East County Observer 1.8.26

EAST COUNTY

Meet herb in 2026

Observer

PAGE 2B

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

VOLUME 27, NO. 22

YOUR TOWN

Will Commission’s status quo remain intact?

District 5 Commissioner Bob McCann calls for voters to flip the current voting blocks. SEE PAGE 3A

HIGH ON THE HOGS File photo

Child at heart now Person of the Year Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale (above) was named the 2025 Hoops HQ Person of the Year on Dec. 21.

The website provides indepth coverage of college basketball. Vitale has called more than 1,000 games since he called the first major college basketball game ESPN aired in December 1979 — Wisconsin at DePaul.

Hoops HQ calls Vitale “college basketball’s enduring Peter Pan, a child at heart with a warrior’s spirit.”

Vitale’s fundraising for pediatric cancer research is what made him stand out as the 2025 winner.

Vitale has raised over $105 million for cancer research. The 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala is scheduled for May 1, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

Braden River High FFA students excited to show their livestock at the Manatee County Fair. SEE PAGE 16A

Madison Bierl

Friends call a time out for football For Braden River High students Cody Chen, 16, Eric Chen, 17, and Jordan Nguyen, 18, (above) holiday break calls for fun outside with friends.

They do not play on the football team, but that doesn’t stop them from throwing the ball around at Summerfield Park.

Nguyen said in this day and age, there are a lot of different ways to hang out with friends, especially with the increase in technology. However, he still prefers to spend time in person because it feels more real and genuine.

Cody Chen said they had finished their midterm exam in chemistry, and this was a fun way to celebrate.

“Now we are rewarding ourselves with football,” Nguyen said.

For free access via our app, visit YourObserver.com/app-offer

Madison Bierl

Kassidy Callaghan, a Braden River High junior, is showing a Hampshire cross named Boba, who eventually will be sold on the market for meat.

A+E

The beauty of the build Jay Heater

John Cannon stands in front of his “work of art” — the Oulina in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch.

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Waterside’s Oulina project became builder John Cannon’s ‘idea home.’ SEE PAGE 4B

An all-American journey through the arts.

INSIDE

2A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Student safety, mold issues loom for superintendent DISTRICT’S MYTH VS. TRUTH MESSAGE In the statement about the mold testing that was sent out to Lakewood Ranch High families in December, the following myth versus truth scenarios were listed.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

W

hile School District of Manatee County Superintendent Laurie Breslin rates increasing graduation rates, improving attendance and raising literacy scores as her main focus for 2026, she has inherited some other issues that are likely to take up a lot of her time in the new year.

Breslin is entering her first full calendar year as superintendent, and she takes over a district that is recovering from two instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by teachers in 2025.

Parents have expressed concern in the wake of the two district employees who were eventually arrested.

Carlos E. Haile Middle teacher Oliver Fell allegedly sent explicit messages to a student and was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office on June 2 and charged with lewd contact with a student by an authority figure and transmission of harmful material to a minor. Fell was fired by the district.

Jarrett Williams, who worked as a fifth grade teacher at B.D. Gullett Elementary, was arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in December for aggravated stalking of a child under 16 years of age. Williams had resigned in April.

Breslin said the district is communicating with students on how to find a safe person on campus they can go to to report anything inappropriate as well as strengthening their human resource protocols.

“I commend everyone who has come forward and reported anything,” Breslin said. “Safety and security is always No, 1.”

Madison Bierl

Laurie Breslin was officially sworn in as the superintendent for the School District of Manatee County on Sept. 9.

Breslin said background checks have always been performed, but the new part will be adding in extra focus and care in terms of contacting references and getting all necessary information back before an employee steps on campus.

“For example, if you left XYZ school at the end of the school year, why did that person leave the school?” Breslin said. “Was it overstaffing? Was it voluntary, by choice? It’s about making sure that our record keeping is tight.

“We go beyond the background checks and do the extra leg work as well to fully vet any employee before they come on to our campuses. We work closely with our local law enforcement agencies. They are the experts and they have supported us and strengthened our knowledge in this area. We will not tolerate anyone that has any ill intentions of our students. It absolutely will not be tolerated, and we will work with local law enforcement to hold everyone accountable for any action.”

Breslin also will be dealing with mold concerns at Lakewood Ranch High. She said the district examines all its facilities every year to determine which are in greatest need for improvements. That list currently includes Lakewood Ranch High, which experienced water line breakage this past summer that caused concern from the community in terms of air and health due to the presence of mold.

“Parent concerns are always addressed first and foremost, individually,” Breslin said. “If a parent has a concern for their child, we take that to heart, and between the principal, our executive director of secondary schools and our facilities crew, we’ve worked to address those parent concerns.”

In a message sent out to Lakewood Ranch High families on Dec. 18, results from mold testing by Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. within Building Eight were included.

“The good news is that no severe fungal spore types, such as Stachy-

Myth: All mold is bad.

Truth: “Molds are part of our natural environment. Outdoor mold plays an important part in nature by breaking down dead organic material such as leaves, and dead trees into topsoil. Humans consume molds in cheese, wine, yogurt, mushrooms and many other foods.

Mold is also used in antibiotics to cure diseases. Penicillin, for example, is derived from mold.”

Myth: You can eliminate all mold.

Truth: “It is impossible to eliminate all mold in nonsterile, indoor environments, but it can be controlled. The way to control mold growth is by controlling indoor moisture and cleaning.

Myth: Air testing is always required to detect mold growth.

Truth: “Mold assessment is mainly done through visual inspection of areas where there have been moisture issues or water damage.”

botrys or Memnoniella, were found in any of the samples collected,” the statement said. “The inspection was very thorough, including more than 120 air samples, a full evaluation of all buildings and a temperature and humidity study. Overall, the air quality inside the building was better than outside. The only particles detected were common in Florida, like Cladosporium and Curvularia,

and they appeared only in isolated areas.”

The statement went on to say that professional cleaning was going to be completed over winter break and air filters would be replaced throughout the school. It will cost approximately $1.2 million. The water line replacement, which is planned to break ground in the spring, will cost approximately $6 million.

“The entire campus will be looking at some significant renovation to continue to offer the best classroom spaces for our students and our staff,” Breslin said.

In terms of her education priorities, Breslin said being a homegrown Manatee County educator will help accelerate the district toward her goals.

Breslin said her experience in the district has enabled her to hit the ground running.

“That sets me apart from some of the more recent leadership,” said Breslin, who became the superintendent in September. “I am a product of Manatee County Schools, a parent of Manatee County Schools, a teacher from Manatee County Schools. I fully understand the power of our community support system.”

Breslin said that even though the district improved its graduation rate to 88% in the last school year, the goal is to be over 90%.

Another priority for the district will be the continued construction of the new High School AAA in Lakewood Ranch so it can be opened to ninth and 10th grades in 2027. Breslin said she wants the facilities to be ready and operational, even if the entire building won’t be completed.

The auditorium, cafeteria, main office, media center and classroom spaces are expected to be ready for the 2027 opening.

“There’s so much we want to do, but the best thing we can do as a school district is to listen to our community, seek feedback and use this (feedback) to plan for the future of the School District of Manatee County,” Breslin said.

456095-1

Laurie Breslin cites facility upgrades, academic improvement and higher graduation rates as high priorities.

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

3A

Commission’s power could be redefined by 2026 election Three seats are up for grabs, with incumbents Mike Rahn and Amanda Ballard defending and Jason Bearden bowing out.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

D

uring the 2024 elections, Take Back Manatee was a citizen coalition and political move-

ment that targeted every county commissioner who was considered a “puppet for special interests.”

The coalition was backed by the Citizens for Cleaner Government political action committee.

Leading up to that election, Manatee County commissioners lessened wetland protections and began approving development past the future development area boundary. Residents were angry, and many vowed to make their disapproval known at the polls.

They did.

Commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge and Ray Turner lost their seats, and former Commissioner James Satcher lost his bid to keep his position as the supervisor of elections after he had been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Commissioner Bob McCann, who ran on a campaign to stop approving developments until Manatee County could catch up with its infrastructure, predicts that 2026 will be another strong movement by the voters to help him fulfill his priorities.

He has struggled with that aspect since the 2024 election. McCann, Carol Felts and Jason Bearden regularly find themselves on the short end of 4-3 votes, with George Kruse, Tal Siddique, Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn having been on the prevailing side of key votes.

McCann, Felts, Kruse, and Siddique all have terms that run through 2028, while Rahn and Ballard will be running for reelection. Bearden has decided not to run again.

WILL THE VOTING BLOCS BE ALTERED?

In the race for the District 4 seat, which includes University Park

Lakewood Ranch’s John Calovich is running for the at-large commission seat in 2026.

Glen “Gadfly” Gibellina announces his candidacy at the Dec. 16 Manatee Patriots meeting at the John Marble Park Recreation Center.

Commissioner Amanda Ballard attends the Under One Roof ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 1. She’s up for reelection in District 2.

Courtesy image

and Palm Aire, Rahn is running for reelection. He spoke to the Manatee Patriots at the John Marble Park Recreation Center on Dec. 16.

Before Rahn’s speech, Glen Gibellina, a District 4 resident and an affordable housing advocate, made an announcement.

“In the last several months, we’ve been losing by one vote — 4-3, 4-3, 4-3 — and it’s not going to change any time soon, at least not until the next election,” Gibellina said. “We just need one more vote, and I believe I can be that vote, so I’m announcing now my candidacy for District 4 for county commissioner.”

Obviously, Gibellina has made it clear he shares similar philosophies with McCann and Felts, but even if he did win, that is only one of three seats available.

Because Bearden has said he won’t run again, McCann and Felts will need two more votes from those who share similar philosophies.

Gibellina noted that Rahn is a “good guy” and he looks forward to some lively debates before the primary election since both candidates are Republicans.

Whether you agree with his voting record or not, Rahn earned his “good guy” reputation by meeting with constituents when they have issues and never shouting or name-calling on the dais, which several current and past commissioners have done.

Rahn is a mortgage loan officer by trade, but he noted that he’s not a “developer candidate.” He simply believes in sustainable, good growth.

“Manatee has to grow,” he said.

“We’re going to have 500,000 residents by 2030.”

One audience member first thanked Rahn for his attention to detail in the Whitfield area, but then asked if he would ever say no to a new development out east.

Rahn responded that he already has voted to deny new developments out east. In particular, he named Pope Ranch.

SimplyDwell Homes, a brand by Neal Communities, requested a rezone of approximately 217 acres to build 440 homes on Rutland Road in Parrish.

The development was denied unanimously, and now SimplyDwell, Manor National Properties LLC and the property owners are suing Manatee County.

Following the Patriots meeting, Rahn told the East County Observer that what he hears from District 4 residents is that they’re more concerned with mobility and reducing crime and homelessness over development out east.

“I want to bring good urban and economic development into the district to support neighborhoods,” he said. “I want people to have good neighborhood services. That’s why I’m working so hard on U.S. 41.”

Rahn has championed Vision 41, a project focused on improving the functionality and visual appeal of the thoroughfare from Cortez Road to the Sarasota County line.

‘BIGGER THAN THE CAMPAIGNS’

In 2024, Take Back Manatee created a flyer that posed the question,

Mike Rahn, Manatee County commissioner and 2026 candidate for District 4, speaks to the Manatee Patriots on Dec. 16.

“When I was running in 2022, my district had felt forgotten and set aside for decades.

District 2 is the historic heart of Manatee County, and for the first time in many years, we’re back at the center of the conversation — for the right reasons.”

— Commissioner Amanda Ballard

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

THE GADFLY The definition of a gadfly per MerriamWebster dictionary is “a person who stimulates or annoys other people especially by persistent criticism.”

Commissioner Amanda Ballard called Glen Gibellina a gadfly in an online thread a couple years ago. Gibellina took the comment as a compliment and ran with it. Since then, every time he shows up or calls into a commission meeting, which is nearly every one, he signs off, “For the record, Glen ‘Gadfly’ Gibellina.”

Gibellina is the vice president of the Manatee County Affordable Housing Advisory Board. At the last commission meeting of the year on Dec. 16, he predicted “a tsunami of seniors living on the street” if the county doesn’t start looking toward affordable housing for seniors.

But Gibellina does not limit his criticism of the commission’s actions to only affordable housing. He goes after commissioners for their spending and development approvals, too.

While he has not officially filed yet with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office, Gibellina said he will be running for the District 4 seat, which includes University Park and Palm Aire. He’ll face incumbent Mike Rahn in the primary election, as both candidates are Republicans.

“Which candidates are bankrolled by special interests?” Van Ostenbridge, Turner, Satcher, April Culbreath and Steve Metallo landed on Take Back Manatee’s list of bankrolled candidates.

All five candidates had two things in common: They lost their elections, and they hired Anthony Pedicini with SimWins LLC to run their campaigns.

Kruse was a Pedicini client in 2020, but ran his own campaign in 2024. He described Pedicini’s political strategy as targeting uninformed voters and using “endless piles of money” to pay for attack ads.

Pedicini’s strategy seated every Manatee County commissioner during the 2020 and 2022 elections, but it backfired in 2024.

Rahn said Pedicini became bigger than the campaigns. For 2026, Rahn already has hired Max Goodman, whose clients include Rep. Vern Buchanan and Rep. Fiona McFarland.

Ballard is up for reelection in District 2 and also has opted not to rehire Pedicini.

In 2022, Ballard described herself as a “political novice,” so hiring Pedicini seemed a natural choice based on his winning record.

This time around, Ballard is going to follow Kruse’s lead and run her own campaign.

“When I was running in 2022, my district had felt forgotten and set aside for decades,” Ballard said in an email. “District 2 is the historic heart of Manatee County, and for the first time in many years, we’re back at the center of the conversation — for the right reasons.”

Ballard spearheaded the purchase of Mixon Fruit Farms, but said she’s most proud of the work she’s done on “the intersection of substance abuse, housing instability, mental health and homelessness.”

“I have taken the lead on addressing these issues head on,” she said.

“We opened the county’s first shelter for women, Under One Roof, taking 46 women in crisis off the street immediately and providing services for self-sufficiency and recovery.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held Oct. 1.

Currently, Ballard’s only opponent is Shavonda Griffin, a Sarasota resident with no party affiliation. If Griffin wins, she’ll have to move to

District 2 in Manatee County.

In her candidate statement, Griffin describes herself as a “humanitarian, minister, youth organizer, educator, entrepreneur, poet, author, inventor and so much more.”

AT-LARGE

Bearden is the current District 6 commissioner, which is an at-large seat so candidates living anywhere in Manatee County can enter this race.

It’s the only race that will not see an incumbent on the ballot, as Bearden will not be running for reelection.

Bearden’s focus has shifted from politics back to business. He is currently working toward his doctorate in business administration, which will take the next three years to complete.

He will, however, “finish what he started” and fulfill his term as commissioner through the end of the year.

“I am grateful to God and to the people of Manatee County for the honor of serving as your county commissioner,” Bearden said. “Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to serve our community.”

John Calovich, a Savanna at Lakewood Ranch resident and an executive sales manager, announced his candidacy for the at-large seat in October.

His website reads, “I’m working to build a team of at least four votes to return the Manatee County government back to the people.”

He told the East County Observer that residents don’t need more car washes, they need functioning roads, sewers and stormwater systems.

“The building has got to be stopped,” Calovich said. “Give the government back to the people. Let them make decisions about what they want and don’t want.”

So far, only Republicans are vying for the at-large seat. In addition to Calovich, Tony Barrett, Anthony Drake and Edward Ference have filed with the Supervisor of Elections office.

Braden Woods’ Barrett has been a Realtor for the past 21 years. He’s a U.S. Army veteran and former firefighter and paramedic.

