT -- LXCXE AVCX FJ. YDNY’T YDX DXNEY KI VY EXNBBG. ZFTY UXXJ YEGVLA.” – SXNE AEGBBT “JYVEV’C U HKJ KO FPJVAEFJM DFJY SZCFBFUPC; MKZ EVUHHM CJFHH UCRFEV JK ... TV JYV TVCJ XVECFKP KO MKZECVHO MKZ BUP TV.”

– CYVEMH BEKD Puzzle Two Clue:S equals M

Sarasota

SAVE ON EVERY SPECIES, COLOR AND STYLE!

Puzzle One Clue M equals W

HARDWOOD

© 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

01-07-21

CLASSIFIEDS

Thursday, January 7, 2021

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 town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Items Under $200 For Sale

6 COLLECTIBLE Emmitt Kelly figurines with boxes. $150. 941-739-8080.

AREA RUG – Beautiful 7.7 x 5.3 area rug from Rugs As Art! Brown and Beige. Brand new! Only $199. 516-528-5876.

COMPLETE SET of Spalding Molitor Plus Golf Clubs and Bag, 17 pieces like New!! Asking $195.00. Please call: 941-907-7774.

LIKE NEW stainless steel above stove microwave $100. Like new GE stainless steel oven. $100.

941-536-5739.

MEN’S SIZE large Murano black leather jacket.

Nearly new; excellent condition. Orig. 500; $175.

(941) 224-1253.

Autos For Sale

TOYOTA SIENNA XLE 2006 Wheelchair van. Low miles, nav, BDE loaded, leather, sunroof. Nice condition. $8,900. 941-536-5739.

Autos Wanted 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.

General Merchandise EAT CLEAN Foodz- a Way of Life 100% Organic farming, Vegan, Gluten free, Low Glycemic Index products. (941) 567-8090 www.eatcleanfoodz.com

Merchandise 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.

Announcements

Adult Care Services

O MOST beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

O Star of the Sea, help me herein and show me here you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.

There are none that can withstand thy power.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands.

J.B.

For Sale2CARGAR Beach FrontHomes Home: 4BED-5BATH, $3,999,000 Beach Front Home: 4BED-5BATH, 2CARGAR $3,999,000 University Pool/Spa 4BED-3BATH $425,000 University 4BED-3BATH $425,000 55+ BeachPool/Spa and Boating: One story villa 2BED2BATH $424,000 55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED2BATH $424,000 2.5 Acres: 4BED/3BATH, 3CAR GAR. Luxury kitchen, barn, horses.

2.5 Acres: 4BED/3BATH, 3CAR GAR. Luxury $645,000 kitchen, barn, horses. $645,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift.

Longboat $530,000. Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift. $530,000.

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000 Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000 Built in 2010 4BED-2.5BATH Sarasota: Lakeview Lanai $335,000 Sarasota: Built in 2010 4BED-2.5BATH Lakeview Lanai $335,000 Phillipi Gardens: INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH $209,000 Phillipi Gardens: INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH $209,000 Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and Buy or Sell withREALTY Brooke O’Malley CLUB as and will Payyour yourRealtor, title insurance.

CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677 will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677

Sporting Goods

LV9431

INFO & RATES: 941-955-4888 • Fax: 941-362-4808 • EMAIL: classified@yourobserver.com • ONLINE: classifieds.yourobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon • Service Directory - Friday at 3pm • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Survival can be summed up in three words -- never give up. That’s the heart of it really. Just keep trying.” Bear Grylls Puzzle Two Solution: “There’s a lot of integrity with musicians; you really still aspire to ... be the best version of yourself you can be.”

– Sheryl Crow

Perfect Solutions For Seniors

This week’s Sudoku answers

*Caregivers/Companions * CNA’s/HHA’s

* Assistance with Daily Living Activities * Hourly 24/7 Care - Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

Auto Transport

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Cleaning

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

©2021 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services. Experienced, Dependable and ready to begin! Residential.

Excellent references. 941-773-6895.

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady. Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential. Commercial.

New Construction. 941-400-2866.

Place Your Ad Quickly

941-955-4888 or classifieds.yourobserver.com

Pools 2021

BEACH'N RIDES eBike Sales and Service- We sell BEACH'N eBike Sales and ServiceWe sell and repairRIDES Electric Bicycles from our Shop at and repair Electric Bicycles our Shop at 12208 Cortez Road, W., infrom Cortez, Florida.

12208 Cortez www.beachnrides.com Road, W., in Cortez, Florida.

(941) 251-7916.

(941) 251-7916. www.beachnrides.com

Storage

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

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

Wishing you a Happy Healthy Holiday Season Wishing you Happy Healthy andaProsperous NewHoliday Year! Season and Prosperous New Year!

Rosemarie Lunardelli Wishing you Rosemarie a Happy Healthy Holiday Season Lunardelli Broker/Owner and Prosperous New Year!