Palmetto’s Drake is the lead pastor at Vision Church in Sarasota, and East County’s Edward Ference worked for Manatee County Utilities for more than 30 years.

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pickleball and bocce ball courts; spa services; a Bahama Bar; an event lawn and more.

Throughout the community, residents will be able to enjoy a multiuse trail system in and around wetlands that connects to existing trail systems in the area, the builder says.

Another Taylor Morrison community with approximately 200 townhomes will also be located outside the gates of Esplanade at Cammaray on an adjacent parcel.

“With Esplanade at Cammaray, Taylor Morrison continues to build on its concept that began here — innovating with each community and reinforcing a partnership that has played a key role in Lakewood Ranch’s success,” Lakewood Ranch Communities Senior Vice President Laura Cole said in the release.

Another Esplanade community planned for Lakewood Ranch

County seeks board members for ELMAC

One of the nation’s largest homebuilders closed on a land acquisition in December in Lakewood Ranch with plans to transform it into a resort-style community.

Homebuilder Taylor Morrison plans to build its latest project, Esplanade at Cammaray, which will include 1,200 new single-family homes and condos, according to a statement.

Sales are anticipated to begin in early 2027.

The new community is a few miles southeast of Taylor Morrison’s Esplanade at Azario community, which is just west of Uihlein Road and just south of State Road 64.

Taylor Morrison has built more than 30 Esplanade brand communities nationwide.

“Bringing a third Esplanade community to Lakewood Ranch is special,” said Cammie Longenecker, Taylor Morrison’s president of Resort Lifestyle Brand, in the release.

“This is where Esplanade began, and the lifestyle we have created here, rooted in holistic wellness, has proven to be desirable.”

Plans for the gated community include amenities such as a resortstyle pool and spa with towel service and poolside cabanas; a culinary center, offering multiple dining options; a wellness center and stateof-the-art fitness center; tennis,

Three positions are open for those who want to serve on Manatee County’s Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee.

Board members work with sellers to preserve fish and wildlife habitat and to provide for passive recreation.

The available seats are open for a member of the Florida Engineering Society, those with education in active outdoor sports, and a member who resides in District 2.

The program was initiated to implement the Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum that was approved by voters. The citizen’s advisory committee makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on environmental land acquisition and management issues.

ELMAC also serves as the county’s Tree Advisory Board to promote awareness of the tree canopy and tree education programs.

Applicants must reside in Manatee County. The board typically meets on the first Monday of every other month at 6 p.m. in the County Administration Building’s Manatee Room at 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 23. Go to MyManatee. org to apply or call 748-4501.

EAST COUNTY

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

5A

New county facilities due in Lakewood Ranch area in 2026 Manatee County has multiple projects slated for Lena Road and Premier Sports Campus North.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

E

ast County residents are used to seeing new communities and businesses added to their landscape every year.

While 2026 will be no different, Manatee County will add its own significant contributions as well.

Manatee County will both start and wrap up multiple projects off Lena Road and at Premier Sports Campus North.

PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS NORTH

It took six years for Manatee County to open its first amenity on the Premier Campus North land — the Lakewood Ranch Library — and the final vision for the park remains a work in progress.

Construction is moving forward on three projects, which are all anticipated to be finished this year — the Athletics and Aquatics Center, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation, and the second floor buildout of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

Construction on both the second floor of the library and the Sheriff Office substation began in November, with the library upgrades anticipated to be complete in April and the substation in October.

Because the substation will be a secure facility, designs can’t be released to the public, but the cost and timeline were released in October 2025 in an agreement with Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. The guaranteed maximum price to construct the facility is $7,477,321.25 with the access road accounting for $578,808.07 of that cost.

The $6.9 million plan for the library’s second floor is not under wraps.

Construction is underway on the restrooms and a small service station for library staff. The Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, the library’s nonprofit arm, is also getting a work space.

The rest of the floor will be dedicated to flex space, which the public will be able to reserve once open.

In 2017, Manatee County had five years to build an aquatics center, according to its agreement with

PREMIER TIMELINE 2017: Manatee County purchases the 127-acre Premier Sports Campus from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, plus an additional 36 acres for $5.2 million.

2018: Manatee County purchases an additional 75 acres to the north of the campus from SMR for $4.6 million.

January 2023: The $17.6 million Lakewood Ranch Library opens on the campus.

February 2025: The $44.2 million Athletics and Aquatics Center breaks ground.

November 2025: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation breaks ground, and construction begins on the Lakewood Ranch Library’s second floor.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. The stipulation was written into the deal.

With often changing plans and budgets, the Athletics and Aquatics Center didn’t break ground until eight years later. Now, 2026 is the year East County swimmers will stop driving to Sarasota for swim practice.

The $44.2 million center that will feature two pools and 24 pickleball courts is slated to open Sept. 2.

LENA ROAD

Manatee County is getting its first landfill-to-renewable natural gas facility, a $50 million project led by Nopetro Energy.

Where

Coastal Calm Modern White with

While improvements to Lena Road between State Road 70 and State Road 64 were stalled due to budget constraints, two construction projects will be moving forward along the corridor in 2026 — a property evidence building for the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and a renewable natural gas facility.

Courtesy images

A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office substation is under construction at Premier Sports Campus North. This is a rendering of the facility.

The latter is being designed and built in a partnership between Nopetro Energy and Johnson Controls. The $50 million facility will start construction in 2026 in anticipation of being operational in 2027.

Patrick Shea, director of Utilities for Manatee County, said the construction won’t impact nearby residents.

Once operational, the facility will capture the methane gas generated by the Lena Road Landfill and convert it into natural renewable gas.

According to Nopetro, the annual carbon dioxide that will be eliminated by the facility is equal to the carbon dioxide produced by 5.3 million gallons of gasoline. The renewable energy anticipated to be produced by the facility could power more than 4,500 homes per year.

The Sheriff’s Office property evidence building is planned for 1707 Lena Road. The county purchased 161 acres in 2020 for $32.5 million with plans for a county compound.

In January 2024, the property was added to the county’s list of surplus properties, and D.R. Horton made a $35 million offer.

But one year later, with a new commission in place, commissioners voted to keep the Lena Road property and revert back to the original plan.

In the interim, the $2.3 million evidence building was planned for 3500 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton next to the Sheriff Office’s current build-

ing that houses the Child Protection Investigation Division.

Because the location changed, plans for a two-story building morphed into plans for a one-story building, but the square footage will remain the same — 45,000 square feet.

Bill Logan, information outreach manager for Manatee County, said the design is 60% complete, and the construction documents phase, which transforms the concept into a buildable architectural plan, has also begun.

A start date for construction is not set, but the documents should be finalized during the first quarter of 2026 so the county can start the procurement process to find a contractor.

No matter where the building was to be constructed, it’s a necessary addition to comply with Florida statute’s mandated evidence retention requirements.

“The Sheriff’s Office is quickly approaching its storage limits for property and evidence,” Public Information Officer Randy Warren said. “With the growing number of criminal cases each year and the large volume of evidence, much of it requiring long-term retention, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is on track to run out of storage space within five to seven years.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Sarasota Schools will discuss delay in building Waterside elementary school Jody Dumas, executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said its two properties in Lakewood Ranch might sit empty for longer than anticipated.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

W

hen Lakewood Ranch’s Kait Paligraf envisioned building a house within Shellstone at Waterside, she had a clear idea of what the future would hold.

She thought she would be seeing kids riding bikes to school together and families being able to connect.

Paligraf currently lives in the Mallory Park neighborhood with easy access to B.D. Gullett Elementary School and she was looking forward to having the same type of neighborhood if she moved to Waterside.

With Sarasota County Schools planning an elementary school in Waterside, Paligraf figured that would be the case. But that vision might be delayed.

Diane Cominotti, director of planning for Sarasota County Schools, said the 2025-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan did approve funding for an elementary school (K-5) in Waterside, with construction to begin in the 2026-27 school year with a budget of $77 million.

However, the need for the elementary school is being reevaluated and might not be included in the 2026-27 plan.

That irks Paligraf.

“You can know your neighbors better (when there is a school in the neighborhood) because you’re talking to them as your kids are going to school together,” Paligraf said. “It’s a much better sense of community and it’s disappointing that they (Sarasota County) are now kind of bait and switching us like, ‘Oh yeah, we are going to put up an elementary school ... oh wait, actually we’re not.’ That is very disappointing.”

Jody Dumas, executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said his guess is that the

DETAILS ON PROPERTIES Sarasota County Schools owns these properties in Lakewood Ranch with the idea of building schools to service the Waterside Community, and general area: ■ A 65-acre Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park property was purchased in 2019 for $6.5 million.

■ A 20-acre site was purchased in 2024 in Waterside for $700,000. It is a 20-acre site.

project (elementary at Waterside) will most likely be pushed off at least one or two years, maybe more.

He said nothing has been presented to the board and it will make the final decision.

Dumas said Waterside residents currently are zoned for Tatum Ridge Elementary School, McIntosh Middle School and Booker High School.

From Waterside Place, Tatum Ridge is 6 miles away, McIntosh is 7.6 miles away and Booker High School is 11.8 miles away.

Schools of Hope has been a prevalent issue and topic in which nonprofit charter schools are permitted to take over unused space in public school buildings. Dumas, however, said that is not a factor in this case.

“The Schools of Hope could come into some place we have capacity and they could elect to utilize some of our seats,” Dumas said. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t affect the decisions we’re making right now in terms of where we’re building. Our decisions on where and when we build are based on our current capacity.”

Country Club East’s Arielle Mon-

Madison Bierl

Waterside of Lakewood Ranch might have to wait longer for Sarasota County Schools to build an elementary school there.

Courtesy image

Jody Dumas, executive director of facility services for Sarasota County Schools, said they are working to estimate student growth and providing capacity when it’s needed.

serez is planning to move to Kingfisher Estates in Waterside sometime next year and has three children. She said Lakewood Ranch is no longer a “sleepy retirement community,” and the children of the community should be a priority.

“It sounded like a new school was a done deal and already in the works,” Monserez said. “It would have been nice to know a more firm timeline. I have elementary-aged kids now. A new school in five years won’t do us much good.”

Laura Cole, senior vice president

Live Life

of Lakewood Ranch Communities, said the news that Sarasota County Schools is considering a delay to the project took her by surprise. She has scheduled a meeting with Sarasota County Schools officials for later this month.

Cominotti also said funding for a previously discussed K-12 school in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park is not in the five-year plan and is not planned at the moment.

Paligraf said she was a public school teacher in Indiana and Orlando for eight years, so she is a big supporter of public education. However, she is unsure what decision she will make in terms of schooling when her kids reach middle and high school since the zoned schools (McIntosh Middle and Booker High) are so far away.

“I would assume that a lot of people who live in that area are also not going to want to drive or rely on buses to take their kids that far for middle school and high school,” Paligraf said. “I just don’t foresee a lot of people opting to do that.”

Dumas said staff members within the school district are working closely with the finance department as well as developers to try to project populations and student growth.

“At this point, we’re still seeing capacity but we’re working closely and diligently with the developer to make sure we’re being proactive and

want to understand the flow of kids into our district as closely as we possibly can,” Dumas said. “Like I said, it’s a bit of a crystal ball because it’s not set in stone. We try to make sure our projections make sense with what we’re seeing.”

Karli Campbell is a Lakewood Ranch Realtor with The Campbell Group who often sells Waterside properties. She said from what she has seen, there is a mixture of families, retirees and young professionals who are buying homes in Waterside.

She said her clients do their own research in terms of schools and said that whether new schools are built in Waterside, she believes the demand will still be present.

“I think that’s kind of good to know that it is a multidemographic and multigenerational community,” Campbell said. “There’s a reason why Lakewood Ranch is the No. 1 multigenerational community in the country. It’s because it doesn’t serve just one purpose. It’s very fluid in the opportunities that it offers.”

“We are providing capacity when we need it, not overbuilding, because that becomes too costly to taxpayers,” Dumas said. “We make sure we do provide seats when needed.

We want parents to choose Sarasota County Schools as their option.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

OPINION / OUR VIEW

EAST COUNTY

2026 Word: Laissez-faire That two-word phrase is a reminder — a reminder to politicians and officeholders to let us live our lives the way we want to live, and a reminder that we must teach the next generations of the virtues of capitalism.

MATT WALSH

J

ust leave us alone!

That’s what we want.

Laissez-faire.

That is our Word for 2026.

Longtime readers know this tradition. In the first or second edition each year, we publish a Word — one word to live by, to guide our direction and actions in the new year, to inspire us year-round, to serve as a guidepost for what we do and want to accomplish in the new year.

Laissez-faire is a bit different.

It’s a reminder — on multiple levels. It’s a reminder and direct admonition to every elected and wanna-be officeholder of how most Americans want to live; a reminder of what is required for liberty and economic prosperity; and a reminder of what we should be teaching our children and grandchildren.

Indeed, my guess is if you cut through all the noise, divisiveness and vitriol that erupts as a result of the actions of our politicians and governments — federal, state and local, Republicans and Democrats alike — at the core of Americans’ most fundamental desires is to be left alone.

We want to live our lives the way we want to live them; to live in the ways that make us happy; to live as neighbors who respect one another’s personal interests (so long as they do no harm). To live in peace.

Yes, we also want to live by the rule of law. But we want to live by the rules our Founders established — with our governments constrained and limited, and reversing the never-ending, growing, freedomsucking leviathan that nags, nips and intrudes into every facet of our lives.

Laissez-faire.

Then there is the economic side.

It’s quite obvious today the term laissez-faire capitalism is reviled.

There are only a few of us who embrace the idea of an unfettered, free-market economy based on peaceful, voluntary trade with one another; with government serving only as a forum for determining the rules of the game; as an umpire to resolve disputes; and, most important, serving to protect our individual rights.

In the words of laissez-faire capitalism’s most ardent advocate in history, the late Ayn Rand, “If one wishes to uphold individual rights, one must realize capitalism is the only system that can uphold and protect them.”

Sadly, however, it’s no exaggeration to venture that most Americans reject this truth: That we would all be so much better off and prosperous if the chains of government were taken off U.S. businesses and individuals. Abolish crony capitalism and subsidies; dismember the federal regulatory leviathan.

a merchant named M. Le Gendre responded: “Laissez-nous faire!” …

“Let it be!”

Seventy years later, according to Tucker, the incident was reported in a French economic journal, and the full phrase became “Laissez-faire et laissez-passer, le monde va de lui même!” Translated: “Let it be, and let goods pass; the world goes by itself.”

But the roots of laissez-faire go back even before the French disaster. Tucker found that wise Chinese philosophers spoke of laissez-faire as early as 300 B.C. In his 2017 essay, Tucker recounted Chinese references. A sampling: ■ Chuang Tzu (369-286 B.C.): “I would rather roam and idle about in a muddy ditch, at my own amusement, than to be put under the restraints that the ruler would impose. I would never take any official service, and thereby I will [be free] to satisfy my own purposes….”

The world “does simply not need governing; in fact, it should not be governed.”

■ Ssu-ma Ch’ien (145-90 B.C.): “Each man has only to be left to utilize his own abilities and exert his strength to obtain what he wishes…

When each person works away at his own occupation and delights in his own business, then like water flowing downward, goods will naturally flow ceaseless day and night without being summoned, and the people will produce commodities without having been asked.”

■ Lao Tzu (6th century B.C.): “The more artificial taboos and restrictions there are in the world, the more the people are impoverished…

The more that laws and regulations are given prominence, the more thieves and robbers there will be…

“The Sage says: ‘I take no action, yet the people transform themselves, I favor quiescence and the people right themselves, I take no action and the people enrich themselves … ’” MEDDLING POLITICIANS

And yet, the politicians cannot help themselves.

So many of them, of course, are smarter than we are and know far more than we how we should live our lives. Clearly, the majority of them must believe that.

Judging from their actions, they obviously think it is their votergiven mandate and right to go to Washington or Tallahassee or Town Hall to pass laws that regulate how you live; to prescribe a benefit or favor to one group at your expense; to create a government benefit that can be seen now — but to heck with thinking about the inevitably negative unintended consequences.

They can’t help but meddle.

In the Florida Legislature, for instance, the 120 House members are limited to filing six bills each a year.

Typically, they do — 720 bills.

There is no limit for the 40 Senate members. In the 2025 legislative session, Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, sponsored or co-sponsored 45 bills; Sen. Lori Burton, D-Palm

THE LEVIATHAN One measurement of the ubiquitousness of the federal government is the Federal Register, the journal daily journal of all agency regulations; proposed rules and notices; executive orders, proclamations and presidential documents.

The annual average of pages during their presidential terms: Ronald Reagan........ 53,300 Barack Obama..........70,700 Donald Trump I......... 72,400 Joe Biden.................. 88,200

Beach, sponsored or co-sponsored 48 bills. Altogether, 1,959 bills were filed in the 2025 session.

Really? There is that much that requires new laws?

Thankfully, only 269 were passed.

Still, imagine that every year.

Mind you, some bills are necessary to keep Florida’s government operating. Many come to life from constituents who want the government to tilt the playing table one way or another.

Still others are the result of what Milton Friedman referred to as “the law of laws.” A legislature adopts one law to fix a perceived wrong.

Then it comes back the next year to modify the unintended consequences of the original law. And then the next year it modifies the consequences of the previous year.

Ad infinitum this goes.

Washington is far worse. It’s always a pendulum swing — from the exasperation and disappointment brought on by one side to the exasperation and disappointment from the other — e.g. Biden to Trump; Democrat majority to Republican majority. We merely trade one version of egregious intervention and picking winners and losers for another.

Neither is successful. They both bring ever-more government, with a never-ending litany of failures from both sides — $38 trillion national debt; $1.7 billion annual deficit; $100 billion a year taken from taxpayers to subsidize 42 million Americans on SNAP; disastrous health-care regulations; and on and on.

Or consider this marker of the extent of government in our lives: The Federal Register. The register is the daily journal of all agency regulations; proposed rules and notices; executive orders, proclamations and presidential documents. See the accompanying box showing how government always grows.

When you put all of the federal Leviathan together, you can still apply Milton Friedman’s conclusion in his 1962 classic, “Capitalism and Freedom”: “The greater part of the ventures undertaken by government in the past few decades have failed … The central defect of these measures is that they seek through government to force people

THE GILDED AGE OF INVENTORS AND ENTREPRENEURISM, 1865-1900

CHINESE AND LAISSEZ-FAIRE

The idea of laissez-faire has been around since long before Christ.

Jeffrey Tucker, founder and president of the Brownstone Institute, wrote an engaging essay in 2017 on the meaning and origins of laissezfaire for the Foundation for Economic Education.

The French term came about in 1680 during the reign of King Louis XIV. Like all despots, he created an economic disaster with ever-increasing taxation (Some things have never changed.) To reverse this, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the king’s finance minister, believed that imposing more government regulations and controls would boost economic activity and prosperity.

But as the story goes, when Colbert asked a group of manufacturers what he could do for industry,

Christopher Sholes the typewriter, 1868

Henry Ford automobile 1896

Alexander Graham Bell the telephone, 1876

John D. Rockefeller Standard Oil Co.

Thomas Edison electric light bulb, 1879

Andrew Carnegie Carnegie Steel Co.

to act against their own immediate interests to promote a supposedly general interest.”

How and why does this happen?

Friedman: “Men of good intentions and goodwill who … use the power of the state to achieve their ends and confident of their own ability to do so.”

As noted earlier, they are certain they know better than we how we should live. Talk about hubris.

When you vote in the mid-term elections in 2026, choose the candidates who reject the Zohran Mamdani dogma that “there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about.”

Choose the candidates who will leave us alone. As the late Austrian economist F.A. Hayek noted: “Though democracy is probably the best form of limited government, it becomes an absurdity if it turns into unlimited government.”

Laissez-faire. Leave us alone!

CAPITALISM WORKS

The word “capitalism” has been a dirty word in the U.S. for a century.

The full phrase, laissez-faire capitalism, has been even dirtier.

Progressives and conservatives alike harrumph that we can’t have an unfettered, unregulated, freemarket economy. They fret there would be anarchy and unbridled greed.

Indeed, as Jeffrey Tucker wrote: The Left thinks “if we let the economic sphere be free, the world will collapse.” Oh, imagine what a horrible calamity life would be without government control. Ha! Likewise, the Right disdains a free market because it “is similarly convinced that state control is necessary, lest the world collapse into violent, warring, culture-destroying gangs.”

Neither would happen.

History is always a good reference point. If you go back to the beginning of the second century of the U.S. — for 35 years from the mid-1860s to 1900 — laissez-faire capitalism and limited government worked.

In “The Fall and Rise of LaissezFaire in the United States, 17891900,” economic historian Burton Folsom Jr. chronicles how the “Gilded Age” was the most laissezfaire and limited government era in American history. The U.S. prospered.

“More Americans than ever before,” Folsom wrote, “came to believe that if the United States were ever to become a serious economic force in the world, it would have to be done in free markets with very limited federal aid.” Leading Democrats and Republicans alike actually embraced that.

Folsom: “To help ensure that Congress would not be tempted to seriously intervene in future economic development, President Ulysses Grant worked to eliminate the federal income tax” — a goal he achieved in 1872.

During this period, the U.S. and Congress achieved 28 consecutive years of budget surpluses. The national debt shrank from $3 billion in 1866 to less than $1 billion in 1893.

More important, Folsom said, the achievements of entrepreneurs, inventors and developers during this period were “in a word, spectacular.” A few: Christopher Sholes secured a patent for the typewriter in 1868.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. Thomas Edison changed the world with electricity and invented the phonograph and movie film in the late 1880s. Henry Ford operated his first car in 1896.

And, of course, there were John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, the kings of oil and steel. Their businesses made kerosene and railroad travel widely affordable and created thousands of jobs.

By 1900, the U.S. surpassed Great Britain as the greatest economic power in the world.

It can be done — limited government and free-market capitalism.

And with great success.

But sadly, Folsom wrote: “The triumph of laissez-faire lasted only one generation.”

“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

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The Gilded Age gave way to the Progressive Era (1900-1920), when the cries began for government intervention … taxing high earners; regulating railroads; breaking up big businesses. Cries that have carried on for a century and have spread into every corner of the economy and our lives.

From agriculture to health care to home building to employee pay to savings accounts to light-bulb wattage to toilet bowl flushing, our so-called free-market, capitalistic, economic system is anything but free.

It’s a system of crony capitalism, subsidies, regulations and lawsuits — tentacles of an incurable cancer that persistently pervades federal and state governments. Quoting Friedman again: When it comes to asking for favors from government, businesses are always first in line.

There are no signs the evils of interventionism and crony subsidizations will end. It’s quite the opposite. Not only is our current Republican president an interventionist extraordinaire, constantly picking winners and losers, we have a socialist radical as the mayor of New York City.

This is why we’re heralding laissez-faire as the Word for 2026.

Even 60 years ago, F.A. Hayek, said of the slide toward serfdom and socialism, “What is most urgently needed in most parts of the world is a thorough sweeping away of the obstacles to free growth.”

Let the world take care of itself.

Laissez-faire. Leave us alone!

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How to turn the tide toward laissez-faire

E

lecting pro-liberty, procapitalist candidates to public office is one way. Another is education — of the American populace and next generations.

This is crazy: Typically, the most important issues to Americans in every election are their pocketbook and the state of the economy. And yet, so few Americans appear to have an understanding of or care how economics and capitalism work, or how their freedom and capitalism are so intertwined and so adversely affected by government intervention.

Indeed, the amount of disdain Gen Zers have for capitalism is alarming. When pollster Frank Luntz conducted focus groups of Gen Zers in 2024, Luntz summarized the results: “(They) think the inequality that exists in America justifies economic redistribution and government directly engaging in the economy in a more aggressive fashion. The intensity is anti-capitalism rather than pro-socialism. Young people resent and reject the current system much more than they embrace and support socialism.”

Much of that can be attributed to ignorance.

To that end, when we asked Florida State University economics professors about their experiences with first- and second-year undergrads who come into their classes, here are the comments of Professor Michal Hammock, Ph.D., who teaches principles of micro and macroecomics to 2,000 students a year: “Most of my students … had a high school economics class of poor quality. The class is usually taught by a coach with no knowledge or interest in the subject, and students come away from this experience with an impression that economics is boring, and no clear understanding of what economics is. A small group of students has taken AP economics courses in high school, and those are much higher quality.”

For 75, years, the Council of

STATUS OF ECONOMIC EDUCATION

Source: Council on Economic Education

Economic Education has tried to spread the knowledge of economics and personal finance. This not-forprofit coalition of economics and personal finance educators, privatesector corporations, business leaders and economists has been dedicated to training teachers and integrating economics and personal finance into K-12 schools. It has been slow going, but it’s making progress. (See: CouncilForEconEd. org/Cee-History-Timeline/.)

In 2024, the CEE said it reached 5 million students. Sadly, that is not quite 10% of the estimated 55 million children in U.S. schools. To

the good, the numbers continue to grow, albeit slowly. (See map.)

But the economic educators’ plight is also a clear indicator that if the understanding of capitalism versus socialism versus entitlementitis is to spread, it must happen in our homes.

Ultimately, we are responsible for teaching our children the virtues of capitalism and limited government.

No other economic system in the world has lifted more people out of poverty than capitalism. And it is also true than whenever government intervenes into the market, it inevitably makes matters worse,

more expensive and less efficient.

As written here in 2024, it’s worth quoting Ronald Reagan again from a 1989 speech: “Let me offer lesson No. 1 about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So tomorrow night in the kitchen I hope the talking begins …”

Laissez-faire means more than “Leave us alone.” It’s a symbolic phrase for liberty and prosperity.

Advocate that word in 2026.

— MW

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THE LAKE CLUB

4809 Benito Court Andrew Tanner

15115 Montello Way Laura Stavola

$3,075,000 941.447.4875

COUNTRY CLUB EAST 14325 Stirling Drive $829,900 Katy McBrayer & Montana Taplinger 941.400.2406

$750,000 941.320.0049

COBBLESTONE ON PALMER RANCH 8700 Trattoria Terrace Holly Switow

$624,000 941.735.3186

BENT TREE VILLAGE 5037 Willow Leaf Way Mia McKeehan

$1,825,000 941.539.0998

3648 Beneva Oaks Boulevard Katy McBrayer

$1,000,000 941.400.2406

LAKEWOOD RANCH | GREENBROOK 6404 Royal Tern Circle Holly Switow

$555,000 941.726.0898

2603 Myakka Marsh Lane Beth Sargent

$810,000 941.735.3186

$699,000 941.716.1277

$615,000 941.374.5010

PRESTANCIA

12729 Fontana Loop $950,000 Bridgett Tackett-Byzewski & Robert Sherman 941.780.0462

$549,000 941.894.7269

7728 Club Lane Tom Hedge Jr. & Monica Barth

8737 Bellussi Drive Lori Carey & Leslie DuFresne

8744 Bellussi Drive Cindy Taliaferro

$799,000 941.780.3427

5655 Pipers Waite #27 Fernando Viteri

18013 Polo Trail Gloria Bracciano

$780,000 941.229.4000

THE MEADOWS

$659,000 941.894.7269

3732 Surrey Lane Alfredda Smith Hurst

$595,000 941.961.4579

6524 Copper Ridge Trail Fernando Viteri

BRADENTON 7909 Rio Bella Place Johnny Sokhon

$925,000 941.587.6660

POLO RUN

PALMER RANCH

$649,000 941.504.5758

MOTE RANCH

SARASOTA

MARBELLA 6828 Avenida Marbella Cindy Taliaferro

$4,500,000 941.229.4000

COBBLESTONE AT PALMER RANCH

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5916 Wake Forest Run #104 Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

19451 Ganton Avenue Gloria Bracciano

LAKEWOOD RANCH

RIVERWOOD

BRADENTON 8122 Spring Marsh Drive Jackie Kleppinger

CONCESSION

BENEVA OAKS $1,495,000 941.447.4875

$3,400,000 860.227.0044

PANTHER RIDGE 20706 79th Avenue East Laura Stavola

ESPLANADE

AZARIO ESPLANADE

8009 Bounty Lane Chris Constantinou

$595,000 941.400.7676

MOTE RANCH $549,000 941.400.7676

7005 Goldrush Lane Tom Hedge Jr and Monica Barth

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. Property information herein is derived from various resources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®

$549,000 941.587.6660

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

CONCESSION

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

19452 Beacon Park Place Laura Stavola

$2,175,000 941.447.4875

15024 Castle Park Terrace Laura Stavola

RIVER CLUB SOUTH 9979 Cherry Hills Avenue Circle Carlos Santos

LAKEWOOD RANCH $1,475,000 941.447.4875

8358 Redonda Loop Alex Turco

COUNTRY CLUB EAST $1,300,000 941.735.8302

7833 Valderrama Way Gloria Bracciano

11A

$1,340,000 630.667.7183

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

$925,000 941.229.4000

5810 Brandon Run Leslie DuFresne & Lori Carey

$789,000 941.374.5010

THE GULF COAST LUXURY LEADER

CRESSWIND 4927 Carova Way Valerie Esposito & Judy Heuerman

PALISADES AT PALMER RANCH $529,000 941.809.3541

7160 Rue De Palisades #4 Cindy Taliaferro

LANDINGS ON LEMON BAY 2424 Placida Road #D102 Jessika Arman

$474,999 941.587.4202

$499,000 941.894.7269

LAKESHORE VILLAGE 3861 Wilshire Circle West #115 Lisa Morreale & Liz Snyder

$449,000 941.400.9038

LAKEWOOD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB 13231 Palmers Creek Terrace Rebecca Zimmerman

$2,345,000 941.224.4824

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13008 Deep Blue Place Chris Constantinou

$1,395,000 920.475.4151

STONEYBROOK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 9590 High Gate Drive #1912 Laura Pearson & Carmen Baskind

$363,500 941.993.5167

LAKESHORE VILLAGE SOUTH 3825 Wilshire Circle #1 Carlos Santos

$441,500 860.227.0044

8792 Rain Song Road Tamara Currey & Todd Currey

$429,900 941.330.4226

3692 Glen Oaks Manor Drive Lisa Gullick

PALM AIRE

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL 5619 Mulligan Way Lisa Ripley

SUNRISE PRESERVE

$355,000 941.735.8302

5568 Country Club Way Marci Carter

GLEN OAKS MANOR HOMES

THE MEADOWS 5682 Sheffield Greene Circle #78 Christine Mazur

$435,000 941.587.1776

$380,000 941.364.4000

SARASOTA $335,000 941.374.4015

3200 Tobero Lane Jaci Krawtschenko & Jennifer Garrabrant

$325,000 941.284.3789

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941.770.3993 | LIVE1000.COM ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. This is a limited time offer.

Developer may withdraw offering at any time. Illustrations are Artist’s Rendering and may not represent the final offering. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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RENTALS | 941.203.3433

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. Property information herein is derived from various resources, including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. Source: BrokerMetrics®

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SARASOTA - DOWNTOWN | 941.364.4000

12A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

School choice is open in Manatee County LEARN MORE ON SCHOOL DISTRICT WEBSITE

Families can apply for their children to attend an out-of-zone school through Jan. 31.