Broker/Owner Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc@gmail.com Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc@gmail.com 732-489-3676 Rosemarie Lunardelli 732-489-3676 Broker/Owner OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc@gmail.com OFFICE AT: 7915 US 301 NNOW STE OPEN 201 Ellenton, FL 732-489-3676 7915 US 301 N STE 201 Ellenton, FL Ashorerealtyllc.com Ashorerealtyllc.com 941-417-7777 OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: 941-417-7777 Call today for a free market analysis.

7915 US 301 STE market 201 Ellenton, FL Call today for N a free analysis.

Ashorerealtyllc.com 941-417-7777 Call today for a free market analysis.

Hauling NO CONTACT Junk Removal Just point for junk to disappear.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? (800) 465-5865 or 1800gotjunk.com NOW IN PARRISH! 12 years ofNOW personal service in Bradenton IN PARRISH! Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota.

12 years of personal service in Bradenton Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota.

SPECIAL RATES FOR FIRST 30 CUSTOMERS! Book your slot for Jan SPECIAL RATES FOR FIRST 302021 CUSTOMERS! Book your slot for Jan 2021 GET OUR BEST RATES FOR WEEKLY POOL SERVICE GET OUR BEST RATES FOR WEEKLY POOL CALL PAUL – BLISSFUL POOLS 941 705 0400 SERVICE CALL PAUL – BLISSFUL POOLS 941 705 0400

Painting/Wallpapering

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.

CLOCK REPAIR

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

Christo’s Clock Repair

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

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Owner / Operator Insured

348223

HOME SERVICES

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

• 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

Commercial

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist PAINTING

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

Residential

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

347740

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

Pegatronics.com 349058

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

349060

Dustin Yoder

348226

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

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

941-735-3362 PET SERVICES

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

Call for appointment

Cindy Wells 941-928-2168

347744

ALUMINUM

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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15B

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

GRAB BARS

235

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

$

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades Visit our showroom

348229

(941) 650-7758

bschule88@gmail.com

DOORS

Sliding Glass Door Repair

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE”

941.966.0333

DrGrabBars.com

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

347741

RESIDENTIAL MOVES LONG DISTANCE MOVES VALUABLE MOVES INTERNATIONAL MOVES

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

941-909-2268 | www.lakewoodranchmovers.com

THE GRAB BAR GUY

POWER WASHING

SAFE ROOF CLEANING BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

GLENN KROECKER

954-1878

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

347742

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

347739

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

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

10% SAVINGS With this ad

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

ROOFING

349059

HEALTH

Bisson Roofing Inc.

www.showerandbathsarasota.com LAWN CARE

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

941 - 748 - 7400 RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

347745

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

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

Owner Supervises Every Job SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS 348230

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

Building & Roofing Contractor

941-739-5102

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

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

Make Your Phone Ring Team Up With Classifieds

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

941-955-4888

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a 348359

FREE CONSULTATION

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

941-626-3194

MOVERS

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

David McCarthy Moving

348360

SCREENING

...will move anything from a couch to a household

941-704-4278

BUSINESS R U O Y W O R G Directory

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

• • • •

www.davidmccarthymoving.com 348231

LV10306

DOORS

Local Ads at Your Fingertips Doors and more!

Manufacture and workmanship

Warranties classifieds.yourobserver.com

DOORS

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

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

941.628.8579 www.ezslider.com

WINDOWS

(941) 345-5264 Res./Com.

Lic./Ins.

ndow & Pressure Clea et Wi nin s n wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Call us today!

347733

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

-4888

e, 955 serve your spac Call today to re

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

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

Local And Long Distance Movers Residential Moves Commercial Moves Pack, Crate & Wrap

347746

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

www.bissonroofing.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

347747

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

with Service

348228

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203

MOVERS

347743

CONSTRUCTION

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

$111 MILLION CLOSED IN 2020* With over 800 sales and 17 years in Lakewood Ranch, we continue to be the number one luxury real estate group in the area. Our incredible customers and referrals have been instrumental in our reaching the monumental milestone of $111 million in annual sales in 2020.

Thank you for thinking of us and placing your confidence in our group during this unprecedented time.

Wishing you a safe, successful and happy New Year.

Lu x u r y R e a l E s t a t e D e f i ne d SodaStavolaGroup.com

LAURA STAVOLA

JIM & DONNA SODA

941.447.4875 Laura.Stavola@PremierSIR.com

941.961.5857 Donna.Soda@PremierSIR.com PremierSothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. * Stellar MLS. 348163-1

. . . t i a W But

S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

KISSABLE LIPS THIS NEW YEAR WITH

599ea

$

(Value $800ea)

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 346019-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 1/31/2021.

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

• Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

• Conservative ‘No Prep’ Veneers

• On-Site Cat Scan

• Nonsurgical Facelifts

• PRP and PRF Blood Enhancers

• Bite Correction

• Sedation

• Bruxism Treatment

• Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts

• Lumineers®

• Zirconia and Titanium Implants

• Sedation

(941) 999-3205 | SarasotaDentist.com 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 348526-11

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

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Member of American Dental Association

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Member of Florida Dental Association

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of West Coast Dental Association

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Member of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

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

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