On the district’s website, there is information on each of the applications, such as how to apply, and how the lottery and waitlists work. Current attendance numbers are available for each school as of October.

To learn more, visit ManateeSchools.net/O/SDMC/Page/ Controlled-Open-Enrollment.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

W

ithin the School District of Manatee County, rezoning is a hot topic.

However, according to Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman, for the first time in recent memory, many East County schools that have been closed to school choice due to capacity now have a strong possibility of being open.

What is school choice?

School choice gives students and families the opportunity to apply for and attend a school outside of their zone. A variety of different reasons could push a family to attend a different school — specialized programs, size of the school and more.

The window to apply is through Jan. 31. The applications are put into a lottery system and it is not a firstcome, first-served process.

“Families need to understand it’s not a race to a finish line,” Chapman said. “They need to take their time to take in the information. Go to the open houses and visit schools and make the decision that’s best for their family. I don’t want them to feel rushed.”

After the lottery is complete, the remaining students will be put on a waitlist and moved into their school of choice at a later time if another seat opens up.

Jamara Clark, the director of student enrollment at the School District of Manatee County, said the student enrollment team works hard to ensure families are informed about all of their options.

“It’s contingent on availability at that school,” Clark said. “If there are available seats, we want to fill those seats.”

The Bradenton Convention Center

Jamara Clark, director of student enrollment for the School District of Manatee County, presents information about school choice to members of the school board on Dec. 9.

Photos by Madison Bierl

Associate Superintendent Kevin Chapman said school choice it is not a race to the finish line and it is important for families to do research and visit schools to decide which one best suits their needs.

will host a STEM and School Choice Showcase from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 24.

“We want them to go to the STEM showcase and see all the great programs and career pathways that are there,” Clark said. “Then they can head over to the school choice kiosk to talk to the principal and to sign up for the school. We just bought some iPads so we can have them out so people can sign up immediately. We want to make it as smooth as possible.”

Families that would like to send their children to a school outside their zone can fill out a Controlled Open Enrollment Request.

On top of COE Requests, there is

also the option for families to complete Out of Zone Requests. These are designed for families who might be experiencing a major life event, which includes the following: being impacted by rezoning, a change in military orders or custody, going to a school where a sibling currently is enrolled, a change of address, being a school employee and more.

With the current rezoning process, a current student’s zone might change and to keep as many families happy as possible, the district has two provisions in place. The Legacy Provision allows students to stay at their current school until the highest grade, and the Founders Provision gives rising freshmen the opportunity to attend their newly zoned school for the 2027-28 school year early.

Students who attend a school outside their zone are not provided school bus transportation.

“I think this rezoning process has gone very smoothly,” School Board Chair Cindry Spray said. “We’re going to have a little hiccup here and

Leading

there. With anything of this magnitude, you’re going to have issues.

This team and this board, respectfully, have done a great job through the challenges that we’ve had this year.”

According to Clark, in the 202425 school year there were 1,081 controlled open enrollment students (a public school student who uses a state-mandated program to attend a school outside their assigned zone) and 239 International Baccalaureate or Advanced International Certificate of Education students.

For the current school year, there are 1,365 controlled open enrollment students.

“I just want to make sure we highlight again that if your student is already attending a school through school choice, you don’t have to apply again,” said School Board member Heather Felton. “I’ve gotten this question many times. If you’ve already choiced there and you’ve already been told, ‘Yes, you can go there.’ You don’t have to apply again.”

The district opened an office in Lakewood Ranch, located at 4215 Concept Circle, in October 2024 to cater to more families’ needs in terms of student enrollment and the school choice process. In July, the district had 100 visitors at that office, and in August, visitations skyrocketed to 254 visitors. The district hopes more families will utilize the resources and space provided.

Clark said the district wants to provide clear and consistent information and a listening ear. He also emphasized that all of the staff at the Lakewood Ranch office is bilingual so there is less room for mistakes in terms of that being a barrier.

“We know some families like to do enrollment online, but there are a number of families that need that one-on-one connection,” Clark said.

“We’re grateful that we were allowed to open that new office to be able to better serve our families through customer service excellence.”

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

13A

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

New look, easier navigation for elections website

IMPORTANT DATES Visit VoteManatee. gov/Election-Dates/ as the elections near for early voting dates, which have not yet been set.

Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Scott Farrington says the new elections website has been streamlined.

PRIMARY ELECTION: Aug. 18

LESLEY DWYER

JULY 20: Voter registration deadline

STAFF WRITER

T

he Supervisor of Elections website has a new look, and Superviser of Elections Scott Farrington is confident residents will find the website much easier to navigate.

“We have consolidated and categorized all the options so you can quickly find what you are looking for by hovering over the five main options,” Farrington said. “There is also a site map at the bottom of every page that makes navigation easier.”

The URL has not changed. Voters can still access the website at VoteManatee.gov. The updated version was launched Dec. 17.

Farrington said the previous website was dated, and users experienced many crashes, leading to the update.

The website was last updated in 2015, and the site crashed during the primary and general elections in 2024.

However, Manatee County was not the only election site to crash. Ben Martin, chief operating officer for the webhost, VR Systems, released a statement explaining what the company believed to be the issue following the primary election in 2024.

“Based on our analysis of today’s event, we believe the logging that was enabled as a security measure was at the root of the issues that our customers experienced. This log records the action on the content management system serving our customers’ websites. Late in the day, it began to grow exponentially due to the increase in traffic to the websites.

We believe this put extraordinary stress on the system.”

Farrington was a candidate running for his current position at the time, but it’s his understanding that once one VR Systems’ site went down, it was essentially a domino

AUG. 6: Deadline to request a vote-bymail ballot AUG. 18: Deadline to return a vote-by-mail ballot GENERAL ELECTION: Nov. 3 Courtesy image

With five main tabs on the home page, the website is intended to be easier to navigate.

VOTE BY MAIL Scott Farrington, Supervisor of Elections for Manatee County, said a lot of voters don’t realize that vote-by-mail requests are only good through one election cycle. To receive a vote-by-mail ballot for 2026, voters need to renew their requests.

“An added benefit for us is that the earlier voters make their voteby-mail requests, the better we can plan for the different methods of voting and help limit lines and provide a positive experience,” Farrington added.

Even if not voting by mail, vot-

effect that started crashing site after site.

The problems during the general election were not as severe as during the primaries, but Manatee County is no longer using VR Systems’ web hosting services. The county does still use its voter registration man-

ers are encouraged to check their voter information periodically to ensure it is up to date. Changes on the voters’ part are typically name and address changes, but the election office makes changes to voting locations, too.

“Most delays in voting happen because something has changed,” Farrington said. “Taking five minutes to check now can save delays and aggravation when it’s time to vote.”

To check your voter information, visit VoteManatee.gov/ Check-Your-Status. To make a vote-by-mail request, visit VoteManatee.gov/About-Vote-By-Mail.

agement system.

The new website was designed and built by the same company that redesigned the Manatee County website, Spinutech.

Farrington said Manatee County is the only Supervisor of Elections office that Spinutech hosts, so no

one else’s traffic will affect Manatee’s site. He added that there are agreements in place that Spinutech will scale up its service during elections when the site is being overloaded with users.

While the updated website still contains all the same information, it also allows for more information to be added in the future, such as voter statistics.

In addition to an updated website, the SOE’s office has 102 new tabulating machines that were delivered in December. The cost was approximately $950,000.

The bulk of the machines will be deployed to polling locations for elections, and two will be used to count the vote-by-mail ballots.

Farrington said the machines will be cleared of all software so state certified software can be installed, which should be completed by early next month.

Elections on March 10 for the town of Longboat Key and the Trailer Estates give elections staff a chance to get familiar with the new equipment ahead of the August primaries and November general election.

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YourObserver.com

15A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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16A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Braden River students ready to hog the spotlight After sacrificing much of their free time to care for farm animals, many of the students will be rewarded.

MADISON BIERL STAFF WRITER

A

nthony Sizemore, a freshman at Braden River High School, dreams of owning a farm one day.

This school year, he took a step toward that dream by taking on the responsibility of caring for Dwayne, a 7-month-old purebred Duroc pig, as a member of the Braden River Future Farmers of America.

Whenever Sizemore comes to the barn, the pig runs to greet him, honking and squealing.

“I like working with him because his personality kind of matches mine,” Sizemore said. “He wants to be playful, but also chill at the same time.”

Megan Krueger, Karly Bell and Jonathan Heavner work as the agriculture teachers and FFA advisors at the school. The students are preparing to show their animals at the Manatee County Fair, which runs from Jan. 15-25.

“They exhibit their care of the animals and their ability to show the animal to the judge,” Bell said. “So if they’re pigs, they’re showing the Tater, the chapter steer, has been cared for by Braden River High junior Maggie Faller since April. She will show Tater at the Manatee County Fair.

best market pig. If it’s dairy heifer, they’re showing the judge their animal is the best female for breeding and milking.”

Bell said she appreciates that the students have the opportunity to engage and educate the public about their animals.

Krueger said Sizemore wanted to be in charge of Dwayne, who is the chapter pig, from the day he walked into her classroom.

“One word to describe Anthony is excited,” Krueger said. “He wants to learn as much as he can, because he wants his own pig next year. I never have to worry about the pig when I know Anthony’s in charge. He’s definitely super-dedicated.”

Sizemore said working with animals is hard, especially with all of the early mornings and late nights that are required. But he is determined to take care of the pig properly.

He said he has learned a lot, from being able to identify illnesses, to feeding regimens, to how to train and clean the pig.

“It’s not sunshine and rainbows all the time, and it’s hard work, but it’s rewarding,” Krueger said.

Maggie Faller, a junior at Braden

BRADEN RIVER HIGH FFA’S LINEUP FOR THE FAIR BEEF HEIFERS (JAN. 11-13): Sophi Jo Branscomb, Maggie Faller, Jacob Zinkhan MARKET STEERS (JAN. 14-17): Sophi Jo Branscomb, Maggie Faller DAIRY HEIFERS (JAN. 1417): Maggie Faller, Zoe Loder, Zailyah Ma, Jared Stancil MARKET SWINE (JAN. 2124): Karliana Arteaga, Austen Bergbom, Kassidy Callaghan, Riley Pascoe, Jayda RoblesWheeler, Anthony Sizemore, Keegan Vernold, and Jacob Zinkhan DAIRY GOATS (JAN. 19-25): Kassidy Callaghan, Maggie Faller, Zoe Loder, Jacob Zinkhan POULTRY (JAN. 20-23): Jacob Lanier

River, has a wide range of experience caring for animals as she lives on an East County farm, the Faller Family Ranch. They own two horses, 13 goats, a lot of chickens, three ducks, two pigs, three dogs and two cats.

Bell described Faller as “a wealth of knowledge” when it comes to animals and the “most tender-hearted kid in the barn.”

“She’s an animal whisperer,” Bell said. “She’s super calm around them, so they feed off of her energy in a positive way. She brings lightheartedness to our barn.”

Faller said responsibility is a big thing for her as she gets up at 5 a.m. to take care of her animals at home and then comes to school to do the same. Right now, she is responsible for taking care of Tater, the chapter steer, which she has been doing since April. She compared him to a cat, because Tater only will be petted on his terms.

“His main thing is hair care, because he’s so white,” Faller said.

“He takes a lot to keep him nice and

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Anthony Sizemore, a Braden River High freshman, is eager to show his Future Farmers of America chapter’s pig at the Manatee County Fair.

clean. He’s mostly taught me a lot about how to feed (steers) correctly based on their weight and (other factors), and keeping up with all of the cleaning.”

Faller’s family is leasing goats to other students at Braden River High for showing, which Faller said gives her a sort of leadership role. She likes to help in any way she can, especially with those who might not have as much experience with animals.

Kassidy Callaghan, a junior, is one of the students who is leasing goats — a black 10-month-old named Echo and a white 6-year-old named Nova. She also takes care of Nova’s kid, Grace, who was born in early December.

Callaghan is also showing a market swine (a pig raised specifically for meat production) named Boba who weighed 253 pounds as of Dec. 17. Her main goal is to sell him for a decent price, which for her means around $6 per pound.

She has competed in various shows through the Florida Junior Swine Circuit in order to prepare for fair. She said she has “hit the ground

running” with Boba and he learns pretty quickly, which gives her hope that they will do well in competition.

She said it’s important to walk the pig every day, ensuring he knows to keep his head up and walk at the right speed.

“I’ve gained a good work ethic. I’m responsible and I’m very dedicated to this,” Callaghan said. “I’m here twice a day, every day, including weekends and holidays.”

Bell said Callaghan does far more than just cleaning the pen. She does all her own research to follow a strict nutrition plan, and she travels to shows. She also said Callaghan is more competitive when it comes to the pig as the goal is to sell, but she has a more lighthearted and fun approach when it comes to the goats.

“She’s diversified herself in a lot of animal projects for the aspect of learning, so she doesn’t limit herself,” Bell said. “She’s pretty limitless. She’s the quiet one, but she has so much to say. She’s just a great kid.”

Please join us at an upcoming

Community Education Program.

Learn from healthcare experts on a variety of topics, hosted by Encompass Health.

Parkinson’s Caregiver Workshop POWERHOUSES OF PARKINSON’S Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 6400 Edgelake Drive • Sarasota, FL 34240 Join us for a free, hands-on caregiver workshop designed to empower, educate and support those caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease. Co-sponsored by Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and Golden Girls Solutions.

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JANUARY 8, 2026

SPORTS

“I’m really supportive on the court. I love to lift people up and lift the energy.”

— The Out-of-Door Academy’s Gaby Bichanich SEE PAGE 19A

Mustangs put the freeze on opponents Lakewood Ranch High’s ice hockey team has raced to a 13-0 record.

FAST

BREAK

JACK NELSON SPORTS REPORTER

L

akewood Ranch High Boys Hockey coach Peter Sibner stood outside his home locker

room Dec. 19 in the tunnels of the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex.

Courtesy image

He chuckled a bit to himself before offering an evaluation of what had just transpired on the ice.

“That wasn’t by the book,” Sibner said.

Sibner had watched the Mustangs put 45 shots on net while allowing just 12, but even so, they were trailing 3-2 midway through the second period.

Then came six unanswered goals for an 8-3 victory over Jesuit.

Making the win even more impressive was that the Mustangs were without their leading goal scorer, junior forward Chase Koski. They also were playing the second-best team in their conference.

With the win, Lakewood Ranch moved to 13-0 in the Lightning High School Hockey League for 2025-26.

“We’ve won hockey games this season in just about every fashion,” Sibner said. “We blew out the team that we thought was going to be the best team in the league, and then we almost lost to the team we thought was going to be the worst team in the league.”

They stand alone as the LHSHL’s last undefeated squad among 19 member programs. The streak includes victories over Newsome (Fish Hawk), Steinbrenner and Jesuit — all of which are in the top three of their respective conferences.

This season, though, has been transformative for other reasons.

It’s the first time the group has competed as the “Lakewood Ranch Mustangs” after using “Manatee Admirals” since its inaugural season in 2013. Its roster is now built from Lakewood Ranch High and Braden River High, marking a slight change from its two catchments in 202425 — Lakewood Ranch and Parrish Community High.

Green, black and white now define their uniforms instead of red, black and gold. But this is largely the same cast of characters who reached the LHSHL West Conference Finals with the Admirals last season.

Sibner has overseen the transition as the third-year coach of the program. He’s also a fifth-year coach with Gulf Coast Flames, a travel hockey club in the Statewide Florida Hockey League, and has seen many of these players grow up on the ice.

He’s plenty familiar with the continuity at hand.

“I knew we had a very strong core, but I just did not know what our supporting cast was going to be,” Sibner said. “Turns out, we got perfect role

Don Engelberger, Braden River girls soccer coach, applauds his players during practice. The Pirates stand at 8-2-2 as of Jan. 5, with the FHSAA postseason fast approaching.

W Photos by Jack Nelson

Lakewood Ranch junior goaltender James Devriendt (33) gets some postgame kudos from senior defenseman Jackson Ellis (4). Devriendt’s .878 save percentage and 2.05 goals against average through 13 games are both career-best marks on a Mustangs team that has done nothing but win in 2025-26.

players for where we needed them.

We got some boys leading the charge, some other boys picking up slack.”

Junior forward Carter Bagshaw, Koski, and junior defenseman Jackson Ellis buoy the squad statistically with 22, 19 and 18 points, respectively. Koski’s 11 goals and Bagshaw’s 14 assists are both team-best marks to complement Ellis’ six goals and 12 assists.

All three players have ties to the Flames, with Bagshaw and Ellis actively competing at the 18UAA level for the club. Koski played for 16UAA last season but switched to the Tampa Bay Juniors of United States Premier Hockey League Elite for 2025-26.

Lakewood Ranch hasn’t just relied on that trio to fend off its foes. Depth has made it an even more daunting opponent for teams to face.

Nine Mustangs have scored at least five goals this season, and in terms of assists, 11 players boast five or more.

Bagshaw is the only member of the team who sits in the top 20 leaguewide for most points.

“One of our strengths is everyone plays everywhere,” Ellis said. “Our defensemen jump up in the (offensive) zone, our forwards are all coming back and helping, we’re crisscrossing in each zone. We just play as a very fluid unit.”

A solid effort from their go-to goaltender has also paved the way to wins. Junior James DeVriendt has started all 13 games, posting a 2.05 goals against average and .878 save percentage, both the best numbers of his high school career.

Forward Liam Johnston and defenseman Robert Wayman — a pair of freshmen additions — have given Sibner crucial contributions in the attacking and defending zones.

Carter Bagshaw (third from left) skates at midice in pursuit of the puck. He leads all Mustangs with 14 assists this season and also boasts a team-high 22 points overall.

MORE ON THE LIGHTNING HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE Five more games remain for Lakewood Ranch in the LHSHL’s 2025-26 regular season: ■ Jan. 9 vs. Mitchell, 9:30 p.m. at TGH Iceplex ■ Jan. 23 at Seminole, 10 p.m. at Tampa Bay Skating Academy ■ Jan. 24 vs. Land O’ Lakes, 7:15 p.m. at Ellenton Ice Arena ■ Jan. 25 at Cypress Creek, 2:45 p.m. at NEST Hockey Academy ■ Jan. 25 at Durant, 5:45 p.m. at NEST Hockey Academy The LHSHL is Southwest Florida’s premier boys hockey league at the high school level, supported by the Tampa Bay Lightning. It features 19 member teams across six counties, with each team built from catchments of high schools in those counties.

There are two conferences — East and West — and every team plays an 18-game regular season, which runs from Sept. 5, 2025, to Jan. 29, 2026. The playoffs will begin Jan. 30, and Lakewood Ranch is in position to be the No. 1 seed in the West.

Since the FHSAA does not sanction hockey for boys or girls, the LHSHL is the only opportunity for high school student-athletes in Southwest Florida to represent their schools competitively.

“People don’t realize how fast hockey is growing,” Ellis said. “We have a fun style of play.

Everyone’s making cool plays; we’re passing back and forth. We’re a fun team to watch.”

They’ve pitched in 26 points combined.

“We’ve got lucky with some pickups, and then we got lucky with some freshmen,” Bagshaw said. “That gave us the mindset we could go all the way.”

The Mustangs are in search of their third “Lightning Cup,” having previously won the LHSHL’s championship in 2018 and 2015. Last season, as the Admirals, they reached the 2025 West Conference Finals.

Over the past four-plus months, they’ve won in a variety of ways with “Lakewood Ranch” on their jerseys.

The group has won by as many as seven goals and as few as two. The team has lost the shots-on-goal battle and won. Wins have come with key players missing.

Regardless of how the job is done, the Mustangs have found a way.

“The (key) is resolve,” Sibner said.

“When we need to keep it clean in front of our own net, we can go out and do that. If we need a goal, we go out and get a goal.”

ith the Jan. 17 end to the regular season looming, local high school girls soccer teams are putting their final touches on their postseason resumes. The Out-ofDoor Academy (9-1-1), Braden River (8-2-2) and Lakewood Ranch (7-1-3) — all as of Jan. 5 — own winning records. ODA is ranked No. 2 in Class 1A behind defending state champion St. Johns Country Day. Five players have three or four goals for the Thunder — not including the team’s leading scorer, sophomore Avery Rice, who has seven. The Pirates, meanwhile, have been guided by junior striker/midfielder Victoria Caiazzo and sophomore midfielder Jordynn Roberts, who have combined for 17 goals and 15 assists. But they entered winter break with a loss to the Mustangs, who feature an impact newcomer in midfielder/ forward Alyssa Pistone. The freshman boasts seven goals and five assists — both team highs — through her first nine games played. ... The same timeline holds true for area boys soccer teams at the high school level. Lakewood Ranch (11-01), The Out-of-Door Academy (7-4) and Braden River (5-32) have largely stayed in the win column, as of Jan. 4. The Mustangs, ranked No. 8 overall in the Dec. 16 FHSAA rankings, and in Class 6A, came in at No. 2 behind Mandarin. Senior forward/midfielder Broden Beorlegui, senior forward/midfielder Louka Coué and junior forward Yandiel Garcia have led the way with 18, nine and six goals, respectively. As for ODA, senior midfielder/forward Andrew Carrillo and senior midfielder Jesse Roberts have combined for 17 goals. The Pirates have heavily featured senior midfielder Esteban Benjoud and junior forward Victor Philpotts — each with a team-high four goals apiece.

FIND PARADISE IN 2026. PAGE 18A

18A

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

NELSON’S NOGGIN

JACK NELSON

Impactful moments loom for local landscape There’s plenty of reasons for local sports enthusiasts to be excited about the year ahead.

SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO THE CONCESSION

An eerie silence falls over a crowded course, interrupted occasionally by chirping birds. It’s broken by the loud thwack of a driver head making contact with the ball.

A sizable sea of fans applaud upon that resounding cue. They move from hole to hole following the action, ultimately hoping to witness the winning moment.

Such an atmosphere is inevitable when golf legends walk these greens.

The 2026 Senior PGA Championship will be held at The Concession Golf Club on April 16-19, bringing together some of golf’s most iconic figures. It also represents the first

time since 2000 the PGA Tour Champions’ premier event will be held in Florida.

The Concession, which opened in 2006, has hosted major events before. Its track record includes the 2023 World Champions Cup, 2021 PGA Workday World Golf Championships and the 2015 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s championships.

There continues to be some serious prestige at play.

Pádraig Harrington, Stewart Cink and Ernie Els are just some of the big names who are likely to play in our own backyard come April. The past three Senior PGA Championship winners have been two-time major champion Ángel Cabrera (2025), Richard Bland (2024) and Steve Stricker (2023).

Something even bigger is brewing — Tiger Woods celebrated his 50th birthday on Dec. 30, 2025, becoming eligible for the senior circuit.

The 15-time major champion would be a massive draw, but he has yet to announce whether he will opt in.

Health concerns linger. Woods

Image courtesy of The Concession Golf Club

The Concession Golf Club reached a three-year agreement with the PGA Tour of America on May 20 to host the Senior PGA Championship from 2026-28.

underwent lower back surgery on Oct. 10, following Achilles surgery on March 11, and did not play a PGA Tour event in 2025.

His appearance at The Concession would be a monumental moment, but regardless, this year carries gargantuan implications for golf in East County.

SARASOTA PARADISE EMBARK ON FIRST PROFESSIONAL SEASON

Professional soccer players visit Lakewood Ranch every now and then. That’s no surprise considering the friendly playing conditions and amount of amateur events at Premier Sports Campus.

But there’s never been a professional team for locals to call their own.

That changes in 2026.

The Sarasota Paradise team, founded in 2022, will play its first season in the USL League One this year following three seasons at the amateur level with USL League Two. The club went 9-1-2 during the last regular season and won the South Florida Division title for the second year in a row.

A new era formally begins March 7 against AC Boise at Premier Sports Campus. The Paradise will play a 34-match, eight-month regular season — ending Oct. 24 — as one of 18 clubs vying for the league title. One Knoxville SC is the defending champion.

Ever since his hiring on Oct. 8, 2025, coach Mika Elovaara has been busy crafting his roster. The team promptly announced the signings of forward Garrett McLaughlin, midfielder Maximus Tainio and defender Roberto Burlew.

It will be no easy adjustment getting the players to mesh at the professional level. A rocky first few weeks or months of play are well

File photos

The Concession Golf Club Majority Owner Bruce Cassidy and General Manager Brian Weimann will be the key players in the club hosting the 2026, 2027 and 2028 Senior PGA Championships.

within the realm of possibility, and the product on the field might not be so attractive.

The Paradise, though, quickly evolved from an idea to a bona fide club in the past few years. Success both on the field and in the office is what got them here.

ATHLETICS AND AQUATICS CENTER WILL OPEN AT PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS

Swimmers and pickleballers alike, rejoice.

No more settling for sparse opportunities to practice and compete locally. A new facility is soon to change the game for athletes of various ages in more ways than one.

The Athletics and Aquatics Center at Premier Sports Campus will open to the public in late summer or early fall 2026. Its two claims to fame will be an Olympic-sized swimming pool in addition to 24 pickleball courts — far exceeding any other offerings in Manatee County.

In all, the center spans 44,000 square feet. Premier Sports Campus is already a major hub for local soccer and lacrosse with 23 mixed-

use fields, including a stadium with over 3,000 seats.

For pickleball, the new facility will dramatically increase accessibility to the public.

The 50-meter swimming pool, though, is even more impactful. It will permanently alter the sport’s local landscape.

As it stands, there’s no way for Manatee County-based swimmers to train in a full-size pool locally.

That unfortunate reality has forced top talents to seek better facilities in Sarasota.

It’s not just elite athletes whose wishes will be granted at the Athletics and Aquatics Center. The public as a whole stands to benefit.

The countdown to opening day is on.

Jack Nelson is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers. Contact him at JNelson@ YourObserver.com.

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new year always brings about new beginnings. Everyone has a clean slate to and a fresh start.

In East County, the sports scene will offer more than just new storylines — there are multiple moments worth anticipating.

Here’s what you should circle on your calendar as we enter 2026:

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

When and why did you start playing basketball?

This is my fifth year playing, and I got into it because I just love the competition and being athletic and active.

After all these years, what’s driven you to stick with the sport?

Definitely the competition. I love the feeling of, after a win, just going home and relaxing. It’s fun.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and why was it so memorable?

Last season, when I was out injured, my team won the SSAA tournament without me. I got to cheer them on.

How would you describe your style of play to someone who’s never seen you in action?

Aggressive and motivated.

What’s one quote or piece of advice that you’ve always carried with you?

“Everything happens for a reason.” I grew up with my parents saying it a lot, so it kind of just drove me.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Stephen Curry, because his shot is amazing.

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What’s something not many people know about you?

I’m really supportive on the court.

I love to lift people up and lift the energy.

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and I love going to the gym to get strong for the season.

BUSY BEE TUTORING

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Inexperience has proved to be no obstacle for Gaby Bichanich. As a freshman, she’s been a constant contributor for The Out-of-Door Academy girls basketball team. The guard has established herself as the team’s leading scorer through its first nine contests. She’s averaging 15.1 points per game and has shot 38% from the field. She posted 18 points in back-to-back games on Dec. 9 and 11. Bichanich is the East County Athlete of the Week.

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Gaby Bichanich

19A

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What’s your favorite movie or TV show?

“High School Musical.”

From Saint Stephen’s To NASA

What would be your music of choice to help you get in the zone during practice or before a game?

Jon Pardi. If I had to pick one song of his, it would be “Head Over Boots.”

Finish this sentence. Gaby Bichanich is ...

Supportive.

What are your goals for your freshman season with ODA? To have a clean slate. I just want to play well as a team and get some wins.

Janelle Coutts

In recent practices, what has been your focus for developing your game?

Shooting is my No. 1 focus, as well as strength conditioning and lifting weights.

Class of 2004

When you’re not playing basketball, how do you spend your free time?

I like going to the beach,

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JANUARY 8, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS Jessie O’Brien is visiting from Ireland and chose to celebrate the new year alongside Lakewood Ranch’s Ciara Daly at Waterside Place.

Photos by Madison Bierl

Lakewood Ranch’s Liliana Kosmalski, 7, returns to the claw machine after winning multiple prizes while Everett Ready, 6, and Juliette Kinsey, 6, wait for their turns.

Waterside party opens 2026 F

or Lakewood Ranch’s Lorena Barona, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Waterside Place has become a tradition.

Returning for the third year in a row, she is not alone. Now her group of friends has grown.

“Bring your people and enjoy it,” Barona said. “Between the live music, the drone light show and the community vibe, it’s an event worth experiencing.”

Those who attended were treated to a variety of activities and entertainment, including live music performed by the band No Filter, arcade games, mini golf, food trucks, inflatables and more. When the clock struck midnight, attendees had their eyes to the sky for the drone show.

Jeanette Wilson has attended the event for the past four years.

“The new year feels like a fresh start,” Wilson said. “I’m less focused on resolutions and more focused on choosing joy, health, and positive energy.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Eddie Gonzalez attended the New Year’s Eve celebration after hearing good things about it last year. He said it exceeded his expectations with the band, food trucks and the variety of activities for people of all ages.

“New Year’s Eve is a good time to reflect, reset and continue staying positive and reminding ourselves how lucky we are to live in an area such as this,” Gonzalez said.

—MADISON BIERL

Isabelle Sanchez, 8, Mary Gruber and Sophia Sanchez, 6, traveled from Weston to ring in the new year.

No Filter’s Chaz Robinson holds a microphone for Natalie Mustang to sing the song “I Love It” by Icona Pop and Charlie xcx.

Lakewood Ranch’s Eddie Gonzalez and Waterside’s Christine Orta pose for a selfie to remember New Year’s Eve.

Lakewood Ranch’s Jeanette Wilson, Priscila Fernandes and Lorena Barona dance the night away to celebrate the new year.

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2B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Lakewood Ranch’s 4-year-old Rylynn Pitcher eats a mango ice pop from Florida Pops.

Colleen Blumenthal is a local farmer. Blumenberry Farms is located off of Lorraine Road in Sarasota.

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

The first farmers market of 2026 at Waterside Place draws a large crowd.

All in the family at Waterside

F

arming is often a family business, which often leads to the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market being a family affair.

Julie Richie was manning a stand for Red’s Farm, which is owned by her son Chase Richie. Chase Richie started the business in 2020 on their 10-acre property in Riverview when he was still in high school.

What started with just a few pigs is now a full-blown operation that offers pork, poultry and eggs.

The guacamole at the Dynasty Guacamole stand is a family recipe, passed down from owner Assiel Landa’s grandmother. Landa’s wife Veronica Ramon runs the business with him.

Colleen Blumenthal’s husband Mitch died in 2023, but they established Blumenberry Farms off Lorraine Road 30 years ago after moving to Sarasota from New York.

“I married a flower child,” she said.

The farm is certified organic and grows a variety of herbs and vegetables.

Vince Martinez was handing out spoonfuls of seafood paella for his uncle and Spanish chef Efrain Martinez. “Chef Ef” had a show on PBS by the same name.

Vince Martinez said the massive pan of paella is empty by the end of nearly every farmers market.

Sarasota’s Sofia Gonzalez and Christine Traynor grab a pineapple from the Come Under the Yum Yum Tree stand.

Mike Williams entertains the crowd from the pavilion.

Yilian Martos and Alina Ronquillo know how to dress to sell guacamole.

Dynasty Guacamole sells at every farmers market in Southwest Florida.

— LESLEY DWYER

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

3B

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Life revolves around the spectacular 30,000-square-foot clubhouse—now under construction and opening this fall. This is where neighbors become friends over resort pools, shared meals at indoor-outdoor dining venues, and rounds on the premier putting course. With a golf simulator, fitness center, cinema, and stunning waterfront homes by the region’s most sought-after builders, this Lakewood Ranch community is Sarasota’s most distinctive address for those who value connection as much as luxury.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Jay Heater

Builder John Cannon says he didn’t build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an “idea home.”

Builder raises the roof in design The Oulina model in Waterside is the result of a collaboration among a builder, architects and artists.

FOR A TOUR Those who want a tour of the Oulina, contact the John Cannon Homes office at 924-5935 or email Info@JohnCannonHomes.com.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

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tanding in front of the Oulina, billed as Lakewood Ranch’s first modern-architecture home, builder John Cannon is dwarfed by his creation.

That might be apropos, since Cannon is quick to point out that the design and construction of Oulina, which was built at 7999 Sunset Pines Drive in Kingfisher Estates of Waterside, has been touched by more than a thousand people.

The creative juices that went into the home stretch beyond John Cannon Homes’ design and construction teams. Cannon said his company’s collaboration with the Ringling School of Art and Design, prominent Sarasota architect Guy Peterson,

NEW YEAR

You

NEW

along with other artistic entities, has made this project “unique” to Lakewood Ranch.

“The house itself is a work of art,” Cannon said. “We have worked hundreds of hours on this home, and I can’t even count the number of revisions we did.”

Even though the home was sold for $5.7 million in November to Rocky Shamrock LLC of Naperville, Illinois, Cannon will retain “creative control” for the next two years. The thought is that potential buyers can tour the home and perhaps adopt features they would like in their future home. Cannon said his staff always asks potential buyers what they would have done differently.

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Even when you are working in the Oulina’s kitchen, you still have great views of Kingfisher Lake.

Builder John Cannon says he didn’t build the Oulina in Waterside to sell, but rather to use as an “idea home.”

Imagine entertaining on a lanai that offers both pool and Kingfisher Lake views.

“I want it to be, ‘Wow! That just felt good. It felt warm and inviting, an accumulation of things,’” he said.

The Oulina is one lot of a 13-lot purchase in Kingfisher Estates by John Cannon Homes.

“The site is tremendous,” Cannon said. “Lakewood Ranch (Schroeder-Manatee Ranch) has given us the opportunity to develop these lots. We have worked through every detail.”

The Oulina was immediately targeted to be special, with Cannon giv-

ing a message to his team.

“I asked them all to up their games,” he said. “This was just doing something a little different. They all are extremely proud of it.”

Design changes continued to be made after construction began.

“You can’t see everything that goes into designing a home on paper,” he said.

Design-Build Specialist Blaise Bright has worked with John Cannon Homes for 28 years, and he said the current project has been exciting.

Courtesy images

“This home has multiple memory points,” he said. “The pool, the outdoor living. This is groundbreaking.

We get sophisticated buyers from the Chicago area, from New York, and this home hits them right between the eyes. This was something different and new, and the trades all wanted to put their stamp on it.”

Every room of the Oulina has its own artistic stamp.

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“We didn’t build this model to sell it,” Cannon said. “This is an idea home. This unique partnership showcases how art and architecture can come together to elevate the home experience.”

The one-story home has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and a fourcar garage. It is 4,720 square feet with a 2,110-square-foot pool area and 7,730 square feet under roof.

Artist Joseph Patrick Arnergger, a Ringling College of Art and Design graduate who now works for JCostello Creative of Hilton Head, South Carolina, painted a mural in the workout room of the home, and Clive Daniels created the furniture.

John Cannon Homes bills the creation as having “clean, minimalist lines, with the first flat roofline in Lakewood Ranch, and open, large areas that integrate dining, kitchen and living spaces seamlessly. Light is a design element combined with glass, steel, concrete and wood in unusual ways. The home embraces openness, light and artistic integration.”

Project Manager Brett Bennett said he wanted to be involved from the first moment he heard about it.

“I had done a similar one, and I knew this would be a moving target for new products and new layouts,” he said. “This took a lot of thought between all of us, working with the design contractors and the framers.”

John Cannon Homes Marketing Manager Amy Brown added, “We wanted to do something to give the community flair.”

When you approach the home, it all starts with the roof.

“Ninety percent of the homes here have a pitched roof,” Cannon said. “We did a flat roof, but actually, it has a slight slope, making sure it drains properly. I build so the customer doesn’t have problems in the future. Everything is meant for longevity.

“I hope people think we are a trendsetter.”

He noted the home is unique with so many exciting features that during a tour of 200 Realtors at the home, they were all taking selfies.

While he loves that those who tour the home are bound to come up with ideas for their own future projects, he hopes there is an overall warmth to the visit.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

YOUR CALENDAR

DAILY FROM 3-7 PM

$7 SMALL PLATES $2 OFF APPETIZERS & FLATBREADS $10 CLASSIC COCKTAILS $11 CRAFT COCKTAILS $7 CALL LIQUOR $2 OFF WINE & DRAFT BEER

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JAN. 8 THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 11

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING Runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. The live music lineup at Jiggs Landing includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Blue Grass Pirates (Friday), Side2 (Saturday) and Rev. Billy Wirtz (Sunday). The Friday and Saturday shows are $5; the others are free. For information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

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MOVIE IN THE PARK Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Park. 7301 Island Cove Terrace. “How to Train Your Dragon” is the featured attraction at the free, monthly, outdoor movie series.

MUSIC AT THE PLAZA Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. On Friday, Ektor Keys entertains those strolling the streets at Waterside Place with his saxophone- and keys-driven brand of music. Singer Mylon Shamble is the featured artist on Saturday. For more information about the free music series, go to WatersidePlace. com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO Runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities host the New Year, New You Health and Wellness Expo at the Mall at UTC. YOUTH BALL HOCKEY TOURNEY AND WATCH PARTY Runs from 3-9:30 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The Tampa Bay Lightning Youth Ball Hockey Tournament and Watch Party returns to Lakewood Ranch with a ball hockey tourney from 2-6 p.m. Stay to watch a live broadcast of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Philadelphia Flyers game that begins at 7 p.m.

OPEN 24/7 Emergency & Specialty Medicine

EmErgEncy, SpEcialty & WEllnESS practicE

NOW AVAILABLE Boarded:

POLO Doors open at 10 a.m. and action begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota.

The polo season has begun at the Sarasota Polo Club and runs every Sunday through April 12. Tickets start at $20. Each Sunday has a theme for those who want to participate. For more information or to buy tickets, go to SarasotaPolo.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 AND SUNDAY, JAN. 11

MUSIC AT THE LODGE Runs 6-9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton.

Linger Lodge’s live music schedule includes Schmitz Brothers on Saturday and Scotty Yates on Sunday.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Vendors offer seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For information, visit MyLWR.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13

MARKET AT THE PARK Runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Market at Nathan Benderson Park runs on Tuesdays and features local artists, small businesses and crafters from all walks of life. In addition, there will be a kids zone, food trucks, live music and themed events. Go to NathanBendersonPark.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

RANCH NITE WEDNESDAYS Runs from 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place. Join the crowd enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

7B

The Season of 2026 We look forward to welcoming you during our 2026 Season of Sarasota Polo! Polo will run every Sunday from December 21st, 2025 through April 12th, 2026. Gates open at 10AM and the match starts at 1PM.

Tickets on sale now, visit SarasotaPolo.com (941) 907-0000 8201 Polo Club Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240 456157-1

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8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

NOW THROUGH JAN 28

WINTER SAVINGS EVENT

Polo gallops into 2026

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Financing Options Available

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he Meadows’ Damian and Debra Ruppert were the first to take their seats in the new Mallet Club at the Sarasota Polo Club, well before the action began Jan. 4.

The Mallet Club is a large, tented pavilion that offers covered seating at midfield.

Sarasota Polo Club owners James and Misdee Wrigley Miller add something new each year, and the Mallet Club appears to be a hit.

“We discovered the Sarasota Polo Club last year and we started coming,” Debra Ruppert said. “We went eight to 10 times and we loved it. We sat (at midfield) and they had umbrellas. It was lovely, but this is a beautiful upgrade.”

Damian Ruppert said there was another reason they enjoy polo so much.

“Everybody is so nice,” he said.

By the time the polo match began at 1 p.m., the Mallet Club was packed.

So were both sidelines. The fans were treated to two four-chukker matches.

Polo continues every Sunday through April 12.

— JAY HEATER

Photos by Jay Heater

Lakewood Ranch’s Don Lippert flips toasted bread for fried egg sandwiches for his tailgating group. Lippert says he goes to polo every Sunday.

For over 50 years, SILL has offered a dynamic lecture series on global issues and cultural enrichment as well as conversations and performances featuring established & emerging musicians.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: GENERAL MARTIN DEMPSEY Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2011 to 2015

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 | CHURCH OF THE PALMS | 2:30 PM Great Power Security Dilemmas: From Economic Competition to Military Confrontation

MUSIC MONDAY

MONDAY, JAN. 12

10:30 am Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota 3:00 pm Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto, Venice

Frederica von Stade, known as “Flicka” is a renowned American mezzo-soprano celebrated for her performances in Mozart and Rossini operas. Her performances and recording over a hundred albums has received her top honors, including France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and multiple Grammy nominations.

GLOBAL ISSUES

TUESDAY, JAN. 13

10:30 am First United Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota 2:30 pm Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave, Venice

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14

Southside Polo’s Mason Wroe and Marcos Onetto (trailing) slap hands with fans before the start of the match Jan. 4 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

11:00 am Cornerstone Church, 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch

Amb. Eric Rubin

Russia, America and Ukraine in 2026: Where Do We Go From Here?

Impacts that the war has and possible outcomes on the US and relations with NATO, EU and Russia.

THURSDAY, JAN. 15

10:30 am First United Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota 5:00 pm Cornerstone Church, 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch

FRIDAY, JAN. 16

10:00 am Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave, Venice

Dr. Mohsen Milani

Sarasota • Lakewood Ranch • Venice

Visit www.sillsarasota.org or scan our QR code

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The Atomic Fault Line: U.S.–Iran Rivalry and the Nuclear Puzzle in the Middle East Dr. Milani has firsthand insight on the origins and evolution of the U.S.–Iran nuclear standoff, its regional and global stakes, and the uncertain paths that lie ahead.

Dr. Kansara at Coastal Eye Institute, is a leading expert in the field of ophthalmology, specializing in:

• Glaucoma Management & Surgery • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Procedures • Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery • Routine Eye Care

welcome to

The Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota

His patient-centric approach ensures personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique eye health needs.

Are you a retired attorney looking to expand your social circle and make meaningful new social connections? Joining our organization of retired attorneys from all over the nation and world offers more than just camaraderie. It’s a gateway to new friendships and exciting opportunities! Have lunch monthly at University Park Country Club with like - minded individuals who share your passion and respect for the law. At each luncheon we have experienced speakers on law related issues and volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and expertise.

Whether you’re seeking preventative care or battling an eye condition, Dr. Kansara’s expertise and compassionate care can guide you towards improved vision and a healthier lifestyle. He is dedicated to staying at the forefront of ophthalmic advancements, offering the latest treatments and technologies to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.

Founded in 1983, the Association of Retired Attorneys of Sarasota (ARAS) promotes the advancement of the administration of justice in our Sarasota-Manatee community. To this end, many of our members participate in various pro-bono activities in addition to our lively luncheons which host prominent speakers on current legal and other challenging topics.

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive compassionate and personalized eye care.

For more information about ARAS, please consult our website: retiredattorneyssarasota.org or call Jim Case 941-554-8558 or Stephen Sturm 941-299-4007 please leave a message

Dr. Kansara looks forward to helping you see the world more clearly.

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We meet monthly at University Park C.C. • WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

And best of all, your first luncheon is on the house!

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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The Meadows’ Damien and Debra Ruppert enjoy their Mallet Club seats at midfield at the Sarasota Polo Club.

They love the shade the tented pavilion provides.

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Lakewood Ranch’s Tom Trew (front) and Joe Schuller measure which team is closer to scoring in their game of Bocce before polo Jan. 4 at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

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Southside Polo’s Mason Wroe talks to fans about the basics of his sport in a short clinic before the Jan. 4 match.

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Across from The Landings

I felt reassured by the doctor’s calm and compassionate approach.”

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The Lakewood Ranch Medical Group General Surgery Team — David Dexter, MD, FACS, Samuel Yelverton, MD, Alexa Kinder, MSPAS, PA-C, and Kimberly Laguatan, PA-C — provides individualized care to the Lakewood Ranch community. They currently see both elective and acute care general surgery patients at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

The team’s surgical services include: • Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, including anti-reflux, hernia, colon/rectum, gallbladder, appendix, spleen, and adrenal glands

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Dr. Haring is a master clinician using the latest digital Smile Design technology to create beautifully natural smile makeovers. Specializing in implant restorations, natural tooth crowns & veneers.

Dr. Misch-Haring specializes in minimally invasive surgical treatments for esthetic gum contouring, implant placement, and treatment of gum disease around teeth and implants.

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

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Soccer club kicks away financial worries The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club fundraises to cover about $100,000 in scholarships each year.

The Southwest Florida Premier Football Club grants about $100,000 worth of scholarships every year to its players.

LESLEY DWYER STAFF WRITER

T

aylor Grismore’s five children, ages 9-19, all play soccer.

“Soccer gives them confidence,” Grismore said. “It’s not just about soccer. The coaches (at the Southwest Florida Premier Football Club) are modeling how I want my kids to show up in life.”

Watching the coaches during a team meeting last year inspired Grismore to progress from soccer mom to sponsor. She and her husband, Scott, own Brewers Nursery and Landscape Services on State Road 64.

After that meeting, Grismore went straight to Executive Director Antonio Saviano and asked what sponsorships he had left to fill. The logo for Brewers Nursery is now featured on the back of the Florida Premier practice jerseys.

Sponsoring the club means sponsoring the players. Florida Premier gives away about $100,000 in scholarships every year.

Because the coaches are such a positive influence on her own children, Grismore wants other children to have that opportunity, too.

Her oldest son, 18-year-old Braden Grismore, is now playing Division 3 soccer in Spain, an opportunity he received because of connections through the club.

Florida Premier offers its players a “pathway” to college scholarships and national leagues.

Prices vary depending on the player’s age and if the play is competitive or recreational. To enroll a 7-year-old in the pre-competitive program, which is the bridge between recreation and competi-

tive play, costs $99 a month for nine months.

If traveling, parents have to pay for food, transportation and lodging.

Lorraine Lakes’ Savannah Gray is a single mother and a police officer with the Sarasota Police Department. Her children, 13-year-old JT and 15-year-old Tatum, both play competitive soccer. They started playing the sport at 4 years old. “(My kids) would have never been able to play soccer if it wasn’t for their scholarships,” Gray said.

“There’s no way I would have been able to pull it off.”

The scholarship applications are reviewed by the board of directors and are issued based on a sliding scale. The club doesn’t typically offer full scholarships, but they range from 30%-90%.

Saviano said he and the coaches will chip in before a child is turned away, but families like the Grismores often help, too.

Another dad paid for Gray’s daughter to play for a season, and Grismore sponsored a child last year, completely separate from the nursery’s sponsorship.

“This kid showed up to every practice and every game, but (the parents) couldn’t keep making their financial payments,” Grismore said. “It broke my heart.”

The club also sets aside a percentage of its registration fees to

Photos by Lesley Dwyer

Executive Director Antonio Saviano says all sports are expensive to play, but the Southwest Florida Premier Football Club finds ways to make it work for parents.

add to the scholarship fund. The percentages vary from year to year depending on how many kids register, but it’s typically about 8%.

Most of the scholarships go to the competitive players, but there is also a recreation league that still operates as the Braden River Soccer Club. The two clubs merged in July 2024.

In total, there are more than

1,600 kids in the club, and any one of them can apply for a scholarship if needed.

The club provides an opportunity for parents to help cover their own costs, too. If they volunteer at the concession stand, half of that shift’s profits are deposited into their child’s account.

Some parents, like Grismore, enjoy volunteering and add their

ABOUT THE NONPROFIT Southwest Florida Premier Football Club, 5490 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Visit SWFLpremierFC.com.

Mission statement: Our goal is to provide top-level training, quality competition, and a positive environment for players of all ages. The program is the result of a strong partnership between Braden River Soccer Club and Florida Premier FC, bringing together two established clubs to create a clear and ambitious player pathway. This partnership combines the coaching expertise, resources and competitive opportunities of both organizations, allowing players in Southwest Florida access to elite-level training, top leagues and a proven pathway from grassroots to the national stage.

earnings to the scholarship fund.

“It doesn’t matter what sport, there’s a perception that it’s so expensive to play,” Saviano said.

“But people also need to know that there are ways we can make it work.”

Gray knows that to be true from experience. She noted that no matter what the issue is, the coaches will find a solution.

“We’ve been happy with Premier,” she said. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else. It’s a soccer family. (Saviano) goes out of his way to approach everybody and makes them feel comfortable and at home.”

The sponsorship program runs on a two-year cycle, so Saviano is gearing up to fundraise again. To become a sponsor or make a donation to the scholarship fund, email Saviano at FLPremierSWFL@ gmail.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Mike Zeppi On behalf of Anthony’s, I want to thank you all for an incredible 2025 and wish you and yours a Happy and Healthy 2026!

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

11B

Treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids may delay cognitive decline.*

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

EAST MANATEE 8309 Farington Ct 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,431 Sq. Ft. Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941.730.0777 A4669461 $4,110,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 509 Golden Gate Pt #3 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 2,439 Sq. Ft. Brittany Perrone & Kim Ogilvie 941.685.1598 A4674933 $2,695,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16214 Baycross Dr 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,483 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas, PL 941.587.4359 A4671950 $2,645,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 3597 Founders Club Dr 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,957 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941.313.1591 A4673915 $2,275,000

EAST MANATEE 20207 77th Ave E 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 4,062 Sq. Ft. Leslie Emery & Aaron Corr 941.400.9710 A4670531 $2,000,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 111 S Pineapple Ave #1007 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 1,893 Sq. Ft. Lisa Morris, PA 941.544.3332 A4671048 $1,875,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13204 Sorrento Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,311 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio, P.A. 941.685.8420 A4674311 $1,199,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 12129 Thornhill Ct 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,011 Sq. Ft. Garry Neeves 941.667.0653 A4672799 $929,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17226 Seaford Way 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,488 Sq. Ft. JJ Sutherland 941.412.6355 A4671625 $865,000

EAST MANATEE 1906 154th St E 5 Beds 3 Baths 2,755 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941.735.4713 A4675763 $825,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7649 Portstewart Dr 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,112 Sq. Ft. Lenore Treiman 941.356.9642 A4671216 $729,000

EAST MANATEE 1102 134th St E 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,428 Sq. Ft. Mariam Bourey 941.600.8114 A4668562 $674,000

EAST MANATEE 815 128th St Ne 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,634 Sq. Ft. Peggy Wellman & Bob Moffatt 941.374.0811 A4672671 $649,900

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 4228 Francis Bacon Ln 4 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,282 Sq. Ft. Mary Jo Violett 941.928.8474 A4674738 $575,000

SARASOTA (WEST OF I75) 1064 N Tamiami Trl #1116 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,425 Sq. Ft. Nancie Kalin 941.928.8833 A4671529 $575,000

EAST MANATEE 244 Dove Trl 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,216 Sq. Ft. Eric Knight 941.735.3797 A4672522 $529,900

BRADENTON EAST 6179 Mesa Gln 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,533 Sq. Ft. Barbara A Milian, P.A. 941.504.0660 A4668132 $524,900

BRADENTON EAST 7526 Ridgelake Cir 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,814 Sq. Ft. Shane Lewis 941.685.3252 A4667148 $485,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 6516 Silverstar Dr 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,256 Sq. Ft. Tina Ciaccio, P.A. 941.685.8420 A4672141 $460,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 17617 Cantarina Cv 3 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,054 Sq. Ft. Stacey Yencik 941.363.1127 A4673745 $445,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 1932 Orange Lake Cv 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,495 Sq. Ft. Bianca Dwyer & Jonnie Dwyer 941.209.2466 A4672939 $424,900

BRADENTON EAST 1003 45th St E 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,486 Sq. Ft. Karla Davidson 941.356.1061 A4674744 $420,000

BRADENTON EAST 5034 Maymont Park Cir 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,525 Sq. Ft. Judy Nimz 941.374.0196 A4665672 $385,000

BRADENTON EAST 5961 Amberly Dr 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,627 Sq. Ft. Cheri Mazan Castro & Kerri Dewit 941.400.3777 A4673319 $380,900

EAST MANATEE 6819 Grand Estuary Trl #201 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,716 Sq. Ft. Noel Morton 941.348.9129 A4659622 $344,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7958 Outboard Dr 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,541 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas, PL 941.587.4359 A4673305 $3,495,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 15621 Linn Park Ter 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 4,671 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404.822.9264 A4675399 $2,900,000

SARASOTA (EAST OF I75) 3525 Founders Club Dr 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,499 Sq. Ft. Lisa Morris, PA & Elizabeth Smith 941.544.3332 A4672806 $2,750,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

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12B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

REAL ESTATE

Wild Blue home tops sales at $3.47 million

13B

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 15-19

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Wild Blue at Waterside on Blue Shell Loop topped the week’s sales.

SDWB Waterside LLC sold the home at 612 Blue Shell Loop to Susan Brown, trustee, of Sarasota, for $3.47 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,979 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Romeo and Judi Turcotte, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7431 Riviera Cove to Nicolle Schultze, of Lakewood Ranch, for $545,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,411 square feet of living area.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Robert and Diane Roskamp sold their home at 8105 Warwick Gardens Lane to Jean-Michel Denis and Annick Verbeeck, of University Park, for $1.85 million. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,227 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.11 million in 2014.

ISLES

Michael and Linda Walsh, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 8063 Redonda Loop to Kirk Charles Bake and Anelsy Gabriela Mayorga-Baker, of Bradenton, for $1,449,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,915 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,475,000 in 2024.

LAKEHOUSE COVE AT WATERSIDE

Guary and Patricia Morgan, of Centerton, Arkansas, sold their home at 962 Seascape Place to Christopher and Patricia Boyea, of Sarasota, for $1.29 million. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,666 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,287,900 in 2023.

HBT at Waterside LLC sold the home at 1024 Waterline Court to John and Lauren Davis, of Sarasota, for $1,056,600. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,322 square feet of living area.

Diane Poland, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 8007 Sandstar Way to Brian and Ellen Richless, of Sarasota, for $975,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,188 square feet of living area. It sold for $642,900 in 2019.

ALCOVE

Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 6224 Isla Del Ray Ave. to Estelle Flasck, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.25 million. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,647 square feet of living area.

Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 6232 Isla Del Ray Ave. to Liliane Weippert, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1,202,900. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,440 square feet of living area.

Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 6204 Isla Del Ray Ave. to Spencer James Westlund and Casandra Marie Westlund, of Sarasota, for $1.19 million. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,656 square feet of living area.

RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Beau and Lora Follett, of Bradenton sold their home at 16810 First Ave. E. to Richard James Lehosky and Denise Michelle Lehosky, of

Madison Bierl

This Wild Blue at Waterside home at 612 Blue Shell Loop sold for $3.47 million. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,979 square feet of living area.

Bryantown, Maryland, for $1.06 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,892 square feet of living area. It sold for $479,200 in 2014.

ESPLANADE

Treatifelom and Madeleine Teele, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12840 Sorrento Way to Cynthia Marie Ashby and Ross Allen Ashby Jr., of Evansville, Indiana, for $1,055,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,340 square feet of living area.

It sold for $630,000 in 2019.

Barbara Pfeiffer, of Bradenton, sold her home at 5043 Serata Drive to Nathaniel Warren Magee and Wendy Eldredge Magee, of Sarasota, for $550,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,912 square feet of living area. It sold for $334,500 in 2013.

it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths and 2,456 square feet of living area.

BRIDGEWATER

Viengsouk and Alison Phommachanh, of Sarasota, sold their home at 13206 Bridgeport Crossing to Rebecca Jane Mancuso and Frank Mancuso III, of Bradenton, for $885,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,832 square feet of living area. It sold for $609,800 in 2014.

HERITAGE HARBOUR

Stanley Warner III and Heather Anne Warner, of Drums, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 7215 Heritage Grand Place to Richard and Karen Coppola, of Bradenton, for $866,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,901 square feet of living area.

It sold for $540,000 in 2015.

ROSEDALE

Dolores Modrcin and Larry Lee Modrcin, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5217 88th St. E. to Jane Vargas, of Bradenton, for $835,000.

Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,712 square feet of living area. It sold for $725,000 in 2024.

Robert and Marilyn Ponchak, trustees, of Eliot, Maine, sold the home at 8715 52nd Ave. E. to Robert Hunderfund and Anne Holden-Hunderfund, of South Haven, Michigan, for $550,000. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,940 square feet of living area.

It sold for $375,000 in 2003.

RIVERDALE REVISED

David Rex Simmons and Debra KisSEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 14B

CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

Luis Alberto Santos Jr., of Long Branch, New Jersey, Maria Elena Kaisen, of Guilford, Connecticut, Juan Miguel Santos, of Folsom, California, and Sherry Ann Jaouad, of Annapolis, Maryland, sold their home at 6165 Ninth Ave. Circle N.E. to George and Beena Koppuzha, of Port Charlotte, for $1.05 million.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,828 square feet of living area.

PARK EAST AT AZARIO

Robert Hawthorne Drum Jr. and Amy Moultrie Drum, of Santa Rosa Beach, sold their home at 4423 Pond Brook Court to Lyman Scott Boman and Amanda Lea Boman, of Bradenton, for $1.05 million. Built in 2024, it has seven bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,838 square feet of living area. It sold for $1,000,100 in 2024.

WENTWORTH

Peter and Kristine Pizzi, of Macon, Georgia, sold their home at 7204 Saint Georges Way to Michael John Panczykowski, of Tampa, for $1.05 million. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,902 square feet of living area. It sold for $433,000 in 2010.

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POMELLO PARK

Serene Acres LLC sold the home at 21705 67th Ave. E. to Joseph and Jennifer Allen, of Bradenton, for $1.01 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,582 square feet of living area.

It sold for $1,075,000 in 2023.

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EMERALD LANDING AT WATERSIDE

Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 1646 Springwell Lane to Diane Rebecca Poland, of Sarasota, for $940,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,387 square feet of living area.

Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 7232 Sutton Lane to Randall Huber and Ingrid Huber, trustees, of Sarasota, for $705,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths and 2,475 square feet of living area.

Weekley Homes LLC sold the home at 1585 Merrythought Lane to Marc Anthony Castellucci and Jayne Castellucci, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, for $700,000. Built in 2025,

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455003-1

Michael and Heather Anne Hope, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6926 Lancantera Circle to Philippe Pujol and Candice Pujol, trustees, of Bradenton, $2.09 million. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 4,444 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.31 million in 2019.

14B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Real estate FROM PAGE 13B

sam Simmons, of Hahira, Georgia, sold their home at 4731 Starboard Drive to Karelys Diaz and Jose Ojeda Vera, of Bradenton, for $832,500.

Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,463 square feet of living area. It sold for $482,000 in 2016.

Lawrence Smith and Linda Faye Smith, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 159 Americas Cup Blvd. to Francis Michael McClarren and Donna Mary McClarren, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for $660,000.

Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,240 square feet of living area. It sold for $743,000 in 2022.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Pola Harris-Moore, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 8022 Snowy Egret Place to Travis Dykes and Kathryn Dee Sandland, of Bradenton, for $760,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,319 square feet of living area. It sold for $265,000 in 2012.

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Lynda Wagner, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, sold the home at 6748 Chester Trail to Joseph and Brenda Scata, of Suffield, Connecticut, for $740,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,042 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000 in 2024.

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James and Darlene Nimphie, trustees, of Parrish, sold the home at 12811 Penguin Drive to Janet Boe, of Bradenton, for $725,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,463 square feet of living area. It sold for $316,900 in 2008.

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INDIGO

Eileen and Richard Gutch, of Staten Island, New York, sold their home at 13513 Deep Blue Place to Michelle William Saunders and Raymond Garey Saunders Jr., of Bradenton,

for $675,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,767 square feet of living area. It sold for $727,200 in 2022.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Paul and Cathy Palmese, of Bradenton, sold their home at 14527 Whitemoss Terrace to Hector and Betsey Garcia, of Long Valley, New Jersey, for $650,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,211 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2020.

WINDWARD

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 2604 Star Apple Way to Teresa Teruya Huertas, of Sarasota, for $576,600.

Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,190 square feet of living area.

BRADEN WOODS

Richard and Christina Maccani, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6223 Braden Run to Villa Veedu LLC for $537,800. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,736 square feet of living area. It sold for $263,000 in 2008.

RIVERWALK

James Theodore Miller and Alicia Renee Miller sold their home at 7420 Arrowhead Run to Christopher and Karen Vito, of Lakewood Ranch, for $530,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,999 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2021.

HARMONY

Heather Perry, of Bradenton, sold her home at 5228 Bentgrass Way to Donna Lapres, of Bradenton, for $528,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,460 square feet of living area. It sold for $573,000 in 2021.

ONLINE See more transactions at YourObserver.com.

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YourObserver.com

15B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

THURSDAY, JAN. 8

Sunrise Sunset

High: 83 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 11%

FRIDAY, JAN. 9 High: 84 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

Thursday, Jan. 8

7:20a

5:51p

Friday, Jan. 9

7:20a

5:52p

Saturday, Jan. 10

7:20a

5:53p

Sunday, Jan. 11

7:20a

5:54p

Monday, Jan. 12

7:20a

5:54p

Tuesday, Jan. 13

7:20a

5:55p

Wednesday, Jan. 14

7:20a

5:56p

WEATHER

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FORECAST

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 10 High: 84 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 9%

Jan. 10 Last

Jan. 18 New

Jan. 25 First

Feb. 1 Full

RAINFALL

SUNDAY, JAN. 11 High: 80 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 9% Gordon Silver captured this photo of a Sandhill crane family along Lorraine Road.

Monday, Dec. 29

0

Tuesday, Dec. 30

0

Wednesday, Dec. 31

0

Thursday, Jan. 1

0

Friday, Jan. 2

0

Saturday, Jan. 3

0

Sunday, Jan. 4

1.06

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Contests. All submissions will be entered in the 2026-27 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2027, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 1.06 in.

2025 0.08 in.

2024

MONTH TO DATE: 1.06 in.

2025 0.08 in.

2024

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Daily crossword puzzles available at YourObserver.com/crossword

SPLITTING HAIRS by Ryan Mathiason, edited by Jared Goudsmit 115 Isolated from other

51 Dubuque’s state

departments

53 ___ tube (water park

116 Get there

item)

117 List of mistakes in a text 55 Citrus drink suffixes 118 Goes viral online

57 Port-au-Prince’s country

119 Piled up

60 Like full lips

120 Ocean passage

62 TV remotes often go

65 Most shortly

2 “The Big Lebowski”

66 Khaki garment

actress Reid

67 Zero, zip, nil

3 Ocean predator in a pod

68 Slip-on shoe

4 Make a choice

69 Greasy salon product

5 Some Japanese perform-

71 Pro golfer Rory

ers

72 “Later!”

6 Carved in stone

73 Code in which “code” is

7 “i c it this way ...”

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8 Showed the ropes to

74 iPhone downloads

10 Starting lineup

agewise

11 Name hidden in “play-

76 Like human thumbs

land”

77 Hinder

12 “Killer Klowns From Outer 78 Atkins diet no-no

58 Cockatoo’s home

86 Off in the distance

selves with air

59 Drink quickly

87 Vim

61 Goes from 0 to 60, say?

88 Syrup-producing trees

7 Stick using a wooden stake 40 Potato pancake 13 Like “Saturday Night Live” 42 Key next to Q 19 “Magic” conveyance in “Aladdin” 20 Use as a rendezvous point 21 Enter from outside 22 “I Wanna Be Yours” band 24 Left-___ (like about 10% of people) 25 Sheep’s cry 26 “___ sells seashells ...”

27 Blue-green hue 28 Security org. busts 30 “Howdy!”

32 Prefix meaning “largescale” 34 Mechanical pencil brand

here!”

85 Responsive to stimuli

14 Low-alcohol lager, for

86 Like Usain Bolt’s last

example

name

15 Hawaiian porch

90 Not widely recognized

16 Habit-forming

94 Say “I’m kind of a big

17 Like an even score

deal,” say

18 Doesn’t continue

95 Pueblo bricks

23 Blend together

97 “Kiss the Cook” garment

28 Chilly coffee drinks

99 Be very fond of

29 Annoy

100 “Kama ___”

31 NBA great James

102 “Wild” U.S. region 103 Arab ruler

62 ___ Diego

89 “Star Wars” heroine

45 Word after “french” or

64 “Only Murders in the

90 Slanted writings

“curly”

Building” actress Gomez

91 ___-Caps

46 Actress Arthur

65 Planted a bug, say

92 Bosc fruits

47 Activist Scholl

67 Completely useless

93 African plant that stores

48 Water cooler?

70 American currency

water in its trunk

33 Disguised

49 ___ Danbury (“Bridger-

(Abbr.)

ton” noble)

71 Castle defense

96 Impractical Joker Vulcano 35 LGBTQ+ advocacy org.

36 Cyan planet 98 Small bits

50 Cranes and cockatoos

72 Stormproof space

101 Wisconsin dairy blobs

37 Fit as a ___

108 Nibble and nibble

52 Computer data storage

74 Bit of bismuth, e.g.

102 Swords, spears, etc.

38 “The Four Seasons”

109 Rabbit-protecting org.

devices

77 Widely recognized

105 Tear ___ (channel next

actress Tina

110 “Don’t go!”

54 Fish ___ chips

79 Cheese that’s made

to the eye)

39 Give lip to

112 “Not interested”

55 Potatoes, in Indian

backward?

cuisine

80 “Te ___” (Spanish “I love

107 Rep. who played “Among 41 Child 43 Las Vegas WNBA team Us” with Ilhan Omar

56 “Wastin’ away again in

you”)

108 Google Maps tech

44 Outdo

114 “___-la-la!” (Captain

47 Theater platform

Underpants’ cry)

Margaritaville / Searchin’ for 81 Christmassy candy my lost ___ of salt”

84 Zones

111 Stage of life after zygote 112 “Swish!”

H.T. IJRWD

“BG X MBZVC / B XY KNZ XUJZGLZ AM MBZVC. / KNBJ BJ XVTXFJ KNZ LXJZ. / TNZDZIZD B XY / B XY TNXK BJ YBJJBGS.”

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“ZB KUL NRSC R GRIIK TSYZSM, CGRC YTITSYH, UB DULPHT, US NGTPT KUL HCUI KULP HCUPK.”

UPHUS NTXXTH

Puzzle Three Clue: G equals H

1 Curly, Moe or Larry

35 Vipers that inflate them-

CYM RAKC MW KJXWT JSYAZ ZCWR.”

82 Hired

13 “Didn’t expect to see you 83 “Hair Love” actress Issa

ACROSS

JXW TWJT ZCJZ MW KJF DJLWVB DCYM

63 Throat-clearing noise

9 Chinese toy dog, for short 75 Many a college freshman,

©2026 Universal Uclick

“HWXCJHD OZ’D YFVB MCWF HWYHVW

missing in them

1 Picket line crosser

Space” beings, e.g. (Abbr.)

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

Puzzle Two Clue: I equals V

DOWN

celebrity cipher

Puzzle Two Clue: S equals B

crossword

Flooring Made for Your Family

448064-1

at MANASOTA FLOORING INC

© 2026 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

104 Affirming gestures 106 Teacup flaw

113 “Game of Thrones” father Stark

50 Lightheaded? ©2026 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

01-08-26

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

RED PAGES DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

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

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

Al Tomlinson 40+ years in Sarasota Honest Evaluations NO ONE PAYS MORE!

Items Under $200 ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month,15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 BICYCLE, 21 Speed Raleigh Mountain Bike $55 Call (661) 477-6486

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

941-400-8811

BEACH’ BEACH’ N N RIDES RIDES Electric Bike Bike Shop!

Shop!

Electric BEACH’ RIDES eBike Sales N and Rentals eBike Sales and Rentals Shop!with RideElectric easy on onBike an eBike eBike with Ride easy an eBike Salesexercise and Rentals as much much exercise or as or Ride easy onas anyou eBike with assistance as you want. assistance want. as much or Leave trafficexercise and parking parking Leave traffic and assistance asbehind! you want. problems behind! problems Leave traffic and parking 13 models models available.

13 available. problems Da aiilly ya an nd d behind! we ee ek klly y D w 13rre n a emodels ntta alls sa av vavailable. aiilla ab blle e..

Darepair ily andother weekBrands. ly We We also also repair other Brands. ren9 vailabexcept le.

Open Open 9tato tols4 4adaily daily except WeSundays also repair other Brands.

Sundays and holidays. and holidays.

Open 9 to 4 dailyRd, except 12208 Cortez FL 12208 Cortez Rd, FL Sundays and holidays.

941-251-7916 Ext. 941-251-7916 Ext. 1 1 12208 Cortez Rd, FL 941-251-7916 Ext. 1

BUY STUFF HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Homes for Sale

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. Instagram: Braziliancleaningservicess

Handyman Services

Over 1 Acre Beachfront House $6.5 million

JAMES BOTTORFF HANDYMAN SERVICES Call or Text 941-807-0032 Registered in the state of FL.

Sailboat Access Canal 4 Bed Pending $675,000

Visit the

Plantation Golf Course View Condo 3 Bed $294,000

YourObserver.com/RedPages

House on Canal with Pool & Dock $1,250,000

RED PAGES Merchandise Wanted

$100 FREE COUPON BUYING GOLD, SILVER W/ CASH. RETIRED INVESTOR Diamonds, Coins, Jewelry, Watches & Pocket Watches.

Confidential & Honest.

FREE HOUSE CALLS. Call David (941) 499-6417 DAD AND DAUGHTER TEAM BUYING COINS & CURRENCY Call Today! 941-795-3203 SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and some collectors plates. Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707

Pool Home Completely Upgraded $545,000

auto

stuff

Paintings •B Bronzes •P Sculptures •O Oriental Rugs •S Asian Art •A Antique Furniture •A

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

Sporting Goods

ANTIQUES WANTED

WANTED

Real Estate Wanted Looking to buy a house with no hoa and a yard. Good, bad or ugly, with down payment, I’ll pay closing costs and make payments.

941-529-6822

real estate

Antiques/ Collectibles

Real Estate Wanted

Advertise as low as $17.50 per week!

Near South bridge to Siesta One level, heated pool, stroll to shops. 3Bed-2.5Bath $1,250,000

CALL 941-955-4888

Brooke O’Malley CLUB REALTY Call 941-726-2677

YourObserver.com/RedPages

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. 941-448-8468.

35+ years experience.

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC INTERIOR / EXTERIOR / CABINETS WE ARE THE BEST!!!

Residential & Commercial.

Fully Insured.

CALL or TEXT Don 941-900-9398

SELL YOUR CAR!

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

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

WE COME TO YOU

941.270.4400

HoHoBuysCars.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

YoderAluminum.com

5-Star Rated

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

Pegatronics.com 455812

455811

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888 CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Computer

455111

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

RED PAGES RED PAGES

Auto Service

FAST • EASY • SAFE

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Advertise your business or service in the Observer Advertise your business or service in the Observer

Painting

Luxury Sarasota Bay views 4 Bed 5 Bath with Boat Dock $1.76 million

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

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

Aluminum

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST!

GARAGE SALE

Autos Wanted

We’ll We’llSWEEP SWEEPyou youoff offyour yourfeet! feet!

Autos Wanted

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

941-735-3362

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

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Insurance

SCREEN MACHINE

ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE

PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your

WINDOWS be a PANE!!

RE-SCREENING

Screen Repair | Per Panel Pricing Building | Under Truss | Lanais | Entryways Prompt Estimates (usually no visit necessary)

941-879-3136

• HEALTH INSURANCE, THAT IS AFFORDABLE

Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts | Window Repairs

• HEALTH INSURANCE, FROM EXCELLENT CARRIERS

Transportation

• AETNA, UNITED HEALTHCARE OR CIGNA NETWORKS

FREE

BLACK LABEL CAR SERVICE “Luxury for Less”

• I CAN SIGN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY UP TODAY

IN-HOAMTEES ESTIM

941 - 248 - 4734

• CUSTOM DESIGN YOUR PLANS 455819

• 12 OR 24 OR 36 MONTHS OF GUARANTEED COVERAGE

Call us today!

All Florida Airports, Concerts & Dinners - Hourly Cruise Ships & Medical | See Specials at: www.blacklabelcarservice.com

Windows

CONTACT ME TODAY.

941.628.8579

Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

456138

www.ezslider.com

Direct Call 941.993.4137 Text 941.993.4427

Handyman

Res. | Com. | Lic. | Ins.

Email steve@setohealthgroup.com setohealthgroup.com

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

FLOORING SERVICES

CALL BEFOREYOU YOU FALL CALL BEFORE FALL

• Installation: All types of flooring (Laminate & Tile) • Drywall: Repair, Painting, and Texturing

GRAB BARS GRAB BARS

Serving Manatee & Sarasota since 1979

$

Formerly known as Sunrise Windows

249 235

* $ $235

456156

INCLUDES22MOEN MOEN STAINLESS INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL STEELANTI ANTISLIP SLIP CONCEALED PEEN CONCEALED SCREW SCREW GRAB GRAB BARS (16”BARS & 24”)(16” & 24”)

STANDARD WINDOWS

KEENS HANDYMAN SERVICES

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

455076

941.966.0333 LIFETIME GUARANTEE • LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED COVERAGEAREA: AREA:LAKEWOOD PARRISH TO NORTHPORT COVERAGE RANCH TO S. VENICE

364556 455197

DRGRABBARS.COM

*DRILLING CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR MARBLE, GRANITE OR PORCELAIN. COUPON REQUIRED.

Painting

Health

SARASOTA PAINTING, LLC

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount.

www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

PURIFIED WATER WINDOW CLEANING AVAIL ABLE!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES 941- 284 - 5880

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

Exterior / Interior / Cabinets

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

This week’s Crossword answers

FULLY INSURED • OWNER OPERATED

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224

CALL OR TEXT 941-900-9398 TODAY! OWNER: DON HUBIAK

455832

Recognized Among the Best Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Physicians in America

Remodeling/Home Improvement

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC Midtown Medical Park 1215 S. East Ave. Suite 210 Sarasota, FL 34239

Remodeling & Custom Homes

• 30 Years Experience • Locally Owned • Full Service Design in 3D • Fully Insured

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

455817

NEW AGAIN

DON DI STEFANO (941) 893.8475

Irrigation

ANDY’S LAWN SPRINKLER SERVICE 448996

455783

SERVICING MANATEE COUNTY SINCE 1979

• Systems Upgraded & Serviced • Troubleshooting & Repair

©2026 Universal Uclick

Roofing

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit and Fascia • Metal & Shingle Roofing • Pool Cage, Pan Roofs & Lania Fabrication • Aluminum Welding & Fabrication

941-626-3194 kennethfuhlmaninc.com

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Screening

ANDY AVALOS | 941-545-7280 Plumbing

You’re only cheating yourself.

453811

LOOK LIKE

DO YOU HAVE LOOSE & HOLLOW TILES?

TandemHomesFlorida.com | Office@TandemHomesFlorida.com Licensed General Contractor - CGC1537429

peekers’ place

INJECT-AFLOOR SYSTEM

GROUT

941-888-4868

455807

Home Services

455818

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

• On Time, Quality Work • Available 24/7 • Free Estimates • Financing Available

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Perhaps it’s only when people are dead that we can safely show how much we cared about them.”

P.D. James

Puzzle Two Solution: “In a field / I am the absence of field. / This is always the case. / Wherever I am / I am what is missing.”

Mark Strand Puzzle Three Solution: “If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”

Orson Welles

This week’s Sudoku answers

Mark’s Plumbing Service 455784

RELIABLE • INSURED

941-920-8221

455785

Plumbing repairs. Replace toilets, faucets, water filters, water softeners and repair leaks.

©2026 NEA, Inc.

455820

INTERIOR RENOVATIONS • DRYWALL • PAINT • TRIM • DOORS • TILE • FLOORING • SHOWER TEXT OR CALL 574-354-7772

160

25 $

UP TO

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Call Andy Today 941-545-7280

MAKE YOUR

455814

DON’T let your

Screening

410036

Doors

17B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Planning a Move in 2026?

Start with Lakewood Ranch’s Most Trusted Team New Listing | Open House 1/11, 1:00-4:00

12311 Newcastle Place | Lakewood Ranch Country Club | $1,775,000 3,199 Sq Ft | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Office

New Listing

Open House 1/11, 1:00-4:00

New Listing

8100 Ciboney Ct. Unit 10 Car Collective

7656 Portstewart Drive Country Club

7527 Camden Harbour Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour

$529,000 10+ Vehicles Storage Condo

$1,599,000 | 3,128 Sq Ft 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms

$599,000 | 2,171 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Office

Under Contract

Under Contract

Under Contract

1210 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue

15805 Castle Park Terrace Country Club East

1107 Blue Shell Loop Wild Blue

$3,250,000 | 3,474 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | Office | Bonus Room

$1,725,000 | 3,140 Sq Ft 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms

$2,397,693 | 3,222 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | Bonus Room | Office

New Price

Under Contract

15810 Castle Park Terrace Country Club East

16305 Castle Park Terrace Country Club East

5020 Savona Run Esplanade

$1,775,000 | 3,006 Sq Ft 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Office | Bonus Room

$1,395,000 | 2,661 Sq Ft 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

$480,000 | 1,700 Sq Ft 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

SHANAHAN LUXURY GROUP 941.702.0437 | ShanahanLuxuryGroup@CBrealty.com 8334 Market Street | Sarasota, FL ShanahanLuxuryGroup.com #1 LAKEWOOD RANCH TEAM BY SALES VOLUME 2023-2024 for Coldwell Banker Realty Contact Us to Learn More or to Schedule a Showing.

455889-1

18B